CNN founder Ted Turner dies

NPR | By David Folkenflik

Published May 7, 2026 at 6:20 PM CDT

Ted Turner — the founder of CNN and a suite of other cable channels, not to mention a restaurant chain, anti-nuclear nonprofit and sports competition — has died.

Tags

All Things Considered

David Folkenflik

David Folkenflik was described by Geraldo Rivera of Fox News as "a really weak-kneed, backstabbing, sweaty-palmed reporter." Others have been kinder. The Columbia Journalism Review, for example, once gave him a "laurel" for reporting that immediately led the U.S. military to institute safety measures for journalists in Baghdad.

See stories by David Folkenflik

Alcohol warning labels that link drinking to cancer are effective, study says

Maria Godoy

A new study finds updated warning labels pointing out the increased risks of specific diseases, like cancer, would do a better job of encouraging people to drink less alcohol than the current warning.
Pope Leo's first year: foreign trips and tensions with Trump

Jason DeRose

In his first year, Pope Leo has spoken in favor of peace and the plight of immigrants, putting him in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. He meets with the U.S. secretary of state on Thursday.
Tennessee joins southern push to redistricting in favor of the GOP

Marianna Bacallao

Over protests in the capitol, Tennessee lawmakers joined the rush of southern Republicans to redraw congressional voting maps now that protections for minority voting power have been weakened.
New Mexico opens investigations into possible crimes at Epstein's old ranch

DANIEL MONTANO

New Mexico officials have re-opened an old criminal investigation and formed a legislative committee to look into allegations of abuse at the 10,000-acre ranch owned by Jeffrey Epstein.
The Trump administration's changing Iran policy

Tom Bowman

It's been a week of shifting messages and strategies on the Iran war. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly breaks down the week with Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman.