CNN 5 Things

Alaska finds itself at number five in the most recent CNN ranking of Senate seats most likely to flip in 2026. But what is driving Democratic enthusiasm in this reliably red state? CNN hopped on to a dog sled and fishing boat to find out. 

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Guest: John King, CNN Chief National Correspondent 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Allie Malloy, Ish Estrada, Riane Lumer

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Tuesday, the Supreme Court shuts down mail-in ballot changes and says that states can proceed as usual. The Trump administration is rolling back Biden-era regulations on power plant pollution. Senator McConnell is back on the Senate floor after a three month absence due to health issues. A baby born from 22-year-old frozen embryo to a couple in their 50s. One last thing, history was made on TV's biggest night at the Emmys.

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President Donald Trump is downplaying growing calls for new AI safety checks. States have sued to stop a rule that would make it harder for some immigrants to get green cards. Kennedy Center officials warn the institution is on the brink of bankruptcy. President Trump urges his Ukrainian counterpart to stop targeting Russia’s diesel fuel sites. Plus, an iconic designer, who made stars sparkle, has died.

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As the Trump administration pushes ahead with an investigation into alleged voter fraud, some election officials are warning their proposed rules around mail-in-ballots would be unworkable and critics fear scores of voters could be disenfranchised in the process. Today, we look at how President Trump may be trying to put his thumb on the election scale through government agencies like the USPS and the Commerce Department. 

For more: Trump’s Commerce Secretary under pressure to use his powers to block voting machines

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Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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Anthropic CEO responds to AI fears in CNN interview, Pilot shot down over Iran details his harrowing April rescue, Measles-related death confirmed amid Pennsylvania outbreak, Congressman's makes emergency landing in a lake, Therapy dog for your trip to the dentist.

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A combination of extreme drought and aging infrastructure is contributing to an ongoing water crisis in Puerto Rico, putting strain on 3.2 million Americans who are facing a daily struggle for necessities like clean, running water. We travel to the island to hear how residents are coping and why they say they feel left behind by their government. 

For more: In Puerto Rico, even when it doesn’t rain, it pours 

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Host: David Rind 

Reporter/Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Ava Bambuck, Isabel Rosales

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The spirit of unity that followed 9/11 became an annual tradition that’s still bringing Americans together 25 years later. We highlight some of the barrier-breaking performances inspiring the next generation of tennis players at this year’s US Open. A temporary city on the Crow reservation in rises Montana each summer for one of America’s largest Native American gatherings. Millions of people follow the journey of one Chicago man who turned sticker shock into a side hustle for an engagement ring. A group of college students built a solar-powered ambulance that could bring healthcare to communities far off the grid. 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Amy Gunia, Rachael Scott 

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We hear from a former Bush administration official and a young man whose father died during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Iranian proxies are potentially expanding Tehran’s influence over another key global shipping route. Elevated inflation keeps pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. The Justice Department secures a first-of-its-kind deportation case brought through a secretive court. Plus, an update on the outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce.

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CNN has new reporting about crass and sexually degrading comments about women made by a congressional candidate in Texas who is running in a key district Democrats hope to flip. While he is framing the remarks as jokes, the commentary is raising questions about just how much misogyny Republican leadership is willing to stomach, as experts worry this kind of content could fuel political extremism. 

Note: This episode contains offensive language. 

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Guest: Allison Gordon, CNN Senior Investigative Reporter 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

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New moment of silence in New York to honor people who died from 9/11-related illnesses, Trump leads pledge to 'cheat like hell' at GOP convention,  Anthropic AI blocked accounts it suspected of trying to develop bioweapons, Iran-backed rebels capture key port city, School of Hip-Hop opens in the Bronx.

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