CNN 5 Things

One Thing: What MLB’s Gay Meltdown Tells Us About LGBTQ Progress

Over the past few weeks, a small player protest over Pride uniforms has kicked off a controversy in Major League Baseball. Some LGBTQ fans and politicians are angry (for very different reasons), and the episode is raising questions about LGBTQ progress and whether professional sports should play a role. We look at whether this drama on the diamond can tell us anything about Americans’ shifting attitudes on social issues under the second Trump administration.  For more: Americans are divided on ‘culture war’ issues, a new CNN poll finds. Republicans are trying to leverage that in the midterms [https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/17/politics/cnn-poll-gender-race-views-culture-war]  ---  Guests: Terri Hupfer & Hannah Keyser, CNN Sports Writer  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Photo By: Scott Marshall/AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

5 Good Things: Ever Wonder What a Plant Sounds Like?

Two families linked by one lifesaving gift finally meet face-to-face for the first time. World Cup fever is transforming cities across the US, especially one small college town in Kansas. A new music festival is giving an iconic legacy a fresh chapter. If you thought twins were rare, this family from Texas begs to differ. One composer found a way to turn nature into beautiful music with a deeply personal mission.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. [https://www.cnn.com/newsletters]  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson, Ifeoma Dike  Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Phil Clarke Hill, David Rind  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Rescuers Dig for Quake Victims, Israel-Lebanon Agreement, TX Mandates Bible Stories and more

Search and rescue crews are racing to find survivors in Venezuela before the “golden” window of time closes. After days of negotiating, Israel and Lebanon reached a new deal mediated by the US. We have a judge’s contempt ruling in the Charlie Kirk shooting case. A legal setback for the prosecution in the Palisades Fire arson trial. And, millions of students in Texas have a new study requirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Venezuela Death Toll Jumps, Bolton Pleads Guilty, AI Stock Freakout and more

As the death toll nears 600, Venezuelan authorities have militarized the area hardest hit by a pair of earthquakes. Former Donald Trump national security adviser John Bolton has pleaded guilty to charges that he unlawfully retained sensitive national security information. AI stocks are having a weird week – we'll explain. Ukraine continues to pressure Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Crimea. And, 44-year-old Serena Williams’ singles comeback will begin by facing an opponent who isn’t legally allowed to drink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Search For Earthquake Survivors, Vote on Bible Stories in Schools, Ranch Craze and more

The desperate search for survivors continues as the Venezuela earthquake death toll rises. The Supreme Court opens the door to mass TPS deportations. The FAA is investigating a viral video of a low-flying jet. Texas could mandate bible stories in schools. Plus, World Cup fans clamor to ship ranch dressing home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]