IN some ways the news resembles an iceberg. Each week only a fraction of what happens possesses importance and immediacy enough to capture both the mind and the headlines. This week TIME opens its survey of the week's news with a description of the pride and affection that marked the celebrations for the Moon Voyagers. Then follows the mystery that cloaks the Green Beret murder case in Viet Nam and the controversy of the Ted Kennedy case --where questions and speculation continue. Two violent conflicts also are dissected: one in Northern Ireland and the other on the Sino-Soviet border. As always, crime is very much on everyone's mind, and the cover story, written by Gerald Clarke, explores the influence of the Mafia in virtually every facet of U.S. life.

Yet beneath the obviously "big news" lies a wealth of stories that have their own quiet importance--issues that need explanation, stories of the unexpected, the half-forgotten, the intriguing, the piquant. These, too, create their own impact and fascination. This week, for example, TIME readers will find answers to the following questions in our pages --none earth-shaking in itself, but each contributing toward making a bit more sense out of today's world.

qed Each year, 100,000 U.S. husbands run away from home. What do they do then? (See BEHAVIOR.)

qed The Front Page, a play written more than 40 years ago, drew a portrait of the heartless Chicago newspaper reporter. Is he as rough and tough today? Or have there been mellowing influences? (See THE PRESS.)

qed What is rugged, not too expensive, easy to operate, and can swim or crawl over just about any obstacle? (See SPORT.)

qed The ability to ask simple, direct questions would seem the first thing anyone would teach aspirants for this profession. Are they in fact being so taught? (See THE LAW.)

qed What vitamin will save the world, who is going to be Myra Breckinridge's agent, which Twin has his "brother" in stitches, and which 195-Ib. amateur makes a 280-lb. pro say "ouch"? (See PEOPLE.)

qed Serious musicians have always regarded the accordion as a lightweight in the company of musical instruments. But is it really? (See Music.)

qed Most of today's middle generation took full advantage of the G.I. Bill of Rights to further their education after World War II and Korea. Now that the younger generation is coming home from Viet Nam, what use is it making of the G.I. Bill in its present form? (See EDUCATION.)

qed The Arab and Israeli air forces fly planes of basically similar performance. Why, then, are the Israelis able to claim five Arab aircraft shot down for every loss of their own? (See THE WORLD.)

qed Millions visiting Canada's Expo 67 thought they saw the world's most beautiful subway. Now there is a challenger. Who is the builder, and how does he make his subway "float" in an almost liquid subsoil? (See BUSINESS.)

qed The vaults are carved into a granite cliff, and air-conditioned to an almost constant 57DEG F. and 40-50% humidity. Only a direct hit by a nuclear bomb could endanger that place and the treasure that is stored there. (See RELIGION.)

qed Are alligators more important than people? Where is the last remaining virgin subtropical area in the U.S.? (See ENVIRONMENT.)

The Cover: Sculptural assemblage by Jack Gregory, photographed by Seymour Mednick.

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