Jacinda Ardern's burnout is understandable

House Speaker McCarthy’s powers are still strong – but he’ll be fighting against new rules that could prevent anything from getting done

Stanley M. Brand, Penn State

Despite all the limitations his concessions place on his speakership, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy still has a lot of power.

South Carolina’s execution by firing squad: The last reenactment of the Civil War?

Mark M. Smith, University of South Carolina

South Carolina has had trouble securing enough lethal injection drugs for executions. So it has turned to an old form of killing: the firing squad, last used in the Civil War.

Israel’s Netanyahu facing off against the supreme court and proposing to limit judicial independence – and 3 other threats to Israeli democracy

Boaz Atzili, American University School of International Service

Israel’s most far-right and religious ruling coalition, which just assumed power, poses a profound threat to the country’s democratic institutions, from the courts to individual rights.

What is involuntary manslaughter? A law professor explains the charge facing Alec Baldwin for ‘Rust’ shooting death

Peter A. Joy, Washington University in St Louis

To convict Alec Baldwin of manslaughter for the on-set deadly shooting of Halyna Hutchins in 2021, prosecution will need to show that the actor was either reckless or criminally negligent.

How do you vaccinate a honeybee? 6 questions answered about a new tool for protecting pollinators

Jennie L. Durant, University of California, Davis

A vaccine for bees may evoke images of teeny hypodermic needles, but this product works in a sophisticated way that reflects the social structure of honeybee colonies.

This lunar year will be the Year of the Rabbit or the Year of the Cat, depending on where you live

Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee

In most parts of East Asia, the new year that begins on Jan. 22 corresponds to the rabbit. In Vietnam though it will usher in the Year of the Cat.

All politicians must lie from time to time, so why is there so much outrage about George Santos? A political philosopher explains

Michael Blake, University of Washington

Constituents’ willingness to overlook deception may depend, in part, on whether politicians lie well and with a good purpose.

Democracies don’t just bounce back after dictatorships – Argentina’s Oscar contender shows what justice afterward looks like

Carlos Gardeazabal Bravo, University of Dayton

Several films have portrayed violence and fear under Argentina’s most recent dictatorship, but ‘Argentina, 1985’ is the first to explore the trial that brought junta leaders to justice.

5 ways pressuring young athletes to perform well does them harm

Eva V. Monsma, University of South Carolina

Well-publicized professional sports stars’ injuries draw attention to dangerous influences on young athletes.

Social welfare services are being cut across the world, but providing them is about more than just money

Nehal El-Hadi, The Conversation; Daniel Merino, The Conversation

Amid further strain on public funding, we ask: What’s the future of the welfare state in developed and developing nations?

A fishy problem: How antidepressants may impact the health of our aquatic ecosystems

Ancient poop offers unusual insight into animal behaviour

Finding your essential self: the ancient philosophy of Zhuangzi explained

Here’s the first question of this week’s edition:

Among many questionable items on his résumé, newly elected Rep. George Santos of New York claimed to have founded what allegedly fabricated nonprofit group?

1. A. Friends of Trump United
2. B. Friends of Ukraine United
3. C. Friends of Citizens United
4. D. Friends of Pets United

Test your knowledge