CNN 5 Things

Back to Home
CNN 5 Things artwork
News

by CNN Podcasts

Monday through Friday get up to speed on the biggest headlines of the day with 5 Things. On Saturdays, get a break for your ears with good news from 5 Good Things. And at noon and Sundays, we take you beyond the headlines to help make sense of what everyone is talking about in politics and beyond with One Thing.

20 episodes summarized

Episodes

He Used to Oversee Executions. He Still Sees The Dead.

He Used to Oversee Executions. He Still Sees The Dead.

FULL

Florida is among the states carrying out the most executions in the US, even as death penalty use and public support declines nationwide. CNN spoke with a former prison warden who oversaw multiple executions about how he is still haunted by his past work in the state and why he believes the practice should be put to an end. Note: This episode contains graphic descriptions.  ---  Guest: Rob Picheta, CNN Enterprise Writer  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 27, 2026•33:29
This City’s Airport is Looking for a New Voice

This City’s Airport is Looking for a New Voice

FULL

Meet the artist blending Punjabi storytelling with country twang. A neuropsychologist reveals why the music of our formative years can have such staying power. A wicked good accent could land a Massachusetts resident a pretty big gig. The championship giving a new generation of girls something to dream about. Plus, a scientist and a comedian walk into a bar… okay, not exactly, but we’ll tell you why they both believe in the power of laughter.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial support: Harmeet Kaur, Don Riddell, Isaac Tellechea  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 26, 2026•16:55

SCOTUS Allows Controversial Voter Check

FULL

The Supreme Court revived a citizenship data tool for voter audits. Millions are on alert as a powerful nor’easter unleashes its full fury this weekend. Sources say intel from Chinese groups are helping Iran target US sites. Ukraine’s president says President Donald Trump greenlit a key demand to fend off Russian attacks. Plus, the financial mood in America hasn’t been this grim in decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 25, 2026•7:45
The ‘Biggest DOJ Election Observer Effort in History’

The ‘Biggest DOJ Election Observer Effort in History’

FULL

The Justice Department is planning to dispatch a widening network of poll monitors on Election Day in what it calls the “biggest DOJ election observer effort ‘in history”. Meanwhile, new records reviewed by CNN suggest that several DOJ monitors deployed during this year’s primaries previously helped challenge Trump’s 2020 election loss. We examine how state election officials are responding amid plans by the RNC to scrutinize voting machines.  ---  Guest: Gabe Cohen, CNN Correspondent  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 25, 2026•15:22

40 Million People Could Feel Impact of Nor'easter

FULL

Nor’easter to slam East Coast with flooding, 50 mph winds. Trump hosting Xi for tea, trip to National Archives amid press access fight. NVIDIA CEO talks to CNN about warnings of AI doom. Democratic Alaska Senate Candidate Mary Peltola responds to allegations of abusive behavior toward staff. And grab your tissues, a Minnesota man is auctioning off nearly 400 vintage vehicles in his family's collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 25, 2026•8:50

CNN White House Access Restored

FULL

Three news outlets were temporarily blocked from entering White House grounds today, causing a chaotic delay. China’s president made his first state visit to the US in nearly a decade. New mortgage rates deliver a fresh blow to homebuyers. A powerful nor’easter is taking shape along the East Coast. Plus, Caleb Flynn’s mistress exposes chilling texts in his murder trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 24, 2026•8:00
When ‘Bet on Anything’ Meets the Midterms

When ‘Bet on Anything’ Meets the Midterms

FULL

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have surged in popularity this year. But election season has proven to be messy, with the platforms revealing multiple instances of political insider trading. We dig into the implications and why the headaches could continue even after the results come in.  Note: CNN has a partnership with Kalshi and uses its data to cover major events, but CNN editorial employees are prohibited from trading on prediction markets.  ---  Guest: Marshall Cohen, CNN Senior Reporter  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 24, 2026•14:05

Judge Orders White House to Reinstate Access for 3 Media Outlets

FULL

Judge orders White House to reinstate access for 3 media outlets. Australian PM says OpenAI agent hacked into government healthcare system. Caleb Flynn's ex-mistress testifies that she believes he killed his wife. Trump weighs solutions to soaring diesel prices. 9-year-old entrepreneur donates mobile library cart to NICU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 24, 2026•9:18

Iran President’s Defiant UNGA Speech

FULL

Iran’s president fired back at President Donald Trump during a fiery speech to world leaders. A super El Niño is fueling a prolific Pacific hurricane season. Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced in his New York sexual assault retrial. Outrage is building over a US citizen mistakenly detained and injured by ICE agents. Plus, a family feud erupts over Dolly Parton’s estate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 23, 2026•7:43
Why Some GOP Candidates Are Running Away from Trump

