Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS







The cutest part of any hospital.

Baby viewing windows were once a staple of hospital maternity wards across the country, but now they feel like a relic from a bygone era. Read on to learn about their history—and the real reasons why they vanished.

Lauren Dana


No taxation without representation!

Residents of Washington, D.C., have no governor, no voting representation in Congress, and only limited local authority. The reason is simple: D.C. isn’t a state. Let’s break down the history and future of D.C. statehood.

Zoë Randolph








Have you ever gotten the Gen Z stare?

All you need to know about the latest generational phenomenon sparking arguments on TikTok and other social media platforms, from what it is to why Gen Z is doing it.

Paul Anthony Jones








We hope he checked the water quality.

Swimming in lakes (or any wild water) has its risks. When in doubt, check local advisories and trust your senses. And if the water looks or smells off, you might have better luck sticking to land.

Sam Hindman