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High-Stakes Fight for Congress Begins
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CNN 5 Things
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CNN 5 Things

Monday through Friday get up to speed on the biggest headlines of the day with 5 Things. On Saturdays, get a break for your ears with good news from 5 Good Things. And at noon and Sundays, we take you beyond the headlines to help make sense of what everyone is talking about in politics and beyond with One Thing.

High-Stakes Fight for Congress Begins CNN 5 Things
Ballot issues are being reported in some areas with pivotal elections. President Donald Trump says he’s ending billions in US aid to Israel. A nine-day manhunt for a convicted murderer who escaped prison is over. Bomb threats disrupt travel across Europe. Plus, why “mogging” is officially having a moment.
Nov 3, 2026
 Split Ticket Voters: The Mood in Michigan CNN 5 Things
Election Day voting is underway across the country, with control of the House and Senate on the line. We check in on a polling place in Michigan, where some voters are splitting their ticket amid Democratic drama in the key Senate race. --- Guest: Sunlen Serfaty, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Nicky Robertson
Nov 3, 2026
 Election Day In America! CNN 5 Things
Balance of power on the line as polls open. Supreme Court rejects Trump administration effort to force CA to set aside 20,000 ballots. Storm moves east after deadly flooding in Southwest. Plane crash victims identified. English adventurer returns home after 28 years and 31,000 miles around the world.
Nov 3, 2026
 Private Jet Nosedives into Road in Florida CNN 5 Things
President Donald Trump wrapped up his midterm campaign with closing remarks at the Reflecting Pool. Some House Republicans are privately pushing to boot Rep. Haley Stevens after her controversial endorsement switch. Rain could impact voter turnout in key races. Federal investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fiery crash in Florida that left behind a massive crater. And, a judge in the Lindsay Clancy triple-murder trial has proposed a timeline for a potential retrial.
Nov 2, 2026
 How Do You Plan Against Election Threats from...the Federal Government? CNN 5 Things
Election officials across the country have been preparing for every possible disruption ahead of Election Day – including meddling from the Trump administration. With just hours to go before polls open, we examine the mood amongst officials and how they are training their workers to interact with federal poll monitors. --- Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Maddie Marshall, Marshall Cohen
Nov 2, 2026
 Haley Stevens Tries To Explain Her Rogers Endorsement in CNN Interview CNN 5 Things
Democrat Haley Stevens speaks to CNN about decision to endorse Republican Mike Rogers in MI Senate race. Trump to deliver final midterm speech at Reflecting Pool. Deadly plane crash in Florida. Ukrainian families reunite thanks to temporary truce brokered by Melania Trump. Paramedic reunites with preemie she saved.
Nov 2, 2026
 Is MAHA Due for a Makeover? CNN 5 Things
Health issues like vaccines and pesticides have emerged as pressing midterm issues in some key battleground states, scrambling traditional political lines. But it comes as the broader 'Make America Healthy Again’ movement is dealing with fractures that could imperil the momentum that helped propel President Donald Trump back to the White House in 2024. We explore politicians from both sides of the aisle are trying to win over disaffected MAHA voters across the country. --- Guest: Sarah Owermohle, CNN Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Nov 1, 2026
 Bet You Didn’t Know This About Halloween CNN 5 Things
A social experiment involving hundreds of phone calls is challenging assumptions about how divided the US is. He’s explored all seven continents by wheelchair, overcoming the odds and hoping to inspire millions to do the same. Hear just how successful a first-of-its-kind cancer vaccine was. How running became a lifeline for a New York City marathoner experiencing homelessness. Plus, some of Halloween’s most beloved traditions have surprisingly strange origins. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Allison Lau, Rob Picheta, Sandee LaMotte, Meg Tirrell, Faye Chiu
Oct 31, 2026
 Alaska’s Senate Showdown Intensifies CNN 5 Things
President Donald Trump has revived two previously canceled campaign rallies ahead of next week’s midterm elections. The battle over the validity of Alaska’s unusual Senate race is heating up again. For the second time, a federal appeals court has blocked the Justice Department’s attempt to halt ballot counting in California. An ICE officer has been charged with aggravated assault after a chaotic arrest in Houston. Plus, the only person known to have survived an attempted execution by lethal injection is speaking out for the first time.
Oct 30, 2026
 What a Midterms Road Trip Taught Us about Rust Belt Voters CNN 5 Things
Every election season we hear a lot about the battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. But what makes these places special? And how are voters there feeling about the midterms? One CNN team has put in many, many hours this week seeing as much as they can – and livestreaming it for everyone. --- Guest: Omar Jimenez, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Samantha Guff
Oct 30, 2026
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