

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

Nov 29, 2025 • 16min
5 Good Things: This Fifth Grader Won a Gubernatorial Race
A wild turkey is thriving in the last place you’d expect – and the locals are obsessed. Hear what Nebraska’s first kid governor’s platform is. Beachcombers in western Australia found two letters in a bottle written by World War I soldiers. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree gets a magical second life you might not expect. Plus, the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year will be announced soon – meet the finalists and cast your votes.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Chip Grabow, Mia Blackman, Christie O’Reilly, Kathleen Toner, Meg Dunn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 28, 2025 • 6min
DC Shooting Suspect, Holiday Weekend Storm, Global Measles Surge and more
We start with an update about the suspected gunman accused of killing a National Guard member and critically wounding another. Millions are bracing for a post-holiday winter storm. New information has emerged about the first in a series of strikes against alleged drug boats. A new shakeup is rattling the Ukrainian government amid peace talks. Plus, researchers reveal troubling news about measles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 28, 2025 • 7min
Green Card Review, War Crime accusation, UPS Planes Grounded and more
We explain how President Donald Trump plans to escalate his immigration crackdown. Syria is accusing Israel of committing a war crime in a military raid. Authorities have released more information about why the Hong Kong apartment complex inferno was so devastating. A fleet of UPS planes will be out of action this busy holiday season. Plus, one of the most famous museums in the world is hiking prices, but only for some travelers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 28, 2025 • 7min
National Guard Member Dies, Ukraine Peace Efforts, Venezuela Land Action and more
One of the National Guard members shot in Washington, DC has died. The fire in the Hong Kong apartment complex may be out, but the death toll may continue to rise. We have an update on peace efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump says land action in Venezuela may come “very soon”. Plus, the Israeli military’s killing of two people in the occupied West Bank is sparking outrage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 2025 • 7min
DC Shooting Terrorism Investigation, Thanksgiving Food Banks, NFL Triple Header and more
FBI Director Kash Patel says the Washington, DC shooter had ties to US forces in Afghanistan. Food banks are experiencing a surge in demand this Thanksgiving. The death toll in the Hong Kong complex apartment fire continues to rise. We explain why misinformation is to blame for the measles outbreak in South Carolina. Plus, everything you need to know for today’s football triple header. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 2025 • 7min
DC Shooting Crackdown, Thanksgiving Storm, G20 Snub and more
President Donald Trump is promising an immigration crackdown after two National Guardsmen were shot in Washington, DC. The death toll from the Hong Kong fire has risen again, with hundreds still missing. Millions of Americans are set to face post-Thanksgiving travel disruption thanks to a winter storm. We explain why one of the world’s most important economies isn’t getting an invite to the next G20 summit. Plus, Trump has insulted another female journalist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
National Guardsmen Shot, Leaked Kremlin Call, Hong Kong Fire Arrests and more
We start with details on a shooting that sent two National Guardsmen to the hospital. We explain why President Donald Trump has brushed off concerns about his top negotiator to Russia. The Justice Department has taken another step toward releasing Jeffrey Epstein’s case files. There’s a new legal fight over SNAP benefits. Plus, the arrests made in connection to Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
Racketeering Case Dropped, Thanksgiving Travel Delays, Hong Kong Fire and more
A Georgia prosecutor has officially dropped the racketeering case against President Donald Trump and others in the state. Meanwhile, Trump is brushing off concerns about a leaked call between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and a Russian official. We have a warning for those traveling during this busy Thanksgiving season. A deadly fire has spread across multiple high-rise apartments in Hong Kong. Plus, the DOJ says Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem knowingly ignored a judge’s order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
Ukraine Sticking Points, FBI Investigates ‘Seditious Six’, US Global Health Strategy and more
A peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is getting closer, but that are still major obstacles. The FBI wants to talk to the Democratic lawmakers who made a video encouraging military personnel to disobey illegal orders. America’s plan for a new global health initiative is worrying experts. Someone with family ties to a top White House official is in ICE custody. Plus, tech giants are facing a lawsuit concerning mental health harms to teenagers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 2025 • 7min
Peace Plan Revisions, Missing Football Coach, Trump's Latest Pardons and more
We start with the Trump administration’s peace plan and why Ukraine wants three key revisions. The Transportation Secretary has some fashion tips for holiday travelers. A football coach who’s wanted for child pornography possession remains at large. The "Slender Man” stabber is back in custody. Plus, President Donald Trump gave some fowl pardons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


