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Survey Findings: Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health into UHC Requires Leadership, Financing, and Political Will
SRHR remains critically underfunded, leaving 164M women with unmet needs and driving preventable maternal deaths. Global survey findings show political commitment is the key driver of financing and integration into UHC. While fiscal constraints persist, leadership determines whether resources are prioritized, enabling equitable access and strengthening health systems.
FreeWheel Integrates Tunnl Audiences to Accelerate Political and Public Affairs Targeting Across CTV for 2026 Campaigns
NEW YORK, March 18, 2026--FreeWheel Integrates Tunnl Audiences to Accelerate Political and Public Affairs Targeting Across CTV for 2026 Campaigns
EU Inc proposal seeks to rival US in innovation by easing startup creation
The European Commission proposed on Wednesday allowing firms to set up in as little as 48 hours and operate according to a single set of rules across the 27-nation EU in a bid to narrow the gap with the United States in innovative startups.
ICF International Flags 2026 Growth Rebound as Federal Headwinds Ease, Energy Business Accelerates
ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) executives outlined the company’s business mix, recent federal headwinds, and growth priorities during a discussion hosted by Canaccord Genuity Senior Research Analyst Jason Tilchin. Anne Choate, president, and Kyle Wiggins, senior vice president for Energy, Environme
Child vaccination rate drops sharply in Michigan under RFK Jr's influence
Vaccination rates among young children in Michigan dropped sharply during the first year of the Trump administration, a Reuters analysis of state data shows, providing an early indication of how vaccine-skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is influencing immunization practices in the United States.
How lawyers got their hands on thousands of private patient records
The nation’s largest health records company, Epic Systems, has sued multiple firms including GuardDog Telehealth, alleging they had improperly accessed personal medical records.
XOMA Royalty Reports 2025 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Business Achievements
Portfolio receipts: • Achieved over $50 million of cash receipts, including $33.6 million in royalties and $16.9 million milestones, in full year 2025 • Total receipts increased 9% with royalties up 68% versus full year 2024 Business development: Added 22 assets to portfolio, including five programs in Phase 2 or Phase 3 development Stock buyback program: Repurchased and retired 648,048 shares for an aggregate of $16.0 million Company acquisitions: Completed seven acquisitions, accumulating $11.
Mental health staff accept pay offer to end strikes
Workers will get a one-off payment but no extra pay rise after the months-long dispute.
VT Markets and Newcastle United Clinch Double Wins at Forex Sports Awards 2026
VT Markets, a leading global multi-asset broker, has been honoured with the prestigious "Best Global Football Sponsor - Newcastle United F.C" and "Best Commercial Spot - Together, Into Tomorrow" awards at the Forex Sports Awards 2026. The double accolades recognises the brand's high-impact partnership with Newcastle United, celebrating excellence in global brand alignment and fan engagement.
Number of meningitis cases investigated in Kent rises to 20
Figure up from 15, says UK Health Security Agency, as thousands of students to be offered vaccines in coming days
Kalshi accused of running illegal gambling business
Kalshi accused of running illegal gambling business
Intel Precompiled Shaders Accelerate Game Load Times By Up To 3x On Arc GPUs, Now Available & Supported In 13 Games
Intel Arc GPUs can finally enable Precompiled Shaders for faster loading times that are supported in 13 games at launch.
$900 million proposal aims to end decades-long healthcare desert in South Fulton
How you walk reveals to others how you are feeling, researchers say
Study highlights the movements in people’s gait that give away most about their emotional state
Progress in reducing child deaths slows as 4.9 million children die before age five
An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, according to new estimates released today. Most of these deaths are preventable with proven, low-cost interventions and access to quality health care.
Spigen's New AirPods Pro 3 Case Is Modeled After the Original Macintosh Mouse
Accessory maker Spigen this week expanded its lineup of case options that are designed to look like vintage Apple Macs. The clever new Classic LS AirPods Pro 3 Case resembles a the iconic Apple Macintosh mouse, so it goes well with Spigen's Mac-style iPhone cases. Priced at $25 from Amazon, the case features the stone color that was used for the Classic Macintosh, along with a gray mouse button.
