<p>Kim Stanley Robinson is renowned for his futuristic science fiction, so he surprised lots of people by writing a novel set in the Paleolithic era. He says recent archeological discoveries, as well as his backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, inspired him to write about our ancient ancestors.</p>


To the Best of Our Knowledge

Ancient Shamans and Roving Neandertals

Two people standing on a red-carpeted stage, with the man in a suit raising his fist and the woman looking at him, engaged in conversation.

Obituary

Remembering Jesse Jackson, who pushed to globalize the US civil rights movement

The dispute over a bridge connecting the US and Canada

A large cargo ship navigates a river near the construction of a suspension bridge, with a visible crane on the partially built bridge deck.

Infrastructure

Canadians remain confident Gordie Howe Bridge will open even as Trump’s threats sow confusion

Turkish businesses worry about Syrians going home

A group of people, including a woman holding a child and a young girl with a backpack, are seen at an outdoor location with military personnel and vehicles. The woman is wearing a headscarf and carrying luggage, and a soldier is directing the group. Military trucks and personnel are visible in the background.

Refugees

Turkey grapples with loss of labor as Syrian refugees return home

Finnish city Oulu is a European Capital of Culture in 2026

Urban skyline with modern high-rise buildings and a tranquil body of water in the foreground.

Culture

Finnish city of Oulu is European Capital of Culture for 2026

A person wearing white gloves is holding an intricately patterned, black and white ceramic vessel labeled 'Roscoe Collection 1913.' The vessel has geometric designs and a narrow neck, set against a dark background.

Arts, Culture & Media

A new South African video heist game robs museums to return African art

Danes are changing their country's conscription policy

Two military helicopters hover above a ship, with one soldier rappelling down from a helicopter rope onto the deck, displaying a Danish flag.

Military

Denmark changes its military conscription policy

Austro-Mexican singer finds out it really does take a village

A woman with braided hair in a red shirt stands confidently among a group of people wearing colorful, elaborate masks and costumes, in front of a yellow building with ornate architectural details.

Japanese tap dancer brings rhythm to New York City streets

A woman in a black top and jeans performs a dynamic dance move on a plaza with a historic red brick building in the background. Other people are walking by and trees line the square.

This tap dancer from Japan uses New York City landmarks as her backdrops

How a historic ‘magical bean’ is helping Indigenous groups in Colombia

A person in a pink hoodie using a hoe to dig in a grassy area surrounded by trees and tall plants.

Environment

How a historic ‘magical bean’ is helping Indigenous groups in Colombia 

Debris and rubble inside a partially collapsed building with a damaged wardrobe and household items scattered. Two people are inspecting the damage.

Conflict & Justice

As Islamabad reels from mosque bombing, Pakistan’s military fights insurgents in border regions 

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