The Conversation - The downside of cooking with gas

Free preventive care under the ACA is under threat again – a ruling exempting PrEP from insurance coverage may extend nationwide and to other health services

Paul Shafer, Boston University; Kristefer Stojanovski, Tulane University

Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in a case that coverage for HIV prevention medicine PrEP violated the religious freedom of the plaintiffs. It is unclear whether the order will extend nationwide.

A case for retreat in the age of fire as dozens of wildfires threaten homes in the West

Emily E. Schlickman, University of California, Davis; Brett Milligan, University of California, Davis; Stephen M. Wheeler, University of California, Davis

Managed retreat is already common in flood-prone areas, but what about in neighborhoods at high risk from wildfires? Here are four ways communities can pull back for safety.

5 challenges of doing college in the metaverse

Nir Kshetri, University of North Carolina – Greensboro

There are benefits to taking college classes in the metaverse, but there are also potential problems.

Student enrollment falls at colleges and universities that are placed on probation

Christopher Burnett, University of Houston

Colleges must notify students when the school is placed on probation by its accrediting agency. Do students respond by staying away?

How Shiite Islam reached Tanzania, and Ashoura processions became an annual tradition

Mara Leichtman, Michigan State University

A variety of cultural performances evoking intense emotions occur during the Islamic month of Muharram. A scholar observed the processions on Ashoura in northern Tanzania.

The Catholic Church is increasingly diverse – and so are its controversies

Mathew Schmalz, College of the Holy Cross

The Catholic Church’s membership numbers are growing fastest outside Europe and the Americas, and Catholics’ priorities look very different across the world.

Cold shutdown reduces risk of disaster at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – but combat around spent fuel still poses a threat

Najmedin Meshkati, University of Southern California

The power plant’s sixth reactor has been shut down, all but eliminating the risk of a nuclear meltdown. But fighting at the site could still release radioactive material.

Should you vote early in the 2022 midterm elections? 3 essential reads

Matt Williams, The Conversation; Howard Manly, The Conversation

The balance of US political power is at stake in the 2022 midterm elections. Voters have several ways to cast their ballots – and the majority of Americans are choosing one of them.

Seven times people discovered the Americas – and how they got there

King Charles inherits crown with support for monarchy at record low – but future not set in stone

With his army on the back foot, is escalation over Ukraine Vladimir Putin’s only real option?