SoFi Responds to Inaccurate Short Seller Report
SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI), the one-stop shop for digital financial services, today issued the following statement: The claims made in the Muddy ...
11Alive
WXIA (Atlanta) — 11Alive is your source for breaking news, Georgia weather, traffic, and live coverage in Atlanta and across the metro area. Get the latest updates from the 11Alive team — from major local headlines and investigations to severe weather, community stories, and the moments everyone’s talking about. Watch live newscasts, stream breaking coverage, and catch up on the top stories shaping Atlanta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and surrounding communities. Subscribe for: • Atlanta breaking news + live updates • Georgia weather forecasts, storms, and severe weather alerts • Investigations and accountability reporting • Community stories across the metro area • Major events, sports, and local explainers WXIA / 11Alive — Atlanta news and weather, live and on demand. 🔗 More: https://www.11alive.com
Subnautica 2 might finally be entering early access in May
Subnautica 2 has weathered the storm and has rescheduled its early access release.
Rumor: iPhone 19e may bring ProMotion display
Apple is at least considering it, according to a new report. It’s been less than a week since the iPhone 17e was announced, but we’re already getting our...
Hundreds of health care workers from Washington, Oregon have immigrated to B.C. for jobs
More than 400 U.S.-trained health-care professionals have accepted jobs across British Columbia, nearly tripling the number reported in September 2025, provinci
Quincy, GREDF now accepting RFQs for sports complex project
The City of Quincy is now taking the next step on an indoor sports complex proposal for 48th and Maine St.
The race for a safe Democratic House seat offers clues about the party’s future
It’s Primary Day in Illinois, where 15 Democrats, spanning three generations, are vying to succeed longtime Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in the state's 9th Congressional District. We discuss what the race tells us about the future of the Democratic Party.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Ruling on RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Policy Changes Leaves Health Groups Scrambling
Lawyers for both sides in the federal lawsuit, brought by six medical organizations, are trying to understand the ramifications of the judge’s decision.
Onetime Democratic critics elevate Joe Kent’s conspiratorial resignation letter
Democrats previously slammed Kent as an untrustworthy extremist in opposing his nomination. Now, amid his anti-Israel accusations, some argue he has a point
Subnautica 2 Will Finally Enter Early Access in May Following Year of Delays and Legal Drama
Subnautica 2 is entering early access at last. IGN can exclusively reveal that both developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton have agreed the game is ready for its early access release in May on Xbox and PC, though an exact date hasn't been provided just yet.
Arizona files landmark criminal charges against prediction market Kalshi
Arizona’s attorney general has filed the first-ever criminal charges in the US against a major prediction market company, accusing Kalshi of running an illegal gambling operation in violation of state law.
How KultureCity Is Reshaping Accessibility in Live Entertainment
Over the past decade, conversations around live events have increasingly centered on safety [...]
New Washington state law aims to protect access to preventative health care
A new law in Washington state is aimed at protecting access to preventative health care.Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed House Bill 2242 into law. It's a
Appomattox dialysis center to close in April, UVA Health says
A dialysis center in the area is set to close next month, according to a spokesperson.
Spigen celebrates Apple’s 50th with retro Mac-inspired accessories
Spigen’s Classic LS lineup adds a retro MagSafe wallet and AirPods case inspired by classic Apple design with modern features.
Mainers to vote on whether to end transgender inclusion in school sports
Mainers will vote on the rights of trans students to access sports teams and bathrooms aligning with their gender identity this November
A meteor exploded over Ohio and Pennsylvania
A very loud bang accompanied the disintegrating space rock.
Former state health commissioner appointed to role supporting Minnesota hospitals
Former Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm will collaborate with leaders from hospitals and health systems across the state to tackle financial challenges to support hospitals and ensure access to care statewide.
Kalshi charged criminally in Arizona for operating illegal gambling business
Arizona's attorney general on Tuesday filed criminal charges against Kalshi, accusing the prediction markets platform of operating an illegal gambling business in the state and unlawfully allowing people to place bets on elections.
