CNN 5 Things

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DOJ Sues to Block Alaska US Senate Race Results Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

An elections forecaster predicts a bleak midterm outlook for Republicans, as the Trump administration preemptively sues to challenge Alaska’s Senate race. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces plans to demolish a Palestinian neighborhood in the West Bank. First Lady Melania Trump says she secured a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. A Mississippi police officer resigns after fatally shooting a 1-year-old boy. Plus, the World Series kicks off tonight

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The Young Men Moving Away from Trump Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

Republicans worked hard in 2024 to court young men who were fans of combat sports and certain podcasters. After helping fuel President Donald Trump to victory, there are signs this group has soured on him and may not even vote at all in the midterms. We explore how the party is trying to keep them around and whether Democrats are having any success either.

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Guest: Steve Contorno, CNN Senior Reporter

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Ukrainians Dispute Trump Claim that Starlink is Restored Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

President Trump says a Vivek Ramaswamy ad featuring the estranged mom of his democratic opponent is "fair game". Sources tell CNN the Justice Department is investigating misconduct allegations against Trump ally Corey Lewandowski. Ukrainians dispute that Elon Musk has restored Starlink on battlefield. New York City approves ban on horse-drawn carriage rides. And Idaho inmates are growing thousands of native plants to help with wildfire recovery.

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Ramaswamy Stands By Controversial Ad Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Ohio gubernatorial candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy refuses to pull a controversial ad targeting his opponent despite backlash. A magnitude 7 earthquake shakes China’s Tibet region. Websites worldwide shutdown after AI reveals critical cybersecurity flaws. An 82-year-old democratic senator in Virginia faces racketeering and other charges tied to an alleged marijuana operation. Plus, France reports its first known human case of a virus typically found in livestock.

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Will Black Voters Show Up for El-Sayed in Michigan? Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Experts say the critical Senate race in Michigan could come down to Black voters in urban areas like Detroit. But is Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed taking this group for granted? Our team travels to Flint to hear from voters about what this outreach looks like.

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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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El-Sayed, Rogers Trade Personal Attacks in Michigan Senate Debate Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

President Trump links Russia's release of American prisoner to his decision to waive oil sanctions. El-Sayed, Rogers trade personal attacks in final Michigan Senate Debate. Bodycam & surveillance footage released in fatal police shooting of 1-year-old in Mississippi. Meta ordered to pay $25B in one of the largest legal penalties ever for a tech company. Candidate turns campaign sign vandalism into viral ad.

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Russia’s Willing to Resume Trilateral Peace Talks Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Vice President JD Vance defends Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate’s controversial ad against his opponent. A 74-year-old American imprisoned in Russia for more than four years is on his way home, while Russia and Ukraine seem open to talks to end the war in Ukraine. Two new cases of alleged sexual assault at fraternity houses come to light. The Supreme court handed the Trump administration a rare loss on a transgender care policy. Plus, the UN warns a major global climate goal is out of reach.

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Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio October Surprise Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

A new political ad from Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy featuring his Democratic opponent’s estranged mom telling voters to reject her has even some Republicans decrying dragging a painful family dynamic into the political arena. But in a close race, could the move sway undecided voters? We examine why Ramswamy is doubling down and how it could impact the race in a key battleground state.

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Guest: Patrick Svitek, CNN Politics Reporter

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Ramaswamy Facing Backlash for Attack Ad On Opponent Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Vivek Ramaswamy says his campaign is behind an ad that features the estranged mother of his opponent in the Ohio governor's race. New CNN polls give final read on how voters are feeling ahead of pivotal midterm election. Pentagon okays tests of heat ray for potential use at U.S. southern border. Christina Applegate reveals she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. And an Omaha couple celebrates 30 years of marriage on the airline where they first met.

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Are Democrats Being Realistic About a Blue Wave? Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Poll after poll continues to show strong enthusiasm for Democrats, including for Senate candidates in deep red states. But are they setting expectations of a blue wave too high? We look at recent history for a reality check.

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Guest: Zachary B. Wolf, CNN Politics Senior Writer

Host: David Rind

Producer: Paola Ortiz

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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