Editor's note
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The Trump administration is looking into new ways to shield the coal and nuclear power industries from the harsh reality of market forces. Based on the information that has come to light so far, these policies would mark a radical departure from how U.S. electricity markets work, explains James Van Nostrand, a West Virginia University law professor who previously represented energy clients in state regulatory proceedings.
In California, results from Tuesday’s primaries suggest the system of allowing the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party, to advance to the general election has not had the intended effect of drawing out more centrist voters and candidates. As political scientist Thad Kousser at the University of California, San Diego writes, “Instead of debating the merits of candidates, voters have been debating which one has the best chance of making it to November.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has undermined political activism in his country and pushed the regime toward authoritarianism. But Bowdoin College political science professor Laura Henry writes it’s not his anti-democratic moves that could lead to Putin’s undoing – it’s garbage. Acres of noxious trash are accumulating in landfills around Moscow, leading to protests aimed at Russia’s dysfunctional governance – and ultimately at the man who runs the country.
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Emily Schwartz Greco
Philanthropy + Nonprofits Editor
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Top stories
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The Indian Point nuclear power station outside New York City will be decommissioned by 2021.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig
James Van Nostrand, West Virginia University
There is simply no credible evidence supporting the contention that America is experiencing a grid emergency.
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Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at his campaign’s night watch party in San Francisco.
AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Thad Kousser, University of California San Diego
The top two system in California was created to draw out more centrist candidates and voters, but data from primaries past show it's just not working.
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Citizens protesting at the Volokolamsk town hall, after noxious fumes from a local landfill sent 50 children to the hospital.
Radio Free Europe
Laura A. Henry, Bowdoin College
Massive noxious garbage dumps piling up around Moscow have sparked citizen protests. And those protests are turning into criticism of the political system, which could threaten the Putin regime.
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Science + Technology
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Qi Alfred Chen, University of Michigan; Z. Morley Mao, University of Michigan
New research has uncovered a previously unknown weakness in smart city systems: devices that trust each other. That could lead to some pretty terrible traffic, among other problems.
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Becky Bolinger, Colorado State University
When you see a bolt of lightning, do you immediately start counting to see how far off a storm is? An atmospheric scientist parses the practice.
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Heather Handley, Macquarie University
Important points about volcanoes: location matters, explosiveness can be predicted to an extent, and fast-moving flows of volcanic materials (known as pyroclastic flows) are deadly.
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Health + Medicine
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Jackson Thomas, University of Canberra; Gregory Peterson, University of Tasmania; Julia K. Christenson, University of Canberra; Mark Naunton, University of Canberra; Professor Tom Calma AO, University of Canberra
Migrants face many health problems, from mental health issues to diseases. The latest threat is scabies.
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Trending on site
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Elizabeth A. DiGangi, Binghamton University, State University of New York
If an undocumented migrant is a minor or an adult can have far-reaching implications. A forensic anthropologist explains why relying solely on dental X-rays to determine age doesn't work.
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William Hauk, University of South Carolina
The Trump administration recently imposed tariffs of up to 25 percent on foreign steel and aluminum – including from the EU, Canada and Mexico, the three biggest markets for American goods.
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Brad Daniel, Montreat College; Andrew Bobilya, Western Carolina University; Ken Kalisch, Montreat College
Many studies have shown that time outdoors is good for our physical health. Three wilderness education experts explain why periods alone in nature also provide mental and spiritual benefits.
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Today’s chart
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William Hauk
University of South Carolina
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