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The article discusses how chronic heat, even when not breaking records, poses significant health and economic risks. Researchers highlight the lack of attention given to sustained periods of high temperatures and the potential long-term impacts on the body. The text emphasizes the need for better data and communication to address the effects of rising temperatures, particularly on outdoor workers. Arizona cities are leading experiments on how to prevent and manage heat risks, shifting the focus from short-term heat waves to a longer heat season. [Extracted from the article]

According to a recent analysis by the climate science group World Weather Attribution, Hurricane Milton was made more intense and likely due to greenhouse gas pollution. The analysis suggests that the rainfall from a storm like Milton's is 20% to 30% more intense and twice as likely in a world with climate change. The study also found that maximum wind speeds in a hotter world are about 10% stronger. The analysis was conducted quickly after landfall, using existing data histories to estimate the increased likelihood and intensity of rainfall and wind speeds. The study also highlights the increasing occurrence of "compound events" where multiple disasters unfold simultaneously or sequentially. The analysis praises Florida's hurricane-resistance measures and acknowledges the higher costs and damage caused by more powerful storms. A separate economic impacts analysis conducted by researchers at Imperial College London suggests that climate change may be responsible for nearly half of the direct damage caused by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. However, the analysis does not account for longer-term economic implications. [Extracted from the article]

Hurricane Milton has challenged scientists' ability to predict rapid intensification in storms. The storm rapidly strengthened, becoming one of the most powerful hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin. This phenomenon, known as rapid intensification, is becoming more common due to climate change and the supercharging of ocean heat. While models have improved in predicting storm intensity, events like Hurricane Milton highlight the limitations of current models and the need for further research and data collection. The storm's sudden escalation has raised questions about the shifting probability of extreme rapid intensification. [Extracted from the article]

Asheville, North Carolina, known as "Climate City" due to its concentration of climate-related professionals, recently experienced devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Many researchers in the city, including Ana Pinheiro Privette, had to prioritize basic needs like food, water, and shelter over their scientific work. The storm also caused significant damage to the National Centers of Environmental Information (NCEI), which houses the world's largest library of weather and climate data. Scientists are now grappling with the aftermath of the disaster and considering how to build resilient infrastructure in the face of increasingly intense storms. [Extracted from the article]

Tens of thousands of fires are currently burning in Brazil, with half of them occurring in the Amazon rainforest. These fires, exacerbated by a severe drought, pose a threat to the Amazon's ecosystem and are releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Between June and August, 2.4 million hectares of the Amazon burned, emitting 31.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Experts are concerned about the timing and duration of these fires, which they attribute to climate change. The fires have already caused smoke to cover a large part of Brazil and have reached neighboring countries. The Brazilian government has taken measures to control the fires, but there is a need for better fire prevention, increased investment in firefighting, and stricter enforcement. [Extracted from the article]

A review of Earth science conducted by over 60 researchers and published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that human activity is endangering eight critical life-support systems on the planet. Seven of these systems have already surpassed safe limits, including climate, freshwater systems, biodiversity, and soil nutrients. The study suggests that countries should preserve at least half of the planet's ecosystems, limit groundwater extraction, and set strict limits on the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to prevent further destabilization. The researchers argue that radical societal changes, such as wealth redistribution, are necessary to ensure a habitable planet. However, some scientists question the practicality of the recommendations and the concept of a clear line separating safe and dangerous zones. [Extracted from the article]

