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👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! The big day is finally here, as Americans choose their next president after a whirlwind campaign filled with twists and turns. The race could come down to seven pivotal battleground states, and we might not know the winner tonight, so be patient and follow our live updates.
Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day:
5 things
1️⃣ Planet Nine? Scientists say a growing number of clues point to the existence of a hidden planet in our solar system just beyond Neptune. Astronomers have competing theories — while some believe it doesn’t exist at all.
2️⃣ Supersized screens: Enormous televisions measuring 97 inches across — aka XXL TVs — are flying off store shelves thanks to plunging prices. Viewers also are replacing the ones they bought during the pandemic. Just don’t expect that big box to fit under the Christmas tree.
3️⃣ 401(k) changes: Starting next year, everyone will be allowed to save a little more for retirement. If you’re in your early 60s, you’ll be able to stash away a lot more. Here’s what you need to know about the new limits.
4️⃣ Origins of writing: Mysterious, undeciphered symbols could be the precursor to what eventually became our modern system of writing. Researchers uncovered the clues from engravings on clay tablets from 6,000 years ago.
5️⃣ ‘Saddest thing’: When crews in Rome built a tiny temporary pool in front of the famous Trevi Fountain for tourists to toss their coins into while the landmark undergoes renovations, the reaction was swift and brutal.
Watch this
🎀 Crazy about Hello Kitty: As the iconic Japanese character turns 50, meet one of her superfans who has collected more than 10,000 items over the years.
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Published
5:50 PM EST, Tue November 5, 2024
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CNN
Top headlines
• These 10 states are voting on abortion ballot measures
• Voting nationwide has been mostly orderly, despite non-credible bomb threats
• Netanyahu fires Israeli defense minister after months of clashes over war and politics
Celebrity corner
🎶 Music legend: Quincy Jones, who just died at age 91, was known to generations of fans for a career that spanned from the radio to the big screen and the small. You may find these facts about his life surprising.
Check this out
🎨 Decadent decor: Archaeologists uncovered a tiny house in Pompeii filled with elaborate — and sometimes erotic — frescoes. The discovery reveals the ornate way that Romans decorated their homes.
Quotable
Life with narcolepsy: People with the sleep disorder can have trouble socializing, working at a job, driving a car or even developing close relationships. Many go undiagnosed.
Quiz time
🎤 Ticket scams have targeted fans of which British band that recently announced a reunion tour?
A. Oasis
B. Pink Floyd
C. Pet Shop Boys
D. Depeche Mode
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
Good vibes
😎 We like to wrap things up on a positive note: A year ago, Kelci Banschbach had never even heard of conkers. Now she’s been crowned world champion. Here’s how the 34-year-old from Indianapolis became the first American champ of the traditional children’s game in Great Britain and Ireland.
Thanks for reading
👋 We’ll see you tomorrow.
🧠 Quiz answer: A. Oasis fans have been victims in a “landslide” of ticket-selling scams.
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5 Things PM is produced by CNN’s Tricia Escobedo, Meghan Pryce and Kimberly Richardson.
