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 Donald Trump looks to bolster Republicans facing tougher-than-expects contests in the Lone Star State. The FBI searched a mansion tied to former Rep. Eric Swalwell. Alex Pretti’s family says feds are still stonewalling efforts for justice. Defeated candidate Flávio Bolsonaro defies a travel ban amid an active police search. Plus, Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
Oct 27, 2026
As Israeli voters head to the polls today, the Democratic litmus test over support for Israel is top of mind for voters in the most expensive US House race in the country. Rep. Jared Moskowitz speaks to CNN about why he is not changing his pro-Israel stance despite a nationwide wave of progressive blowback.
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Guest: Edward-Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Oct 27, 2026
Trump back in TX with one week until election day. Comey calls DOJ effort to prosecute him a third time an "appalling abuse" of power. Israel holds first elections since October 7 attacks. Convicted murderer escapes Tennessee prison. And a Colorado man pans for gold to make his girlfriend's engagement ring.
Oct 27, 2026
Tensions rise in the Middle East over potential new US strikes on Iran after next week’s midterms. Anthropic’s highly anticipated Wall Street debut comes with growing concerns around AI safety. A teenager will be charged as an adult after a mass shooting in Florida over the weekend. The daughter of former FBI Director James Comey wins a major legal battle against the Justice Department. Plus, Hollywood mourns the loss of two legends.
Oct 26, 2026
A top Republican super PAC is making late ad buys in a state that would have been unthinkable not long ago: Mississippi. While party officials may not think they will actually lose the Senate race in the GOP stronghold, it speaks to the rapid rise of Democratic nominee Scott Colom. We look at what a growing “blacklash” against GOP voting moves looks like.
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Guest: Fredreka Schouten, CNN National Political Writer
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Oct 26, 2026
Trump, Obama go on attack with days until the midterms. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returns from exile to hero's welcome. California ballot fight. Tallahassee Police asking for tips after mass shooting near FAMU stadium. And a retired NYPD firefighter surprises a teacher who wrote him a thank you note as a 4th grader after 9/11.
Oct 26, 2026
Israelis are heading to the polls this week in a high-stakes election that could imperil Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu’s grip on power. But what is motivating voters? And does the endorsement of US President Donald Trump make a difference?
For more: Israel is holding its most important election in years. Here’s what’s at stake
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Guest: Tal Shalev, CNN Senior Reporter
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Oren Liebermann
Oct 25, 2026
A type of light therapy popular in skincare could be a game changer for people undergoing IVF. Meet the first dad in the US to use a new device that helps parents bond with their premature babies. A livestream of newborn puppies is so popular in Finland, it had more views last year than the country has people. A new study offers hope for restoring damaged coral reefs. Plus, what a tiny “immortal jellyfish” could teach us about treating age-related illnesses.
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Ava Bambuck, Jacqueline Howard, Lacey Russell
Oct 24, 2026
An elections forecaster predicts a bleak midterm outlook for Republicans, as the Trump administration preemptively sues to challenge Alaska’s Senate race. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces plans to demolish a Palestinian neighborhood in the West Bank. First Lady Melania Trump says she secured a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. A Mississippi police officer resigns after fatally shooting a 1-year-old boy. Plus, the World Series kicks off tonight
Oct 23, 2026
Republicans worked hard in 2024 to court young men who were fans of combat sports and certain podcasters. After helping fuel President Donald Trump to victory, there are signs this group has soured on him and may not even vote at all in the midterms. We explore how the party is trying to keep them around and whether Democrats are having any success either.
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Guest: Steve Contorno, CNN Senior Reporter
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Oct 23, 2026