Scientists say marijuana doesn’t ease anxiety or other mental health conditions
Using medical or recreational marijuana to ease symptoms of numerous mental health conditions doesn’t work, according to new analyses
Here's Where Apple is Hosting More 50th Anniversary Events Following New York
After hosting a surprise Alicia Keys concert at its Grand Central store in New York last week, Apple is turning to Asia for more 50th-anniversary celebrations. So far, it has been discovered that there will be events held in China and South Korea. Apple's retail store at Taikoo Li in Chengdu, China is temporarily closed this Wednesday, March 18, according to the store's page.
Opinion | The Unlikely Alliance to Save East Palestine Ohio
In Ohio after a toxic chemical accident, finding common ground in the country’s health wars.
Judge blocks Kennedy's changes to US childhood vaccine schedule
Kennedy had slashed the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11, sparking a backlash from health experts.
OpenAI may drop unlimited ChatGPT plans, exec says
ChatGPT's head said its subscription model was "accidental" but said "there's no world in which pricing doesn't significantly evolve."
Science & Innovation
Challenges to the American scientific enterprise—from the reproducibility crisis, to administrative bloat within research institutions, to diminished public trust in universities—together with sweeping reforms to the government’s role in science, make this a pivotal moment for science policy. An agenda to strengthen American science must enhance its productivity and credibility, preserve our research advantages, and ensure that the scientific enterprise remains accountable to American citizens.
Scientists say marijuana doesn't ease anxiety or other mental health conditions
Using medical or recreational marijuana to ease symptoms of numerous mental health conditions doesn't work, according to two new analyses of existing gold-standard research.
Epic notches a legal win, but the saga continues
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: An update on Epic's lawsuit over alleged improper access to health records, Nvidia's new radiology AI partnership, and more.
Acclaimed political scientist Francis Fukuyama to speak at Commencement
Political scientist, international relations expert and author Francis Fukuyama will speak at William & Mary’s 2026 Commencement ceremony as the university continues its celebration of the Year of Civic Leadership.
Study finds ChatGPT gets science wrong more often than you think
A new study put ChatGPT to the test by asking it to judge whether hundreds of scientific hypotheses were true or false—and the results were far from reassuring. While the AI got it right about 80% of the time on the surface, its performance dropped significantly when accounting for random guessing, revealing only modest reasoning ability. Even more concerning, it frequently contradicted itself when asked the exact same question multiple times, sometimes flipping answers back and forth.
10,000 Corewell Health East nurses across nine Michigan hospitals vote to authorize strike
Nurses at Corewell Health East, represented by the Teamsters Local 2024 union, voted on Tuesday to authorize a strike by a nearly 90% margin. The union includes around ten-thousand nurses across nine hospitals and campuses throughout southeastern Michigan, according to a press release from the union. “This overwhelming strike vote shows that nurses are done […]
Environmental science student earns prestigious internship at Germany’s Freiburg University
Nelly Koz has always made an impact in her community through her love of the outdoors. Now, she’ll have a chance to make an impact on a global level. The environmental science major recently accepted a lucrative internship at Freiburg University in Germany, where she will help with data collection and recording observations on a section of the Black Forest that serves as a living laboratory.
The semi-official Galaxy A57 shows itself with a price hike
A Thai vendor might've already listed the phone accidentally.
It’s Showtime for the SAVE America Act in the Senate | WSJ Politics Newsletter for March 17
Plus, a judge blocks RFK Jr’s MAHA vaccine recommendations
Business partner of King’s cousin ‘scammed’ doctor out of £50k
A retired doctor lost £50,000 in a scam orchestrated by the business partner of one of the King’s cousins, it has been claimed.
The glaring problem with RFK Jr.’s push for more nutrition education
Teaching doctors in training about nutrition will do little if patients cannot access healthy food.
Barcelona star to return to starting XI vs Newcastle
A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona is in line for a return to starting duties in the club’s next outing.That’s according to Diario Sport, who highlight Eric García as the...
Pair accused of operating fake contracting businesses in Lower Merion Township
Police in Lower Merion Township are looking to identify further victims of an organized fraud scheme involving fake contracting businesses.
Judge blocks federal health officials from cutting childhood vaccines
Accused DC pipe bomber tells court Trump’s broad Jan. 6 pardon should apply to him
The Virginia man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, DC, the night before the 2021 US Capitol riot asked a federal judge on Monday to dismiss his case, arguing that President Donald Trump’s expansive pardon of January 6 rioters applies to him.
