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3 ways the US actions in #Venezuela break international law. It's not just about invading another country, according to Mary Ellen O'Connell, who studies peacemaking at the University of Notre Dame.

President Trump didn’t seek congressional OK before attacking Venezuela. We spoke with Rochester Institute of Technology political science professor Sarah Burns, who has spent years studying how presidents and Congress divide up the power to launch military action, and wrote a book on “The Politics of War Powers”. We asked her “When you woke up this morning and saw the news, what was your first thought?” “Here we go again,” she said. “This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. Lots of presidents have made this error, which is that they think if you do this smaller-scale action, you are going to get a positive result for the nation, for the region, for international stability. And very rarely is that the case.”

Some protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals – there's no need to panic, but there's one thing you can do to reduce your risk.  University of Connecticut clinical pharmacologist C. Michael White studies supplement safety and shares what he knows.

Offsites work. New research finds these workplace retreats help employees build new connections across teams, leading to more collaboration opportunities after the event. In remote and hybrid settings, that visibility can make a real difference. A small networking boost could pay off big in 2026. By Madeline Kneeland, Babson College and Adam M. Kleinbaum, Dartmouth College #workplaceculture #leadership #networking

The Conversation's Audience Engagement Editor Katrina Aman takes a look back at what we learned together in 2025 💛 Every story we publish is written by scholars and researchers who study the topics they write about - and we work hard to make trustworthy videos from their work. Thanks for reading, sharing and being curious with us. Here’s to more in 2026.

The president’s first year of his second term showcases he “simply lacks respect for our system of justice," according to Hon. John E. Jones III (Ret.) – a former federal judge (appointed by George W. Bush) who breaks down what Trump’s presidency means for the rule of law. How can you find otherwise? Jones asks. For example, the president has issued countless pardons to people who were justifiably convicted or who pleaded guilty. “The president believes the law is whatever he says it is at any given moment.” #politics #analysis #interview

Do you think Trump expects total loyalty? For Hon. John E. Jones III (Ret.) — a former federal judge appointed by George W. Bush — the answer is clear: Trump believes “you’re either with him 100% or you’re against him.” As the Supreme Court expands the power of the executive branch, that expectation of loyalty could now extend to independent agencies as well. The result? Long-standing regulatory systems may be disrupted — or even dismantled — as decades of measured regulation are upended.

If your gift list includes someone with cancer – or any other serious illness, for that matter – consider hanging those fuzzy socks back on the rack. Sociologist and cancer patient Ellen Meiser, PhD, an assistant professor at University of Hawaii at Hilo, suggests ignoring the gift guides and choosing an item – or a task – that provides practical help. #cancergifts #giftideas #cancersupport

Yes, the government can track your location.  ICE and other agencies can track your movements using data gathered by apps and online ads on your phone, and sold by private companies. You probably don't realize how easily you can be found. University of Wisconsin-Madison privacy researcher Emilee Rader helped us understand how it works.

Mark Zuckerberg earned just $1 at Meta in 2024. Elon Musk made $0 at Tesla. They're not alone. A tax law professor explains how the ultrawealthy legally avoid income taxes while their wealth grows by billions annually. By Ray Madoff, Boston College