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A woman named Michelle in Minnesota found a handwritten note inside a thrift store book that showed someone's journey through medical school exams and applications. After posting the note online, she was contacted by the original writer, now a doctor working in infectious diseases, who appreciated the chance to reconnect with her past self.
Key Facts
Michelle found a handwritten note inside a book she bought at a thrift store.
The note included practice and real MCAT exam scores and medical school application results.
The note showed both acceptances and rejections to various medical schools.
The writer added encouraging affirmations and personal reflections in the note.
Michelle posted a photo of the note on Reddit, where it went viral with over 7,500 upvotes.
The original writer found the post through her husband and messaged Michelle.
The writer is now 34 and works as an infectious disease specialist, focusing on diseases that spread from animals to humans.
She thanked Michelle and encouraged others pursuing difficult goals to keep going, saying the effort is worth it.
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Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest U.S. reservoirs on the Colorado River, have dropped to their lowest combined water level ever recorded. Experts warn this worsening water shortage threatens water supply and hydropower for millions in several Western states and Mexico.
Key Facts
On July 12, 2026, combined storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead fell to about 12.7 million acre-feet, the lowest since records began.
An acre-foot is the water needed to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
Lake Powell stored about 5.5 million acre-feet, and Lake Mead about 7.2 million acre-feet on that date.
The combined storage level was last this low in 1957, before Lake Powell was filled.
Since early 2026, water levels have been dropping by around 16,000 acre-feet per day on average.
The Colorado River provides water and power to seven U.S. states and Mexico, supporting 35 to 40 million people and much farming.
Scientists warn reservoir levels could become too low to support normal water deliveries and power generation by 2028.
The federal government plans to require major water users like Arizona, California, and Nevada to reduce Colorado River use by about 20% in 2027-2028.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island, Japan, causing building collapses, power outages, and people trapped in a shopping mall. Emergency responders are working to rescue those trapped and assess damage including collapsed walls at a historic castle and a factory chimney.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred at 16:27 local time in Kumamoto on Kyushu island.
About 300,000 people were advised to evacuate to shelters.
Many people are trapped inside the Aeon Mall after its second floor collapsed.
Contact has been lost with 20 to 30 mall employees.
A chimney collapsed at a paper factory in Yatsushiro City, with people possibly missing.
Walls from the 17th-century Kumamoto castle were damaged by the tremors.
More than 40,000 households lost power, and roads were damaged.
The quake triggered over 60 aftershocks and a tsunami warning which was later lifted.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his close ties to the United States and President Donald Trump, is facing challenges as his strong US connections appear less effective. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington aims to strengthen his image and political support amid an election and corruption trial in Israel.
Key Facts
Netanyahu spent part of his youth in the US and speaks with an American accent.
He has used his knowledge of US politics to maintain support from multiple US presidents.
President Trump was especially supportive, agreeing to a joint war with Israel against Iran.
The Iran war has stalled, and Trump is making Middle East deals without Israel’s involvement.
Some in the US Congress are concerned about Israel’s violent settler movement and its treatment of opponents.
Washington is considering selling advanced fighter jets to Turkey and signing a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, both Israel’s regional rivals.
Netanyahu hopes his Washington visit will reassure Israeli supporters of his US ties and gain political advantage before the October election.
Netanyahu also seeks Trump’s support for a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck southern Japan, causing buildings to collapse, fires to break out, and injuring more than 100 people. Authorities are concerned that many people could be trapped inside a damaged shopping mall after the quake.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1.
It hit the southern region of Japan.
Buildings were toppled by the quake.
Fires started as a result of the earthquake.
Over 100 people were reported injured.
Many people are feared trapped in a shopping mall that was damaged.
The event happened late on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Japanese authorities are coordinating rescue efforts.
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A strong earthquake hit Kyushu island in Japan on July 28, causing over 150,000 people to leave their homes. The quake damaged roads and buildings, caused power outages for more than 40,000 homes, and left several people missing after a factory chimney collapsed.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred on July 28 on Kyushu island, Japan.
Over 150,000 people had to evacuate because of the quake.
The earthquake caused power outages affecting more than 40,000 households.
Roads were damaged by the earthquake.
Part of a castle wall fell down.
A footbridge was destroyed by the quake.
Several people are missing after a chimney collapsed at a paper factory in Kumamoto prefecture.
Police information was reported by Japan's public broadcaster NHK.
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Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles III’s top aide, will retire in May after 20 years at the palace. He was involved in managing the king’s schedule and advising on royal security, including decisions related to police protection for Prince Harry.
Key Facts
Sir Clive Alderton has been King Charles III’s principal private secretary for 11 years.
Alderton helps organize the king’s professional life and manages his diary.
He also sits on RAVEC, a government committee that advises on police protection for the royal family.
Prince Harry distrusts the royal household’s influence on police protection decisions and believes Alderton could have helped reinstate his bodyguards.
Palace insiders say the household only advises RAVEC, and the chairperson makes final decisions.
Alderton’s retirement may allow a test of Harry’s belief about the household’s power in security decisions.
