CNN 5 Things

Latest Episodes:

How Elon Musk is Trying to Tip the Midterms — and Why Some Election Officials are Worried Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

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

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Talarico courts Texas voters in high-stakes senate race. Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

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.

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US Inflation Heats Up Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Can A Democrat Really Win in Texas? Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico will hear from Democratic, Republican, and independent voters tonight at a CNN & Jubilee Town Hall (streaming live at 8pm ET). But is he doing enough to get the word out in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat in over 30 years? Our team heads to Fort Worth to find out.

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Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Senate candidates clash during debates in three key battleground states. Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

Senate candidates spar in Maine, Iowa, Georgia. White House ousts Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Katie Zacharia's "brutal" first press briefing. Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer. NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover sets off-world driving record.

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Tupac Murder Trial Sentencing Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

A former gang leader learns his fate for the death of Tupac Shakur. Police identify the man who fell to his death from a Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia. The White House ousts the US ambassador to Greece. Cornell University bans fraternity parties for the rest of the academic year. Plus, Pope Leo is recovering from an unexpected surgery.

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Can Democrats Close the ‘God Gap’ in November? Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

After helping power President Donald Trump’s two presidential wins, some GOP analysts are concerned the party is not doing enough to turn out White evangelical voters. We look what might keep them home and examine how some Democrats are leaning on their own faith journeys to try and win some of them back.

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Guest: Lauren Fox, CNN Congressional Correspondent

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar's home Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Rep. Ilhan Omar responds after federal officers search her home. Six Flags temporarily closes some roller coasters nationwide after a death in Georgia. Elon Musk emerges as top Republican booster with $276 million in donations. Actress Selma Blair charged with assault after alleged midair incident. Cyberattack hits hundreds of French supermarkets.

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Selma Blair Hospitalized after Mid-flight Chaos Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar is condemning a search of her home by federal officers today. President Donald Trump is considering whether to fire the US Ambassador to Greece after reports of misconduct. Pope Leo XIV announced he’ll undergo a procedure to remove a nodule from his lung. An explosion during an Israeli school trip has left one teenager and others injured. Plus, the FBI is investigating reports of a physically abusive passenger aboard a flight to New York City.

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Can Lindsay Graham’s Sister Survive in South Carolina? Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

GOP operatives in South Carolina say the campaign of Sen. Darline Graham has been lackluster, fueling Democratic excitement in a Republican stronghold. Is it because she is a political newcomer thrust into the spotlight following the death of her brother, Sen. Linsday Graham, or something else? We sift through Sunday’s debate and look at why talk of a political dynasty is rubbing some Republican voters the wrong way.

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Guest: Dianne Gallagher, CNN Correspondent

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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