Quick Take: A new CNN poll finds most Americans feel ignored by Washington. The University of Oklahoma removed an instructor after a student alleged religiously biased grading. Lottery excitement grows as the Powerball jackpot reaches $1.7 billion. Writers name three beauty trends that defined 2025, and thousands reunited at Naval Base Kitsap despite heavy rain. Officials also warned of a severe storm in Southern California while international analysis points to concessions from Ukraine’s president in talks with Russia.
Americans Feeling Unheard, $1.7B Powerball, Beauty Trends and Emotional Military Homecomings — Today’s Top Stories
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Welcome to 5 Things PM. Below are the day’s most important and interesting stories — from national polls and a massive Powerball prize to cultural trends and moving military reunions.
Most Americans Feel Unheard By Political Leaders
A new CNN poll finds a majority of Americans believe political leaders in Washington don’t care about their views. Respondents were asked what one change in Washington would most improve life in the U.S.; the results highlighted a range of priorities and frustrations that dominated public responses.
University Of Oklahoma Removes Instructor After Religious-Grading Dispute
The University of Oklahoma removed an instructor from the classroom following a student complaint alleging religious discrimination. The student said they received a failing grade on an essay that cited the Bible and described a belief in multiple genders as "demonic." University officials said they are reviewing the incident.
Powerball Jackpot Climbs To $1.7 Billion
Lottery players are eyeing tonight’s Powerball drawing after the jackpot rose to $1.7 billion. The prize gives Americans another chance at one of the largest lotteries in U.S. history.
Lisa Marie David/Reuters
Three Beauty Moments That Defined 2025
Culture writers identified three defining beauty trends for 2025: greater transparency around cosmetic procedures and aftercare, the rise of grooming and cosmetic products for pets, and a mainstream conversation about fuller natural grooming styles. Commentators say these trends shaped consumer choices and public conversations about beauty this year.
Don’t Forget Mom: Holiday Gift Ideas
As stockings are filled across the country, many mothers can feel overlooked. We offer practical suggestions to make a special effort this season and show appreciation for the people who make family celebrations memorable.
Emotional Homecoming at Naval Base Kitsap
Heavy rain could not dampen reunions as thousands gathered at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington for emotional homecomings as sailors returned to family and friends.
Politics, Storms and International Affairs
Reporting shows a messaging shift tied to released Epstein-related documents has frustrated some allies of former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, forecasters warned of a potent storm creating a "dangerous scenario" across Southern California. In international news, analysis suggests Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made peace concessions and has placed the next move in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Wildlife, Quizzes and Notable Reads
Environmental reporting has raised concerns about threats to reindeer populations and whether wolves in parts of Russia are contributing. CNN also invited readers to reflect on 2025 with a Year In Review quiz — including a question about this year's World Series matchup — and highlighted a widely read feature about a man jailed after trying to catch a falling toddler who was later released when charges were dropped.
This edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN’s Meghan Pryce and Daniel Wine. For more on today’s stories and to subscribe to newsletters, visit CNN.com and create an account.
