GOVERNMENT

Why the CIA got in the Animated Film Business (and other D.C. Hollywood Tales)

The FBI has a healthy track record of investigating actors, executives and even individual movies. Here are some theories on what government agencies are doing in the filmmaking industry.

Firefighters battle a state of emergency.

What Does 'State of Emergency' Really Mean?

Governors across the U.S. are declaring states of emergency during the coronavirus pandemic. But what does the dire-sounding phrase really mean?

This time, it was Aaron Burr who did not throw away his shot.

9 Facts About the Alexander Hamilton-Aaron Burr Duel

The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr is perhaps the most famous duel in United States history.

Mail carrier Alberto Jo on his route in Miami, Florida, in 2010.

Why Can't You Start a Rival Post Office?

Sure, there are package delivery services—but the U.S. Postal Service is the only one that really does letters. Why?

George Peter Alexander Healy, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

5 Things You Didn't Know About John Tyler

You know that John Tyler took over the presidency when William Henry Harrison died in 1841, but what else do you know about "Tyler Too?"

Ollie Atkins, White House photographer, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

11 Notable Presidential Pardons

Presidents as far back as George Washington have waited until their final days in office to sign pardons. Let's take a look at some of history's more notable ones.