

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

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
Defense and IRS cuts, new FBI director, former NFL player's arrest & more
We start with details on the Trump’s administration potential cuts at the Pentagon and IRS. The Senate has voted to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director. New York's governor has activated the National Guard amid an illegal corrections officer strike at state prisons. South Korea’s impeached president appeared in court today in his first trial hearing for insurrection. Plus, we’ll tell you how a former NFL player ended up in handcuffs at a city council meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
Israel mourns released hostages, DOGE dividend, ancient tomb discovery & more
The bodies of four hostages held in Gaza have been returned to Israel. The US’ battle with inflation could be complicated by a so-called "DOGE dividend." The Department of Health and Human Services has released new definitions for terms like "sex," "man" and "woman," that critics say ignore science. An 11-year-old girl has taken her own life after she was allegedly bullied over her family’s immigration status. Plus, an ancient tomb has been discovered in Egypt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
DOGE claims debunked, bishops sue Trump administration, soccer kiss verdict & more
Claims that the federal workforce purge is only impacting low-performing and non-essential employees has been found to be false in many cases. Catholic bishops are suing the Trump administration over the sudden halt to refugee resettlement funding. We’ll tell you why a state grand jury is recommending a police department in Alabama is abolished. Seven Florida deputies have been suspended over a domestic violence case that turned into a triple homicide. Plus, there’s been a verdict in the kissing case involving Spain's former soccer chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
Hostage bodies returned, Trump's approval rating, major military budget cuts & more
Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages. A new CNN poll suggests Americans have some concerns about President Donald Trump. The Trump administration is expected to label migrants at the US-Mexico border as a risk for spreading diseases. The Defense Secretary wants the military to make billions of dollars' worth of cuts. Plus, it’s going to get even colder in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 7min
Federal firings fallout, NYC mayor in court, a cheaper iPhone & more
Department of Defense officials fear impending firings at the Pentagon. Two small planes collided in midair in Arizona this morning. We’ll tell you how a hearing in the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams played out. President Donald Trump’s latest target is New York City’s congestion pricing program. Plus, Apple has announced a new device that will replace the iPhone SE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 7min
Trump vs Zelensky, Target’s DEI debacle, chicken chain relocates & more
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continue to trade barbs over negotiations to end the war in Kyiv. The Department of Justice is appealing to the Supreme Court over Trump’s ability to fire a government watchdog. Authorities in Oregon say an avalanche killed two backcountry skiers. Target’s reduced DEI efforts aren’t sitting well with customers. Plus, we’ll tell you what fast food company is moving away from its namesake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 7min
Putin praises peace talks, Eric Adams' corruption case, measles outbreak & more
President Vladimir Putin is weighing in on how he thought yesterday's talks with the US and Russia went. A federal judge is considering the Justice Department's motion to drop the NYC mayor’s corruption charges. Scary events in the skies recently may make it feel like air travel is getting more dangerous, but the data suggests otherwise. The measles outbreak in West Texas is growing – what you need to know about the illness. Plus, the ticket prices for this sporting event is rivaling the Super Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 7min
Zelensky on Trump’s 'disinformation', migrant children services cut, Pope's health & more
Ukraine's president says President Donald Trump lives in a “disinformation space,” after he made false claims about the war in Ukraine. Trump has signed an executive order for wider access to IVF, as his administration cuts legal services for unaccompanied migrant children. We’ll give you the latest on Pope Francis' hospitalization. Actress Blake Lively has added to her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Plus, organized crime may be behind some high-profile thefts from NFL stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 7min
Trump criticizes Zelensky, dangerously low temperatures, A$AP Rocky verdict & more
President Donald Trump had some harsh words about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after talks between the US and Russia wrapped up. 60 million Americans are facing dangerously cold conditions. Trump plans to impose tariffs on three big US imports. Brazil’s former president has been charged over an alleged coup. And, we’ll tell you what a jury decided in A$AP Rocky’s assault case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 18, 2025 • 7min
DOGE data access, measles spreads in Texas, new OPEC+ member & more
A federal judge rejected a call to block the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing federal data systems. House and Senate leaders clash over strategy to pass President Donald Trump’s agenda. We have the latest on Pope Francis’s health. Thirteen people have been hospitalized with the measles amid an outbreak in West Texas. Plus, the world’s seventh-largest oil producer says it’s joining OPEC+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


