5 Things to Know — Nov. 17: Epstein Files, Air-Travel Recovery, Immigration Sweep, Venezuela Tensions, Ukraine Aid

Quick note: The U.S. Mint recently halted production of the penny amid rising costs, and economists say the nickel could be next as officials weigh whether low-value coins should remain in circulation.

Epstein files

President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to release additional documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case, saying there is "nothing to hide." This represents a sharp reversal from earlier attempts to question the disclosure effort. After months of delay, the House is scheduled to vote this week on whether to make more files public. Rep. Thomas Massie, the bill's lead Republican co-sponsor, said he expects roughly 100 or more GOP members could support the measure when it comes up—possibly as soon as Tuesday. While passage in the House appears likely, the bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate.

Air travel

Flight caps the FAA imposed at 40 major airports are set to end today, a welcome development for travelers and carriers after a week of cancellations and delays. The limits trimmed traffic by at least 4% at some of the nation’s busiest hubs, largely because of air traffic control staffing shortages tied to the recent shutdown. FAA officials say staffing at control centers is improving, and the Transportation Secretary expects most lingering issues to be resolved before the Thanksgiving travel peak.

Immigration operation in Charlotte

Dozens of people were arrested Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina, during a Department of Homeland Security targeted operation. DHS said the sweep aimed at "criminal illegal aliens who flocked to the Tar Heel State because they knew sanctuary politicians would protect them." Charlotte is not officially a sanctuary city but is designated a "Certified Welcoming City," a label for municipalities that commit to immigrant inclusion. Local Democratic leaders criticized the operation as politically motivated ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Officials say similar enforcement actions could be extended to other Democratic-led cities, with New Orleans mentioned as a possible next target.

U.S. military moves near Venezuela

The U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier has deployed to the Caribbean as Washington intensifies pressure on Venezuela. President Nicolás Maduro condemned the military buildup, which U.S. officials say targets alleged drug-trafficking operations. President Trump told reporters that Maduro "would like to talk," without offering details. The State Department announced plans to designate a Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization; the administration suggested such a designation could expand the legal options for responding to drug operations, a move that critics warn could raise the stakes in the region.

Ukraine diplomacy and defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in France for high-level talks with President Emmanuel Macron as Kyiv seeks to bolster its air defenses. Zelensky and Macron signed a letter of intent that could pave the way for Ukrainian purchases of French fighter jets and surface-to-air missile systems. Ukrainian officials say those systems are urgently needed as Russia steps up strikes on energy infrastructure; residents of Kyiv are now experiencing power outages of roughly eight to 11 hours per day as a result.

Retail, culture and other notes

Two struggling U.S. retail chains launched a first-ever holiday drink collaboration to drive customer interest. Lionsgate’s "Now You See Me: Now You Don’t" topped the U.S. box office over the weekend, and more anticipated releases are expected to draw audiences in the weeks ahead. The granddaughter of an author connected to "Carolina, Operation Charlotte’s Web" publicly criticized the immigration sweep. Ukrainian winemakers told CNN how they’re preserving traditions during the conflict. The Trump administration’s investments in publicly traded companies have coincided with rising stock prices, and the Internet Archive in San Francisco continues its decades-long effort to preserve web history.

Editor’s note: Today's edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN's Andrew Torgan. For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.