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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When a series of massive earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, relief organizations from around the globe sprung into action. Our CNN team got exclusive access to one of these groups, flying in to one of the hardest-hit areas in southern Turkey. We hear what survivors are facing now and how politics are complicating the relief efforts on both sides of the border.
Guest: Becky Anderson, CNN International Anchor
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Calls for police reform have grown louder in the wake of the brutal beating that led to the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis - especially after we learned that the first police report in the case did not match the video footage released by authorities. We examine why some are calling the quick decision to charge the officers involved a “blueprint” and look at the role specialized crime fighting units can sometimes play in these deadly encounters.
Guest: Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Senior Crime and Justice Correspondent
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Earlier this month, the state of Florida announced it would block reject a proposed Advanced Placement course on African American Studies. The move follows laws passed in Florida and other Republican-led states aimed at restricting certain race-based coursework in the classroom, including so-called critical race theory. We examine how students, parents and teachers are reacting to this new era of partisan education.
Guest: Leyla Santiago, CNN Correspondent
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Despite recent rainstorms in California, the decades-long megadrought in the West shows no signs of easing. As a result, some states have been forced to pull back on the water they use from the Colorado River. In this episode, we hear the story of one Arizona community forced to take legal action against the city of Scottsdale after being cut off from its water supply – and why it could serve as a warning to the rest of the country as the climate crisis continues.
Guest: Lucy Kafanov, CNN Correspondent
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When we learned Obama-era classified documents were discovered in multiple locations used by President Joe Biden after his time as vice president, some Republicans were quick to draw comparisons to former President Donald Trump, who is also under investigation for mishandling government documents. But just how similar are the two circumstances? We break down what we know about each case, the special counsels tasked with investigating them, and the political ramifications ahead of a possible 2024 rematch between the two men.
Guest: Arlette Saenz, CNN White House Correspondent
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The sports world came to a standstill last Monday night after 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In this week’s episode, a former NFL player weighs in on the league’s reaction and explains why he thinks this incident represents a turning point in the conversation around player safety and mental health concerns at all levels of the sport.
Guest: Coy Wire, CNN Sports Anchor & Correspondent
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The metaverse. Artificial intelligence. These technologies are here and already shaping our world in ways you may not realize. We take a closer look at how they are taking hold and tackle some commonly asked questions.
See more on “Decoded”.
Guest: Anna Stewart, CNN Reporter
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Earlier this year, CNN Films and HBO Max released “The Last Movie Stars”, a documentary detailing the love story and careers of legendary Hollywood icons Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Its director, Ethan Hawke, stops by to talk about the film, how streaming has changed Hollywood, and what to watch if you have some downtime this holiday season.
“The Last Movie Stars” is now streaming on HBO Max.
Guest: Ethan Hawke, director of “The Last Movie Stars”
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Sam Bankman-Fried promised to revolutionize the cryptocurrency industry through his exchange, FTX. Last week, he was arrested and charged with fraud, capping a month-long saga which saw the collapse of FTX along with his personal wealth. We examine how customers' money was allegedly stolen and what it all could mean for the future of the industry.
Guest: Allison Morrow, CNN Business Senior Editor
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Thousands of central North Carolina residents spent much of last week in the dark following an attack on two electric substations. It follows years of warnings from the federal government that the power grid was an attractive target for extremists. We examine how this attack upended daily life and look at what can be done to protect the grid going forward.
Guest: Whitney Wild, CNN Law Enforcement Correspondent
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