Stay ConnectedStarting August 2, 2026 all new episodes can be found over in the CNN 5 Things feed. Search “CNN 5 Things” wherever you get your podcasts.
You’ve been overwhelmed with headlines all week – what’s worth a closer look? One Thing takes you beyond the headlines and helps make sense of what everyone is talking about. Host David Rind talks to experts, reporters on the front lines and the real people impacted by the news about what they’ve learned – and why it matters.
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More than a week after the aborted Wagner rebellion, it’s unclear what comes next for Russia and President Vladimir Putin. The eventual fate of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is also murky after striking a deal with Belarus to end the insurrection. In today’s episode, we head to Moscow to get a view from the ground and examine what the greatest challenge to Putin’s leadership in decades says about his military’s performance in Ukraine.
Guest: Matthew Chance, CNN Senior International Correspondent
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A record number of anti-LGBTQ bills have been proposed across the country this year, including a new push to ban access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. Beyond the debates and protests, some families are grappling over how to relate to the trans people in their lives. In today’s episode, we hear about a Black minister’s ongoing journey to accept his transgender daughter.
Guest: Adrienne Broaddus, CNN Correspondent
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide have contact information for crisis centers around the world.
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Last month, some of the top voices in artificial intelligence put out a warning about the technology, saying “mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority.” How seriously should we take a warning like that? In today’s episode, we examine what’s behind calls for stricter regulation and explore some of the ways AI is already being used in politics and health care.
Guest: Donie O’Sullivan, CNN Correspondent
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Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on 37 counts in the special counsel's classified documents probe, the first time in American history a former president has faced federal charges. It sets up an unprecedented legal clash between President Joe Biden’s Justice Department and his potential 2024 general election opponent. In today’s episode, we break down what we know about the charges against Trump and his aide Walt Nauta.
Guest: Paula Reid, CNN Senior Legal Affairs Correspondent
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After weeks of intense negotiations, the Senate passed a bill late Thursday evening that will avert a first-ever US default just days ahead of the deadline. In today’s episode, we examine why neither party is particularly thrilled about the deal and why a similar standoff in 2011 could foreshadow struggles for Republicans as they try to implement spending cuts.
Guest: Tami Luhby, CNN Senior Writer
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In 2021, a blog post forced the US Coast Guard to confront a problem that had gone unchecked for years. A 19-year-old woman said she was raped while training to work on commercial ships. Then more sexual assault survivors in the industry came forward. In today’s episode, we hear why these women went public and what’s being done about it.
Read more here.
Guest: Blake Ellis & Melanie Hicken, CNN Investigates Senior Writers
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This week marks one year since 19 students and two teachers were killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. In that time, victims’ families say they have not received sufficient answers from authorities as to why they waited 77 minutes before breaching the classroom. In today’s episode, we hear why CNN agreed to show some parents unreleased body camera footage and examine how surviving students are coping.
Guest: Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Senior Crime & Justice Correspondent
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Many Western cities are grappling with large encampments on the streets as homeless populations grow. In Phoenix, a judge recently ordered one such encampment to be cleared after local residents sued the city for violating public nuisance laws. In today’s episode, we hear from people living in that camp about what comes next and why advocates fear similar legal strategies could soon be used in other cities.
Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent
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The Biden administration is preparing for an influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border when the Covid-era border restriction known as Title 42 expires later this week. Officials in El Paso, Texas say they are already running out of space to house asylum seekers. In today’s episode, we hear from migrants on both sides of the border and look at how the policy shift could be felt in other cities across the country.
Guest: Rosa Flores, CNN Correspondent
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Last week, President Joe Biden made it official and announced his 2024 re-election bid. Meanwhile, more Republicans are jumping in the race to challenge apparent frontrunner former President Donald Trump. In today’s episode, we examine how Biden is framing his campaign and hear from voters on how they feel about a possible rematch between Trump and Biden.
Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent
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