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.

A paraplegic man and his best friend set off on a trip that could redefine what accessibility means. Meet the CNN Hero protecting mountain gorillas by empowering their human neighbors. Researchers are heading to a remote Pacific island hoping to solve the decades-old mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart. Women's professional baseball begins a historic new chapter in front of a sold-out crowd. Plus, we'll tell you why thousands gather in Tuscany for one of Italy's most charming races.
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Zach Goldbaum, Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Laura Sharman, Kathleen Toner
Aug 1, 2026
President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough between Israel and Hamas, but there’s major caveats. We’ll tell you which parts of the US could see record temperatures this weekend. We have new developments in the Nancy Guthrie abduction case. A fiery military jet crash on a California Marine Corps base is under investigation. Plus, the fallout continues over FIFA’s plan to sell a minority stake in the World Cup to private investors.
Jul 31, 2026
President Donald Trump is defending the controversial Department of Justice "anti-weaponization fund" as his pick for permanent Attorney General hangs in the balance. An estimated 60,000 migrants rush the border between Morocco and Spain. New York becomes the latest state to take the prediction market Kalshi to court. Anthropic admits its AI models also went rogue and hacked outside systems. And certain peptides get one step closer to FDA approval.
Jul 31, 2026
President Trump announced a deal with Hamas as conflict in the Middle East escalates. The president threatens to pull his nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General, amid GOP revolt. The father of the Georgia school shooter is sentenced to 15 years in prison. Europe threatens a World Cup boycott over $20 billion FIFA plan. Plus, a kitten gets DIY wheelchair.
Jul 31, 2026
We start with the latest country to be pulled into the widening US-Iran conflict. The first parent of a school shooter to be convicted of murder has been sentenced. FIFA’s controversial plan to privatize the World Cup is hitting an abrupt roadblock. Another Republican senator is throwing Todd Blanche’s attorney general confirmation into further doubt. Plus, what you need to know before you upload your medical data into an AI program.
Jul 30, 2026
President Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general is in trouble. We have some new economic data to discuss. A new CNN poll shows that as of now, Democrats have an edge heading into the midterms. A missile apparently launched by Russia lands inside Poland. And the cyclosporiasis outbreak takes a bite out of Taco Bell sales.
Jul 30, 2026
The US launches more strikes in Iran after President Trump’s retaliation vow. Dr. Anthony Fauci declines to answer questions over 100 times. The Fed holds interest rates steady, as three officials dissent. BTS pulls out of the Grammys after Asian pop category was added. Plus, the Green Bay Packers continue bike-riding tradition.
Jul 30, 2026
We start with a divided Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates and how Wall Street is reacting. Dr. Anthony Fauci could be in trouble after repeatedly pleading the Fifth. A key Republican holdout is threatening to tank Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general tomorrow. We’ll hear another round of emotional testimony in a Massachusetts mom’s triple-murder trial. Plus, the soccer world is furious about a controversial plan from FIFA.
Jul 29, 2026
Dr. Anthony Fauci was subpoenaed to testify on Capitol Hill to answer questions about the Covid-19 pandemic — but he’s keeping quiet. As President Donald Trump promises to retaliate against Iran, questions remain about US weapons stockpiles. Meanwhile, a new CNN poll is full of warning signs for Trump and his priorities. Wildfires continue to scorch Western Europe, and more countries could be in the danger zone. And we’ll explain why the US is banning certain foreign-made humanoid robots.
Jul 29, 2026
A “surprise” attack by Iran triggers rare US-Saudi strikes. The Georgia school shooter gets life in prison without parole. Todd Blanche nomination uncertain as key GOP Senators raise doubts. An unusually strong storm threatens the northeast with flash floods. Plus, the World's longest continuous river race is underway on the Missouri River.
Jul 29, 2026






