By Daniel Wine, Jordan D. Brown, CNN
Welcome to 5 Things PM! In 1998, Americans were asked what they thought life would be like in 2025. Some of their predictions didn’t pan out, but others were right on target.
Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.
5 things
1⃣ Singing the blues
Broadway has always been at the heart of New York City culture — and perhaps more importantly, its economy. But musicals are struggling to make a profit, and producers blame the rising cost of rent, fees and labor.
2⃣ Dad foils kidnapping
A 15-year-old girl was walking her dog on Christmas Day when she was abducted at knifepoint near Houston. Her father used the parental controls on his daughter’s cellphone to find her — and the suspect.
3⃣ Buyer beware
A company recalled all of its baby formula products in November during an infant botulism outbreak, but some stores continued selling them. It’s the latest example of how dangerous products can linger on shelves.
4⃣ Direct donations
When you give to charity, you’re probably wondering how much of that money actually goes to people in need. These groups tell you exactly who you’re helping and how you’re changing their lives for the better.
5⃣ A complicated legacy
Brigitte Bardot’s effortless sense of style inspired “French girl chic” and made her a global star, but her right-wing views and racial remarks sparked plenty of controversy.
Watch this
Skiers caught in blizzard: It wasn’t the best weekend to ski in northern Japan after some regions were hit with powerful winds and more than 6 feet of snow. Click here to watch.
Top headlines
Check this out
All aboard: From overnight services to hyper-luxury “land cruises,” the quality of rail travel continues to expand worldwide. See the most exciting new trains coming in 2026.
Quiz time
A powerful winter storm is impacting post-holiday travel