A fracture on Marss surface, taken in January 2018 by the European Space Agencys Mars Express craftESA/DLR/FU BerlinThousands of mysterious quakes on Mars that only happen during summer are unlike any known earthquakes, puzzling scientists.Since NASAs InSight lander reached Mars in 2018, it has recorded thousands of marsquakes, including some surprisingly large quakes that indicate the planet is more seismically active than we first thought.Now, Simon Sthler at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and

The LHCb detector at CERNCERNWere it not for a phenomenon called CP violation, we would probably not exist. A new analysis of particles smashing together at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is helping researchers better understand it.In cosmological models, we think that there was the same amount of matter and antimatter at the beginning of the universe, and then it evolved into a matter-dominated universe. But how? says Ozlem Ozcelik at CERN, the particle physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland, home of the LHC.

Interest and investment in women's sports have been on the rise.Stars like A'ja Wilson and Ilona Maher are inspiring younger generations of female athletes.Katie Ledecky is the most decorated American woman in Olympic history, with 14 medals.Women are dominating the world's largest athletic stages.At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Katie Ledecky brought her total medal count to a record 14, Ilona Maher helped lead the US Women's Rugby Team to its first-ever Olympic medal, and Simone Biles became the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history.And now, women's sports are continuing to reach unprecedented heights: A'ja Wilson was named WNBA MVP for the third time in her career, the Professional Women's Hockey League is breaking attendance records in its sophomore season, and the National Women's Soccer League just kicked off its 13th season with plans to expand.Recent breakthroughs in visibility, pay, and societal attitudes have helped usher female athletes and their organizations closer to the mainstream, with Deloitte predicting that women's sports would surpass $1 billion in revenue for the first time in 2024.But what we're seeing now is the result of decades of hard work by pioneering women in sports who fought to foster inclusive environments for women regardless of their race, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.From Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier in not just one but two sports to Megan Rapinoe leading the fight for pay equality, here are 50 legendary female athletes who've helped change the world of women's sports for the better, ushering in future generations of young girls who can see their futures clearer than ever before.Simone BilesBiles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time. Jamie Squire/Staff/Getty Images In 2016, American gymnast Simone Biles competed in her first Olympics, winning the individual all-around, team all-around, vault, floor, and balance beam gold medals.She famously struggled with "the twisties" a phenomenon that throws off a gymnast's balance during the Tokyo Olympics and catalyzed a larger conversation around self-advocacy and mental health in athletics. Despite the struggle, Biles still walked away from the competition with a silver medal in the team all-around competition and a bronze on the balance beam.In Paris, Biles reminded everyone why she's the greatest gymnast of all time, as she became the first American woman to win gold in the Olympic individual all-around competition twice. She also brought home gold medals for the team all-around and vault, as well as a silver medal on the floor.In addition to the Olympics, Biles is a six-time World all-around champion, with three consecutive victories from 2013-15, then in 2018, 2019, and 2023.With 11 Olympic and 30 World Championships medals, she is the most decorated gymnast in history.Sunisa 'Suni' LeeLee is the first Hmong-American to win the Olympic gymnastics all-around title. Naomi Baker/Staff/Getty Images Biles' two-time Olympic teammate, Sunisa "Suni" Lee, also made history as the first Hmong-American to win the Olympic all-around title in Tokyo when she was just 18 years old.That same Olympics, Lee brought home a silver medal in the team all-around competition and a bronze medal on the uneven bars.After Tokyo, she continued her gymnastics career at Auburn University. However, she was forced to stop training in the spring of 2023 as a result of two kidney diseases.She was able to navigate her diagnoses to return to the sport at the highest level for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where she finished with a bronze medal on the uneven bars, a gold medal in the team all-around final, and another bronze in the individual all-around competition to bring her total medal count to six, making her tied with Aly Raisman for third-most career medals by a female Olympic gymnast.Katie LedeckyKatie Ledecky won four medals in Paris to become the most decorated American woman in Olympic history. Kristy