CNN 5 Things

CNN

We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 5pm and 10pm Eastern, every weekday.

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Our Editor's Take

CNN 5 Things is a news podcast. The title sums it up. Produced by CNN, it's the top five news items for the day. Five updates in under five minutes. Each news briefing is factual and to the point. There is no unnecessary information or low-level news stories. This podcast is for those who like to keep updated on the news but only have a little free time in the day. Listeners can expect the main news for the day, and that's it.

This daily news podcast will ensure listeners are the first to know what's happening. New episodes of CNN 5 Things drop throughout the day every weekday. Recent ones talk about the latest war in Ukraine and the Twitter drama with Elon Musk as it unfolds. From climate updates to political developments, if it's in the main news for the day, it's on the agenda. Listeners can find last week's reports for anything they missed. The reports are ideal for anyone who may have unplugged from technology while on a holiday.

CNN 5 Things is from the team behind the CNN One Thing episodes. There are also bumper episodes called "Sunday Edition." These are part of the same podcast series and take a deeper look at some of the latest news items. Topics include China's policy around vaccines. CNN news anchor Audie Cornish interviews two parents on the interesting topic of school board elections. When the power went out for residents in North Carolina, the podcast assessed the state of America's power grid.

Another episode views the country today through the Biden administration. Issues involving former President Donald Trump get an assessment as well. There's also an episode examining the potential crisis in mental health. Another episode discusses childhood anxiety and possible solutions for society. CNN 5 Things is a good way to keep up with the news.

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Start Here

3 PM ET: Shutdown deadline looms, high schooler sues, asteroid sample landing & more

3 PM ET: Shutdown deadline looms, high schooler sues, asteroid sample landing & more

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is projecting optimism despite a possible government shutdown now just one week away. A Texas high schooler is suing Gov. Greg Abbott after being suspended for his hairstyle. Talks continue in Hollywood as the financial toll of the writers' strike grows. Pain and silence loom large in an Oregon community nearly eight years after it was rocked by a school shooting. And NASA prepares for asteroid samples to land on Earth. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

3 PM ET: Shutdown deadline looms, high schooler sues, asteroid sample landing & more

3 PM ET: Shutdown deadline looms, high schooler sues, asteroid sample landing & more

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is projecting optimism despite a possible government shutdown now just one week away. A Texas high schooler is suing Gov. Greg Abbott after being suspended for his hairstyle. Talks continue in Hollywood as the financial toll of the writers' strike grows. Pain and silence loom large in an Oregon community nearly eight years after it was rocked by a school shooting. And NASA prepares for asteroid samples to land on Earth. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

10 AM ET: Ophelia makes landfall, Mayorkas to the border, cancer deception & more

10 AM ET: Ophelia makes landfall, Mayorkas to the border, cancer deception & more

Tropical Storm Ophelia makes landfall in North Carolina, leaving thousands in the dark. Migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border are up and Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is going to see it for himself. The UAW strike could hit your local car dealership. A daring missile strike on a Russian target in Crimea could make a dent on the Kremlin's Black Sea fleet. And a California man who raised money to attend a poker tournament admits he lied about having cancer. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

10 PM ET: Biden to walk UAW picket, Menendez fallout, Tropical Storm Ophelia & more

10 PM ET: Biden to walk UAW picket, Menendez fallout, Tropical Storm Ophelia & more

Democratic and GOP Senate leaders are trying to pass their own government spending bill - as the House so far fails to avoid a shutdown. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN today he’d be willing to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. President Joe Biden said he’ll walk the picket line with members of the United Auto Workers Union next week. Tropical Storm Ophelia is getting stronger, as parts of the South and Mid-Atlantic brace for a wet and windy weekend. Lastly, the fallout from the corruption indictment against New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez continues.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

5 PM ET: Menendez’s alleged gold bar bribery, GOP debates, UAW strike & more

5 PM ET: Menendez’s alleged gold bar bribery, GOP debates, UAW strike & more

New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife have been accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes - the second allegation of corruption against him in just a decade. The second GOP presidential debate is set for next week, as some candidates are starting to weigh their options. New reporting shows Justice Clarence Thomas attended conservative donor events, once again casting doubt on his ethics. United Auto Workers announced it would ramp up its strike against two of the Big Three automakers, as the third meets it at the negotiating table. And, the Federal Reserve is making rare cutbacks, even as it tries to reassure Americans about the health of the economy.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

12 PM ET: Sitting Senator charged, migrants frustrated at border, auto strike expands & more

12 PM ET: Sitting Senator charged, migrants frustrated at border, auto strike expands & more

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was charged with corruption-related offenses for the second time in ten years. The southern border is seeing an increase of migrant crossings – we talk to a reporter in a Texas border town who's spoken to migrants. Ukraine’s counter offensives appears to have made progress in Crimea. We’ll explain why the auto workers strike against General Motors and Stellantis is expanding, while progress is being made with Ford. And, the Biden administration doesn't want unpaid medical bills to affect your credit score.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

9 AM ET: 11 bill in 8 days, border crossing deaths, obesity rise & more

9 AM ET: 11 bill in 8 days, border crossing deaths, obesity rise & more

The House will need to pass eleven bills in just eight days to avoid a government shutdown. The bodies of two people, including a three year old child, have been recovered from the Rio Grande at the US southern border. The US, Russia and China have all been expanding their nuclear testing sites. Ukraine has launched a missile strike on Russia's Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Plus, obesity is getting more common in a number of states.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

6 AM ET: Border town's cry for help, McCarthy shut down, Sophie Turner sues & more

6 AM ET: Border town's cry for help, McCarthy shut down, Sophie Turner sues & more

Eagle Pass, Texas is asking for help, saying around 5000 people have cross the US border in the last few days. Congress has gone home for the weekend without a deal to avoid a government shut down. The UAW is warning that the strike could get worse today if progress isn't made. Parts of the East Coast are under a tropical storm warning. Plus, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas' divorce is getting complicated.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

10 PM ET: Ukraine aid fight, NY bus crash, tropical storm warning & more

10 PM ET: Ukraine aid fight, NY bus crash, tropical storm warning & more

President Joe Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House –we’ll hear from both leaders about providing more aid to Ukraine as Republicans grow skeptical. Meanwhile, Russia launched a wave of deadly missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – we have details. In New York, we’ll tell you about a deadly bus crash and share new developments on a drug operation at a daycare center where a 1-year-old boy died of a suspected fentanyl overdose. Lastly, parts of the East Coast are bracing for a tropical storm.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

5 PM ET: Zelensky’s White House visit, India suspends visas, Alex Murdaugh’s plea & more

5 PM ET: Zelensky’s White House visit, India suspends visas, Alex Murdaugh’s plea & more

We begin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s critical meeting with President Joe Biden as support for additional military funding among Republican lawmakers appears to wane. Plus, the Senate has made a trio of key military confirmations despite stalling tactics from a Republican holdout. India has suspended visa services for Canadian citizens. Former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has pleaded guilty to financial crimes. And, we have the latest on home prices and new unemployment claims in your business news.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

12 PM ET: Border support plans, NYC Airbnb struggles, strikes take toll & more

12 PM ET: Border support plans, NYC Airbnb struggles, strikes take toll & more

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met with lawmakers in Washington this morning. The Biden administration has announced plans to help with the number of migrants coming into the US - at the border and across the country. People in New York City are struggling to find Airbnbs – the CEO weighs in. Hollywood studios and the writers' union are making progress toward reaching a deal, while union autoworkers threaten a deadline for contract negotiations. Plus, media mogul Rupert Murdoch steps down and names his successor.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

9 AM ET: McCarthy's optimism, Giuliani grope allegation, Doja Cat 'Balut' backlash & more

9 AM ET: McCarthy's optimism, Giuliani grope allegation, Doja Cat 'Balut' backlash & more

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appears to be optimistic about avoiding a government shut down. As Ukraine's president visits the US, Russia launches a wave of strikes across his country. More than 43,000 people have been displaced because of the floods in Libya. Former Trump aid Cassidy Hutchinson has accused Rudy Giuliani of groping her in 2021. Plus, why some Filipino listeners are upset about Doja Cat's new song.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

6 AM ET: Mr. Zelensky goes to Washington, border crossings jump, Google Maps lawsuit & more

6 AM ET: Mr. Zelensky goes to Washington, border crossings jump, Google Maps lawsuit & more

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington, DC today to meet with lawmakers and convince them his country needs more aid. House Democrats are facing an unusual dilemma. There's been a big rise in the number of people crossing the US Southern border. Some rare optimism came out of yesterday's Hollywood strikes meeting. Plus, a family is suing Google Maps over the death of a father.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

