The Conversation - Hemp loophole has lawmakers scrambling

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting prioritizes ‘real’ independence from the US − but what does that mean and is it achievable?

Garret Martin, American University School of International Service

Friedrich Merz has expressed a desire to ‘strengthen Europe as quickly as possible’ in the face of a growing rift between EU countries and the Trump administration.

Butchers, bakers, candlestick-makers − and prostitutes: The women working behind the scenes in papal Avignon

Joelle Rollo-Koster, University of Rhode Island

Women’s work may not have been glamorous, but it was vital to the workings of the pope’s court and surrounding city.

500 years ago, German peasants revolted – but their faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility

Michael Bruening, Missouri University of Science and Technology

The German peasants were among the first to try to unlock the revolutionary potential of Reformation teachings to fight social and economic injustice.

Trump’s claims of vast presidential powers run up against Article 2 of the Constitution and exceed previous presidents’ power grabs

Claire B. Wofford, College of Charleston

Donald Trump claims that Article 2 of the Constitution gives him the right ‘to do whatever I want as President.’ A constitutional law scholar says ‘Not so.’

How early voting on campuses can boost election turnout – not only for students but for residents, too

Stephen C. Phillips, Clemson University

Everyone is more likely to cast a ballot when voting is convenient, data from Florida’s early on-campus poll site shows.

Generative AI is most useful for the things we care about the least

John P. Nelson, Georgia Institute of Technology

The technology is always on call and is quite competent. But it lacks the contemplation and attention to detail that yield great works of art.

Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation

Leigh Carriage, Southern Cross University

Roberta Flack has passed away at 88. In her performances she reached a deep soulful place, both classically and contemporarily informed.

Colorado is tackling air pollution in vulnerable neighborhoods by regulating 5 air toxics

Jenni Shearston, University of Colorado Boulder

Limiting exposure to air pollution will have lasting impacts on Colorado communities with the highest exposure.

Selenium is an essential nutrient named after the Greek goddess of the Moon − crucial to health, it may help prevent and treat cancer

Aliasger K. Salem, University of Iowa

You need only trace amounts of selenium to survive. Falling outside of this narrow therapeutic window can have significant health consequences.

If US attempts World Bank retreat, the China-led AIIB could be poised to step in – and provide a model of global cooperation

Tamar Gutner, American University

The AIIB is a paradox: an institution connected to the rules and norms of the liberal international order, but one created by an illiberal regime.

Many gluten-free foods are high in calories and sugar, low on fiber and protein, and they cost more − new research

How Elon Musk’s deep ties to – and admiration for – China could complicate Trump’s Beijing policy

How Roman society integrated people who altered their bodies and defied gender norms