

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

Sep 8, 2025 • 7min
Trump defamation ruling, CA ICE patrols, Howard Stern's show & more
President Trump faces setbacks in his defamation case with E. Jean Carroll and there are significant Supreme Court rulings affecting ICE patrols in California. Global news takes a dark turn with deadly protests in Nepal against a social media ban, illustrating the ongoing battle for freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Howard Stern puts rumors of his departure to rest, affirming his commitment to SiriusXM and teasing a possible return to stand-up comedy. The podcast presents a dynamic mix of legal drama, activism, and entertainment updates.

Sep 8, 2025 • 7min
Russia sanctions, fatal train stabbing, millennial saint & more
Tensions rise as President Trump hints at new sanctions against Russia over Ukraine. In Chicago, crime crackdowns are imminent, raising concerns about safety. A tragic stabbing incident involving a Ukrainian refugee highlights the real-world implications of these issues. On a different note, groundbreaking medical advancements signal hope for organ transplants using gene-edited pig kidneys. And in a blend of faith and fame, a millennial is celebrated as the first saint of his generation, earning the title of 'God's influencer.'

Sep 8, 2025 • 7min
ICE raid warnings, Jerusalem shooting latest, fugitive father shot dead & more
Sanctuary cities like Chicago are on high alert as ICE raids loom. Tensions rise with South Korea's diplomat heading to DC after a Hyundai factory raid. In Jerusalem, a deadly shooting prompts military action in the West Bank. A former president's assailant is set to face trial. A four-year manhunt for a fugitive in New Zealand ends tragically during a police standoff. The podcast wraps up with a sneak peek into an exciting future episode featuring a guest's stand-up comedy return.

5 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 7min
Jerusalem shooting, ICE surge in Massachusetts, Mushroom murder sentencing & more
A recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem has left five dead, sparking widespread concern. The Trump administration is ramping up ICE enforcement in Massachusetts, prompting discussions on immigration. Meanwhile, Russia has launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine, escalating tensions further. Japan's Prime Minister has unexpectedly resigned, and in a shocking twist, an Australian woman has been sentenced for her infamous mushroom-related murder case. These stories reveal a whirlwind of political turbulence and tragic events across the globe.

Sep 7, 2025 • 18min
One Thing: Deployed and Dejected: The National Guard in DC
Isabelle Khurshudyan, a CNN Senior Enterprise Reporter, discusses the unique challenges faced by National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C. as crime concerns rise. She highlights the emotional toll on soldiers and their families due to their unusual assignments, like beautification projects, instead of combat roles. The conversation reveals the tension between the Guard’s military presence and community relations while addressing the need for meaningful duty in a politically charged environment.

Sep 6, 2025 • 14min
5 Good Things: The Sweetest First Day: A Tulsa High School’s ‘Kiss Goodbye’ Tradition
Discover heartwarming back-to-school traditions that connect students and families. Learn about brave kids with chronic illnesses honored in a special parade, while volunteers robustly support rescued animals finding homes. A teen's dream quinceañera comes true through community kindness and social media. Plus, the buzz around a celebrity engagement brings joy and boosts local businesses. Tune in for tales that inspire resilience and compassion!

Sep 5, 2025 • 7min
Drug cartel crackdown, ‘Deportation Depot,’ failed Navy SEAL mission & more
Washington's latest efforts tackle drug cartels, featuring military deployments of F-35 jets in Puerto Rico. A new immigration detention facility opens in Florida, raising eyebrows. The NRA is pushing back against a proposed gun ban from the DOJ. A failed Navy SEAL mission in North Korea reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, igniting debates about military accountability. Additionally, upcoming UN meetings may impose new restrictions on diplomats from select countries.

Sep 5, 2025 • 7min
Jobs report blame, flight compensation changes, CVS sued & more
The podcast delves into the weak jobs report, sparking blame towards the Federal Reserve and highlighting a concerning rise in unemployment. Political tensions escalate as Trump's maneuvers aim to reshape the New York mayoral race. Exciting developments in airline compensation for passengers take center stage, attracting mixed reactions. Meanwhile, Thailand's political landscape undergoes significant changes, and CVS finds itself embroiled in a lawsuit over controversial coverage policy alterations.

Sep 5, 2025 • 7min
Labor market sliding, Department of War, Musk the trillionaire? & more
The U.S. job market faces a sobering slowdown, raising concerns about job growth and rising unemployment. A major immigration raid at a Hyundai plant stirs up controversy. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Putin warns that Western troops could be seen as legitimate targets in Ukraine. On a different front, President Trump proposes a name change for the Department of Defense. Lastly, Tesla's ambitious pay proposal could help make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire, although his ultimate success remains uncertain.

Sep 5, 2025 • 6min
August jobs report, Hamas hostage video, mother-in-law contract killing & more
The August jobs report reveals troubling signs about the U.S. labor market, with job growth slowing and unemployment rising. A provocative hostage video from Hamas aims to shift public sentiment in Israel. Tensions mount around Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s contentious Senate hearing, prompting calls for interviews with the fired CDC director. Meanwhile, Boston's mayor faces a lawsuit from the Trump administration, and a dramatic murder trial reaches its verdict, with a surprising twist on the case.


