Jack Smith testifies, coaster shut down, world’s noisiest birds: Catch up on the day’s stories

By Daniel Wine, CNN

👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! So much for peace and quiet. Scientists have identified two new contenders for the title of world’s noisiest bird — and they’re as loud as a jackhammer.

Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.

5 things

1️⃣ Jack Smith testifies

The special counsel, who brought two indictments against now-President Donald Trump in 2023, testified in front of Congress again — this time, to the Senate Judiciary Committee. These are the major takeaways.

▶️ Watch: ‘You make me want to throw up’

2️⃣ Coaster shut down

Six Flags said it will permanently shutter its most famous roller coaster — the X2 in Southern California — roughly a month after a CNN investigation exposed a long history of life-altering injuries and deaths linked to the ride.

➕ For subscribers: Riders rushed to hospital after braving world-famous roller coaster

3️⃣ Nap or work out?

Going without sleep makes it harder for people to concentrate and learn new information. A doctor explains the cognitive benefits of exercise and naps after sleep deprivation.

4️⃣ ‘A special talent’

Americans often say they need to see a superstar to fall in love with a sport, and for years soccer has come up a little short. Now there’s a 17-year-old up-and-comer: Meet Cavan Sullivan.

⚽ The Beautiful Game: Sign up for CNN’s soccer newsletter

5️⃣ Destination restaurants

From a New Mexico wilderness to the Shanghai riverfront, these spots offer extraordinary culinary experiences. Our travel team identified nine places worth building a trip around.

Watch this

🎃 Go big or gourd home! Jamie Graham has spent a decade growing giant pumpkins in his Massachusetts yard, part of an ambitious quest to be the first to produce a 3,000-pounder.

Top headlines

• Caleb Flynn, former ‘American Idol’ contestant, found guilty of murdering his wife
• Supreme Court allows Trump to restart controversial deportation program
• Top AI executives sign commitment to ‘self-police’ after meeting at White House

Check this out

🤓 Geeky tweaks: Clothes often tell a story. In Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s case, he’s really spelling it out for us.

For CNN subscribers

• The Texas Senate race is quickly becoming a Republican money pit
• The US deported LGBTQ migrants to countries where homosexuality makes them a target
• Trump wants ‘real food’ in schools. School districts say it’s ‘very challenging’

Quiz time

📺 Actor Dennis Haskins has died at age 75. He played the principal on which 1990s sitcom?

A. “Family Matters”

B. “Home Improvement”

C. “Everybody Loves Raymond”

D. “Saved by the Bell”

⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.

Thanks for reading

✅ Most popular in yesterday’s newsletter: I started fact-checking Trump 10 years ago. Here are 15 things I’ve learned

🧠 Quiz answer: D. Haskins starred as the affable Principal Richard Belding on the hit NBC sitcom “Saved by the Bell.”

👋 We’ll see you tomorrow.

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Today’s edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN’s Kimberly Richardson and Gina Park.