Which name is better?

Can you believe the names these 10 U.S. streets used to have?


Published on May 13, 2026


Image: Ernest Brillo

Few things are more beloved by politicians than naming things—even when those things already have names. Streets, in particular, often become prime candidates for renaming. The following 10 examples showcase streets that have undergone such changes. Have you ever been to any of them?

1

Bismarck to Pershing - Indianapolis

Image: Steven Van Elk

Pershing Avenue in Indianapolis was formerly known as Bismarck Avenue. The name was changed during World War I because Bismarck was closely associated with Imperial Germany, which drew unwanted attention to the street. The new name honored the most renowned U.S. general of the war, General John J. Pershing.

There was no marker or other indication of Pershing Avenue’s former name until the 1990s, when two city councilors pushed for recognition of the original name.

2

125th Street to 125th Street Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard - New York

Image: Dorian Mongel

In 1984, 125th Street in New York City was co-named Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to honor the civil rights leader. 125th Street is one of the most famous streets in Harlem, known for its deep ties to political activism and cultural life, featuring landmarks such as the Apollo Theater.

3

Du Pont Street to Grant Avenue - San Francisco

Image: Aaron Kato

Until the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Grant Avenue was known as Du Pont Street. After the city was rebuilt, the street was widened and renamed in honor of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States. Grant Avenue is now one of the most iconic streets in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Today, the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street marks the southern entrance to Chinatown. Grant Avenue is still written and said in Chinese as "Du Pon Gai" (Du Pont Street).

4

Monroe Street to Dashiell Hammett Place - San Francisco

Image: Line Kjær

The second San Francisco entry on our list dates back to 1988, when city officials chose to honor the writer Dashiell Hammett on a street where he had actually lived. The former Monroe Street is a short, one-block road that begins at Pine Street and slopes steeply downhill to Bush Street. Today, the street signs read "Dashiell Hammett Place."

5

Boulevard to Monroe Drive - Atlanta

Image: Kyle Sudu

Atlanta’s former Boulevard was renamed Monroe Drive in honor of the Monroe Landscaping Company, which enhanced the area with extensive plantings that contributed to its beauty. Apparently, if you do a good job, you might just get a street named after you.

6

Heeren Wegh to Broadway Avenue - New York City

Image: Artem Zhukov

Another New York street on our list is the famous Broadway Avenue, which was originally called Heeren Wegh by the Dutch until the early 1700s. It was renamed Broadway due to its great width compared to other streets in early New York.

7

Lenox Avenue to Malcolm X Boulevard - New York City

Image: Ferdinand Stöhr

New York City has a habit of renaming its streets. In Harlem, Lenox Avenue—originally named after philanthropist James Lenox—was co-named Malcolm X Boulevard in 1987 to honor the prominent civil rights activist.

8

High Street to Market Street - Philadelphia

Image: Ethan Hoover

Philadelphia’s Market Street was originally called High Street but was renamed in 1754 because of the many shops and markets located there. This is one example of a common reason for street name changes.

9

Brooklyn Avenue to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue - Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Brooklyn Avenue was a major street in East Los Angeles, historically home to Jewish, Japanese, and later Mexican American communities. Over time, the area became a center for Latino culture and activism.

In 1994, the street was renamed Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to honor the civil rights leader and farmworker advocate. The change reflected Chavez’s deep connection to the Latino community in East L.A.

10

Nyades Street to St. Charles Avenue - New Orleans

Image: Kristina Volgenau

In New Orleans, St. Charles Avenue wasn’t always known by that name. In the early 1800s, parts of it were called Nyades Street, a name that reflected the city’s blend of French and Spanish influences.

As the city expanded and urban planning took shape, Nyades was renamed St. Charles Avenue, honoring Charles Borromeo, a Catholic saint.


What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't


Published on May 13, 2026


Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

1

Cutting your hair makes it grow faster

Image: Element5 Digital

Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

2

Cold weather causes colds

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

3

Eating before bed makes you gain weight

Image: Michelen Studios

The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

4

Wearing glasses weakens your vision

Image: Bud Helisson

Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

5

Reading in low light causes permanent eye damage

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

6

You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day

Image: engin akyurt

We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

7

Lemon water detox and cleanse your body

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

8

All fat is bad

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

9

Liver disease is always caused by alcohol or fats

Image: Elevate

Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

10

Breakfast is the most important meal

Image: Brooke Lark

There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

stoke

/stoʊk/