Can You Hear It? The Cicadas Are Back
After 17 years quietly developing under the soil, 3 species of periodical cicadas emerged this summer. How do these insects coordinate?
Why We Make Doctors Get Licenses
We might question why barbers or florists need licenses. But almost everyone would agree that doctors ought to be licensed.
Do You Know Fascism When You See It?
It may seem obvious, but a generic definition of fascism has been hard to pin down.
Has the Famous Populist “Cross of Gold” Speech Been Unfairly Tarred by Anti-Semitism?
July 9 marks the 120th anniversary of Populist leader William Jennings Bryan’s famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention.
The Debate Over Eid
Muslims seem to celebrate a holiday called Eid over and over, and at different times. Here's why.
The Drag Aesthetic of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes' poetry was influenced by the drag scene in 1920s Harlem.
What Are the Dog Days of Summer?
The "dog days of summer" are attributed to the rise of Sirius, the Dog Star, but research into the lore suggests another dog entirely.
Suggested Readings: Dating Shows, Card Games, and Massacres
Extra Credit: Our pick of stories from around the web that bridge the gap between news and scholarship. ...
The Strange Tale of 19th-Century Quack Doctors
During the 19th century, quack “doctors” outnumbered legitimate ones three to one. The reasons people are attracted to quackery remain with us today.
The Significance of Shirley Chisholm’s Presidential Campaign
Shirley Chisholm: the first black female U.S. Representative, first black major-party candidate for President, and the first Democratic Party woman to run.