Are false assumptions driving Americans apart? The United States might seem more divided than ever, but that could be because Americans have a distorted impression of people with opposing views. That perception gap is driven by extremists on both sides of the political aisle.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On Aug. 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington creates the Purple Heart, the oldest U.S. decoration that honors military merit. Officially known as the “Badge for Military Merit,” the medal is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces killed or wounded in action, as well as soldiers who are mistreated as prisoners of war.

The question of how to combat domestic terrorism is drawing increased attention after two mass shootings — in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, —last weekend. At least 31 people were murdered. The FBI is concerned that the shootings might inspire more homegrown extremists to carry out violent attacks.

VIDEO: It was 400 years ago this month that the first enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the shores of Colonial Virginia. A father-and-son team of artists is commemorating the occasion by painting the journey of African Americans.

Disabled animals have a friend in Derrick Campana. The Virginia man used to make artificial limbs for humans until he was asked to create a prosthetic for a dog. He now devotes all of his time to making sure animals can walk again.

VIDEO: Sixty percent of the world’s cocoa production comes from two countries in West Africa — Ghana and Ivory Coast. But for years, the farmers behind the beans have struggled to survive, raising concerns about the sustainability of the cocoa industry. The two nations have come up with a way to sweeten the deal for the farmers.