• Thursday's presidential debate will feature commercials for the very first time
• Struggling with ratings, CNN is banking on the event to draw in viewers and millions in revenue
• Rival networks can air the live broadcast and run their own ads, setting them up to outperform CNN

Faced with lagging viewership, CNN is anticipating that Thursday's presidential debate will rake in huge sums. Yet other networks are allowed to air the live broadcast of the showdown, setting them up to outperform CNN at its own game.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump's uncharacteristically early face-off is notable for various reasons, namely the two commercial breaks that will splice up the 90-minute debate. Presidential debates have historically been ad-free, but CNN is offering two tiers of advertising this year, with the most robust package costing a minimum of $1.5 million, sources told Semafor.

Though CNN is hosting and moderating the debate from its studios in Atlanta, other networks can sell their own advertisements during their simulcasts. Given that some of those networks, like Fox News and MSNBC, typically have a larger primetime audience than CNN, they may be able to sell advertising slots for more money, Variety reports.

Per CNN's rules, networks cannot plug commercial breaks with commentary from their own on-air personalities and must keep the CNN logo visible.

A CNN spokesperson told Business Insider that the network is making the debate available across a variety of platforms in an effort to reach as many people as possible, and a representative for Fox News pointed to the network's press release about its coverage. Other networks did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

With cable news channels like CNN facing questions about their futures, the presidential election serves as a potential opportunity to boost viewership. As Semafor notes, the election so far hasn't generated the same level of attention as recent races, but debates — especially the early ones — historically generate high ratings.

Clea Conner, the CEO of Open to Debate, a nonpartisan organization, told Politico that the decision to air advertisements is "shameful" and likened the event to reality television.

"Even though there will be only two commercial breaks this time, once we deem them acceptable it's a classic slippery slope," she told Politico. "How many will there be next time, and the time after that?

• I'm an interior designer, and I chose furniture and decor I'd buy from the furniture retailer CB2.
• The Enyo travertine coffee table and Derrico acacia-wood coffee table are statement pieces.
• I'd upgrade a space with light-brown velvet Bettie throw pillows and CB2's Weaver Bird bust.

As the US housing market continues to stretch wallets and put homeownership out of reach, many furniture retailers are seeing a dip in sales. After all, the fewer houses that sell, the fewer there are to furnish.

But I'm an interior designer who's spent years working with all sorts of spaces and a range of budgets. I believe it's worth investing in timeless, well-crafted pieces even if you're decorating a rental.

One retailer I enjoy shopping at is CB2, a high-end treasure trove of modern furnishings and accents that never fail to impress me.

Here are nine pieces I'd buy there right now.

Use the Derrico acacia-wood coffee table to add visual interest to a living room.

The sculpted organic shape of this Derrico acacia-wood table brings fluidity and movement to a room. Each table is unique, showcasing grain patterns, knots, and textures that add warmth and character to a space.

With its natural finish and minimalist design, it serves as a versatile centerpiece, ideal for any living room (especially one going for an organic modern look).

The Enyo travertine coffee table is a timeless and dramatic statement piece.

The only thing I love more than an oversized coffee table is an oversized travertine coffee table.

There's something inherently timeless about natural materials and stone, so this piece won't be out of style anytime soon. Plus, travertine can be an exceptionally durable material that works well on a coffee table.

This black wall mirror has a horn frame that makes it a focal point.

Add a touch of drama to your walls with this striking organic-shaped mirror with a hand-inlaid horn frame.

The mirror's fluid contours and dynamic silhouette can add depth to your space while also creating a captivating focal point.

I adore CB2's Weaver Bird black-fiber clay bust.

The Weaver Bird black-fiber clay bust depicts Muthoni wa Kirim, a high-ranking freedom fighter in 1950s Kenya.

I love that this piece departs from traditionally European-centric bust sculptures. It's the first bust I've encountered depicting a Black person, and its significance resonates deeply.

The sleek matte-black finish and sculpted curves evoke a sense of modern elegance and powerfully celebrate diversity.

The Faible wheat-performance-velvet sectional sofa is sleek.

I love a deep-seat sofa, but it's hard to find ones that still feel sleek. With clean lines and a buttery-soft texture, this Faible sofa strikes the ideal balance between sophistication and coziness.

The fabric is undeniably beautiful and comes in several different swatches, too.

Use the Kota round marble dining table to eat at or to decorate a foyer.

I'm obsessed with this sleek round marble dining table from CB2. Its silhouette is accentuated by a tiered effect in the marble, creating a sculptural masterpiece that combines form and function.

Although it's probably most often used as a dining table, it also works well as a stunning entry table in a grand foyer or lobby.

The Copernicus tarnished-silver wall sconce is a showstopper.

The tarnished-silver finish of the Copernicus wall sconce is highly reflective and creates a stunning play of light and shadow that adds depth and dimension to a space.

Because it uses tapered candles, it's perfect for illuminating walls without hardwiring or unsightly cords. Really, it's a sophisticated solution to ambient lighting.

I would recommend flanking a piece of art with these sconces in a dining room.

You can use light-brown velvet Bettie throw pillows in just about any space.

CB2's Bettie throw pillow in light-brown velvet is perfectly neutral, meaning it effortlessly complements any decor scheme.

The plush velvet makes the pillow luxurious, and the subtle fringe detail gives it extra visual interest as a stylish accent piece.

A smoked wall mirror is a unique way to add personality to your home.

Even with its smoky finish, this 48-inch ultra-modern mirror can brighten dark corners by reflecting light from different angles.

Plus, its curved surface adds a playful distortion to reflections, making it an instant conversation starter.

• I'm an American who moved to Paris 15 years ago, and I've enjoyed living here.
• A few French-inspired lifestyle changes have made the biggest difference in my day to day.
• I disconnect from work, take real midday lunch breaks, and cook more meals with fresh produce. 

