FTC Ends Legal Challenge, Clears Way for Microsoft’s $69 Billion Gaming Merger

Interesting Things to Know

Bonobos Show Surprising Depth of Thought in New Study

They may look like smaller, gentler cousins of chimpanzees, but bonobos might be giving humans a run for their mental money. A new study suggests that these highly social primates may possess what scientists call “theory of mind”—the ability to understand that others have thoughts, beliefs, or knowledge different from their own.

It’s a trait once believed to be exclusive to humans. According to Smithsonian Magazine, theory of mind is a cornerstone of complex communication, empathy, deception, and cooperation — all essential components of human social behavior. Now, new research hints that bonobos may share more of those traits with us than we thought.

Researchers designed a clever experiment to test this. The study involved two human scientists and three male bonobos who live at the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their mission: to figure out if the apes could grasp what others did or did not know, and then act on that understanding.

The test centered around a simple game using grapes. In front of one bonobo, scientists would hide a grape in one of two containers. Then, they’d bring in a second bonobo who hadn’t seen where the grape was placed and ask him to point out where he thought the grape was.

Here’s where it got interesting. The bonobo who had seen the grape’s location often took action, pointing or signaling to help the other ape find the grape. And these helpful actions weren’t random. The first bonobo seemed to understand that the second bonobo lacked crucial information, and he stepped in to bridge that gap.

To a casual observer, it may look like simple cooperation. But in reality, it takes complex thinking to recognize that another individual doesn’t know something, and then act on that recognition to help them.

That’s the theory of mind.

The scientists involved were surprised by how consistently the bonobos demonstrated this understanding. They saw the same pattern across multiple trials. More than just responding to a cue, the apes were reasoning about what their peers did or didn’t know.

This is significant because it pushes the boundaries of what scientists believed about primate cognition. Until recently, only humans and, in limited studies, chimpanzees were thought to demonstrate this level of awareness. The fact that bonobos — who are genetically just as close to humans as chimpanzees — also show signs of this suggests that the roots of our social intelligence may run deeper than previously thought.

Even more fascinating is the idea that these behaviors could have existed long before language did. That would mean that our ancient ancestors may have cooperated in meaningful ways without needing to speak a word.

This discovery comes amid growing interest in bonobo behavior. Unlike chimpanzees, who can be aggressive and territorial, bonobos are known for being more peaceful and cooperative. Some scientists speculate that their unique social behaviors, especially among females, may have encouraged the development of cognitive traits like empathy and mutual support.

This new study doesn’t just tell us more about bonobos — it also offers a mirror into our own evolution. Understanding how and when these types of social thinking emerged helps scientists piece together how early humans might have started working together, solving problems, and forming the complex societies we live in today.

So while we’re not on the verge of a “Planet of the Apes” reality anytime soon, if it ever came to that, bonobos might just be the ones to organize it, peacefully, and with snacks for everyone.

Interesting Things to Know

New Scans Suggest Hidden Structure May Be Noah’s Ark

For generations, explorers and researchers have searched the rugged slopes of Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey for evidence of Noah’s Ark, the legendary vessel described in the Book of Genesis that carried Noah, his family, and animals to safety during a great flood.

Now, a group of scientists believes they may have found something remarkable just 18 miles south of the mountain, possibly answering one of history’s greatest archaeological mysteries.

A research team from Noah’s Ark Scans, an independent exploration group, has spent the past several years investigating a formation near the village of Doğubayazıt using advanced methods like Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and soil analysis. Their findings, recently highlighted by The Jerusalem Post, are fueling new excitement and questions.

According to their scans, researchers believe a man-made structure may be buried beneath the earth, with internal features that appear to resemble the layout of a large ship. GPR imagery reportedly shows what looks like hallways, decks, and separate compartments — consistent with ancient descriptions of the Ark’s architecture.

In addition, soil samples taken from the site contain organic material, including signs of rotting wood, which could suggest the presence of a buried wooden structure. While researchers are careful to say they haven’t confirmed anything yet, they are planning more ground scans and core drilling to learn what’s really beneath the surface.

A Long History of Speculation

This isn’t the first time the area around Mount Ararat has drawn attention. Since at least the Middle Ages, the mountain has been linked to the Ark. The name “Ararat” itself has been associated with the resting place of Noah’s Ark for centuries. The mountain — a snow-covered dormant volcano — rises dramatically over the plains of eastern Turkey and is difficult to climb.

