CNN 5 Things

Democrats believe a Senate seat in Texas in reach this year, thanks to a combination of enthusiasm for their candidate James Talarico and the scandal-ridden past of his opponent, state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Now, CNN has exclusive new reporting about what Paxton allegedly said about his primary opponent behind closed doors. --- Guest: Patrick Svitek, CNN Politics Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hurricane Isaias to hit Gulf Coast tonight. Nobel Peace Prize awarded. Fiery Senate debates in Michigan and Georgia. Trump donor accuses Amb. Guilfoyle of quid pro quo. 11-year-old boy gets tricked-out Star Wars Halloween costume for his wheelchair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Gulf Coast is bracing for impact as Hurricane Isaias approaches landfall. A decision looms on President Donald Trump’s press ban. Trump says he won’t attack Iran before the midterms. Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife face new charges over disturbing torture allegations. Plus, Russia unleashes its deadliest single strike against Ukraine this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll of Iowa and Ohio is revealing tight Senate races in states President Donald Trump easily won in 2024. We dig into the positive signs for Democrats and examine what the data doesn’t tell us about Republican voters. For more: New CNN polls give Democrats hope in a pair of red states --- Guest: Jennifer Agiesta, CNN Director of Polling and Election Analytics Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New polls in Iowa and Ohio Senate races. Hurricane Isaias headed toward Gulf Coast. US expected to file new charges against Maduro. USS Lincoln crew to reunite with families after record deployment. First look at Zoo Atlanta giant panda on loan from China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest on Christa Pike’s condition and today’s hearing over her failed execution last week. A man has been charged in an alleged Mall of America terror plot. President Donald Trump floats firing top political advisers less than 30 days before the midterms. A dangerous storm is forecast to become the Atlantic’s first hurricane of the season. Plus, details on the new auto enrollment structure for Trump Accounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 & 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

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

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. 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

