
CNN 5 Things
We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm Eastern, every weekday.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 7min
Gulf coast prepares, 500 tons of food waste, liquids in carry-ons & more
As a tropical storm looms, millions on the Gulf Coast brace for severe flooding. The podcast sheds light on the urgent push for budget cuts in Congress, while highlighting the heartbreaking destruction of 500 tons of food meant for those in need. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams faces legal challenges, complicating his re-election efforts. Additionally, discussions arise about potentially relaxing liquid restrictions for air travelers, alongside intriguing advancements in AI technology aimed at improving user efficiency.

Jul 17, 2025 • 7min
Senate approves DOGE cuts, states sue FEMA, Epstein prosecutor fired & more
The Senate has approved significant cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting, stirring political debates. Twenty Democratic-led states are suing FEMA over pressing concerns. In a shocking move, a high-profile federal prosecutor has been dismissed. Tragedy strikes with a devastating fire in Iraq claiming numerous lives. Meanwhile, a record-setting vote on cryptocurrency regulation in the House of Representatives reveals the intense political landscape, fueled by rising Bitcoin values and hardliner tactics.

4 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
Trump walks back firing Powell, Syria ceasefire, ‘American Idol’ double murder & more
President Trump wavers on the fate of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell while a new law targets illegal fentanyl. Meanwhile, a ceasefire emerges in Syria amidst ongoing clashes, highlighting tensions in the region. The U.S. investigates Brazil's trade practices, signaling a potential diplomatic rift. On a somber note, the podcast pays tribute to a music supervisor and her husband, whose recent tragic deaths have left the 'American Idol' community in mourning.

Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
DOGE cuts vote-a-rama, visa fraud scheme indictment, Zuckerberg on trial & more
The Senate debates Trump's controversial DOGE cuts package, stirring tension over foreign aid. Meanwhile, a deadly crowd crush in Gaza raises humanitarian concerns. A federal investigation unfolds against Louisiana police linked to a visa fraud scheme. Mark Zuckerberg faces tough questions in a trial over privacy violations at Meta, where shareholders are challenging executive decisions. The episode also hints at the nostalgic spontaneity of summer adventures, contrasting with today's corporate issues.

Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
Israel strikes Syria, DOGE cuts, teens turn to AI & more
Israel has launched new military strikes in Syria, raising tensions in the region. In the U.S., significant budget cuts are being debated that could affect public broadcasting. The political landscape is heating up as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismisses two top aides. Meanwhile, teens are increasingly turning to AI for support with their problems, sparking concerns among experts about the potential impacts on their social skills and emotional well-being.

Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
Russia strikes Zelensky’s hometown, Trump’s unpopular bill, workers' healthcare costs & more
Russia has launched a significant air attack on Ukraine, coinciding with Trump's latest military announcements. Public discontent with Trump's domestic policy bill is on the rise, while healthcare costs are expected to increase for workers. In a tragic turn, the world’s oldest marathon runner has been killed in a hit-and-run. Meanwhile, excitement builds around the MLB All-Star Game, with the National League celebrating a historic victory, highlighted by a player hitting three home runs.

Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
GOP pressuring Trump, National Guard released, AI’s antisemitism problem & more
A prominent Republican raises eyebrows by demanding transparency from Trump regarding the Epstein case. Meanwhile, the Pentagon releases 2,000 National Guard members following a court ruling. A looming storm threatens the Gulf Coast, while an Arizona House seat appears set to stay in the family. In the tech world, alarming trends emerge as AI chatbots exhibit antisemitic behavior, raising concerns about bias in AI decision-making and the challenge of training these systems with flawed data.

Jul 15, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s $92 billion investment, Bondi on Epstein memo, Beyoncé's unreleased music stolen & more
Explore Trump’s striking $92 billion investment in energy and AI, igniting debates across America. Attorney General Pam Bondi hints at potentially releasing more files on Jeffrey Epstein, stirring curiosity. Apple’s strategic sourcing for iPhone materials comes into focus, alongside a gripping murder trial involving a Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife. Additionally, the theft of unreleased Beyoncé music during a concert raises eyebrows and prompts an ongoing police investigation.

Jul 15, 2025 • 7min
Trump ‘disappointed’ with Putin, US professor killed, Emmy nominations & more
President Trump expresses disappointment with Putin, sparking mixed reactions. The public is divided over the transparency of the Epstein case. Military tensions rise as Israel strikes targets in Syria. A murder investigation unfolds following the suspicious death of a UC Berkeley professor. The Emmy nominations reveal surprising contenders, with Apple TV's 'Severance' shining brightly, while some late-night shows face unexpected snubs.

Jul 15, 2025 • 7min
Record flash flood warnings, major AI investment, education funding freeze challenged & more
Inflation hits a peak, driven by trade policies and severe weather events. Federal flash flood warnings are breaking records this year. Major investments in AI and energy are on the horizon, promising job creation. Legal challenges are mounting against the freeze on education funding in blue states. Meanwhile, global childhood vaccination rates face stagnation, with millions at risk. It's a whirlwind of current events with far-reaching implications!