Collection of old skulls illustrates American diversity

After a delay, New York City is moving ahead with congestion pricing to improve traffic, air quality and public transit

John Rennie Short, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Gov. Kathy Hochul hit the brakes on congestion pricing in June but now is ready to roll, with a lower fee. Critics, including New Jersey officials and President-elect Donald Trump, remain opposed.

Papal elections aren’t always as dramatic as ‘Conclave’ – but the history behind the process is

Joelle Rollo-Koster, University of Rhode Island

The conclave system may seem dramatic, but it was developed after centuries of outside interference and looting.

Untreated sewage and fertilizer runoff threaten the Florida manatee’s main food source, contributing to malnutrition

Aarin-Conrad Allen, Florida International University

Manatees along Florida’s coast are eating less seagrass and more algae than they did a few decades ago. This dietary shift could pose a new threat to the survival of the beloved species.

Informal safety nets help many Americans with expenses – people at all income levels benefit from this ‘financial interdependence’

Indonesia president’s diplomatic dash takes in China and US − but a Trump presidency may see the aspiring regional powerhouse tilt more toward Beijing

Republican lawmakers will reshape tax policy in 2025 — a tax expert explains what to expect

‘Inflation is radioactive’: Trump’s victory is part of a global populist wave of voters throwing out incumbents

Weight loss plans are less effective for many Black women − because existing ones often don’t meet their unique needs

How the Taliban are seeking to reshape Afghanistan’s schools to push their ideology

The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz

Fritz Holznagel, The Conversation

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

The new feature film "Conclave" tells the story of a rare and confrontational gathering of what?

1. A. Lowland gorillas
2. B. Catholic cardinals
3. C. Climate scientists
4. D. Grateful Dead and Phish fans

Test your knowledge