CNN 5 Things

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Colombia Earthquake, Jalapeño Recall, AOC’s Egg Freezing and More Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

A massive earthquake rattles Colombia, killing dozens. Iran has laid out a series of demands for the US before it reopens the Strait of Hormuz – what can a recent CNN interview with a hardline regime figure tell us about what happens next? Taylor Farms, already under fire for being linked to tainted lettuce, pulls back peppers over salmonella concerns. An Alaska Airlines flight locks down its cockpit after reporting passenger threats. And, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opens up about why she is freezing her eggs.

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Boat Capsizes in NYC, Flesh-Eating Bacteria, Tupac Trial and more Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

President Trump hits a roadblock in both Iran and Gaza pace talks. A boat captain charged after a mother and baby were killed in New York City. Jury selection begins for a man charged in Tupac’s murder. There is a surge of flesh-eating bacterial infections on the Gulf Coast. Plus, a raccoon is freed after getting its head stuck in a jar.

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One Thing: The Complicated Politics of Trump’s ‘Patriot Games’ Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

This week, one male and one female teenage athlete from every state and US territory will take place in the first-ever ‘Patriot Games,’ an athletic competition tied to America’s 250th birthday celebrations. But the politics of the moment and comparisons to the dystopian ‘Hunger Games’ stories are complicating the optics of the event. We hear from multiple participants about why they are trying to block out the noise and explore how Trump has worked to reshape sports – and America’s 250th birthday – in his image.

For more: Trump’s Patriot Games are billed as a youth sports contest. They’re also a test of patriotic branding

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Guests: Isabelle Khurshudyan, CNN Senior Enterprise Reporter & Cari Champion, CNN Contributor

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Senior Director of Podcasts: Zach Goldbaum

Editorial Support: Piper Hudspeth Blackburn

Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

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5 Good Things: The Firefighters that Eat Grass Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

As firefighters battle blazes around the world, one man is reviving a generations-old wildfire prevention strategy. At this summer camp, grieving kids find support, friendship and fun. We have updates on the internet’s favorite bald eagle couple and the great lengths fans went to protect their nest. We revisit a 2018 CNN hero who turned a life-changing accident into a mission to help people with mobility challenges. Plus, we’ll tell you how a new dating experiment is using a photo booth to play matchmaker for strangers in NYC.

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco

Producer: Eryn Mathewson

Senior Producer: Zach Goldbaum, Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Support: Daniel Olivares Gallego, Christie O’Reilly

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Putin’s Potential Attack, Nolan Wells Investigation Latest, White House Ballroom Ruling and more Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

We start with what US intelligence believes could be Russia’s next move and how it could test NATO’s unity. President Donald Trump is weighing in on the GOP’s prospects in the November midterms. The Senate has passed a major bill in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Three men are expected to return to Mississippi’s Horn Island, in an unofficial effort to investigate a Black teen's death. Plus, a federal appeals court has ruled on the legality of President Trump’s new White House ballroom.

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Blanche Gets Key Vote, Thai School Shooting, Key Reservoir Drying Out and More Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

A key Republican senator says he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general. The July jobs report is out, and it isn’t pretty. A deadly school shooting rocks Thailand. A new defense pact involving Saudi Arabia is taking shape in the Middle East. And a major water source in the Southwest is in major trouble.

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Possible Serial Arsonist, Judge Rules Against Meta and more Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

The Washington state arson suspect tells police he started two dozen more fires. Growing calls from GOP senators for Ohio Rep. Max Miller to resign. The DOJ is reviewing Senator Rand Paul’s referral to charge Dr. Anthony Fauci with contempt of Congress. A New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay $567 million into a youth mental health fund. Plus, a 97-year-old breaks her own wing walking world record.

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McConnell’s Health Status, Nolan Wells Developments, SpaceX Shares Unlock and more Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

We start with the latest tensions ramping up in the Middle East as Iran finalizes a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell gave an update on his recovery from a fall at his home in June. The weather may present some challenges for fire crews in Washington State this weekend. Threats have been made against people tied to a Black teen’s death investigation. Plus, SpaceX faces another crucial test on Wall Street.

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Fauci Held in Contempt, Trump Gets Defensive About Munitions, FIFA Boss Vote of Confidence and More Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Republicans vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress – we'll explain why. The FDA has approved the country’s first mRNA flu vaccine. President Trump says the military has plenty of weapons at the ready, but reporting suggests otherwise. UK regulators rubber-stamp the mega merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery (CNN’s parent company) - but hurdles remain stateside. And after abandoning a controversial plan to privatize the World Cup, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino appears safe in his job – for now.

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Trump Attacks El-Sayed, Perez Hilton Update and more Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

President Trump attacks Abdul El-Sayed after MI primary win. Perez Hilton hospitalized after disturbing livestream. North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards abandons re-election bid after ethics report. A company is selling private plane seats to escape hurricanes. Plus, a Memphis TV anchor takes a viral sleeping moment in stride.

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