

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

Jun 20, 2025 • 7min
Khalil release granted, Geneva talks end, ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary & more
A federal judge ordered the release of the pro-Palestinian activist at the center of a deportation fight. We have key takeaways from diplomacy talks over the Israel-Iran conflict. Brutal heat expands over the US in the coming days. Pope Leo gave a message to tech executives about artificial intelligence. Plus, we'll tell you how a classic summer blockbuster has changed our perception of sharks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 7min
Iran’s message to Trump, SCOTUS ruling, world’s best restaurant & more
An official with the Iranian presidency spokesperson offered one path to diplomacy with the country. A Supreme Court ruling made it easier for victims of terrorist attacks to sue the Palestinian Authority. A man is in custody after an incident with an Ohio congressman on the road. A top Federal Reserve official has joined President Donald Trump’s calls to cut interest rates. Plus, we reveal which restaurant scooped the world’s top prize in what’s known as the Oscars of innovative fine dining. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 6min
Iran-Europe talks, Aflac hack, news alert fatigue & more
We start with negotiations between European leaders and Iran in Geneva. Cybercriminals have breached insurance giant Aflac. Pro-Palestinian activists broke into Britain’s largest air base. President Donald Trump passed on honoring Juneteenth and made this complaint about federal holidays instead. Plus, why smart phone users are disabling news alerts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 7min
Iran’s biggest backers, tariff warnings explained, pitcher carted off & more
An Iranian official is meeting with European ministers today for nuclear talks. Meanwhile, two of Iran’s allies are presenting a united front over the conflict. We keep hearing about tariffs pushing up prices, we’ll look at why that hasn’t happened yet. A man’s been arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap the mayor of Memphis, Tennessee. Plus, a Tampa Bay Rays player was dramatically carted off the field last night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 7min
A deadline for diplomacy, derailment health studies, NBA finals & more
The two-week timer has been started for Iran and Israel to end the conflict diplomatically before President Donald Trump decides if the US will get involved. The Minnesota lawmaker who survived last week’s attack has spoken about it publicly for the first time. We’ll tell you what a federal appeals court decided about who can control California’s National Guard. Health studies have been commissioned to look at the long-term impact of the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment. Plus, the latest from game 6 of the NBA finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 7min
US grace period on Iran, TikTok’s lifeline extended, ICE agents denied & more
There appears to be an openness to diplomacy amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Palestinians are mourning the losses from Israel’s latest military strikes in Gaza. TikTok is catching another break from President Donald Trump. We’ll tell you why Thailand’s prime minister is facing growing pressure to step down. Plus, the LA Dodgers and Trump administration are at odds over ICE agents on stadium grounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 7min
US weighs options, Trump rages at interest rates, new Covid-19 variant & more
We start with an update on whether President Trump will order a US strike on Iran. President Donald Trump is calling for an unprecedented interest rate cut. A new Covid-19 variant surging in China is now in the US. The DHS issued new guidance for lawmakers visiting ICE detention centers after tense confrontations. Plus, an LGBTQ march in a major European city is longer happening later this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 6min
Israel’s warning, Gabbard ‘off message’, Juneteenth celebrations scaled back & more
The Israeli defense minister says Iran’s Supreme Leader “cannot continue to exist.” We’ll explain why Donald Trump’s intel chief appears to be falling out of favor with the president. The wife of the Colorado attack suspect says she and her children are suffering in ICE custody. Former President Barack Obama warns the US is close to falling into an autocracy. And, we tell you why the federal holiday marking the end of slavery is getting such little attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 7min
Iran-Israel attacks, Hortman house break-in, ready meal deaths & more
Iran and Israel have exchanged more strikes, including one that hit a hospital, as the conflict enters day seven. Police are investigating what appears to be a break-in at the home of the Minnesota lawmaker shot and killed last week. New York City's mayoral race is getting a shake-up. And, a deadly listeria outbreak has been linked to a ready meal sold at major chain stores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 7min
Israeli hospital hit, ‘bunker buster’ bomb, Hurricane Erick & more
The latest Iranian strikes on Israel have hit several civilian areas, including a hospital. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is still deciding whether the US will get involved in the conflict, as some officials suggest using a “bunker buster” bomb. Police say they’ve found explosives at the home of a man arrested near a “No Kings” protest. Hurricane Erick is set to make landfall today. And, the Air India plane crash survivor gives an emotional goodbye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


