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.

A fire at a Swiss ski resort bar has killed dozens of people. Obamacare’s enhanced premium subsidies have now run out, impacting millions of Americans. Zohran Mamdani is now officially New York City’s new mayor. The Trump administration has begun slashing FEMA disaster response staff. Plus, a person has died in Colorado after a suspected mountain lion attack.
Jan 2, 2026
In this special episode, we look at some of the top stories of the past year that will continue making headlines in 2026.
Jan 1, 2026
We start with an oil tanker that’s being pursued by the US near Venezuela. The House Judiciary Committee has released the closed-door hearing testimony of a former special counselor. The National Guard is leaving several key democratic cities for now. New York City mayor welcomes a new mayor at midnight. Plus, the search for the body of a missing teenager in Texas has ended.
Dec 31, 2025
2026 will bring changes to healthcare premiums and SNAP benefits in some states. The government has frozen federal child care payments in Minnesota. We explain why Israel is threatening to suspend aid groups in Gaza. California will be ringing in the new year with more heavy rain. Plus, $400,000 worth of seafood has been stolen in New England.
Dec 31, 2025
We start with the untimely death of President John F. Kennedy's granddaughter. The FBI and DHS are investigating fraud allegations in Minnesota. A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's latest attempt to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Foreign ministers from 10 countries have issued a call to action in Gaza. Plus, we explain what’s behind the rapid spread of two contagious illnesses.
Dec 30, 2025
The US struck its first target inside Venezuela earlier this month. President Donald Trump has wrapped up two days of diplomacy with Israel and Ukraine’s leaders. We explain how a viral video by a led to a surge of police presence in Minnesota. More artists are cancelling their appearances at the Kennedy Center. Plus, this iconic musician has reached a financial milestone.
Dec 30, 2025
President Donald Trump praised his meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister, even as disagreements remain. The president also shared an update on the US’ campaign against Venezuela. China is conducting “major military drills” around Taiwan. A second pilot has died after a midair helicopter crash in New Jersey. Plus, weeks after an epic knock out, a British boxing star is injured in a tragic accident.
Dec 29, 2025
We start with how peace talks fared between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s leader in Florida. A winter storm is causing travel disruptions across large parts of the US. An investigation is underway after two helicopters crashed midair in New Jersey. A train has derailed in Mexico. Plus, it’s time to wave goodbye to this New York staple.
Dec 29, 2025
If you binge-watched “The Diplomat” or “Death by Lightning” this year, you’re not alone. These politics-centric dramas have united audiences at a time when real-life politics can feel toxic and fractured. Why is this genre so resilient? And could Washington, DC itself become a new home for Hollywood storytelling? We hear from someone who is banking on it.
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Guest: David Beaubaire, Founder & CEO, Sunset Lane Media
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Liam Reilly
Dec 28, 2025
The free travel program that helps American students discover unfamiliar parts of the US is expanding in a big way. This nature reserve in Tennessee is seeing new growth, thanks to goats. CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta recaps the hopeful progress made this year on the procedure that could save countless lives. This year’s CNN Hero of the Year is proving flowers can be powerful in more ways than one. This state has a drunk driving problem – this nonprofit took steps to try to change that, and other states are taking notice.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Dec 27, 2025






