

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

Nov 28, 2025 • 7min
National Guard Member Dies, Ukraine Peace Efforts, Venezuela Land Action and more
A tragic shooting in Washington, DC, claims the life of a National Guard member. In Hong Kong, a deadly apartment fire leaves officials grappling with a rising death toll. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy speaks on new peace discussions as international pressure grows. Trump hints at imminent military actions in Venezuela against drug trafficking. Meanwhile, the Israeli military faces backlash after controversial killings in the West Bank, lighting a firestorm of public outrage.

Nov 27, 2025 • 7min
DC Shooting Terrorism Investigation, Thanksgiving Food Banks, NFL Triple Header and more
The FBI reveals that a shooter in Washington, DC, has connections to US forces in Afghanistan, sparking a terrorism investigation. As Thanksgiving approaches, food banks across the country are overwhelmed with demand due to rising grocery costs. In Hong Kong, the tragic death toll from a high-rise fire continues to climb, raising questions about safety measures. South Carolina faces a measles outbreak, attributed to vaccine misinformation. Plus, get the lowdown on today's exciting NFL triple header matchups!

5 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 7min
DC Shooting Crackdown, Thanksgiving Storm, G20 Snub and more
In a shocking turn of events, two National Guardsmen were shot in DC, prompting Trump to promise an immigration crackdown. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong fire's death toll rises, with many still unaccounted for. A winter storm threatens post-Thanksgiving travel plans for millions across the country. The G20 summit has made headlines as South Africa finds itself uninvited, while Poland receives a surprise invitation instead. Trump also makes waves with a social media jab at a New York Times journalist.

Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
National Guardsmen Shot, Leaked Kremlin Call, Hong Kong Fire Arrests and more
Two National Guardsmen were critically injured in a targeted shooting in downtown D.C. President Trump shrugged off concerns about a leaked Kremlin call, labeling it standard negotiation. The Justice Department is pushing to unseal Jeffrey Epstein’s case files for greater transparency. A legal battle is brewing over SNAP eligibility changes, with numerous states stepping in to challenge the USDA. In Hong Kong, authorities have made multiple arrests linked to a tragic high-rise fire that claimed at least 44 lives.

Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
Racketeering Case Dropped, Thanksgiving Travel Delays, Hong Kong Fire and more
A Georgia prosecutor has dropped the racketeering case against Trump, while the fallout from a leaked call between his envoy and Russia raises GOP eyebrows. Thanksgiving travelers face a potentially chaotic season, with heavy snow worsening delays. In Hong Kong, a devastating fire in multiple high-rises has left at least 13 dead, complicating rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the DOJ alleges Homeland Security Secretary Noem ignored a judge’s order regarding deportation flights, raising serious human rights concerns.

4 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
Ukraine Sticking Points, FBI Investigates ‘Seditious Six’, US Global Health Strategy and more
Negotiators inch closer to a peace deal in Ukraine, but significant challenges remain. The FBI is investigating a group of Democratic lawmakers for a controversial video encouraging military disobedience. America is adopting a new global health strategy that raises expert concerns about potential aid reductions. In a surprising turn, a relative of a White House official has been detained by ICE. Meanwhile, tech giants are fighting back against claims related to teenage mental health harms.

Nov 25, 2025 • 7min
Peace Plan Revisions, Missing Football Coach, Trump's Latest Pardons and more
Explore the latest on Ukraine's demands for revisions to a U.S.-drafted peace plan, as tensions persist. Get tips on how to dress for holiday travel from the Transportation Secretary, while navigating potential airport chaos. A wanted football coach is still missing amid serious allegations, and the infamous "Slender Man" stabber is back in custody after a brief escape. Meanwhile, Trump's latest pardons bring a quirky twist to the Thanksgiving season.

Nov 25, 2025 • 7min
Ukraine Accepts Peace Deal, Inflation Uptick, Thanksgiving Cold and more
Ukraine has reportedly accepted a peace plan to end its ongoing conflict, although details still need to be worked out. New inflation data reveals a concerning uptick, indicating persistent economic pressures. The Trump administration is facing delays in its healthcare proposal amid conservative pushback. Millions are bracing for a chilly Thanksgiving as temperatures drop significantly. Meanwhile, the Vatican raises alarms about a rise in polyamory, pushing back in favor of traditional monogamous relationships.

Nov 25, 2025 • 7min
US-Russia Peace Talks, Volcanic Eruption, Met Gala Criticism and more
Peace talks between the US and Russia regarding Ukraine are unfolding in Abu Dhabi, with Zelensky voicing the country's stance. Meanwhile, legal battles for James Comey and Letitia James take a dramatic turn as a judge tosses their indictments. In education news, a House inquiry targets alleged antisemitism in three school districts. Also, a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia is causing flight cancellations across multiple continents. Lastly, next year’s Met Gala faces criticism for its sponsorship choices.

Nov 24, 2025 • 7min
Comey & James' Cases, Pentagon Probes a Senator, Semaglutide Trial and more
A judge has dismissed controversial federal cases against a former FBI director and New York's Attorney General. Tensions flare as Ukraine and Russia react to Trump's latest peace proposal. The Pentagon is contemplating a court martial for a Democratic senator over questionable remarks in a video. In court, an NBA coach pleads not guilty in an alleged gambling scheme. Plus, new findings highlight the limitations of popular weight loss drugs in a significant clinical trial.