Sparow/Stringer/Getty Images American swimmer Katie Ledecky has won nine Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals, both of which are records among female swimmers. She currently holds the world record in women's 800-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle short- and long-course races.Ledecky made her international debut at the 2012 Olympics in London at 15 years old and surprised everyone when she won the gold medal in women's 800-meter freestyle, becoming the youngest ever to win.Four years later, she finished the 2016 Olympics with four gold medals, one silver medal, and two world records. In 2020, she added two more golds and two silvers at the Tokyo Olympics; and in 2024, she completed her run in Paris by adding four more medals to her count, for a total of 14 Olympic medals the most of any American woman.She has broken more than a dozen world records throughout her career and is widely considered one of the most dominant swimmers alive.Wilma RudolphWilma Rudolph was the fastest woman in the world at the 1960 Olympics. RDB/Dukas/Contributor/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Sprinter Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. She overcame the loss of strength in her left leg and foot, caused by polio at 5 years old, to become the fastest woman in the world at the 1960 Olympics. She held the records for the 100 meters at 11.2 seconds and 200 meters at 22.9 seconds.Because of worldwide television coverage throughout the 1960 Olympics, Rudolph gained international recognition and became an iconic figure for Black and female athletes.During the peak of the civil rights movement, Rudolph was a trailblazer for the rights of Black women. She broke the gender barrier of all-male events in track and field, and her legacy lives on today.Billie Jean KingBillie Jean King is the former No. 1 tennis player in the world and a longtime advocate of equal pay and LGBTQ+ rights. Bettmann/Contributor/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Former World No. 1 professional tennis player Billie Jean King is regarded as one of the greatest women's tennis players of all time. She won 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.King is an advocate for gender equality and social justice. She campaigned for equal pay when the Open Era began in 1968 and became the first female athlete to earn over $100,000 in prize money in 1971. Two years later, she beat tennis superstar Bobby Riggs in "The Battle of the Sexes" and helped found the Women's Tennis Association, both of which contributed to her legacy of making tennis among the most equitable professional sports on the planet.Her fight for equity in sports has continued ever since. Today, King remains a primary advocate for women as the founder of the Women's Sports Foundation.She's also a firm proponent of LGBTQ+ equality. In 1981, she was outed as having been in a long-term relationship with a woman. King and Ilana Kloss, her partner of 40+ years, got married in 2018.Lindsey VonnLindsey Vonn is one of the greatest skiers of all time. Hans Bezard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Lindsey Vonn won three consecutive titles at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup from 2008 to 2010 and another in 2012. She was also the first American woman to win a gold medal in the downhill, which she did at the 2010 Winter Olympics.Vonn won her 20th World Cup crystal globe title in 2016 to surpass Ingemar Stenmark for the overall record for men or women. She is also one of six women to win a World Cup race in all five disciplines of alpine skiing.With three Olympic medals, four World Cup titles, 82 World Cup victories, and two World Championship gold medals to her name, Vonn is widely considered one of the greatest skiers of all time.After missing parts of several seasons as a result of injuries, Vonn ultimately opted to retire from the sport in 2019.Aly RaismanAly Raisman is the third-most decorated American gymnast and a strong advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. Alex Livesey/Getty Images Aly Raisman is a two-time Olympic gymnast. In 2012, she won the team gold medal, floor gold medal, and bronze medal on balance beam with Team USA. She took home the individual all-around silver medal and floor silver medal in 2016, as well as another team gold medal to become the third-most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history.As accomplished as she is in the gym, Raisman may be even better known for her work in the fight to end sexual abuse. She was among hundreds of gymnasts who came forward to speak out against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.Since Nassar's trial, during which she delivered a blistering speech, she has used her platform to focus on fixing USA Gymnastics and fighting for justice for all victims of sexual abuse.Alex MorganTwo-time World Cup champion Alex Morgan was a key figure in the USWNT's fight for equal pay. Kaelin Mendez/Stringer/Getty Images Alex Morgan is a United States Women's Soccer Team legend who won her second consecutive FIFA World