A controversial prison, new food recommendations, and nurturing imagination: Here’s a recap of today’s headlines.
👋 Greetings from 5 Things PM! The latest dietary guidelines in the United States have significantly altered the traditional food pyramid (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/health/dietary-guidelines-rfk-maha), placing meat, cheese, and vegetables at the pinnacle. While some individuals commend these changes as progressive, others express concern that this shift may promote excessive consumption of red meat and dairy products.
In case you missed it amidst your hectic schedule, here’s what else is making news today.
Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, along with his spouse Cilia Flores, is now adjusting to life inside the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center located in Brooklyn. One thing is certain: their time there will be anything but comfortable (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/us/nicolas-maduro-wife-treatment-jail-mdc), yet they are ensured a degree of safety away from potential threats.
In a bold move amid allegations of widespread fraud, the Trump administration has decided to freeze funding for various initiatives across five states governed by Democrats. Notably, a staggering $7 billion is directed toward providing financial aid and resources for low-income families (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/politics/tanf-explainer-funding-freeze).
A remarkable discovery of fossils in Morocco, dating back to a lesser-known chapter in human evolution, might finally shed light on an enduring mystery: Who were our predecessors? (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/science/morocco-early-human-fossils)
Renowned abstract artist Julie Mehretu has gained global recognition, with her artwork displayed in some of the most esteemed art institutions worldwide. She is not only achieving personal success but also paving a path for future artists to follow (https://www.cnn.com/world/julie-mehretu-artist-africa-creatives-interview-spc).
5️⃣ In the realm of celebrity news, the engagement between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has left a significant mark on both the economy and culture. As they prepare for their wedding, a CNN documentary delves into the phenomenon of celebrity romances (https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2574239) and their influence on American society.
Video Ad Feedback
Meet the world’s first flock of gay sheep!
Rams that refuse to breed with females are often condemned to slaughter. However, farmer Michael Stücke chose to rescue these animals, creating what he proudly calls the first flock of gay rams, featuring cleverly named sheep such as Prince Wooliam, Jean Woll Gaultier, and Madonna.
1:47 • Source: CNN (https://www.cnn.com/)
🐏 ‘I Wool Survive!’: Rams that won’t mate with females are typically sent to slaughter, but a German farmer decided to give them a home. Meet this flock of gay sheep (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/entertainment/video/meet-the-first-flock-of-gay-sheep-vrtc) with names including Prince Wooliam and Madonna.
- Minnesota Governor Walz has placed the National Guard on alert following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis (https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/minnesota-fraud-state-reps-testify-01-07-26).
- A Russian-flagged tanker has been seized by the US (https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/trump-venezuela-oil-greenland-07-01-26), along with another vessel linked to Venezuela.
- Nick Reiner’s arraignment has been postponed after a high-profile attorney withdrew as his legal representative (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/entertainment/nick-rob-michele-reiner-arraignment).
✈️ Is this destination worth the risk? Tourists are uncovering an intriguing location on the fringes of Europe, which is currently under a warning from the US government (https://www.cnn.com/travel/georgia-pankisi-valley-travel-warnings). The security concerns have made some travelers hesitant about visiting.
- The issue of affordability in America is deeply rooted in availability (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/06/economy/housing-childcare-availability-affordability-economy).
- Political violence is influencing the upcoming Democratic primaries in unforeseen ways (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/politics/democrats-2028-presidential-candidates-safety).
- What could happen to our planet if Trump gains control over Venezuela’s oil reserves? (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/climate/venezuela-oil-dirty-emissions-methane)
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you're intrigued by exclusive stories like these, consider choosing a subscription plan (https://www.cnn.com/subscription?source=growthsub-acqnewsletter5thingspmsubssection&utmcampaign=newsletters&utmsource=growthsub-acqnewsletter5thingspm_subssection).
💼 The number of job openings in the United States has just fallen to its lowest point in over a year. Can you guess how many positions are currently available?
A. 5.4 million
B. 7.15 million
C. 8.95 million
D. 11.2 million
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
✅ The most popular story from yesterday’s newsletter featured the former ‘QAnon Shaman’ who shared his reasons for no longer supporting Trump (https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2584095).
🧠 Quiz answer: B. By the end of November, there were approximately 7.15 million job openings (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/economy/us-jolts-job-openings-layoffs-november) reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
👋 We’ll connect again tomorrow!
📧 Don’t forget to check out all of CNN’s newsletters (https://www.cnn.com/newsletters?source=nl-acq_article) for more updates.
This edition of 5 Things PM was expertly edited and produced by CNN’s Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.
