Is gun violence an epidemic in the U.S.? Experts and history say it is
Deaths and injuries from guns in the U.S. have increased for years, mirroring the 1990s - the last time gun violence was considered an epidemic.
Health & Safety
Morning news brief
A Ukrainian general talks about Russia and the counteroffensive. Smoke and heat create unhealthy air in many U.S. areas. Protests in France after police killed a teen during a traffic stop.
Heat and smoke can be a health hazard — combined it's worse
Canadian wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality in the U.S. while hot temperatures are spreading in the South.
Opioids are overrated for some common back pain, a study suggests
New research calls into question prescribing the drugs even for short-term pain relief – especially given the risk of addiction.
Madonna postpones tour while recovering from 'serious bacterial infection'
The 64-year-old singer's latest tour, "Celebration," was supposed to kick off in mid-July. As a result of the illness, which put her in a hospital ICU, Madonna has postponed her international tour.
Judge considering blocking parts of North Carolina abortion law won't halt broader 12-week ban
A federal judge said Wednesday that she won't temporarily block most of a newly revised abortion law from taking effect this weekend in North Carolina, including a near-ban on the procedure after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
How to laugh in the face of sorrow: Insights from a Lebanese sweets shop owner
Nassim Haddad has seen his share of disaster and loss. At 79, he says of his philosophy: "I start again from the beginning. I start from zero. I [am not] afraid from anything."
Morning news brief
Record-breaking heat hits Texas. Five non-travel related cases of malaria have been reported in Texas and Florida. Over $200 billion in pandemic business loans appear to be fraudulent, watchdog says.
5 non-travel related cases of malaria have been reported in the U.S.
Several people in the U.S. have come down with malaria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was the first time in 20 years that malaria has been locally transmitted in the U.S.
In Texas, a rare program offers hope for some of the most vulnerable women and babies
Many pregnant people struggling with substance abuse don't want to get help for fear of losing their children to the state. Casa Mía offers safe harbor.