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, 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