5 Things to Know This Morning

— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. The Internet's Best Reactions to the Apple Pencil

Among Apple's bevy of new products and software updates, none have produced as many Internet jokes as the Apple Pencil.

The $99 device was created for the new $799 and up iPad Pro, both of which will be available in November. Apple calls the pencil a "precision input device" instead of a stylus, and says it can be used for activities like "fine art illustration and detailed 3-D design."

2. Helicopters Pluck Residents to Safety as Rains Lash Japan

Helicopters plucked dozens of residents from the tops of their homes in Japan on Thursday, but rescue officials said they were unable to keep up with all the pleas for help after raging floodwaters swamped parts of a city north of Tokyo.

As heavy rain pummeled Japan for a second straight day, the Kinugawa River broke through a flood berm, sending a wall of water into Joso, about 30 miles northeast of Japan's capital.

National broadcaster NHK showed aerial footage of rescuers lowered from helicopters and clambering onto second-floor balconies to reach stranded residents. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.

3. Ex-Officer Charged in Fatal Shooting Seeks Release

Attorneys for a white former police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black man during a traffic stop are expected to argue Thursday that he should be released from jail before his murder trial because he poses no threat to the public.

Lawyers for Michael Slager have filed 150 pages of documents ahead of the hearing, including a toxicology report showing there was cocaine in Walter Scott's blood when he was killed. The documents also included a psychological assessment that the former North Charleston officer poses little danger of committing violence.

4. Study: Bones in South African Cave Reveal New Human Relative

Scientists say they've discovered a new member of the human family tree, revealed by a huge trove of bones in a barely accessible, pitch-dark chamber of a cave in South Africa.

The creature shows a surprising mix of human-like and more primitive characteristics — some experts called it "bizarre" and "weird."

5. 'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' 25th Anniversary

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the first episode of the groundbreaking show, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

The anniversary allows cast member Karyn Parsons a chance to look back on the show's six-season run.