CNN 5 Things

Early Saturday morning, US forces struck targets in Caracas and abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to face new drugs and weapons charges in New York. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said the US is “going to run” Venezuela in the aftermath of the brazen operation. We break down what this seismic moment could mean for US troops and the people of Venezuela. For more: Trump’s snatching of Maduro shows a new level of unrestrained global power --- Guests: Mary Triny Mena, freelance journalist & Natasha Bertrand, CNN Correspondent Host/Producer: David Rind Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Caroline Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We catch up with a woman who performed a butterfly wing transplant and hear about a breakthrough tracking tool that’s giving scientists an unprecedented look at the species. Nearly a year after devastating wildfires, small but powerful signs of recovery are beginning to reshape parts of Los Angeles. What began as a comedy show turned into a life-saving moment, and the start of an unexpected friendship. We check in on the gratitude trend that resonated far beyond one school’s hallway. Plus, after receiving a new heart, one athlete is still pushing limits and setting ambitious goals for the year ahead. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Officials and survivors are sharing new details about a deadly New Year’s Day fire in Switzerland. New York City’s new mayor is rolling back executive orders signed by his predecessor. A super PAC supporting President Donald Trump has amassed an unprecedented cash stockpile. President Trump has issued a stern warning to Iranian leadership amid violent protests. Plus, a teenager has been arrested in connection with an alleged terror attack plot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A fire at a Swiss ski resort bar has killed dozens of people. Obamacare’s enhanced premium subsidies have now run out, impacting millions of Americans. Zohran Mamdani is now officially New York City’s new mayor. The Trump administration has begun slashing FEMA disaster response staff. Plus, a person has died in Colorado after a suspected mountain lion attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, we look at some of the top stories of the past year that will continue making headlines in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with an oil tanker that’s being pursued by the US near Venezuela. The House Judiciary Committee has released the closed-door hearing testimony of a former special counselor. The National Guard is leaving several key democratic cities for now. New York City mayor welcomes a new mayor at midnight. Plus, the search for the body of a missing teenager in Texas has ended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2026 will bring changes to healthcare premiums and SNAP benefits in some states. The government has frozen federal child care payments in Minnesota. We explain why Israel is threatening to suspend aid groups in Gaza. California will be ringing in the new year with more heavy rain. Plus, $400,000 worth of seafood has been stolen in New England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with the untimely death of President John F. Kennedy's granddaughter. The FBI and DHS are investigating fraud allegations in Minnesota. A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's latest attempt to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Foreign ministers from 10 countries have issued a call to action in Gaza. Plus, we explain what’s behind the rapid spread of two contagious illnesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US struck its first target inside Venezuela earlier this month. President Donald Trump has wrapped up two days of diplomacy with Israel and Ukraine’s leaders. We explain how a viral video by a led to a surge of police presence in Minnesota. More artists are cancelling their appearances at the Kennedy Center. Plus, this iconic musician has reached a financial milestone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump praised his meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister, even as disagreements remain. The president also shared an update on the US’ campaign against Venezuela. China is conducting “major military drills” around Taiwan. A second pilot has died after a midair helicopter crash in New Jersey. Plus, weeks after an epic knock out, a British boxing star is injured in a tragic accident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with how peace talks fared between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s leader in Florida. A winter storm is causing travel disruptions across large parts of the US. An investigation is underway after two helicopters crashed midair in New Jersey. A train has derailed in Mexico. Plus, it’s time to wave goodbye to this New York staple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you binge-watched “The Diplomat” or “Death by Lightning” this year, you’re not alone. These politics-centric dramas have united audiences at a time when real-life politics can feel toxic and fractured. Why is this genre so resilient? And could Washington, DC itself become a new home for Hollywood storytelling? We hear from someone who is banking on it. --- Guest: David Beaubaire, Founder & CEO, Sunset Lane Media Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Liam Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The free travel program that helps American students discover unfamiliar parts of the US is expanding in a big way. This nature reserve in Tennessee is seeing new growth, thanks to goats. CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta recaps the hopeful progress made this year on the procedure that could save countless lives. This year’s CNN Hero of the Year is proving flowers can be powerful in more ways than one. This state has a drunk driving problem – this nonprofit took steps to try to change that, and other states are taking notice. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with a winter snowstorm warning for millions across the Northeast and in California. We’ll tell you what the US is saying about its strike on ISIS in Nigeria. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he plans to meet with President Donald Trump on Sunday. A mother charged in the killing of her nine-year-old daughter appeared in court today. Plus, authorities are investigating who’s responsible for an explosion at a Syrian mosque. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explain why the US ordered strikes on ISIS in Nigeria. California’s governor has declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles. Ukrainian and US negotiators discussed a potential peace deal on Christmas Day. Scores of House Republicans are leaving to run for governor. Plus, why President Donald Trump’s Christmas message had a not-so-festive tone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with the latest discovery of an additional one million documents related to Jeffery Epstein. A new CNN poll reveals what Americans wish they could say to their political leaders. The suspect in the National Guard shooting faces new federal charges. We explain why Israel’s global standing on gender equality has declined. Plus, the latest front in the battle over transgender rights and medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Although not accused of any criminal wrongdoing, President Donald Trump’s name is mentioned many times in the latest release of the Epstein files. The Supreme Court has delivered a blow to the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. A month's worth of rain is set to be dumped on parts of California. Authorities have made a breakthrough in the search for missing nine year-old Melodee Buzzard. Plus, the government will start garnishing wages from student loan defaulters next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump and other names appear in the latest released batch of Epstein files. We'll break down new economic data that show a mixed economic picture. The Supreme Court has made a decision on National Guard deployment to Chicago. Emergency crews are responding to a tragedy at a Pennsylvania nursing home. Plus, we explain how a pulled “60 Minutes” episode reached a worldwide audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A strike on another suspected drug trafficking boat in the Pacific is again escalating tensions between US and Venezuela. Five people are dead after a plane crash off the coast of Texas. The FDA has approved a pill version of Wegovy. President Donald Trump made his first public comments on the latest release of the Epstein files. Plus, the Kansas City Chiefs are leaving Kansas City, Missouri. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump unveiled a new class of Navy battleships. We have the latest blow to the US offshore wind industry. New storms are prompting evacuations in parts of California. We’ll tell you why Barry Manilow rescheduled his upcoming concert dates. Plus, Paramount beefs up its bid for CNN's parent company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is pursuing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files is causing widespread criticism. We explain why the pulling of an episode of “60 minutes” has caused internal turmoil at CBS. Police in Australia say the suspected Bondi Beach gunmen threw bombs into the crowd which did not go off. Plus, another famous institution in Paris has been robbed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s second term has been norm-busting and extraordinarily consequential, but cracks are starting to form in Trump’s base. As 2025 comes to a close, we take stock of whether his political pull is reaching its limit and how discontent with his policies could shape the midterms. For more: Americans have a new thing to worry about: A stuck job market with no quick fix --- Guest: Aaron Blake, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Happiness Factory brings holiday cheer to people who need it most. An elementary school in Fort Worth, Texas couldn’t afford their annual Christmas gifts for its students, until TikTok made the magic happen. These sisters live far away from each other, but this holiday tradition brings them back together. This group believes Santa comes in every color. Plus, how many mistletoe-kissing couples does it take to make history? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department just released a massive portion of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. We’ll tell you about the US military’s operation in Syria. Investigators face steep challenges trying to piece together a motive in the Brown University shooting. More pharmaceutical companies are joining President Donald Trump’s push to lower drug prices. Plus, an update on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are questions over whether all the files related to Jeffrey Epstein will actually be released tonight. A powerful storm is causing flight delays and knocking out power for millions in the Northeast. We explain how an anonymous reddit post helped track the suspected Brown University shooter. The EU has announced a funding package for Ukraine. Plus, we’ll tell you why President Donald Trump’s “Patriot Games” are being compared to the “The Hunger Games.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin with news that the Brown University shooting suspect has been found. The US has carried out more strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean. In a CNN Exclusive, we tell you about some planned changes to vaccines for children in the US. Australia’s prime minister has announced a plan to buy back hundreds of thousands of guns. Plus, the US-based TikTok app is inching closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking News Alert: The social media platform has signed on to a deal backed by President Donald Trump. Listen for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with the Trump administration’s health policy changes on care for transgender minors and marijuana. There’s a potential break in the Brown University shooting investigation. We’ll tell you about a plane crash that authorities say killed a NASCAR driver and his family. We’re getting a glimpse of the second batch of photos from Jefferey Epstein’s estate. Plus, a change President Donald Trump frequently joked about came true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation has dipped and it’s a welcome boost for the economy. We explain what the expiration of ACA subsidies next year will mean for healthcare costs. The Trump administration is looking to ban transgender care from federal programs. European leaders are debating whether to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort. Plus, Pope Leo’s pick for the Archbishop of New York may be unpopular with Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

⁠Brian Walshe is sentenced for his wife’s murder⁠. Listen for more details on the judge's order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump addressed affordability in his speech to the nation last night. We explain why Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is stepping down. The government has admitted failures in January's mid-air collision in DC. Authorities are appealing for new information in the search for the Brown University shooter. Plus, Trump is sending checks to more than a million military service members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Republicans' fight over expiring health care subsidies is heating up. We’ll tell you where the search for a person of interest stands in the deadly Brown University shooting. We have new details on a Hollywood director and his wife’s death. Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his cases against President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill. Plus, Trump honored fallen heroes killed in Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is set to address the nation as his approval rating remains underwater. Investigators are poring over hundreds of tips in their search to find the Brown University shooter. Authorities say they’ve thwarted an attack in New Orleans. Warner Bros. Discovery has rejected the hostile Paramount takeover bid. Plus, over half a million homes across the northwest are without power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police in Australia have charged the surviving suspected gunman in the Bondi Beach Massacre. The Trump administration is ordering a total blockade of oil tankers from Venezuela. Authorities are appealing for more video footage in the search for the Brown University shooter. FIFA have responded to backlash over their World Cup ticket prices. Plus, Merriam-Webster has chosen to commemorate low quality AI videos as their word of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New photos and videos have emerged in the search for a person of interest tied to a deadly shooting at Brown University. We break down criminal charges the son of a legendary Hollywood director and producer is facing. New dash cam video may give investigators potential clues behind the Bondi Beach attack. Top Trump officials briefed lawmakers on a controversial boat strike in the Caribbean. Plus, we’ll tell you how Trump reacted to his chief of staff’s candid interview with Vanity Fair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newly obtained video footage reveals more information on the Brown University shooter. The new jobs report casts a worrying economic outlook. Parts of Washington state are facing evacuation orders after more heavy rain. President Donald Trump’s chief of staff has given an explosive interview with Vanity Fair. Plus, several Republicans are criticizing Trump’s comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Authorities have released new information to the public on the Brown University shooting suspect. President Donald Trump’s comments in the wake of the Reiners’ deaths have sparked condemnation. The US military has carried out more strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats. Australian officials believe the Bondi Beach gunmen have links to ISIS. Plus, Trump is suing another broadcaster for billions of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police are pursuing a new lead in the deadly Brown University shooting. We have new details on the death investigation of a legendary Hollywood director and his wife. A jury has convicted Brian Walshe for his wife’s death. Authorities thwarted a New Year’s Eve plot in the US. Plus, we’ll break down the latest round of talks for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking News Alert: A jury has convicted Brian Walshe of first-degree murder. Listen for more details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The search for a suspect in the Brown university shooting continues. Officials have named the two suspects in the Bondi Beach massacre in Australia. The son of Rob and Michelle Reiner is in custody on an unnamed felony charge. Lawmakers are racing against the clock to address skyrocketing healthcare costs before the holidays. Plus, how a new flu strain might affect you this winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The suspect in the Brown University shooting is still at large. At least 15 people have been killed in a shooting on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. President Donald Trump is vowing retaliation after two US soldiers and an interpreter were killed in Syria. A former Hong Kong media tycoon has been convicted on national security charges. Plus, legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife have been found dead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has signed an executive order that blocks states from enforcing their own regulations around artificial intelligence, arguing that a “single national framework” will help boost innovation. However, some GOP-controlled state legislatures are pushing back, arguing it infringes on states' rights. We explore what’s driving this wedge and how it could impact the 2026 midterms. For more: Pro-AI super PAC launches first candidate ads --- Guests: Utah state Sen. Heidi Balderree (R) & Hadas Gold, CNN AI Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Senior Producer: Faiz Jamil Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Mexico is now the first in the nation to offer a key financial lifeline for parents. In DC, a Metro bus driver made a powerful impression on a young rider. A group of nuns in Wisconsin and a Native tribe worked together in a way that hasn’t been done before in the US. A dog who was missing for five years is now home for the holidays. Plus, this new league held its first draft – meet some of the powerhouse players. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Chelsea Bailey, Jo Parker, Elliott Proctor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with reactions from the White House and a top Democrat on a new batch of pictures from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate. We’ll break down the charges against Michigan’s former head football coach since his arrest. Brian Walshe’s fate is in the hands of a jury. There’s a new shakeup in US military leadership over the fallout from controversial boat strikes in the Caribbean. Plus, a milestone in the fight against a growing STD nationwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newly released pictures from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate feature President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Bill Gates among others. The FDA is planning to put its most serious warning on Covid vaccines. Kilmar Abrego Garcia has spoken after being freed from ICE custody. The rain may have paused in Washington State, but it could get worse next week. Plus, Trump wants to be the first sitting president to have his likeness on a $1 coin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with new moves the US is making to intensify pressure on Venezuela. The Trump administration suffered a rare rebuke by its own party in Indiana, yesterday. The government has teased a new healthcare plan. Flooding continues to impact parts of Washington state. Plus, why you might start seeing Disney characters in AI videos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers remain divided over a clear path forward on health care. We’ll tell you about the Justice Department’s latest attempt to reindict one of President Donald Trump's political rivals. We have new developments on the oil tanker the US seized off the coast of Venezuela. Charlie Kirk’s murder suspect appeared in court for the first time. Plus, Trump’s redistricting push faces another hurdle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge has ordered that Kilmar Abrego Garcia be released from ICE custody. We have the latest on the rain and flooding in Washington state. We explain how tensions between the US and Venezuela are reaching new highs. Two Senate votes are happening today over the future of America’s healthcare. Plus, a university football coach has been jailed just hours after being fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US’ seizing of a Venezuelan oil tanker is escalating tensions between the two countries. Millions of people are under flood alerts after dangerous heavy rain in Washington state. We reveal how Ukraine and European leaders have made changes to a US-drafted peace deal. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and CNN. Plus, the eye-watering price tags for Trump’s new “gold card” visas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump announced a move that risks escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Federal Reserve made its final decision on interest rates for the year. A massive defense policy bill is making its way through Congress. GOP lawmakers are struggling to agree on a health care plan amid a looming deadline. Plus, Denmark’s warning relating to the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices