Trouble in the Arctic, an engineering marvel, why Democrats are frustrated: Catch up on the day’s stories

By CNN

Published March 12, 2025 3:25 PM

WLS, CNN

By Daniel Wine, CNN

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Trouble at the top: The Arctic’s stark beauty has always filled visitors with awe, but distressing signs are emerging from the region’s frozen landscape. Scientists are deeply concerned and say the consequences will be felt around the world.

‘These aren’t normal times’: As President Donald Trump swiftly implements his agenda, frustrated Democrats want their leaders to do more to meet the moment. Some say the lack of pushback is enabling illegal firings and the erosion of the rule of law.

Lessons from 2019: During the last major measles outbreak in the US, it took extraordinary measures to stop the spread. Experts say the way the situation played out six years ago in New York underscores the importance of an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Tunnel vision: An engineering marvel is taking shape — piece by giant concrete piece — that will drastically redraw the road and rail maps of Europe. The tunnel linking Denmark and Germany will carry traffic in both directions, plus two electrified rail lines.

Slice of paradise: When the Burchell family decided to move back to Florida after living in England for a decade, they found their dream home in an unlikely spot.

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Survival instincts: A woman was trapped in her car for nearly six days after crashing into a ditch in northwestern Indiana, authorities said. Her father said she managed to stay alive by drinking water squeezed from her hoodie.

Top headlines

• US inflation cooled in February, but Trump’s tariff plans and trade war loom
• Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in ICE detention in Louisiana
• Trump takes an ax to more than a dozen pollution rules in rapid-fire deregulation

22%

That’s the decrease in America’s butterfly population since 2000 — a result of insecticides, climate change and habitat loss, according to a new study.

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Disappearing heritage: The streets of Sidhpur, in western India’s Gujarat state, are filled with stately mansions, known as “havelis,” in a fading palette of pastel shades. They’re a throwback to the town’s opulent past.

Quotable

A fresh start: A recent Colombian law lets some women walk free from prison — but many have discovered that picking up life where they left off isn’t easy.

Quiz time

Vanna White’s “Wheel of Fortune” job includes how many days of work each year?
A. 34
B. 60
C. 98
D. 137
Scroll down for the answer.

Good vibes

Fast friends: Linsay DeBates was 6 months old when she was adopted and moved from South Korea to the US. She returned to her birth country for the first time at age 19. During that trip, she met fellow American Doug Gist, and they became best friends for life.

Thanks for reading

We’ll see you tomorrow.
Quiz answer: A. White films 34 days a year, but she said it’s not as easy as you think.
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Today’s 5 Things PM was edited by CNN’s Kimberly Richardson and Eduarda Speggiorin.

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