Cup championship in 2019. She made her World Cup debut in 2011, where the team won silver.In 2012, Morgan recorded 28 goals and 21 assists to become the second American woman to score 20 goals and 20 assists in the same calendar year, alongside Mia Hamm. She was also the sixth and youngest US player to score 20 goals in a single year.Throughout her national team career, Morgan accumulated more than 200 caps and 120 goals. She was also one of the first women's soccer players to appear on the cover of a FIFA video game.Off the field, she was crucial to the USWNT's successful fight for equal pay, which involved a lengthy lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation. She was also instrumental in the National Women's Soccer League's reckoning over pervasive emotional, mental, and sexual abuse.Morgan announced her retirement from the sport in September 2024.Gymnast Nastia Liukin won five medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.Gymnast Nastia Liukin won five medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Al Powers/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images Nastia Liukin was a pivotal member of the US gymnastics team during three World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She won the 2008 Olympic all-around, as well as five Olympic medals, which tied the record for most medals won by an American gymnast in a single non-boycotted Olympic Games. (Simone Biles later tied the record.)A four-time all-around US national champion, Liukin's strongest events were the uneven bars and balance beam. She attempted a comeback in 2011 with hopes of making the 2012 Olympic team, but fell several times during the Olympic Trials and retired in 2012.Since then, she has worked as a gymnastics analyst for NBC Sports. She also hosts an annual Nastia Liukin Cup to support the growth of gymnastics.Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the best female tennis players ever.Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the best female tennis players ever. SAEED KHAN/Staff/AFP via Getty Images Serena Williams is widely regarded as the best female tennis player of the Open Era. She is tied for the third-most Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles on the all-time list and is second in the Open Era.Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles are also a record for the most tournament wins in the Open Era and just one shy of Margaret Court's all-time record.She and her sister, fellow tennis legend Venus Williams, are considered pioneers of a new era for women in tennis that focuses on power. And throughout her career, she was often among the only women on the list of the world's highest-paid athletes, according to Forbes.In 2022, Williams announced her retirement from tennis, playing her final match in the third round of that year's US Open.Off the court, Williams has been outspoken about the state of Black maternal healthcare, sharing her own near-death experience after giving birth to her first daughter in 2017.She's also been building her portfolio in venture capital; in an email to Business Insider in 2023, Williams wrote, "Coming from a sports background and a sport that was an individual one, I've developed a habit of trusting my gut. So when it came to venture and founders, it wasn't hard to apply it. I also know what it looks like to be incredibly talented and not given the exposure because of the color of your skin. It's another reason I love investing to close that gap."Danica PatrickIn 2008, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race. Chuck Burton/AP Danica Patrick is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. She accomplished multiple firsts for women in the sport, including being the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the 2008 Indy Japan 300.Patrick also had the highest finish by a woman in the Indianapolis 500 (third) and Daytona 500 (eighth). She did not endure as much success as many expected, but she had an undeniable impact on the sport.In a predominantly male industry, Patrick is often credited for inspiring more women to take part in auto racing and motorsports.Ronda RouseyRonda Rousey was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal for judo. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Ronda Rousey is a retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. She is considered to be one of the greatest female athletes as the only woman to win both a UFC and WWE championship. She is also one of the only women to headline a pay-per-view event.At the 2008 Olympics, Rousey won a bronze medal in judo, becoming the first American woman ever to do so. She took part in the first UFC women's fight, successfully defending her title against Liza Carmouche.Rousey was the first female fighter to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018. That same year, Rousey signed a contract with WWE and began professional wrestling.Outside the ring, Rousey has written an autobiography and starred in several films, including "Furious 7" and "Mile 22."She left the WWE in 2023.Maria SharapovaMaria Sharapova won 36 singles, including five Grand Slams, throughout her career. Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images Maria Sharapova is a retired professional tennis player and the only Russian to have a career Grand Slam. When she was 18 years old, Sharapova was ranked world No. 1 and was the first female from Russia to do so.Sharapova accumulated 36 singles titles and five Grand Slam titles, and is considered to be one of the best tennis players to play the game.She also has been involved in various humanitarian endeavors, including being a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador focused on the Chernobyl Recovery and Development. She also launched a program in 2018 to mentor women entrepreneurs.Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis in February 2020.Missy FranklinMissy Franklin won four gold medals at the London Olympics when she was only 17. Ian MacNicol/Contributor/Getty Images At just 17 years old, Missy Franklin became the first American woman to win four gold medals in a single Olympics in any sport during the 2012 London Olympics. She quickly captivated America's attention and went on to win six gold medals at the 2013 World Aquatics Championship.Franklin previously held the record at the World Aquatics Championships with 11 gold medals, but Katie Ledecky broke it in 2017 with 14.If not for chronic pain cutting Franklin's career short, many believed she would go on to dominate women's swimming the way Michael Phelps dominated men's. In December 2018, Franklin announced her retirement due to shoulder issues, but she will always be remembered as one of the greats in women's swimming.Megan RapinoeUSWNT legend Megan Rapinoe has been an influential figure in women's sports both on and off the field. John Walton - EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images Megan Rapinoe has been one of the most recognizable faces on the US Women's National Soccer Team for more than a decade.She put on a dominant performance to lead the Stars and Stripes to a second consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup championship in 2019, scoring six goals to earn the Golden Boot and Golden Ball Awards. All the while, she was publicly feuding with then-US President Donald Trump.Rapinoe was also on the 2015 team that won the World Cup, as well as the 2012 Olympic team, which took home gold.Rapinoe has made noise both on and off the field as an advocate for numerous LGBTQ+ organizations, women in sports, and other social justice issues.She retired from club and country in 2023.Steffi GrafTennis legend Steffi Graf held the world's No. 1 ranking for 377 days, longer than any other player, male or female. Paul Gilham/Getty Images Former German tennis player Steffi Graf is the only tennis player to win each Grand Slam tournament at least four times and achieve the Golden Slam by winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. She won 22 Grand Slam singles titles overall.She was ranked world No. 1 for 377 weeks by the Women's Tennis Association, which is the longest for any player, male or female, since rankings began being issued.Along with Margaret Court, the two are the only players to win three Grand Slam tournaments in a calendar year five times, among male and female players.Her aggressive game has been noted as the starting point for today's modern style of play. She is regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time by many, including by tennis great Billie Jean King. She is credited with helping to increase the sport's popularity in Germany, where it has remained popular since.Graf retired in 1999 and was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh JenningsMisty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are one of beach volleyball's most iconic duos. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are considered the greatest beach volleyball team of all-time. They won three consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2004 to 2012. They also won 21 consecutive Olympic matches and only lost one set during their 11-year run.May-Treanor announced her retirement following her and Walsh Jennings' third gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. She was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2016.Walsh Jennings began playing with former teammate April Ross in 2013 after May-Treanor's retirement. The two won the bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the most decorated beach volleyball Olympian, male or female, in history.Diana TaurasiDiana Taurasi won an NCAA championship, a WNBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri Recently retired Diana Taurasi is the all-time leading scorer in the WNBA. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004, she won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, three WNBA championships, and five Olympic gold medals from 2004-2020.She also won the WNBA MVP Award in 2009, two WNBA Finals MVP Awards (2009, 2014), and was selected to 11 WNBA All-Star teams.She is also one of just a handful of women who have won an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, and a WNBA championship.Taurasi is considered one of the greatest women to play basketball, with late legend Kobe Bryant dubbing her the "White Mamba."Larisa LatyninaLarisa Latynina holds the record for most Olympic medals won by a gymnast. AP Photo Larisa Latynina holds the record for most Olympic medals by any gymnast, male or female, with 18, nine of which were gold.Latynina retired in 1966 but went on to coach the Soviet's women's gymnastics team for the 1968-1976 Olympics. She is often regarded with the establishment of the Soviet Union's dominance in gymnastics.Jackie Joyner-KerseeJackie Joyner-Kersee is an accomplished track-and-field athlete and activist. Stu Forster/Staff/Allsport/Getty Images One of the greatest American track-and-field athletes of all time, Jackie Joyner-Kersee was known for the heptathlon (where athletes compete in seven different track and field events in two days) and long jump. Over four Olympic Games, she took home three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in the two events.Joyner-Kersee established the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in 1988, which is dedicated to providing youth, adults, and families with athletic lessons and resources to improve their quality of life. She also is one of 11 athletes who founded Athletes for Hope, which helps professional athletes take part in charity events and volunteering.She is also an activist for children's education, racial equality, and women's rights.Candace ParkerCandace Parker was the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft. AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski Candace Parker was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. Drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks No. 1 overall in 2008, she became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game in June 2008 and went on to become the league's only player to earn Rookie of the Year and WNBA MVP honors in the same season.Parker was named WNBA Finals MVP after leading the Sparks to the 2016 WNBA championship alongside Alana Beard and Nneka Ogwumike. She was named league MVP again in 2013 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.After more than a decade in Los Angeles, Parker made a blockbuster free agency move to join her hometown Chicago Sky in 2021. She led the franchise to its first-ever WNBA title that same year.Parker retired from the sport in the spring of 2024 and was named president of Adidas Women's Basketball. She also serves as an NBA analyst and commentator.Nadia ComaneciNadia Comaneci helped popularize the sport of gymnastics. AP Photo/Pool Nadia Comaneci competed during the 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympics in gymnastics and is credited with bringing attention to the sport worldwide. From Romania, she won five gold medals in individual events and was the first to be awarded a perfect 10 score.In two Olympics, Comaneci had nine perfect 10s. She won nine Olympic medals and four World Artistic Gymnastics Championship medals.Now retired, Comaneci has remained a prominent figure in gymnastics. She also is involved in fundraising for various different charities.Martina NavratilovaMartina Navratilova holds the record for the longest winning streak in tennis history. Dean Treml/Getty Images Martina Navratilova is considered to be one of the best female tennis players in history. She is the only player to be ranked No. 1 in singles (332 weeks) and doubles (237 weeks) for more than 200 weeks. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, a record 31 major women's doubles titles, and 10 major mixed doubles titles.She won the Wimbledon women's singles title a record nine times, including six consecutive titles, which is regarded as the best performance by a player at a major event.Navratilova is one of only three women to achieve a Career Grand Slam in women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles, which consists of every senior Grand Slam title. Over five seasons from 1982-86, she won 428 out of 442 singles matches. She owns the best win-loss record in the Open Era going 86-1, as well as the longest winning streak with 74 consecutive wins.Navratilova came out as bisexual in 1981 and has been an activist for gay rights, along with animal rights and underprivileged children. However, she has also been criticized for making "transphobic" comments.Marta

