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.

This therapy is helping first responders deal with chronic stress. A group of nurses on strike dropped everything to help mass shooting victims. This Hollywood actor and advocate threw herself the quinceañera she never had – at 60. Inside Washington, DC’s first phone-free bar. Plus, this school offers a type of detention that might make you wish you got in more trouble.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Kathleen Toner and Christie O’Reilly
Oct 4, 2025
It’s judgment day for music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs. The government shutdown will likely drag into next week. Gaza ceasefire talks appear to be yielding a potential breakthrough after months of failed efforts. We’ll tell you about the US military’s latest strike in the Caribbean to crack down on drug cartels. Plus, the anti-ICE protests that erupted near Chicago.
Oct 3, 2025
The federal government has frozen funds to another Democrat run city as the government shutdown continues. Sean “Diddy” Combs is set for a lengthy sentencing hearing today. President Donald Trump has given a stark ultimatum to Hamas over his Gaza peace proposal. The shutdown has stopped the jobs report coming out today, but other data has given an estimate on job numbers. Plus, why abortion opponents are angry at the FDA.
Oct 3, 2025
Federal workers are bracing for lay-offs as we enter the third day of the government shutdown. The Trump administration is asking colleges to make policy changes in exchange for funding. FEMA is making it even harder for states to access emergency preparedness grants. Sean Combs will be sentenced today. Plus, everything you need to know about "The Life of a Showgirl."
Oct 3, 2025
We’re entering Day 2 of the government shutdown with no end in sight. A deadly terrorist attack in the UK on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar is under investigation. Russian President Vladamir Putin swipes back at President Donald Trump and warned Europe during a speech. Elon Musk’s net worth briefly hit a milestone. Plus, a baby planet with a massive growth spurt.
Oct 2, 2025
The Trump administration is threatening mass layoffs as the government shutdown drags on. Israel has intercepted all but one of the boats in a flotilla heading towards Gaza. There’s been a car ramming and knife attack at a British synagogue. Five students have been rescued from the school collapse in Indonesia, but hope is fading for others still trapped. Plus, there’s a change coming to 401(k) contributions.
Oct 2, 2025
We start with where negotiations sit on the second day of the government shutdown. Israel’s interception of a Gaza aid flotilla is sparking international outcry. The DOJ has fired a prosecutor over a false social media post. A judge has ruled on the Trump administration's attempt to cut anti-terror funding in New York. Plus, there’s been collision between two planes at a US airport.
Oct 2, 2025
Federal workers are bearing the brunt of a government shutdown. The Supreme Court is allowing a Fed governor to keep her job – for now. We have an update on the Trump administration's crackdowns in Oregon and Tennessee. Trump is taking things with this Arab ally to another level. Plus, remembering a legendary expert whose work revolutionized the study of primates.
Oct 1, 2025
As lawmakers trade blame for the government shutdown, the economy is feeling the impact. Thousands of federal workers have been furloughed with firings potentially on the way. National Guard troops have been sent to Memphis. We have an update on twin hurricanes Imedla and Humberto. Plus, the Trump administration’s initiative to end childhood cancer with AI.
Oct 1, 2025
The US government has shutdown, with no clear end in sight. Plus, we'll also tell you what services it'll impact. A powerful earthquake has caused destruction in the Philippines. Many students are still believed to be trapped days after a school collapse. Plus, why Hollywood stars are criticizing the creation of an AI actress.
Oct 1, 2025