What's Happening

US News

The Suspected Gilgo Beach Killer Faces New Charges

What's going on: Yesterday, prosecutors indicted Rex Heuermann on two new murder charges — nearly a year after he was accused of killing four women whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach on Long Island, NY. The murders drew national attention, leading to a 2020 Netflix film. Now, DNA evidence has helped officials charge Heuermann with the deaths of Sandra Costilla, whose remains were found in 1993 in the Hamptons, and Jessica Taylor, who disappeared in 2003 while working as an escort. Prosecutors said they also found a file used to “methodically blueprint” his killings. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and is being held without bail as he awaits trial.

What it means: For years, police have been investigating the deaths of at least 10 people, most of them female sex workers, whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach. The new charges expand the timeline of officials’ investigation into Heuermann. In the meantime, the case has shined a light on the treatment of US sex workers and could bring families of the victims closer to closure.

Related: A Murder Trial in Boston Has Captured the Public’s Attention (AP)

Health

A New Report Has Some Not-So-Sweet Findings

What's going on: A new study has linked the sugar substitute xylitol to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. And of course, the low-calorie sweetener is in a lot of products— from sugarless gum, toothpaste, and baked goods to peanut butter and pancake syrup. Researchers followed more than 3,000 people for several years and found those who suffered from a cardiovascular event reportedly had higher levels of xylitol in their blood. They also found that xylitol may cause blood platelets to clot, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

What it means: Sugar substitutes have grown in popularity as healthy alternatives. Now, the study could have some doing a double take and limiting their intake of xylitol. Some health experts say more research needs to be done, since the body also produces xylitol. Researchers acknowledge that while xylitol is linked with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, that doesn’t mean it causes them to happen. Still, add it to the list of things to look out for.

Related: Might Need To Pour One Out for the Diet Coke Girlies (NBC)

Finance

Millennials Are Optimistic About Their Finances...for Once

What's going on: A new survey found that some millennials think they’re faring better than boomers after all.Of the 950 respondents, 41% said it’s been easier for them to achieve financial milestones than when their parents were the same age, while 40% said it’s been more challenging.Most of them remained optimistic with seven in 10 believing they can achieve their life goals, which includefinancial independenceandstability, traveling, and long retirement. BRB while we try to figure out who these millennials are.

What it means: It might not be all doom and gloom. Millennials' rosy outlook on their bank statements could be chalked up to having more experience and knowledge when it comes to financial planning, compared to when their parents were their age.The wealthiest millennials are also better off than the wealthiest boomers (emphasis on wealthiest), according to research published by the University of Chicago Press.But that doesn’t change the very real reality that millennials on average have more student loanand credit carddebt than older generations, lower levels of home ownership, and lower marriage rates — factors that greatly impact wealth accumulation.

Related: Millennials Swear By Gentle Parenting, But Does It Actually Work? (Business Insider)