CNN 5 Things 'No Crazy War’, Jeffries Endorses Mamdani, East Ballroom Donors and more
Oct 24, 2025
Venezuela's president is urgently calling for peace amid threats of military action from the U.S. An anonymous $130 million donation is set to help pay military personnel during the government shutdown. Hakeem Jeffries has thrown his support behind Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor, igniting discussions around Democratic Socialism. Plus, a federal judge is poised to decide on National Guard deployment in Portland. Lastly, find out the donors behind Trump's extravagant $300 million ballroom renovation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
U.S. Eyes Venezuela Drug Targets
- The U.S. is considering targeting cocaine facilities and trafficking routes inside Venezuela to curb drug flows.
- Venezuela's president publicly pleaded for peace, saying "No crazy war."
Carrier Strike Group Deployed; Airstrike Reported
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an aircraft carrier strike group to the Caribbean and announced an airstrike that killed six people.
- The Pentagon framed the moves as counter-narcoterrorism to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
Anonymous Donation Funds Military Pay
- The Pentagon will use a $130 million anonymous donation to fund service member pay during the shutdown.
- Congressional appropriators and some Democrats raised legal and transparency concerns about the gift.