Why Some GOP Candidates Are Running Away from Trump

FULL

A new CNN poll finds Republicans are facing an even rougher midterm political landscape than they did eight years ago. We dig into the results and what they tell us about how some candidates may be trying to distance themselves from the Trump administration during the home stretch.  ---  Guest: Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Polling & Analytics Editor  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 23, 2026•10:57

Iran's President to Speak at UN After Trump Threats

FULL

Iran's president to speak at UN after Trump threats. Judge to hear arguments today on Trump's ban on 3 media outlets, including CNN. "Looksmaxxing" influencer charged with rape. White House fraud task force says it's removing 760,000+ Obamacare enrollees. Wild sea turtle nests spotted on West Coast of U.S. for first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 23, 2026•8:26

Trump Threatens to ‘Annihilate’ Iran

FULL

President Donald Trump said he has a “big decision” to make on Iran in a wide-ranging speech to the UN General Assembly today. Authorities have confirmed Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death. A grand jury declined to charge anyone in Nolan Wells’ death. A rare category 5 storm continues to intensify off the coast of Mexico. Plus, Trump assesses his legal odds over a White House press ban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 22, 2026•7:47
Can Third-Party Candidates Deliver Wins for Democrats?

Can Third-Party Candidates Deliver Wins for Democrats?

FULL

Polling shows that the Democratic Party remains deeply unpopular. But in some rural Western states, party officials believe they have a plan to upset Republicans: don't run Democrats. Will it work? And what will it mean for Congress if it does? ---  Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 22, 2026•13:15

Trump to Speak at UN Amid Global Conflicts

FULL

President Trump to speak at United Nations amid wars in Iran and Ukraine. What's in the deal that State AG's made to settle lawsuit over Paramount/WBD merger. Attorney for Venezuelan man shot by ICE agent speaks out. Northeast airports back in service after major outage. Voting starts today for Fat Bear Week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 22, 2026•9:15

Paramount Merger Lawsuit Settlement

FULL

12 states that sued to block Paramount from acquiring CNN’s parent company have reached a settlement. Several major US airports are experiencing delays and cancellations. A firefighting helicopter crashes in Yosemite National Park. And, police are investigating the death of Cindy Crawford’s son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 21, 2026•6:25
Why Michigan is in the Middle of Everything This Midterms

Why Michigan is in the Middle of Everything This Midterms

FULL

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to the hit the campaign trail in Michigan this week, underscoring the importance of the Senate race for Democrats. So who are the candidates? What issues do Michiganders really care about? And why is a controversial Twitch streamer seemingly getting more attention than the candidates themselves?  ---  Guest: Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 21, 2026•14:04

CNN Among 3 Outlets Suing Trump Admin. Over White House Access

FULL

CNN, Politico and MS Now sue the Trump Administration over White House Access. Protests in Austin after ICE agent shot & wounded a Venezuelan food delivery driver. Ex-husband of Lindsay Clancy speaks out. President provides new reason to justify the massive triumphal arch. And a fishing charter boat finds a US military drone floating off Florida coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 21, 2026•8:36
Inside the Struggle to ‘Self-Deport’

Inside the Struggle to ‘Self-Deport’

FULL

As ICE arrests surge, the Trump administration continues to offer free flights and thousands of dollars to migrants who chose to voluntarily return to their country – they call it self-deportation. But the decision to leave – and the logistics that come with it – is anything but straightforward. CNN recently traveled with one family as they prepared to head back to Venezuela, leaving their life in the US behind.  For more: She wants to self-deport. But this pregnant mom is stuck in a strange subplot of Trump’s immigration enforcement crackdown  ---  Guest: Maeva Bambuck, CNN Cross-Platform Producer  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 20, 2026•29:22
The Surprising Power of Self-Compassion

The Surprising Power of Self-Compassion

FULL

From Florida to French Polynesia, conservationists are finding creative ways to help coral reefs beat the heat from El Niño. What started with one trash-collecting barrier has grown into a network of more than 400 cleaning up Indonesia’s waterways. Africa’s largest IPO launched this week, opening the door for everyday Nigerians to own a piece of a landmark project. A new study reveals a surprising connection between caring for others and caring for yourself. Plus, meet a 2026 CNN Hero who’s helping thousands of stray cats in California get the care and, sometimes, forever homes they need.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Assistance: Nimi Princewill, Yoyo Chow, Bijan Hosseini, John Lewis, Meg Dunn, Christie O’ Reilly  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 19, 2026•16:42

Trump ‘Bans’ News Organizations

FULL

President Donald Trump says he’s “banning” CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. A fake AI intelligence report almost started a war with China. Warren Buffett’s iconic era at Berkshire Hathaway officially came to an end. The first day of a former “American Idol” contestant’s murder trial had bombshell revelations. Plus, Miley Cyrus opens up about her final conversation with her godmother Dolly Parton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 18, 2026•7:45