CNN Opinion | Opinion: The trend of parting with pets hits close to home

(CNN) – Trends tell stories. Last year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported that one in five US households had acquired a new pet since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, an upshift also reflected in the UK, where I live. Though animal charities feared people would give their new additions up when the reality of ownership sunk in, by May 2021, the vast majority of US pets — 90% for dogs and 85% for cats, according to the ASCPA — remained in those homes.  –read more– 

CNN politics | Smoking weed is now more popular than smoking tobacco

Cannabis plants are seen at Glass House Brands greenhouse near Camarillo, California, on August 19, 2022.

(CNN) – “It’s the economy, stupid,” Democratic operative James Carville once famously noted. Usually, that assertion holds when it comes to elections. But as we have seen from the changing political tides since Roe v. Wade was overturned, sometimes the economy takes a back seat to social issues.

Abortion, though, won’t be the only major social issue on voters’ minds this year. Marijuana legalization is on the ballot in a number of states, including Arkansas, Maryland and Missouri.

The chance for voters to decide whether weed should be legal comes at a time when newly released polling suggests cannabis is more popular than ever.  –read more–  

CNN travel | Spectacular images revealed in weather photography competition

After chasing storms and showers across the UK’s Isle of Wight to capture some incredible rainbows, Jamie Russell reached Bembridge as the final shower left.

(CNN) — Dramatic lightning strikes, extreme climate events, icy spectacles and sublime sun scenes are among the stunning images shortlisted for the Weather Photographer of the Year 2022 competition.

The 22 pictures, a selection of which feature in the gallery above, showcase some of nature’s most artistic moments. This is the Royal Meteorological Society’s 7th edition of the contest.

“These photographs, whether taken on a DSLR or someone’s mobile, represented the shared global appreciation for the beauty of weather and the sheer creativity of this growing community,” said Jesse Ferrell, senior weather editor at AccuWeather, the weather forecasts provider that is sponsoring the contest, in a press release.   –read more–  

CNN AUDIO | Play isn’t just for kids. Here’s why it’s essential for healthy living, even as adult

You’re Never Too Old to Play

 It’s easy to understand the importance of play during childhood but research shows that play is important at every age. In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks with play expert Dr. Stuart Brown, who has studied play for decades, and argues joyful activity is just as important as proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep. Discover why incorporating fun into your daily routine is an essential part of living a healthier and happier life.    –listen–