podcast
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.

President Trump's campaign blitz begins in Kansas today. More than half a million people hit the streets of France in violent protests over rising living costs and other issues. 34-year-old driver released after soccer game tragedy. New use of red light therapy could improve IVF success. And officers chase runaway emus!
Oct 19, 2026
Years of gang-fueled violence have left Haiti in disrepair, killing thousands and displacing over a million people. Now an American military contractor thinks he has a solution. CNN got exclusive access to an anti-gang operation led by US security tycoon Erik Prince to see what he is proposing and whether Haitians welcome his involvement.
Watch more here: Haiti’s drone war
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Guests: Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent & Caitlin Hu, CNN International News Reporting Director
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Oct 18, 2026
Two cancer care professionals became patients themselves – and discovered just how powerful their friendship could be. Why a church parking lot could be your next home. A 2026 CNN Hero who once relied on food pantries is reimagining how Chicago families get the food they need. A 2024 study estimated that 52 million Americans struggle with loneliness – find out what CNN learned from experts about how to combat that. Plus, how a scheduling shakeup turned into a big win for fans at this year's WNBA Finals.
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Kathleen Toner, Samantha Delouya, Don Riddell
Oct 17, 2026
President Donald Trump’s new press secretary is out of a job after less than a week. A father of two is hailed a hero for stopping a deadly school shooting in Oregon. Six Flags over Georgia is scheduled to reopen days after a man’s roller coaster death. Ukraine’s president takes a covert swipe at Trump amid tensions. And, Pope Leo makes a bedside plea for peace.
Oct 16, 2026
In recent years, Republican-led legislatures have pushed through strict voting restrictions in a number of states that could determine the balance of the Senate this fall. We look at what voters are dealing with and how it could impact turnout on Election Day.
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Guest: Bob Ortega, CNN Investigates Senior Writer
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Oct 16, 2026
Oregon community mourns after deadly elementary school shooting. Michigan Senate race gets nasty as Vance and El-Sayed trade words. Ukraine runs out of Patriot defense missiles. A super El Niño looms large over U.S. winter outlook. Bird gets a new 3D-printed beak.
Oct 16, 2026
Ukraine runs out of Patriot missiles as tensions flare with President Donald Trump. Winter is expected to be warmer than usual. A firing squad execution won’t be livestreamed as planned. A deadly school roof collapse in Pakistan is under investigation. Plus, Harry and Meghan make their first public appearance together since their return to Britain.
Oct 15, 2026
When it comes to campaign spending, one person has spent more than anyone else: the trillionaire Elon Musk. However, some election officials believe his efforts to boost Republicans could be misleading voters. We look at what voters are seeing and how it could muddy the waters come Election Day.
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Guest: Fredreka Schouten, CNN National Political Writer
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Oct 15, 2026
Democrat James Talarico makes his case to Texas voters in a CNN town hall. Trump's approval rating hits a record low in a new poll. Cornell president faces backlash over handling of reported 2024 gang rape. Pope Leo thanks Catholics for their prayers as he recovers from surgery. California hospital welcomes 4 sets of twins in 1 month.
Oct 15, 2026
Voters are getting a final check on consumer prices ahead of the midterms. A judge says the president’s press ban likely violates the First Amendment. Pope Leo shares his first message after a lung cancer diagnosis. Starlink restrictions catch Ukrainian authorities off guard. Plus, Joni Mitchell is officially a US citizen six decades later.
Oct 14, 2026