NH Executive Council approves $640M in federal funds for GO-NORTH rural health initiative
The funding is aimed at improving access to care for rural patients, developing the rural health care workforce, and boosting technology and innovation.
University of Florida Penalizes GOP Group Over Antisemitism Accusations
After the University of Florida restricted the Republican organization from operating on campus, the group sued the university arguing its First Amendment rights were violated.
Judge blocks US government from cutting vaccine recommendations for children
The judge said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.
JPMorgan Hires Goldman’s Zhang to Co-Head China IB Business
JPMorgan Chase & Co. hired Zhang Yi to co-head its China investment banking business with Michelle Wang, according to an internal memo.
2026 March Madness: UConn enters women's NCAA tournament as massive favorite
Get a fuller picture with Fitbit's personal health coach
Learn how Fitbit is helping people take control of their health by linking medical records, improving sleep tracking accuracy and advancing metabolic research. Discover how the Personal Health Coach uses your health history to provide more relevant wellness information while keeping your data private and secure.
AG Letitia James pushes bill to ban 'surveillance pricing'
Using personal data like browsing history and more, Instacart charged individualized prices for items unbeknownst to customers, according to data.
Using marijuana to ease anxiety or depression? Science shows the evidence isn’t there
Marijuana doesn’t help with anxiety, PTSD, depression or other mental health conditions, according to two large, new studies.
Federal judge halts RFK Jr.'s changes to children's vaccine policies
In a rebuke, a federal district court judge blocked the administration's reduction in the number of immunizations recommended for kids and also changes to an influential vaccine committee.
NJ college dean, former youth sports coach accused of sexually assaulting boy
A former South Jersey youth sports coach and a recently appointed college dean is facing charges after authorities say he sexually assaulted a boy.
10 Audio Improvements in Apple's New AirPods Max 2
Apple refreshed the AirPods Max today, and the main new addition is an H2 chip that replaces the H1 chip. The H2 chip has previously been used in the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 and later, but it's new to the AirPods Max. It brings multiple audio improvements alongside an updated high dynamic range amplifier. We've listed all of the audio features that are new to the AirPods Max according to Apple.
Colorado voters will decide whether transgender students can join girls’ sports
A ballot initiative that would require student athletes to only join sports teams that correspond to their biological sex has qualified for the November ballot, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. The measure includes a declaration that “males and females possess unique and immutable biological differences that manifest prior to birth and increase […]
Judge blocks RFK Jr. from scaling back childhood vaccine recommendations
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child, and said U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.
WKYC Channel 3
WKYC (Cleveland) is your source for breaking news, Northeast Ohio weather, traffic, and live coverage in Cleveland and across the region. Get the latest updates from the WKYC team — from major local headlines and investigations to severe weather, community stories, and the moments everyone’s talking about. Watch live newscasts, stream breaking coverage, and catch up on the top stories shaping Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and surrounding communities. Subscribe for: • Cleveland breaking news + live updates • Northeast Ohio weather forecasts and severe weather alerts • Investigations and accountability reporting • Community stories across the region • Major events, sports, and local explainers WKYC — Cleveland news and weather, live and on demand. 🔗 More: https://www.wkyc.com/
This unified approach helps put effective healthcare AI into practice
Health systems can transition from small-scale artificial intelligence pilots to high-speed, validated rollouts that meaningfully improve patient outcomes by maintaining three key guardrails, according to presenters at HIMSS26.
WhatsApp is working on ‘guest chats’ for people without accounts
After months of testing on Android, Meta is bringing guest chats to beta testers on iOS and the web. Here’s how it works.
Federal judge puts RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule, advisers on ice
While the judge stayed the Health Secretary's appointments to a key advisory panel, he did not block its meeting this month.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.’s vaccine policy overhaul for now
The judge said the government has undermined its history of recognizing the importance of involving independent experts in setting the national public health agenda.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule
The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Federal judge stalls health secretary RFK Jr.’s overhaul of vaccine policy
Breaking: A federal judge on Monday stalled major parts of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to remake vaccine policy in the U.S.
