Despite its innocently furry appearance, the puss caterpillar's sting is brutal The puss caterpillar has venomous barbs along its hairy body, and they cause extreme pain for many people who come into contact with one of the fuzzy little bugs. Dustin Jones
The crisis in Jackson shows how climate change is threatening water supplies Historic flooding and record droughts are stressing water systems across the country, and experts warn that with climate change intensifying the crisis in Jackson, Miss., may be just the beginning. Scott Neuman
Juul will pay nearly $440 million to settle states' investigation into teen vaping The electronic cigarette maker has agreed to settle a two-year investigation by 33 states and Puerto Rico into the marketing of its vaping products, which have been blamed for a surge in teen vaping. The Associated Press
Catholic health care's wide reach can make it hard to get birth control in many places Religious rules guiding Catholic health care systems often mean their doctors can't prescribe contraceptives or perform tubal ligations. And sometimes that leaves patients with few other options. Maria Godoy
Stressed out about climate change? 4 ways to tackle both the feelings and the issues Heat waves, drought, massive storms. The bad news just keeps coming and there's no denying these issues are anxiety-provoking. If you feel that way, you're not alone. Lisa Doggett
Whatever happened to the Botswana scientist who identified omicron — then caught it? Sikhulile Moyo led the team that first identified omicron — and was dismayed by the world's reaction — blaming and blacklisting African nations. He's now a bit more optimistic. Melody Schreiber
As school starts, teachers add a mental-health check-in to their lesson plans After the disruption and trauma of the pandemic, educators say kids still need added support this year. In some schools, they're making emotional wellness part of the curriculum. Rhitu Chatterjee
Wildfire smoke is here to stay. But critics say our preparations are still 'lackadaisical' August and September in the Pacific Northwest now come with a reliable risk of wildfire smoke. When it rolls in, our health — physical and mental — suffers. But local governments are still working out how to protect people from this polluted air. Eilís O'Neill
Poll: One year after SB 8, Texans express strong support for abortion rights One year after a restrictive abortion law took effect, a poll shows a majority of Texans surveyed say they support abortion access in most or all cases. Many say the issue will motivate them to vote. Sarah McCammon
FDA authorizes new boosters targeting omicron The FDA is authorizing new booster shots to protect people against another surge of omicron infections this fall and winter. Rob Stein
