

CNN 5 Things
CNN Podcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2026 • 7min
Insurrection Act Threat, Mahmoud Khalil Decision, Greenland Polling and more
Tensions rise as Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act amidst Minneapolis unrest. A federal appeals court reverses the release of activist Mahmoud Khalil, raising legal concerns. Iran warns that its internal instability could spill over into neighboring regions. A recent poll reveals Americans largely oppose U.S. control of Greenland. Additionally, Grok's AI Chatbot will cease digitally altering images to undress individuals after public backlash.

Jan 15, 2026 • 7min
Iran Executions ‘Stopped’, Another Minneapolis Shooting, Crew-11 Returns and more
Executions in Iran have been halted, raising questions about the nation’s political climate. A federal agent was involved in a shooting in Minneapolis, provoking public protests. In the Senate, a tie-breaking vote was needed to stop a bill that would restrict military actions in Venezuela. Concerns grow as more parents are opting out of childhood vaccines. Meanwhile, Crew-11 astronauts have successfully returned to Earth after their mission. Tune in for insights into these pressing issues.

Jan 14, 2026 • 7min
Trump on Iran executions, ‘Disagreement’ over Greenland, Astronauts’ Early Return and more
A detained Iranian protester faces grim news as concerns about potential execution rise. Tensions brew in the Senate over limiting presidential war powers in Venezuela. Diplomatic discussions unfold with Greenland and Denmark at the White House, revealing a disagreement over military strategies. Legal challenges arise against ICE patrols in Minnesota, while four astronauts make an early return from the ISS due to a medical issue. This mix of human rights, politics, and space travel highlights the day's pressing issues.

Jan 14, 2026 • 7min
New Greenland Threats, US Military Base Evacuation, FBI Raids Reporter's Home and more
Tensions rise as Trump insists on U.S. control of Greenland, sparking local fears about a takeover. Meanwhile, a military base in Qatar is evacuated amid escalating U.S.-Iran relations. A Minnesota court challenges immigration enforcement practices that are under scrutiny. In trade news, China boasts a record surplus despite U.S. tariffs. Additionally, press freedoms are questioned after the FBI raids a journalist's home, seizing devices. Each topic reveals intricate layers of global and domestic policies.

5 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 7min
Execution Fears, Sanctuaries' Funding Freeze, American Prisoners Freed and more
Fears mount over the execution of detained protesters in Iran as the death toll rises. The Pentagon is deploying military lawyers to Minneapolis amidst immigration enforcement tensions. Trump plans to freeze federal funding for sanctuary cities. Notably, Venezuela has freed several American prisoners, sparking reactions from the U.S. Meanwhile, Saks Global files for bankruptcy, highlighting struggles in the luxury market. Dive into these pressing issues and more!

5 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 7min
Trump Warns Iran, SCOTUS on Transgender Sports, NFL Head Coach Steps Down and more
This discussion features an on-scene correspondent who covers the intense backlash against protesters in Iran and the chaotic developments in Minneapolis following an ICE shooting. Additionally, a Capitol Hill correspondent dives into the Clintons' strategic maneuvering in a Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the Supreme Court's deliberations on transgender sports bans. The podcast wraps up with insights into Mike Tomlin's departure after nearly two decades coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant turn for the team.

Jan 13, 2026 • 7min
Iran Death Toll Mounts, Inflation Figures, Grok Ban and more
As the death toll from protests in Iran rises, insights into President Trump's potential responses emerge, including diplomatic and military options. Meanwhile, US inflation figures show an unexpected increase, driven by housing and food costs. In Minnesota, a lawsuit challenges federal immigration tactics, citing unlawful practices. Additionally, the BBC seeks to dismiss Trump's defamation claim, arguing jurisdiction issues. Lastly, Indonesia and Malaysia take action, banning Elon Musk's Grok AI over its controversial features.

Jan 13, 2026 • 7min
Iran Tariffs, States Suing Trump Admin, DOJ Prosecutor Firing and more
Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries engaging with Iran amid escalating protests. Legal battles heat up as Minnesota and Illinois challenge the federal government. Tension rises within the Trump administration over a probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. A key prosecutor is dismissed, affecting the DOJ's division in Virginia. In the corporate arena, Paramount takes legal action against Warner Bros. Discovery, aiming for transparency in the competitive landscape.

Jan 12, 2026 • 7min
MN Sues Trump Admin, Trump’s New Tariff, Powell Probe Reaction and more
Minnesota takes legal action against the Trump administration over immigration policies. President Trump escalates tensions with Iran, issuing threats alongside new tariffs. The DOJ's investigation into Jerome Powell raises concerns among Republicans about Federal Reserve independence. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado plans a significant visit to the White House. In a troubling case, an arson suspect is linked to a Mississippi synagogue fire, driven by anti-Jewish motivations, prompting discussions about rising hate crimes.

Jan 12, 2026 • 7min
Iran Death Toll Rises, ICE Surge in MN, NYC Nurses Strike and more
Protests in Iran have escalated, resulting in over 500 deaths and thousands of arrests amid internet blackouts. Federal agents are flooding Minneapolis following an ICE shooting incident, with local leaders challenging federal narratives. Wall Street takes a hit as concerns rise over a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell. In NYC, 15,000 nurses are on the brink of striking over staffing and safety issues. Meanwhile, Hamas announces a possible leadership change in Gaza, signaling shifting powers under a ceasefire plan.


