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Facebook Tweet Email Link Falling childhood vaccine coverage and a large, smoldering outbreak that was kindled in an undervaccinated pocket of West Texas have driven the United States to a troubling new milestone: There have been more measles cases in the US this year than any other since the disease was declared eliminated a quarter-century ago. There have been at least 1,277 confirmed cases of measles reported in the US in 2025, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation. Just halfway through the year, the case tally has already surpassed the last record from…

by Lacey Pfalz Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Thu July 3, 2025 While Antarctica might get all the buzz as an expedition cruise destination, the Great Lakes is an underrated gem—and Viking’s Great Lakes expedition cruises offer a cruising experience unlike any other along the most extensive freshwater lake system in the world. I recently went on Viking’s Niagara & The Great Lakes expedition itinerary (you can read the lessons I learned cruising this fascinating region in my column on the subject).  The itinerary began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and visited three destinations in Michigan: Mackinac Island, Alpena and Detroit, before heading…

CNN  —  US President Donald Trump says he’s “optimistic” a ceasefire deal in Gaza could be agreed next week after Hamas announced that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day truce with Israel. “We have to get it over with,” Trump said Friday. “We have to do something about Gaza.” Israel and Hamas have long had conflicting demands that negotiators have been unable to bridge, but with both now agreeing the revised proposal, for the first time in months an agreement seems within reach. The renewed efforts gathered steam following a truce between Iran and…

When it comes to weight-resistance exercise, you can choose free weights such as dumbbells or barbells. Or weight machines, which are often driven by cables or levers. You can use resistance bands or tubes to build strength. Or try pushups and pullups — old standbys that create muscle overload by using your own body weight.These four basic options for strength training present fitness possibilities for young or old or beginners. And they offer flexibility for use in the gym, your home or in a hotel room during travel.You’ll probably wind up using a combination of the four, and they all…

CNN  —  For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists will be able to take a refreshing dip in the River Seine. The long-polluted waterway is finally opening up as a summertime swim spot following a 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) cleanup project that made it suitable for Olympic competitions last year. Three new swimming sites on the Paris riverbank will open on Saturday – one close to Notre Dame Cathedral, another near the Eiffel Tower and a third in eastern Paris. Swimming in the Seine has been illegal since 1923, with a few exceptions, due to…

A customer exits a Cava restaurant in New York City on June 22, 2023.Brendan McDermid | ReutersAs some consumers pull back on spending amid economic uncertainty, fast-casual restaurant chains are leaning on rewards programs to pull them back in.Loyalty programs, which offer discounts or added perks for returning customers, have transitioned from being a nice bonus for restaurants to a must-have. As cost-cautious diners prioritize value, brands like Chipotle, Starbucks, Cava and others are utilizing rewards to keep customers coming back and building habits that go beyond the occasional coupon.”In tough times, loyalty programs become more essential,” said Peter Fader,…

The travel industry is celebrating several major victories following Congress’ approval of the broad legislative package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill”, but leaders warn that new fees for international visitors could undermine sector progress.The U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel) praised several key elements of the bill, particularly provisions that invest in modernizing air traffic control systems, expand customs staffing, and boost security measures ahead of major global events hosted on U.S. soil.  “This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America’s travel infrastructure and security. Bold, necessary investments in air traffic control…

Editor’s note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. CNN  —  In travel news this week: Why Thailand did a U-turn on legalizing marijuana, why the party might be over for Germany’s clubbing capital, plus more generous luggage rules are coming to European flights. EU hand luggage is about to get less confusing European lawmakers have voted to get rid of tricksy, confusing airline carry-on fees and promote standardization across the industry. The proposal still requires approval from EU member states…

PARIS (AP) — Cries of “It is warm!” rang out across the Seine on Saturday morning as Parisians jumped into the river — legally — for the first time in more than 100 years.Public swimming was allowed in designated areas of the Seine, including two newly built wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and the Île Saint-Louis in central Paris. Before sunrise, a municipal officer skimmed away the last few patches of algae with a fishnet. Soon after, a line of eager Parisians formed, towels in hand, waiting for their chance to jump in.Woos and cries of joy echoed across…

Madrid, Spain CNN  —  Spectators gathered on the cobblestone streets of Madrid’s Chueca neighborhood this week to watch one of Spain’s most curious races: the “Carrera de Tacones,” or heel race. Held annually as part of the city’s Pride celebrations, the race sees competitors — mostly men in towering heels — pound Calle de Pelayo, as racers have done each year for decades. Whoops, cheers, and gasps were heard throughout the crowd as racers tried to outpace each other on Thursday — some stumbling ungracefully in unruly heels towards the finish line. Despite the frenzy, an event of this scale…