

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

May 12, 2025 • 7min
Trade war thawing, Trump’s big trip, Diddy opening statements & more
There’s hope the trade war is thawing between the US and China as a tariff roll-back has been announced. President Donald Trump is heading to the Middle East. Trump says he’ll cut the price of medicines, but he could face some opposition. US oil production is predicted to drop next year. Plus, opening statements are expected today in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 2025 • 7min
Drastic tariff roll back, American hostage release, luxury jet controversy & more
The US and China have agreed to dramatically roll back tariffs. Hamas says it will release the last known living American hostage in Gaza. Ukraine’s president says he’s prepared to meet with Russia’s leader this week for peace talks. We’ll bring you the latest from the ceasefire in India and Pakistan. Plus, Air Force One could be getting a controversial glow up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 11, 2025 • 20min
One Thing: Air Traffic, Out of Control?
The Department of Transportation announced it will build a “brand new air traffic control system” by 2029. It follows more than a week of massive delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport sparked by a frightening communications blackout. We look at the plan for the new system and hear from a former air traffic controller who says government funding is at the heart of the problem.
Guest: Michael McCormick, Air Traffic Management Program Coordinator at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University & Alexandra Skores, CNN Transportation Reporter
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

6 snips
May 10, 2025 • 16min
5 Good Things: A Second Grade Conclave Elected a Kid Pope
Join Erica Hill, CNN anchor and correspondent, as she shares heartwarming stories and pressing challenges from across the globe. Discover how a second-grade conclave in Georgia playfully elected a 'Kid Pope' named David. Hill also discusses her report from Venice, highlighting innovative engineering efforts to combat rising sea levels. You'll meet Chewy, a rescued Shih Tzu who found joy at a Texas senior center, and hear about the inspiring 2025 National Teacher of the Year. Plus, enjoy touching mom advice from listeners just in time for Mother's Day!

May 9, 2025 • 18min
Conclave Watch: The Book That 'Pope Pilled’ The Internet
Interest in the 2024 Oscar-winning film “Conclave” skyrocketed as Cardinals gathered in Rome this week and elected Pope Leo XIV. We talk with the author of the book that inspired the movie, who shares why he thinks the story has resonated with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Guest: “Conclave” author Robert Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 7min
US-China weekend talks, Trump appoints Fox News host, new at-home screening device & more
US and Chinese officials are meeting in person for the first time since their tit-for-tat trade war began. Blackouts have been reported in several cities in India amid escalating clashes with Pakistan. We have new developments on the high-profile arrest of a Tufts University student from Turkey. President Donald Trump made a notable change for one position after pushback from Republicans. Plus, the first cervical screening device that can be used at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 7min
Latest Newark airport outage, Trump’s foreign trip, ‘Diddy’s’ trial & more
We start with the latest troubling technical problem that impacted Newark airport today. A Russian politician is pouring cold water on President Donald Trump’s ceasefire demand. Some Trump administration officials have privately turned to a familiar face for the President’s upcoming Middle East trip. Milwaukee is taking steps to address a lead crisis. And, the prosecution’s star witness could take the stand soon in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 7min
Trump’s tariff concession, David Souter dies, transgender troops exit deadline & more
President Donald Trump says he wants tariffs on Chinese goods to drop to 80%. Pope Leo XIV warns about “practical atheism.” Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter has died. US troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria have just months to resign. Plus, we’ll tell you how a man who was killed in a shooting has given a statement in court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 7min
Leo XIV takes the helm, tariffs impact shopping, sea levels rising faster & more
First, we breakdown who the new pope is and what he could bring to the role. President Donald Trump’s tariffs are about to impact how Americans shop. An FAA report downplayed the risks of a data outage affecting Newark air traffic controllers. We’ll tell you what faster rising global sea levels means for coastal towns and cities. And, the founder of a cryptocurrency lending platform has received a lengthy jail sentence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 7min
Pope Leo XIV’s first mass, China exports grow, Lively to take stand & more
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has taken part in his first mass as the head of the Catholic Church. US Vice President JD Vance says the India-Pakistan conflict is “none of our business.” Chinese exports to the US have dropped dramatically, but they’re up overall. Russia’s Victory Day celebrations are bigger this year. Plus, Blake Lively’s lawyers say she intends to take the stand in her civil case with co-star Justin Baldoni. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


