CNN 5 Things

A controversial group chat involving the Defense Secretary raises concerns about operational security. New images from Jeffrey Epstein’s private island reveal troubling insights. President Trump has pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar, stirring political waters. The CDC is reevaluating the timing of newborn hepatitis B vaccinations, with significant implications. Lastly, Trump’s plan to revamp fuel economy standards aims to make new cars more affordable.

Alisha Wallace, a CNN reporter specializing in labor and employment data, joins the discussion. She reveals alarming new numbers from the ADP report indicating a loss of 32,000 jobs in November, particularly affecting small businesses. The podcast also covers new ICE operations targeting undocumented communities in New Orleans and Minnesota. Additionally, San Francisco's lawsuit against major food manufacturers for public health harms raises eyebrows. Lastly, a bizarre crime story unfolds involving a man in New Zealand accused of swallowing evidence.

Freezing temperatures impact over 200 million people across the U.S. as a Canadian cold front sweeps in. Tensions rise following a lack of progress in Moscow peace talks, with no compromises reached. Scrutiny increases over U.S. military strikes on drug trafficking boats, leading to defense leaders distancing themselves from the actions. In Tennessee, a special election sees Republican Matt Van Epps projected to win. Additionally, Larry Summers faces a lifetime ban from the American Economic Association due to ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Trump administration is ramping up its campaign against Venezuela. We’ll tell you where a winter storm is causing the worst travel conditions. The man accused of shooting two National Guard members last week made his first court appearance. A tech giant and his wife are investing billions of dollars in American children. Plus, what happened on day two of Brian Walshe’s murder trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A winter storm is lashing the Northeast with rain and snow. Critical talks between senior US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin are underway. We explain why a special election in deep red Tennessee is closer than expected. The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is heading to another city. Plus, what’s behind Costco’s suit against the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People across the country are set to face snow, ice and freezing temperatures. The Trump administration is shifting responsibility for a possible illegal strike onto a US Navy admiral. Senior US officials are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow today. The Justice Department is preparing another case against former FBI director James Comey. Plus, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers are threatening legal action over a new Netflix documentary series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. military actions against alleged drug boats near Venezuela spark bipartisan concerns about authority and oversight. A brutal winter storm, dubbed a bomb cyclone, is causing chaos across the U.S. Luigi Mangione's court case heats up with debates on evidence and police procedures. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s president discusses major hurdles in peace negotiations with Russia. The opening statements of a gripping murder trial reveal a battle between claims of accidental death and allegations of premeditated motives.

There's a bipartisan investigation looking into whether the Trump administration conducted an illegal strike on an alleged drug tracking boat. An appeals court has ruled that a US attorney has been serving unlawfully. We have the latest on the Ukraine peace talks. Millions of Americans might lose their SNAP food stamp benefit. Plus, why the Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year may infuriate you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The manhunt continues for the suspected shooter at a child’s birthday party over the weekend. Large parts of the US are bracing for another winter blast and travel disruptions. Venezuela’s president has reemerged after President Donald Trump says he'd had spoken with him. Deadly storms across Asia have killed at least a thousand people. Plus, an international ring allegedly sharing satanic child sex abuse material has been uncovered in Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The eyes of the international soccer world will be on North America next summer when the FIFA World Cup comes to the US, Mexico and Canada. President Donald Trump has been intimately involved with the planning – going so far as to threaten to move games from cities that don’t cooperate with his policies. Ahead of the tournament draw, we examine what’s behind Trump’s fascination with the tournament and whether international fans will want to come amid stories of detention and deportation.  For more: Trump muses about what it would take to strip US World Cup host cities of games just months before the tournament kicks off  ---  Guest: Don Riddell, CNN World Sport Anchor and Correspondent  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Kyle Feldscher, Jennifer Bernstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices