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An American Politician is Blocked by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank
Representative Ro Khanna was barred from leaving for 90 minutes. Where past U.S. leaders toured the region to show support for Israel, today’s Democratic presidential aspirants are going to bolster their credentials as critics.
Michigan Democrats are angry at their party. Abdul El-Sayed thinks he knows why
Key Democratic establishment figures believe Abdul El-Sayed will blow the party’s chances of holding onto a critical Senate seat this fall. He is out to prove them wrong — and to show that they misunderstand what voters really crave.
In R.I., incumbent governor faces rocky road to reelection
Polls show Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee 20 percentage points behind in a Democratic primary rematch amid political fallout from the Washington Bridge closure.
Why Maine’s Senate race is so critical for Democrats in 2026
Senate Democrats have few openings to gain in blue or purple territory this year or in the next election. And if they lose Maine, even winning big in 2028 might not be enough for a majority.
Senate hopefuls try to keep Platner at a distance while embracing his movement
In Maine, Democrats vying to take on GOP Sen. Susan Collins are condemning the scandal-tarred former candidate while wrapping their arms around his populist rhetoric and agenda.
Here are the races to watch as Democrats grow more bullish on retaking the Senate
The map still favors Republicans, but political headwinds are shifting to boost Democratic chances of flipping seats — despite the scandal in Maine.
GOP calls them 'communists.' Here's what democratic socialists believe
Democratic socialists like AOC and Zohran Mamdani have made inroads in some cities. Republicans call them communists but the ideologies differ.
Rochester gold medalist lands interview with Bills quarterback Josh Allen
Pittsford native and two-time Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis landed an interview with Josh Allen.
PFF unveils ultimate Bills roster from past 20 years
Pro Football Focus built the ultimate Buffalo Bills starting lineup of the last 20 years using its player grades.
Krull Commentary: McConnell, Platner and the politics of entitlement
This column was originally published by TheStatehouseFile.com. By John Krull TheStatehouseFile.com July 10, 2026 The medical mystery surrounding U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and the political meltdown of Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner together illustrate much of what is wrong with American politics today. Many, many ambitious people in this country see running
Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race
In his withdrawal notice, Platner said "people are desperate for change" and that's why they made him the Democratic nominee. Now, Maine Democrats have to pick someone to replace him by July 27.
McConnell, Platner and the politics of entitlement
The medical mystery surrounding U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and the political meltdown of Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner together illustrate much of what is wrong with American
Graham Platner submits notice to formally withdraw from Maine Senate race
Maine is considered a key state for control of the narrowly divided Senate, and Democrats were desperate for a candidate capable of defeating Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Sexual Assault Allegations Reshape Political Races from Maine to San Francisco
Sexual assault allegations have upended high-profile political campaigns across the country. This week, Democrat Graham Platner, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign following an accusation of rape. It comes months after former East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial bid collapsed under similar allegations. Now, a sexual assault allegation has emerged
Bangor Daily News political editor: Voters need 'time to heal' after Platner fallout
Bangor Daily News political editor Michael Shepherd discusses the difficult path forward for Maine Democrats as they search for a new U.S. Senate candidate following the allegations against Graham Platner on 'The Will Cain Show.'
This Philly-based political firm is at the center of the Graham Platner fallout
FIGHT, which has faced criticism for its role in Platner's campaign, is also working with Democratic candidates in two key Pennsylvania congressional races.
Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race
In his withdrawal notice, Platner said "people are desperate for change" and that's why they made him the Democratic nominee. Now, Maine Democrats have to pick someone to replace him by July 27.
Platner officially terminates Senate bid after bombshell rape allegation ends campaign
Graham Platner filed paperwork hours before a crucial deadline, allowing Maine Democrats to replace him after sexual misconduct allegations.
15 states sue Trump administration to block school mental health funding cuts
Fifteen states on Friday sued the Trump administration to prevent millions of dollars in cuts to school-based mental health funding. The new lawsuit is part of an ongoing legal battle between Democratic-led states and the U.S. Department of Education over a mental health grant program that Congress established following the 2018 school shooting at Marjory […]
Graham Platner officially drops out of the Maine Senate race
Democrats have until July 27 to find another candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November’s midterm elections.
