The Conversation

What triggers the 'trigger laws' that could ban abortions?

Written by Naomi Cahn, Professor of Law, University of Virginia

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signs a law in 2019 that includes a so-called 'trigger' provision to ban abortions if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.AP Photo by Summer Balentine

The Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion on abortion rights dramatically declares that “the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the...

How a public hearing is different from an investigation – and what that means for the Jan. 6 committee

Written by Claire Leavitt, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science and Policy Studies, Grinnell College

Pro-Trump protesters approach the entrance to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Win McNamee/Getty Images

On Thursday, June 9, the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol holds the first of several public hearings.

The committee aims to lay out the results of months of investigative work into the...

As one of Vladimir Putin's closest advisers on Ukraine, Nicolai Patrushev spreads disinformation and outlandish conspiracy theories

Written by Susanne Sternthal, Lecturer in Post-Soviet Government and Politics, Texas State University

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev watches the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9, 2022. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

Nicolai Patrushev is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest advisers and wields considerable influence on government policy as the head of the powerful S...

Biden throws US solar industry a lifeline with tariff relief, but can incentives bring manufacturing back?

Written by Emily A. Beagle, Research Associate in Energy Systems, University of Texas at Austin

U.S. solar installations had been rising quickly until the threat of new tariffs darkened the 2022 outlook.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Biden administration announced it was putting a two-year freeze on the threat of new solar tariffs, throwing a lifeline to U.S. solar installers – and likely to the country’s ability to meet its climate...

Biden throws US solar installers a lifeline with tariff relief, but can incentives bring manufacturing back?

Written by Emily A. Beagle, Research Associate in Energy Systems, University of Texas at Austin

U.S. solar installations had been rising quickly until the threat of new tariffs darkened the 2022 outlook.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Biden administration announced it was putting a two-year freeze on the threat of new solar tariffs, throwing a lifeline to U.S. solar installers – and boosting the country’s ability to meet its climate...

Global arms industry getting shakeup by war in Ukraine – and China and US look like winners from Russia’s stumbles

Written by Terrence Guay, Clinical Professor of International Business and Director, Center for Global Business Studies, Penn State

Russia is losing tanks at an astonishing rate.AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

Russia’s war in Ukraine is upending the global arms industry.

As the U.S. and its allies pour significant sums of money into arming Ukraine and Russia bleeds tanks and personnel, countries across the world are rethinking defense budgets, materiel needs and military...

School mental health resources critical to ensuring safe school environments

Written by Amy Briesch, Associate Professor of School Psychology, Northeastern University

School counselors like Jacquelyn Indrisano, left, can help students feel welcome and safe at school.Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Whenever a mass shooting takes place in schools, public discussion often focuses on laws or policies that might have prevented the tragedy. But averting school violence needs more than gun policy. It...

Changes are coming to school meals nationwide – an expert in food policy explains

Written by Marlene B. Schwartz, Director, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health and Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut

Eating well makes it easier to concentrate on learning.Karen Ducey/Stringer via Getty Images

For the two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. public schools have been able to provide free meals for all students, including to-go meals in the summer. But on June 30, 2022, the federal waivers that expanded the school lunch program will expire.

In...

What is ectopic pregnancy? A reproductive health expert explains

Written by Amy Alspaugh, Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Tennessee

In an ectopic pregnancy, when the growing embryo causes a uterine tube rupture like the one in this micrograph, the patient could die from internal bleeding or infection without emergency surgery.Cultura RM Exclusive/Michael J. Klein, M.D./Image Source via Getty Images

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus....

Ice world: Antarctica's riskiest glacier is under assault from below and losing its grip

Written by Ted Scambos, Senior Research Scientist, CIRES, University of Colorado Boulder

The front of Thwaites Glacier is a jagged, towering cliff.David Vaughan/British Antarctic Survey

Flying over Antarctica, it’s hard to see what all the fuss is about. Like a gigantic wedding cake, the frosting of snow on top of the world’s largest ice sheet looks smooth and unblemished, beautiful and perfectly white. Little swirls of...