Axios

A rare weather pattern is causing pre-Thanksgiving frigid air to dive southward from Canada and across the lower 48 states, setting up a "crippling" lake effect snowstorm in the Buffalo, New York, area.

The big picture: An anomalously strong ridge of high pressure parked over Alaska is causing the jet stream to buckle, opening the refrigerator door from the Arctic.

Hundreds of millions of people around the world lack reliable access to safe water — an escalating crisis with a potentially profound impact on their mental health.

Why it matters: Similar to food insecurity, water insecurity has been linked to depression, anxiety, and increased rates of violence — and is considered one of the greatest threats facing humans, several scientists tell Axios.

A newly forming star typically hidden behind clouds of dust has been revealed in a new photo from the James Webb Space Telescope.

Why it matters: Studying protostars like this one provide a window into how our Sun and solar system began billions of years ago.

Lab-grown poultry from a California startup is safe for human consumption, the Food and Drug Administration said.

Why it matters: It's a major milestone for cell-cultivated meats and could be a sign that these foods will be available in U.S. stores and restaurants.

NASA's successful launch this week of its Moon rocket ushers in a new age of lunar exploration.

Why it matters: NASA's Artemis program may help spark the inspiration that a major human spaceflight endeavor — like the Apollo program — can bring to new generations.