How Maine's Democratic meltdown could shape the Senate midterms
Collapse of Democrats' Maine Senate campaign highlights divisions within the party.
Joe Klein: At 80, Here’s What I’ve Learned About Politics—and Life
I am 80 years old, this year of our 250th anniversary, and I find myself a cliché. My life has been a common political journey, from left to center. I recently took the Pew Research Center’s “political typology” test and found that I was a “pragmatic and polite conservative,” which seemed a rather abstruse basket: A politically mixed (though Republican-tilting) group, they lean conservative on economics and the role of government, while tilting more liberal on issues related to race and foreign policy. They prize civility and cooperation in politics. Well, that sounds pretty mushy—and I find it hard to square with the strong opinions I have on many issues. I’ve voted for Democrats in federal elections, but I grow more Republican the closer I get to local politics. Democrats, I’ve found, simply aren’t very good at running things, especially school systems, where they are in the thrall of the teachers unions. My friends joke about my obsession with the unions. They know all my lines. If industrial unions are organized against the power of capital, who are the public employees organized against? But enough of that. I’ve ranted that rant too often, and my political journey has been more complicated than that one issue. It has been empirical, based on actual experience—on a lifetime of reporting and a lot of reading. An early example: I was a journalist with the underground press in Boston at the turn of the 1970s and considered myself a member of the antiwar and civil rights movements. The first big issue I covered was busing to achieve school integration. Yes, the white bigots were disgusting. But I couldn’t find any black parents who favored the plan to bus their children to schools outside their neighborhoods either. Black activists and politicians—and white liberals—were gung ho, but not actual parents of black kids in school. Busing was a form of social engineering imposed from on high, by a judge—W. Arthur Garrity—who lived in a wealthy liberal suburb. Wealthy liberal suburbs were not affected by his plan, of course. I began to see that there were limits to what government could do, especially when it came to changing a society’s culture.
Can a pro-Israel Jewish Democrat be the party’s 2028 nominee? Hear what progressive House candidate Brad Lander thinks
Cook Political Report moving 4 of 5 gubernatorial races toward Democrats
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report on Friday shifted its ratings in five gubernatorial races, moving all but one race in favor of Democrats, as the left gains momentum in several key states ahea…
Mamdani’s preening arrogance will ultimately prove his downfall
The democratic socialist balloon deflated this week.
Trump fires members of bipartisan elections commission
President Donald Trump fired two Democratic members of the Elections Assistance Commission and received the resignation of a Republican member.
It’s not me, it’s them: Platner goes down snarling with graceless exit video
The populist Democrat nominee for Senate in Maine bowed to the inevitable but turned his farewell into a pity party
Political Candidates Have An Opening on Clean Energy
Democrats and Republicans have a once-in-a-generation opening to advance a clean energy agenda, writes David Kieve.
Meet the Bills ranked in CBS Sports' NFL Top 100
Three Bills landed in the CBS Sports' NFL Top 100, including one of the league’s biggest risers.
Trump Brushed Off His Scandals. Here’s Why Platner Couldn’t.
Why Democrats can't play by Trump rules.
Maine Democrat: Graham Platner causing “distrust” by delaying formal exit
Socialists launch radical platform to abolish the US Senate in bid to fundamentally transform America
The Democratic Socialists of America plans to unveil a platform eliminating the Senate and replacing the president with an executive chosen by Congress.
Harold Ford Jr: Our character standards have changed in politics
‘The Five’ analyzes the Democratic Party’s path forward after Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine U.S. Senate race.
A new speech shows how Israel lost the Democratic party
Rahm Emanuel and the death of the pro-Israel Democrat.
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong tests how far left voters will go in battleground Wisconsin
Over the last month, Democratic socialists have notched victories in the liberal strongholds of New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver.
The teenage Democrat building a political future in deep-red Idaho
The Nampa native was elected precinct captain for the Canyon County Democrats in May after receiving 100 votes.
