CNN 5 Things

Democrats are projected to win their largest House majority since 2008, as some Republicans turn against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Bomb threats disrupt more flights in Europe. France sees its largest day of protests in months. British actor and comedian Russell Brand is found guilty of rape and sexual assault. Plus, another legend retires from international soccer after the 2026 World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The stunning Senate and gubernatorial victories for Democrats in deep-red Texas were among the highlights of a historic Election Night for the party. But is it a flash in the pan, or part of a broader sea change? We explore where the MAGA erosion is most prominent in the state and look at why Elon Musk’s millions barely made a dent. --- 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

Dems look to deliver on affordability. GOP looks for new leadership as Vance blames the Iran war for election losses. Security guard stops gunman who drove into office complex. Melania Trump hosting Ukraine and Russia at the White House. And the world's best restaurant is... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance share what they thought attributed to Republican midterm losses. House Speaker Mike Johnson says he’s stepping aside from a GOP leadership position in the next Congress. Wall Street votes "yes" on the midterm results. The nation’s largest drugstore retailer is breaking up its health care empire. And, how a woman’s first marathon came to a tragic end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats retook both the House and Senate after romping through multiple deep-red states in a historic midterm election. Is this a product of President Donald Trump’s historic unpopularity, or a more fundamental reshaping of our politics? We take stock of the map and how Democrats could approach being in the majority for the final two years of Trump’s term. --- Guest: David Chalian, CNN Washington Bureau Chief/Political Director Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hear from Dems who flipped senate seats. Historic firsts in governor's races. Trump points the blame elsewhere after stunning rebuke from voters. And how voters weighed in on ballot measures for recreational marijuana and billionaire taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ballot issues are being reported in some areas with pivotal elections. President Donald Trump says he’s ending billions in US aid to Israel. A nine-day manhunt for a convicted murderer who escaped prison is over. Bomb threats disrupt travel across Europe. Plus, why “mogging” is officially having a moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Election Day voting is underway across the country, with control of the House and Senate on the line. We check in on a polling place in Michigan, where some voters are splitting their ticket amid Democratic drama in the key Senate race. --- Guest: Sunlen Serfaty, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Nicky Robertson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Balance of power on the line as polls open. Supreme Court rejects Trump administration effort to force CA to set aside 20,000 ballots. Storm moves east after deadly flooding in Southwest. Plane crash victims identified. English adventurer returns home after 28 years and 31,000 miles around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump wrapped up his midterm campaign with closing remarks at the Reflecting Pool. Some House Republicans are privately pushing to boot Rep. Haley Stevens after her controversial endorsement switch. Rain could impact voter turnout in key races. Federal investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fiery crash in Florida that left behind a massive crater. And, a judge in the Lindsay Clancy triple-murder trial has proposed a timeline for a potential retrial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Election officials across the country have been preparing for every possible disruption ahead of Election Day – including meddling from the Trump administration. With just hours to go before polls open, we examine the mood amongst officials and how they are training their workers to interact with federal poll monitors. --- Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Maddie Marshall, Marshall Cohen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrat Haley Stevens speaks to CNN about decision to endorse Republican Mike Rogers in MI Senate race. Trump to deliver final midterm speech at Reflecting Pool. Deadly plane crash in Florida. Ukrainian families reunite thanks to temporary truce brokered by Melania Trump. Paramedic reunites with preemie she saved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Health issues like vaccines and pesticides have emerged as pressing midterm issues in some key battleground states, scrambling traditional political lines. But it comes as the broader 'Make America Healthy Again’ movement is dealing with fractures that could imperil the momentum that helped propel President Donald Trump back to the White House in 2024. We explore politicians from both sides of the aisle are trying to win over disaffected MAHA voters across the country. --- Guest: Sarah Owermohle, CNN Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A social experiment involving hundreds of phone calls is challenging assumptions about how divided the US is. He’s explored all seven continents by wheelchair, overcoming the odds and hoping to inspire millions to do the same. Hear just how successful a first-of-its-kind cancer vaccine was. How running became a lifeline for a New York City marathoner experiencing homelessness. Plus, some of Halloween’s most beloved traditions have surprisingly strange origins. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Allison Lau, Rob Picheta, Sandee LaMotte, Meg Tirrell, Faye Chiu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump has revived two previously canceled campaign rallies ahead of next week’s midterm elections. The battle over the validity of Alaska’s unusual Senate race is heating up again. For the second time, a federal appeals court has blocked the Justice Department’s attempt to halt ballot counting in California. An ICE officer has been charged with aggravated assault after a chaotic arrest in Houston. Plus, the only person known to have survived an attempted execution by lethal injection is speaking out for the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every election season we hear a lot about the battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. But what makes these places special? And how are voters there feeling about the midterms? One CNN team has put in many, many hours this week seeing as much as they can – and livestreaming it for everyone. --- Guest: Omar Jimenez, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Samantha Guff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justice Department investigating Texas mystery mailers. Trump cancels 2 rallies in battleground states. Largest heist in history targets world's largest crypto exchange. Doordash buys Instacart. And an epic Halloween light fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look at the last economic snapshot before the midterms. A new CNN poll shows Democrats within striking distance in four key Senate races. A beloved actor best known for leading two of sci-fi's most iconic franchises has passed away. A Cornell University student challenges Letitia James amid a sexual abuse investigation. Plus, the manhunt for a Tennessee killer stretches across states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When President Donald Trump promised to accept the midterm election results this week, he added an important caveat: “if they are honest elections.” While there is no evidence anything dishonest is going on, critics say it’s just the latest example of Trump sowing doubt in an election that could be bad for Republicans. We explore what conspiracy theories are taking hold in Trump’s base and separate fact from fiction around Trump’s claim that the polls are “rigged.” --- Guest: Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Senior Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alaska governor launches probe into Peltola senate campaign. New CNN polls in key races. Police in Spain clash with protestors angry over deadly train crash. New study raises alarm about CTE in former NFL players. And, it's a party in Milwaukee as Brewers win first World Series in franchise history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Federal Reserve takes a pause on interest rates after last month’s hike. A deadly high-speed train collision in Spain has killed scores of people and injured dozens. Israel’s election results head toward a political deadlock. An embattled politician is in the US after fleeing his country. Plus, a labor activist and civil rights icon dies at 96. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prediction markets have surpassed $1.4 billion in trading volume on the midterms, according to a CNN analysis. What’s driving the big spending? And are fears of insider trading materializing? We dig into Americans’ growing interest in betting on (literally) anything and what it means for our election system. Note: CNN has a partnership with Kalshi and uses its data to cover major events. But CNN editorial employees aren’t allowed to trade 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

