BIZARRE: 2 - What They Never Told You

Argentine couple to return Nazi-looted portrait to Jewish collector’s family after 80 years

Portrait of a Lady, looted by the Nazis during World War II, has been cleared for return

The Independent UK · Sep 4

In 1947, the military sent fruit flies 67 miles into space to test radiation risks. 11 years later, NASA was founded in 1958, with animal flights underway in America now

1947 mission was part of a larger American effort to understand whether living organisms could survive the journey into space. Beginning in the mid-1940s, military and scientific teams used captured German V-2 rockets for research after World War II.

The Economic Times · Sep 3

Across US history, the AP has watched, chronicled and helped people understand a complex world

Precisely 180 years ago, a handful of New York news executives looking to save money on coverage had an idea

The Independent UK · Sep 3

Sunken WWII hospital ship colonized by devil firefish and rare monk seals

A shipwreck off the coast of Albania has attracted both invasive species and provided a home for endangered ones, leading researchers to weigh the risks and benefits of these wrecks for local ecosystems.

LiveScience · Sep 2

US debt hits $40 trillion. Here’s how Washington has tackled funding crises before

America has historically faced significant debt challenges and devised new funding methods. During the Civil War, new buyers were created for government bonds. Wall Street financiers were enlisted to stabilize gold reserves in 1895. World War II saw enlistment of savers and pegging of yields through war bonds. Later, auctions…

The Economic Times · Sep 2

SCO challenges West as diverse group of nations pursues multipolar future

The summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which represents almost half of the world’s population, ended with an aim to signal the rise of a global powerhouse challenging the West. Yet the SCO's diversity also revealed significant disagreements and divergent interests.

Euronews · Sep 1

A WWII-era training plane was packed into boxes in 1953; its owner carried the pieces through 3 moves for 50 years before the forgotten aircraft was finally restored

The WACO UPF-7 was used as a primary trainer from 1941, helping prepare pilots through the US government-backed Civilian Pilot Training Program during the World War II era. Retired in 1953, the aircraft was bought by a Florida owner who dismantled and packed it into boxes, carrying the parts through…

The Times of India · Sep 1

How The Ford Mustang Got Its Name

That famous pony badge tells only part of the story. One of World War II’s most iconic fighter planes played a role, too.

Motor1 · Aug 31

A New Orleans couple found a 1,900-year-old Roman sailor’s gravestone buried in their backyard; it had vanished from an Italian museum during WWII and has now returned home

A nearly 2,000-year-old Roman gravestone was discovered beneath a New Orleans backyard. This ancient artifact had been missing from an Italian museum since World War II. Scholars identified the stone and initiated its return through international collaboration. The FBI and Italian authorities facilitated the artifact's journey back to Italy. This…

The Times of India · Aug 31

He is turning 100, so his community wants to give him 100 birthday cards: Texas WWII veteran’s remarkable century is being celebrated with a heartfelt tribute

Weldon Kenneth Bowen, a centenarian and World War II veteran from Texas, is commemorating his 100th birthday in style. The Texas Veterans Land Board has launched a campaign urging individuals to send 100 birthday cards to this distinguished Marine Corps veteran, who selflessly served during the war’s final months and…

The Times of India · Aug 30