Daily earnings from frequent flyer programs, Apple delves into AI technology, and the lingering presence of 'forever chemicals' – today's headlines in review.
👋 Hello to 5 Things PM! Apple recently introduced the new iPhone 16, marking their initial exploration into artificial intelligence. The improved devices are also available in various hues and boast a faster processor. Get up to speed on the key points, including updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Here’s what you might have skipped during your hectic day:
5 things
1️⃣ Frequent flyer rewards: Spending money on groceries or fuel with a credit card might bring more profits to the airline sector than a plane ticket itself. This is because loyalty programs have turned into a significant factor in airlines’ financial growth.
2️⃣ Job market: Finding a job might be more challenging these days, but some industries are bucking this trend. Law enforcement agencies such as police departments and sheriff’s offices are hiring new candidates after witnessing a sharp decline in applications and a wave of retirements following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
3️⃣ Pervasive chemicals: Substances present in cookware, food, water, clothing, furniture, and other consumer goods since the 1950s can lead to health issues. These substances, known as "forever chemicals," do not completely degrade in the environment and are difficult to eliminate. Here’s what you need to know.
4️⃣ Rebirth plan: A Dutch engineer envisions reviving a massive desert area into green, lush land filled with wildlife, which could potentially change the climate. He believes he can restore the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
5️⃣ Business woes: Struggling discount retailer Big Lots filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 following a warning of potential financial peril. A private equity firm will take charge of the company’s stores and operations.
Watch this
🐶 Surf's pup: Dogs dressed in costumes and goggles surfed the waves as their owners cheered them on during the Surf-A-Thon in San Diego, the oldest canine surf competition in the US.
Top headlines
• Trump and Harris prepared to face-off in tonight’s presidential debate• Storm Francine triggered evacuations along the Gulf Coast• James Earl Jones, famous for his voice-acting roles as Darth Vader and Mufasa, passed away at 93
What’s trending
🤠 Country awards: Morgan Wallen was crowned with seven nominations for this year’s CMA awards, but there was a notable absence in the nominees’ list.
Explore this
🇫🇷 Au revoir, Paris: Thousands braved rainy conditions at the Stade de France, with athletes from 169 delegations celebrating and dancing to mark the closure of the Paralympics.
32 million
⛲ That’s the projected number of visitors anticipated for Rome during the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long religious event. However, prepare for potential restrictions on admittance to popular monuments ahead of the surging influx.
Celebrity spotlight
⭐ Last curtain call: Oscar-winner Kathy Bates announced her role in the TV drama “Matlock” reboot will be her final appearance.
Quiz time
🪖 Camp Humphreys in South Korea is the US military’s biggest overseas base. How many individuals call it home?
Positive vibes
🎾 We like to wrap up on a positive note: Ukrainian tennis player Lyudmyla Kichenok was planning her wedding last week in New York, but she and her doubles partner, Jelena Ostapenko, continued winning and clinched the US Open title. The wedding has been delayed—perhaps in Las Vegas or Europe.
See you tomorrow.👋
5 Things PM is produced by CNN’s Tricia Escobedo, Meghan Pryce, and Kimberly Richardson.
- We should discuss the impact of airline loyalty programs on their financial growth, as spending on groceries or fuel with a credit card can bring more profits to the sector than a plane ticket itself for frequent flyers like us.
- Law enforcement agencies such as police departments and sheriff’s offices are hiring new candidates after witnessing a sharp decline in applications and a wave of retirements following George Floyd’s death in 2020, which might be beneficial for individuals looking for employment in these fields.
