DEAR HARRIETTE: I am currently working hard to complete my MBA degree, but the people around me are telling me to stop because of financial constraints. They say I should take a break to avoid the stress and costs. I’ve been juggling work almost day and night to make this happen, determined to finish my degree. I even have plans to pursue a Ph.D. afterward, which is a dream I’ve had for a long time. It’s been challenging, but I believe it will be worth it in the end. Still, their constant discouragement is starting to wear on me. They think I’m pushing myself too hard and that I should settle for less. Should I keep going with my goals, or should I consider their advice and take a step back? – Pursuit Pressure DEAR PURSUIT PRESSURE:

When the Democratic convention took place in August, with new nominee Kamala Harris rising in the polls, Democrats were giddy with a sense of impending victory. In Chicago for the convention, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York visited with party officials and reporters to outline his plans for a glorious new age in Washington with Democrats in control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives.

More than a century of burning coal, oil and gas has fueled intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, heavier rains and devastating floods. To prevent even more severe impacts, the UN global climate summit, Cop29, must deliver tangible results to keep global temperature rises below 2C – the limit defined in the 2015 Paris agreement. Achieving this goal means human societies can only emit a finite amount of additional carbon dioxide, known as the world’s “carbon budget.”

The ballots are counted (and in some few places, recounted). The blame is being distributed (but only in one of the two parties). The lawn signs have been struck (but some are being kept as collectibles, reminders of dreams redeemed or dismantled).