Tick Takeover: How a Hotter, More Humid World Is Supercharging Lyme Risk
Emergency room visits for tick bites in the U.S. have climbed to their highest level in years, with Lyme disease cases steadily increasing. Experts point to a major culprit: warmer, more humid weather patterns that are giving ticks a longer active season and helping them spread into new territories. Ticks thrive when temperatures stay above 45°F and humidity is high—conditions...
Blazing Runways: How Phoenix Heat Makes Summer Takeoffs a Challenge
Phoenix summers don’t just bring soaring temperatures—they’ve become a high-stakes factor in air travel too. As the desert sun scorches ground-level air near Sky Harbor, the already thin atmosphere becomes even less dense. That means airplanes must work harder to lift off, and pilots are feeling the pressure. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Assistant Professor (and ex-commercial pilot) Cary Grant explains that...
Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Spreads in Southern China — What You Need to Know
Southern China is facing its largest chikungunya outbreak on record, with thousands of confirmed cases in Guangdong Province, particularly in the city of Foshan. Health officials have launched aggressive containment measures, including widespread insecticide spraying, distribution of mosquito nets, and fines for households that fail to remove standing water where mosquitoes breed. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes sudden...
Trump Declares “Liberation Day” in D.C., Federalizes Police and Deploys National Guard
President Trump announced Monday that he is taking control of Washington, D.C.’s police force and sending in the National Guard, calling it a bold step to reclaim the capital from what he describes as rampant crime and disorder. Labeling the move “Liberation Day,” Trump said the city, which he claims is “one of the most dangerous in the world,” needs...
Cholesterol Too High? Consider These Factors
Cholesterol has gotten a bad reputation over the last couple decades, and today it is still viewed like a dirty word. It has been portrayed as something to be feared and avoided at all costs. However, cholesterol is a very important molecule that is crucial for building cells, and for producing sex hormones and vitamin D. In a nutshell, that...
Why You Might Want to Skip Whitening Strips—and What to Try Instead
A bright, confident smile is a powerful thing, but before you reach for those whitening strips, consider what they could be doing to your teeth. Whitening strips work by coating your teeth with peroxide-based bleaching agents. While they can lighten stains, frequent use may lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion. Your enamel is your teeth’s natural armor—it doesn’t grow...
Government Orders Sweep of Vaccine Mandate Records from Federal Agencies
In a sweeping move to close the chapter on what he calls the “pandemic power grab,” President Donald Trump has ordered every federal agency to erase all records related to employees’ COVID-19 vaccination status, mandate compliance, and exemption requests. The Aug. 8 directive from Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor gives agencies until Sept. 8 to comply. “Effective immediately,...
Can’t Poop? These 5 Drinks Can Help (no coffee needed)
If your morning coffee isn’t cutting it — or you’d rather skip the caffeine — there are plenty of other drinks that can help you poop. Constipation often starts with dehydration, since stool is up to 74% water. Without enough fluid, your intestines pull water from waste, making it harder and lumpier. Here are five dietitian-approved beverages to keep your...
Swiss Gold Tariff Whiplash Sends Bullion Market into Frenzy
The global gold market was thrown into chaos Friday after conflicting signals emerged over potential U.S. tariffs on Swiss gold bars, sending futures prices to record highs before retreating sharply. The turmoil began when the Financial Times reported Thursday that the U.S. had placed levies on the most commonly traded Swiss gold bars, effective April 5. A U.S. Customs and...
Fed Hints at Sooner Rate Cuts as Job Market Shows Signs of Strain
The Federal Reserve may be preparing to pull the trigger on interest rate cuts sooner than expected, as fresh labor market data raises red flags about the economy’s momentum. Following a weaker-than-anticipated July jobs report — and major downward revisions to May and June job growth — several top Fed officials are signaling that the central bank could act as...
