podcast
CNN 5 Things
We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates every weekday morning, midday and evening. Plus, 5 Good Things and One Thing on the weekends.

Magnus Carlsen just defended his Esports World Cup title, playing a centuries-old game that’s winning over a new generation of players. When funding for a decades-long marmot study dried up, researchers turned to OnlyFans – and the internet took it from there. Hundreds of “Harry Potter” fans help cast a real-life protection spell over Dobby’s final resting place. A 2026 CNN Hero is helping people with disabilities navigate life along the US-Mexico border. Plus, the only person to ever break the ...Show moresound barrier in a car just set a new record showcasing a cleaner kind of engine.
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Jasmine Amjad, Allie Torgan
Aug 22, 2026
The US and Canada are racing to finalize a trade deal ahead of a midnight deadline. Hawaii faces another tropical threat one week after deadly Hurricane Lala. The Supreme Court greenlit Trump’s White House ballroom construction project for now. We’ll tell you why Prince Harry, Elton John, and other high-profile figures have to pay a multimillion-dollar legal bill. Plus, the nation’s capital is gearing up for its first-ever IndyCar race.
Aug 21, 2026
We’re getting a look at letters that White House aide Natalie Harp allegedly wrote to President Donald Trump . Eight people were killed after a charter plane crashed in Western Alaska. President Trump heads to South Carolina to stump for Sen. Darlene Graham after an embarrassing debate stumble. North Korea is sending more reinforcements to fight for Russia, according to a senior Ukrainian intelligence official. And Netflix is sued over “KPop Demon Hunters” - but the group who brought the suit might surprise you.
Aug 21, 2026
The US Navy may rename a carrier set to honor a Black war hero. Michael Cohen says his relationship with President Trump is “being resuscitated.” The FBI seizes devices and raids the home of former CA Rep. Eric Swalwell. A NY woman is accused of an ISIS-inspired plot to attack NY state capitol. Plus, a runaway pig finds a home with a famous songwriter.
Aug 21, 2026
The feds charged a woman in an ISIS-inspired plot to attack the New York State Capitol. The FBI is involved in a probe tied to sexual assault allegations against a former Democratic congressman. We’ll break down President Donald Trump’s latest threat against Iran as a peace deal stalls. A severe storm system is developing on the East Coast. Plus, an investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death is rapidly intensifying.
Aug 20, 2026
A new aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East to take the place of the beleaguered USS Abraham Lincoln. An emotional and politicized dispute over surrogacy is playing out across multiple states. Wal-Mart says it's getting billions in tariff refunds – will you see any of it? ICE has detained the captain of a boat the capsized in New York City, killing a mother and infant. And First Lady Melania Trump returns to the public spotlight – we'll tell you about her new initiative.
Aug 20, 2026
There are new allegations of sexual assault against CA Rep. Jimmy Gomez. President Trump showcases renovations amid war and record debt. Five Americans have been killed in Kenya helicopter crash. Prince Harry and Meghan are moving back to the UK. Plus, state fair shenanigans.
Aug 20, 2026
President Donald Trump weighs in on the potential for US-Iran peace talks as regional tensions widen. We have the latest congressional lawmaker facing an ethics investigation. We’ll tell you about a big change in the Texas track meet stabbing case ahead of the defendant’s hearing for a new trial. A win for cancer research is being felt on Wall Street. Plus, the president shows off his latest White House makeover projects.
Aug 19, 2026
President Donald Trump is pausing huge tariffs on Canadian goods. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to nominate a new FDA Commissioner – we'll tell you who. Border security construction is on hold at Big Bend National Park after bipartisan pushback. Israel admits firing on a car in Gaza in an incident that made worldwide headlines. And a potential 2028 presidential hopeful is staking out middle ground in the heated AI data center debate.
Aug 19, 2026
Key takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries. Senator Darlene Graham admits in a debate: “national security is not my thing.” New details are coming out about Hayden Panettiere's death. President Trump halts Iran talks, as the US gains ground in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a Florida student wins 40 college scholarships to attend Princeton University.
Aug 19, 2026