Fifteen years ago, I met with love on New York's Prince Street. The stuff of fairy tales? Mais oui! He was a handsome Italian living in Paris.

Five months and many visits after our first encounter, I bid farewell to my family, friends, and customs and moved to France, welcoming all the curiosities and clichés composing my new life.

Thanks to my Polish mother, I had an EU passport and an open mind that I credit to my bicultural upbringing. And, looking back after well over a decade of la vie Parisienne, I can say I've adapted well.

There have been difficulties along the way. After all, Paris is still one of the most expensive cities to live in.

But these five lifestyle changes have allowed me to embrace French culture in the best way — you may want to give them a try wherever you are.

Since moving to Paris, taking time for a midday meal has become a welcome practice

Lunch was more of an afterthought during my chaotic life in New York City, where I'd often stare into my computer screen while gulping down a Cobb salad.

These days, lunch is an event. Whether I'm attending a fancy work lunch or grabbing a bite with friends, I take time to consider not only the menu but also my company. Sometimes, even a glass of wine is part of the ceremony.

On days when I'm pressed for time, I'll dine at home or pick up a fresh baguette and savor every crispy bite from a bench in my neighborhood park.

Eating on the run (or in the metro) is a thing of the past. I also allow for a coffee break in the afternoon in which I perch at a café and watch the world go by, even for just a moment.

Farm-to-table dining is a way of life in France, both in restaurants and at home

Cooking has become a regular ritual, and one that I even enjoy, particularly when my Italian chef takes over.

Most of my meals used to be eaten outside of my home, if not ordered in. Now, rather than amassing takeaway menus, I collect cookbooks.

With two farmers markets weekly per neighborhood in Paris, I also now think in terms of seasons when it comes to food. Every spring, I look forward to the strawberry harvest. Before moving, I'd never even been aware of all the varieties and flavors of the fruit.

There are also many vegetables, like white asparagus and turnips, I once took no notice of that now play a leading role in my kitchen.

It feels like quite a contrast to life in New York, where supermarket shelves were fully stocked regardless of what was actually in season.

Wine has become my drink of choice

From Bordeaux to Burgundy, wine has become my drink of choice in a country reputed for its vineyards.

My frequent nights of cocktails followed by late-night fare have been replaced by a glass of wine paired with a healthy dinner. My body thanks me — after all, red wine is a healthier option than sugary mixed drinks.

Plus, nothing complements a well-cooked meal like a good vintage.

With so many leading bars in my neighborhood (like Little Red Door and Candelaria), I still enjoy a creative libation but much prefer the early evening art of the apéro.

I've become passionate about sustainability in fashion

One of the most significant lifestyle changes I've made since moving to Paris is connected to sustainability.

Living in the fashion capital and moonlighting as a handbag designer has led me to meet talented fellow designers who produce limited-edition collections in Paris.

I've become dedicated to supporting these local artisans by almost entirely shopping for items made here, and vintage clothing and accessories.

My new philosophy of collecting instead of consuming allows me to save both time and money by not being tempted by fast fashion and fads. Plus, I buy less but better.

To further celebrate local design, I even lead custom fashion tours to introduce visitors to unique and ethically-minded Parisian brands.

Lastly, I've learned how to disconnect from work

As much as I love what I do for work, I understand how important it is to rest and reset.

That doesn't mean a month of summer Fridays, as was the practice for many companies in New York. In France (and much of Western Europe), it means taking off all or most of August to soak beneath the Mediterranean sun or retreat to a family home in the countryside.

I still do tend to check my emails often — I am a New Yorker, after all — but I embrace the month when Paris rests, and life is lived at a slower and more mindful pace.

• A US military aircraft landed on Peleliu's WWII airstrip, reopening it after many years.
• The Peleliu airstrip, vital during the 1944 battle, was restored by Marine Corps engineers.
• The landing could enhance US military capabilities to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.

A US military cargo plane returned to a World War II airstrip on Saturday, a site in the Pacific region that Marines had to reclaim.

"The landing of the C-130 on the resurfaced runway after many years hopefully begins a new chapter for a prosperous future of Peleliu island," Peleliu Governor Emais Roberts said in a United States Indo-Pacific Command press release.

The Peleliu airstrip, also known as the Sledge runway, was the scene of the 1944 Battle of Peleliu, in which 8,000 Marines and soldiers were wounded, and about 1,800 service members were killed; the Imperial Japanese forces suffered an estimated 10,900 casualties.

Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau 24.1 has made efforts to restore the strip since then. The runway was named for Eugene Sledge, an enlisted Marine veteran whose memoir of the desperate Peleliu battle formed a basis for the HBO miniseries "The Pacific."

The aircraft's touchdown on the Peleliu airstrip epitomizes the US military's expanding footprint as it recognizes more bases may be needed to counter China's military build-up.

Peleliu, an island of Micronesia that belongs to the nation of Palau, is part of the jurisdictions the US military is trying to gain exclusive access to. The island in the southern Philippine Sea may hold renewed strategic value in the face of China's growing missile arsenal.

In March, President Joe Biden renewed compacts and secured $7.1 billion dollars for Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.

This would allow the US to gain access to resources like air, land, and sea territory. Palau citizens would also be permitted to work, study, join the US military, and receive access to veteran healthcare.

The US has been scouring the region for other historic airfields that can be rebuilt. Last year, the US checked up on the island of Tinian, a piece of US territory belonging to Guam, where another airfield was heavily used during WWII.

In April of this year, it was announced that an airfield construction project would be completed in Tinian and is expected to be finished within five years.

US forces have been trying to compete with China's growing military presence, which is capable of striking American bases using long-range missiles it has developed in recent years.