Updated 2025-03-17T20:13:55Z Read in app I've been to more than 30 tropical islands around the world. Kelly Magyarics This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? I've visited more than 30 tropical islands around the world, but five stand out from the rest.Bora Bora and Curaao's beautiful beaches make them the perfect places for a relaxing vacation.Barbados has many activities, like touring a rum distillery and visiting Rihanna's childhood home.As a travel writer specializing in tropical destinations, I've been lucky enough to have visited 30 islands around the world. Because of my extensive travels, people often ask me which islands I'd return to.Each island I've been to has been idyllic and unique, but a few lingered in my salt-spray-tinged memories long after my tan faded. Here are the five islands I always recommend to other travelers.I couldn't get enough of Bora Bora's beauty and great cuisine.I loved the idyllic shoreline and bungalows in Bora Bora. Kelly Magyarics This South Pacific haven screams "paradise." Though getting there was a long journey I had to take a 16-hour flight from New York to Tahiti, followed by an hourlong flight to Bora Bora the island was absolutely otherworldly.Formed by an extinct volcano, Bora Bora is surrounded by a calm turquoise lagoon that's basically a huge wading pool. I remember marveling at rows of romantic bungalows with glass floors and thatched roofs overlooking the water.The local cuisine combines French and Polynesian cultures. I enjoyed meals like poisson cru, a ceviche-like dish made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and cucumber. It was truly heaven on earth.I loved the luxurious vibes in St. Barts.When I wasn't window shopping or out on the water, I was lounging on the beach in St. Barts. Kelly Magyarics Glittering St. Barts is full of fancy spots, with a yacht-filled harbor, designer shops along the pristine streets of Gustavia (the island's capital), and luxurious hotels.I found a lively day-drinking scene at Nikki Beach, a destination that's attracted celebrity guests like Mariah Carey, and restaurants with menus and wine lists to rival any Parisian hot spot. However, you don't have to be a multimillionaire to soak in the island's beguiling swankiness. During my visit, I spent an afternoon on a catamaran ride and did some window shopping.Visitors can also find elevated cuisine at various price points I had tuna poke and chilled ros from Ti' Corail on a laid-back beach, and it was one of my favorite meals.I was blown away by the many local beaches, such as the sandy Gouverneur Beach and the secluded Colombier Beach, a spot accessible only after a steep (but worth it) hike.If you're a Francophile who adores fabulous food and an upscale feel, I highly recommend St. Barts.St. Martin is the perfect destination for plane and food enthusiasts.St. Martin had plenty of things to do, like visiting Maho Beach. Kelly Magyarics St. Martin is split into two distinct French and Dutch sides. I thought the French side had a quiet, relaxed vibe during my visit.I laid on the beach at Orient Bay (referred to as the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean) and shopped at the luxury boutiques in Marigot, the capital of the French collectivity on St. Martin.I found the Dutch side much livelier as I clubbed at the Soggy Dollar Bar in Simpson Bay and sipped rum cocktails while watching the sunset at The Rusty Parrot.The island is also the ultimate destination for aviation geeks, as the Princess Juliana International Airport is steps away from Maho Beach. I spent hours watching planes fly directly above me.Visitors can also island hop to nearby St. Barts and Anguilla, easily accessible by ferry or plane.I was blown away by Curaao's beautiful beaches and scenery.Colorful buildings line the waterfront in Willemstad, Curaao. Kelly Magyarics Curaao is known for having more than 35 beaches, so every sun-worshipper can find their perfect spot.During my visit, it seemed like some beaches, like Playa Piskad, were mainly frequented by locals, so they were uncrowded and relaxed. Others, such as Grote Knip and Playa Kalki, in quiet coves, were very tranquil.During my stay, I sipped my way through the gin and tonic menu at Zest Restaurant & Beach Cafe on the lively Jan Thiel Beach and, of course, tried the island's namesake bright blue liqueur.Handelskade, a row of brightly colored Dutch colonial buildings lining the water in Willemstad (the island's capital), was the perfect photo op.As an added bonus, Curaao is part of the ABC islands (the other two being Aruba and Bonaire), which are unlikely to be severely impacted by hurricanes.I enjoyed Barbados' lively events and rum distillery.Barbados offers beautiful beaches. Ina Meer Sommer/Shutterstock The Caribbean is synonymous with rum, but in my opinion, no island offers as authentic an experience as this destination.Based in Barbados, the iconic rum producer Mount Gay has been selling the spirit since 1703. Touring and tasting at the company's distillery is a must-do for any fan of the sugarcane-based spirit.Visitors can also make their way through Barbados' flavorful cocktails (and cuisine) at lively bars and restaurants. I loved the potent rum punch and local fish cakes at Oasis Beach Bar, as well as the seared jerk tuna and butter beans at Calma Beach Club.The island was perpetually vibrant it seemed like a party, festival, or concert was always happening. The snorkeling in Carlisle Bay was also amazing, as I saw parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses.Plus, Rihanna fans can snap a selfie in front of the Barbadian native's colorful childhood home, where her name adorns the doormat.This story was originally published on August 9, 2024, and most recently updated on March 17, 2025.

