CNN 5 Things

Latest Episodes:

5 Good Things: She Was Depressed for Decades Until She Tried This Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

This album started as a family project and turned into a Grammy nomination. The internet rallied behind a 92-year-old woman still working to make ends meet. An FDA-cleared brain treatment is offering hope to people with depression who’ve tried everything else. Meet the crew tasked with fighting and preventing wildfire disasters in Los Angeles. Plus, these divers rescued a ray and what happened next shocked them.

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco

Showrunner: Faiz Jamil

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin

Editorial Support: Dan Bloom, Cindy Von Quednow, Hyan de Freitas

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Anti-ICE Protests, Weekend Winter Storm, Iconic TV Mom Dies and more Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

We start with new details on the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released today. Nationwide demonstrations against ICE patrols are underway, as we follow updates on two journalists taken into custody. The federal government may be barreling toward a brief shutdown over the weekend. Parts of the US are bracing for another round of snow and freezing temperatures. Plus, sad news about a legendary actress who brought some of the most memorable moms to life.

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More Epstein Files, Don Lemon Arrested, No Death Penalty for Mangione and more Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

The Department of Justice is releasing more of its files related to Jeffrey Epstein. A former CNN news anchor has been taken into custody after covering an anti-ICE demonstration. Protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown are being organized nationwide. President Donald Trump has named who he wants to be the next Federal Reserve Chair. And, a judge has made a key ruling in Luigi Mangione’s federal case.

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Shutdown Deal Reached, Trump Contradicts Border Czar, Tax Leak Lawsuit and more Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

A deal is in place to avoid a government shutdown but lawmakers still need to clear the final hurdle. President Donald Trump says there will be no federal law enforcement drawdown in Minnesota. Venezuela has made it easier for oil companies to operate there. A Panama Supreme Court ruling could curb China’s influence over the Panama Canal. Plus, why President Trump is suing the IRS in a personal capacity.

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Shutdown Fears, Sonya Massey Murder Sentencing, Fake FBI Agent and more Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

The Senate blocked a massive funding bill as a partial government shutdown looms. We’ll tell you where President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota stands. A former Illinois deputy convicted of fatally shooting a Black woman has been sentenced. Trump updated reporters on issues including Venezuela and Ukraine during his Cabinet meeting today. Plus, how a man who tried to free Luigi Mangione ended up in police custody.

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Border Czar’s ‘drawdown plan’, Bomb Cyclone Coming, AI Tourist Trap and more Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Border czar Tom Homan says he’s ordered federal immigration authorities to work on an eventual drawdown plan in Minnesota. Meanwhile, a prominent lawmaker is throwing their hat in the ring to become Minnesota’s next governor. Another storm is brewing for this weekend, focusing on the Southeast, but the Northeast will feel some of it too. Oil prices rose the morning, as President Donald Trump weighs a military strike on Iran. Plus, how AI landed some tourists in hot water – or rather it didn’t.

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Minnesota Town Hall, Shutdown Talks Continue, Tesla Shifting to 'humanoid robots' and more Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Minnesota leaders faced tough questions from residents at a CNN town hall about the unrest in the city. White House and Senate leaders inch closer to a deal to avoid another government shutdown. President Donald Trump continues weighing a potential strike on Iran as talks between Washington and Tehran falter. Fewer Americans have signed up for ACA coverage in the wake of premium subsidies expiring. Plus, why Tesla is pulling back from the vehicles that made it a household name.

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Fed Rates Steady, MN Shooting Probe, “Trump Accounts” and more Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

We start with the Federal Reserve’s latest decision on interest rates, as it fights to maintain its independence. We have updates on Alex Pretti’s fatal shooting investigation and the attack against a Minnesota lawmaker. The FBI is investigating voter fraud claims in a crucial swing state. We have key takeaways from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Senate hearing. Plus, we’ll tell you what President Donald Trump is calling the centerpiece of his affordability agenda.

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Interest Rates, US-Iran Tensions Rise, Amazon Layoffs and more Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked last night in Minneapolis. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to announce the central bank's decision on interest rates. We explain why US forces are conducting military exercises in the Middle East. New figures capture how many Russian soldiers have died in the war in Ukraine. Plus, a major tech company is laying off thousands amid an AI shift.

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De-escalation in MN, Ilhan Omar Attacked, DC Midair Collision Cause and more Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

The White House appears to be changing its stance on the shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. The man accused of attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minnesota has been arrested. A new report shows consumer confidence is down, though there is a bright spot. The NTSB presented findings and recommendations from its extensive investigation into a deadly midair collision last year. Plus, another winter storm is expected to hit parts of the US this weekend.

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