On July 3, 2025, archeologists in Peru unveiled the ancient city of Peñico. The settlement, founded between 1800 and 1500 BC, lies 124 miles (200 km) north of Peru's capital, Lima. It was once a bustling trading hub connecting Pacific coastal communities with those in the Andes and the Amazon. This was around the same time early civilizations thrived in the Middle East and Africa....

Twenty-four years ago, on September 11, 2001, the United States (US) faced the deadliest terrorist attacks in its history. The attacks were carried out by members of the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda. They killed 2,977 innocent people, leaving a lasting impact on the US....

While working at an archaeological site on Okinawa Island in Japan, Professor Yousuke Kaifu from the University of Tokyo pondered over some ancient tools. Dating back 30,000 years, they hinted at human arrivals from both the north and south....

The 13th Amendment is one of the most important documents in American history. Passed in 1865, it abolished slavery in the US, freeing about four million people. On June 26, 2025, a handwritten copy of the Amendment sold for a record $13.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction. Purchased by American billionaire Kenneth Griffin, it is the highest price ever paid for a document signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The previous auction record for a copy of the 13th Amendment was $2.4 million, set in 2016....

In a landmark moment for professional sports, Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game on August 9, 2025. Pawol officiated as the first-base umpire during the first game of a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta....

Researchers at the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have painstakingly reconstructed a stunning collection of ancient Roman frescoes. These decorative wall paintings once adorned a building in Londinium, the ancient Roman settlement that would later become London. Dating back over 1,800 years, the colorful fragments represent one of the largest finds of painted Roman plaster in the city....

On August 7, 2025, the United States increased tariffs on products from more than 30 countries. The new taxes affect many items, including cars, electronics, and clothing. The rates vary depending on the product and the country from which it comes. For example, imports from Brazil now face a 50 percent tariff, while those from Europe will be taxed at 15 percent. Below is a breakdown of what this means and how it may impact Americans....

Every July, ice cream lovers across the US come together to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. This sweet tradition began in 1984, when President Ronald Reagan officially designated July as National Ice Cream Month. He also declared the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day....

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....

On 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....

School 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....

Juneteenth 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....

For 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....

Kermit 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....

The 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....

Two 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....

The 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....

On May 11, 2025, most Americans will celebrate Mother’s Day. The beloved tradition is credited to Anna Jarvis, a teacher from Philadelphia. She wanted to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their families. The first celebration took place in 1908 at a church in Grafton, West Virginia. It was such a success that Jarvis launched a campaign to make Mother's Day a national holiday....

On March 29, 2025, the New York Yankees set a franchise record by hitting nine home runs in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Only two other teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) history have ever hit nine or more home runs in one game. The Yankees' incredible performance is partially being credited to the so-called "torpedo bat."...

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died in the early hours of April 21, 2025. The 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church suffered a stroke and heart failure. The pope had faced several health challenges in the past few years. Most recently, he was hospitalized for five weeks with double pneumonia. Fittingly, his final public address came on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025), one of the most sacred days in the Christian faith....

Passover, or "Pesach" in Hebrew, is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It celebrates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The holiday lasts for seven or eight days and usually occurs in March or April. In 2025, Passover will be observed from April 12 to April 20....

Easter, which will be observed on April 20, 2025, is the oldest and most important of all Christian festivals. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many adults in the US observe it by attending special church services. Some also fast or give up certain foods or habits for 40 days leading up to Easter. For American kids, the holiday centers around egg hunts, parades, and the Easter Bunny. But not all countries follow these traditions. Here are a few unique Easter celebrations from around the world....

Spanish archeologists have recovered a largely intact shipwreck dating back nearly 2,600 years. The 27-foot (8 m) long trading vessel was carrying lead ingots to an unknown destination when it sank off the coast of Mazarrón, Spain. It remained hidden in the sand just six feet (1.8 m) below the ocean surface until divers finally found it in 1994....

Ready, set, run — the reindeer are right behind you! The Running of the Reindeer race in Anchorage, Alaska, is a high-energy dash where thrill-seekers sprint through the streets with real reindeer chasing them. Inspired by Spain’s Running of the Bulls, this annual event adds an Alaskan twist and is much safer....