

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

Aug 30, 2025 • 15min
5 Good Things: This Resilient Rose Survived Katrina & Blooms Nationwide
A man turned extra vegetables into a nonprofit feeding thousands in Florida. Skateboarder Brooke Johnson took on a cross-country journey for spinal cord research, tied to family challenges. Ancient artifacts were discovered from a sunken city in Egypt. A new U.S. coin honors disability advocate Stacey Park Milburn, highlighting representation. The resilient Peggy Martin rose symbolizes hope, having survived Hurricane Katrina, and its propagation reflects strength and emotional ties to family.

Aug 29, 2025 • 6min
Fed governor’s case, TX congressional map signed, fugitive father sightings & more
Discover the ongoing tensions as President Trump pressures the Federal Reserve over key appointments. Explore the latest developments in a legal battle concerning Venezuelans facing deportation in the U.S. Texas Republicans have signed a new voting map that may shape future elections. Meanwhile, we delve into the search for Thomas Callum Phillips, a fugitive last spotted in New Zealand with his three children, as new footage emerges and the authorities close in on his trail.

Aug 29, 2025 • 7min
Trade perk expires, migrant children’s removal, flight scare & more
Online shoppers in the U.S. face new price hikes as duty-free allowances are eliminated. The Trump administration’s immigration policies come under scrutiny with plans to deport Guatemalan children. In health news, a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs raises concerns. Plus, a pilot's mid-flight diversion leads to a dramatic incident involving injuries. Tune in for insights into these pressing issues!

Aug 29, 2025 • 6min
Kamala Harris security, Fed firing hearing, all-gender toilets & more
The latest political shake-up includes the end of secret service protection for a former Vice President. A fiery hearing on the Federal Reserve Governor's fate has everyone talking. Meanwhile, Israel's military reveals the recovery of two hostages in Gaza. Interestingly, U.S. consumers are responding to inflation with mixed emotions. On the school front, a Denver high school faces a federal investigation over its all-gender restroom policy, sparked by student feedback and sparking crucial discussions.

7 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 7min
Katrina anniversary warning, new CDC leader, foreign aid ruling & more
Today marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, highlighting ongoing concerns about disaster preparedness. There's a pivotal leadership change at the CDC as the Health Secretary makes a key appointment. A recent court ruling stirs mixed feelings regarding Trump’s foreign aid cuts. In international news, a Thai court removes the Prime Minister, impacting political stability. Meanwhile, gas prices drop significantly ahead of Labour Day, offering some relief for consumers as market conditions shift.

5 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 7min
US-Ukraine talks, government gag order, 9/11 lawsuit & more
US and Ukrainian officials are meeting in New York to explore peace options for the ongoing war. Meanwhile, details surrounding the Minneapolis shooter's disturbing behavior are coming to light. A gag order has been requested on Trump administration officials by the defense in a high-profile case. A lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks is set to proceed to trial. Lastly, chaos erupted in the Mexican Senate over debates regarding military intervention.

Aug 28, 2025 • 7min
New MN shooting details, CDC exodus, newspaper makes changes & more
A tragic mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis reveals chilling details about the shooter and its impact on the community. There's a wave of solidarity among CDC staff for their ousted director amid leadership changes. Meanwhile, the federal government gears up for a crackdown in a major city. In international news, the future of a nearly 50-year peacekeeping mission in Lebanon is uncertain. Also, a historic newspaper shifts to a digital-only format, highlighting the evolving landscape of journalism and emerging digital tools.

Aug 28, 2025 • 7min
MN’s “unrecognized heroes,” GOP national convention, grads vs AI & more
Hear the harrowing details of a school shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead and many injured, showcasing the courage of those who responded. Discover the implications of Trump’s political moves and the ongoing tensions regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. Learn about the latest COVID-19 vaccine updates amid rising cases. Finally, dive into the struggles of recent graduates trying to navigate a job market increasingly dominated by AI, all while reflecting on past hurricanes' impacts on employment.

Aug 28, 2025 • 7min
Kyiv attacked, CDC & Fed firings, foreign student visa changes & more
The podcast dives into the heartbreaking aftermath of a Minneapolis school shooting, featuring a survivor's emotional account. It also highlights the harrowing impact of a deadly airstrike in Kyiv, emphasizing the struggle for resilience. In U.S. news, significant firings at the CDC and Federal Reserve raise eyebrows. Additionally, listeners learn about new visa regulations that could affect foreign students, all against the backdrop of evolving international relations.

10 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 6min
Gun reform calls, ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ future, AI therapy & more
A tragic school shooting prompts urgent calls for gun reform in Minneapolis. Tensions rise over immigration enforcement as officials push for increased deportations. Leaked emails reveal the uncertain future of the controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center. The National Guard's deployment in D.C. raises eyebrows over its staggering costs. Meanwhile, concerns mount about the safety and regulation of AI therapists, as mental health professionals worry about the potential risks involved in using technology for counseling.


