UN’s ‘global stocktake’ on climate is offering a sober emissions reckoning − but there are also signs of progress

Kate Hua-Ke Chi, Tufts University; Maulik Jagnani, Tufts University

Many countries still plan to increase fossil fuel production in the coming years and are offering big subsidies. Negotiators have their work cut out for them when the COP28 climate summit begins.

Maine voters don’t like their electric utilities, but they balked at paying billions to buy them out

Theodore J. Kury, University of Florida

Power companies can be publicly or privately owned and may report to corporate boards, local governments or co-op members. But there’s no one best way to deliver electricity reliably and affordably.

Specialized training programs using sensory augmentation devices could prevent astronauts from getting disoriented in space

Vivekanand Pandey Vimal, Brandeis University

When you’re an astronaut landing on the Moon, you can’t rely on the same gravitational cues we have on Earth. But regimented training with sensory devices could one day prevent spatial disorientation.

Erdogan’s stance on Israel reflects desire to mix politics with realpolitik – and still remain a relevant regional player

Ozgur Ozkan, Tufts University

Turkey and Israel exchanged tit-for-tat diplomatic withdrawals over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pro-Hamas stance in the regional conflict. But behind that, the picture is more nuanced.

Kora: in search of the origins of west Africa’s famed stringed musical instrument

Eric Charry, Wesleyan University

The extraordinary documentary Ballaké Sissoko: Kora Tales takes a journey from Mali to The Gambia.

From shell-shock to PTSD, a legacy of invisible war trauma

How World War I sparked the artistic movement that transformed Black America

How World War I ushered in the century of oil

Why women’s peace activism in World War I matters now

Want a healthier lawn? Instead of bagging fall leaves, take the lazy way out and get a more environmentally friendly yard

In Gaza, the underground war between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters in the tunnels is set to begin

Your mental dictionary is part of what makes you unique − here’s how your brain stores and retrieves words

Here’s the first question of this week’s edition:

What did new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson say to Americans while discussing the House GOP's efforts to avert a federal shutdown on Nov. 18?

1. A. "Trust us"
2. B. "God will provide"
3. C. "We're probably screwed"
4. D. "Shutdowns can be healthy"

Test your knowledge