As early as the first century, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote that pieces of the Ark were said to be found on the mountain, and the tradition has continued in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic texts. In the Book of Genesis, God instructs Noah to build a massive boat, measuring 300 cubits long (approximately 450 feet), to survive a global flood. After the floodwaters receded, the Bible says the Ark came to rest in the “mountains of Ararat.”

That broad reference has led to centuries of speculation. Some explorers have searched the summit of Mount Ararat, while others have looked at the surrounding ridges and valleys. Still, the high altitude, heavy snowfall, and political unrest in the region have made it difficult to explore thoroughly.

A Story Older Than the Bible

What’s most fascinating is that the story of a great flood and a heroic survivor isn’t unique to the Bible. Versions of the tale appear in many ancient cultures. The Epic of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian poem dating back over 4,000 years, describes a flood survivor named Utnapishtim, who builds a large boat to save his family and animals. Similar stories exist in Babylonian, Assyrian, and Mesopotamian traditions.

That’s why Noah’s Ark holds a unique place in the shared beliefs of the three major Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and in early world mythology. The search for physical proof, though, has always remained elusive.

What’s Next?

While the recent GPR scans don’t confirm Noah’s Ark, they are promising enough to warrant further investigation. Future plans include deep core drilling, more advanced radar scans, and careful analysis of any materials recovered.

Whether the structure is the Ark or not, researchers agree it’s likely an ancient man-made formation. The shape and features shown in radar imaging are unlikely to be purely natural. But until further excavation and carbon dating can be completed, it’s too soon to draw firm conclusions.

Even if it’s not the Ark of Legend, the site may still hold valuable clues about early civilizations and their construction techniques. This could possibly provide more insight into the origins of flood myths and how those stories traveled across cultures and centuries.

One thing is certain: the world is watching closely. As technology peels back the layers of time beneath the Turkish soil, the age-old question remains: Is the Ark buried there, waiting to be found?

Interesting Things to Know

Must-Miss Tourist Traps to Skip on Your Summer Road Trip

A classic summer road trip across America can be packed with unforgettable memories — vast landscapes, quirky diners, small-town charm, and iconic national parks. But between the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon and the geysers of Yellowstone, you might stumble across attractions that are more “why are we here?” than “wow.”

For every awe-inspiring landmark, there’s a tourist trap that might leave you scratching your head and wondering why it made the itinerary. While beauty (and fun) is in the eye of the beholder, here are a few stops that may not live up to the hype — unless you’re the kind of traveler who loves oddball detours.

McDonald’s Where Ronald Reagan Ate — Northport, Alabama
If you’re the kind of history buff who enjoys dining where presidents once grabbed lunch, this might be for you. Otherwise, don’t expect much more than a plaque on the wall. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan stopped in for a Big Mac during his reelection campaign, and the restaurant has commemorated it ever since. That’s it — just a plaque. You’ll leave full, but probably not inspired.

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters — Ochopee, Florida
Hidden in the Everglades is this so-called “research center” dedicated to Florida’s own version of Bigfoot — the elusive Skunk Ape. While it sounds mysterious, in reality, it’s more of a gift shop with a few displays. If you’re a fan of cryptids and folklore, it might be worth a quick look. But if you’re expecting science or actual research, you might want to keep driving.

World’s Largest Ball of Paint — Alexandria, Indiana
If you thought paint drying was boring, how about watching it pile on for 50 years? This odd roadside marvel started as a baseball and now weighs more than two tons, with over 23,000 layers of paint. You’ll need an appointment to see it — yes, really. Unless the idea of layered latex fascinates you, there are probably better ways to spend your afternoon.

Carhenge — Alliance, Nebraska
Imagine Stonehenge — then replace the ancient stones with beat-up vintage cars painted gray and stacked in a circle. That’s Carhenge. It’s certainly eye-catching, and if you’re a fan of auto-themed art installations, this may be your cup of tea. But if you’re hoping for deep history or cultural insight, it might not leave much of an impression.

World’s Largest Chest of Drawers — High Point, North Carolina
It’s a giant dresser. Really, that’s all there is to it. Standing 80 feet tall, this towering piece of furniture was built to honor High Point’s role as a hub of American furniture manufacturing. While locals are proud of it, unless you’re truly passionate about oversized home decor, you may want to admire it from Google Images and move along.

