After an outbreak of hantavirus killed three people on a cruise ship in recent weeks, Google searches for the disease have increased by more than 1,000% in some states. In general, the virus is rare and difficult to contract for most people. But that didn’t stop the disease from spreading to as many as 17 American passengers aboard the cruise ship. They arrived back in the U.S. on Monday, and will now be monitored at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. However, backpackers — and anybody who spends time in wooded areas — are actually at a…

An Ohio judge has cleared a woman who was facing murder charges in the death of her ex-girlfriend, ruling that the shooting was a justifiable use of force allowed under state law.  There was never any question that 26-year-old Marshee Luther shot and killed 29-year-old Taralynn Bowers last August. The dispute between prosecutors and Luther’s defense team was whether or not Luther had a reasonable belief that her life was in danger when she drew her gun and pulled the trigger. In fact, the prosecutors came awfully close to admitting that Luther’s life was in danger that…

Myths and misconceptions surround the burial benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many people don’t know these benefits exist at all, while others assume that the VA will pay for all of the costs of their burial if they’re buried in a veterans cemetery. The reality is that most veterans will be eligible for an allowance from the VA, but it probably won’t cover as much as you might expect. Understanding what the VA provides, and under which circumstances, can help you plan with precision and avoid surprises later. The VA’s burial benefits generally come in two categories:…

One of the most useful and often overlooked pieces of camping kit is the humble sleeping bag liner. These simple layers go inside a sleeping bag to add extra warmth on the coldest nights. They can be used on their own for warm-weather camping or sleeping indoors. They help keep your bag cleaner. Heck, some of them even claim to help your muscles recover after a long day on the trail. Sleeping bag liners are rad. And yet, they are among the most neglected elements of a sleep system. If you don’t already own one, you probably don’t know what…

Texas is a pro-gun state, but it’s kind of a miracle. With so many large urban centers, it’s fortunate that they can’t quite drown out the rest of the state’s more sensible voters on issues like guns. San Antonio, for example, is a big city, and it’s a city that seems to think that handguns shouldn’t be allowed in city hall. They had signs up and everything.The astute among you will notice the use of the past tense there. That’s for a reason.A noticeable change at San Antonio City Hall is raising questions after the…

RPGs are known for their gameplay variety. How that variety manifests through mechanical differences in combat or in unique dialogue options changes from game to game, but the appeal of the strength build is everlasting. While some games allow players to take on a more nimble role to dodge attacks or don the wizard’s cap, the simple power and presence of a strong hand is satisfying in its own right. In the right circumstances, a high strength stat turns the player into both an immovable object and an unstoppable force, capable of trading blows with bosses and breaking the guard…

One American has officially tested “mildly positive” for Hantavirus. The United States Department of Health and Human Services claimed that it was one of the 17 Americans being repatriated from a hantavirus-struck cruise ship had tested mildly positive. Seven cases of the Andes hantavirus have now been confirmed among passengers on board the cruise ship, MV Hondius, the World Health Organization said. Symptoms of Hantavirus can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Another potentially serious disease caused by hantaviruses is hemorrhagic fever…

It’s not even peak summer season yet, and national parks are already swamped. At some parks, bumper-to-bumper traffic to get in can stretch for miles, and many drive-in campsites are already booked up for months. If you’re dreaming of camping in national parks this summer, heading into the backcountry might be your best bet. It’s also the best way to escape the crowds. There are plenty of great weekend and overnight trips that allow visitors to explore the wilderness and camp in solitude, without requiring long miles or complicated logistics. Ranging from 8 to 45 miles, these seven trails are…

My view of technology is complicated, in part because while so much of it is awesome and beneficial, other advances seem to take something away from what it means to be human. One bit of tech I’ve been stoked about for a while is 3D printing. The idea that I can, from the comfort of my home, make so many things with the push of a few buttons, things that will benefit my household, amuse my family, and possibly start a manufacturing venture, is just amazing. And the fact that I can use it to…

While many associate Veterans Day and Memorial Day with service, the two are not the same. Veterans Day is a celebration of those who serve and have served. Memorial Day is a day to reflect on veterans and military personnel who are deceased. Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 25, 2026. May is also National Military Appreciation Month, and many businesses offer special discounts to veterans over Memorial Day Weekend. Visit the Military Appreciation Month Discount Center to find out what offers are available throughout May. 2026 Memorial Day Events Arlington National Cemetery The Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day…

To thrive and survive outdoors, safety starts the minute you get behind the wheel. Don’t overlook the first, and most critical, rule of the road: Put on your seat belt. Beyond the drive there, an accident-free first climb up a destination crag comes down to etiquette and execution. Planning and preparation matter, whether the route is in your backyard or at the end of an epic road trip. Here are a few best-practice reminders on how to be a good steward, plus safety keys for moving your rock climbing outdoors, and then coming home alive.   Gym-to-Crag Safety Tips for an…

At some point over the next couple of months the Supreme Court is likely to rule that the federal prohibition on gun ownership for marijuana users violates the Second Amendment, but for now it’s still illegal for any “unlawful” user of drugs to purchase or possess firearms, even if they’re not in violation of state law.  That federal prohibition led to a pair of Jersey City police officers getting reassigned for their off-duty consumption of marijuana, but the New Jersey Court of Appeals recently sided with the cannabis-loving cops and ordered the Jersey City Police…