The SS United States was a marvel of speed, style, and American ambition. Built entirely in the US, the 990-foot (308 m) liner was designed to achieve unprecedented speeds. On its maiden voyage in 1952, the ship crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. To this day, no passenger ship has beaten this record. Though long retired from service, the storied vessel is now set to break a different kind of record — that of the world's largest artificial reef....
Read news articleOn May 13, 2025, Christopher Thuss headed out for an evening on Lake Michigan, hoping to catch a fish or two. Instead, he discovered the wreck of a storied tugboat that had remained hidden beneath the surface for over a century....
Read news articleSchool may be out for the summer, but the astronomical start of the warm season in the Northern Hemisphere will not be until June 20, 2025. Known as the summer or June solstice, this is when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun. As a result, those in the Northern Hemisphere will enjoy the longest day of 2025. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere will welcome the start of winter with the shortest day of the year....
Read news articleJuneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday is observed every year on June 19. On this day in 1865, the last enslaved people in America — a group in Galveston,Texas — learned they were free....
Read news articleFor most people, June 13 — which falls on a Friday this year — will simply signal the start of another weekend. But for the over 20 million Americans — and many more worldwide — who suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia, it will be the unluckiest day of the year. No one knows how Friday the 13th became so feared. But there are a few theories....
Read news articleKermit the Frog brought a heartfelt and humorous twist to graduation season at the University of Maryland. On May 22, 2025, he took the stage at SECU Stadium to deliver the university’s commencement address, affectionately known as “Kermencement.” Dressed in a custom cap and gown, the beloved Muppet delivered a playful and uplifting speech to more than 13,000 graduates and guests....
Read news articleThe Magna Carta, or "Great Charter," is one of the most important documents in the history of democracy. It introduced the idea that no one — not even the king — is above the law. The charter helped shape the founding principles of many nations, including the United States....
Read news articleTwo hikers were walking along a moss-covered wall in the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains in the Czech Republic in early February when a glint of metal caught their eye. A closer look revealed an aluminum box. To their surprise, it contained nearly six hundred well-preserved gold coins. They were neatly arranged in 11 columns and wrapped in black fabric. Just a few feet away, they uncovered a second, smaller metal box. This one had 16 cases, 10 bracelets, a comb, a chain, and a compact case....
Read news articleThe papal conclave has ended. Just one day after entering seclusion, the 133 cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The 69-year-old, now known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first American-born pope....
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