Worst-behaved travelers, strange sea-level changes, postmark problems: Catch up on the day’s stories
By Daniel Wine, CNN
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Did you know it takes 26 hours to ring in the New Year across 39 time zones all around the world? It’s already 2026 in China, India and Australia. See how people are celebrating.
Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.
5 things
1️⃣ Terrible travelers
From groping statues to kidnapping a baby wombat, tourists aren’t always on their best behavior. CNN Travel compiled some of the worst examples, along with resolutions for how we can all do better in 2026.
2️⃣ Postmark problems
A new US Postal Service rule just kicked in, and it’s important if you rely on postmarks when voting by mail, filing your taxes or paying bills. People in some parts of the country could experience delays.
3️⃣ Salmonella outbreak
Oysters are probably the source of dozens of infections across 22 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen explains how to protect yourself.
4️⃣ Shifting tides
The weirdest sea level fluctuations on Earth are happening off the coast of an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists worry it could be a sign of more volatility to come.
5️⃣ Celestial beauty
Stunning full moons. Dazzling meteor showers. Eerie total eclipses. Stargazers will have plenty of reasons to look to the sky in 2026. Here’s a preview of what to watch for next year.
Watch this
🎉 Dynamic duo: From cracking up over John Mayer in a cat cafe to pickle juice shots, try not to laugh watching Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s most memorable moments ringing in the New Year. They’re back tonight starting at 8 p.m. ET live on CNN and streaming.
Top headlines
- Oil tanker pursued by US now has a Russian flag painted on its side
- Trump vetoes two bipartisan bills, marking first vetoes of second term
- House Judiciary Committee releases video and transcript of Jack Smith deposition
Check this out
🐟 Ancient fish faces new threats: The short stretch of river where this tiny fish makes its home is inaccessible to most visitors – but it’s not remote enough to protect the cod from man-made dangers.
Quiz time
🎶 People traditionally sing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight on New Year’s Eve. What does it mean?
A. In with the new
B. For old times’ sake
C. A year to remember
D. Time to celebrate
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
For CNN subscribers
- What happened when CNN Travel challenged ChatGPT to come up with guides to our cities
- The reality of the K-shaped economic chill and what 2026 may have in store for your wallet
- WWII-obsessive Putin nears bleak milestone at year’s end
Thanks for reading
✅ Most popular in yesterday’s newsletter: The US has seen nearly 28,000 whooping cough cases this year. Here’s what you need to know
🧠 Quiz answer: B. The phrase “auld lang syne” translates loosely to “old, long since,” though the modern equivalent would be “for old times’ sake.”
🎆 Happy New Year! We’ll see you Friday morning.
The-CNN-Wire
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Today’s edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN’s Tricia Escobedo and Andrew Torgan.
