5 Things to Know for Your New Day - Friday, January 17

A traffic job created especially for Gov. Chris Christie's friend who "got it," President Obama’s expected to say the NSA will do better as new spy stories hit the news, and first lady Michelle Obama turns a "fabulous" 50 today.

Welcome to the Friday edition of "5 Things to Know for Your New Day."

1. OBAMA NSA SPEECH

Changes on the horizon? It started with a leak to the media seven months ago. And the ripple effects aren't over yet. Since June, Edward Snowden has continued delivering stories about phone and e-mail snooping, drop by drop. His leaks put the U.S. in hot water as outraged world leaders reacted to revelations they’re not exempt from spying. Today, President Obama will work to stem the flood of objections against NSA spying. The scope of data collected by Snowden triggered outrage from civil libertarians and split Washington lawmakers into two camps – one determined to protect privacy and one insistent on pursuing national security. The President is expected to announce that spying will continue, but with more respect for civil liberties. As the leaks keep on coming.

Jim Acosta's on the spying story that won't quit at 6, 7 and 8.

2. CHRISTIE FALLOUT

Man who “got it”: Gov. Chris Christie’s not the only one in a jam over the lane closures scandal. David Wildstein, a high-profile political appointee, is too. When he was introduced to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey four years ago, Wildstein was labeled a good friend of the governor, someone with knowledge of his hiring told CNN in an exclusive interview. Shortly thereafter, the former politician got another title: director of interstate capital projects. It was a job made especially for him. As the scandal ensnares more people, Wildstein’s catapulted into the national spotlight with two words: “Got it.” It was his response to Bridget Anne Kelly’s message, "Time for some traffic problems in Ft. Lee.”

Erin McPike reports on "Bridgegate" at 6 and 7. And at 8, a former assistant prosecutor from New Jersey joins us live.

3. MICHELLE OBAMA

Fabulous at 50: The job stress has turned her husband’s hair a snowy gray. But Michelle Obama remains ageless as she passes the big 5-0. She’s not just embracing her half-century milestone, she's relishing it. She says she’s never felt more confident in her life. Describing herself as "50 and fabulous," the creator of the national children’s fitness program “Let’s Move” is getting ready to bust some moves herself at a big birthday celebration at the White House. Her digitally savvy President hubby has invited the public via Twitter to sign her birthday card.

Last year, he tweeted out some party pics. Maybe this year, too?

See CNN’s documentary on the first lady tonight at 10 ET: "An Extraordinary Journey: Michelle Obama Turns 50."

Nischelle Turner talks about the forever young Michelle Obama at 7.

4. CLINTON AND BENGHAZI

Fodder for 2016: Deserved or not, this is bound to haunt Hillary Clinton for a while - especially if she runs for President two years from now. The main part of a new intelligence report on the attacks that killed four people at the U.S. Consulate in Libya clears the former secretary of State of blame. But there’s a second part, an addition of sorts. It was written solely by Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee. This week, they laid the blame for the deaths of the four right at her feet. Post-report, they are talking it up and probably will until 2016 has come and gone.

Elise Labott talks about Benghazi’s political legacy for Hillary Clinton at 6, 7 and 8.

5. ENDANGERED RHINO

The hunted hunter: Corey Knowlton is an avid big game hunter. When he recently plopped down $350,000 to hunt a black rhino in Africa, the shot backfired. Knowlton got outed on social media for buying the permit from the government of Namibia to take aim at the endangered species. Now he says his life is in danger. "I find you and I will KILL you," read a message on his Facebook page. "I have friends who live in the area and will have you in their sights also,” said another. Knowlton now walks around surrounded by bodyguards. And that chunk of change he paid? He says it’s a donation to help protect endangered species in Namibia.

https://twitter.com/RVALAR/status/424071132686200832

Those are your biggies for the day. Here are a few others that are brewing and have the Internet buzzing:

A job for Super Mario: In today’s grueling job market, a whiz-bang resume that leaps off the page at you is a must. Designer-programmer (and NBA fan) Robby Leonardi totally gets it. His interactive video game CV is a Super Mario style slam-dunk!

Ay, caramba! So, you think you can dance, eh? Now, this is cutting a rug with a jitterbug! Make an appointment with a spine specialist before trying it.

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kES4Yj6j78g#t=25"%5D

Battles in the sky: You’ll root for the crows, guaranteed. Scientists strapped cameras onto falcons to find out how they hunt crows. Mostly what you see is the harried prey flapping and jousting for their lives. Go, crows, go!!

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er3AASCnpRg"%5D

No contest: Dog vs. man in a breakneck slalom. The canine makes it look easy; the mountain biker will make you queasy.

Pigskin mystics: It’s played on Sunday for a reason. As the Super Bowl nears, even the most devout may attest that football is a religion. This Sunday, the flock gathers around AFC and NFC playoffs.

If you’d never in your life seen football before, you might find it side-splittingly weird. Make sure your speakers are on:

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW4J-RiCZ2Q&feature=youtu.be"%5D

Be sure to tune in to "New Day" from 6 to 9 a.m. ET. Join us at NewDayCNN.com, and go and have a GREAT NEW DAY!