5 things you need to know this morning: Aug. 14, 2018

Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Aretha Franklin is reportedly ‘gravely ill’

A report surfaced out of Detroit on Monday that the legendary Aretha Franklin is “gravely ill.” Evrod Cassimy, a reporter and anchor for WDIV Local 4 in Detroit, reported the news after speaking with the singer’s family members on Monday morning. He then got a chance to speak with Franklin later in the day, who is surrounded by close friends and family.

BREAKING NEWS: I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill. I spoke with her family members this morning. She is asking for your prayers at this time. I’ll have more details as I’m allowed to release.

— Evrod Cassimy (@EvrodCassimy) August 13, 2018

2. Police treating car crash outside of U.K. parliament as a terrorist incident

Police in London aren’t messing around after a car crashed into the security barriers outside the United Kingdom’s Houses of Parliament in London. Three pedestrians were treated by the London Ambulance Service at the scene and the Metropolitan Police’s Counter-Terrorism Command is leading the investigation. One man has been arrested.

Rooftop camera shows moment car crashes into barriers outside Parliamenthttps://t.co/CprbiGZgrg #Westminster pic.twitter.com/0noYclQNaR

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) August 14, 2018

3. Brazil’s Rodrigo Koxa sets record for biggest wave ever surfed

While you surf the internet at work, Rodrigo Koxa of Brazil is surfing a wave that’s so massive it’s even a little scary to look at. Koxa rode the wave in Nazare, Portugal, breaking the record once again after setting it back in April. He sure makes it look easy as well...

🌊 🏄 Dude! > #Brazil's Rodrigo Koxa sets record for biggest wave ever surfed #SundayMorning #surfer pic.twitter.com/5FA5rt31S7

— Evan Kirstel (@evankirstel) August 12, 2018

4. A 14-year-old is running for governor in Vermont

He’s not even close to being old enough to vote, but that won’t stop Ethan Sonneborn from running for governor. The 14-year-old is taking advantage of the fact that there’s no age restriction for someone seeking the state’s highest office and he’s thrown his hat in the ring. Vermont and Kansas are the only states without age restrictions for these types of candidates.

This 14-year-old wants to be the next governor of Vermont. No, not when he grows up — right now. https://t.co/ofi3i2vyDz pic.twitter.com/9w2pejeVWs

— CNN (@CNN) August 13, 2018

5. At least 30 killed after bridge collapse in Italy

A highway bridge has collapsed in Genoa, Italy and at least 30 people have been killed as a result. The Italian transport minister confirmed the number a matter of minutes ago to Sky News and is calling the incident an “immense tragedy.” Pictures and video from the scene are almost hard to believe, as the entire middle part of the bridge pretty much gave way.

Genoa motorway bridge collapse likely to be "immense tragedy", Italian transport minister says, with unconfirmed reports of many casualtieshttps://t.co/GPDRHSQ6vS pic.twitter.com/AEsN4brUsk

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) August 14, 2018

Notable Birthdays (via Famous Birthdays)

Halle Berry (52), Mila Kunis (35), Magic Johnson (59), Tim Tebow (31), Steve Martin (73)