CNN News Briefing

We start with President Donald Trump's message to Iranian protesters amid a brutal crackdown. We'll break down the latest turn of events in the Minnesota ICE shooting investigation. A top House Republican is threatening to hold the Clintons in contempt in a Jeffrey Epstein probe. We have takeaways from the Supreme Court hearing on transgender sports bans. Plus, the end of an era for this NFL team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We lay out President Donald Trump's options for Iran as the death toll grows massively. US inflation remained higher than expected last month. We have new details about Minnesota's lawsuit against the federal government over its immigration crackdown. The BBC is looking to dismiss Trump's defamation claim against it. Plus, we'll tell you which countries have banned Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump says he'll slap tariffs on countries that do business with Iran. We explain what's in the lawsuits Minnesota and Illinois are bringing against the federal government. A senior Trump administration figure is not happy with the probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The DOJ has fired a top prosecutor at the office behind the case against former FBI director James Comey. Plus, Paramount's latest move to force a hostile takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with Minnesota's legal action against the Trump administration on the federal immigration crackdown. We'll tell you how President Donald Trump is threatening Iran and any country that does business with the country. The DOJ's probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell draws backlash from some Republicans. A critical leader is set to visit the White House this week. Plus, we have new details on the arson suspect accused of starting the Mississippi synagogue fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hundreds of people have been killed as protests in Iran enter a third week. There's a massive surge of federal agents heading to Minneapolis. Wall Street has reacted to the Trump administration's criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. We tell you why thousands of New York City nurses could go on strike today. Plus, a leadership change could be on the horizon for Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 500 people have died during anti-government demonstrations in Iran. Hundreds more immigration officers are heading to Minneapolis, as the city held mass protests over the weekend. The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation against Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve. Mississippi's largest synagogue has been destroyed by a fire. Plus, we'll tell you the big winners at last night's Golden Globes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week in a case that could decide whether states may ban transgender students from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. It comes as President Donald Trump has moved to punish institutions that are inclusive of trans athletes. We break down the legal case and hear from a transgender former college athlete who says this is about way more than a game.  For more: Do transgender women have an athletic advantage? Here's what the science does – and doesn't – say  ---  Guests: Mayumi Berry, former NCAA athlete & John Fritze, CNN Supreme Court Reporter   Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A health and fitness expert shares how to make healthy habits stick long after January. A chef's intuition saved a longtime customer who stopped showing up. This highway is made of recycled tires. Meet the Catholic priest preaching in unexpected places. Plus, a specialized court helps veterans heal through recovery, mentorship, and second chances. 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: Demetrius Pipkin, Jeff Winter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin with new video capturing pivotal moments surrounding an ICE agent's fatal shooting in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump met with energy executives about plans to overhaul Venezuela's oil industry. Flu and measles cases are surging in parts of the US. We have an update on the Swiss resort bar hit by a deadly fire on New Year's Day. Plus, a key change to Elon Musk's AI chatbot amidst a deepfake controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two US cities are on edge after separate shootings involving ICE agents. December's job numbers are weaker than expected. We explain why the US has canceled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela. Iran is facing its most serious anti-regime protests in years. Plus, Luigi Mangione is back in court, as his lawyers fight for him to avoid the death penalty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's been another shooting by border patrol agents, this time in Portland, Oregon. Meanwhile, the investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE agent is raising concern. Five Democrat-led states are suing the Trump administration over the freezing of billions of dollars in funding. Russia has attacked Ukraine with one of it's most advanced weapons. Plus, new research on what happens after you stop taking weight loss drugs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota's governor has authorized the state's National Guard to help support local law enforcement amid protests. President Donald Trump lashed out on social media over a vote to curb his war powers in Venezuela. We have the latest blowback on criminal investigations into one of Trump's political foes. We'll tell you the next steps in a push to restore enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Plus, Trump's latest actions in America's affordability crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions are escalating in Minneapolis as protestors and law enforcement clash over the fatal shooting of a woman. President Donald Trump has commented on how long the US intends to take "control" of Venezuela. A shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City has left two people dead. Russia  is threatening to target any Western troops sent to Ukraine. Plus, Elon Musk's xAI is facing huge backlash over its Grok chatbot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anger is growing over the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The US is in negotiations with Venezuela's state-owned oil company. The Trump administration wants to remove the US from a landmark United Nations climate treaty from the 90s. One of the longest serving House Democrats is set to retire. Plus, why NASA has postponed a spacewalk by for two astronauts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with the Minneapolis mayor's strong message to immigration enforcement officers after a woman was shot and killed. We'll break down the Trump administration's plans with Venezuela's oil after its latest seizures. Another state is joining the redistricting wars. New US dietary guidelines essentially turn the food pyramid upside down. Plus, an update on Nick Reiner's murder case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US has seized two Russian-flagged oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Minnesota lawmakers are testifying before Congress on fraud allegations in the state. Concerns are growing in Europe over the Trump administration's talk of seizing Greenland. Warner Bros. Discovery responded to the latest bid from Paramount. Plus, what's happened one year since the devastating Los Angeles fires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is ramping up its threats of taking Greenland. President Donald Trump says seized Venezuelan oil will make a profit for the US. The White House has released a new website rewriting the history of January 6th. Authorities have released transcripts of videos taken by the Brown University shooting suspect. Plus, Wyoming's Supreme Court has ruled on abortion in the state.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More details are emerging on the capture of Venezuela's leader and his wife. President Donald Trump suggests the US could take actions against more countries. We'll tell you where the Justice Department's release of the Epstein files stands. Emotions ran high during the start of a former school police officer's trial in Uvalde, Texas. Plus, Republicans' narrow majority shrinks even further. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Venezuela remains on edge as the Trump administration preps to brief lawmakers about the US operation. We'll tell you how House Democrats are marking five years since the January 6th Capital riot. Five Democratic-led states are facing billions of dollars in funding cuts to social services and child care. More details have emerged about the Swiss bar where dozens of people died in a fire. Plus, the US' worst flu season in a quarter of a century.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The future of Venezuela is facing huge uncertainty, as it swears in an acting president. Denmark's leader warns NATO may be over if the US takes Greenland. Minnesota is bracing for an aggressive immigration crackdown. A “planning exercise” at FEMA suggests the agency may be preparing for 50% staff cuts. Plus, public broadcasting takes another hit.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ousted Venezuelan leader and his wife had their first federal court appearance today. The Department of Health and Human Services is planning a major change to childhood vaccination schedule. Minnesota governor Tim Walz announced he won't run for reelection. The Pentagon is punishing Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for his recent remarks. Plus, a new, cheaper weight-loss drug hit the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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  ---  Guests: Mary Triny Mena, freelance journalist & Natasha Bertrand, CNN Correspondent  Host/Producer: David Rind  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Caroline Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