Factbox-Lawsuits Against Trump Administration's Health Policy Changes
March 16 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Monday blocked key parts of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort to reshape U.S. vaccine policy, including a move to reduce the number of shots routinely recommended for children. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston sided with medical ...
Judge Strikes Down Kennedy’s Vaccine Policies
Ruling on a lawsuit brought by several prominent medical organizations, a district court said the federal government did not base its decisions on science in limiting Covid shots and changing the childhood immunization schedule.
Merlin and Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. IV Announce Closing of Business Combination
Merlin's Cessna Caravan Merlin's aircraft flying overhead at the company's Quonset, RI hangar Merlin's Quonset, RI Hangar A C-130J flying overhead at Merlin’s Quonset, RI hangar Transaction provides more than $200M in gross proceeds to accelerate commercialization of AI-powered autonomous aviation Merlin to Begin Trading on March 17th on the NASDAQ Under Ticker Symbol “MRLN” BOSTON, March 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merlin, Inc., an aerospace and defense technology company building the operatin
Black women lead fastest-growing segment of US entrepreneurs
Black women are launching businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic in the U.S., driven in part by layoffs, stalled promotions and a corporate environment many say feels increasingly inhospitable, The Wall Street Journal writes. The number of Black women-owned businesses rose about 13% last year, according to research from Wells Fargo and […]
Aspen Valley Health partners with electronic health record platform
Aspen Valley Health has announced the launch of an Epic Connect partnership, aiming to shift how independent rural hospitals access advanced healthcare technology in alignment with local governance.
UPMC warns embattled data exchange Health Gorilla may have improperly pulled patient records
UPMC says its medical records may have been improperly accessed by Health Gorilla, a patient data gatekeeper accused in federal court of mismanaging sensitive information. Health Gorilla requested data “under the pretext of providing treatment to shared UPMC patients and claimed it had permission to do so,” according to a
Salt: A Vital Compound for Science and Society
From salt basins in the Persian Gulf to lithium reserves in Chile, evaporite minerals accumulate in sedimentary basins under tectonic and climatic processes of significance to scientists worldwide.
Fired DHS chief Kristi Noem faces criminal referral from congressional Democrats
Democrats accuse Kristi Noem of making "demonstrably false" statements to Congress regarding DHS contracts and Corey Lewandowski, weeks after her ousting by President Trump.
Satellite Data Explorer
The Satellite Data Explorer lets users search, discover, access and download NASA-acquired commercial Earth observation data.
Opinion: New Book Helps Teachers Implement Science of Reading in Their Classrooms
Get kids reading fluently. As much as you can. Have them read and write about books. That, more or less, is the key to translating the science of reading into classroom practice, according to a new bo...
EHR fragmentation offers an opportunity to enhance care coordination and experience
Harmonizing electronic health record platforms and their legacy data tames complexity and enables easier patient access to information and greater patient trust in the healthcare system, says NewYork-Presbyterian's EHR manager.
Iran’s attacks have collapsed, and the trend is ‘overwhelmingly positive,’ analysts say. But the military side is separate from politics and markets
Iranian drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates collapsed from 332 on the second day of the war to just six on Sunday, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
Samsung is reportedly ending Galaxy Z TriFold sales after just three months
According to a new report out, Samsung might be planning to check the Galaxy Z TriFold off of its list,...
ECU Health seeks sustainable contract during UnitedHealthcare renewal, emphasizes commitment to protecting rural health care access
ECU Health remains steadfast in its mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.
Oz Says California’s Not Fighting Health Care Fraud. Data Shows a Larger Battle
By Don Thompson | KFF Health News SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For weeks, Mehmet Oz has been waging a public feud with California leaders over health care fraud, accusing the blue state of failing to adequately combat such abuse. Oz, who heads the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, alleged that
Call for Entries: Globee® Awards for Business Invite Local and Small Businesses Across the United States to Nominate Their Achievements
The Globee® Awards for Business, part of the Globee Awards' portfolio of merit-based and data-driven business recognition programs with worldwide participation, are now accepting entries and invite local and small businesses across the United States to nominate their achievements.
