Trump’s fixation, invasive species, world’s coolest neighborhood: Catch up on the day’s stories
By Daniel Wine, CNN
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! What does it take to be named the world’s coolest neighborhood? This year’s winner is a vibrant foodie hub known for its amazing street eats and independent businesses.
Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.
5 things
1️⃣ Trump’s fixation
President Donald Trump has been preoccupied with the Kennedy Center’s programming, his hand-picked board of trustees, renovations and insisting his name belongs on the building. CNN’s Aaron Blake says it shows how consumed the president is with his own glorification.
➕ Is the Kennedy Center closed? Question hangs over arts institution as judge orders update
💬 CNN Office Hours: Share your midterms questions and join the conversation live this evening at 7 p.m. ET
2️⃣ Health hazard
Cigarettes don’t just cause lung cancer. The toxic smoke affects nearly every organ in the body and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. A doctor explains what you need to know.
3️⃣ ‘They don’t belong here’
Most content creators are out to make a killing. For Nate Sorensen, the killing is the point. He’s going to war against an invasive species that is destroying Florida’s coral reefs.
4️⃣ Overcoming the odds
Thousands of student athletes are returning to their college teams this fall. Earning a spot on the roster, or an athletic scholarship, takes years of hard work — and thousands of dollars. Let’s break it down.
5️⃣ Singular style
Gigantic insects. Loft parties. Freaky footwear. New York Fashion Week leaned into the fun and fabulous — and of course there was some drama along the way. Check out the best looks.
Watch this
⛰️ Dramatic rescue: A helicopter crew pulled a climber to safety from the Sierra Nevada’s towering “Power Dome” after he became stranded on the nearly vertical rock face.
Top headlines
- Fed raises interest rates for the first time in more than 3 years
- House to adjourn early, stave off Hegseth impeachment vote
- Trump administration paid federal employees $9.5 billion not to work in 2025 under DOGE plan
Check this out
🫁 Lungs at work: A stunning video capturing intricate cell movement in a child living with a rare genetic disorder won the Nikon Small World in Motion competition. Take a look.
For CNN subscribers
- Some AI engineers are afraid of what they’re building. They want to speak up while they still have leverage
- Europe’s high-altitude year-round ski season has turned to slush
- The world’s deadliest sea route keeps getting busier
Quiz time
🎵 Which musician’s “Free Palestine” comments caused him to be dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour dates?
A. Eminem
B. Macklemore
C. Robbie Williams
D. Rufus Wainwright
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
Thanks for reading
✅ Most popular in yesterday’s newsletter: Kennedy Center board votes to close for renovations after chaotic call with Trump
🧠 Quiz answer: B. Sheeran’s international tour has been thrown into crisis, with all of the British singer’s other opening acts quitting to protest Macklemore’s removal.
👋 We’ll see you tomorrow.
The-CNN-Wire
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Today’s edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN’s Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.