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

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

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

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

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

Voters get their last economic report card ahead of the midterms. The alleged Cornell University gang rape case has turned into an active criminal investigation. Europe is releasing a large amount of its diesel reserves to cool surging fuel prices. The annual Kennedy Center Honors is moving off-site for the first time. And, an update on Christa Pike after surviving lethal injection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats still have high hopes of flipping a Senate seat in Maine, even after a scandal brought down their original nominee over the summer. But has that grassroots energy been sapped? And what impact will a ProPublica investigation into Republican Sen. Susan Collins have on her campaign? We dig into one of the key races of this cycle. --- Guest: Patrick Svitek, CNN Politics Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NY AG Letitia James assigned to Cornell case. Hero FlyDubai pilot speaks out from his hospital bed. New polls show tight Senate races as Trump hits campaign trail. Kennedy Center losing pledges after Trump's name added. And, adopted man learns his biological dad is a 5-time Grammy winner and rock legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New details emerge about how Flydubai passengers and crew stopped a mid-flight attack. The Supreme Court is reviewing a key part of President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. The latest arrest in connection with an alleged terror plot targeting a UK airbase. The family of a woman killed by ICE in Minneapolis is suing the Trump administration. Plus, the latest on Rick Ross’ arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Donald Trump hits the midterm campaign trail, history suggests he will exaggerate facts and figures or flat-out lie as he speaks to Republican voters. Can we learn anything from those lies? Our fact-checker weighs in after a decade of covering Trump. --- Guest: Daniel Dale, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Molly English Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hero plane passengers thwart attacker. Failed Tennessee Execution attempt. Becerra and Hilton spar at California governor's debate, Hegseth launches new autonomous warfare command. Pain-free tattoos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chaos erupted aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight. The US military has officially completed its long-awaited exit from Iraq. The UK’s prime minister believes Iran played a part in an alleged terror plot targeting an airbase. A federal appeals court paused what would’ve been Tennessee's first execution of a woman in 200 years. Plus, a Republican effort to curb soaring costs from data centers failed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just days before voters receive mail-in ballots, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off tonight in a California gubernatorial debate, hosted by CNN. We explore the issues motivating voters and what the dynamics in California can tell us about the national midterm picture. For more: What to watch in CNN’s California governor race debate --- Guest: Elex Michaelson, CNN Anchor & Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Jen Buesinger Sperry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DA hopes to speak today to "Jane Doe" who made Cornell rape allegations. Hurricane Polo fueling dangerous flash flooding threat. Trump says AI leaders can "self-police" the industry. TSA bans officers from sitting while on the job. And the internet crowns a Fat Bear Week champ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An AI giant is warning potential investors that its own technology could cause existential risks to humanity. Caleb Flynn has been found guilty of murdering his wife. A GOP senator fumbled sports facts during an exchange with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. A hearing deciding what happens next in the Lindsay Clancy case took place today. Plus, Six Flags pulls the plug on its most famous ride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The energy behind Sen. Jon Ossoff has Democrats feeling good about holding on to his Senate seat in Georgia. But does that enthusiasm extend to other key races in the state? We examine what is driving the shift to the left in certain parts of this traditionally red state. --- Guest: John King, CNN Anchor and Chief National Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Allie Malloy, Ish Estrada, Riane Lumer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI executives at the White House. Prosecutor reopens investigation intno Cornell University gang rape allegations. GOP's big spending on Texas Senate race, Closing arguments in Caleb Flynn murder trial after defense called no witnesses. How a Wyoming town went viral for curb paint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mediators are working to revive US-Iran talks despite diplomatic sticking points. An explosive civil lawsuit has forced a fresh look into a gang-rape case at Cornell University. Questions swirl after British police released five men accused of plotting a terror attack at a UK airbase. Experts weigh in on Nvidia’s new tool to keep AI agents in check. Plus, SpaceX's historic Starship flight delivered mixed results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Republican nominee for a powerful statewide office Texas went viral recently for a racist social media post about University of Texas students. But a KFILE investigation is revealing many more extreme online posts in his past where he appeared to call for public executions. We examine what he said and why violent posts are not automatic dealbreakers for some political candidates this cycle. --- Guest: Andrew Kaczynski, KFILE Senior Editor Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 arrested on suspicion of terror near UK air base. White House releases third taxpayer-funded ad. 12 teens injured in shootout near skate park. Nor'easter cleanup and flight backlog. Taylor Swift sets VMA record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida is among the states carrying out the most executions in the US, even as death penalty use and public support declines nationwide. CNN spoke with a former prison warden who oversaw multiple executions about how he is still haunted by his past work in the state and why he believes the practice should be put to an end. For more: He executed death row prisoners. Then they came back to haunt him Note: This episode contains graphic descriptions. --- Guest: Rob Picheta, CNN Enterprise Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meet the artist blending Punjabi storytelling with country twang. A neuropsychologist reveals why the music of our formative years can have such staying power. A wicked good accent could land a Massachusetts resident a pretty big gig. The championship giving a new generation of girls something to dream about. Plus, a scientist and a comedian walk into a bar… okay, not exactly, but we’ll tell you why they both believe in the power of laughter. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial support: Harmeet Kaur, Don Riddell, Isaac Tellechea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court revived a citizenship data tool for voter audits. Millions are on alert as a powerful nor’easter unleashes its full fury this weekend. Sources say intel from Chinese groups are helping Iran target US sites. Ukraine’s president says President Donald Trump greenlit a key demand to fend off Russian attacks. Plus, the financial mood in America hasn’t been this grim in decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department is planning to dispatch a widening network of poll monitors on Election Day in what it calls the “biggest DOJ election observer effort ‘in history”. Meanwhile, new records reviewed by CNN suggest that several DOJ monitors deployed during this year’s primaries previously helped challenge Trump’s 2020 election loss. We examine how state election officials are responding amid plans by the RNC to scrutinize voting machines. --- Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nor’easter to slam East Coast with flooding, 50 mph winds. Trump hosting Xi for tea, trip to National Archives amid press access fight. NVIDIA CEO talks to CNN about warnings of AI doom. Democratic Alaska Senate Candidate Mary Peltola responds to allegations of abusive behavior toward staff. And grab your tissues, a Minnesota man is auctioning off nearly 400 vintage vehicles in his family's collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three news outlets were temporarily blocked from entering White House grounds today, causing a chaotic delay. China’s president made his first state visit to the US in nearly a decade. New mortgage rates deliver a fresh blow to homebuyers. A powerful nor’easter is taking shape along the East Coast. Plus, Caleb Flynn’s mistress exposes chilling texts in his murder trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have surged in popularity this year. But election season has proven to be messy, with the platforms revealing multiple instances of political insider trading. We dig into the implications and why the headaches could continue even after the results come in. Note: CNN has a partnership with Kalshi and uses its data to cover major events, but CNN editorial employees are prohibited from trading on prediction markets. --- Guest: Marshall Cohen, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Judge orders White House to reinstate access for 3 media outlets. Australian PM says OpenAI agent hacked into government healthcare system. Caleb Flynn's ex-mistress testifies that she believes he killed his wife. Trump weighs solutions to soaring diesel prices. 9-year-old entrepreneur donates mobile library cart to NICU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran’s president fired back at President Donald Trump during a fiery speech to world leaders. A super El Niño is fueling a prolific Pacific hurricane season. Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced in his New York sexual assault retrial. Outrage is building over a US citizen mistakenly detained and injured by ICE agents. Plus, a family feud erupts over Dolly Parton’s estate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll finds Republicans are facing an even rougher midterm political landscape than they did eight years ago. We dig into the results and what they tell us about how some candidates may be trying to distance themselves from the Trump administration during the home stretch. For more: Trump’s midterm woes deepen amid worsened economic backdrop: CNN poll --- Guest: Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Polling & Analytics Editor Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran's president to speak at UN after Trump threats. Judge to hear arguments today on Trump's ban on 3 media outlets, including CNN. "Looksmaxxing" influencer charged with rape. White House fraud task force says it's removing 760,000+ Obamacare enrollees. Wild sea turtle nests spotted on West Coast of U.S. for first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump said he has a “big decision” to make on Iran in a wide-ranging speech to the UN General Assembly today. Authorities have confirmed Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death. A grand jury declined to charge anyone in Nolan Wells’ death. A rare category 5 storm continues to intensify off the coast of Mexico. Plus, Trump assesses his legal odds over a White House press ban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Polling shows that the Democratic Party remains deeply unpopular. But in some rural Western states, party officials believe they have a plan to upset Republicans: don't run Democrats. Will it work? And what will it mean for Congress if it does? --- 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

President Trump to speak at United Nations amid wars in Iran and Ukraine. What's in the deal that State AG's made to settle lawsuit over Paramount/WBD merger. Attorney for Venezuelan man shot by ICE agent speaks out. Northeast airports back in service after major outage. Voting starts today for Fat Bear Week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 states that sued to block Paramount from acquiring CNN’s parent company have reached a settlement. Several major US airports are experiencing delays and cancellations. A firefighting helicopter crashes in Yosemite National Park. And, police are investigating the death of Cindy Crawford’s son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, 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

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

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