Search results for

Astrakhan, on the Volga River, once was known as Russia's caviar capital — but no more. As the fish neared extinction, Russia banned all commercial sturgeon fishing in the area and the export of all black caviar. Now, both the sturgeon and the local people struggle to survive.

Alejandro Enrique Ramirez Umana has an unfortunate claim on history. The gang member is among the first to be sentenced to death under the federal system of capital punishment.

The story's a classic: An outnumbered band of Athenians pushes back the mighty Persian army. But the battle of Marathon, 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece, left a legacy that extends far beyond the name of a famous race. Historian Richard Billows explores the legendary battle in his new book, Marathon: How One Battle Changed Western Civilization.

In China, the vast following of a folk goddess of the sea illustrates the remarkable rebirth of local popular religion since the Cultural Revolution. Now, China's communist leaders are supporting worship of Mazu as "cultural heritage" and using it to advance their own political and economic goals.

BP is moving ahead with an offshore drilling project in Alaska's Arctic Ocean. The project pushes the boundaries of standard practice in the industry. Critics are concerned about the possibility of another spill like the one in Gulf.

From sporting events to prostate exam results — if there's one thing you'll learn from Beth Raymer's new gambling memoir, Lay the Favorite, it's that some people will bet on just about anything.

A year ago, the Pakistani army mounted an offensive to dislodge Taliban militants who had overtaken Swat Valley. The fighting forced more than 2 million people from their homes. A year later, the people of the region are trying to rebuild their lives.

A year ago, the Pakistani army mounted an offensive to dislodge Taliban militants who had overtaken Swat Valley. The fighting forced more than 2 million people from their homes. A year later, the people of the region are trying to rebuild their lives.

It's taken many weeks to figure out how much oil is leaking each day. It's now estimated that up to 60,000 barrels per day are escaping. There was a time when BP executives said it was 1,000 barrels per day.

What began as a Harvard-only website is now the social networking tool of almost 500 million people worldwide. David Kirkpatrick examines the site's short history and its long-term potential in The Facebook Effect.