When a giant, dolphin-like animal washed ashore a
beach in Otago, New Zealand, locals alerted the
Department of Conservation (DOC). Upon arrival, the
experts realized the 16-foot (5-meter) mammal was
no dolphin. It was a spade-toothed whale, the rarest
whale species known to science.
Since early January 2025, multiple large wildfires
have erupted in and around Los Angeles (LA),
California, tearing through dry vegetation and
destroying entire neighborhoods. As of January 15,
2025, more than 12,000 homes, businesses,
schools, and other structures have been destroyed.
At least 25 people have died, and more than 100,...
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed annually on the
third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy
of the American civil rights leader. The federal
holiday, which falls on January 20 this year, is
designated as a national day of service. It
encourages Americans to volunteer and help
improve their communities.
Boris and Svetlaya, a pair of rescued Amur tigers in
Siberia, Russia, have reunited as mates after being
separated for more than a year and over 100 miles.
Their heartwarming love story began in 2014 when
they were just cubs, brought together by fate.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United
States, died peacefully at his home in Plains,
Georgia, on December 29, 2024. The former
American leader, who turned 100 on October 1,
2024, was the longest-living president in US history.
Mr. Carter will be laid to rest at the family's residence
on January 9, 2025. He will be buried alongside his...
Kasanka National Park in Zambia, Africa, is home to
an unlikely natural phenomenon — the world’s
largest mammal migration. Each year, from October
to December, millions of straw-colored fruit bats
from across Africa converge on this evergreen
swamp forest. These nocturnal mammals spend
their nights feasting on wild fruits in the surroundi...
For many in the United States, Christmas is a time
for baking and decorating cookies, finding the
perfect gifts for loved ones, and rewatching beloved
classics like Elf and Home Alone. However, Christmas
traditions vary greatly from country to country. Here
are some unique and fascinating holiday customs
from around the world.
A rocket built by students at the University of
Southern California (USC) Rocket Propulsion Lab
(RPL) has shattered a 20-year record. Aftershock II,
launched from Nevada's Black Rock Desert on
October 20, 2024, reached an altitude of 470,000
feet (143.3 km). This was 90,000 feet (27.4 km)
higher than the previous amateur rocket altitude r...
Hanukkah, one of the most widely observed Jewish
holidays, is a joyous eight-day winter festival. It
begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of
the Hebrew calendar. This usually falls between late
November and late December. In 2024, Hanukkah
celebrations will start at sundown on December 25,
coinciding with Christmas Day, and conclude on Ja...
