

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

Nov 19, 2025 • 7min
Epstein Bill to Trump, Wall Street Jitters, TX Redistricting Blocked and more
The measure to release all the case files related to Jeffrey Epstein is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk. The DHS is looking to crackdown on immigration in more southern cities after the blitz in Charlotte, North Carolina. We explain why Wall Street is having a nervy week. A federal judge has delivered a major blow to Texas’ congressional redistricting measures. Plus, a small island nation has made soccer history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18, 2025 • 6min
Epstein Bill Passes, Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince, Kessler Twins Die and more
Congress has taken a major step to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. President Donald Trump got into a tense exchange with the media during the Saudi crown prince’s White House visit. Republicans are dealing with a major setback in the redistricting wars. Federal investigators released new details about last year’s bridge collapse in Baltimore. Plus, the untimely death of an entertainment duo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18, 2025 • 7min
Epstein Survivors, US-Saudi Arabia summit, Severe Flu Season and more
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse have met on Capitol Hill, ahead of the House vote to release related case files. The immigration blitz in North Carolina has shifted to Raleigh. We explain why the affordability crisis is rattling small businesses. President Donald Trump is welcoming Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince at the White House. Plus, why flu season could get really bad this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18, 2025 • 7min
Trump and Maduro Diplomacy, NC Immigration Crackdown, Cambridge Word of the Year and more
President Donald Trump is considering diplomacy as well as military options in his response to his claims of Venezuela's president’s alleged drug trafficking. A second city in North Carolina is now a target for ICE raids. The UN has voted on the US-drafted Gaza peace resolution. The cost of rebuilding the Baltimore bridge is going to be much more expensive than initially thought. Plus, Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year describes a growing modern phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 17, 2025 • 7min
Trump on Epstein Files, SCOTUS Asylum Case, Controversial Auction Canceled and more
We start with President Donald Trump’s latest comments on the drama surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. We’ll break down two big stories on asylum policies in the US and UK. We hear from a business owner about the Trump administration’s immigration blitz in North Carolina. Another Trump official is leaving the administration. Plus, the backlash from Holocaust survivors that called off an auction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 17, 2025 • 7min
Charlotte ICE raids, Grocery Prices, California Storms and more
We explore what’s behind President Donald Trump’s reversal on the Jeffrey Epstein files House vote. Charlotte, North Carolina has become the next target for immigration raids. We look at whether the White House’s plan to pull back some tariffs will lower grocery prices. Bangladesh’s former prime minister has been sentenced to death. Plus, Southern California is facing dangerous flooding and mudslides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 17, 2025 • 7min
Epstein Files U-Turn, UN Gaza Vote, Marjorie Taylor Greene-Trump Rift and more
In a major shift, President Donald Trump is now calling for the release of the Epstein files. The US has designated a Venezuelan cartel as a terrorist organization. The UN is set for a crucial vote on the US-backed peace proposal for Gaza. We explain why China is warning its citizens against traveling to Japan. Plus, why a staunch Trump ally has turned against the President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 2025 • 20min
One Thing: Unpacking Trump’s Second Term Pardon Spree
President Donald Trump has pardoned more than 1,600 people who played significant roles in matters involving him personally across his two terms, including dozens who worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Presidents always flex pardon power, so what makes these so unusual? We hear from a constitutional law expert who says part of the answer lies in the man in charge of the review process.
For more: Trump’s pardons aren’t just political; more importantly, they’re transactional
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Guest: Kim Wehle, former Assistant US Attorney
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 15, 2025 • 13min
5 Good Things: A Love Story for the Record Books
Hear why this school in Ohio has students speaking up. From painting to songwriting, this veteran helps others heal. A Sydney-based scientist is leading the fight to restore the largest living structure on the planet. The “Tall Tour” and its attendees reach new heights. Plus, this couple fell in love in 1941 – today, they’re world record holders.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Jasmine Amjad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 14, 2025 • 7min
Trump Demands Epstein Probe, Rare Tick Death, Beloved Coach Dies and more
We start with President Donald Trump’s apparent shift in strategy in the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. We’ll tell you about the latest clash in the Chicago immigration crackdown. After more than a decade, Walmart is getting a new boss. We explain how tiny bugs gave a father a deadly allergy. Plus, sad news about the former football coach featured in a popular Netflix docuseries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


