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

1⃣ 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.

2⃣ 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.

3⃣ 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.

4⃣ 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.

5⃣ 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.

Today’s edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN’s Tricia Escobedo and Andrew Torgan.

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