CNN 5 Things

Stephen Miller steps into a powerful White House role amid bipartisan backlash. Nvidia investigates CEO Jensen Huang’s alleged ties to a suspected foreign spy after he admits an affair. Trump signals reluctance to launch another operation in Iran. Mississippi’s Senate race remains unsettled over provisional ballots, while neighbors rally to give a young heart patient a Halloween to remember.

Drake Riddle, president of the University of Iowa College Republicans, and Rep. Greg Steube, a Florida Republican congressman, examine the GOP’s stunning midterm losses. They debate whether MAGA is fading, Trump’s disconnect with voters, and the party’s path on inflation, immigration, energy and foreign policy. They also consider Pete Hegseth’s impeachment push and possible Republican successors.

College students are swapping booze-fueled nights for daytime “wellness darties” featuring workouts, green juice and cold plunges. Birdwatching’s Gen Z surge gets a closer look, as does its connection to brain health. A life-changing intestinal procedure brings renewed hope, while a New York teen crowdsources career ideas through real-world job shadowing. Plus, Boston Logan unveils a new airport voice.

Washington sees a dramatic leadership shakeup after Republican losses, while a strong jobs report hides a troubling stretch for real wages. Europe reacts cautiously to a vague Ukraine security proposal. Meghan Markle’s estranged father faces a serious federal charge, and Tesla prepares to wind down Cybertruck production as it pivots toward autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots.

Sarah Ferris, a CNN senior reporter covering Capitol Hill and congressional power, explores how Democrats plan to wield control of Congress. Topics include Hakeem Jeffries’ leadership and affordability agenda, efforts to pressure the administration over the Iran war, investigations and oversight, and a possible impeachment vote targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Pete Hegseth pushes back against impeachment pressure and criticism of his Iran war strategy. Mississippi’s Senate race count could face a legal challenge as ballots remain. A federal judge halts plans for Trump’s Arlington arch. Gavin Newsom commutes hundreds of death sentences, while archaeologists uncover ancient evidence of cannabis use in Siberia.

Democrats surge toward their biggest House majority in years as Republicans point fingers at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Bomb threats unsettle European air travel, while France sees massive cost-of-living protests. Russell Brand is convicted of rape and sexual assault. Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to retire from international soccer after the 2026 World Cup.

Jeff Zeleny, CNN’s chief national affairs correspondent and veteran political journalist, examines Texas Democrats’ stunning Senate and gubernatorial victories. He explores rural backlash over data centers, school concerns and billionaire influence, James Tallarico’s underdog campaign, Elon Musk’s failed spending spree, the Rio Grande Valley’s shift and whether Texas is turning blue or simply turning against Trump.

Democrats unveil an affordability agenda, while Republicans debate how the Iran war contributed to election losses. A security guard confronts a gunman at a Florida office complex. Melania Trump backs Ukraine-Russia peace efforts, and Spain’s Asador Etxebarri takes the crown as the world’s best restaurant.

Democrats seize control of both chambers after a historic midterm upset, prompting Donald Trump and JD Vance to point to the Iran war and high gas prices. Mike Johnson exits the House leadership race as markets rally. CVS announces a planned split, while a runner’s collapse near the marathon finish ends in tragedy.