This weekend, communities around the world will observe the 81st anniversary of Kristallnacht, also known as the “Night of Broken Glass.” Most accounts of the Nazi pogrom focus on the destruction of Jewish-owned businesses and the mass arrests of Jewish men.

Over the past few years, USC-Dornsife historian Wolf Gruner has uncovered details about an aspect of that fateful night that’s largely missing from most accounts. Drawing from survivor interviews and primary source documents, he describes the coordinated ransacking of thousands of Jewish homes and apartments across Germany.

And if you’re wondering why senators are keeping their mouths shut about impeachment, Texas A&M law professor Lynne H. Rambo has a few ideas.

Also this week, we liked explanations of what to think about working during college, why the Kurds don’t have a nation of their own and a look at the ongoing search for exoplanets.

A looted Jewish shop in Aachen, Germany on the day after Kristallnacht, Nov. 10, 1938. Wolf Gruner and Armin Nolzen (eds.). 'Bürokratien: Initiative und Effizienz,' Berlin, 2001.

The forgotten mass destruction of Jewish homes during ‘Kristallnacht’

Wolf Gruner, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Most histories highlight the shattered storefronts and synagogues set aflame. But it was the systematic ransacking of Jewish homes that extracted the greatest toll.

Sen. Susan Collins is among the senators who have chosen to stay quiet about impeachment so far. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Senators’ silence suggests they may be taking their impeachment trial duty seriously

Lynne H. Rambo, Texas A&M University

No written law or rule requires the senators to remain silent on the issues. But it's probably a good idea, and a promising sign of fairness.

Working in college helps pay the bills, but working too many hours can bring some ill effects, research shows. GaudiLab

Before you decide to work in college, ask yourself these questions

Laura Perna, University of Pennsylvania; Taylor K. Odle

Working in college may help students pay the bills, but putting in long hours can come at a cost, research shows. A scholar discusses what college students should consider before taking a job.

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