CNN 5 Things

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. 

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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.

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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

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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 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 

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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.

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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.

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In this special episode, we look at some of the top stories of the past year that will continue making headlines in 2026.

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We start with an oil tanker that’s being pursued by the US near Venezuela. The House Judiciary Committee has released the closed-door hearing testimony of a former special counselor. The National Guard is leaving several key democratic cities for now. New York City mayor welcomes a new mayor at midnight. Plus, the search for the body of a missing teenager in Texas has ended.

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2026 will bring changes to healthcare premiums and SNAP benefits in some states. The government has frozen federal child care payments in Minnesota. We explain why Israel is threatening to suspend aid groups in Gaza. California will be ringing in the new year with more heavy rain. Plus, $400,000 worth of seafood has been stolen in New England.

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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.

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