Valentine's Day may be about love, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that Americans will spend a record $29.1 billion on February 14 in 2026. That is up from $27.5 billion last year. It is no wonder retailers look forward to the holiday each year....
Read news articleYosemite National Park in California is famous for its giant sequoia trees and towering rock formations, such as El Capitan and Half Dome. But in mid-to-late February, the spotlight turns to El Capitan's Horsetail Fall. During this brief period, the seasonal waterfall can glow a bright orange. It looks like lava is pouring down the rock surface. This striking sight is called the "firefall."...
Read news articleOver five million people worldwide suffer from vision loss due to dry, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This eye disease slowly destroys the light-sensitive cells in the center of the retina, called the macula. People with AMD can often still see on the sides, but they lose central vision. This makes it hard to read, recognize faces, or see small details. The PRIMA system, developed by Professor Daniel Palanker and his team at Stanford University, hopes to help restore some of that lost vision....
Read news articleOn February 1, 2026, Carlos Alcaraz defeated 10-time champion Novak Djokovic to claim his first Australian Open title. This was Alcaraz's seventh Grand Slam title. With this victory, he has completed a Career Grand Slam. This means he has won all four major tournaments — the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open....
Read news articleEvery year on February 2, thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to celebrate one of the most unique American traditions — Groundhog Day. The star of the show is Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog famous for predicting the weather. According to custom, if Phil sees his shadow, winter will last six more weeks. If he does not, spring will arrive early....
Read news articleThe Kawah Ijen volcano on Java, Indonesia, is famous for its electric-blue "lava." But as you may have guessed, this is not actual lava. The striking glow is the result of a chemical reaction triggered by the high concentration of sulfur-rich gases trapped in the volcano....
Read news articleWorld-renowned fashion icon Valentino Garavani passed away in Rome, Italy, on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93 years. His designs shaped the style of modern couture for decades and became a symbol of Italian elegance....
Read news articleWhen Netflix released KPop Demon Hunters on June 20, 2025, few expected it to become a global phenomenon. But in just a few months, the film amassed over 236 million global views, making it the streaming platform’s most-watched movie of all time. KPop Demon Hunters also did well in a limited theater release, proving its appeal extended beyond streaming....
Read news articleFlying cars have long captured the imagination of engineers and dreamers alike. In 1894, American-British inventor Hiram Maxim brought the idea closer to reality with sketches for a four-wheeled, bird-like vehicle capable of flight. His vision later inspired an amusement park ride. But it was not what he had hoped for. Now, Maxim's dream is finally becoming a reality thanks to California-based startup Alef Aeronautics....
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