Extreme rainfall is becoming a growing climate threat to the northeastern United States, according to scientists. As the climate changes, the region is experiencing more rain-induced flooding, which it is ill-prepared for. Recent examples include a slow-moving storm system that caused two 1,000-year rainfalls within 12 hours, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. The intensification of extreme precipitation in the Northeast is happening faster than in any other part of the US, and it is attributed to the increase in global temperatures. However, measures to protect people and communities from these events are not keeping up with the rate of change. The US is working on updating its precipitation frequency estimates to better plan for future rainfall, but more needs to be done to address this climate threat. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of heat records being broken around the world due to climate change. It highlights how many of these temperature spikes are breaking local records by large margins, sparking interest among scientists. The research of climate scientist Erich Fischer suggests that extreme heat waves will become more common in the coming decades, with previously rare high-end temperatures becoming more commonplace. However, monitoring and analyzing these heat records is challenging due to the various ways to define a heat event and the lack of sufficient data. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the lack of transparency and agreement among climate-risk models used by companies to assess the vulnerability of properties to climate-related disasters. The models, which are typically proprietary and not open to inspection, often disagree on fundamental assessments of vulnerability. A study by the climate nonprofit CarbonPlan found major variations in risk estimates between two private risk models, highlighting the lack of consistency and reliability in these tools. The article emphasizes the need for transparency and comparison of risk models, as they have significant implications for decision-making in various sectors of the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Google has developed a new AI-enhanced weather simulator that matches the accuracy of conventional weather forecasts and can also estimate the warming of the atmosphere due to climate change. The simulator combines physics-driven models with machine learning to improve stability and reliability in long-term weather predictions. However, the hybrid model has limitations, as it only simulates rising temperatures in the atmosphere and does not allow researchers to vary greenhouse gas levels. The researchers are also developing a feature in the simulator to generate year-ahead hurricane projections. [Extracted from the article]

Texas has been experiencing extreme weather events, including flooding, wildfires, hailstorms, and hurricanes, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Compound events, where different types of dangerous weather occur simultaneously or in quick succession, are on the rise. Texas has been the epicenter of extreme weather in the US for decades, with the most weather disasters and highest costs of any state. The state's vulnerability to extreme weather is due to its size, location on the Gulf of Mexico, and exposure to heat waves, droughts, and Arctic cold outbreaks. The increasing risks of extreme weather are impacting the state's economy and insurance rates. Efforts to climate-proof the state are varied and often dependent on local jurisdictions. Transitioning away from fossil fuels is seen as the best defense against worsening weather catastrophes. [Extracted from the article]

The first half of 2024 has seen a surge in extreme weather events around the world, highlighting the catastrophic effects of climate change. The US is currently experiencing a heat dome along the eastern seaboard, while Florida is battling intense rainfall that has a 1 in 500 to 1,000-year chance of occurring. The US National Academy of Sciences has recommended updating infrastructure development guidelines to account for the increasing frequency of extreme rain. Climate scientists warn that rising temperatures are not only causing supercharged weather catastrophes but also increasing the likelihood of compound events, where multiple disasters occur simultaneously, exacerbating their impact. The global economy has already been significantly affected by this year's extreme weather, with projected climate damages estimated to cost $38 trillion per year by 2049. It is crucial for nations to focus on both cutting emissions and adapting to the changing climate to mitigate the devastating effects of extreme weather events. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents brief profiles of the top 50 personalities deemed worthy of recognition. They include Vanessa Pappas, chief operating officer of the social networking company TikTok, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, and MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The recent deadly windstorm in Houston is believed to be linked to climate change, although researchers are still studying the exact relationship between a warming planet and small-scale weather patterns. The storm caused widespread power outages and significant economic losses. The severe weather is attributed to factors such as the jet stream's position, a warmer-than-normal Gulf of Mexico, and the presence of El Niño. Straight-line winds, which can be as destructive as tornadoes, are becoming more intense due to climate change. The storm in Houston formed as part of a derecho, a rapidly moving line of thunderstorms. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, including tornadoes and heavy rainstorms. However, the specific influence of climate change on the Houston storm requires further research. [Extracted from the article]

Catastrophic floods have caused historic devastation in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, affecting 11 million people. As of Tuesday, 95 people have died, 131 are missing, and 159,000 have been displaced. Many roads are impassable, and water, power, and communication services are disrupted. The floods were caused by intense rainfall, atmospheric blockage, polar air from Argentina and Uruguay, and the El Niño phenomenon. Climate change is also likely a contributing factor. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but more rain is expected, posing further danger to the region. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the worsening conditions in Gaza due to rising temperatures and the threat of climate change. The temperature in Rafah, Gaza rose to 39.1C (102F) in April, which is 14C higher than the 30-year average for the same date. The heat wave has caused suffering for Palestinians living in makeshift tents, with concerns about disease, sewage, and lack of proper sanitation. The article highlights the vulnerability of the population in a war zone and the increased risks associated with rising temperatures. The Middle East is experiencing faster temperature increases than the global average, and the situation in Gaza is expected to worsen during the summer. [Extracted from the article]