Source: Trump approved U.S. visa for Brazil's Flávio Bolsonaro who lost election and defied travel ban. Midterm ad spending surpasses all previous election cycles. Netanyahu to lose seats as Israel's election results are still being tallied. El Niño wreaks havoc in CA. And quilters come to the rescue for a high school band who needed 110 uniforms in 2 days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump looks to bolster Republicans facing tougher-than-expects contests in the Lone Star State. The FBI searched a mansion tied to former Rep. Eric Swalwell. Alex Pretti’s family says feds are still stonewalling efforts for justice. Defeated candidate Flávio Bolsonaro defies a travel ban amid an active police search. Plus, Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Israeli voters head to the polls today, the Democratic litmus test over support for Israel is top of mind for voters in the most expensive US House race in the country. Rep. Jared Moskowitz speaks to CNN about why he is not changing his pro-Israel stance despite a nationwide wave of progressive blowback. --- Guest: Edward-Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump back in TX with one week until election day. Comey calls DOJ effort to prosecute him a third time an "appalling abuse" of power. Israel holds first elections since October 7 attacks. Convicted murderer escapes Tennessee prison. And a Colorado man pans for gold to make his girlfriend's engagement ring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions rise in the Middle East over potential new US strikes on Iran after next week’s midterms. Anthropic’s highly anticipated Wall Street debut comes with growing concerns around AI safety. A teenager will be charged as an adult after a mass shooting in Florida over the weekend. The daughter of former FBI Director James Comey wins a major legal battle against the Justice Department. Plus, Hollywood mourns the loss of two legends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A top Republican super PAC is making late ad buys in a state that would have been unthinkable not long ago: Mississippi. While party officials may not think they will actually lose the Senate race in the GOP stronghold, it speaks to the rapid rise of Democratic nominee Scott Colom. We look at what a growing “blacklash” against GOP voting moves looks like. --- 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

