Wednesday, 6 July 2022

The suspected gunman wore a disguise and planned the attack for weeks. Plus, a young father died protecting his toddler son. Here's the latest.

July 06, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER

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The suspect in the July 4th parade shooting in suburban Chicago has been charged with seven counts of murder for his role in the attack that police say he planned for weeks. Plus, we're learning more about the people who died during the mass shooting, including a grandfather and the parents of a 2-year-old boy.

THE LATEST

July 4 parade shooting suspect charged with 7 counts of murder in attack he planned for weeks, authorities say.

Robert "Bobby" E. Crimo III, 21, has been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder for the mass shooting at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois, that left seven people dead, officials said Tuesday. Authorities say he planned the attack for weeks and dressed in women's clothing as he fired more than 70 rounds from his rooftop perch on the celebration below. Meanwhile, former friends described the suspect as a mysterious, music-obsessed loner who had becoming increasingly troubled and withdrawn in recent years. "He was in his own world," one former friend told NBC News.

What we're learning about the victims of the July 4 parade mass shooting.

Six of the seven people killed during the mass shooting at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois, have been identified. Among the victims were the young parents of a 2-year-old boy, a former preschool teacher and a woman whose own mother recently died. "I knew she was dead," Cassie Goldstein told NBC Nightly News about her mother, Katherine. "I just told her that I loved her, but I couldn't stop, because he was still shooting everyone next to me. So, I just kept running, and I hid behind a trash can." Michael Levberg said his son-in-law, Kevin McCarthy, 37, died shielding his toddler son, who survived the attack. "He had Aiden under his body when he was shot," Levberg told the Chicago Sun-Times.

It's peak tick season. Here's how to stay safe from ticks, and what to do if you get bitten.

Tick season traditionally lasts from May through July, but people can get tick-borne illnesses any time during the year, says Jean Tsao, a wildlife professor at Michigan State University. Right now, tick-related infections are on the rise, so we are sharing 11 tips to avoid ticks. From wearing proper clothing to choosing the right repellent, these precautions can help you enjoy the outdoors while decreasing the chances the tiny creatures will leave their mark. And if you think you've been bitten, here's when to see a doctor.

🏊 With lifeguards in short supply, 11 water safety tips you need to follow this summer.

Beach and pool season are in full swing, but a shortage of lifeguards has put a crimp in our day in the water. With a lack of lifeguards on duty, you can still make sure you have fun while avoiding danger by following these 11 water safety tips for the beach and the pool. From avoiding distractions by putting away devices to taking breaks, these seemingly little measures can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe in the water.

ONE QUICK THING

Achieve your life goals with this easy tip.

Yes, there's the plank, a surefire way to work your core, but don't sleep on the side plank. This twist on a classic workout move helps tone your waist, while also building endurance in your lower back. But make sure to maintain proper form by keeping your neck and head straight, and avoid these 4 common side plank mistakes. And if you're already a plank pro but want to work the same muscle group, try these 4 exercises.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

If you're craving something a little veggie-forward after a weekend of barbecue, chef Danielle Chang shared a delicious warm-weather favorite, cold shabu shabu noodle salad. The dish pairs seasonal greens, cucumber, radishes and tomato with soba noodles and thinly sliced pork, which cooks quickly in boiling water. In fact, it takes the name "shabu shabu" from the Japanese term for the "swish swish" sound the pork makes in the pot. And for a cold treat, check out Chang's frozen Thai iced tea pops.

DAILY DELIGHT

A little pick-me-up before you go.

Usher wants to make sure you "watch this." The R&B superstar has gone viral on Twitter for a funny, impromptu moment from his recent NPR Tiny Desk concert. The singer was launching into his 2004 song "Confessions Part II" when he looked directly into the camera and said, "Watch this," adding a smooth little hand move that left the the audience chuckling — and Twitter ready to turn him into a meme. Check out the best reactions here, and you can watch Usher's full Tiny Desk concert here.