What a mollusc shell and fiber optic cables have in common A heart cockle shell has been found to let in light through a design that resembles fiber optic cables. This could inspire everything from helping coral survive to designing new camera lenses. Ari Daniel
Bringing Thanksgiving food on a plane? Here is what you should know Thanksgiving favorites such as mac and cheese, turkey and casseroles can be brought through TSA checkpoints. But cranberry sauce, maple syrup and gravy must go in checked baggage, the agency says. Chandelis Duster
South Africa's illegal gold miners are locked in an underground standoff with police Surviving on a diet of toothpaste and toilet paper, South Africa's notorious "zama-zama" illegal miners continue a weeks-long standoff with police in the darkness of a disused gold mine. Kate Bartlett
Trump's deportation vow alarms Texas construction industry Texas builders warn mass deportations of undocumented migrants could devastate the construction industry, threatening housing and infrastructure work in one of the nation's fastest-growing states. Julian Aguilar
Atmospheric rivers aren't new. Why does it feel like we're hearing about them more? In recent years, "atmospheric river" has become used much more frequently in scientific papers and in media coverage. According to experts who study climate and weather, a few reasons may explain why. Danielle Venton
A 'lynch mob' did not come for Matt Gaetz, but the phrasing remains powerful Even as a young child, I could understand the idea that words have meaning, which is why when Sen. Lindsey Graham referred to a "lynch mob" coming after Matt Gaetz, I felt my stomach drop. Leah Donnella
Jonathan Majors and ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari settle assault and defamation case In a civil lawsuit this spring, the actor's former girlfriend alleged a "pattern of pervasive domestic abuse" in addition to defamation. Her legal team said the suit has been settled. Clare Lombardo
University of Texas, MIT and others announce free tuition for some undergraduates Nearly half a dozen institutions of higher education announced plans this week to make tuition free for undergraduates whose families make below a certain income threshold, starting in fall 2025. Rachel Treisman
