CNN 5 Things

5 Good Things: Updates to Our Favorite Stories From 2025: Pt. 1

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 [https://www.cnn.com/world/heroes] 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. [https://www.cnn.com/newsletters]  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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Millions Hit by Storms, Zelensky-Trump Meeting, Syrian Mosque Explosion and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

ISIS Strikes, CA Storms, Trump’s Christmas Message and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

More Epstein Documents, What Americans Want to Say, Trans Youth Care Lawsuit and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Trump in Epstein Files, CA Storms, Student Loan Wage Garnish and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]