Mental Floss

GOVERNMENT

The flag for the United States Space Force.

On December 20, 2019, Donald Trump signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, creating a sixth branch of the U.S. military: The United States Space Force.

Tony Dunnell
Guy Fawkes is the reason we remember, remember, the 5th of November.

On November 5, people across Great Britain celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks. But who was Guy Fawkes and why does he have a celebration named after him?

Claire Cock-Starkey












Bella Abzug in the 1970s.

“Larger than life” sums up Bella Abzug. The New York-based Democratic congresswoman gained 1970s notoriety with her big hats and bold feminist voice.

Lucas Aykroyd




The Insurrection Act gives the president the authority to address domestic disturbances using the military.

Introduced in 1807, the Act affords the president the power to intervene in state law enforcement efforts. But debate rages over when it's appropriate to do so.

Jake Rossen




Julia Stiles at the Golden Globe Awards in 2011.

Columbia University, Manhattan's Ivy League institution, boasts Alexander Hamilton, Barack Obama, and even Alicia Keys (sort of) among its former students.

Ellen Gutoskey


Historian Liz Hallam Smith shows off the a-door-able opening in the wall of Westminster Hall.

Earlier this week, England’s Parliament announced that a secret door had been discovered in the walls of Westminster Hall. Inside, historians found “graffiti” left in 1851 by a bricklayer who was “fond of Ould Ale.”

Ellen Gutoskey