Twins' mysterious deaths, middle age weight loss, summer TV preview: Catch up on the day's stories
Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day:
1️⃣ Mystery solved: Twin 19-year-old brothers Qaadir and Naazir Lewis were found shot to death at the remote summit of a mountain in northern Georgia. Their deaths baffled the close-knit family for months, but police now say they know what happened.
2️⃣ 'A major issue': A sperm donor with a rare genetic mutation fathered 67 children, and now 10 of them have been diagnosed with cancer. Advocates say there's a need for greater regulation and a limit on the number of births allowed from a single donor.
3️⃣ You snooze, you lose? When jolted awake by a blaring alarm clock, it's tempting to reach for the snooze button. 'Just five more minutes' is practically a morning mantra. But you could be silently sabotaging your shut-eye. Experts explain the pros and cons.
4️⃣ What to watch: With the dog days of summer approaching, our entertainment team rounded up the best new series and movies coming to a TV screen near you, including a drama from the creator of 'Succession' and an Adam Sandler comedy sequel.
5️⃣ Gone viral: Archie and Miles Shephard used to work together as salesmen in a lumber yard. Now they're social media stars known for their high-energy and hilarious interpretations of some of the most dramatic moments in sports.
GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX
CNN's 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 💥 Big boom: A home security camera captured the moment a box truck exploded while passing through a residential neighborhood in Addison, Illinois. The driver walked away with only minor injuries.
• RFK Jr. says Covid-19 shot will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women• Trump considers new sanctions on Russia as he grows more furious with Putin• NPR sues Trump over executive order to cut funding
🇩🇰 That's about to be the new retirement age in Denmark, and it's the highest in Europe.
🧀 Hole-y rollers: It's been described as the world's most dangerous race, and it's certainly one of the most ridiculous — people tumbling down a steep hill in pursuit of a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. Contestants explain why it's so thrilling.
This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Thanks to all.
Cristiano Ronaldo
⚽ What's next? The Portuguese soccer star threw his future into doubt with a cryptic message on social media after scoring his 25th goal on the final day of the Saudi Pro League season.
📖 Whose voice narrates the audiobook version of first lady Melania Trump's memoir?A. Megyn KellyB. Barron TrumpC. Morgan FreemanD. Her own voice using AI⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
🐼 Cute overload: Hong Kong's first locally born baby pandas — affectionately known as 'Elder Sister' and 'Little Brother' — finally have actual names after a contest that drew more than 35,000 entries. Take a look.
👋 We'll see you tomorrow. 🧠 Quiz answer: D. The first lady said her memoir is narrated 'entirely using artificial intelligence in my own voice.'📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters.
5 Things PM is produced by CNN's Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Madden 26: Ravens star QB Lamar Jackson headlines the '99 Overall Club'
The Ravens are loaded on offense, with two or three players who can legitimately be ranked as the best at their position. Madden NFL 26 will be released on August 14, and EA Sports has started the rollout, revealing the seven players who made the coveted '99 Overall Club. Baltimore was well represented with MVP candidate and star quarterback Lamar Jackson making the list. Last season, the 28-year-old Jackson set career highs in touchdown passes (41), passing yards (4,172), and quarterback rating (119.6) while throwing just four interceptions. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken is entering his third season coaching Jackson and expects the quarterback's growth to continue and reach another level as he enters the prime of his career. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson makes the coveted '99 Overall Club' for Madden NFL 26
Yahoo
2 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Here's How Moms Are Making School Exciting Again After Summer School
Summer break is cut short for students who are required to do summer school. Here's how their parents are ramping up for the new school year a bit differently. For many kids, summer is a time to unwind but, for those who've spent it in summer school, the break may have felt more like an extension of the academic grind. As the new school year approaches, these children might feel burnt out, discouraged, or even unmotivated. Parents will play a crucial role in helping shift their mindset from fatigue to anticipation, helping their child rekindle their enthusiasm and build positive momentum for the months ahead. Making the Most of Free Time Vanessa Gordon, mom of two and Hamptons travel and lifestyle expert, explains that her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, and summer school was offered complementarily by the school. Because of her ADHD and since she did not get her IEP until the latter half of the year (late April), her daughter would have struggled or potentially would have had to repeat the grade. Summer school was the most seamless solution. 'We felt it was a wonderful opportunity to help her stay academically inclined and focused during the summer months. It also gives her a chance to build better habits for success in a supportive environment. She genuinely loves learning, so we wanted to continue to foster that enthusiasm,' Gordon says. Although her daughter initially asked why she needed to attend summer school, Gordon says that she has become mature enough to process those feelings and understand that school, even during summer, is an important part of her growth. 'We talk openly about it, and she can see how her efforts pay off through her report cards and reading logs, which we keep to help measure progress and celebrate successes. This helps her feel proud of her hard work and see the value in staying engaged academically.' To help her child get excited for the new school year, Gordon plans to take advantage of the break in between sessions to recharge. 'Summer school hours are very manageable,' she notes. 