Where do the terms hawks and doves come from? The symbolic connections are ancient, but the War of 1812 put them in the political lexicon.

Soda water is a popular beverage now, but it was once considered a cure, among other things.

After 17 years quietly developing under the soil, 3 species of periodical cicadas emerged this summer. How do these insects coordinate?

We might question why barbers or florists need licenses. But almost everyone would agree that doctors ought to be licensed.

It may seem obvious, but a generic definition of fascism has been hard to pin down. 

July 9 marks the 120th anniversary of Populist leader William Jennings Bryan’s famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention.

Muslims seem to celebrate a holiday called Eid over and over, and at different times. Here's why.

Langston Hughes' poetry was influenced by the drag scene in 1920s Harlem.

The "dog days of summer" are attributed to the rise of Sirius, the Dog Star, but research into the lore suggests another dog entirely.

Extra Credit: Our pick of stories from around the web that bridge the gap between news and scholarship. ...