

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

Aug 18, 2025 • 7min
Land for peace deal, redistricting fights, AT&T data breach payout & more
Ukraine's president is expected to be pushed to swap land for peace and security during today’s White House summit. Texas and California are moving forward with redrawing electoral maps in their respective states. Police are searching for multiple suspects after a deadly shooting at a crowded Brooklyn lounge. We’ll tell you why the US is suspending visitor visas for people from Gaza. Plus, AT&T subscribers may be in for a small windfall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 18, 2025 • 7min
White House summit, Hurricane Erin, sending troops to DC & more
European leaders, including Ukraine’s, will meet at the White House today following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russia’s president. We track the first major storm of the hurricane season that’s also one of the most rapidly intensifying storms in Atlantic history. Three states are sending hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, DC. We’ll tell you why one of the largest demonstrations since the Gaza war began has taken place in Israel. Plus, striking airline workers have defied a government back-to-work order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 17, 2025 • 20min
One Thing: What Trump’s DC Takeover is Really About
As President Donald Trump’s takeover of Washington, DC law enforcement continues, some critics are questioning just how much safer it will make the streets – and whether the tactics will soon be replicated in other cities. We hear from an expert who believes there may be other motivations behind Trump’s unprecedented actions in the capital.
Guest: Trevor Gardner, Professor of Law, Washington University in St. Louis
Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895.
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Senior Producer: Faiz Jamil
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 16, 2025 • 14min
5 Good Things: How a Principal Gets Kids Excited for Back to School
The “Parody Principal” remixes morning announcements. New research breaks down the amount of dance moves cockatoos have up their wings. This CNN Hero is feeding thousands with free meals that were going to be thrown out. One musician’s loss sparked a creative solution to help others facing the same thing. Plus, getting your spouse’s attention is an art form at this beloved Iowa State fair contest.
For more feelgood news, sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2025 • 7min
Trump-Putin summit, US troops vs. drug cartels, Americans drinking differently & more
We start with the high-stakes meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. A dramatic US military show is happening in the waters around Latin America and the Caribbean. We have the latest from a hearing about DC’s police takeover lawsuit. The mayor of New Orleans has been indicted. Plus, a new survey shows Americans’ drinking habits are changing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2025 • 7min
What Putin wants, Texas House reconvenes, ‘woke’ teacher test & more
A Russia expert weighs in on how Russian President Vladimir Putin may be approaching his meeting with President Donald Trump. Attempts are being made in DC to end Trump’s police takeover. We'll tell you where Hurricane Erin is heading. Texas Republicans have called a new special session. Plus, some teachers in this state will now have to pass a controversial new test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2025 • 7min
DC sues Trump admin, Hurricane Erin, at-home flu vaccine & more
President Donald Trump laid out why he was having today’s summit with his Russian counterpart. Washington, DC is suing the federal government over its takeover of the city's police. The Atlantic Ocean officially has its first hurricane of the season. We break down the latest economic data on mortgage rates and more. Plus, you can now give yourself a flu vaccine at home without needing a needle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2025 • 7min
DC confusion, DEI guidance blocked, ICE raid death & more
Ukrainian civilians are continuing to die in Russian attacks ahead of today’s summit between the US and Russian presidents. There’s confusion in DC as federal agents prepare clearing out homeless encampments. Texas Democratic lawmakers say they’ll return to the state to end the redistricting standoff - but there’s a catch. A district judge has blocked the Trump administrations DEI guidance in schools. And, a man has died while running from ICE agents in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2025 • 7min
Trump-Putin meet today, DC’s ‘emergency police commissioner,’ Roblox sued & more
We’ll tell you what to expect ahead of today’s meeting between President Donald Trump and Russia’s president. Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing backlash after appointing an “emergency police commissioner” in DC. Wildfires in Colorado have prompted the state’s governor to declare a disaster emergency. Flash flooding in India-Administered Kashmir has killed dozens of people and hundreds are missing. And, why a popular online game is being sued. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 14, 2025 • 7min
Mississippi social media law, TX Dems return, new blood pressure guidelines & more
SCOTUS has allowed Mississippi to enforce a law that impacts how minors use social media. We tell you why there are a mix of high hopes and skepticism around President Donald Trump’s summit tomorrow. Texas Democrats signal they’re ready to work with state Republicans again. President Trump’s crackdown on DC’s homeless population has begun. Plus, get ready for a bit more aggressive approach to high blood pressure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


