NEWS

The lithium-ion batteries in vape pens can lead to landfill fires.

The Right Way to Safely Dispose of E-Cigarettes

Tossing old vapes in the trash could actually be more hazardous than you thought, but here's the right way to safely get rid of old e-cigarettes.

Which snack does your state crave the most?

America‘s Favorite Gas Station Snacks, Mapped

See if your state prefers salty or sweet snacks when hitting the road.

The Multi-Faceted Origins of 12 Birthstone Names

Their etymologies, unearthed.

A Manila galleon may have influenced ‘The Goonies.’

The Real-Life Shipwreck That May Have Inspired ‘The Goonies’

‘The Goonies’ turns 40 this year—and to make the film, director Steven Spielberg may have drawn inspiration from a real-life shipwreck that occurred off Oregon’s coast. It’s known as the Beeswax Wreck.

AI is the reason blue books are resurfacing.

Blue Books Are Back, Thanks to the Rise of AI Cheating in Schools

As AI tools like ChatGPT infiltrate classrooms, educators are reviving blue books to curb cheating and promote authentic student writing.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #40

This riddle dates back to the 1860s—can you figure out the answer?

The dish really doesn't have anything to do with primates.

Why Is It Called “Monkey Bread”?

Monkey bread—a sticky pull-apart pastry that’s typically made from canned biscuit dough—is a sugary, cinnamony treat that has nothing to do with primates.

An overhead view of the Erie Canal in autumn.

14 Fascinating Facts About the Erie Canal

One of America’s great early engineering achievements, the Erie Canal turns 200 years old in 2025.

Official White House portrait of President John Tyler by George P. A. Healy.

President John Tyler’s Last Living Grandson Has Passed Away

John Tyler was born in 1790. He took office in 1841, after William Henry Harrison died. His last living grandchild, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, just passed away, on May 25, 2025.

Most Popular Disney Songs, Mapped

Two songs conquered the map, and they come from very different eras.

6 Strange Animal Evolutions

From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.

Clearwater, Florida‘s views put it at the top of the list.

The 10 U.S. Cities With the Prettiest Commutes

From Clearwater, Florida, to Davis, California, these U.S. cities offer beautiful drives that make commuting a lot more bearable.

Pizza Hut is reimagining BOOK IT! for the smartphone age.

Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! App Makes It Easy for Kids to Track Reading Goals and Win Pizza

Pizza Hut revamps its iconic BOOK IT! program with a new app that rewards kids’ reading progress with free pizza.

Costco keeps limited hours for a reason.

Why Does Costco Open So Late?

The popular warehouse chain won't let customers in until 10 a.m. Early birds want answers.

Trader Joe’s Is Officially the Most Trustworthy Brand in America

Trader Joe’s reclaims the top spot in Axios’s ranking of America’s most reputable companies, narrowly beating out Patagonia and Microsoft.

8 Complaints About the Prom From 70 Years Ago

Grievances from the days of yore.

Definition Detective Quiz #39

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

This scene probably wouldn’t be enough to claim ownership of the moon in space court.

Does Anyone Own the Moon?

The question of who has a claim to the moon and its resources is less a speculative fiction subject and more one for lawyers. Specifically, space lawyers.

Jon Voight, Lee Marvin, and Charlton Heston.

8 Actors Who Could Have Starred in ‘Jaws’

From the Hollywood heavyweight that director Steven Spielberg turned down to the actor who said no so he could go fishing for real.

What Are Those Tiny Spots on Apples?

The little pinprick spots on apples, pears, and potatoes are called lenticels, and they’re very important.

This Carnarvon flapjack octopus is tiny, but it can withstand intense pressure thousands of feet underwater.

New Flapjack Octopus Species With ‘Dumbo’ Fins Discovered Off Australia

The Carnarvon flapjack octopus flattens its body like a pancake and uses its Dumbo-like fins to swim.

7 Explosive Fart Controversies

Discover some of history's most hilarious—and unforgettable—controversies that were caused by farts, including regime changes in Ancient Egypt and more.

This insect was found for the first time since 1980.

‘Extinct’ Monte Gordo Grasshopper Spotted on African Island for First Time in 45 Years

A rare grasshopper once believed to be extinct has been spotted for the first time since 1980—but habitat loss may threaten its future.

Why Don't You See Great White Sharks in Aquariums?

While they’re ubiquitous in pop culture, there’s one place where you won’t find great white sharks, and that’s behind glass.