CNN 5 Things

Latest Episodes:

Why Some Election Officials Are Urging Voters To Use Drop Boxes Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s baseless attacks on mail-in voting and new rules from the US Postal Service, some election officials are encouraging voters to return their ballots in drop boxes. However, disinformation and conspiracy theories persist. We explore how local officials are working to secure them ahead of Election Day.

---

Guest: Jeremy Herb, CNN Politics Reporter

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TN Inmate Who Survived Execution Attempt is Awake Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

TN Inmate who survived execution attempt is awake & speaking. Trump to talk to Putin about mysterious death of employee at anti-plague lab. Republican super PAC spending $5M on SC Senate race. Ex-CIA official pleads guilty to fraud scheme that involved 4 luxury houses & $46M in gold bars. Extreme explorer launches 400+ mile journey in Congo River basin on inflatable kayak.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thousands Detained in France Protests Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Another prominent official is getting involved in gang rape allegations at Cornell University. President Donald Trump signed a new order aimed at lowering diesel prices. New York became the first to declare a statewide measles disaster emergency. A wave of massive student protests has France on edge. Plus, the tech push behind a new mega-merger.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Republicans are Playing Defense in Trump Country Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump is in the midst of a weeklong campaign blitz through Trump-friendly territory, trying to beat back Democratic headwinds ahead of Election Day. But will his presence hurt or help GOP turnout? We head to Nebraska to find out.

---

Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump to Stop Using Taxpayer Money for Promo Ads Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Trump to stop using taxpayer money for promo ads. Cornell faculty prepare vote of no confidence against administration. Trump approves first military execution by firing squad since WWII. Influential TV evangelist Jim Bakker dies at 86. Robots trained to melt themselves.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant Sentenced Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

An Israeli airport may have been the target in a suspected hijacking attempt last week. A Russian lab worker’s death is sparking fears of the plague. A new revelation is raising more questions about what Cornell University police shared with prosecutors in a sexual assault investigation. The man convicted of murdering his wife now faces his final sentence. Plus, meet the newest Nobel Prize winners that helped illuminate the deepest mysteries of the human brain.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2026, You Can’t Spell ‘Campaign Ads’ Without AI Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

As voter skepticism of artificial intelligence and data centers rises, a new CNN analysis finds that millions of dollars are being spent on midterm advertising that appears to include AI-generated content. However, more than two-thirds of that spending has been on ads that didn't disclose using the technology. We break down what to look for and whether the ads could impact the outcome of certain races.

---

Guest: Fredreka Schouten, CNN National Political Writer

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US Moves Air Force Bombers from UK Base Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Supreme Court takes on climate change in first case of term. US moves Air Force bombers from UK base after threat. Protests in Japan after US Marine arrested on suspicion of murder. Clinical trial for possible new drug to prevent Ebola infection. Giant pumpkin battles.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How El Niño Could Impact Our Food Supply Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

Climate scientists are warning that a super-sized El Niño is laying the groundwork for stronger storms, extreme heat, and potential food supply disruptions in certain parts of the world. But what exactly is this weather phenomenon? And how does climate change fit in? We look at how impacts are already being felt and what the coming months could look like.

For more: El Niño just leveled up to super status. Here’s what that means for the weather

---

Guests: Deborah Funai Brown & Ali Van Fleet, CNN Meteorologist

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Support: Eric Zerkel

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Life Got Hard, They Tried a New Morning Routine Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

At Rikers Island in New York, a book club co-founded by Nora Fried and Julia Fox gives incarcerated women a chance to read, write and feel seen. A robot built from recycled plastic is giving deaf students a new way to learn STEM. Why more people are choosing to start their day with coffee and a rave. A high school science teacher found something paleontologists had never seen before. Plus, meet the youngest player ever to claim the highest women's title in chess.

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco

Producer: Eryn Mathewson

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Support: Paola Ortiz, Steve Tuemmler, Sophia Anderson, Natalie Haytayan

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices