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CNN 5 Things
We bring you 5 stories that will get you up to speed and on with your day. Updates at 6am, 12pm, and 6pm Eastern, every weekday.

More details are emerging on the capture of Venezuela’s leader and his wife. President Donald Trump suggests the US could take actions against more countries. We’ll tell you where the Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files stands. Emotions ran high during the start of a former school police officer’s trial in Uvalde, Texas. Plus, Republicans’ narrow majority shrinks even further.
Jan 6, 2026
Venezuela remains on edge as the Trump administration preps to brief lawmakers about the US operation. We’ll tell you how House Democrats are marking five years since the January 6th Capital riot. Five Democratic-led states are facing billions of dollars in funding cuts to social services and child care. More details have emerged about the Swiss bar where dozens of people died in a fire. Plus, the US’ worst flu season in a quarter of a century.
Jan 6, 2026
The future of Venezuela is facing huge uncertainty, as it swears in an acting president. Denmark’s leader warns NATO may be over if the US takes Greenland. Minnesota is bracing for an aggressive immigration crackdown. A “planning exercise” at FEMA suggests the agency may be preparing for 50% staff cuts. Plus, public broadcasting takes another hit.
Jan 6, 2026
The ousted Venezuelan leader and his wife had their first federal court appearance today. The Department of Health and Human Services is planning a major change to childhood vaccination schedule. Minnesota governor Tim Walz announced he won’t run for reelection. The Pentagon is punishing Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for his recent remarks. Plus, a new, cheaper weight-loss drug hit the market.
Jan 5, 2026
The ousted leader of Venezuela is appearing in a New York City courthouse today. We explain why gas prices are set to be so cheap this year. Lawmakers are returning to Congress for crucial votes on health care. A trial is underway for a school district police officer over the Uvalde school shooting. Plus, a bluefin tuna fish has fetched an eye-watering sum.
Jan 5, 2026
We start with the latest developments in Venezuela after the US’ attack. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is also making military threats to other countries. Business owners in Minneapolis’ Somali community say they’re being threatened and harassed. The age of some of the victims of a Swiss bar fire is raising questions about whether proper checks were in place. Plus, more rain for flood-impacted California.
Jan 5, 2026
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
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Guests: Mary Triny Mena, freelance journalist & Natasha Bertrand, CNN Correspondent
Host/Producer: David Rind
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Caroline Paterson
Jan 4, 2026
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...Show more receiving a new heart, one athlete is still pushing limits and setting ambitious goals for the year ahead.
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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco
Producer: Eryn Mathewson
Showrunner: Faiz Jamil
Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Jan 3, 2026
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.
Jan 2, 2026
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.
Jan 2, 2026







