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 start with a preview of President Donald Trump’s speech on the cost of living. The Justice Department’s efforts to release the Jeffrey Epstein files took an important step forward. We’ll tell you where the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations now stand. A shooting on a Kentucky campus is under investigation. Plus, an update on the Tufts University student whose visa was revoked after criticizing Israel.
Dec 9, 2025
President Donald Trump has graded his economic performance in a new interview. Trump has also addressed the deadly double-tap strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean. The Supreme Court is hearing a GOP-led effort to lift campaign spending caps. Trump has some scathing words for the US’ European allies. Plus, a country has banned children under 16 from using social media.
Dec 9, 2025
A Supreme Court ruling backing President Donald Trump’s federal firings could have major implications for the president’s power. Ukraine’s leader is doubling down on his refusal to give up territory to Russia. The State Department has released figures on how many visas have been revoked in the last year. Trump is easing export controls on a key piece of AI technology. Plus, ABC executives have decided the fate of Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show.
Dec 9, 2025
We start with key takeaways on a separation of powers case involving a fired FTC commissioner. President Donald Trump unveiled a bailout plan for farmers hit hard by the trade war. Trump’s former personal lawyer stepped down from a top job. We’ll tell you why former FBI agents are suing Director Kash Patel. Plus, parts of Japan are reeling from a powerful earthquake.
Dec 8, 2025
Paramount is launching a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery to rival Netflix's. President Donald Trump is facing a major test of his presidential influence at the Supreme Court today. Trump plans to sign an executive order blocking AI regulations at the state level. Ukraine’s President has met with the leaders of several major European countries. Plus, we have this year’s Golden Globe nominations
Dec 8, 2025
New figures show many of those arrested by ICE do not have criminal records. President Donald Trump is accusing Ukraine’s President of not reading the US-backed peace deal. Meanwhile, Trump could be dealt a major political blow in Indiana this week. Thailand has launched airstrikes against Cambodia. Plus, the celebrities Trump awarded at last night’s Kennedy Center Honors.
Dec 8, 2025
Green card holders. Refugees. Asylum seekers. Even naturalized citizens. Fear and confusion are gripping immigrants of all stripes across the country as President Donald Trump expands his restrictions on legal immigration in the wake of the National Guard shooting in Washington, DC. Is this about public safety, or something else? And could Trump’s xenophobic “garbage” comments about Somalis encourage more hateful rhetoric? We hear why the recent moves could jam up a system that’s already plenty ...Show moreclogged.
For more: How Trump is intensifying his crackdown on every form of immigration to the US
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Guests: Elissa J. Taub, immigration lawyer & Priscilla Alvarez, CNN Correspondent
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Rob Kuznia
Dec 7, 2025
A prison and a ministry hosted its first-ever daddy–daughter dance. One creator’s mission to spread kindness turned into a financial lifeline for an 88-year-old working veteran. Two Brooklyn teens saw a broken system and built a tool thousands are using. New research suggests your teenage brain might have stuck around way past high school. Plus, these fun monthly sessions make boring tasks way more bearable.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Samantha Lindell, Jo Parker, Elliott Proctor
Dec 6, 2025
The Supreme Court is taking up a high-stakes case on President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. The accused DC pipe bomber had his first court hearing today. A federal judge’s order is paving the way for the Jeffrey Epstein files to be released to the public. New economic data is getting at the heart of America’s affordability crisis. Plus, a look at some of the standout matches kicking off next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Dec 5, 2025
The CDC has just voted on a major change to childhood vaccinations. Criticism is mounting over the Trump administration's strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean. A new Netflix deal with Warner Bros. could reshape Hollywood and online streaming. The DC pipe bomb suspect is set to appear in court, as authorities share a possible motive. Plus, we reveal the city which has overtaken Tokyo as the most populated city in the world.
Dec 5, 2025






