Explainer
Pulitzer-Prize Winning Photo: 'Dead Man's Wire'
In February 1977, Anthony Kiritsis, an Indianapolis, Indiana resident, wired a shotgun to the head of his hostage, Richard Hall. This 63-hour ordeal was traumatic and led the media to closely examine their coverage of live hostage situations.
National Prayer Breakfast History
The President of the United States makes remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast each year. This may seem unusual in a country founded on separating Church and State. The National Prayer Breakfast Foundation's vision is to promote and
Wildfires: Questions Answered
Southern California's 2025 wildfires caused dozens of deaths and hundreds of billions of dollars in damages. Wildfires are not new, nor exclusive to one part of the United States, as they bring devastation like this example.
The Origin Of Nachos
Nachos are cheesy, salty, spicy, and perfect as a snack or meal. The name 'nachos' has a unique origin that fans of this stadium and theater food rarely appreciate. 'Nacho' is actually a nickname, one that
What Measles Does To Your Body
The word 'measles' often brings to mind a red rash, a distinct symptom of the disease. However, there are many others. Measles also carries potential complications alongside its typical signs.
What Is Dysentery And What Does It Do To Your Body?
Dysentery is an illness often mentioned in history class and pop culture, but its effects are rarely fully understood. The classic computer game The Oregon Trail highlights its deadliness, past and present, yet this is where most people's knowledge of dysentery ends.
'The Extractor' Saved A Prince's Life
In 1403 CE, John Bradmore achieved the impossible. As King Henry IV's court physician, Bradmore treated the king's son, future Henry V, after he was injured at the Battle of Shrewsbury.
The Heartbreaking Story Behind 'Tragedy By The Sea'
On April 2, 1954, photographer John L. Gaunt Jr. rushed to nearby Hermosa Beach with his camera after hearing about a commotion. As a photographer for The Los Angeles Times, Gaunt had no idea what he was about to capture. He saw Lillian and John McDonald near the
13 Historical Terms You Probably Don't Want To Google
Learning new things is great, but some historical practices are better left unknown. Traditional funeral rituals, horrifying torture methods, and stomach-churning foods are just a few of the gruesome terms that aren't for the faint of heart. We wish we hadn't discovered them.
What Being A Prisoner At Guantanamo Bay Is Actually Like
Guantanamo Bay camp, a US military prison in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is infamous for its solitary confinement, considered worse than death row. Founded by President George W. Bush in 2002, after the 9/11 attacks, this detention facility has a notorious reputation.
Arrest Made in 12-Year-Old Lori Paige Case
A child's disappearance is tragic, but it's even more heartbreaking when the child is found deceased. Lori Paige, a 12-year-old girl from Tallahassee, Florida, went missing in June 2023. Police initially thought she had run away, but
Myrtle Morgan's Mysterious Death
True crime often highlights big or solved cases, but what about ordinary people whose murders go largely unnoticed or unsolved? Tragic crimes that aren't flashy or high-profile are just as devastating as those featured in documentaries. Families of these victims mostly grieve without closure.
Autism Diagnosis History
Autism, a medical condition, has been around for over a century. Despite its long history, increased understanding and recognition of autism developed slowly. Autism is
The Actual Reasons People Are (Or Aren't) Ticklish
Tickling is strange. It's a touch that can bring laughter and playfulness, but also irritation, annoyance, and even torture. Some people don't respond to tickling at all. Not everyone is ticklish, after all.
20 Years After Terri Schiavo's Feeding Tube Removed
The 'right to die' or 'dying with dignity' debate, also known as physician-assisted or medically assisted suicide, or voluntary euthanasia, has been intense and polarizing, with different names depending on location, person, and perspective.
What Storm Chasers Actually Do
Over 70 fans voted on the top items in 'What Storm Chasers Actually Do'. The current top 3: storm chasers face deadly distractions, consider their work useful, and typically work with others during the day.
Theories And Explanations Why Prehistoric Animals Were So Big
Why were prehistoric animals so huge? Prehistoric gigantism wasn't limited to dinosaurs or wooly mammoths - many modern animals were also massive thousands of years ago. Prehistoric species, like giant versions of animals that still roam the earth today, were incredibly large.
Answers To 12 History Questions We're Glad We Asked
Over 300 fans voted on 10+ items in 'Answers To 12 Questions About History We're Glad We Finally Asked'. The top 3: When Was The First Pizza Delivery In History?, How Did Sperm Whales Get Their Name?, and Who Invented Fire Hydrants?
Inside Coal Mine Revealing Prehistoric Mega-Snake
The Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia produces over 30 million tons of coal annually. It's also a key site for scientists, ranking among the world's best fossil sites.
16 Surprising Dishes Settlers Consumed
Eating like 19th-century settlers is an adventure. Settlers crossing the American frontier ate cheap, portable food - including any critter that crossed their path.