After Mueller, it’s Congress’ turn

Mueller report: How Congress can and will follow up on an incomplete and redacted document [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 19 April 2019 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Editor's note The Mueller report’s out. Now what? Law professor Charles Tiefer, who served as a lawyer for the House Iran-Contra Committee investigation, says the House will likely take up where the heavily redacted and incomplete report leaves off. “The version of the report released is only the start of wide-ranging and intensive House investigations,” [writes Tiefer](, who spells out where the House can mount fruitful – and necessary – inquiries. Pigs made big news this week, or at least their brains did, when a study showed activity in pig brains four hours after they had been slaughtered. Questions immediately arose: could the same be true in humans and, more fundamentally, when does death occur? University of Florida neurologist [Katharina Busl analyzes the study]( and explains for lay people something that neuroscientists already know. Central bank independence is a bedrock principle of modern economies, deemed essential to ensuring policymakers at the Federal Reserve and elsewhere make decisions about interest rates based on evidence – not politics. But the notion is under stress as governments across the globe – including the Trump administration – increasingly meddle. Political economist Andreas Kern explains why [political interference is dangerous](. Naomi Schalit Senior Editor, Politics + Society Top stories Morning clouds cover Capitol Hill in Washington, April 12, 2019. AP/J. Scott Applewhite [Mueller report: How Congress can and will follow up on an incomplete and redacted document]( Charles Tiefer, University of Baltimore The Mueller report is out, heavily redacted and the investigative materials it's based on aren't public. That's where Congress comes in, writes a former House counsel. Now they can investigate. A recent study of the brains of decapitated pigs showed activity in their brains four hours later. Ivan Loran/Shutterstock.com [When is dead really dead? Study on pig brains reinforces that death is a vast gray area]( Katharina Busl, University of Florida A recent study on the brains of pigs suggested that some activity could be restored even after the porkers had been dead for four hours. A neuroscientist who specializes in brain death explains. Nixon convinced Fed Chair Arthur Burns, seated left, to lower interest rates, helping him win re-election in 1972. AP Photo [Why political meddling with central banks is a terrible idea – and the Federal Reserve is no exception]( Andreas Kern, Georgetown University President Trump has been attacking the Federal Reserve for months and recently said he might nominate two political allies to its board. An economist explain what typically happens next. Politics + Society - [What happens next with the Mueller report? 3 essential reads]( Catesby Holmes, The Conversation The full report on the special counsel's Trump investigation has now been made public. As people, Congress and prosecutors nationwide dig into Mueller's findings, here are three key issues to watch. - [Bringing the border closer to home, one immersion trip at a time]( Gary John Adler Jr, Pennsylvania State University Travel along the U.S.-Mexico border and meeting migrants can build empathy for people without papers. Ethics + Religion - [Why Good Friday was dangerous for Jews in the Middle Ages and how that changed]( Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Seminary of the Southwest On Good Friday, Christians give thanks for their salvation, which they believe was made possible by the suffering of Jesus. But for Jews, it was common in the Middle Ages to be attacked with stones. Arts + Culture - [War games shed light on real-world strategies]( David Banks, American University School of International Service War games let you test your political and military acumen right at your kitchen table – while also helping you appreciate how decision-makers are limited by the choices of others. From our international editions - [Jokowi wins Indonesia’s election, polls indicate – what does that mean for human rights?]( Asmin Fransiska, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya ; Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir, University of Melbourne; Lailatul Fitriyah, University of Notre Dame We ask political and human rights experts to analyse what Jokowi's victory means, based on this early quick count, for civil liberties and the protection of human rights in Indonesia. - [Notre Dame: how Christ’s Crown of Thorns has survived crusades, political upheaval and a fire (but only just)]( Dr Emily Guerry, University of Kent One of the most sacred relics in the Christian world was saved from the Notre Dame fire. Here is its history. - [Human viruses threaten the future of Uganda’s chimpanzees]( Jacob Negrey, Boston University Human-to-ape disease transmission is thought to be a severe threat to the survival of great apes. Today’s quote ["Local and federal rules are limited, often in the name of promoting innovation."]( [Boeing crashes and Uber collision show passenger safety relies on corporate promises, not regulators' tests]( Adam Gabriele Arizona State University [Adam Gabriele] Thaddeus R. Miller Arizona State University [Thaddeus R. Miller] [The Conversation brings you new research and analysis from experts. Please donate and help us thrive.]( [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111