'It runs only from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, so she still has a nice balance of structured learning and free time. We make sure there are plenty of opportunities for beach days and time outdoors.' After summer school has finished, Gordon also plans to continue to assist with reinforcing a consistent routine and positive learning habits to help her daughter feel confident and prepared. 'Over the summer, we set aside time to review her 5th-grade workbooks together, practice handwriting and cursive (skills that often get overlooked but are so important) and work on art projects both at home and outside at the local park and in other open-air settings.' Gordon says that spending time at the East Hampton Library is also part of their routine. It helps her mentally transition into a focused mindset and reminds her that learning can happen anywhere but still in a structured setting. The library offers plenty of additional structured activities like preteen nights, Saturday crafts, cooking classes, and team-building events – these fun experiences help keep her daughter motivated and looking forward to the school year ahead. 'We also take mini field trips to places like the local clam hatchery, pick-your-own farms, and our historical center, which keep her engaged and curious, especially as she always tells me how her mind is always so active,' Gordon says. 'These are also activities that she genuinely enjoys and they help her reconnect with the joy of learning. This also helps her start the new school year with a positive outlook and without that overwhelming feeling.' Building Excitement About School Nicole Pomije, mom of two and founder of The Cookie Cups, says that her daughter needed to attend summer school because her reading scores were below what they should be. 'I'm not sure what the actual number was but on the 'Fast Bridge Testing' that they do in Minnesota, she came up under the average for reading twice in her 1st grade year. Because of this, she was nominated by her teacher to be a part of 'Summer Explorers'—a 6 week program ending the week of July 25 that takes about 325 students from the district. After this program, Pomije says that her daughter has a week of art camp and some family traveling. 'It will be a good break to get ready for the fall back-to-school season that doesn't start until after Labor Day here. I believe the program not only will show that her test scores have improved, but has also helped her confidence with the skills she will need to succeed in 2nd grade.' Furthermore, she likes to do school supply shopping to get her daughter excited for the new school year. 'She's a 7-year-old girl, so shopping is always on the 'fun' list for her. I like to let her pick out what she wants, from cute headphones to pencil boxes. I have found that if she gets to pick her school supplies, she's excited to use them and show them off in school. It's not about price either – even the dollar tree has super cute items.' Fostering a Joy of Learning Nieka Richard, an assistant principal in California, explains that in her district, which serves approximately 5,600 students, they offer some families the option to enroll their children in a program called Extended School Year, or ESY. Unlike mandatory summer school, ESY is a targeted support and enrichment opportunity offered during the summer months to help reduce the learning loss that often occurs when students are out of school for an extended period. 'ESY is typically offered to students who meet specific criteria. These include students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities who require consistent support to retain skills and maintain academic progress. Additionally, ESY is extended to students who participated in our after-school intervention programs during the year, many of whom come from low-income households or have parents working extended hours,' she focus in her district is on targeted intervention and enrichment rather than retention. ESY is designed to support continued growth, close learning gaps, and prevent regression, especially for the most vulnerable student populations. Rather than being seen as a consequence of failure, it's a proactive approach to equity and academic support. Richard says that there are many ways that parents can get their child excited for the new school year after having to work through the summer. 'Families can engage in conversations that help students look forward to new beginnings such as new teachers, new friends, and new goals. Shopping for school supplies, updating backpacks and clothing items, or even setting small academic or personal goals together can build anticipation in a positive way.' She also recommends visiting the school campus before the year starts (if possible), attending fun orientations, and talking about favorite school subjects or clubs to help create a sense of connection and curiosity. Even if students have spent the summer in ESY, Richard sees it as a part of her job as an assistant principal to help students connect with the joy of learning. In collaboration with her teachers and staff, they do this by creating welcoming environments that feel safe, inspiring, and student-centered from day one. 'This includes offering choice in assignments, highlighting student strengths early on, and building relationships before diving deep into content,' she says. 'Most importantly, we remind students that school isn't just about grades, it's about collaboration, social and emotional learning, and growing into the best version of themselves. When students feel seen and supported, they find joy in learning, even after a summer of hard work.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Medscape
3 minutes ago
- Medscape
Investigate Shortness of Breath: Here's How
