

CNN 5 Things
CNN Podcasts
We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates at 6am, 12pm, and 6pm Eastern, every weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2025 • 7min
6 PM ET: Aid for displaced LA students, trans athlete ban, layoffs at Meta & more
Tensions rise as allegations against a Defense nominee surface during confirmation hearings. California introduces measures to support students displaced by wildfires, while a contentious bill seeks to ban transgender athletes from women's sports. The absence of a notable figure looms over a recent ceremony, stirring political intrigue. Lastly, Meta faces major layoffs as CEO Mark Zuckerberg calls for a shift in performance management, affecting partnerships and strategies.

Jan 14, 2025 • 7min
3 PM ET: Ceasefire deal inches closer, an “info box” for food labels, a surprise cold snap & more
Power outages are looming for over 20,000 households in Southern California due to severe fire weather. A potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas inches closer, as negotiations heat up amid political tensions. The FDA pushes for enhanced food labeling to increase consumer awareness. Meanwhile, Thailand experiences an unexpected cold snap, shattering its reputation for warm weather. Plus, controversy surrounds the Defense Secretary nominee's past remarks on women in combat.

Jan 14, 2025 • 7min
12 PM ET: Hegseth in the hot seat, TikTok alternative, Starbucks’ new rules & more
Pete Hegseth faces a tough confirmation hearing amid scrutiny over military matters. Meanwhile, Southern California braces for hazardous winds that could escalate wildfires. U.S. users flock to Zhihongshu as a TikTok alternative with the platform's future uncertain. President Biden aims to bolster AI to compete against China. Lastly, Starbucks introduces significant new policies that could reshape customer experience.

Jan 14, 2025 • 7min
9 AM ET: Hope for Gaza deal, LA price gouging, egg shortage & more
Hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza are rising as negotiations progress. Meanwhile, displaced residents in LA are grappling with skyrocketing rents. The political landscape is heating up with Trump facing a special counsel's report and upcoming Senate confirmation hearings. Controversy surrounds President Biden's comments on the Hunter Biden investigation. On top of that, the U.S. is dealing with an egg shortage caused by a bird flu outbreak, affecting grocery prices nationwide.

Jan 14, 2025 • 7min
6 AM ET: AG releases Trump report, LA red flag warning, Ukraine’s ‘major’ strike & more
The Attorney General's report sheds light on Trump's attempts to influence the 2020 election results. Meanwhile, wildfires in LA pose significant challenges for firefighters. Ukraine launches a substantial drone and missile attack against Russia, escalating tensions. In a surprising twist, Pete Hegseth aims to convince senators of his suitability to lead the Pentagon. Additionally, there’s a notable rise in China’s exports right before potential tariffs could be imposed.

Jan 13, 2025 • 6min
6 PM ET: CA wind warning, Biden’s foreign policy speech, Kohl’s closures & more
Southern California is facing a dangerous wind threat that jeopardizes firefighting efforts. President Biden discusses a possible ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas amid a significant shift in foreign policy. Meanwhile, Kohl’s plans to close 27 stores due to changing consumer habits. Hollywood is gearing up to honor first responders at upcoming award shows, highlighting their bravery in the ongoing wildfire crisis.

Jan 13, 2025 • 6min
3 PM ET: Gaza ceasefire deal, Jan. 6 report, NFL playoffs & more
Tensions ease with a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. A federal judge clears the way for the release of a significant report on Donald Trump's election interference investigation. Meanwhile, wildfires raise pressing mental health concerns. In Lebanon's politics, a new prime minister poses challenges for Hezbollah's influence. On the sports front, the NFL playoffs provide unexpected thrills, notably the Commanders' stunning victory over the Buccaneers and the promising rise of rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels.

Jan 13, 2025 • 7min
12 PM ET: LA air quality, FEMA’s promise, Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal & more
California is grappling with severe wildfires, prompting urgent warnings for residents to stay away from affected areas. FEMA outlines its commitment to wildfire recovery efforts. Meanwhile, there’s a glimmer of hope as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release between Israel and Hamas advance. In other news, Japan faces a tsunami warning after a significant earthquake. Lastly, learn about the Maha Kumbh Mela festival, drawing an astounding 400 million people to Prayagraj.

Jan 13, 2025 • 7min
9 AM ET: LA fire heroes, Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, Russian oil spill & more
Wildfires in LA are escalating as firefighters battle fierce winds and community heroes step in to help those affected. Tensions rise with ongoing negotiations for a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Pete Hegseth faces tough senators as he pushes for a Pentagon leadership role, with his past comments under scrutiny. Meanwhile, an alarming oil spill in the Black Sea raises significant national security and environmental concerns, prompting reactions from the Russian government.

Jan 13, 2025 • 7min
6 AM ET: Fire winds return, Zelensky’s offer, Bezos' launch scrubbed & more
Firefighters in Los Angeles are facing challenging winds as they battle wildfires, dealing with tragic losses and extensive debris. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions rise as both U.S. administrations urge Israel for a ceasefire with Hamas. Ukrainian President Zelensky offers to exchange North Korean prisoners to ease diplomatic strains. Lastly, Blue Origin cancels its uncrewed rocket launch, leaving its future plans in limbo after unresolved issues arise.


