Human Interest

The eyes really are the windows to the soul.

Conspiracy theorists believe shapeshifting reptiles have taken human form and gained authority to manipulate human populations. From US politicians to British royalty, could lizard people be holding positions of power?

The dead internet theory proposes bots create most online content. These bots are believed to create social media posts to boost engagement and increase advertising revenue. However, the accounts doing the liking and commenting are also believed to be bots. The theory suggests governments use bots to manipulate public opinion.

Users took note of many Wayfair furniture items with girls' names being sold for high prices. A well-known QAnon activist helped spread the conspiracy more widely during a time of heightened distrust in institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory was proven to be untrue.

The tragedy that killed the Princess of Wales, her partner Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul in Paris has been the subject of popular conspiracies. Diana, known to have a difficult relationship with the royal family, was believed by many to have been the victim of a murder plot.

At a rat taxidermy class in Chicago, participants use previously deceased rats, usually from lab experiments, as they learn the art of preservation step-by-step. Despite the gore, the act can engender tenderness toward the animal and prompt healthy reflection on death and dignity.

"Mutual ignorance breeds mutual distrust."

Leland Kent is a photographer and historian who has captured hundreds of buildings across the southeast United States over the last 10 years in order to preserve the past before it's too late. His subjects include decommissioned power plants, closed youth jails, vacant plantation homes, and more, and he has published several city-focused books. Get lost in Kent's dramatic portrayals of once-lively structures in this extensive and gripping gallery.

"Voices ought not be measured by how pretty they are. Instead they matter only if they convince you that they are telling the truth."