If a patient calls their primary care provider and complains about shortness of breath, an in-office examination is generally warranted. Your patient may explain how they're out of breath from everyday activities, like using stairs or getting winded from walking the dog, or just not being able to catch their breath. 'All new episodes of shortness of breath should be evaluated in real time by a clinician, ideally in person,' said Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS, pulmonologist and associate professor, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. But if the patient has a diagnosed condition, a phone or virtual discussion could be enough. 'The only time I can see foregoing an immediate clinic visit is if a known cardiopulmonary diagnosis exists,' Galiatsatos said. For example, if you already know the patient has a pulmonary or cardiac condition and their dyspnea (shortness of breath) is similar to prior episodes of breathlessness, then an in-office appointment may not necessarily be needed, he said. Those could be managed by both an action plan that has already been discussed at prior visits. A Red Flag During Office Visits What if a patient is already in the office for another reason and casually mentions episodes of shortness of breath, how should the primary doctor proceed? Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS Even if dyspnea is mentioned casually, it warrants a thorough history and focused physical exam, especially if this is new or worsening. This could be an early sign of a more serious problem, said Lijo Illipparambil, MD, pulmonologist and assistant professor of Clinical Thoracic Medicine and Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. When discussing such symptoms, Illipparambil recommends these questions: When do episodes occur — during exertion vs rest? How long have these symptoms been occurring? Are there other symptoms, like fatigue, chest tightness, wheezing, cough, or swelling? How limiting are the symptoms? Is the patient able to climb stairs, and if so, how many? Is walking across a room or doing daily chores causing them to be dyspneic? How to Be a Frontline Partner? Primary care doctors are essential in identifying early signs of cardiopulmonary disease. 'Generally, they are the first physicians who meet the patients and do most of the work-up initially. They coordinate care, especially with specialists, provide lifestyle counseling, and monitor chronic conditions like COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], asthma, and congestive heart failure,' Illipparambil said. Lijo Illipparambil, MD In many ways, they are the real central component for care of patients with dyspnea, he affirmed. 'They also have the advantage of longitudinal relationships, allowing them to notice changes over time and engage in shared decision-making to create sustainable health strategies and earlier intervention if needed,' Illipparambil said. Assessment Protocol Usually, a thorough physical exam, including checking vital signs, especially oxygen saturation and heart rate, is next, Illipparambil said. And additional testing should be considered including chest x-ray, EKG, and laboratory work-up, as well as referral to specialists if warranted. Red flags that warrant further testing include: Dyspnea at rest is always a reason for further testing, he said. 'It is not normal to be short of breath at rest; it is most often a sign of significant impending decompensation. Additionally, Illipparambil said, worsening shortness of breath over days/weeks can demonstrate a progressive process. Difficulty walking short distances or performing basic activities (eg, walking in the supermarket, pushing a stroller), especially as a change from their baseline, can be a sign of an active problem. Orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea are signs of heart failure that need further investigation. Unilateral leg swelling should always have a differential that includes deep venous thrombosis and possible pulmonary embolism if present when a patient is short of breath, he said. Expert Assessments and Symptoms Consider the shortness-of-breath assessments below, according to Galiatsatos: Airway diseases. COPD or asthma are examples. 'I would recognize due to inability to walk incline or when holding groceries — not walking through the grocery store, but once their arms are engaged, their breathlessness is noticeable,' he explained. Cardiac rhythm issues (especially low heart rates). Most people notice this breathlessness even within a few dozen feet or so of walking on flat surface, he cited. Pulmonary embolism (lung blood clot). This is more acute in occurrence, and patients often describe a heaviness and uncomfortableness in their chest. 'This is often accompanied by something that provoked the blood clot, long hours of sitting say from a long flight, or a trauma to the legs,' Galiatsatos continued. Heart failure. The key symptom here is the inability to lay down flat, he asserted. Patients may note having to sleep with several pillows, prompting their head and upper torso to be more and more vertical or abandoning sleeping in a bed and sleeping in a recliner, he also explained. Lifestyle Strategies The key is to be empathetic, collaborative, and goal oriented. 'This is indeed a delicate yet vital conversation,' Illipparambil said. There are several reasons for shortness of breath and approaching patients this way can help with patient openness and discussion. One thing that helps is the use of motivational interviewing techniques. For instance, he recommends asking permission to discuss weight, tobacco use, or other lifestyle habits that may be affecting shortness of breath can help establish a partnering role in these goals. Another way to approach, he continued, is focusing on functions such as walking without getting winded and changing habits toward a healthy lifestyle rather than just the number on the scale. 'Additionally, offering resources and referrals for nutrition, sleep study, physical therapy, etc., can go a long way. Medications, of course, can help, especially inhalers in COPD and asthma patients. Antihypertensives and other medications that help modify heart disease, and goal-directed medical therapy have been shown to improve symptoms in patients with heart failure,' Illipparambil also said. How Does Obesity Intersect With Shortness of Breath? Obesity is often linked to cardiopulmonary deconditioning, according to Trishul Siddharthan, MD, pulmonologist and associate professor of the Department of Medicine with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the UHealth — University of Miami Health System, both in Miami. 'Extra weight is a significant cause of shortness of breath in the general population and interacts with respiratory diseases like asthma to worsen symptoms,' Siddharthan outlined. Lifestyle changes and other strategies to cope are a shared decision, he said. 'I ensure I address the underlying medical condition while addressing enablers and barriers to weight loss.'
