Supporters of Niger’s coup march, waving Russian flags and denouncing France Thousands of supporters of the junta that took over Niger in a coup this week marched through the streets of the capital waving Russian flags, chanting Vladimir Putin’s name, and denouncing France. Read more on NPR

This Ivy League researcher says spirituality is good for our mental health A Columbia University professor says spiritual beliefs can decrease our rates of anxiety and depression. I needed to understand how she came to these conclusions. Read more on NPR

African leaders leave Russia summit without grain deal or path to peace in Ukraine African leaders are leaving two days of meetings with Vladimir Putin with little to show for their requests to resume a deal that kept grain flowing from Ukraine and to find a path to end the war. Read more on NPR

The historic hitwave that has hit the U.S. Southwest is set to cool a little A historic heat wave that has gripped the U.S. Southwest throughout July, blasting residents and baking surfaces like brick, is beginning to abate with the late arrival of monsoon rains. Read more on NPR

In broiling cities like New Orleans, the health system faces off against heat stroke Like other places, New Orleans has seen record numbers of people falling ill with heat-related conditions. First responders and hospitals race to respond with ice, fluids, and air conditioning. Read more on NPR

A worm that survived 46,000 years in permafrost wows scientists A nematode found deep in frozen sediment has proven its ability to survive extreme environments long term. Scientists studying the species say their work could inform the protection of other animals. Read more on NPR

As living memories of the Korean War fade, its consequences become clearer As most Korean War vets are well into their 90s, they still struggle with America’s perceptions of what has been called “the Forgotten War.” Read more on NPR

An Arkansas judge has blocked a law targetting librarians over ‘harmful’ books Arkansas is temporarily blocked from enforcing a law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors. Read more on NPR

A drone attack on Moscow briefly shut the airport and injured one Russian authorities say three Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow in the early hours on Sunday, injuring one person and prompting a temporary closure for traffic of one of four airports near the capital. Read more on NPR