The federal government is at odds with itself on marijuana: It bans the stuff yet issues cannabis patents. As more states legalize pot, the potential for some very complicated lawsuits is brewing, explains Case Western Reserve law professor Craig Nard.

The German Bundestag approved “marriage for all” last week. It was the second recent victory for gay activists in Germany, coming quickly after a vote to expunge tens of thousands of convictions under Germany’s long since repealed anti-gay law. While noting that the two votes are historic, John Broich of Case Western Reserve University writes that Nazi history offers “an object lesson” that progress on gay rights can be followed by a violent backlash.

Spam is as American as apple pie, so it’s somewhat fitting that it turns 80 years old today, the day after the nation’s birthday. Michigan State marketing expert Ayalla Ruvio tells the story of the simple canned meat and how it became one of the most iconic American brands of all time.

And Tim Baird shares his research on how mobile phones are changing – and not changing – the traditional culture of Maasai herders in Tanzania.