

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

Sep 15, 2025 • 7min
Charlie Kirk funeral challenges, Memphis crime crackdown, TikTok deal & more
The funeral of Charlie Kirk is posing a big challenge for law enforcement. We have the latest details on President Donald Trump’s crime crackdown in Memphis. The former chief of the Israeli military has shared a shocking statistic about Gaza. China is accusing a major American company of violating anti-monopoly laws. Plus, some good news about TikTok’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 15, 2025 • 7min
Kirk shooting motive, Israeli ground operation, historic Emmy wins & more
Investigators are working to piece together the motive behind Charlie Kirk's shooting. An Israeli ground operation in Gaza City could happen as soon as today. Romania is accusing Russia of breaching its airspace. We’ll tell you which high-profile Democrat is now endorsing NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. Plus, this year’s Emmys is one for the history books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 14, 2025 • 20min
One Thing: Charlie Kirk Was Killed. Now What?
The apparent assassination of Charlie Kirk has both sides of the aisle calling on Americans to ‘lower the temperature’ of political rhetoric. But we’ve been here before – is there actually any chance that happens? We hear why Kirk was so effective in motivating young conservatives and look at what could happen next.
Guest: Alex Stone & Lilliana Mason, SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins Professor of Political Science
---
Host: David Rind
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Donie O’Sullivan & Sean Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 13, 2025 • 15min
5 Good Things: Mahjong: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Game Anymore
A new generation is falling in love with a centuries-old game. These women 65 and older clean local ponds by diving for trash (and have a blast doing it). She lost her dad in the Twin Towers – but the FDNY made sure he was still part of her wedding day. A doctor was told he would die, but he found a treatment for his disease everyone else had missed. Plus, the music program that teaches kids jazz and so much more.
Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.
Host/Producer: Krista Bo
Producers: Eryn Mathewson and Leying Tang
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Special Thanks: Nadia Kounang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 7min
Charlie Kirk shooting investigation, ICE traffic stop, NATO launches operation & more
We begin with the clues that helped investigators zero in on Charlie Kirk’s shooting suspect. The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Chicago turned deadly. NATO is taking action in response to a Russian drone incursion in Poland. Another state is on the verge of signing a new congressional map into law. Plus, an update on the death investigation into an ex-Yankee's son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 7min
Kirk shooting suspect held, consumer sentiment, nasal spray for Covid-19 & more
We start with an update on the man accused of fatally shooting conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. Some Israeli allies backed a declaration for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians. South Sudan’s vice president is facing charges that some fear could reignite a civil war. A new poll shows how Americans are feeling about the economy. And, could an over-the-counter nasal spray help prevent Covid-19 infection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 7min
Kirk shooter suspect identified, Senate rule change, protein overload risks & more
Utah officials have named the man they believe is behind the killing of Charlie Kirk. Senate Republicans have found a controversial way to speed-up the confirmation of President Donald’s Trump nominees. A southern city has become the latest target of Trump's crime crackdown. Trump also says he’s solved inflation, but the data says otherwise. Plus, experts breakdown what too much protein does to your body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 7min
Kirk shooter ‘apprehended’, Colorado shooter ‘radicalized,’ Royal Ukraine visit & more
President Donald Trump says the man suspected of shooting Charlie Kirk is in custody. More details are emerging about the motive behind the high school shooting in Colorado this week. Hundreds of South Korean workers who were detained in the US are now home. NYC Mayor Eric Adams isn’t ending his re-election bid, but is reportedly bracing for a likely loss. Plus, a British royal has made a surprise visit to Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 7min
Kirk shooter footage, Gaza City displacements, AI chatbot probe & more
Authorities have released footage of the Charlie Kirk's suspected shooter, as the manhunt enters its third day. More than 50,000 Palestinians are reported to be homeless, as Israel’s military attacks intensify in Gaza City. Brazil's former President has been sentenced to 27 years in prison. Democrats say Republicans may “regret” calling a new investigation into the January 6th Capital attack. Plus, several tech companies are being investigated by the FTC over their AI chatbots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 11, 2025 • 6min
Kirk’s shooter at large, CO gunman identified, Bolsonaro found guilty & more
We begin with the ongoing manhunt for the shooter who killed political influencer Charlie Kirk. New details have emerged on the shooting at a Colorado high school. Brazil’s Supreme Court has sealed a former president’s fate in a landmark case. The Trump administration takes its first steps to restore Harvard University’s funding, but money isn’t flowing yet. Plus, the trial of Trump’s would-be assassin got off to a rocky start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