Trump, Obama go on attack with days until the midterms. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returns from exile to hero's welcome. California ballot fight. Tallahassee Police asking for tips after mass shooting near FAMU stadium. And a retired NYPD firefighter surprises a teacher who wrote him a thank you note as a 4th grader after 9/11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israelis are heading to the polls this week in a high-stakes election that could imperil Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu’s grip on power. But what is motivating voters? And does the endorsement of US President Donald Trump make a difference? For more: Israel is holding its most important election in years. Here’s what’s at stake --- Guest: Tal Shalev, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Oren Liebermann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A type of light therapy popular in skincare could be a game changer for people undergoing IVF. Meet the first dad in the US to use a new device that helps parents bond with their premature babies. A livestream of newborn puppies is so popular in Finland, it had more views last year than the country has people. A new study offers hope for restoring damaged coral reefs. Plus, what a tiny “immortal jellyfish” could teach us about treating age-related illnesses. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Ava Bambuck, Jacqueline Howard, Lacey Russell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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. --- Guest: Steve Contorno, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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. --- 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

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

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. --- Guest: Zachary B. Wolf, CNN Politics Senior Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump heads to NC in next stop on midterm sprint. Family calls for video to be released after Mississippi AG decides fatal police shooting of 1-year-old was justified. Trump considering Putin-Xi summit without Ukraine. Tense showdown between federal judge and Trump Administration over DC golf course renovation. Brewers fan headed to World Series after cashing in on $1000 "timeless ticket" purchased more than a decade ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early voting kicks off in Texas while President Donald Trump is starting his midterm campaign blitz. The Supreme Court backs the Pentagon’s decision to throw out plea deals for the alleged conspirators of 9/11. Elon Musk vows to give each American child a SpaceX share—a promise worth billions of dollars. Plus, President Trump signs an executive order that creates a women’s health task force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After President Donald Trump and the Republican Party made gains with Latino voters in 2024, polling suggests that support is evaporating. We look at where that is most evident on the midterm map and what it could mean for this crucial voting bloc moving forward. --- Guest: Eric Bradner, CNN National Political Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's campaign blitz begins in Kansas today. More than half a million people hit the streets of France in violent protests over rising living costs and other issues. 34-year-old driver released after soccer game tragedy. New use of red light therapy could improve IVF success. And officers chase runaway emus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Years of gang-fueled violence have left Haiti in disrepair, killing thousands and displacing over a million people. Now an American military contractor thinks he has a solution. CNN got exclusive access to an anti-gang operation led by US security tycoon Erik Prince to see what he is proposing and whether Haitians welcome his involvement. Watch more here: Haiti’s drone war --- Guests: Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent & Caitlin Hu, CNN International News Reporting Director Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two cancer care professionals became patients themselves – and discovered just how powerful their friendship could be. Why a church parking lot could be your next home. A 2026 CNN Hero who once relied on food pantries is reimagining how Chicago families get the food they need. A 2024 study estimated that 52 million Americans struggle with loneliness – find out what CNN learned from experts about how to combat that. Plus, how a scheduling shakeup turned into a big win for fans at this year's WNBA Finals. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Kathleen Toner, Samantha Delouya, Don Riddell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s new press secretary is out of a job after less than a week. A father of two is hailed a hero for stopping a deadly school shooting in Oregon. Six Flags over Georgia is scheduled to reopen days after a man’s roller coaster death. Ukraine’s president takes a covert swipe at Trump amid tensions. And, Pope Leo makes a bedside plea for peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recent years, Republican-led legislatures have pushed through strict voting restrictions in a number of states that could determine the balance of the Senate this fall. We look at what voters are dealing with and how it could impact turnout on Election Day. --- Guest: Bob Ortega, CNN Investigates Senior Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oregon community mourns after deadly elementary school shooting. Michigan Senate race gets nasty as Vance and El-Sayed trade words. Ukraine runs out of Patriot defense missiles. A super El Niño looms large over U.S. winter outlook. Bird gets a new 3D-printed beak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices