

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

10 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 7min
Gaza help drying up, student loan forgiveness paused, passport rankings & more
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, leaving aid groups struggling to cope. Student loan forgiveness faces a pause, sparking protests at Columbia University. Legal updates include the sentencing of a man convicted of a shocking murder in Idaho. Meanwhile, a ranking reveals which country holds the most powerful passport in the world. These topics create a whirlwind of urgent and compelling discussions.

Jul 23, 2025 • 7min
Aid workers ‘wasting away’, Trump’s Epstein ties, Japan trade deal & more
Humanitarian groups shed light on the alarming starvation faced by aid workers in Gaza. Intriguing new evidence reveals President Trump’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, stirring controversy. A significant trade deal with Japan promises economic changes. Meanwhile, Texas officials begin probing the devastating July 4 floods with varying viewpoints. In sports, transgender women athletes find themselves battling new challenges amid policy shifts.

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
House’s Epstein measure, National Guard to help ICE, Target perk ending & more
A bipartisan push to release Jeffrey Epstein's files faces hurdles from House Republican leaders. National Guard troops might soon support immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, trade negotiations in Southeast Asia are on the radar. A tragic fire at an assisted-living facility raises concerns about safety. On a lighter note, Target is shaking things up by ending its price matching policy, impacting bargain hunters.

Jul 22, 2025 • 6min
DOJ-Ghislaine Maxwell meeting, UNESCO withdrawal, Ozzy Osbourne dies & more
President Trump weighs in on a proposed meeting involving Ghislaine Maxwell, stirring up controversy. The U.S. announces its withdrawal from UNESCO, sparking discussions on global diplomacy. Accusations of treason fly between political figures, revealing tensions in the current landscape. A tragic military jet crash ignites protests in Bangladesh, highlighting unrest. Meanwhile, the music world mourns the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary godfather of heavy metal, whose impact is remembered.

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Epstein associate meeting, FEMA resignation, Coca-Cola's new soda & more
Ghislaine Maxwell may soon meet with the Justice Department as investigations into Jeffrey Epstein continue. Meanwhile, Israel's military actions in Gaza prompt urgent discussions about the humanitarian crisis there. A high-profile resignation from FEMA raises eyebrows, while companies seek an unlimited clean energy source. On a lighter note, Coca-Cola is launching a new soda flavor endorsed by Trump, blending politics with refreshment!

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Gaza starvation deaths, American citizen executed, MLK Jr. files & more
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, with reports of starvation deaths. A tragic execution of an American in Syria raises eyebrows. Meanwhile, the U.S. braces for a summer heatwave impacting millions. Controversy brews as the Trump administration releases surveillance records on Martin Luther King Jr., drawing ire from his family. To top it off, a new $250 visa fee could impact international tourism, leaving many to wonder how it will affect travelers’ perceptions of the U.S.

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Breonna Taylor sentencing, organ donation concerns, pool drowning recall & more
GOP lawmakers are pushing for more transparency regarding the Epstein case, despite political roadblocks. A former police officer has been sentenced in the Breonna Taylor case, raising questions about justice and accountability. The organ donation system faces major reforms after concerning findings emerge. Meanwhile, millions of swimming pools are recalled following tragic drownings of children. Plus, Jon Stewart shares his unfiltered opinions on media censorship and the complexities of corporate decisions.

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Trump v Harvard hearing, Epstein files House vote, Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies & more
A heated legal battle unfolds as Harvard clashes with the Trump administration over funding tied to accusations of anti-Semitism. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group demands the release of Jeffrey Epstein's federal records. The political landscape shifts with a Republican resignation and controversial media decisions by the White House. A federal appeals court orders a retrial in the historic Etan Patz case. The podcast also pays tribute to the late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, leaving listeners reflecting on his legacy.

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Polling on Trump’s 6 months, Gaza aid crisis, Skywest flight close call & more
Americans share mixed views on President Trump's policies amid a rising humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 1,000 lives have been lost seeking aid. Meanwhile, an FAA investigation unfolds regarding a close call between a passenger flight and a military bomber. Discussions also highlight alarming trends in international food prices linked to climate change, while Barcelona tackles its tourism challenges with innovative strategies for sustainable urban growth.

4 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 6min
Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, midterm maps, lucky lottery mistake & more
Ukraine’s president is pushing for peace talks with Russia to resume soon, while House Democrats reshape midterm election maps amid Republican challenges. Beef prices are soaring due to consumer behavior changes, and a notorious South American drug kingpin has been extradited to the U.S. In a surprising twist, a Massachusetts man hit the lottery jackpot twice in one day, becoming a millionaire unexpectedly. His emotions about this windfall add an intriguing personal touch to the broader news.