Recent deadly flooding in the United Arab Emirates and Oman was made 10% to 40% more intense due to greenhouse gas emissions, according to a rapid analysis by the World Weather Attribution research initiative. The storms in the region are irregular and often occur during El Niño conditions. The infrastructure in Oman and the UAE is poorly equipped to handle the increasing intensity of flash floods, with a large percentage of the population living in flood-prone areas. Climate change and El Niño were both important factors in driving the intensity of the flooding. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has found that extreme rain has increased in intensity and frequency worldwide due to rising temperatures. The researchers concluded that climate change worsened the storm based on regional and global trends, the fact that warmer air holds more water, and the impact of climate-driven circulation changes. The flooding highlighted vulnerabilities in the built environment, such as impermeable surfaces and inadequate stormwater infrastructure. The researchers also suggested that governments and media in the region should work together to improve the dissemination of early warning systems and weather data. The UAE's cloud-seeding program had no significant influence on the amount of rainfall. [Extracted from the article]

Former NBA player Rick Fox, known for his success in basketball and acting, has now become a concrete entrepreneur. His startup, Partanna Global Inc., aims to address the environmental impact of concrete production by using a proprietary mix that replaces cement with blast-furnace slag and other materials. The process requires no fossil fuel burning and absorbs some CO2, making it a greener alternative. Fox's motivation stems from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, where he grew up. Partanna Global plans to build homes using their green concrete and hopes to expand globally. [Extracted from the article]

Kat Bruce, founder of UK startup NatureMetrics, is preparing for a unique work trip. Along with four other women, she will row 2,000 miles around Great Britain as part of the GB Row Challenge. Their specialized row boat is equipped with gear for sampling ocean microplastic, a microphone for detecting shipping noise and wildlife, and a sea-surface thermometer. NatureMetrics collects environmental DNA (eDNA) to analyze and provide information about the organisms present in various ecosystems. The company was recently named one of the winners in BloombergNEF's annual Pioneers competition. NatureMetrics aims to support disclosure and goal-setting efforts related to nature conservation and plans to launch a Series B fundraise to expand its products. [Extracted from the article]

The Panama Canal has managed to avoid a shipping crisis that could have had global economic repercussions, but it has come at a cost to the environment and the country's drinking water supply. The canal authority has implemented strict limits on vessel traffic due to drought conditions, resulting in lower water levels. To conserve water, the canal recycles water from locks, which increases salinity and infiltrates Lake Gatún, Panama's largest source of drinking water. The challenges faced by the Panama Canal highlight the tradeoffs involved in combating climate change. The canal's low water levels and conservation efforts have also led to increased salinity in Lake Gatún, affecting marine life and potentially disrupting ecosystems. The canal authority is exploring solutions such as creating a new reservoir and investing in rainwater collection. While the situation is expected to improve with the upcoming rainy season, the long-term impact of climate change on freshwater supplies remains a concern. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the issue of wildfires in California and the impact on insurance. It mentions the growing number and severity of wildfires due in part to climate change, the need to delineate fire risk zones to help determine insurance rates, and the technologies that can assist in setting these zones.

US clean energy and transport investment in the US increased by 38% in 2023, reaching $239 billion, driven by President Joe Biden's climate law. The report from Rhodium Group found that investments in emerging climate technologies, such as green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon capture, grew significantly, reaching $9.1 billion. The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act played a major role in fueling this growth. The Department of Energy also invested $304 million in four projects to test carbon capture infrastructure. Electric vehicle sales grew by 52%, and clean tech now makes up 5% of private US investment in fixed assets and durable consumer goods. However, more investment is needed globally to achieve net-zero emissions. The possibility of Republicans gaining control of the White House and Congress could impact future spending, but red-state residents are increasingly investing in renewables and storage. [Extracted from the article]

According to a recent report by BloombergNEF, investment in the energy transition reached $1.8 trillion in 2023, surpassing previous estimates. The report highlights the increasing importance of power grids in the renewable energy sector and the need for investment in grid infrastructure. The data also shows a significant increase in investment in electric vehicles and charging technology, surpassing spending on renewables for the first time. Wind investment reached a new peak of $217 billion in 2023, with offshore wind growing to $77 billion. The report emphasizes the need for accelerated investment to align with net-zero goals and the challenges of reaching the Paris Agreement's 1.5C heating limit. Despite these challenges, there is progress being made in areas such as battery production. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the use of mass timber as a low-carbon building material and its potential to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry. While mass timber is believed to emit less CO2 than conventional materials like concrete and steel, accurately measuring its carbon footprint is complex. Factors such as the source of the wood and the management of the forest it came from can significantly impact its climate impact. The article highlights the ongoing debate among researchers and industry professionals regarding the carbon neutrality of mass timber and its potential to contribute to deforestation. However, mass timber construction currently represents a small fraction of global construction, and concerns about its impact on global forests may be premature. [Extracted from the article]

A new book titled "Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet" by Hannah Ritchie provides a reality check for those who are overwhelmed by global environmental issues. The book aims to help readers appreciate the positive aspects of environmental progress and dismiss overly pessimistic narratives. Ritchie, who is a deputy editor and lead researcher at Our World in Data, debunks common myths about climate change and other environmental challenges. She emphasizes the power of human agency to improve well-being and address environmental destruction. While the book provides a rational analysis of global chaos, it also highlights the need for action to reduce suffering and protect vulnerable populations. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the varied effects of global warming on the climate. Huge storms, such as Cyclone Larry in Australia and Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, display the immediate and disastrous effects of changes in the environment due to global warming. Rapid polar ice melting and rising sea levels are occurring faster than environmentalists and lawmakers have predicted. Hotter summers and winters have also reduced the amount of snowfall, and, in turn, the amount of meltwater in the spring. INSET: SEEING THE PROBLEM, NOT THE SOLUTION.

The article suggests that years of declining investment and overseas competition are threatening to end America's supremacy in scientific innovation. After a half-century of unchallenged superiority in science and technology, the U.S. is losing ground to nations like China, South Korea and India. Experts have been warning for decades that U.S. science was heading for trouble. The government has steadily cut back on investing in research and development, and corporations have done the same. The quality of elementary and high school math and science education has plummeted. INSETS: SLOWING DOWN WHILE OTHERS SPEED UP;EUREKA!…BUT WHAT IS IT?.

According to the Global Carbon Project, carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are projected to reach a record peak in 2023, rising 1.1% from the previous year to 36.8 billion metric tons. This is 1.4% higher than the pre-pandemic level in 2019. The report highlights that the planet is on track to exceed its carbon budget for 1.5C of warming by 2030 and the budget for 1.7C in 15 years. While emissions have declined in some countries, overall emissions continue to rise. China remains the largest emitter, followed by the US. The report also discusses the challenges and limitations of carbon removal technologies. [Extracted from the article]

The article looks at efforts being made to improve economic conditions at General Motors Corp. (GM). The author suggest that GM, the world's biggest automobile manufacturer, is in a decaying state. It is the author's view that GM CEO Rick Wagoner may have the toughest job in corporate America as he tries to save his company from going under. The article details elements of GM's restructuring plan recently announced by Wagoner.

The article focuses on the ongoing Hurricane Katrina cleanup effort in New Orleans, Louisiana. The author describes how the atmosphere on Bourbon Street has become somewhat normal while the hurricane-ravaged housing subdivisions off Lake Pontchartrain are still disaster areas. Mayor Ray Nagin has opened New Orleans up to returning evacuees, but only an estimated 60,000 people are living in the city. Economic aspects of the hurricane damage and clean up effort are reviewed. The article includes comments on the clean up efforts from various New Orleans residents.

This article focuses on the race for new energy resources as oil prices rise. Hybrid-electric cars are proven successes, and now automobile makers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi and several others are showing off their models to compete with Honda and Toyota. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan said that the rising oil prices causing this hybrid-hype are bound to create a drag on the economy "from now on." Technological innovations have driven down the cost of alternate energy sources, but the problem is that technologies like hydrogen fuel cells may take years or decades before they are available in sufficient quantities.

Focuses on the threat posed to the U.S. by avian influenza. Declaration from the World Health Organization that millions of deaths from the flu are inevitable; Tactics that U.S. President George W. Bush might use in response to an epidemic; Explanation that all influenzas start in birds and only periodically mutate to infect humans; Reasons why this avian flu, H5N1, is so deadly; Indications that the H5N1 virus is spreading and has potential to become a pandemic.

Focuses on the limitations of U.S. emergency management policy, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and flooding in New Orleans. Idea that confusion and incompetence contributed to a breakdown in the disaster-relief system at all levels of government; Question of whether New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin could have done more to save the city and evacuate the residents; Question of whether Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco followed the state's disaster plan and requested federal government assistance in a timely manner; Question of whether FEMA Director Michael Brown failed to provide rapid assistance to the Gulf region; Question of whether Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff understands the responsibilities of his position.

Focuses on the problems with the Discovery shuttle during take-off, leading NASA to once again ground the entire space shuttle fleet. Docking of the Discovery with the International Space Station after determining it would need repairs; Cause of the damage, resulting from insulating foam that detached from the fuel tank and hit the underside of the shuttle--damage similar to what doomed the Columbia; Questions raised about how such a situation could arise after 2 and a half years and $1 billion in safety upgrades after the destruction of Columbia.

Discusses how towns across the U.S., despite the real estate boom, are giving acreage away at little or no cost. Efforts to keep communities from turning into ghost towns as kids move away and town elders die off; Reaction to this modern-day Homestead Act; Typical parcels of land being offered in Wyoming, Minnesota, and Kansas.

Reports on the efforts of activists and Congress to clean up television and asks if television or the critics have gone too far. The Parents Television Council which watches every hour of prime time television and many cable shows and lists material it finds offensive into a database; PTC executive director Tim Winter who logs every incident of sexual content, violence, profanity, disrespect for authority and "other negative content"; The war over indecency which is getting hotter daily as the FCC, pushed by activists, has rebuked or fined broadcast networks; Congress which is gearing up to give the FCC stronger weapons; Head of the Entertainment Tracking System, the database that holds all the information who is L. Brent Bozell; How the groups have gained power since the Janet Jackson nipple exposure during the super Bowl half-time show; Critics who fear the trend is getting out of control; Poll results on what the audience thinks is appropriate or non-offensive; Lack of rules for broadcasters on what can and cannot be said on television; Examples of recent self-censoring by television shows; The wild inconsistencies in content; How changes in television viewing habits may affect the outcome; Belief it is still up to each person to decide what shows to watch. INSETS: A FINE MESS;WE HATE IT! WE WANT IT!;PUSHING THE ENVELOPE OR PULLING BACK?.

Focuses on the state of the United States Social Security program and discusses the reasons why President George W. Bush is attempting to reform the system. View that Social Security reform is traditionally a taboo subject for Republican legislators; Emphasis of Bush on a program which provides private investment accounts; Discussion about the status of Social Security. INSET: The Drumbeat Begins.

Reports on the relief efforts in Asia following the December 26, 2004 tsunami. Efforts of aid workers who are rushing to beat disease and hunger which threaten as many lives as the tsunami itself; Challenges involved in providing relief, such as language barriers, and civil wars in parts of some Asian nations; Extent of the outpouring of charity from individuals and governments worldwide; Overall analysis of the relief effort.

Profiles the victory of President George W. Bush in the 2004 U.S. Presidential election. High rates of voter turnout, amounting to 120 million American voters; Key quotes from Bush's victory speech, given at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.; Victory of Republican candidates across the U.S. which ensures a majority for their party in Congress; Early results which indicated Democratic nominee John Kerry's success in several key states; Communication between Bush and his aides during the course of election day; Predictions for the success of Bush's second term.

