podcast
CNN 5 Things
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.

We’re entering Day 2 of the government shutdown with no end in sight. A deadly terrorist attack in the UK on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar is under investigation. Russian President Vladamir Putin swipes back at President Donald Trump and warned Europe during a speech. Elon Musk’s net worth briefly hit a milestone. Plus, a baby planet with a massive growth spurt.
Oct 2, 2025
The Trump administration is threatening mass layoffs as the government shutdown drags on. Israel has intercepted all but one of the boats in a flotilla heading towards Gaza. There’s been a car ramming and knife attack at a British synagogue. Five students have been rescued from the school collapse in Indonesia, but hope is fading for others still trapped. Plus, there’s a change coming to 401(k) contributions.
Oct 2, 2025
We start with where negotiations sit on the second day of the government shutdown. Israel’s interception of a Gaza aid flotilla is sparking international outcry. The DOJ has fired a prosecutor over a false social media post. A judge has ruled on the Trump administration's attempt to cut anti-terror funding in New York. Plus, there’s been collision between two planes at a US airport.
Oct 2, 2025
Federal workers are bearing the brunt of a government shutdown. The Supreme Court is allowing a Fed governor to keep her job – for now. We have an update on the Trump administration's crackdowns in Oregon and Tennessee. Trump is taking things with this Arab ally to another level. Plus, remembering a legendary expert whose work revolutionized the study of primates.
Oct 1, 2025
As lawmakers trade blame for the government shutdown, the economy is feeling the impact. Thousands of federal workers have been furloughed with firings potentially on the way. National Guard troops have been sent to Memphis. We have an update on twin hurricanes Imedla and Humberto. Plus, the Trump administration’s initiative to end childhood cancer with AI.
Oct 1, 2025
The US government has shutdown, with no clear end in sight. Plus, we'll also tell you what services it'll impact. A powerful earthquake has caused destruction in the Philippines. Many students are still believed to be trapped days after a school collapse. Plus, why Hollywood stars are criticizing the creation of an AI actress.
Oct 1, 2025
We begin with a crucial, last-minute vote that could decide whether the government will shut down tonight. Hamas is under a tight deadline to review a new US peace plan. We have updates on the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Trump announced new efforts to lower drug prices in the US. Plus, twin storm warnings for the East Coast and Bermuda.
Sep 30, 2025
With a government shutdown just hours away, thousands of federal workers may be furloughed. We explain what happened at an unprecedented gathering of senior US military officers. The White House is preparing to send National Guard troops to Louisiana and Illinois. There’s been another death in the Dallas ICE facility shooting. Plus, why this country faces a total internet blackout.
Sep 30, 2025
With negotiations stalling yesterday, the government is set to shutdown in less than 24 hours. The US and Israel have a peace plan for Gaza, but Hamas hasn’t responded yet. New tariffs have been announced on lumber and other wooden products. A judge has ruled on the job cuts at Voice of America. Plus, abortions by medical professionals in the US is going down. (e
Sep 30, 2025
We begin with key takeaways from President Donald Trump’s meeting with the Israeli PM on a Gaza ceasefire. High-stakes talks with congressional leaders to avoid a shutdown yielded little progress. Authorities gave an update on an attack at a Michigan church. We have details on an acquisition deal that’s now the largest buyout in history. Plus, McDonald’s is bringing back a fan-favorite - with a high-tech twist.
Sep 29, 2025