

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

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s six months, Harvard’s legal battle, Airforce school crash & more
President Donald Trump wants to celebrate six months in office, but he’s still dealing with the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case. We’ll look at why flooding has been so bad in the US this summer. Harvard is fighting the Trump administration in court today. A Bangladesh Airforce aircraft has crashed into a school campus. Plus, a study says parents shouldn’t give their kids smartphones before they turn 13 – we'll tell you why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Gaza aid killings, Trump threatens NFL team, Coldplay concert warning & more
The Palestinian health ministry says Israeli gunfire has killed dozens of people trying to get food in Gaza. We'll tell you why a Delta Airlines pilot apologized to passengers, and why Alaska Airlines temporarily grounded their flights. Japan’s prime minister is facing even more pressure after the country’s election. President Donald Trump says he’ll tank a deal with an NFL team unless they change their name. Plus, Coldplay gave concert goers an extra warning after that incident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 20, 2025 • 21min
One Thing: Psychedelics in the Trump Era: A Veteran’s Road to Recovery
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump officials seem open to embracing psychedelics as treatment for serious conditions trauma, depression and drug addiction. The shift has excited advocates, but some experts worry the hype could be getting ahead of science and safety. In part one of a two-part series, we hear from someone who says a powerful hallucinogen helped kick her drug habit.
Guest: Samantha Juan, US Army veteran
Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2025 • 15min
5 Good Things: Chimps Loves Trends as Much as We Do
A frequent flyer needed a kidney transplant to live, and an airline employee gave him one. Inspired by pinecones, this new tech could change how we fight wildfires. After disaster strikes, these volunteers make sure kids get their lost stuffed animals back. New research suggests chimpanzees follow trends like humans. Plus, from Cape Town to London, this runner’s journey was powered by purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2025 • 7min
Birthright citizenship, Trump signs crypto bill, TSA changes & more
A federal judge who blocked President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order may do so again. A landmark cryptocurrency bill is now law. The TSA is making traveling easier for families with children and military members. We’ll tell you why Brazil’s former president has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor. Plus, is cane sugar soda the best option in the healthy drink wars? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2025 • 7min
Dangerous flash flood risks, Bannon on WSJ story, paranormal investigator dies & more
We start with another round of heavy rain and dangerous flash flooding risks for parts of the US. A current leader of the MAGA movement is weighing in on a new report on Jeffrey Epstein. We have details on a deadly explosion at a police training facility. A suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth has ended. Plus, what we know about the sudden death of a paranormal investigator who toured with an infamously haunted doll. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2025 • 6min
DOGE cuts package concerns, Trump to sue Murdoch, rare dinosaur fossil auctioned & more
We begin with how the DOGE cuts package will affect funding for various services and industries. President Donald Trump has vowed to sue Wall Street Journal owner Rupert Murdoch over the Jeffrey Epstein case. We explain how the EU aims to weaken Russia’s economy with a new sanctions package. Christian leaders have made a rare visit to Gaza, after a strike on a Catholic church. Plus, we reveal how a bidding war helped a rare dinosaur fossil fetch an astronomical price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2025 • 7min
Flood threats, Epstein grand jury testimony, Jane’s Addiction lawsuits & more
Swathes of the US are facing storms and threats of flash flooding. After Trump ordered the release of grand jury testimony in the Epstein case, we explain what it could consist of. A new CNN poll of Americans shows waning support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Pakistan has been affected by another catastrophic flood. Plus, why the members of Jane’s Addiction are suing each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2025 • 7min
DOGE cuts approved, Trump’s birthday letter to Epstein, Stephen Colbert's show axed & more
We start with President Donald Trump’s “big” win after a DOGE cuts bill was passed. We explain how Trump has responded to a report that he wrote a bawdy birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein. Israel has responded to reports it hit Gaza’s only Catholic church. A former police officer was sentenced but then immediately paroled after shooting a motorist at a traffic stop. Plus, why CBS has cancelled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 17, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s diagnosis, FDA approves Juul e-cigarettes, midterm motivation & more
We start with President Trump’s medical diagnosis for leg swelling. Juul’s tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes can go back on the market. The Trump administration paused research that could improve flood preparedness. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance the nomination of a controversial appointee. Plus, which political party is more motivated for the midterms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