A legal showdown this past weekend shows that the Trump administration is continuing to test the limits of how far they can get away with ignoring or defying court orders.On Saturday, Trump officials attempted to rapidly deport a bunch of people they said were Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador based on a new and initially secret legal rationale before progressive activists could sue and judges could stop them.However, the activists did sue and, while deportation flights were either in the air or about to leave, a judge did issue an order to stop them.But the administration ignored the judges order and refused to turn around or halt the flights, which handed over a reported 261 immigrants into Salvadoran custody.Trump officials cited a few reasons for letting the deportations proceed. One is that, because two of the flights had already departed US territory, the judges order (they claim) no longer bound them. Theyve also asserted that the new legal authority Trump invoked an obscure, rarely-used law known as the Alien Enemies Act is un-reviewable by federal courts.Notably, Trump officials seem hesitant to say they were flat-out defying a court order. After an Axios story making that claim was published, it was updated with an anonymous officials statement: Very important that people understand we are not actively defying court orders. But the story makes clear they had the court order in hand and chose to ignore it.Indeed, the way the Trump administrations challenge to judicial authority has played out is not through open defiance theres no bold I am defying the courts announcement. Rather, its through sneakily trying to get away with things, pushing the limits, looking for edge cases, and finding whatever legal justification they think seems even remotely defensible.For instance: They thought they could get away with those in-progress deportations on Saturday. But there hasnt been news of further Alien Enemies Act deportations since then and, if they have stopped for now, they are at least putting on a show of belatedly obeying the judges order, while appealing it and hoping for the Supreme Courts eventual blessing.The tangled series of events involving Saturdays deportations and a judges attempt to stop themOn Friday, Trump secretly signed an order saying hed assert authority under the Alien Enemies Act a 1798 law only invoked three times before to rapidly deport members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. Trump officials were trying to send them to El Salvador (where President Nayib Bukele has agreed to accept US deportees), quickly, before they could challenge their deportations in court, make any defense, or argue they were falsely accused.However, news of Trumps intention to do this had leaked earlier that week. And, believing the order was imminent, progressive activists filed a lawsuit Saturday morning on behalf of five Venezuelan plaintiffs in US federal custody who feared deportation. US District Judge James Boasberg quickly ordered that those five plaintiffs could not be deported for 14 days, and set a hearing on the topic for late Saturday afternoon. Yet Boasbergs initial order did not fully block Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act because he didnt yet know Trump had already invoked it.Later Saturday afternoon, shortly before the hearing began, the Trump administration made the Alien Enemies Act proclamation public. Then, while the hearing was underway, two deportation flights departed the US, headed for El Salvador. Around 6:47 pm Eastern time, Boasberg issued a verbal order blocking all deportations under the Alien Enemies Act (not just those of the five plaintiffs). He specified that his order may entail turning planes around. He issued his order in writing at 7:26 pm Eastern time.At that point, the two deportation flights had left US territory. Trump officials discussed what to do and decided not to turn those flights around. Additionally, a third deportation flight reportedly departed the US shortly after Boasbergs order was issued.All three flights eventually landed in El Salvador, where 261 immigrants mostly Venezuelans, but also some Salvadorans were turned over to Salvadoran custody. A Trump official told the Washington Post that 137 of them were deported under Alien Enemies Act authority, with the rest being deported under other legal authority. (The five Venezuelans who sued were not deported and remain in US custody.)Per Axioss Marc Caputo, White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller orchestrated all this with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Caputos sources claim their goal was to have the deportations already finished before any judge stopped them and they were somewhat foiled. We wanted them on the ground first, before a judge could get the case, but this is how it worked out, an anonymous official told him.Furthermore, Caputos administration sources claim that they only declined to order the planes back on advice of counsel, with the fact that two planes were over international waters being decisive. But this would not justify allowing the third flight to depart the US shortly after Boasbergs order.More details may be coming soon, as Boasberg has scheduled another late afternoon hearing Monday to question whether the administration complied with his order. For now, though, this seems like the latest effort from the Trump administration to test the limits of what they can get away with in defying the courts. Which means we may find out what, if anything, the courts can do in response.See More:

