

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 30, 2026 • 7min
Shutdown Deal Reached, Trump Contradicts Border Czar, Tax Leak Lawsuit and more
A spending deal to avert a government shutdown faces last-minute voting hurdles. Contradictory statements emerge about federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Venezuela loosens rules to attract foreign oil companies. Panama’s court limits a foreign port operator over security concerns. A high-profile lawsuit accuses the IRS of leaking tax returns.

Jan 29, 2026 • 7min
Shutdown Fears, Sonya Massey Murder Sentencing, Fake FBI Agent and more
A looming partial government shutdown and the Senate showdown over a massive funding bill. New moves in Minnesota as federal agents are shifted toward jails. The sentencing of a former deputy in the killing of Sonya Massey. A man arrested after allegedly posing as an FBI agent to try to free an inmate. Commentary from the president on Russia, Ukraine and Venezuela.

Jan 29, 2026 • 8min
Border Czar’s ‘drawdown plan’, Bomb Cyclone Coming, AI Tourist Trap and more
Federal immigration authorities are preparing a planned drawdown in Minnesota. A prominent lawmaker jumps into the race for Minnesota governor. A rapidly strengthening storm threatens the Southeast with coastal flooding while the Northeast braces. Oil prices rise amid rising tensions with Iran and naval movements. AI-generated travel content misled tourists to a nonexistent attraction.

5 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 7min
Minnesota Town Hall, Shutdown Talks Continue, Tesla Shifting to 'humanoid robots' and more
Tense town hall scenes in Minnesota as residents press leaders about local unrest. Lawmakers race to strike a last-minute deal to avoid a government shutdown. U.S. leaders weigh military options as Iran tensions escalate. Fewer people sign up for ACA now that premium subsidies ended. Tesla pivots away from its flagship cars toward humanoid robots and robotaxi plans.

Jan 28, 2026 • 7min
Fed Rates Steady, MN Shooting Probe, “Trump Accounts” and more
Quick rundown of the Fed holding interest rates and the political pressure on its chair. Updates on a fatal shooting investigation and an attack at a Minnesota town hall. Coverage of an FBI search tied to 2020 election records and highlights from a tense Senate hearing. A look at a new investment initiative tied to a presidential affordability plan.

Jan 28, 2026 • 7min
Interest Rates, US-Iran Tensions Rise, Amazon Layoffs and more
A lawmaker is attacked in Minneapolis and authorities respond. The central bank's interest rate decision and the reasons behind a likely pause are discussed. U.S. military exercises increase amid rising tensions with Iran. New figures detail Russian battlefield losses. A major tech firm announces mass layoffs as it pivots toward AI.

Jan 28, 2026 • 7min
De-escalation in MN, Ilhan Omar Attacked, DC Midair Collision Cause and more
Coverage of escalating tensions and federal moves in Minnesota, including talks about de-escalation and ICE involvement. A politician was attacked at a town hall and the suspect was arrested. The White House changed its position on a controversial shooting. A midair collision investigation revealed new findings. Consumer confidence fell while tax refunds offer a rare boost.

Jan 27, 2026 • 7min
Trump Backs Noem, New Winter Storm, Social Media Trial and more
A roundup of major political fallout and who’s defending whom after an ICE-related controversy. Coverage of ICE agents being assigned to Olympic security operations. Reports on deadly winter storms and a potential nor'easter heading for the East Coast. An alarming measles outbreak reaches a new U.S. high. Anticipation builds for a landmark trial where social media companies face questions about youth mental health.

Jan 27, 2026 • 7min
FLOTUS Weighs In, Government Shutdown Threat, Australian Open Upsets and more
A rare public statement from the First Lady prompts talk about political tone and unity. Leadership shifts and immigration enforcement moves in Minnesota affect broader federal funding talks. Severe winter storm dangers, outages, and cold alerts are highlighted. The NTSB is closing in on a major midair crash investigation. A top American tennis player suffers a surprising Australian Open loss.

Jan 27, 2026 • 7min
Bovino Out, US TikTok Glitches, the ‘Mother of all Deals’ and more
A top US Border Patrol official steps down amid controversy over immigration enforcement. Users report TikTok upload glitches and worries about content moderation. A powerful winter storm leaves deadly damage and long outages across states. The US raises tariffs on South Korean goods after a surprise announcement. India and the EU finalize a major new trade pact.


