CNN 5 Things

A strike on another suspected drug trafficking boat in the Pacific is again escalating tensions between US and Venezuela. Five people are dead after a plane crash off the coast of Texas. The FDA has approved a pill version of Wegovy. President Donald Trump made his first public comments on the latest release of the Epstein files. Plus, the Kansas City Chiefs are leaving Kansas City, Missouri. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump unveiled a new class of Navy battleships. We have the latest blow to the US offshore wind industry. New storms are prompting evacuations in parts of California. We’ll tell you why Barry Manilow rescheduled his upcoming concert dates. Plus, Paramount beefs up its bid for CNN's parent company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is pursuing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files is causing widespread criticism. We explain why the pulling of an episode of “60 minutes” has caused internal turmoil at CBS. Police in Australia say the suspected Bondi Beach gunmen threw bombs into the crowd which did not go off. Plus, another famous institution in Paris has been robbed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s second term has been norm-busting and extraordinarily consequential, but cracks are starting to form in Trump’s base. As 2025 comes to a close, we take stock of whether his political pull is reaching its limit and how discontent with his policies could shape the midterms.  For more: Americans have a new thing to worry about: A stuck job market with no quick fix  ---  Guest: Aaron Blake, CNN Senior Reporter  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices