CNN News Briefing

President Donald Trump and other names appear in the latest released batch of Epstein files. We'll break down new economic data that show a mixed economic picture. The Supreme Court has made a decision on National Guard deployment to Chicago. Emergency crews are responding to a tragedy at a Pennsylvania nursing home. Plus, we explain how a pulled “60 Minutes” episode reached a worldwide audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

The Justice Department just released a massive portion of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. We'll tell you about the US military's operation in Syria. Investigators face steep challenges trying to piece together a motive in the Brown University shooting. More pharmaceutical companies are joining President Donald Trump's push to lower drug prices. Plus, an update on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are questions over whether all the files related to Jeffrey Epstein will actually be released tonight. A powerful storm is causing flight delays and knocking out power for millions in the Northeast. We explain how an anonymous reddit post helped track the suspected Brown University shooter. The EU has announced a funding package for Ukraine. Plus, we'll tell you why President Donald Trump's “Patriot Games” are being compared to the “The Hunger Games.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin with news that the Brown University shooting suspect has been found. The US has carried out more strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean. In a CNN Exclusive, we tell you about some planned changes to vaccines for children in the US. Australia's prime minister has announced a plan to buy back hundreds of thousands of guns. Plus, the US-based TikTok app is inching closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking News Alert: The social media platform has signed on to a deal backed by President Donald Trump. Listen for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with the Trump administration's health policy changes on care for transgender minors and marijuana. There's a potential break in the Brown University shooting investigation. We'll tell you about a plane crash that authorities say killed a NASCAR driver and his family. We're getting a glimpse of the second batch of photos from Jefferey Epstein's estate. Plus, a change President Donald Trump frequently joked about came true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation has dipped and it's a welcome boost for the economy. We explain what the expiration of ACA subsidies next year will mean for healthcare costs. The Trump administration is looking to ban transgender care from federal programs. European leaders are debating whether to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort. Plus, Pope Leo's pick for the Archbishop of New York may be unpopular with Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

