Drop in violent crime, timing of treatment, trouble in paradise: Catch up on the day’s stories
By Daniel Wine, CNN
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! James Van Der Beek, who rose to fame as a teen idol on the hit TV series “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at age 48. In 2024, the actor said he was battling colorectal cancer.
Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.
5 things
1️⃣ Crime numbers
Most major US cities experienced a steep drop in violent crime last year, according to new data. The analysis reflects an overall downward trend in recent years, after a spike during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2️⃣ Tulips and tuna
Old fishing nets — once used to protect flowers in the Netherlands — are getting a new lease on life. They’re now helping to save Ukrainian soldiers and civilians by catching Russian drones.
3️⃣ Timing is everything
Researchers tried an experiment with people who had the same kind of lung cancer and split them into two groups. They discovered that how well a treatment works may depend on the time of day you get it.
4️⃣ Trouble in paradise
After a K-pop star’s post went viral, Australia’s once-peaceful Lincoln’s Rock was flooded with selfie-seekers, forcing closures and igniting tensions. Here’s how this beautiful spot spiraled into crisis.
5️⃣ Redefining fine dining
Acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson talks about African food as deeply rooted, spiritually grounded and quietly confident. He believes it’s the future of global cuisine.
Watch this
🥌 ‘They’re very special’: On the sidelines of the Winter Olympics in Italy, the longstanding tradition of pin trading is going strong. See why it’s so popular.
Top headlines
- 5 takeaways from Attorney General Pam Bondi’s fiery testimony at House hearing
- FBI searching roads near Nancy Guthrie’s home as man detained in case says he wants to clear his name
- Surprise US military plans to use counter-drone laser triggered El Paso airspace closure, sources say
Check this out
🦍 Believe it or not: Kids love to play pretend, holding imaginary tea parties or teaching a lesson to their teddy bears. A new study suggests it’s not a uniquely human talent.
For CNN subscribers
- Trump forges ahead with plans for 250-foot arch despite concerns on the ground and in the air
- How Jeffrey Epstein sought to help Steve Bannon build a global populist movement
- Trump’s push to audit voter rolls is already snaring US citizens
Quiz time
🥣 The FDA will reassess the safety of which preservative used in popular snack foods?
A. Salt
B. BHA
C. Nitrates
D. Sulfites
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
Thanks for reading
✅ Most popular in yesterday’s newsletter: FBI releases video of masked, armed person at Nancy Guthrie’s front door. Here’s the latest
🧠 Quiz answer: B. The agency is reviewing the safety of butylated hydroxyanisole — also known as BHA — which is used in foods including potato chips, cereals and meat products.
👋 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 and Chris Good.
