An acclaimed pianist gathered thousands of people’s thoughts and reflections of what it means to be an American. Hundreds of items are being preserved in a capsule that captures America’s 250 years. A legendary locomotive and a grassroots running community are making coast-to-coast trips with a whistle and a flag you can’t miss. Plus, these towns from CNN’s annual list prove some of America’s best destinations are off the beaten path. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Andy Buck, Linda Gaudino, Deb Brunswick 

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Two families linked by one lifesaving gift finally meet face-to-face for the first time. World Cup fever is transforming cities across the US, especially one small college town in Kansas. A new music festival is giving an iconic legacy a fresh chapter. If you thought twins were rare, this family from Texas begs to differ. One composer found a way to turn nature into beautiful music with a deeply personal mission. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson, Ifeoma Dike 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Phil Clarke Hill, David Rind 

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Their home team didn’t qualify for the World Cup, so a local pub found a new team to support in a heartwarming way. Meet the young fashion designer turning heads and breaking records. The inspiration for a first-of-its-kind role for this musician started with a Disney classic. US adults struggle with money basics... learn how these students are investing into their future. Plus, want a more meaningful life? A happiness expert says you're probably avoiding the answer. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Lacey Russell, Madeline Holcombe 

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Three longtime friends crossed two continents by bike to cheer on their favorite team at the World Cup. Would you go to a Mango Tango? Hundreds of people did in San Fransisco. This futuristic bionic arm is making daily life a little easier and a lot more fun for one New Yorker. Meet the 12-year-old with an uncanny ability to imitate birds. Plus, how a Boston reporter is making people fall in love with local journalism. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Paola Ortiz and Hazel Tang 

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The NBA Finals have begun – we hear from some of the teams’ most devoted fans. A promising new pancreatic cancer treatment is giving doctors and patients hope. These nature-loving neighbors in California are celebrating a special milestone. This teacher went the distance for his students with disabilities before he retired – literally. Plus, meet the search-and-rescue specialist with whiskers, webbed feet and a growing fan base. 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

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A sixth grader from Virginia isn’t a sore loser at this year’s Spelling Bee. Several climbers etched their names into the history books this month on the tallest mountain in the world.A 6-year-old from Gloucester, England got creative to raise money for charity in honor of his dog. A Michigan welder is set to make history at the “Olympics of skilled trades.” Plus, scientists may have finally solved the mystery of the T. Rex’s tiny arms. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Chelsea Cook, Coy Wire, Laura Jackson, Isa Soares 

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This Massachusetts neighborhood is setting the soundtrack for Memorial Day weekend, one porch at a time. We’re also celebrating World Turtle Day with a turtle whisperer in Florida. A children’s hospital rolled out the red carpet for teen cancer patients. Graduates from a historically Black college in Atlanta are making history together. Plus, we check on America’s favorite feathery power couple and the efforts of elementary school kids to save their nest. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Lisa Wong

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Turns out “fútbol is life” wasn’t just a line for this “Ted Lasso” star. A commencement speaker gave graduates more than words of wisdom. We’ll tell you how mountain gorillas rebounded from the brink of extinction. A new children’s book honors the Chinese immigrant behind America’s Famous Bing cherry. Plus, meet the man traveling the world without ever stepping on a plane. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

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Hear why thousands of moms across the country are lining up for a night out. It’s Teacher Appreciation Week: meet the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. A two-year-old boy who was born profoundly deaf can now hear, thanks to a new FDA-approved gene therapy. An iconic TV personality just turned 100. And, how a community in Idaho celebrated a young leukemia survivor's birthday. 

Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Deborah Brunswick, Hazel Tang, Madeleine Stix, Jim Schiffman, Elliott Proctor 

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This stallion season manager is celebrating a second chance at life at the 152nd Kentucky Derby. How one man is keeping a promise to his late grandmother ⁠at full speed.⁠ A family-owned supermarket is taking a page from NPR’s book with its own version of “Tiny Desk concerts.” This ancient "miracle tree" could solve a very modern pollution problem. Plus, meet ⁠the oncologist⁠ bringing life-saving care to places that don’t have it.

Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

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