Deborah Rod
How Presidential Transitions Work
Every four years, the United States works to completely rebuild its government in 78 days. Between Election Day…
About the President’s Daily Brief
The President's Daily Brief is prepared each morning before dawn and delivered to the president and a small…
When Presidents Bypass the National Security Council: A History of Foreign Policy Disasters
The National Security Council was designed to provide a structured process to ensure presidents receive full, often conflicting…
Is the National Security Council Too Powerful?
Deep within the White House, just steps from the Oval Office, lies the National Security Council. Officially, it…
Why Your Driver’s License Works in All 50 States
Most Americans take it for granted that they can drive from Maine to California using a single state-issued…
Why the Articles of Confederation Failed
The United States Constitution wasn't America's first attempt at national government. The Articles of Confederation governed the country…
How to Contact the US Department of State [2025]
The State Department handles two main jobs as America's lead foreign affairs agency and the primary federal body…
How to Contact the IRS [2025]
The IRS offers multiple ways to get help with tax questions, from 24/7 online tools to specialized phone…
After a Divorce or Separation: Who Changes Their Address and How?
The dissolution of a marriage involves two distinct but intertwined challenges related to your address. The first is…
How Moving Affects Government Benefits: SNAP, Medicare, Social Security, and More
Moving affects millions of Americans who rely on government benefits for income, healthcare, or food security. The rules…
Addressing Stigma: Why Words Matter in America’s Opioid Crisis
America faces a public health emergency of unprecedented scale: the opioid overdose crisis. While synthetic opioids like fentanyl…
Xylazine (“Tranq”): The Animal Tranquilizer Making Fentanyl Even Deadlier
An animal tranquilizer never intended for people has infiltrated the U.S. illicit drug supply, creating a new dimension…
Your Right to Take Time Off: Family and Medical Leave Laws Explained
Life's most significant events—welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a family member…
About the REAL ID Act
A small star in the corner of your driver's license represents the culmination of a nearly two-decade national…
Yes, Your Boss Can Read Your Slack Messages
In most cases, yes—your employer can read your Slack messages, including your private direct messages. The core issue…