podcast
CNN 5 Things
We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm Eastern, every weekday.

Famine has taken hold in parts of Gaza as people are also facing dire consequences from Israel’s military takeover of Gaza City. A federal judge has ruled on the controversial detention camp “Alligator Alcatraz.” We reveal the fate of a trio of redistricting bills in California. Hurricane Erin may be moving away from the US, but it’s still posing risks for coastlines. Plus, the outcome of Erik Menendez’s parole hearing.
Aug 22, 2025
We start with a university president’s message to students about a report of an active shooter. President Donald Trump promoted his broad federal crackdown alongside law enforcement agents. We’re tracking the latest developments in California and Texas’ redistricting push. The Israeli military is making new preps in its Gaza takeover plans. We’ll tell you where Hurricane Erin is heading. Plus, investors are unhappy over a restaurant chain’s modern makeover.
Aug 21, 2025
President Donald Trump is taking a victory lap in his New York fraud case. California and Texas are on the verge of approving competing redistricting maps. Hundreds of CDC jobs are on the chopping block. We have the latest on the Menendez brothers’ fight for freedom. Plus, how safe is TikTok?
Aug 21, 2025
We start with breaking news that President Donald Trump's civil fraud penalty has been thrown out. From Florida to Maine, the East Coast is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Erin. Exhausted soldiers may be an issue for Israel’s military as it pushes ahead with its assault on Gaza City. The Kremlin is pouring cold water on the prospect of a meeting between Russia and Ukraine’s leaders. California has received a boost in its congressional redistricting plan. Plus, we pay tribute to an unlikely social media star known for fairness and compassion.
Aug 21, 2025
Israel’s Prime Minister is planning to sign off on plans for a massive assault on Gaza City. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he’s open to compromise in a ceasefire deal – but there’s one major condition. We tell you what Hurricane Erin’s northward movement means for the East Coast. A secret nuclear base has been discovered in North Korea. Plus, a popular streamer has died during a live stream.
Aug 21, 2025
Israel’s military has begun its assault on Gaza City. Hurricane Erin is expected to bring powerful winds and storm surges to the East Coast. A vote has finally happened on the Texas House redistricting bill. More cuts are coming to the nation’s top intelligence agency. Plus, no passenger wants to see this on a plane.
Aug 21, 2025
We begin with a judge’s decision on unsealing grand jury transcripts and exhibits from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Former President Barack Obama weighs in on California’s redistricting efforts. More evacuations are underway as Hurricane Erin approaches the US East Coast. Immigrants hoping to become US citizens face another hurdle. Plus, we’ll tell you what happened during the Vice President’s visit with the DC National Guard.
Aug 20, 2025
We start with the latest in Texas and California’s redistricting wars. President Donald Trump is calling for another top Fed official’s resignation. We’ll explain why the US-Mexico border will look different. Tensions are rising between Israel and several of its Western allies. Plus, a warning for Walmart shoppers.
Aug 20, 2025
The Kremlin throws cold water on the White House’s plans for a bilateral meeting between Russia and Ukraine’s leaders. We have the latest forecast on Hurricane Erin. Poor sales at this retail staple have led to a change of leadership. Hundreds of Health and Human Services staffers aren’t happy with their boss. Plus, the clue that could mean TikTok is here to stay in the US.
Aug 20, 2025
We explain why Russia is refusing to commit to details for a planned meeting with Ukraine. Israel is increasing the size of its army before a planned takeover of Gaza City. Texas House Democrats are not backing down ahead of a vote on new congressional maps today. A new visa policy to screen for “anti-Americanism” harks back to the 1950s. Plus, a National Park ranger has lost their job over a pride flag.
Aug 20, 2025