

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

Dec 9, 2025 • 7min
‘A+++++’ Economy, Campaign Spending Caps, Child Social Media Ban and more
Trump rates his economic performance as 'A+++++'. He comments on a controversial military strike in the Caribbean while facing pressure from lawmakers for transparency. The Supreme Court is debating a GOP-led challenge to campaign spending caps, igniting discussions on potential corruption. Trump also lambasts European allies, calling them decaying. Meanwhile, Australia has introduced a notable law banning children under 16 from social media, sparking debates on its potential impact.

Dec 9, 2025 • 7min
SCOTUS Firings Case, Revoked Visa Data, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Update and more
A Supreme Court ruling backs Trump’s federal firing powers, potentially reshaping agency leadership. Ukraine's Zelenskyy stands firm against territorial concessions to Russia during talks in London. The State Department reveals that 85,000 visas were revoked in the past year. Trump eases export controls on a vital AI technology, allowing Nvidia H200 chip exports to China. In entertainment news, Jimmy Kimmel secures a one-year contract extension for his talk show after recent uncertainties.

Dec 8, 2025 • 6min
SCOTUS FTC Hearing, Farm Aid Package, Japan Earthquake and more
The podcast dives into a significant Supreme Court case challenging the firing of an FTC commissioner, raising questions about the separation of powers. President Trump introduces a substantial farm aid package, but farmers are urgent for quicker relief. In a surprising twist, a former personal lawyer of Trump resigns from a federal position following a court ruling. Additionally, former FBI agents are suing Director Kash Patel over alleged First Amendment violations related to controversial firings. A powerful earthquake in Japan adds to the intense news of the day.

6 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 7min
New WBD Bid, SCOTUS Presidential Power Case, AI Executive Order and more
Paramount launches a bold takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, aiming to rival Netflix. President Trump faces a pivotal moment at the Supreme Court regarding his presidential removal power. An executive order aims to block state-level AI regulations, stirring debate over accountability. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Zelensky engages with major European leaders amid rising tensions. The Golden Globe nominations also steal the spotlight, introducing a new category for Best Podcast.

Dec 8, 2025 • 7min
ICE Numbers, Trump Accuses Zelensky, Indiana Redistricting and more
New data reveals that a significant number of ICE arrests involve individuals without criminal records. In political news, Trump accuses Ukraine's President Zelensky of not engaging with a US-backed peace proposal. Indiana's GOP faces a contentious redistricting debate as key senators grapple with political maneuvering. Meanwhile, Thailand escalates tensions with airstrikes on Cambodia after reported attacks. Plus, a look at the celebrities honored by Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors and his controversial remarks about the venue.

8 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 22min
One Thing: Understanding Trump's Seismic Assault on Legal Immigration
Priscilla Alvarez, a CNN immigration correspondent, dives deep into the tightening of legal immigration under Trump. The podcast reveals heightened fear in communities, particularly among Somalis, following the President's xenophobic remarks. Alvarez discusses the impact of paused applications and delayed asylum decisions, which threaten livelihoods. She further compares current policies to past travel bans and highlights how anti-immigrant rhetoric shapes public opinion and local economies. Finally, the implications for immigration courts are explored, indicating significant long-term consequences.

Dec 6, 2025 • 13min
5 Good Things: The TikToker Who Changed a Veteran’s Life
A heartwarming father-daughter dance at a Louisiana prison rekindled precious bonds. A TikTok creator's kindness transformed the life of an 88-year-old veteran, raising over $1.5 million. Two innovative teens developed a platform to help find affordable housing in NYC. New research suggests that the teenage brain might not fully mature until around age 32. Lastly, creative gatherings are making tedious chores a fun social event!

Dec 5, 2025 • 7min
Birthright Citizenship Case, Epstein Files Pathway, FIFA World Cup Matchups and more
Joan Biskubic, a legal and political journalist, delves into the Supreme Court's consideration of Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship, shedding light on its implications for the 14th Amendment. Meanwhile, Matt Egan, a business reporter, analyzes the latest inflation data, revealing how it reflects the struggles of American consumers amidst affordability challenges. The discussion wraps up with a highlight on thrilling matchups for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including the U.S. facing Australia and Paraguay.

Dec 5, 2025 • 7min
Child Vaccination Change, Netflix Deal, Pipe Bomber Motive and more
Brian Stelter, a featured CNN media correspondent, discusses significant changes in childhood vaccinations as the CDC revises its guidance. Meg Terrell dives into concerns regarding individualized decisions for infants with negative-status mothers. The podcast also unpacks a surprise Netflix deal that could alter the streaming landscape, while political controversies arise over a U.S. strike on a drug trafficking boat. Finally, learn about Jakarta's rise as the most populated city, surpassing Tokyo.

Dec 5, 2025 • 7min
Strike Briefings, TX Redistricting Decision, Eurovision Boycott and more
Congressional briefings on recent strikes reveal lawmakers' divided opinions. The Supreme Court allows a controversial Texas congressional map, defying lower-court findings. In legal news, a grand jury declines to indict Letitia James, stirring debate on the Justice Department’s case. The death of an anti-Hamas militia leader escalates tensions in Gaza. Additionally, several countries are boycotting Eurovision, protesting the decision to let Israel participate. These themes intertwine pivotal political events with international cultural controversies.


