A cheaper way to cool homes, particularly for renters

Plus: AI can't match children's messy learning process ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

US Edition - Today's top story: How window-mounted heat pumps can give tenants efficient heating and cooling View in browser 15 June 2026 US Edition Top headlines Why Haiti’s soccer team fell afoul of FIFA uniform rules Proposed rule change would disrupt last wild spaces in US Immigration crackdown reshaping access to healthcare Lead story Summer heat is here, and my home cooling system is on. A few years ago, my family swapped out window air conditioners for a mini-split heat pump system that’s more efficient. But many people either rent their homes or don’t have the money to spend up front to install a system like that.  Smaller, window-mounted heat pumps are now becoming available in the U.S., so I asked Moncef Krarti, a scholar of energy efficiency at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explain what they are, how they work and how their efficiency differs from both whole-home heat pump systems and traditional window air conditioners. He lays out the similarities and differences, and points out some key factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying one of these units, which could help you keep your home cooler in the summer – and warmer in the winter – for less money than you might be spending now. One last note: if you appreciate reading articles like these, without hitting a paywall or web advertisements, please help sustain our service. Your generosity makes it possible Jeff Inglis Environment + Energy Editor   Many U.S. apartments have individual heating and cooling systems that are less efficient than current technology. Spencer Platt/Getty Images How window-mounted heat pumps can give tenants efficient heating and cooling Moncef Krarti, University of Colorado Boulder Permanently installing a heat pump system in a building is expensive. But new window units can deliver many of the benefits with far less cost and go with renters when they move. Education AI schools like Alpha promise efficiency, but can’t replicate the messy process that helps kids learn W. Ian O'Byrne, College of Charleston AI schools try to tailor learning to match students’ abilities. But they can’t help young people learn who they are. Economy + Business The ‘right to repair’ movement has a point, but consumers should read the warranty fine print first Wayne Fu, University of Michigan-Dearborn Manufacturers would benefit from establishing a better, more efficient service network and offering more attractive warranty programs. Arts + Culture FIFA’s Haiti jersey ban echoes the long campaign to discredit and downplay the Haitian Revolution Julia Gaffield, William & Mary The move is part of a longer history of obscuring and demonizing the Haitian Revolution and its leader, Jean-Jacques Dessalines. 💬 Comments open Who was the first transgender person? Ky Merkley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Nick Winters, Northwestern University There is evidence of people who crossed gender boundaries even in ancient civilizations, though the terms naming them have evolved over time. 💬 Comments open Politics + Society Trump proposes putting political goals above objective criteria in deciding who gets government grants, from childcare to research to public safety Mirae Kim, George Mason University The White House says the changes it seeks would strengthen transparency, accountability and oversight. Critics say federal grantmaking would become too political. Science + Technology Sonic booms from meteors can release the energy of hundreds of tons of TNT – here’s how they work Shawn Laatsch, University of Maine 2026 has already been a banner year for meteor spottings and sonic booms across the world. Ethics + Religion A shared mourning ritual helped an American soldier and an Iraqi interpreter find common ground Steve S. Medeiros, University of Connecticut Research on social bonding suggests that common traditions can foster connection not only within communities but also across cultural and religious boundaries. Health + Medicine US immigration policies interfere with prenatal care and parenting choices, hurting people and communities Jallicia Jolly, Amherst College Limits on healthcare for undocumented women are reshaping pregnancy and family health. Environment + Energy Paving paradise: Dismantling the US Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife, water and peace in the last quiet places in America Mariah Meek, Michigan State University; Travis Belote, Montana State University The constant noise of traffic is so ubiquitous, it is barely noticeable to our ears – until we step into a roadless forest and experience true quiet. This successful Arctic fishing treaty has kept Russia, China, the US and others working together for 5 years – it could be a model for future diplomacy David Balton, Harvard Kennedy School As sea ice melts, more of the Arctic Ocean opens up. A former ambassador explains how this treaty creates time for scientists to figure out what lives there. Trending on site Glucosamine supplements may speed memory loss from Alzheimer’s, new research shows 5 ways data centers endanger their local communities and the country as a whole Home insurance and the unraveling of Florida communities Reader Comments 💬 “I think it’s very human to want to see your own nation do well, much like you want to see your local team and local people do well in any kind of national or international event. But this is a world away from nationalism and believing your own nation is superior to and more worthy of success than any other nation at everything they do.” – Reader John Green on the story As an American, should you feel guilty about rooting against the US in the World Cup?thing More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our other emails: • The Afternoon Story (A new daily Substack) • Weekly Highlights• Science Editors' Picks • Artificial Intelligence• Giving Today • This Week in Religion • Politics Weekly • Global Perspectives • Global Economy & Business Follow us on social media: • Bluesky • Mastodon • Threads • TikTok • LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook • Or get a daily text from us Tell your friends about us! Forward this email to them so they can sample our journalism. About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. Partner with us to bring trustworthy journalism to the public   You’re receiving this newsletter from The Conversation 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 Forward to a friend  •  Unsubscribe