CNN 5 Things

Latest Episodes:

Why Michigan is in the Middle of Everything This Midterms Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to the hit the campaign trail in Michigan this week, underscoring the importance of the Senate race for Democrats. So who are the candidates? What issues do Michiganders really care about? And why is a controversial Twitch streamer seemingly getting more attention than the candidates themselves?

---

Guest: Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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

CNN Among 3 Outlets Suing Trump Admin. Over White House Access Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

CNN, Politico and MS Now sue the Trump Administration over White House Access. Protests in Austin after ICE agent shot & wounded a Venezuelan food delivery driver. Ex-husband of Lindsay Clancy speaks out. President provides new reason to justify the massive triumphal arch. And a fishing charter boat finds a US military drone floating off Florida coast.

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

Inside the Struggle to ‘Self-Deport’ Sep 20, 2026

Show notes

As ICE arrests surge, the Trump administration continues to offer free flights and thousands of dollars to migrants who chose to voluntarily return to their country – they call it self-deportation. But the decision to leave – and the logistics that come with it – is anything but straightforward. CNN recently traveled with one family as they prepared to head back to Venezuela, leaving their life in the US behind.

For more: She wants to self-deport. But this pregnant mom is stuck in a strange subplot of Trump’s immigration enforcement crackdown

---

Guest: Maeva Bambuck, CNN Cross-Platform Producer

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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

The Surprising Power of Self-Compassion Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

From Florida to French Polynesia, conservationists are finding creative ways to help coral reefs beat the heat from El Niño. What started with one trash-collecting barrier has grown into a network of more than 400 cleaning up Indonesia’s waterways. Africa’s largest IPO launched this week, opening the door for everyday Nigerians to own a piece of a landmark project. A new study reveals a surprising connection between caring for others and caring for yourself. Plus, meet a 2026 CNN Hero who’s helping thousands of stray cats in California get the care and, sometimes, forever homes they need.

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco

Producer: Eryn Mathewson

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Assistance: Nimi Princewill, Yoyo Chow, Bijan Hosseini, John Lewis, Meg Dunn, Christie O’ Reilly

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

Trump ‘Bans’ News Organizations Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump says he’s “banning” CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. A fake AI intelligence report almost started a war with China. Warren Buffett’s iconic era at Berkshire Hathaway officially came to an end. The first day of a former “American Idol” contestant’s murder trial had bombshell revelations. Plus, Miley Cyrus opens up about her final conversation with her godmother Dolly Parton.

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

The Midterms' Unlikely Villain: Data Centers Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

There’s a new bogeyman in politics: AI data centers. We look at how midterm candidates are navigating a brewing Big Tech backlash and why the debate is not falling along traditional party lines.

---

Guest: David Wright, CNN Politics Writer/Editor

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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

Trial for Former "American Idol" Contestant Accused of Killing Wife Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Opening arguments today for former "American Idol" Contestant accused of killing wife, President Trump noticeably absent from GOP ads, Trump's DC golf course renovations could cost $49M, F-16 crashes during training exercise in Michigan, Shakira opens mini city for residency in Madrid.

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

Kennedy Center Demolition Fears Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

A dramatic legal battle continues to play out over the fate of the Kennedy Center. OpenAI reveals more instances of AI models going rogue. Canada’s prime minister took a veiled swipe at President Donald Trump today. Homebuyers could soon have to face an unwelcome milestone. Plus, details on the former “American Idol” contestant on trial for murder.

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

Why North Carolina is Making it Harder to Early Vote on Sundays Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

A long, quiet Republican effort to overhaul voting rules in North Carolina is being felt from mailboxes to college campuses. We explore the implications for a key Senate race and whether it presents a playbook for other GOP-led state legislatures.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected