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. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin

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The Happiness Factory brings holiday cheer to people who need it most. An elementary school in Fort Worth, Texas couldn’t afford their annual Christmas gifts for its students, until TikTok made the magic happen. These sisters live far away from each other, but this holiday tradition brings them back together. This group believes Santa comes in every color. Plus, how many mistletoe-kissing couples does it take to make history?

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Dianna Hill, Liberty Smith, Sophie Garnett 

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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. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Chelsea Bailey, Jo Parker, Elliott Proctor 

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A prison and a ministry hosted its first-ever daddy–daughter dance. One creator’s mission to spread kindness turned into a financial lifeline for an 88-year-old working veteran. Two Brooklyn teens saw a broken system and built a tool thousands are using. New research suggests your teenage brain might have stuck around way past high school. Plus, these fun monthly sessions make boring tasks way more bearable.

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Samantha Lindell, Jo Parker, Elliott Proctor

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A wild turkey is thriving in the last place you’d expect – and the locals are obsessed. Hear what Nebraska’s first kid governor’s platform is. Beachcombers in western Australia found two letters in a bottle written by World War I soldiers. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree gets a magical second life you might not expect. Plus, the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year will be announced soon – meet the finalists and cast your votes.  

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Chip Grabow, Mia Blackman, Christie O’Reilly, Kathleen Toner, Meg Dunn

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This student-led choir grew out of a pro-democracy movement in Tunisia. If your mind races the night before a big moment, try these tips from David Beckham’s sleep coach. These newlyweds from Illinois found love in a YMCA pool. A partnership showed up in a warm way for the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. Plus, everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving story will hit a heartwarming milestone. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: McKenna Ewen

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Hear why this school in Ohio has students speaking up. From painting to songwriting, this veteran helps others heal. A Sydney-based scientist is leading the fight to restore the largest living structure on the planet. The “Tall Tour” and its attendees reach new heights. Plus, this couple fell in love in 1941 – today, they’re world record holders. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Jasmine Amjad and Meghan Dunn

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People step up nationwide to help feed their neighbors who rely on SNAP benefits. New research shows why you should go on walks more often. A forbidden book changed this former prisoner's life – now he's on a mission to bring libraries to prisons nationwide. Find out how goats are helping restore a Tennessee island. Plus, the 2025 Hero Dog of the Year was a stray three years ago. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin

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Meet the blind athletes calling balls and strikes — and pushing to make baseball a Paralympic sport. In Texas, one man’s costume giveaway is helping families in need dress up for Halloween. A US Air Force sergeant reunites with her beloved K-9 partner. In Minnesota, a young girl makes a miraculous recovery just in time for her 13th birthday. Plus, an 80-year-old triathlete made history.

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson 

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil 

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Randi Kaye, Nicole Bozorgmir, Deborah Brunswick, Madeline Stix

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 A wildlife expert performed a tiny transplant surgery. A Texas volleyball team serves an epic surprise for their school’s beloved custodian. New research brings good news to parents hoping to prevent peanut allergies. A retired computer technician in Florida is paying it forward to people in need. And in Chicago, second chances are in full bloom for at-risk youth, thanks to this CNN Hero. 

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 

Editorial Support: Dan Dzula, Kathleen Toner, Christie O’Reilly

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