Columbus, OH

Alexander von Humboldt was a globetrotting explorer, scientist, environmentalist, and the second-most famous man in Europe—after Napoleon. So why haven’t you heard of him? This week we revisit an interview with writer and historian Andrea Wulf, whose 2015 book The Invention of Nature aims to restore Humboldt to his rightful place in science history. Not only did this singular polymath pioneer the idea that nature is an interconnected system, but, Wulf argues, he was also the lost father of environmentalism.

A Science Hero, Lost and Found

In 2022, science writerand paleontologist Riley Black was on a fossil-finding expedition in southeastern Utah. Scrambling up to peek at an outcrop of distinctive orange rocks, she discovered what looked like an aquarium of fossilized fish, every scale still in place. As her hollers of joy echoed off the canyon walls, her eyes adjusted, seeing even more delicately preserved details.

Riley Black: Bringing Fossils to Life

Growing up next to the Atlantic Ocean, Aliyah Griffith was endlessly fascinated by the mysteries of the deep. Then a chance encounter at SeaWorld sealed her future: Pressing a dolphin trainer on what her real title was introduced a young Griffith to the term marine biologist. Ever since, she knew that’s what she would be.

Aliyah Griffith: Ocean Scientist, Explorer, Mermaid

The Conversation UK

Looking for a great read to take on holiday with you? We had our experts review some of the hottest books of 2024. From love stories to tales of murders and food, there’s something for every fiction lover. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. How do we make meaning out of...

Five of this summer’s best fiction reads

Blanco, TX

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

Lancaster County, PA

NewsByJoshua

Fans of Frisco's Chicken were left reeling as the beloved Peruvian-style eatery announced the closure of all its locations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The chain, known for its delicious food and strong community values, posted a heartfelt note on its doors, informing customers of the devastating news.

Favorite Chicken Chain Suddenly Closes All Stores, Heartfelt Message Found on Doors

New York City, NY

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Maine State

TIME

From Kevin Barry's Western romance to Laura van den Berg's unsettling new novel

The Best New Books to Read in July 2024

Looking for recently published books to add to your TBR list? Here are five new books to consider adding to your reading list. Each offers a unique journey through history, culture, and personal discovery. Every book on this list takes readers on an enlightening journey into the transformational power of...

5 Recently Published Books to Add to Your TBR List

TheBoutiqueAdventurer

For most of us, visiting the zoo as a child brings up happy memories of adventures, melting ice cream, and childhood friends. Luckily, zoos aren’t just for kids; as a grown-up, you can go whenever you want — no need to wait for a school trip.

10 Best Zoos in the United States

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

I don’t know about you but summer is definitely my favorite season and I am definitely a sun worshipper. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we do not see enough of it so when it is here, that is where you will find me. Everything I do I do outside when the sun is out and the weather is warm. I wonder who else feels this way. I wonder what Zodiac Signs love the Sunshine. Want to find out? Let’s do a little research.

3 Zodiac Signs Who Love Sunshine

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

A demon prepares to swallow the kingdom. An alien plague infects entire star systems. A mad tyrant threatens to unleash nuclear Armageddon. It doesn’t matter which plot you choose or which genre you pick: there’s one final defense. You are humanity’s last hope. It’s one of fiction’s favorite tropes, appearing in some of the greatest sci-fi games of all time. Think Mass Effect and Halo. With a dev team including veterans from Naughty Dog, 343, BioWare, and Electronic Arts, this plot’s appearance in Exodus is no surprise. Yet Archetype Entertainment’s focus on time-dilation as a central mechanic could rekindle the flames of this aging star.

Exodus Reimagines One of Fiction’s Favorite Tropes

Early 20th-century portraits by Edward S. Curtis played a crucial role in preserving the heritage of Native Americans during a period of rapid American expansion and government intervention. Curtis, motivated by a belief that Native American cultures were disappearing, dedicated over 30 years to documenting their customs and traditions. Through the financial backing of patrons like J.P. Morgan, Curtis embarked on an ambitious project to produce a series of 20 volumes containing 1,500 photographs. His journey took him across the American West and into various Indian territories, where he photographed prominent Native Americans such as Geronimo, Red Cloud, and Chief Joseph. Beyond photography, Curtis aimed to provide a comprehensive view of Native American culture by recording their languages and music, ultimately producing 10,000 wax cylinder recordings. Despite facing financial difficulties and the impact of World War I, which diminished public interest in his work, Curtis’s efforts resulted in a vast archive that remains a valuable cultural resource.

Early 20th-Century Portraits Preserve the Heritage of Native Americans

Virginia State

Roanoke, VA

Daily Detroit News reports that bedbugs can be transported during travel, and studies suggest that residents in the Commonwealth are hesitant to report or talk about bedbug infestations.

Richmond, Roanoke, and Norfolk, Virginia, are alleged to have a high level of bedbugs

New Jersey State

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

contributor

Burlington County, NJ

Morristown Minute

Officials Celebrate Success and Expansion of Meal Initiatives for Children. Morristown, NJ — State and local officials, including New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, gathered July 18, 2024, at Pemberton Early Childhood Learning Center in Burlington County to spotlight the achievements of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the innovative Summer EBT initiative, which provides substantial support to low-income families during the summer months.

NJ's $120 Summer EBT Feeds Child Nutrition

Illinois State

Every year, new laws that were passed the prior year go into effect on July 1. In 2024, a number of new laws will begin this Monday. Among them include higher wages for tipped employees, a gas tax increase, and driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants.

New Laws July 1: Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Migrants, Raises for Tipped Workers, and More

Denver, CO

David Heitz

A dangerous drug that is being mixed into fentanyl is causing those who inject it to develop a rash of sores that resembles a case of flesh-eating bacteria. People experiencing homelessness around Denver can sometimes be seen with these bloody, weeping wounds. I recently mentioned this phenomenon to a fentanyl user who told me about the xylazine connection.

Denver homeless people suffer sores as xylazine enters fentanyl supply

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are two of the biggest celebrities in modern times. While much of the happenings between the two involved their marriage and divorce, there are bigger things for them to focus on. Most notably their children.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Son Diagnosed With Rare Skin Condition

Mental_Floss

The drawing of three human figures with a pig was discovered in an Indonesian cave—and might be the world’s oldest art that tells a story.

A 51,200-Year-Old Cave Painting Might Be the World’s Oldest Narrative Art

NewsBreak

Alexander Farnsworth: Finding Fact in Climate Fiction

Growing up, paleoclimatologist Alexander Farnsworth was fascinated by TV shows and movies about hurricanes, volcanoes, tornadoes—anything destructive. “I just wanted to know more about why these...

Alexander Farnsworth: Finding Fact in Climate Fiction

Comments / 0