John McDermott, The Economist's Africa correspondent, shares harrowing insights from the decade-long conflict in eastern Congo, shedding light on the staggering human toll and desperate need for global attention. Alok Jha, the science correspondent, discusses the hunt for innovative painkillers that avoid addiction, highlighting breakthroughs like VX548. Meanwhile, Erin Braun brings a whimsical twist with a dive into Fat Bear Week, a delightful celebration in Alaska where voters choose the chubbiest bear, fusing wildlife conservation with community fun.