Author Archives: FactCheck.org

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the minimum wage was originally 25 cents per hour on Oct. 24, 1938. Source: Department of Labor

As of July 24, the federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour. Source: Department of Labor

On today’s date in 1897, aviator Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas. Source: Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

There are about 10,000 bird species in the world. Source: National Geographic

There were 272 million visits to U.S. national parks during the 2007 calendar year. Source: National Park Service

The fastest a giraffe has been recorded running is 34.7 miles per hour. Source: San Diego Zoo

On today’s date in 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. Shortly thereafter, Buzz Aldrin became the second. Source: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

On today’s date in 1814, firearm innovator Samuel Colt was born in Hartford, Conn. Source: PBS

The world population of Caribou is about 5 million. Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game