Having close social ties and support can improve health and resilience to stress and maybe even increase longevity. However, some research suggests that being married or being in a partnership could come with specific health-related benefits. (Zickl, The Washington Post)
Read MoreFrom Argentina to Mexico, devotion to the game often spills into everyday life, inspiring rituals and beliefs tied to the sport. “There has been an emotional connection between the public and their soccer teams for a long time,” said Mexican analyst Erick Fernández. “It fosters identity and bonds that make us feel part of a sporting process that represents us.” (Hernández, AP News)
Read MoreIndia is in the throes of Shivaji fever. Across the country, hundreds of statues of the king — usually on horseback, brandishing a sword — have begun studding the broader landscape, popping up in the country’s port cities and along its disputed borders with China and Pakistan. (Das & Raj, The New York Times)
Read MoreFor many of the pastors in the room, and some other Christians, there’s only one possible explanation for extraterrestrial beings: They are not neutral visitors from other planets or dimensions, but demonic entities. (Graham, The New York Times)
Read MoreA new Pew Research Center survey finds that two-thirds of U.S. adults who regularly attend religious services say they have heard their clergy speak about at least one political or social issue in the past few months. Of the seven topics we asked about, abortion, Israel and homosexuality were among the most commonly cited. (Alper, Pew Research)
Read MoreOn trips to Spain this month and France in September, Leo will find thousands of young people… in these traditionally Catholic but now staunchly secular countries, where historic churches are abundant and Mass attendance is sparse. (Dell’Orto, AP News)
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