TIME.com: Top Photoessays and Slideshows

David Beckham Announces Retirement

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

The former Manchester United and England soccer captain calls it a day at the age of 38. He's the only English player to have won championships in four countries, and helped raise the profile of the sport in America by playing for the LA Galaxy.

Chaos and Killing: Photos of a Slow-Motion Civil War

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

Nearly two years ago, Arab Spring-inspired protests kicked off in the Syrian town of Dara'a. The uprising met a brutal response, one that few observers could have anticipated would blow up into a far wider rebellion.

Angelina Jolie: Humanitarian

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

These images show just some of the globe-spanning good deeds done by the actress-turned-human rights activist

Barbara Walters: Career in Pictures

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

The groundbreaking television anchor announced Monday that she'd retire in 2014. After 52 years on the air, many of her fans can't remember the news without her.

Scenes from Pakistan's Historic Election

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

Despite violent attacks that left dozens dead, Pakistanis turned out in large numbers to vote in the country's first democratic transfer of power.

Bangladesh's Industrial Accident: Scenes from a Terrifying Tragedy

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

An eight-story block housing factories and a shopping center on the outskirts of the Dhaka collapsed on April 24, killing more than 1,100 people

Up in the Air: World Migratory Birds Day

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

May 11th and 12th mark the annual celebration of World Migratory Birds Day, a world wide event to increase awareness around protecting these species and the environments the inhabit.

The Illustrious Career of Alex Ferguson

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

From Scottish soccer pro to knighted manager of the world's most valuable sports team, Alex Ferguson, who announced his retirement on May 7, enjoyed astounding success.

Spreading Wildfire Threatens Homes on California Coast

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

Authorities this week battled fast-moving flames devouring thousands of acres of brush and threatening hundreds of homes along the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County.

The Empire State Building: An Icon in the City

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:00 EST

How do you know that you're in New York City? Yellow cabs, pushcarts, the electric pulse in the air might all tip you off - but catch sight of the Empire State building and you have, unmistakably, stepped into The Big Apple.