In this special episode, we look at some of the top stories of the past year that will continue making headlines in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

The US struck its first target inside Venezuela earlier this month. President Donald Trump has wrapped up two days of diplomacy with Israel and Ukraine's leaders. We explain how a viral video by a led to a surge of police presence in Minnesota. More artists are cancelling their appearances at the Kennedy Center. Plus, this iconic musician has reached a financial milestone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump praised his meeting with Israel's Prime Minister, even as disagreements remain. The president also shared an update on the US' campaign against Venezuela. China is conducting “major military drills” around Taiwan. A second pilot has died after a midair helicopter crash in New Jersey. Plus, weeks after an epic knock out, a British boxing star is injured in a tragic accident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with how peace talks fared between President Donald Trump and Ukraine's leader in Florida. A winter storm is causing travel disruptions across large parts of the US. An investigation is underway after two helicopters crashed midair in New Jersey. A train has derailed in Mexico. Plus, it's time to wave goodbye to this New York staple.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you binge-watched “The Diplomat” or “Death by Lightning” this year, you're not alone. These politics-centric dramas have united audiences at a time when real-life politics can feel toxic and fractured. Why is this genre so resilient? And could Washington, DC itself become a new home for Hollywood storytelling? We hear from someone who is banking on it. ---  Guest: David Beaubaire, Founder & CEO, Sunset Lane Media  Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Liam Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

We start with a winter snowstorm warning for millions across the Northeast and in California. We'll tell you what the US is saying about its strike on ISIS in Nigeria. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he plans to meet with President Donald Trump on Sunday. A mother charged in the killing of her nine-year-old daughter appeared in court today. Plus, authorities are investigating who's responsible for an explosion at a Syrian mosque. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explain why the US ordered strikes on ISIS in Nigeria. California's governor has declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles. Ukrainian and US negotiators discussed a potential peace deal on Christmas Day. Scores of House Republicans are leaving to run for governor. Plus, why President Donald Trump's Christmas message had a not-so-festive tone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start with the latest discovery of an additional one million documents related to Jeffery Epstein. A new CNN poll reveals what Americans wish they could say to their political leaders. The suspect in the National Guard shooting faces new federal charges. We explain why Israel's global standing on gender equality has declined. Plus, the latest front in the battle over transgender rights and medical care.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Although not accused of any criminal wrongdoing, President Donald Trump's name is mentioned many times in the latest release of the Epstein files. The Supreme Court has delivered a blow to the Trump administration's immigration agenda. A month's worth of rain is set to be dumped on parts of California. Authorities have made a breakthrough in the search for missing nine year-old Melodee Buzzard. Plus, the government will start garnishing wages from student loan defaulters next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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