11 Good News Stories: Gem Of An Assist; Whopper Of A Fish Story

Granting a wish takes a village; neighbors get up in swans’ business; taco lovers’ nirvana; a couple of kindles of cute kittens for you.

Americans Relaxed More, Socialized Less After Pandemic Hit

Still, the results of the most recent American Time Use Survey show the coronavirus pandemic worsened isolation for millions of Americans.

Tokyo Olympic Games Kick Off In Scaled-Back Celebration

The summer Olympics convened amid anger and disbelief in much of Japan, where residents are battling a surge in COVID-19 cases.

​'Deadly Serious' Jan. 6 Prove To Go Without GOP, Pelosi Says

Escalating tension between the two parties is emblematic of the raw partisan anger that has worsened since the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

NFL Stars React To Memo Threatening Forfeits For COVID Outbreaks

Some players shared strong reactions to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's most firm vaccination push yet.

Lawsuits Over Critical Race Theory Bans: What Won't Work And What Might

A much-disputed Supreme Court decision 15 years ago stripped quite a bit of teachers' free-speech protection when they clock into work.

Why Women Need Male Allies At Work – And Why Fighting Sexism Enriches Men, Too

Women who perceived their male colleagues as allies reported higher levels of inclusion than those who didn’t, one study shows.

Finally, A Break For Crews Even As Western Wildfires Grow

Oregon's Bootleg Fire grew to 624 miles, and a northern California fire crossed into Nevada — but firefighters catch a weather break.

Vaccinations Rise In Some States With Soaring COVID Infections

"The fourth surge is real, and the numbers are quite frightening," says the governor of Louisiana, among several states with surging cases.

Dying COVID-19 Patients Beg For Vaccine, But It’s Too Late

Your 5-minute read to start the day: Bull on the run gets a lady friend; Scabby the rat lives to protest another day; gem of an assist.

Schizophrenia Cases Linked To Heavy Marijuana Use: Study

Worldwide, more than 20 million people have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. To date, no cure exists.

Delta Variant Will Infect Everyone Who’s Not Immune: Expert

Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic warned the delta variant is very different and, if you’re unvaccinated, “it will find you.”

1.5 Million Kids Lost A Caregiver To Coronavirus: Study

Researchers from the CDC, WHO and others warned deaths will likely mount and have long-term consequences on kids.

Operation Fox Hunt

How China exports repression using a network of spies hidden in plain sight.

Stop Child Hunger Act Wins Backing Of Broad Coalition Of Groups

Before the pandemic, the summer meal program for children who qualify for free and reduced price lunches at school served only about 1 in 7.

Pinoy-Pop Sensation SB19 Releases Debut EP "Pagsibol" Out Today!

Global Chart-Topping Boy Group Releases Highly Anticipated Project After Coveted Billboard Music Award Nomination in the U.S.

Amazon, Delta, UPS Among Sites Down In Brief, Widespread Outage

The outage, which also affected McDonald's and Airbnb, is reportedly linked to a content distribution network.

Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony Director Fired For Holocaust Joke

Kentaro Kobayashi has been dismissed for making a Holocaust joke during a comedy show in 1998.

‘White Victimhood’ Called Out + Who’s Killing Pelicans And Why?

Here’s your 5-minute read to start the day: the great hot dog-bun mismatch; an ice cream truck owner gets a scoop of goodwill.

Missouri Becomes Coronavirus Hotspot

GOP legislators in state continue to oppose vaccine efforts.

Campaign Spending At Trump Properties Down, But Not Out

Trump Organization properties has dropped dramatically over past two years.

Western Wildfires' Spread Creates A Smoke-Filled Nation

Thick smoke has popped up across the country, even in places with otherwise “clear” skies, causing air quality issues from coast to coast.

Passport Applications See Massive Delays: What You Should Know

The U.S. Department of State is facing a massive backlog of passport applications. Here’s how that might affect your upcoming travel plans.

U.S. Life Expectancy Down 1.5 Years, Largest Since World War II

The steep decline, mostly due to the coronavirus, hit Black and Hispanic Americans hardest, according to a new report.

McCarthy Pulls Jan. 6 Committee Appointments After Pelosi Veto

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy pulled all five from the committee after Pelosi vetoed the Jim Jordan and Jim Banks appointments.

Free School Meals For All Children Can Improve Kids' Health

Two states have made it law. Meanwhile, a bill proposed in Congress aims to make free school meals a permanent fixture in all states.

U.S. Opioid Lawsuits Near Settlement With 4 Companies

The $26 billion settlement would force the pharmaceutical industry to help pay to fix a nationwide opioid addiction.

Biden's Infrastructure Bill In Peril As GOP Threatens Filibuster

Senators have huddled for days trying to wrap up the deal, which would be the first phase of an eventual $4 trillion plan.

As Coastal Flooding Worsens, Some Cities Are Retreating From The Water

In 2021, the U.S. coasts are projected to see an average of three to seven high-tide flooding days, rising to 25-75 days by mid-century.

For Some Craft Beer Drinkers, Less Is More

At home or abroad, craft beers offer a range of options for beer lovers who want a brew that won't put them under the table.

Nearly 30,000 Sign Petition For Hot Dogs, Buns To Match Numbers

Why don't the number of hot dogs match the number of buns sold at stores? Heinz has initiated a petition to have that changed.

Most U.S. Hospitals ‘Noncompliant’ In Posting Costs: Report

The report, recently released by Patients Rights Advocate, tracks hospitals abiding by federal requirements to post prices online.

Cake Mocking Cops Gets Icing Of Apology + Taco Expert Wanted

Here’s your 5-minute read to start the day: Rockers rally behind a Texas music producer, a bull on the loose, and a Frankenfish delicacy.

​Polarization Shown In Schools Across U.S. With Fall Mask Rules

State laws vary from requiring all students to be masked to banning mask mandates.

COVID Vaccine More Risky Than Virus, Unvaccinated Say: Poll

When asked what poses a greater risk to their health, just 29 percent say the coronavirus is more dangerous than the vaccine.

Canada To Open Border To Vaccinated Americans

Vaccinated Americans can travel to Canada starting Aug. 9. A month later, the country hopes to reopen to other vaccinated travelers.

Critics Take Aim At Charitable Money Sitting In Donor Funds

A Senate bill that takes aim at donor-advised funds appears to be gaining bipartisan support in Congress.

Jim Jordan, Troy Nehls Among GOP Picks For Jan. 6 Commission

Five people were selected to serve on the commission, despite Republican calls to boycott the investigation.

6 Tips For Happy, Healthy Houseplants — No Green Thumb Required

Looking to spruce up your indoor space? FTD has a variety of eye-catching indoor plants perfect for any season.

​Bezos Blasts Into Space On Blue Origin's 1st Passenger Flight

The Amazon founder and a hand-picked group aboard the New Shepard rocked experienced several minutes of weightlessness in near space.