

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 24, 2024 • 7min
3 PM ET: Israel-Hezbollah attacks, Biden’s UN address, Tropical Storm Helene & more
Hear about the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and the humanitarian crisis unfolding. President Biden addresses global tensions and AI at the UN. Tropical Storm Helene is making waves, heading towards Florida’s coast. In another alarming story, three lacrosse players are hospitalized after a tough workout with a Navy SEAL. Plus, discover California’s new law to curb smartphone use in schools, aiming to promote better focus and mental health among students.

Sep 24, 2024 • 6min
12 PM: New CNN poll, Lebanon in chaos, Coca-Cola flavor fizzles & more
A new poll reveals a tightly contested race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Lebanon faces escalating chaos amid ongoing conflicts. In the U.S., political leaders are strategizing to avert a government shutdown. Students are returning to Apalachee High School following a tragic shooting. Coca-Cola makes waves by discontinuing a spiced flavor after a disappointing reception among younger audiences, raising questions about brand strategy and consumer tastes.

Sep 24, 2024 • 7min
9 AM ET: Another wave of airstrikes, Biden's final speech, Instagram's new settings & more
Strikes between Israel and Hezbollah escalate, raising international tensions and concerns over Iranian involvement. President Biden prepares for his final address at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, Florida braces for a potentially devastating hurricane. Domestically, Republicans challenge mail-in ballot counting processes in Mississippi. In the digital realm, Instagram introduces new privacy features for teens, addressing parental worries about online safety and content exposure.

Sep 24, 2024 • 7min
6 AM ET: Israel-Hezbollah de-escalation push, California sues oil giant, MO execution appeal & more
Tensions rise as the US seeks to mediate between Israel and Hezbollah, with Lebanon facing deadly violence. Meanwhile, California takes on ExxonMobil over misleading recycling claims. In a controversial twist, a Missouri prisoner is set for execution despite possible innocence, raising ethical concerns. On a lighter note, the podcast highlights the booming market for customizable Sleep Number beds, catering to comfort-hungry consumers.

Sep 23, 2024 • 6min
6 PM ET: The race to register voters, world leaders gather for UNGA, the multibillion-dollar plan to save movie theaters & more
Voter registration trends reveal Republicans pulling ahead since 2020, sparking discussions about upcoming elections. Tensions may rise at the UN General Assembly as world leaders convene, particularly around the Middle East. Meanwhile, the FBI reports a notable decline in violent crime across the nation. In Colorado, a jury has convicted the King Soopers shooter, bringing some closure to the tragic event. Plus, exciting plans are afoot to upgrade movie theaters, promising a brighter future for cinema enthusiasts!

Sep 23, 2024 • 7min
3 PM ET: A historically deadly day in Lebanon, the return of whooping cough, opting out of AI & more
A tragic day in Lebanon sees over 350 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, prompting evacuations and educational suspensions. Birmingham offers a record reward for tips on a mass shooting. In a shocking legal twist, a Florida judge keeps a man behind bars over a second assassination attempt on a former president. Whooping cough cases in the U.S. have skyrocketed, underscoring a critical need for vaccination. The episode also dives into privacy concerns as social media platforms use user data for AI training.

Sep 23, 2024 • 7min
12 PM ET: Deaths mount in Israeli strikes, possible smart car ban, new emojis & more
Tensions soar as Israeli military actions escalate against Hezbollah, leading to a rising death toll. A shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump is revealed through a chilling letter. Both Trump and Vice President Harris gear up for a tight race in crucial battleground states amid fluctuating poll numbers. Meanwhile, the US government considers banning certain smart cars due to security issues. Plus, get excited about the latest emojis coming to your smartphones!

Sep 23, 2024 • 7min
UPDATED: 9 AM ET: Israeli strikes death toll, US Govt plans for partial shutdown, Oceangate co-founder testifies & more
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, discusses his country’s bold strategies for gaining victory in the ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasizes the importance of international support as tensions escalate. Meanwhile, a co-founder of Oceangate shares crucial insights during a Coast Guard hearing about the Titan submersible tragedy. The conversation delves into the implications of government funding battles and their potential impact on military assistance. As global events unfold, the podcast presents a gripping exploration of these pressing issues.

Sep 23, 2024 • 7min
6 AM ET: Israel-Hezbollah fighting intensifies, 2024 election deadlock, Sri Lanka’s new president & more
Intense fighting rages on between Israel and Hezbollah, with airstrikes causing significant concern for civilian safety. Meanwhile, the 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be the closest in decades, with notable tensions in North Carolina's GOP following controversial comments. A tragic shooting in Birmingham underscores rising gun violence, adding to the political turmoil. In a surprising shift, Sri Lanka elects a new Marxist president determined to tackle economic recovery and corruption.

Sep 22, 2024 • 21min
One Thing: The Controversial Measures Fueling El Salvador's 'Reverse Migration'
David Culver, a Senior National Correspondent for CNN, delves into the surprising rise of reverse migration in El Salvador. Discussion centers on how President Bukele's controversial measures have transformed the country from a notorious safety risk to a place many now feel safe returning to. Personal stories highlight the balance between new safety and ongoing human rights concerns. Culver also compares El Salvador's political landscape to Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of democracy for sustained progress.


