

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, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm Eastern, every weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 3, 2025 • 21min
One Thing: Why Trump’s EPA Wants to Ditch Its Most Powerful Pollution Tool
Christine Todd Whitman, former New Jersey governor and EPA head under George W. Bush, discusses the alarming implications of the Trump administration's push to repeal the endangerment finding on climate change. She highlights how this move could potentially embolden polluters and ignores scientific consensus. The conversation also addresses the contrasting approaches of businesses towards environmental responsibility and the urgent need for regulations to protect public health and combat climate change, while stressing the risks of political polarization in environmental policy.

4 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 15min
5 Good Things: The Groundbreaking Surgery That Spanned Continents
A pilot gives his grandmother an unforgettable surprise flight, showcasing the power of family connections. Clean rivers in Switzerland inspire locals to embrace nature as their transportation. Initiatives enabling the visually impaired to bike through New York City highlight empowerment through mentorship. Creative writing workshops help incarcerated individuals explore their pasts and envision brighter futures. Meanwhile, groundbreaking telesurgery connects the U.S. with Angola, revolutionizing access to healthcare and potentially closing global health gaps.

Aug 1, 2025 • 7min
Trump fires commissioner, Montana’s deadly shooting, Carrie Bradshaw’s goodbye & more
President Trump makes waves by firing a key commissioner amid claims of manipulated job data. Tensions rise as the U.S. reevaluates military strategies against threats from Russia. A tragic shooting at a Montana bar leaves four dead, sparking a manhunt. Plus, fans bid farewell to Carrie Bradshaw as a major chapter in 'Sex and the City' comes to a close, with insights from Sarah Jessica Parker on the show's lasting impact.

Aug 1, 2025 • 7min
Stocks tumble, Ghislaine Maxwell moved, allergy medication dangers & more
Markets are in turmoil due to new tariffs and disappointing job growth, sparking concerns about the economy. Tensions rise in Palestine as violence erupts near an aid site. Ghislaine Maxwell's recent prison transfer raises eyebrows, while the Smithsonian revisits historical narratives surrounding presidential impeachments. Additionally, experts warn about the risks of a common allergy medication, urging stricter controls to prevent misuse and ensure consumer safety.

Aug 1, 2025 • 7min
US Gaza visit, Trump PAC funding, cortisol cocktails & more
Key officials are in Gaza assessing the dire humanitarian situation while U.S. trade policies may shift international relations. Trump’s recent tariff announcements could push countries toward deals with China, despite his PAC raising record amounts. Additionally, the construction of a new lavish ballroom at the White House moves forward. An expert also discusses the buzz around 'cortisol cocktails,' shedding light on their wellness claims amidst skepticism.

Aug 1, 2025 • 7min
Tariff reaction, Witkoff in Gaza, Boeing lawsuit & more
World leaders are reacting to new sweeping US tariffs, with varied opinions emerging globally. The latest jobs report signals potential shifts in the American economy. Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Witkoff's visit to Gaza raises eyebrows amidst ongoing humanitarian concerns. Discussions also highlight upcoming tests of Trump's missile defense system and a lawsuit involving Boeing stemming from a troubling mid-air incident involving flight attendants. All these topics intertwine to create a captivating narrative on current events.

Aug 1, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s new tariffs, Kyiv death toll rises, storms impact millions & more
Trump's latest tariffs send waves across global trade just before a crucial deadline. Meanwhile, the death toll continues to rise in Kyiv due to relentless bombardment. Torrential rains and flooding impact millions in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. A family seeks to make documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case public. Public health concerns are mounting as vaccination exemptions among kindergartners surge, raising alarms about the potential risks to children.

Jul 31, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s trade deadline, Witkoff’s second Gaza trip, Kamala Harris’ book & more
President Trump is poised to impose higher tariffs on key trading partners, stirring up legal and economic controversies. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are heading to Gaza to tackle complex humanitarian issues amid military conflicts. In the Northeast, severe thunderstorms lead to flash flood warnings, highlighting leadership lapses in Texas during the crisis. Additionally, Kamala Harris shares insights from her presidential campaign in her new book, fueling speculation about her political future.

Jul 31, 2025 • 6min
Mexico tariffs pause, Trump urges Hamas surrender, amusement park ride snaps & more
Key developments in trade policy showcase a temporary halt on tariffs with Mexico amid urgent negotiations. President Trump calls for Hamas's surrender while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The emotional funeral of a fallen NYPD officer underscores the city's struggles. Meanwhile, chaos erupts at a Saudi Arabian amusement park as a ride malfunctions, injuring several passengers. These stories blend the weight of tragedy and the complexities of international diplomacy.

Jul 31, 2025 • 7min
Consumer spending boost, student loan interest hike, radioactive wasp nest & more
Consumer spending is rising despite economic concerns. An influx of student loan interest is set to hit eight million borrowers hard. Tehran faces a dire water crisis linked to climate change. Microsoft approaches a staggering $4 trillion valuation, fueled by AI innovations. Meanwhile, an alarming discovery of a radioactive wasp nest has authorities in a tizzy, as its safety remains questionable amid rising skepticism from watchdog groups.