Sen. Schmitt accuses Democrats of playing ‘petty politics’ as DHS funding fight continues
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., discusses the mounting national security concerns amid the DHS shutdown, responds to Democratic criticism of ICE and more on ‘America’s Newsroom.’
Rochester Regional Health Launches Targeted Loan-Support Program to Strengthen Access to Critical Healthcare Services
Rochester Regional Health (RRH) today announced a targeted student-loan support program designed to strengthen access to essential clinical care across the region. Through a partnership with Clasp, Rochester Regional will help future Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Surgical Technologists, and Radiologic Technologists finance their education and begin their careers serving the patients of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region.
Customers accuse Whatnot of illegal gambling operation over sports card breaks, repacks
One of the largest online live-selling platforms, Whatnot sold more than 76 million sports cards last year.
No H.I.V. Aid Without More Access to Minerals: U.S. Ponders ‘Sticks’ Against Zambia
A draft State Department memo outlines ways the Trump administration may ratchet up pressure on the African country by ending health support “on a massive scale.”
Partisanship and science
I recently participated in a symposium of the Denver-based Institute for Science & Policy, during which I had a “fireside chat” with Tony Mills of the American Enterprise Institute. Mills has written extensively on the politicization of science, and the two of us had a very enjoyable hour-long conversation on the topic. You can watch it below. The main questions we dealt with are why there is such a vast partisan gap in trust of science, and to what extent this is a unique moment. Mills helpfully brings a good deal of data to the discussion, as he did in this useful piece at Issues in Science & Technology. Tusk depends on reader support. To support this work, please become a paid subscriber. Subscribe Note this graph, drawing on a range of survey data to demonstrate partisan attitudes toward science since 1970s. As it demonstrates, there’s been a very sharp partisan divergence in confidence in science during the Trump Era, starting prior to the Covid pandemic. At least in part, we can attribute this to a rise in populist anti-science rhetoric embraced by Trump, his appointees, and those in his media orbit. But as the graph also shows, the partisan divide has existed in the past, and it’s not always in the same direction. The largest divergence in party views toward science prior to 2016 was in the 1970s, when liberals equated scientific achievement with the military-industrial complex and thus trusted it less. That era of scientific mistrust is often overlooked. Indeed, as Mills notes, the Moon landings (1969-72), which today are considered one of the last great moments of national unity, were experienced nothing like that at the time. There was sharp debate back then over whether the Apollo missions were worth the vast expenditures when the country had so much else to deal with. It’s outside the dataset, and we don’t have the partisanship lens for it, but the 1950s was another deeply anti-science decade, with critics of intellectuals and college professors alleging their ties to communism and their lack of commitment to basic American moral beliefs. This was the subject of Richard Hofstadter’s 1962 book Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, in which he quotes religious leaders like Franklin Graham: [In place of the Bible] we substituted reason, rationalism, mind culture, science worship, the working power of government, Freudianism, naturalism, humanism, behaviorism, positivism, materialism, and idealism. [This is the work of] so-called intellectuals. Thousands of these “intellectuals” have publicly stated that morality is relative—that there is no norm or absolute standard.… This fervor was heavily whipped up by Sen. Joe McCarthy (R-Wisconsin), although it’s clear that not all his fellow Republicans were on board with his red-baiting. What ended that era? The simple answer is the 1957 launch of Sputnik. Americans became afraid that they were losing to Soviet scientists, and suddenly university researchers and government projects were awash with funding. In our conversation, I asked Mills about the possibility of us having a Sputnik moment again that would rally the American public in favor of science today. Mills argued that the COVID-19 pandemic was essentially a Sputnik moment — a terrifying threat to all Americans that required scientific advances to address. But thanks in part to political polarization and the populist and conspiratorial leanings of Donald Trump, we got the opposite of a unifying moment. Many Americans turned against science, despite science actually stepping up in that moment. As we discussed in the chat, it’s not clear what scientists could or should be doing in this moment to increase faith in their work. As Mills notes, one of the chief complaints against scientists and professors is that they’ve become too political; scholars becoming even more political might not help them achieve their goals. This (mainly Republican-driven) anti-science era will end, of course, but it’s not clear what event will bring that about. Share