‘Slop bowl’ struggles, massive jackpot, hotel nightmare: Catch up on the day’s stories

CNN’s 5 Things PM highlights key stories: The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $900 million. Fast-casual chains like Cava, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen are struggling as younger diners opt for cheaper options. Sonder, a short-term rental company, collapsed after losing its Marriott partnership, leaving guests stranded. A researcher with Asperger’s syndrome aims to create inclusive communities for those with autism. Lastly, couples are advised on managing intimacy despite snoring issues. In political news, a bill to end the government shutdown is heading to the House, while Trump’s proposal for a 50-year mortgage raises questions about home affordability.

👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Feeling lucky? Consider getting a Mega Millions ticket. The jackpot for tonight’s drawing just climbed to $900 million, the eighth-largest in the game’s history.

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

5 things

1️⃣ ‘Slop bowl’ struggles

Three fast-casual giants — Cava, Chipotle and Sweetgreen — are feeling the heat as younger diners rethink their lunch budgets. Many are brown-bagging it or chasing deep discounts at traditional fast food chains.

2️⃣ Cat-and-mouse game

It began with a bloody crime scene straight from a made-for-TV movie. An Oklahoma sex offender allegedly staged his own abduction and managed to elude the authorities for 13 years. Here’s how they found him.

3️⃣ Hotel nightmare

Sonder, a short-term rentals company, suddenly collapsed over the weekend when its partnership with Marriott ended. Guests around the world were abruptly kicked out of their rooms and found themselves stranded.

4️⃣ Inclusive communities

Autism can feel very isolating, but it’s an increasingly common diagnosis. A researcher with Asperger’s syndrome sees that as an opportunity to make the world a more vibrant place.

5️⃣ Keeping it sexy

Does your partner snore? Don’t let it interfere with intimacy. A therapist offers advice for couples who are juggling nasal strips, earplugs and CPAP machines.

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🥩 A healthy balance: Protein is an essential part of your diet, but consuming more than your body needs can cause problems. Nutrition experts explain how to get the right amount.

Top headlines

Bill to end government shutdown heads to House, but air travel issues could persist
Analysis: Trump’s shutdown win just landed Republicans with a huge political headache
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break

Check this out

🤐 Ssshh! It’s a secret: A courtyard in Beijing’s Forbidden City used to be filled with garbage and items in storage. Now it’s a hidden garden open to visitors for the first time in a century. Take a look inside.

For CNN subscribers

‘Did you vote for Trump?’ Americans traveling abroad are under new scrutiny
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed scrubbed past support for ‘defund the police’
Stanford’s ties to the MAHA world expose rifts at the heart of the elite institution

Quiz time

🏡 President Donald Trump just introduced a new idea to tackle home affordability. What was it?
A. Utility bills paid for first year
B. No down payment
C. A free bedroom set
D. 50-year mortgage
⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.

Thanks for reading

✅ Most popular in yesterday’s newsletter: Visa and Mastercard might have a deal to lower merchant fees. Your rewards card could get hit

🧠 Quiz answer: D. The president floated a 50-year mortgage. Is that a good idea? Here’s what housing experts say.

👋 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 Sarah Hutter.

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