The European Commission recommends that formal talks should begin with Ukraine on joining the European Union. / BBC News

At least 45 American service members may have been injured in Iran-linked attacks. / NBC News

Five takeaways from last night's off-year elections, where abortion rights fueled big Democratic wins. / Politico, The New York Times [+]

Louisiana's new governor is one of the fossil fuel industry's biggest defenders. / Grist

Some data on how the racial diversity of a jury influences who wins the National Book Award. / Public Books

Your short story for the week: "Twenty Minutes" by James Salter. / Xpressenglish

Examples of fees recently paid to Instagram influencers by corporations. / AdAge

"Agritainment" refers to the craft of creating corn mazes. / Slate

See also: "Palm oil makes the interplay between manufacturing technology and the consumer economy spring into focus." / Scope of Work

A fun interactive guide to the JWST, aka "a giant leap in the history of stargazing." / The New York Times Magazine [+]

A tour of Smithsonian Folkways' best science and nature recordings. / Pitchfork

Reminder: If you hailed a taxi in New York City between 1997 and 2003, the recorded voice of a celebrity reminded you to buckle up. / YouTube