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.

Dec 30, 2025

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.

Dec 30, 2025

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.

Dec 29, 2025

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.

Dec 29, 2025

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

Dec 28, 2025

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

Dec 27, 2025

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.

Dec 26, 2025

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.

Dec 26, 2025

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.

Dec 24, 2025

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.

Dec 24, 2025