Regina Sienra

In 2020, singer Billie Eilish, lamented not being able to travel to the NPR DC studios to record her own Tiny Desk—an acoustic set that challenges musicians and introduces them to new audiences. She did, however, cleverly insert herself there with some cinematic magic, offering one of the most memorable performances of the pandemic era. Fast forward four years, and the singer finally got to play a true, in situ, Tiny Desk Concert, cementing her place as a 21st-century pop star with a dazzling performance.

Archeologists have made a thrilling discovery in Egypt—one that has been twenty years in the making. The burial chamber of an ancient Egyptian priestess was found in a previously inaccessible section of the necropolis of Asyut. The unusual intricacy of the objects unearthed there is offering researchers new insights about women in power and funeral rites.

The holiday season is known for its bright lights and festive decorations. However, not everyone gets to enjoy it all in the same way—particularly those with a disability, such as vision impairment. That's why Reddit user 1228maj came up with a simple yet clever idea to make the holiday cheer more accessible for their blind sister.

You lookin’ at me?!

A recent discovery has shaken up the mining industry. A “supergiant” deposit of high-quality gold ore was uncovered in central China. According to Chinese state media, it contains an estimated at 1,000 metric tons (1,100 US tons) of the precious metal. If accurate, this massive reservoir could be the largest known deposit of gold left anywhere in the world.

Th is is great news for kids and the arts!

Mariah Carey's “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” has dominated seasonal playlists since its release in 1994. Although this has earned her the nickname of “The Queen of Christmas,” her reign is much bigger than just that. This year, as her holiday tune returned to the top of the charts, Carey broke yet another record—the pop singer has reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 20 different years.

To mark the exciting reopening of Notre-Dame, a concert featuring some of the top classical musicians in the world took place at the cathedral. Among the virtuosos that performed was Lang Lang, widely regarded as one of the best pianists alive. Joined by legendary conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Lang Lang delivered a breathtaking performance of the final movement of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Second Piano Concerto.”

LEGO blocks may be tiny, but they are definitely mighty—just ask anyone who has ever stepped on one. Since humans seem to be no match for a single block or a dozen, the team at Hydraulic Press Channel appears to have found a worthier competitor in their heavy machinery. To measure the strength of LEGOs, they built a slab of 10,000 blocks and tested it against their 300-ton hydraulic press.

"A divine moment that still heavily resonates in every fiber of my being."