⁠Brian Walshe is sentenced for his wife's murder⁠. Listen for more details on the judge's order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump addressed affordability in his speech to the nation last night. We explain why Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is stepping down. The government has admitted failures in January's mid-air collision in DC. Authorities are appealing for new information in the search for the Brown University shooter. Plus, Trump is sending checks to more than a million military service members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Republicans' fight over expiring health care subsidies is heating up. We'll tell you where the search for a person of interest stands in the deadly Brown University shooting. We have new details on a Hollywood director and his wife's death. Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his cases against President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill. Plus, Trump honored fallen heroes killed in Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is set to address the nation as his approval rating remains underwater. Investigators are poring over hundreds of tips in their search to find the Brown University shooter. Authorities say they've thwarted an attack in New Orleans. Warner Bros. Discovery has rejected the hostile Paramount takeover bid. Plus, over half a million homes across the northwest are without power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police in Australia have charged the surviving suspected gunman in the Bondi Beach Massacre. The Trump administration is ordering a total blockade of oil tankers from Venezuela. Authorities are appealing for more video footage in the search for the Brown University shooter. FIFA have responded to backlash over their World Cup ticket prices. Plus, Merriam-Webster has chosen to commemorate low quality AI videos as their word of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New photos and videos have emerged in the search for a person of interest tied to a deadly shooting at Brown University. We break down criminal charges the son of a legendary Hollywood director and producer is facing. New dash cam video may give investigators potential clues behind the Bondi Beach attack. Top Trump officials briefed lawmakers on a controversial boat strike in the Caribbean. Plus, we'll tell you how Trump reacted to his chief of staff's candid interview with Vanity Fair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newly obtained video footage reveals more information on the Brown University shooter. The new jobs report casts a worrying economic outlook. Parts of Washington state are facing evacuation orders after more heavy rain. President Donald Trump's chief of staff has given an explosive interview with Vanity Fair. Plus, several Republicans are criticizing Trump's comments in the wake of Rob Reiner's death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Authorities have released new information to the public on the Brown University shooting suspect. President Donald Trump's comments in the wake of the Reiners' deaths have sparked condemnation. The US military has carried out more strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats. Australian officials believe the Bondi Beach gunmen have links to ISIS. Plus, Trump is suing another broadcaster for billions of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police are pursuing a new lead in the deadly Brown University shooting. We have new details on the death investigation of a legendary Hollywood director and his wife. A jury has convicted Brian Walshe for his wife's death. Authorities thwarted a New Year's Eve plot in the US. Plus, we'll break down the latest round of talks for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking News Alert: A jury has convicted Brian Walshe of first-degree murder. Listen for more details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The search for a suspect in the Brown university shooting continues. Officials have named the two suspects in the Bondi Beach massacre in Australia. The son of Rob and Michelle Reiner is in custody on an unnamed felony charge. Lawmakers are racing against the clock to address skyrocketing healthcare costs before the holidays. Plus, how a new flu strain might affect you this winter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The suspect in the Brown University shooting is still at large. At least 15 people have been killed in a shooting on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. President Donald Trump is vowing retaliation after two US soldiers and an interpreter were killed in Syria. A former Hong Kong media tycoon has been convicted on national security charges. Plus, legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife have been found dead.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has signed an executive order that blocks states from enforcing their own regulations around artificial intelligence, arguing that a “single national framework” will help boost innovation. However, some GOP-controlled state legislatures are pushing back, arguing it infringes on states' rights. We explore what's driving this wedge and how it could impact the 2026 midterms. For more: Pro-AI super PAC launches first candidate ads  ---  Guests: Utah state Sen. Heidi Balderree (R) & Hadas Gold, CNN AI Correspondent  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Senior Producer: Faiz Jamil  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.    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: Chelsea Bailey, Jo Parker, Elliott Proctor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with reactions from the White House and a top Democrat on a new batch of pictures from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. We'll break down the charges against Michigan's former head football coach since his arrest. Brian Walshe's fate is in the hands of a jury. There's a new shakeup in US military leadership over the fallout from controversial boat strikes in the Caribbean. Plus, a milestone in the fight against a growing STD nationwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newly released pictures from Jeffrey Epstein's estate feature President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Bill Gates among others. The FDA is planning to put its most serious warning on Covid vaccines. Kilmar Abrego Garcia has spoken after being freed from ICE custody. The rain may have paused in Washington State, but it could get worse next week. Plus, Trump wants to be the first sitting president to have his likeness on a $1 coin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with new moves the US is making to intensify pressure on Venezuela. The Trump administration suffered a rare rebuke by its own party in Indiana, yesterday. The government has teased a new healthcare plan. Flooding continues to impact parts of Washington state. Plus, why you might start seeing Disney characters in AI videos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers remain divided over a clear path forward on health care. We'll tell you about the Justice Department's latest attempt to reindict one of President Donald Trump's political rivals. We have new developments on the oil tanker the US seized off the coast of Venezuela. Charlie Kirk's murder suspect appeared in court for the first time. Plus, Trump's redistricting push faces another hurdle.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge has ordered that Kilmar Abrego Garcia be released from ICE custody. We have the latest on the rain and flooding in Washington state. We explain how tensions between the US and Venezuela are reaching new highs. Two Senate votes are happening today over the future of America's healthcare. Plus, a university football coach has been jailed just hours after being fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US' seizing of a Venezuelan oil tanker is escalating tensions between the two countries. Millions of people are under flood alerts after dangerous heavy rain in Washington state. We reveal how Ukraine and European leaders have made changes to a US-drafted peace deal. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and CNN. Plus, the eye-watering price tags for Trump's new “gold card” visas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump announced a move that risks escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Federal Reserve made its final decision on interest rates for the year. A massive defense policy bill is making its way through Congress. GOP lawmakers are struggling to agree on a health care plan amid a looming deadline. Plus, Denmark's warning relating to the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Federal Reserve is set to cut interest rates to shore up a shaky job market. Another federal judge has just ruled on releasing records relating to Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case. There are more instances of US strikes on alleged drug boats that have initially left survivors. A pro-AI super PAC is launching its first candidate ads. Plus, why this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner wasn't there to collect the award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite calling it a “hoax” President Donald Trump gave a speech on how he'll address the affordability crisis. Miami elects its first Democrat mayor in nearly 30 years. We have more details on the shooting at Kentucky State University. Ukraine's president has responded to Trump's comments about the country's lack of elections. Plus, a study sheds light on how many teenagers are using AI chatbots.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with a preview of President Donald Trump's speech on the cost of living. The Justice Department's efforts to release the Jeffrey Epstein files took an important step forward. We'll tell you where the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations now stand. A shooting on a Kentucky campus is under investigation. Plus, an update on the Tufts University student whose visa was revoked after criticizing Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump has graded his economic performance in a new interview. Trump has also addressed the deadly double-tap strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean. The Supreme Court is hearing a GOP-led effort to lift campaign spending caps. Trump has some scathing words for the US' European allies. Plus, a country has banned children under 16 from using social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Supreme Court ruling backing President Donald Trump's federal firings could have major implications for the president's power. Ukraine's leader is doubling down on his refusal to give up territory to Russia. The State Department has released figures on how many visas have been revoked in the last year. Trump is easing export controls on a key piece of AI technology. Plus, ABC executives have decided the fate of Jimmy Kimmel's talk show.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with key takeaways on a separation of powers case involving a fired FTC commissioner. President Donald Trump unveiled a bailout plan for farmers hit hard by the trade war. Trump's former personal lawyer stepped down from a top job. We'll tell you why former FBI agents are suing Director Kash Patel. Plus, parts of Japan are reeling from a powerful earthquake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paramount is launching a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery to rival Netflix's. President Donald Trump is facing a major test of his presidential influence at the Supreme Court today. Trump plans to sign an executive order blocking AI regulations at the state level. Ukraine's President has met with the leaders of several major European countries. Plus, we have this year's Golden Globe nominations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New figures show many of those arrested by ICE do not have criminal records. President Donald Trump is accusing Ukraine's President of not reading the US-backed peace deal. Meanwhile, Trump could be dealt a major political blow in Indiana this week. Thailand has launched airstrikes against Cambodia. Plus, the celebrities Trump awarded at last night's Kennedy Center Honors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Green card holders. Refugees. Asylum seekers. Even naturalized citizens. Fear and confusion are gripping immigrants of all stripes across the country as President Donald Trump expands his restrictions on legal immigration in the wake of the National Guard shooting in Washington, DC. Is this about public safety, or something else? And could Trump's xenophobic “garbage” comments about Somalis encourage more hateful rhetoric? We hear why the recent moves could jam up a system that's already plenty clogged.  For more: How Trump is intensifying his crackdown on every form of immigration to the US  ---  Guests: Elissa J. Taub, immigration lawyer & Priscilla Alvarez, CNN Correspondent  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Rob Kuznia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices