CNN 5 Things

One Thing: States Want to Write The Rules of AI. Trump Won’t Let Them.

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 [https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/10/tech/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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

5 Good Things: This State Made Child Care Free

New Mexico [https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/12/business/universal-child-care-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. [https://www.cnn.com/newsletters]  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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

WH on Epstein Photos, Sherrone Moore Charges, New Antibiotics and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

New Epstein Pictures, Covid Vaccine Warning, Abrego Garcia Free and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Venezuela Sanctions, IN GOP Defy Trump, Disney AI Videos and more

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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]