CNN 5 Things

Latest Episodes:

Fed Interest Rate Hike Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

The Federal Reserve’s latest decision on interest rates could put its chairman at odds with President Donald Trump. A vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on the back burner. A Senate committee grilled a health and wellness influencer for a key position. Rescue operations are underway after a building collapse killed scores in Gaza. Plus, how Canada and the EU are forging closer ties.

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Is the GOP’s Case Against ‘Crazy’ Democrats Losing Steam? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

With six months of midterm primaries in the books, what can the results tell us about how Election Day might play out? We dig into the trends and the surprising data around fears of democratic socialism.

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Guest: Aaron Blake, CNN Senior Reporter

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Deadly News Chopper Crash in California Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Deadly news chopper crash in California. Trump berates lone Democrat on Kennedy Center board. New organization launches to help Dems who run on reining in AI. Ed Sheeran's opening acts quit as he and Robert Kraft speak out on Macklemore controversy. The next chapter for the "Into The Wild" bus.

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Kennedy Center Votes to Close Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Another measles death, the most in US in decades. The latest developments in the Kennedy Center’s name change saga. There’s a major update in the case against Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents. The FBI director clashed with lawmakers in a heated hearing today. Plus, the US just took national defense to orbit.

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Why Reliably Red Alaska Could Flip Blue Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Alaska finds itself at number five in the most recent CNN ranking of Senate seats most likely to flip in 2026. But what is driving Democratic enthusiasm in this reliably red state? CNN hopped on to a dog sled and fishing boat to find out.

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Guest: John King, CNN Chief National Correspondent

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Support: Allie Malloy, Ish Estrada, Riane Lumer

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Justices Reject Mail Ballot Changes Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Tuesday, the Supreme Court shuts down mail-in ballot changes and says that states can proceed as usual. The Trump administration is rolling back Biden-era regulations on power plant pollution. Senator McConnell is back on the Senate floor after a three month absence due to health issues. A baby born from 22-year-old frozen embryo to a couple in their 50s. One last thing, history was made on TV's biggest night at the Emmys.

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Trump Dismisses AI Alarms as ‘Hoax’ Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump is downplaying growing calls for new AI safety checks. States have sued to stop a rule that would make it harder for some immigrants to get green cards. Kennedy Center officials warn the institution is on the brink of bankruptcy. President Trump urges his Ukrainian counterpart to stop targeting Russia’s diesel fuel sites. Plus, an iconic designer, who made stars sparkle, has died.

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What’s Happening with Mail-In Ballots? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

As the Trump administration pushes ahead with an investigation into alleged voter fraud, some election officials are warning their proposed rules around mail-in-ballots would be unworkable and critics fear scores of voters could be disenfranchised in the process. Today, we look at how President Trump may be trying to put his thumb on the election scale through government agencies like the USPS and the Commerce Department.

For more: Trump’s Commerce Secretary under pressure to use his powers to block voting machines

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Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Anthropic CEO Responds to AI Fears in CNN Exclusive Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Anthropic CEO responds to AI fears in CNN interview, Pilot shot down over Iran details his harrowing April rescue, Measles-related death confirmed amid Pennsylvania outbreak, Congressman's makes emergency landing in a lake, Therapy dog for your trip to the dentist.

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The US Water Crisis Flying Under the Radar Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

A combination of extreme drought and aging infrastructure is contributing to an ongoing water crisis in Puerto Rico, putting strain on 3.2 million Americans who are facing a daily struggle for necessities like clean, running water. We travel to the island to hear how residents are coping and why they say they feel left behind by their government.

For more: In Puerto Rico, even when it doesn’t rain, it pours

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Host: David Rind

Reporter/Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Support: Ava Bambuck, Isabel Rosales

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