World leaders and veterans commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders will face new charges in connection with other victims. And a common sugar substitute is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Here’s what to know today.
D-Day memories of the veterans who lived history 80 years ago
The tides and sands of Normandy will always hold historic significance. But there is a recognition at this year’s D-Day celebrations that it may be one of the last featuring this many veterans themselves, as the event slips from living memory.
This week, NBC News Digital senior reporter Alexander Smith traveled up and down the northern French coast, speaking to the dwindling, yet precious, eyewitnesses to this historic and horrific event 80 years ago. In Saint-Lô, a town more than 95% destroyed by Allied bombing, 86-year-old Yves Fauvel teared up as he described how American bombers pulverized his hometown. Nevertheless, he still flies an American flag in his car today — an enduring thanks for his people’s liberation despite the destruction.
Elsewhere, NBC News followed busloads of American veterans as they made what for many of them might be the last of these twice-a-decade trips. Here are some of their stories:
🔹 Richard “Dick” Rung, 99: Rung served on D-Day as a motor machinist mate 2nd class. His landing craft ferried troops to Omaha Beach, its hull becoming soaked with the blood of those scythed down by the German machine guns, mortars and artillery.
“It was raining death,” he said. “I heard someone saying over the radio, ‘We are being slaughtered like hogs’ — and it’s true, we were.”
🔹 Pvt. Gideon Kantor, 99: Kantor was born in Austria but fled to the U.S. as a Jewish refugee after Hitler came to power. He chose to return to Europe as soon as possible to fight the Nazis who killed 30 members of his own family.
“I was so eager to do exactly what I considered my duties,” he said. “You see what a dictator can do, and unless you believe in democracy passionately, you can see what can happen,” he explained, adding a striking understatement, “It’s quite frightening.”
NBC News reporters are attending D-Day celebrations in France, where world leaders, including President Joe Biden, veterans and their families are gathered to commemorate the historic day. Follow our live coverage here.
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Read more D-Day anniversary coverage:
- Will the last big anniversary for D-Day vets also be the last for the Western alliance? Read more.
- She was 14 when a U.S. pilot was shot down near her home in France. Now she’s 94 — and she’s still keeping his memory alive. Read more.
- Princess Kate is getting “better,” and Prince William says she would have loved to attend D-Day events. Read more.
Suspect in Gilgo Beach murders to face new charges
The former New York architect charged in the killing of four sex workers whose remains were found on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach is expected to be arraigned this morning on additional charges related to multiple other victims, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. The new charges against Rex Heuermann are expected after investigators recently searched his Massapequa Park home, as well as an area roughly 40 miles from his home.
Heuermann was arrested in July and charged in the killings of three women more than a decade ago. He was charged in the killing of a fourth woman earlier this year. Here’s what else to know.
More delays in Trump’s trials
A Georgia appeals court stayed the election interference case involving Donald Trump and others until October, making a pre-Election Day trial start date almost impossible. That ruling means that the court won’t hear arguments in the appeal on whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be allowed to remain on the case until a few weeks before Election Day at the earliest, not leaving enough time for the case to go to trial before November.
The ruling in Georgia comes a day after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing Trump’s classified documents case in Florida, postponed a hearing she had scheduled for later this month. Instead, she scheduled a multiday hearing on a separate matter. While a trial start date had already been delayed indefinitely, the new hearing also lessens the chances this case could go to trial before the election. Read the full story here.
More Donald Trump coverage:
- Trump’s gun license is expected to be revoked after his hush money conviction.
Sugar substitute linked to risk of heart attack and stroke
Xylitol — a common sugar substitute used in baked goods, candies and sugar-free gum, among other foods — was linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular-related death, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic concluded in a new study. Xylitol is found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, and the body naturally produces it. But when used in processed foods, xylitol is used in much higher concentrations.
For the study, researchers looked at naturally occurring xylitol levels in more than 3,000 participants. The top 25% of people with the highest xylitol levels had approximately double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death compared to people in the bottom quarter. Still, the study had some limitations.
The biggest storylines to watch in the NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks begin their fight for the 2024 NBA title tonight in the first game of the Finals. The Celtics were arguably the most well-rounded team this season, with Jayson Tatum leading the team in points this postseason and Jaylen Brown not far behind statistically. But how will they match up against the Mavericks — and particularly do-everything guard Luka Doncic and resurgent eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving?
NBC News sports editor Greg Rosenstein breaks down each team’s strengths heading into the NBA Finals.
Politics in Brief
Hunter Biden trial: Cross-examination resumes, and prosecutors said it’s “possible” they will rest their case against Hunter Biden today after six more witnesses testify. Yesterday’s witnesses included Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, his ex-girlfriend and the man who sold him the firearm in question in the case. Read the takeaways from Day 3 of the trial.
Abortion rights: Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would enshrine a federal right to access contraception as Democrats try to make a point to voters ahead of the general election.
Russia-Ukraine war: Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week amid frustration in Kyiv over the pace of U.S. military assistance.
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Staff Pick: Magnet fishers get a big catch when they find safe containing $80K
I just got my niece a metal detector for her birthday. (Dani, don’t read this!) Of course, I’m hoping she discovers a buried treasure while using it around the park. This couple realized that dream when they hit the jackpot, reeling in a safe containing $80K while magnet fishing. They get to keep the cash — and they’re hoping to use it for their own “little dream,’’ a property with land, trees and lots of animals.
— Annie Hill, platforms editor
In Case You Missed It
- The IDF struck a Gaza school operated by the United Nations agency for refugees overnight, saying it was targeting Hamas. Local health officials said dozens of displaced civilians, including children, were killed in the attack.
- An FDA advisory panel recommended updating Covid vaccines for the fall.
- A giraffe hoisted a toddler from the bed of the pickup truck she was riding in at a wildlife feeding center in Texas.
- Nine Wisconsin correctional officials, including the warden of a maximum-security prison, have been arrested on charges connected with the deaths of two inmates.
- A sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a rare fungus was reported for the first time in the U.S.
NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified
You already know sunscreen is an everyday essential, but don’t skip these easy-to-forget needs: Your dog (yes, your dog) needs sunscreen, but not the kind humans use. Also, the sun can age and damage your lips, like it does your skin. Experts explain which SPF use on your lips.
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