10 PM ET: Gov’t shutdown looms, ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ Neuralink & more

10 PM ET: Gov’t shutdown looms, ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ Neuralink & more

The Senate has voted to confirm the next chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, ending months of gridlock caused by one senator. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy seemed hopeful after presenting a new GOP plan to avoid a government shutdown to members of his party. The Pentagon is launching a new outreach campaign to LGBTQ+ service members affected by “don’t ask, don’t tell.” After months of entertainment strikes, economists say the financial impact has now passed $5 billion. Lastly, Elon Musk’s Neuralink is now recruiting for its first human clinical trial.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

5 PM ET: AG Garland on Capitol Hill, Fed pauses rate hikes, free Covid-19 tests & more

5 PM ET: AG Garland on Capitol Hill, Fed pauses rate hikes, free Covid-19 tests & more

The Federal Reserve said today it’s hitting the breaks on rate hikes, but Wall Street wasn’t completely happy - we’ll tell you why. Attorney General Merrick Garland was in the hot seat on Capitol Hill today, taking questions from Congress. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared the harrowing experience of Ukrainian villagers during a UN Security Council meeting today. The president of Azerbaijan said his country’s so-called “anti-terror” operation in a majority-Armenian area was successful. And, the US government is set to relaunch its free Covid-19 test program.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

12 PM ET: National debt rising, AG in hot seat, Biden's climate delivery & more

12 PM ET: National debt rising, AG in hot seat, Biden's climate delivery & more

The national debt is rising, along with fears that the government is going to shutdown at the end of the month. Attorney General Merrick Garland says he's "not the President's lawyer." The number of migrant crossings at the US southern border is rising. President Joe Biden and Israel's Prime Minister have had a much anticipated face-to-face meeting today. And the Biden administration is delivering on an ask from climate activists.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

9 AM ET: Shutdown impact warning, Hollywood strike talks, daycare fentanyl death & more

9 AM ET: Shutdown impact warning, Hollywood strike talks, daycare fentanyl death & more

The White House is warning about the impact of a government shutdown on federal services. The US Attorney General is in the hot seat today - we'll tell you what he's expected to say. As Canada avoids an autoworkers strike, Hollywood writers come back to the negotiating table. Federal charges have been filed over the fentanyl death of a one year old. Plus, an artist who took the money and ran is being ordered to pay it back.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

6 AM ET: Shutdown fears grow, interest rate decision, insurance premiums rise & more

6 AM ET: Shutdown fears grow, interest rate decision, insurance premiums rise & more

After another day of infighting between House Republicans, fears of a government shutdown are growing. The Fed will decide whether to raise interest rates again today, we'll tell you what it's likely to announce. President Joe Biden will meet Israel's Prime Minister on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. At least 32 people have been killed in a military operation led by Azerbaijan in an Armenian-controlled region. Plus, climate change could push your insurance premiums up.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

10 PM ET: Hunter Biden, Ukraine in Sudan, holiday hiring & more

10 PM ET: Hunter Biden, Ukraine in Sudan, holiday hiring & more

Hunter Biden revealed how he plans to plead in his court case today, while federal officials pushed back against key claims from an IRS whistleblower. Multiple people are dead after Azerbaijan launched a military operation in Armenian-controlled territory. A CNN investigation has found that Ukrainian special services were likely behind a series of drone strikes in Sudan. The Biden administration told 16 governors they need to address the funding disparity between land-grant HBCUs and their non-HBCU counterparts. Lastly, America’s retailers expect to hire their smallest seasonal workforce since the 2008 financial crisis.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

5 PM ET: Zelensky’s UN speech, Trump attacks Jewish voters, gov’t funding & more

5 PM ET: Zelensky’s UN speech, Trump attacks Jewish voters, gov’t funding & more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden addressed the United Nations General Assembly today. House Republicans are still struggling to find common ground on a plan to fund the government, as GOP leaders plan to push ahead with a vote later this week. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today that India’s government needs to approach the fall-out from the killing of a Canadian citizen with “utmost seriousness.” Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich will remain in Russian prison, in the latest legal setback for the detained American. And, former President Donald Trump attacked Jewish Americans who don’t support him during one of the religion’s holiest days.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

12 PM ET: Biden says 'stand up,' migrants arrive in cities, blood pressure deaths & more

12 PM ET: Biden says 'stand up,' migrants arrive in cities, blood pressure deaths & more

President Joe Biden used his speech to the UN General Assembly to tell countries to stand up against Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Protests have broken out in Libya, while scientists say climate change made the floods there 50 times more likely. A government shutdown could impact the Federal Reserve's inflation fight. El Paso, Texas is preparing for a "third wave" of migrant arrivals, while San Diego deals with same. Plus, the WHO says treating high blood pressure could save 76 million lives.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy