

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

Oct 29, 2024 • 7min
9 AM ET: Steve Bannon released, Jeff Bezos op-ed, airline refund rules & more
The political landscape is heating up as the 2024 campaigns approach the finish line. Steve Bannon has been released from prison, sparking discussions about his influence. Jeff Bezos’s op-ed defends a controversial decision and raises eyebrows in media circles. Meanwhile, North Korean soldiers are being taught Russian commands, a surprising twist in international relations. On a lighter note, new airline refund rules have been introduced, making it easier for passengers to get compensation when things go awry.

Oct 29, 2024 • 7min
6 AM ET: One week countdown, ballot drop box fires, new Diddy lawsuits & more
As the election countdown begins, one candidate rallies supporters while the other faces backlash. Fires at ballot drop boxes raise concerns about political violence. Meanwhile, Israel's ban on a UN aid agency stirs international criticism. In the entertainment realm, Sean “Diddy” Combs is confronted with disturbing sexual assault allegations from his past. Lastly, the World Series ties a record as baseball excitement continues to build.

Oct 28, 2024 • 7min
6 PM ET: Trump Media stock skyrockets, the pros and cons of short-term rentals, bear’s accidental death & more
Republicans are outspending Democrats on campaign advertising, affecting the upcoming elections. Trump's media stock has surged, raising eyebrows about his political ambitions. The pros and cons of short-term rentals like Airbnb spark a heated debate on their effect on the housing market. A Louisiana state trooper becomes the first convicted in a notorious police brutality case, stirring national outrage. Meanwhile, a tragic accident involving a beloved grizzly bear leaves the community heartbroken.

Oct 28, 2024 • 6min
3 PM ET: Post-election mistrust, Israel limits UNRWA, World Series game 3 & more
A recent poll reveals growing mistrust among voters concerning election outcomes. In Israel, lawmakers are considering bills that could greatly affect millions of Palestinian refugees. Volkswagen faces backlash over significant factory closures and labor tensions. A Supreme Court ruling could change how federal agencies delegate power in various sectors. And will the Dodgers have their star player in the lineup for the crucial World Series game? Tune in for these intriguing developments!

Oct 28, 2024 • 7min
12 PM ET: Extreme election language, Philadelphia sues Musk, massive cheese robbery & more
As campaign season heats up, Vice President Harris and former President Trump are stirring the pot with their intense rhetoric and legal drama surrounding Musk's alleged voter engagement issues. Meanwhile, new stroke guidelines have emerged for the first time in decades. With thick smog casting a shadow over festivities and alarming air quality concerns, an outrageous cheddar heist has even captured the interest of a celebrity chef. It's a whirlwind of politics, health, and unexpected crime!

Oct 28, 2024 • 7min
9 AM ET: 2024 closing arguments, Japan’s political turmoil, Thanksgiving dinner costs & more
Political tensions rise as Donald Trump intensifies his immigration stance, while Kamala Harris emphasizes abortion rights. Negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release stall, hinting at continued turmoil. Many high-income American families are surprisingly living paycheck to paycheck. Japan faces significant political upheaval, stirring concerns. Lastly, a retail giant has sparked a Thanksgiving dinner price war, igniting discussions about holiday expenses.

Oct 28, 2024 • 7min
6 AM ET: Puerto Rico controversy, Quarter Pounders to return, US Navy apology & more
Intense political campaigns heat up as offensive remarks about Puerto Rico spark controversy and celebrity endorsements. Tensions between Iran and Israel loom, but a wider conflict seems unlikely. McDonald's announces the return of the beloved Quarter Pounder. Meanwhile, The Washington Post faces turmoil after retracting its presidential endorsements. In a significant reflection on history, the U.S. Navy publicly apologizes for a past atrocity that devastated a native Alaskan village, rekindling discussions on grief and reconciliation.

Oct 27, 2024 • 27min
One Thing: They Were Prolific Donors. They Also Had Dementia.
Kyung Lah is a CNN Senior Investigative Correspondent known for her impactful reporting, and Yahya Abou-Ghazala is an Investigative Producer who dives deep into critical stories. Together, they reveal a concerning trend of political donations from elderly dementia patients, shedding light on how campaigns exploit vulnerable individuals. They discuss the shocking revelations from families unaware of these donations and the ethical dilemmas that arise in political fundraising. The duo highlights the need for awareness regarding the manipulation of generous donors.

Oct 26, 2024 • 14min
5 Good Things: How a Bakery Helps Military Vets Find Their Passion
A lifeguard makes a heroic rescue of a lost teen at sea. A California project provides homes for the homeless, showcasing their transformational journeys. A crossword editor shares how puzzles assist in stroke recovery. Dog Tag Bakery helps veterans reconnect with their identities through a unique fellowship program. Meanwhile, the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year impacts the lives of pets and the homeless, expanding his nonprofit efforts.

Oct 25, 2024 • 7min
6 PM ET: Election candidates hacked, walking pneumonia cases, Russian soldiers complain & more
Dive into a high-stakes world where political candidates are falling prey to a Chinese hacking campaign. Discover why The Washington Post has decided to sit out endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time in decades. Parents are alerted to a troubling rise in walking pneumonia cases among small children. Hear Russian soldiers grumbling about North Korean recruits in intercepted messages. Plus, there's a twist in the infamous Menendez brothers' case that could change their future.


