Editor's note

U.K. voters delivered Prime Minister Theresa May a stunning upset yesterday. Even though her Conservative Party won the biggest share of seats, it was shy of a majority – and almost 90 seats fewer than what polls had projected only six weeks ago, when May made her surprise call for snap elections. That means the new Parliament is “hung,” and it’s not clear which parties will be able to cobble together enough seats to form a coalition. May is visiting the queen today to seek permission to form a new Conservative government, while rival Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged her to resign. Two of our regular writers offer their insights on what the election and its results mean for Americans. And for coverage of the unexpected results from a British perspective, there’s more from our colleagues at The Conversation UK.

Many have tried to explain Donald Trump’s victory, with reasons ranging from white working class resentment to low turnout. But a new study points to an additional factor: television.

And this Gay Pride Month, we take a look at the state of LGBTQ rights around the world. According to one analysis, more than two-thirds of countries persecute sexual minorities – and others, including the U.S., still fall short by certain measures.

Bryan Keogh

Editor, Economics and Business

Top story
Corbyn may not have won enough seats to take over Parliament, but he dealt May a serious blow nonetheless. AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

Theresa May's Conservatives denied majority in major upset: Experts react

Terrence Guay, Pennsylvania State University; Charles Hankla, Georgia State University

U.K. voters delivered a devastating blow to the prime minister, who thought an enlarged majority was in the bag only a few weeks ago. She may now face a power struggle.

Arts + Culture

Politics + Society

  • Most countries score an F on our LGBT human rights report card

    Susan Dicklitch-Nelson, Franklin & Marshall College; Berwood Yost, Franklin & Marshall College; Scottie Thompson, Franklin & Marshall College

    Many in the US are celebrating LGBTQ rights for Gay Pride Month. But data show that most countries, including the US, need to do much more to protect sexual minorities.

  • Puerto Rico votes on statehood – fifth time's the charm?

    Charles R. Venator-Santiago, University of Connecticut

    The Caribbean territory has struggled to build consensus on its relationship to the US. Will this vote be any different in the face of a major financial crisis?

Science + Technology

Economy + Business

  • Want to help animals? Don't forget the chickens

    Garrett M. Broad, Fordham University

    A growing number of animal advocates want Americans to do more to aid animals raised in farms for food, rather than supporting groups that help cats, dogs and other human companions.

Environment + Energy

Health + Medicine

  • Tourette syndrome: Finally, something to shout about

    Michael Okun, University of Florida

    There's more to Tourette syndrome than swearing and shouting. Over the last several years, many life-altering treatments of this tic disorder have become available to patients and their families.

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