The article examines how the 2004 presidential election could deepen the partisan split in the U.S., leaving the winner with the challenge of reuniting the country. The last time an incumbent President ran for re-election, in 1996, the mood was so droopy that Jay Leno described one debate as must-sleep TV. Even people who bothered to vote weren't sure it mattered much who won. But this campaign has turned out to be a passion play, with millions more people prepared to paper their yards with signs or make calls at night or write a check to a candidate for the first time ever or offer to drive an elderly neighbor to the polls. Given the questions on the table--war and peace, freedom and safety--it ought to be a relief to see so many Americans come out of their little gated tribal compounds and engage in the fateful debate, hand to hand, door to door. But voters now are having to confront the prospect that this campaign, rare in its combination of passion and poison, may end neither quickly nor well. Four years ago, a constitutional crisis, bruising as it was, at least felt like a freak accident. If it happens again, it may feel like an assault. Each side has declared that the other will do anything to win, which means that if this race stays tight, whichever candidate loses is less likely to think that he was beaten than that he was robbed. Already the planes are fueled, the legal SWAT teams ready, the recount office spaces reserved and provisions made for staplers and coffeemakers in the event that Election Day does indeed become Election Month. All of which suggests that if the election comes up a tie, the two campaigns will take no prisoners. The Democrats especially--convinced they were outmaneuvered, outlawyered and outhustled last time--say they are not going to let it happen again. INSET: WARY OF ANOTHER ELECTION MESS.

Examines the use of wedge issues by the presidential candidates in their quest for the White House. Examples of this year's wedge issues which are stem cell research, abortion rights, gay marriages and more; How they usually work in the Republican's favor but how that may not be true this year; Recent "Time" poll on abortion, gay rights and stem-cell research; What voters really care about this year; The candidates positions on wedge issues.

Focuses on the presidential campaigns and the effort of local activists to encourage voters in Ohio. The strategy of Democrats in supporting the John Kerry-John Edwards campaign; The reason that Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida and Pennsylvania will get more attention; The tactics used in voter mobilization; The goal of an outside group, America Coming Together (ACT), in Ohio; Legal limit imposed on ACT; Details of the Republican campaign strategy to gain votes for George W. Bush; What the Republicans are asking of their volunteers; Discussion of central Ohio, its voting record, and symbolic significance; How political activists Cosby Lindquist and Billie Fiore approach potential voters.

This article discusses how presidential candidate John Kerry must regain his edge among female voters if he hopes to defeat U.S. President George W. Bush in the 2004 election. The security moms are this political season's cartoon action figures, the vital voters whom Kerry and Bush are supposedly chasing in the final weeks of the race. These heirs of the soccer moms have provided a handy explanation for how Kerry lost his lead this summer, when terrorism alerts went back up to orange and the scarring images of the school siege in Beslan, Russia, settled into the suburban psyche. In recent presidential elections women have leaned Democratic by at least 8 percentage points, and after his Boston convention, they favored Kerry by 14. But in recent weeks that margin has vanished, and some polls have shown Bush pulling ahead even among women. So the notion that fear of terrorism was driving normally Democratic women into the Bush camp provided the theorists with a story line and led the Kerry camp to seek out allies like the 9/11 widows. The reasons behind the shifts in women's views, however, are much more complicated than that, as is Kerry's challenge in winning back female support. Women overall are less likely than men to cite security as a top issue. Women worry more about domestic issues like jobs, where Democrats traditionally have an advantage. The archetypal security mom--a white, married, suburban woman concerned about her family's safety--is not really a swing voter anyway. She has been in Bush's camp from the start, and is more likely to cite his faith and values than his national-security policy as the reason. But the polls do suggest that plenty of women are in motion, and Kerry has had to struggle since the beginning of this race to win them over--a struggle he can't afford to lose, given that men back Bush over Kerry by a solid margin.

Discusses the debate strategies of presidential contenders Senator John Kerry and U.S. President George W. Bush. Importance of details; Highlights of the agreement between former Secretary of State James Baker and Kerry negotiator Vernon Jordan; Focus of the first debate on foreign policy; Why the stakes are high; Public opinion poll results; Traps for each candidate; Kerry's need to reintroduce himself to the electorate; Bush's dress rehearsals; Past performances; Background on former Massachusetts Governor William Weld's debates with Kerry; Comparison of the debates to reality television; Value of winning the post-debate effort to spin what actually happened.

Follows the power struggle in Iraq as the United States prepares to hand over power to the Iraq people. Focus on the work of United Nation envoy, Kajhdar Brahimi; Intention of Brahimi to release the names of the interim-government officials who will run the country for a time until national elections can be set up; How the selection of a new government has been fraught with clashes between ethnic groups and has forced Brahimi to make some concessions; The great unknown which is how long this interim government can last; Why the selection of officials is so controversial to the Iraqis; How each group is diluting the power of another group so that no one gets a majority.