These stops all have one thing in common: they’re the kind of attractions that make you say, “Well, that was… interesting.” For some road trippers, it’s these oddball detours that make the trip memorable. For others, they’re just potholes on the way to something better. So when planning your route this summer, keep in mind that not every “World’s Largest” is worth the exit.

Whether you choose to stop for a photo or roll your eyes and pass by, the choice is yours. Just make sure you’ve got good snacks, a decent playlist, and a sense of humor — the true keys to surviving any American road trip.

Interesting Things to Know

Is Air Travel Still Safe? The Data Says Yes

With headlines about near-misses, aging control towers, and even a deadly mid-air collision in early 2025, it’s easy to wonder whether flying is as safe as it once was. But when you look beyond the headlines and into the actual numbers, the answer is clear: Air travel remains one of the safest ways to get around.

According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), more than 2.6 billion passengers flew on domestic commercial flights in 2024, and not a single fatality was reported in the U.S. involving a large commercial passenger airline.

That’s a striking number, especially when you consider how many planes take off and land every day in the U.S. alone. Despite the complexity of air traffic and the massive number of flights, the system works, and it works well.

What About Other Types of Flights?

While commercial passenger airlines saw zero deaths in 2024, the broader category of commercial aviation, which includes cargo planes, air taxis, and small commuter aircraft, saw 179 fatal accidents, leading to 306 fatalities, none of which involved large passenger airlines.

Most aviation deaths in the U.S. come from private aircraft, not the commercial jets that ferry travelers across the country. Small planes are flown by individuals, often under different regulations and conditions than commercial flights.

The single most notable incident involving commercial passengers in recent years occurred on January 7, 2025, when a Blackhawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger plane on a runway during a training mishap. Sixty-four people died in that crash, which brought the total aviation-related deaths in 2025 (across all categories) to 87.

It was the first fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial passenger plane since 2009, highlighting how rare these tragedies are.

Are Control Towers Still Safe?

Some recent concerns focus on the infrastructure behind air travel, especially air traffic control (ATC) towers. A momentary outage, like the 90-second communications failure at Newark Liberty International Airport on April 28, 2025, understandably gets attention. But what doesn’t always make the headlines is how well-trained pilots and crew respond.

During the Newark incident, pilots switched to standard backup procedures designed for exactly this kind of failure. Aircraft are also equipped with their own collision avoidance technology, such as TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System). These onboard systems detect nearby aircraft and alert pilots to potential risks, even without input from the ground. They are considered one of the most important advances in aviation safety and are mandatory on most passenger aircraft.

Modernizing the Air Traffic System

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the middle of a large-scale modernization effort. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that 51 of the 138 ATC systems in the U.S. are labeled “unsustainable.” The concerns involve outdated technology, a shortage of spare parts, and a wave of upcoming retirements among experienced technicians.
But this doesn’t mean those systems are unsafe. Rather, they’re becoming harder to maintain and more prone to causing delays, not disasters. The FAA currently has 64 ongoing modernization projects. Some will take as long as 10 to 13 years to complete, but safety protocols remain robust in the meantime.

The Bottom Line

While it’s fair to be concerned when problems make national news, air travel remains extremely safe. The systems in place, from pilot training to backup equipment to mid-air collision avoidance, have proven to be highly effective. Accidents involving large passenger airlines are exceptionally rare, and when issues do arise, the aviation industry has a strong track record of learning from them.

So, if you’re planning a summer trip by plane, rest easy. The statistics are on your side.

Interesting Things to Know

Insurance Scams Target Seniors with Costly Consequences

Shopping around for a better health insurance plan is smart. Many people do it every year to find better prices or benefits. But for seniors, the search can come with serious risks. The FBI has issued warnings about a growing wave of health insurance fraud targeting older adults, often leaving victims stuck with mounting medical bills and no real coverage.

This kind of scam usually begins with a phone call. A friendly voice, often from someone claiming to represent a well-known insurance company, offers low-cost coverage, free services, or deep discounts if you act fast. Victims are often pressured to pay for the full year up front, promising big savings that never come.

Fraudsters know what to say and how to say it. They can sound warm, helpful, and professional. But their goal is to separate people from their money — and fast.

