Why car prices keep rising, vaccine changes, fixing the retirement system: Catch up on the day’s stories
By Daniel Wine, CNN
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Throw another shrimp on the barbie. President Donald Trump said he’s looking Down Under for inspiration on how to improve the retirement savings system in the US.
Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.
5 things
1️⃣ Sticker shock
The average price of a new car briefly topped $50,000 in September for the first time before slipping back down. Now automotive experts say that they will pass that threshold again — and this time, they might stay there.
2️⃣ Cold case solved?
Rhonda Fisher’s body was found along a quiet stretch of rural highway south of Denver, and her murder went unsolved for decades. DNA collected from paper bags now points to one of Colorado’s “most prolific serial killers.”
3️⃣ Vaccine changes
Advisers handpicked by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are considering a major revision to the childhood vaccine schedule. The hepatitis B shot given to newborns could be delayed by weeks or even years.
4️⃣ Achilles injuries
The tendons named after a famous character of Greek legend seem to be tearing left and right these days. They’re plaguing ordinary fitness buffs as well as some of the world’s best athletes.
5️⃣ Selling scandal
Vanity Fair editor Olivia Nuzzi’s memoir hit bookstores this week. There’s been plenty of drama leading up to its release, but sales of the tell-all have been sluggish.
Watch this
🚛 Midair rescue: Emergency teams pulled a driver from a tractor-trailer dangling off a bridge in West Virginia. He had lost control due to slick road conditions during a winter storm.
Top headlines
- Exclusive: Watchdog finds Hegseth risked endangering troops by sharing sensitive war plans on Signal, sources say
- Immigration crackdown underway in New Orleans and Twin Cities
- Photos and video from Epstein’s private island released by House Democrats
Check this out
✈️ Underrated destination: The former royal site of Oudong offers serene temples, historical remnants and sweeping views — yet the Cambodian attraction remains largely overlooked by global travelers.
For CNN subscribers
- Trump is threatening to attack a country with more oil than Iraq
- Witnesses, videos and satellite imagery point to Israeli forces burying the bodies of Palestinian aid seekers
- This AI convention center in China was designed by AI. Kind of
Quiz time
🌕 December’s full moon is the last supermoon of the year. What is it called?
A. Winter moon
B. Christmas moon
C. Snow moon
D. Cold moon
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
Thanks for reading
✅ Most popular in yesterday’s newsletter: ‘Scromiting,’ a bizarre condition linked to chronic marijuana use, is on the rise
🧠 Quiz answer: D. December’s supermoon, also called the cold moon, will be at its fullest around 6:14 p.m. ET Thursday.
👋 We’ll see you tomorrow.
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Today’s edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN’s Kimberly Richardson, Chris Good and Jordan D. Brown.
