CNN 5 Things

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.

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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. 

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Guest: Patrick Svitek, CNN Politics Reporter 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Guest: Daniel Dale, CNN Senior Reporter 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Molly English

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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. 

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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.

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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 

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Guest: Elex Michaelson, CNN Anchor & Correspondent 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Jen Buesinger Sperry

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Guest: Andrew Kaczynski, KFILE Senior Editor 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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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.

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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. 

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Guest: Rob Picheta, CNN Enterprise Writer 

Host: David Rind 

P...

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 R...

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.

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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. 

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Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Guest: Marshall Cohen, CNN Senior Reporter 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felici...

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.

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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.

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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

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Guest: Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Polling & Analytics Editor 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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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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!

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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.

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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? 

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Guest: Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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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.

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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 

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Guest: Maeva Bambuck, CNN Cross-Pla...

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...

President Donald Trump says he’s “banning” CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. A fake AI intelligence report almost started a war with China. Warren Buffett’s iconic era at Berkshire Hathaway officially came to an end. The first day of a former “American Idol” contestant’s murder trial had bombshell revelations. Plus, Miley Cyrus opens up about her final conversation with her godmother Dolly Parton.

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There’s a new bogeyman in politics: AI data centers. We look at how midterm candidates are navigating a brewing Big Tech backlash and why the debate is not falling along traditional party lines. 

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Guest: David Wright, CNN Politics Writer/Editor 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Opening arguments today for former "American Idol" Contestant accused of killing wife, President Trump noticeably absent from GOP ads, Trump's DC golf course renovations could cost $49M, F-16 crashes during training exercise in Michigan, Shakira opens mini city for residency in Madrid.

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A dramatic legal battle continues to play out over the fate of the Kennedy Center. OpenAI reveals more instances of AI models going rogue. Canada’s prime minister took a veiled swipe at President Donald Trump today. Homebuyers could soon have to face an unwelcome milestone. Plus, details on the former “American Idol” contestant on trial for murder.

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A long, quiet Republican effort to overhaul voting rules in North Carolina is being felt from mailboxes to college campuses. We explore the implications for a key Senate race and whether it presents a playbook for other GOP-led state legislatures. 

Read more here.

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Guest: Fredreka Schouten, CNN National Political Writer 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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House in recess as lawmakers make final push ahead of midterms. Houthis claim to have shot down Saudi jet. Fed raises interest rates for first time since 2023. Princess Diana’s brother claims Charles said she’d be forgotten "soon enough." Milwaukee Bucks surprise students after fire destroys elementary school.

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