LAW

Why Are Bagpipes Played at Police Funerals?

The bagpipe is a tradition at first responder services. How did that happen?

Elizabeth Freeman, the Formerly Enslaved Woman Who Successfully Sued for Her Freedom

The courts ruled that the newly passed Massachusetts Constitution guaranteed that Freeman was indeed a free woman.

9 Misconceptions About the FBI

Can FBI agents really take over crime scenes? Do they hunt serial killers? Find out in this list of common FBI misconceptions.

It's unclear if this sign in California breaks the new rules.

Highway Signs Can No Longer Be Fun, Says Government

The Federal Highway Administration thinks funny highway signs defeat the purpose of the sign.

Some iPhone users are getting compensation for a years-old controversy.

Apple Is Now Sending Customers Money to Settle Its $500 Million Battery Scandal

In 'Batterygate,' allegations of planned obsolescence led to a cash payout for iPhone users.

School's out for the summer. And also Lunar New Year.

New York Schools Are Getting Two New Holidays Off This Year

Lunar New Year and Diwali are being observed in New York schools in 2024. They also come with some challenges for administrators.

HSAs and FSAs don’t work in exactly the same ways.

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.

Arizona judge Sandra Day O'Connor testifies at her confirmation as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1981.

How Sandra Day O’Connor Beat the Odds, Ruled the Court, and Became the Most Powerful Woman in America

Discover how Sandra Day O’Connor overcame the odds to become the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice.

On December 1, 1955, a Bus Driver Had Rosa Parks Arrested—But It Wasn’t Their First Encounter

Rosa Parks changed the world on December 1, 1955, when she stood up for civil rights by sitting down. But who was the bus driver on the other side of history?

'Scared Straight' tried teaching kids some tough lessons.

When ‘Scared Straight’ Shocked 1970s Television Viewers

The profanity-laden documentary managed to win both Emmys and an Oscar. But it didn't reduce juvenile delinquency.

Peer Pressure: 10 Facts About Jury Duty

Failing to appear can mean a fine, jail time, or being forced to write an essay about the importance of serving.

When Crispin Glover Was Replaced by a Lookalike in ‘Back to the Future II’

Audiences thought the actor reprised his role as George McFly in the ‘Back to the Future’ sequels. But Glover had never stepped foot on set.

Right on red might not be around much longer.

More Cities Are Banning Right-on-Red Turns—Here's Why

The standard traffic practice is under increased scrutiny.

Why Are Elections Held on Tuesdays?

There are a few reasons—including a little something to do with the horse and buggy. Find out more about the history of Election Day.

Curtis Chillingworth, the Florida Judge Who Vanished From the Bench

Curtis Chillingworth was the most esteemed judge in Palm Beach County. But someone wanted him dead.

Why Are Unidentified People Called John or Jane Doe?

From the courts to the morgue, if the government doesn't know someone's name or wants to withhold it, they give them one of these as a placeholder. Why?

Is Halloween strictly for kids, or is an age cap warranted?

How Old Is Too Old for Trick or Treating?

Some communities have ordinances banning teens from knocking on doors. But are they justified?

10 Misconceptions About Serial Killers

How smart do you really need to be to get away with murder?

The Salem witch trials were a troubling time in colonial America.

11 Facts About the Salem Witch Trials

The 1692 Salem witch trials caused so much turmoil that the Massachusetts town is still synonymous with them.

Facebook is on the hook for a big settlement.

Thanks to a Privacy Breach, Facebook May Owe You Some Money—But You Have Just a Week Left to Collect

There's a week left to file a claim for your (small) share of a $725 million settlement.

Bar Fight: When ‘Cheers’ Robots Took Over for the Actors

Animatronic versions of bar patrons Norm and Cliff made two actors named George and John very unhappy.

There better not be a dog or cat in that raft.

10 Strange and Surprisingly Specific National Park Rules

National Park rules go beyond the general Leave No Trace guidelines. These surprising cover everything from wildlife to waste.

If You Bought A&W Root Beer in the Past 7 Years, the Company Might Owe You Money

Do you feel wronged by A&W? You might be entitled to compensation.

You probably shouldn’t do it—unless there really is a fire.

Is It Illegal to Falsely Shout 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater?

Back in 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. sort of made it seem like it was against the law to yell “fire“ while in a crowded theater, so we understand if you’re confused.

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