Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

This week's mass shootings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Fort Worth, Texas were among

several mass shootings that marked July 4 celebrations across the nation.

NPR's Retoo Chatterjee reports gun violence has been claiming lives in record numbers

in the U.S. leaving many communities dealing with trauma and grief.

Nearly 350 mass shootings have already happened this year.

More than 21,000 people have died from all kinds of gun violence.

Many more are left struggling with the mental health fallout of such violence.

While most people recover in times, psychologists Robin Gerwitch at Duke University says people

closest to the incident suffer the most.

Those that were close to where they event happened, or if they had fear for themselves

or loved ones or knew anyone that was killed or injured, they have more risk for mental

health challenges.

But she adds, long term mental health and social support can help communities heal

in the long run.

Retoo Chatterjee in NPR News.

President Biden will host the Prime Minister of Sweden at the White House today.

NPR's Deepak Shiverham reports the visit comes ahead of the upcoming NATO summit this month

in alliance that Sweden has been trying to join as a result of Russia's invasion of

Ukraine.

The White House says the meeting between Biden and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christensen

will rear from America's view that Sweden should join NATO as soon as possible.

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