Sueli Pontes Ecocultural Center / KAAN ArchitectenSave this picture! Sebastian van DammeBrazilArchitects: KAAN ArchitectenAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:30 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Sebastian van DammeMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. KAAN Architecten unveils the Eco-Museum and Orla Piratininga Park design in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Thanks to the ambition of the Municipality of Niteri and as part of their Sustainable Ocean Region Program, KAAN Architecten contributed to the redevelopment of the 720,000m Piratininga Lagoon in what is currently the largest phytoremediation project in Latin America. The project revitalises the region by implementing a water quality management and pollution treatment system within an ecological park, including filtering gardens, social areas, and an eco-museum. As a three-time award-winning initiative, it sets a new reference for conscious design and resilience in Brazil.Save this picture!The project, designed by the POP consortium (Phytorestore, Embya and KAAN Architecten), promotes biodiversity and social inclusivity in the interventions along the lagoon shoreline and in designing the Eco-museum at a strategic central location within the park. The Orla Piratininga Park project allows residents, fishing communities, and environmental organisations to collaborate on the lagoon's long-term conservation. Its waterfront location enhances public interaction with the restored natural habitats, while features such as hiking trails, bike paths, sports facilities, and wildlife observatories immerse visitors in the area's biodiversity.Save this picture!The 35.290m of filtering gardens intercept upstream pollution and restore natural water cycles. These innovative wetlands use native plants to purify water while fostering vibrant wildlife habitats. Plant selection is strictly limited to species native to this ecosystem and the State of Rio de Janeiro, ensuring authentic ecological restoration. This approach revives the areas past environmental functions and strengthens its natural associations with local fauna, reinforcing biodiversity and adaptability. The filtering gardens represent a landscaped space that can be visited, offering the opportunity to discover wetlands, an often inaccessible environment, by presenting its biodiversity.Its layout allows you to walk through this area on paths to respect this sensitive environment.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The Eco-museum is an initiative by the Municipality of Niteri, with KAAN Architecten overseeing the design in collaboration with a dedicated team of local architects. Conceived as a sheltered forum, the museum is fully accessible to the public and seamlessly embedded in its lush surroundings, fostering an open and immersive experience. It is mainly constructed with cumaru wood, a durable South American hardwood known for its rich golden-brown hue and weather resistance.Save this picture!With a total of 2,800m, the museum incorporates significant facilities such as a restaurant, multifunctional spaces, kayak storage, and sanitary provisions on the ground floor. The mezzanine hosts the main exhibition area, featuring interactive activities, a lagoon observatory, a central office, and a meeting room. These functions encircle an open atrium with a tribune for presentations and communal gatherings. Thanks to the modular panelling of the wood and glass faade, the museum offers flexibility for various configurations, ranging from enclosed settings for presentations to fully open spaces for special events.Save this picture!The roof defines the museums presence, extending as a cantilevered structure that modulates natural light while fostering a welcoming atmosphere. It strengthens the connection with the natural surroundings while providing shelter and comfort. Its broad overhangs enhance openness, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor spaces and reinforcing the museums integration with the Atlantic Forest landscape. The Eco-museum strengthens public engagement with restored ecosystems and is a nexus for environmental education. It embodies KAAN Architecten's commitment to sustainability and inclusive design.Save this picture!KAAN Architectens participation in the POP consortium marks our first significant Nature-Based Solution (NBS) project. The expertise of a dedicated team of biologists and social workers was key to the success of the de-pollution efforts and the development of new park facilities. At the heart of this transformation is the Ecomuseum, which has become a powerful tool for social inclusion, extending far beyond its role as an exhibition space. It serves as the new beating heart of the neighbourhood, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the ecological park by educating local children on the importance of environmental awareness while also functioning as a shared living space for the community, concludes Renata Gilio, architect and urban planner at KAAN Architecten.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeKAAN ArchitectenOfficeMaterialsWoodConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on March 17, 2025Cite: "Sueli Pontes Ecocultural Center / KAAN Architecten" [Centro Ecocultural Sueli Pontes / KAAN Architecten] 17 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027948/sueli-pontes-ecocultural-center-kaan-architecten&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

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