Harry was upset when denied police protection during his UK visit in July.
Alderton’s replacement is planned for spring or summer 2027 to ensure a smooth transition.
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Iran refused U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to use frozen Iranian funds to pay for ships damaged in the Gulf. An Iranian military spokesperson warned that any ship trying to use this money would be banned from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump proposed compensating for damaged ships using frozen Iranian assets.
Iran rejected this plan outright.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued the warning.
The warning stated ships taking such funds would be banned from transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipping.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over security in the Gulf.
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A mother in the U.K. took a photo of her healthy baby daughter before bedtime, but 15 hours later the baby became very ill. The baby was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and sepsis, conditions that can be deadly, but after emergency treatment she is now recovering.
Key Facts
The mother, Charmaine, lives in northwest England and has three children.
Her baby daughter Darla had a mild fever and was teething before suddenly becoming unresponsive.
Paramedics initially thought it was a viral infection and discharged them to the hospital.
Darla’s condition worsened rapidly upon hospital arrival, requiring emergency care.
Doctors treated her for sepsis and meningitis while waiting for test results.
Tests confirmed bacterial meningitis caused by meningococcus, a dangerous infection.
After treatment with antibiotics, Darla improved but suffered some kidney damage.
Charmaine advises parents to trust their instincts and seek emergency care if something seems wrong with their child.
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Large wildfires have been burning in southwestern France, causing evacuations and damage. Firefighters are working nonstop, and local people are helping by providing food and shelter to those affected.
Key Facts
Massive wildfires are ongoing in southwest France.
Firefighters are working around the clock to control the fires.
Many residents have been evacuated due to the danger.
Local communities are offering food, drinks, and shelter to evacuees.
Relief efforts are being organized to support those impacted by the fires.
Police are trying to prevent burglaries in evacuated areas.
The fires have raised questions about how France manages its forests.
The situation is worsened by a heatwave, which makes firefighting harder.
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A court in Azerbaijan sentenced nine journalists and activists from an independent news outlet to prison for financial crimes. Human rights groups say the case is politically motivated to silence critical media in the country.
Key Facts
Nine journalists and activists linked to Toplum TV were convicted on charges of illegally using Western donor funds.
Sentences range from 12 to 15 years in prison.
The accused deny the charges and plan to appeal.
Human rights groups call the trial politically motivated and part of a crackdown on free speech.
Toplum TV was one of the last independent news outlets in Azerbaijan, known for reporting on corruption.
President Ilham Aliyev’s government has a history of restricting opposition and independent media.
Aliyev won a new term as president in 2024 with 92% of the vote amid limited political competition.
International journalist organizations condemned the verdict and called for the release of the journalists.
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President Donald Trump showed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before their White House meeting. The talks come amid ongoing tensions and conflict involving Iran’s nuclear program and recent military actions.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed irritation that Netanyahu announced information about Iran’s underground nuclear site, Pickaxe Mountain, publicly before telling him.
Trump said he already knew about Iran’s activities at Pickaxe Mountain and said it was “not a big problem.”
The meeting is their first since they started military actions against Iran on February 28.
Trump mentioned that the US and Iran are in new diplomatic talks after a 13-day escalation of conflict.
Netanyahu’s government opposes the recent US-Iran deal and supports military efforts to change Iran’s regime.
Netanyahu hopes to discuss Trump’s plans for Iran and emphasized ending Iran’s civilian nuclear program.
Despite recent criticisms, the US continues strong military support for Israel, including proposed joint military budget plans.
Trump commented on disagreements such as Israel’s opposition to the US resuming arms sales to Turkey but insisted Israel depends on US support.
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German investigators found a video showing the suspect in the Berlin Pride attack pledging loyalty to the armed group ISIL. The 21-year-old attacker, Abdul Ballout, was killed by police after driving a van into a crowd, killing one person and injuring 31 others.
Key Facts
The attack happened at the Berlin Pride festival on a Saturday.
Abdul Ballout, the 21-year-old suspect, was shot dead by police after attacking officers with a knife.
Investigators found a video on a phone in the van showing the suspect pledging allegiance to ISIL.
Ballout had a machete sheath in the van and is believed to have used the knife after crashing the van.
Ballout was a German citizen with Lebanese roots and had criminal history.
He traveled to Lebanon in 2025 aiming to join ISIL in Syria.
Lebanese courts sentenced him to three months in jail for belonging to ISIL.
A German juvenile court gave him a suspended sentence for planning serious violence.
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James Desborough, who was homeless and struggling with drug and alcohol problems, was convicted of killing three men in Cornwall, England. He murdered two friends whose bodies were found burnt in woodland and later strangled his prison cellmate while already serving a life sentence.
Key Facts
James Desborough attacked a government building with stolen eggs before committing the murders.
He killed Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman, two vulnerable friends, and their bodies were found dismembered and burnt in Cornwall.
Desborough strangled his prison cellmate Steven Kempster while awaiting trial for the earlier killings.
Aquilino struggled with drug addiction and was a victim of “cuckooing,” where criminals take over a vulnerable person's home.
Coleman had a history of alcohol abuse, PTSD, and had been stabbed as a child.
Desborough was described as having a bad temper and a controlling personality.
He used the victims’ bank cards after killing them, but theft was not believed to be the main motive.
The case highlighted social problems in parts of Cornwall, including homelessness, addiction, and poverty.
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A study from King’s College London found that risk factors for stroke, like high blood pressure and diabetes, are increasing faster among Black African and Caribbean people than white people in the UK. The study also showed that Black African people are twice as likely to have a stroke without being diagnosed with a prior risk factor.
Key Facts
The study analyzed data from over 8,500 adults collected over 30 years in South London.
Diabetes and high blood pressure rates rose faster among Black African and Caribbean groups compared to white people.
Black African people had a 12% rate of stroke without prior diagnosis of risk factors, double the 6% rate in white people.
Diabetes affected about twice as many Black African and Caribbean people as white participants.
High blood pressure was 29% more common in Black Caribbean and 47% more common in Black African people.
Diabetes rates in Black African participants increased from 21% (1995-2004) to 41% (2015-2024).
Lower socioeconomic status groups showed higher increases in diabetes and high blood pressure.
Experts suggest starting health screenings earlier than age 40 for higher-risk groups to improve stroke prevention.
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A recent survey found that many men think their testosterone levels are important and connect them to their sense of masculinity. Experts discuss when doctors recommend testing testosterone and how public talk about testosterone is changing.
Key Facts
70% of men say their testosterone levels matter to them.
49% of men believe testosterone shows their masculinity.
The survey was conducted by "Men’s Health" magazine.
CBS News interviewed medical expert Dr. Jon LaPook about testosterone testing.
Richard Dorment, editorial director at "Men’s Health," spoke about new discussions on testosterone.
Medical advice suggests testosterone screening in certain health situations.
The cultural view of testosterone is becoming a topic of public interest.
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The United States deputy ambassador to the UN, Dan Negrea, criticized France for what he called "disingenuous grandstanding" during a UN Security Council meeting about Ukraine. This came after France’s UN mission criticized the US for opposing a second term for UN human rights chief Volker Türk and compared the US to North Korea and Russia in a social media post.
Key Facts
Dan Negrea is the US deputy ambassador to the United Nations.
Negrea accused France of "disingenuous grandstanding" during a Security Council discussion on Ukraine.
The criticism from France followed the US opposing a second term for Volker Türk as UN human rights chief.
France’s UN mission posted on X (formerly Twitter) comparing the US to North Korea and Russia regarding human rights.
France stated that the US used to be a "beacon of human rights," but said it is not anymore.
The US responded by calling itself a "beacon of liberty."
The disagreement reflects tensions between the US and France within the UN on human rights issues.
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William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, both faced stage 4 cancer at the same time but are now cancer-free. They are sharing their experience through a new podcast about health and healing.
Key Facts
William Shatner was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma that had spread to his brain and lung.
Melanie found a breast lump a year before William's diagnosis but her doctor initially missed the serious signs.
Melanie had aggressive breast cancer that had spread into her chest.
She underwent chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and immunotherapy.
William was a strong source of emotional support for Melanie during her treatment.
Both father and daughter are now free from cancer.
They created a podcast called "No Time But Now" about medicine, science, and spirituality.
William Shatner initially kept his diagnosis private to avoid hurting his chances of working.
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Captain Chris Philp was on patrol in the English Channel looking for illegal immigrant boats. When a French navy ship appeared, he believed they were trying to attack him, although his crew thought the shots fired were just test shots or exercises.
Key Facts
Captain Chris Philp patrolled the English Channel to find illegal immigrant boats.
He was previously an immigration minister who helped rehouse newcomers.
On patrol, he spotted a child with a swimming aid but called in the RAF to intervene.
A French warship appeared and gunshots were fired nearby, which Philp perceived as an attack.
His crew thought the shots were either test fire or part of naval exercises.
Philp believed the French wanted to intimidate or eliminate him because of his actions.
The incident highlights tension between British patrols and the French navy.
Philp contacted Kemi, presumably a government official, to report the attack and request support.
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A study of over 16,000 adults aged 60 and older found that daily multivitamin use led to modest improvements in functional health after three years compared to placebo. The benefits were stronger for those with heart-related conditions but did not mean older adults suddenly gained new abilities.
Key Facts
The study involved adults aged 60+ from the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS).
Participants were randomly given either a multivitamin, cocoa extract, both, or placebos.
Those taking a multivitamin showed better functional health scores after three years.
Improvements were modest and mostly related to fewer symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
Benefits were strongest in people with cardiovascular issues, especially carotid stenosis.
Cocoa extract did not improve overall functional health, except in people with congestive heart failure.
Experts recommend multivitamins as a low-risk way to support health but not as replacements for good diet or exercise.
Tips for choosing supplements include looking for key nutrients like vitamins B12 and D, avoiding unclear ingredient blends, and checking for quality certifications.
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