The wonderful wetlands of the United States
America's wetlands, bogs, swamps, and marshes usually get a bad rap. They've been associated with humid, mosquito-infested, alligator-haunted areas of horrors for a large portion of history, and some today still hold that misconception. In truth, the wetlands of the United States, and the world at large, are some of the most beautiful, fascinating, and important ecosystems there are. More than where to find mosquitos and scary reptiles, they are also home to innumerable species of birds, butterflies, and fish. And to put aesthetics aside altogether, wetlands are also some of the hardest-working ecosystems in the world. They filter our air, fortify our coastlines, and blunt the damage that violent storms can bring. Intrigued? Then click on to take a look at some of America's most magnificent wetlands.
2023-11-28T17:08:50Z
The most dangerous cities in America
Choosing a place to settle involves considering various factors; safety is paramount for families. But perceptions of crime can sometimes be disconnected from reality. Many crimes go unreported, affecting the accuracy of available data. Employment rates also contribute to a location's crime rate. The FBI's crime classification distinguishes between violent and property crimes, with the latter being more common. In 2019, there were 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, compared to 379.4 violent crimes. The introduction of the National Incident-Based Reporting System in 1988 has expanded the scope of crime data, offering details like the time, location, and weapons used. It also includes demographic information about victims and offenders. Mass shootings remain a grave concern, with hundreds of casualties over the years. In this gallery, we explore the most dangerous cities in the US in 2023 (so far), focusing on violent crimes. Click on to discover them.
2023-10-03T06:11:36Z
The most insane rescue missions in modern history
On November 12, a tunnel in the Himalayan Mountains collapsed, trapping 41 low-wage workers inside. The men remained trapped behind an estimated 200 feet (60 meters) of rock, earth, and metal for more than two weeks as rescue teams scrambled to break through the mountain of debris. The rescue mission faced several setbacks as the large drilling machine they were using was damaged, extending the timeline for the rescue. In the meantime, food, water, and medical supplies were passed to the trapped men through a long pipe. Following the failure of the heavy-duty machinery, it was announced that manual tools would have to be used to break through the final 10-15 feet. Growing desperate, the government agencies managing the mission called in expert "rat miners" for the final push. Rat miners get their name for the controversial and dangerous style of burrowing they employ to get through small spaces with hand tools, usually to reach coal deposits. They worked through the night on Monday, November 27, and on Tuesday, it was announced that they had finally broken through. Their work allowed for a narrow pipe, just three feet wide, to be passed through to the workers. The 41 men will be passed through the pipe on wheeled stretchers one by one. Their families are waiting anxiously outside, along with 41 ambulances ready to take each survivor directly to the nearest hospital. All of the trapped workers are believed to be in good health. Rescue workers outside the collapsed tunnel are already rejoicing over the victory that has finally come after an arduous 17-day mission. The exact cause of the disaster has yet to be determined, but landslides and earthquakes are common in the area. Every day around the world, people find themselves in dangerous situations created by natural disasters, terrorism, or even human mistakes. And while a rescue mission's goal is to save lives, it often involves risk for rescuers. Click through the following gallery to see more of the greatest rescue missions of all time.
2023-11-24T14:46:30Z
Mysteries of the Great Lakes shipwrecks
North America's five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—have been sailed upon since at least the 17th century. The lakes are notorious for brutally unpredictable weather, dangerous currents, and underwater hazards. Since the 1600s, over 6,000 vessels have fallen victim to this capricious and often treacherous environment, shipwrecks that have claimed as many as 30,000 lives. And while most of these wrecks are accounted for, the fate of others remain a complete mystery. So, what are the most infamous losses, and which lake can claim itself the "graveyard of ships"? Click through, set sail, and chart a course through the Great Lakes shipwrecks.
2023-09-14T11:40:18Z
True stories about ancient Rome you never learned about at school
From as early as the eighth century BCE, ancient Rome experienced remarkable growth, transforming from a small settlement into a vast empire that spanned across continental Europe, Britain, western Asia, and North Africa. The impact it left behind is far-reaching, encompassing the adoption of Romance languages, the development of the alphabet, and the creation of the calendar. Our perception of ancient Rome often revolves around emperors, gladiators, and awe-inspiring architecture. However, there are numerous aspects of this phenomenal empire that remain unfamiliar to us. If you're eager to discover about the wonders of ancient Rome, explore the gallery.
2023-10-26T09:11:35Z