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.

This toddler’s barely walking yet, but she’s already crossing finish lines at record-breaking speed. Their love story started with a skydive, so they had to take their love to new heights on their wedding day. This senior living community in New Jersey takes residents on trips around the world without booking a flight. A CNN Hero alum has spent almost three decades helping women rebuild their lives after prison. Plus, new research suggests dogs are pretty tuned into our emotions.
Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Christie O’Reilly
Aug 15, 2026
President Donald Trump dismissed and downplayed concerns raised by sailors’ families regarding conditions on a US aircraft carrier. Alex Murdaugh’s defense team secured a win today ahead of his double-murder retrial. Record heat in Europe will barely loosen its grip this weekend. Federal authorities are pursuing another alleged vandalism case in Washington, DC. Plus, an American missionary held captive for nine months is on his way home.
Aug 14, 2026
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Storms are drenching parts of the Midwest for the sixth straight day, forcing evacuations. President Trump asks the Supreme Court to intervene in his effort to build the White House ballroom. A federal judge has tossed out the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Harvard University that alleged the school failed to protect its Jewish students from discrimination. And Polish authorities say a Russian plot to kill an American citizen in Warsaw has been foiled.
Aug 14, 2026
There are growing mental health concerns aboard the USS Lincoln. Luigi Mangione is slated to appear in Federal court today. The Interior Department is investigating vandalism at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Selena Gomez is being sued by investors of her mental health startup. Plus, the Ocean Photographer of the year finalists are announced.
Aug 14, 2026
Sailors' families flag poor conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln during the ship’s record-breaking deployment amid the Iran war. We have details on a massive oil spill off the coast of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. A Trump-aligned board is doubling down on plans to renovate the Kennedy Center. Hawaii is bracing for a tropical storm threat this weekend. Plus, someone’s net worth changed overnight after hitting the Powerball jackpot.
Aug 13, 2026
A US official tells CNN that a sailor went overboard last month off the USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of worsening crew member mental health during a record deployment at sea. A week of severe storms has brought dangerous flooding to parts of Indiana. Flock is rolling out new safety features in an effort to quell concerns about surveillance. Rep. Max Miller is sued by his ex-wife over the accidental release of a nude photo of their daughter. And a murder trial has put a spotlight on a serious issue facing mothers everywhere.
Aug 13, 2026
Two people have been killed in an Army helicopter crash. Video shows an ICE agent pulling a gun on woman in a parking lot. Ukrainian President Zelensky pleads for US missiles, to stop Russian attacks. Europe wowed by yesterday’s total eclipse. Plus, old people parkour.
Aug 13, 2026
Authorities are investigating a fiery military helicopter crash in central Texas. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is becoming more pressing amid dwindling oil stockpiles. We take a look at where plea talks stand between Luigi Mangione and federal prosecutors. A prominent aide to President Donald Trump is leaving her role. There’s new developments in the Justice Department’s case against the Southern Poverty Law Center. Plus, one of the best-known teams in sports sold for big bucks.
Aug 12, 2026
David Crowley squeaks past democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary – will the party unite behind him? Inflation cooled a bit in July. ICE has plans to buy electric shock gloves, which the company that makes them says are intended to deescalate encounters. A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States with untreated high blood pressure would benefit from treatment but aren’t getting it. And parts of Europe and Iceland are lining up for glasses as they prepare for a total solar eclipse.
Aug 12, 2026
CNN has results in the Wisconsin and South Carolina primaries. Deadly storms slam the Midwest and Ohio Valley. President Trump speaks about the secret airplane switch tied to an Iranian missile threat. A Marine vet is home after four years in Russian detention. Plus, the Powerball jackpot hits $1B for tonight’s drawing.
Aug 12, 2026






