GOVERNMENT

Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke Of Edinburgh on their coronation day.

A Rundown on English and British Royal Eras

Since 1485 English (and later British) cultural periods have been named after the monarch or group of monarchs who occupied the throne.

What Happens to Undeliverable Mail With No Return Address?

If you forgot to put a return address on a piece of mail that never made it to its destination, you can still get it back.

Chernobyl's nuclear power plant is in crisis.

Chernobyl Has Lost Power in Ukraine, Raising Concerns Over Escaping Radiation

It’s a development that could potentially have serious repercussions for Europe.

23 Far-Out Facts About UFOs, From Weird Sightings to Government Investigations

What *really* happened at Roswell? And what did Project Blue Book actually uncover? All that and more on this episode of The List Show.

Why Is Ukraine’s Capital City Now Called ‘Kyiv,’ Not ‘Kiev’?

‘Kyiv’ is not a new name for the capital of Ukraine—and the Kyiv-or-Kiev discussion isn’t new, either.

Elmo went before Congress to make a case for music education.

Mr. Monster Goes to Washington: When Elmo Testified in Front of Congress

The beloved 'Sesame Street' star went to Capitol Hill 20 years ago and became the first non-human to ever testify in front of Congress.

‘FDA Cleared’ vs. ‘FDA Approved’: What’s the Difference?

FDA approval and FDA clearance aren’t used for the same products—but they’re both valid messages to see on packaging.

Maya Angelou at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 2010.

Maya Angelou Is Now the First Black Woman to Appear on a U.S. Quarter

The U.S. Mint has officially shipped its Maya Angelou quarters—earning the ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ author another “first” to her name.

Good News: Online U.S. Passport Renewals Are Finally Coming

‘Can I renew my passport online?’ is a question Americans have been asking since the dawn of the digital age. Soon, the answer will be yes.

The Real Reason Kate Middleton Isn’t Known as “Princess Catherine”

When Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot, she didn’t become “Princess Kate.” Here’s why not.

This should probably go in a non-piggy bank.

HSA vs. FSA: What’s the Difference?

The differences between HSAs and FSAs include how they’re set up, how much you can contribute, and who qualifies.

Christchurch's wizard, Ian Brackenbury Channell, in 2012.

After More Than Two Decades on the Payroll, Christchurch, New Zealand Is Laying off Official City Wizard

“It makes no difference. I will still keep going. They will have to kill me to stop me.”—the soon-to-be former city wizard of Christchurch, New Zealand, Ian Brackenbury Channell.

Preschoolers waiting to be vaccinated for smallpox outside their doctor's office.

Mandatory Vaccines for Schools Began in Boston Nearly 200 Years Ago

The prospect of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for schools has been ruffling some feathers lately. It’s not a new issue.

The McFlurry is at the center of a delicious controversy.

The Mystery of the Broken McDonald's McFlurry Machines Is Now Under Federal Investigation

McFlurry machines are notorious for breaking down, forcing customers to mourn the dessert that could have been. Now the FTC wants to know why.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a Supreme Court photo shoot in 2006.

Notorious RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work Will Be the Subject of a New Exhibition at the New-York Historical Society

‘Notorious RBG,’ the bestselling book, has inspired a traveling retrospective dedicated to Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Nelson Rockefeller (left) resigned as New York's governor after Gerald Ford (right) chose him as vice president. Rockefeller's lieutenant governor Malcolm Wilson took over.

What’s the Gubernatorial Line of Succession in the United States?

The lieutenant governor is to the gubernatorial line of succession what the vice president is to the presidential line of succession. Yes, there are exceptions.

Yes, it's flimsy. No, you can't make it less flimsy.

Why You Should Never Laminate Your Social Security Card

Is it illegal to laminate your social security card? No, but the Social Security Administration advises against it—here’s why.

The Family of Henry VIII: An Allegory of the Tudor Succession (circa 1572).

The Royal Rundown on King Henry VIII's Children

Only three out of Henry VIII's four legitimate children reached adulthood. Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I each went on to reign and leave their mark on English history.

Why Do Police Officers Wear Blue?

The dark blue uniforms worn by police officers date back to the early police departments of the 19th century.

The National Archives is calling upon citizens to make World War I photographs searchable online.

You Can Help the National Archives Keep a Photographic Record of World War I

The National Archives needs citizens to help make its collection of WWI photographs and historical documents searchable.

Notarizing: An exciting world awaits you.

What Exactly Does a Notary Public Do?

You may have seen a legal document asking for a notary public's stamp of approval. Here's why, and how to find one.

Why Are Lengthy Bureaucratic Processes Known As Red Tape?

Bureaucratic red tape is a tale as old as time. Or, to be a little more precise, roughly 400 years old.

A High Schooler Will Have Their Hannibal Fan Art Displayed at the U.S. Capitol

A high school student's 'Hannibal' fan art was selected as a winner of the Congressional Art Competition and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building.

Public school isn't free if you have to pay for internet access.

The FCC Is Helping Americans Pay Their Internet Bills—Here’s Who Qualifies

The December 2020 COVID-19 relief package is helping ease the financial burden of internet access for qualifying residents.

PREV NEXT