What to Watch For

The FBI says many of these calls seem random. Scammers may target numbers pulled from marketing lists or data leaks. The person on the phone might claim you’re eligible for a special enrollment or that they’re part of a government program. They often try to create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to act quickly without asking questions.

Even if they say they represent a well-known company like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, or Blue Cross, there’s no guarantee that’s true. Anyone can claim a name over the phone.

Here are some key warning signs of a potential scam:

• The offer sounds too good to be true.
• You are asked to pay for the full year immediately.
• The caller won’t send you written information to review.
• You feel rushed or pressured to make a decision on the spot.
• The agent gets aggressive or pushy if you hesitate.

Remember, legitimate insurance agents expect you to take your time, compare options, and ask questions. Scammers do not.

How to Protect Yourself

If an insurance plan catches your eye or ear, take some smart steps before signing up or sending money:

1. Verify with your providers. Call your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies to ask whether they accept the insurance being offered. If they have never heard of it, that’s a red flag.
2. Contact your state insurance commissioner. Each state regulates insurance differently. You can find out whether the company or agent is licensed to sell health insurance in your area. This is a fast and free way to avoid being scammed.
3. Read the policy carefully. Ask for the entire plan in writing. Review it alongside your current policy to see what coverage is offered and what it might be missing. Be alert to vague language, hidden fees, or missing contact information.
4. Never pay upfront. You should not have to pay for a full year of health insurance before you even receive a policy. Avoid any company or agent that asks for large sums of money up front before you’ve had time to verify details.
5. Talk to a trusted agent or counselor. Seek out a licensed insurance agent, a representative from Medicare, or a SHIIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor in your state. These professionals can explain your options and help you avoid dishonest offers.

If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of a health insurance scam, don’t stay silent. Report the fraud to:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Your state insurance department
• The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov

By reporting it, you may help stop the scam from hurting others.

Stay Informed

The best protection against fraud is awareness. Share this information with your friends, neighbors, and family. Many scammers focus on seniors, thinking they’ll be less likely to check details or question authority. But staying alert and asking smart questions is the best way to stop a scam before it starts.

Interesting Things to Know

Never Take Shelter Under an Overpass During a Tornado, FEMA Warns

It’s one of the most persistent—and dangerous—myths about tornado safety: that an overpass offers shelter. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants to make one thing clear: Highway overpasses are one of the worst places you can be when a tornado strikes.

Overpasses may look sturdy and protective, but they create a deadly trap. Here’s why: At first glance, the space beneath a bridge seems like it might offer protection. Some people try to climb up to the small space under the roadbed, thinking they’ll be safer off the ground. But in reality, there’s little to hold on to and no safe place to lie flat. Most overpasses are just smooth concrete—no ledges, no beams, and no barriers between you and the wind.

What’s worse, overpasses actually intensify the danger. Tornado winds are stronger at higher elevations. The narrow opening under a bridge acts like a wind tunnel, funneling powerful, rotating winds—and flying debris—directly into that space. People who seek shelter there are left completely exposed to some of the most violent forces on Earth. Debris carried by these winds has been known to shred trees and tear apart buildings. The human body is no match.

There’s also the issue of traffic. When one person pulls over to shelter under a bridge, others often follow. This blocks the roadway, preventing emergency vehicles and other drivers from escaping the area. In some of the most severe tornadoes on record, roads were clogged by vehicles under overpasses, leaving hundreds of people trapped with no way out.

What Should You Do Instead?

Avoid driving during tornado conditions. If a warning has been issued or the sky looks threatening, don’t get on the road.

Find shelter inside a sturdy building. Even during violent tornadoes, people who stay inside—especially in interior rooms away from windows—are far more likely to survive.

If you’re driving and can see the tornado’s path, try to drive at a right angle to it. This advice is no longer listed in National Weather Service guidelines, but experts still agree it’s safer than stopping under a bridge.

If there’s no other option, and you’re in immediate danger, get out of your car and lie flat in a low-lying area or ditch, with your hands covering your head. Winds are weakest at ground level, and you’ll be lower than flying debris. Do not stay in your car—it can be tossed or crushed by tornado winds.

FEMA’s message is clear: overpasses are not shelters. Knowing where not to go in a tornado can save your life. Share the facts, correct the myth, and stay safe the next time severe weather hits.