Haley Stevens knows how to win in Michigan. Dems must decide if that's enough to win the Senate
Holding Michigan’s Senate seat is essential to any Democratic path back to the Senate majority this fall.
Democrats seek a way forward amid finger-pointing in Maine
Leaders of the Maine Democratic Party are still working toward a process to replace Graham Platner, without angering his supporters.
Can't believe 'moral depravity' of the Democratic Party, political commentator expresses
'Fox News @ Night' panelists Brianna Lyman and Shirin Yadegar discuss Graham Platner's withdrawal from the Maine Senate race following allegations against him.
City Government Is the Latest Proving Ground for Socialist Politics
A new stream of leftist candidates for local office is vowing to lower the cost of living for everyone. How much runway will they get?
Who will replace Graham Platner on the Maine ballot?
Democrats in Maine are beginning a sprint to nominate a new candidate for a pivotal U.S. Senate seat, This, after progressive nominee Graham Platner announced he's withdrawing from the race after a sexual assault allegation.
Maine Democrats seek path forward in critical US Senate race
At least five candidates have come forward in the hours since Graham Platner dropped out less than three weeks before the ballot deadline.
Who will replace Graham Platner on the ballot? 7 Democrats to watch
Whoever is selected will have less than four months before facing longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.
Victor Marx defeats Barb Kirkmeyer as Colorado’s Republican gubernatorial primary crosses finish line
Republican Victor Marx won Colorado’s Republican gubernatorial nomination on Thursday after maintaining a razor-thin lead over state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer for more than a week as county clerks finished reporting final, unofficial vote totals. Marx, a missionary leader and first-time candidate, will face Democratic nominee Attorney General Phil Weiser in November for the office held […]
Victor Marx wins GOP nod for governor, will face Democrat Phil Weiser in November
The GOP primary remained too close to call for over a week, but Marx emerged victorious by about 2,500 votes.
Talarico polling stronger with Texas' Black voters than expected, but enthusiasm questions remain
Recent polling from The Texas Politics Project suggests Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is performing better with Black voters than his predecessors were at this point in their campaigns.
Republican Tano Tijerina now criticizes his Democratic opponent Henry Cuellar
Democrats say Tijerina’s shots are “political opportunism” and criticize the judge for trying to downplay Cuellar’s work for the region.
Republican Tano Tijerina now criticizes his Democratic opponent Henry Cuellar
Democrats say Tijerina’s shots are “political opportunism” and criticize the judge for trying to downplay Cuellar’s work for the region.
Patrick Dempsey says he's not running for Senate in Maine as Democrats weigh a replacement
The “Grey’s Anatomy” star quashed speculation that he was among those being considered to replace embattled Democratic nominee Graham Platner.
Platner’s Exit Sets Off Scramble for New Senate Candidate in Maine
The state Democratic Party has said it will pick a replacement through a nominating convention before a July 27 deadline. Candidates are already lining up.
Health workers fighting Ebola go on strike after months without pay
Doctors and Nurses on the front lines of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola response have reached a breaking point.
Live updates: U.S. and Iran escalate attacks; jockeying starts in Maine after Graham Platner drops Senate bid
Get live updates and the latest news as the U.S. and Iran escalate attacks and Maine Democrats jockey to replace Graham Platner as the party nominee for Senate after he withdraws from the race.
Trump’s escalating attacks on Iran pose risks at home
In today’s issue: ▪ Platner drops Senate candidacy ▪ Trump’s promises at NATO summit ▪ Kentucky governor requests McConnell update ▪ ObamaCare hikes give fuel to Democrats The latest rounds o…
Philadelphia’s politics were reshaped by the effort to win the 1936 Democratic Convention
Before 1936, Philadelphia was a rock-ribbed Republican city, but the effort led by businessman Albert Greenfield to lure the convention turned it into a Democratic bastion.
A democratic socialist in Wisconsin tests how far left voters want to go in a battleground state
Democratic socialists have recently won elections in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver
Maine Democrats plan convention to replace scandal-hit Platner
Senate pick announced his withdrawal in angry video accusing party and media of acting as ‘judge, jury and executioner’
Analysis | Democratic Party fissures are shaping Michigan’s crucial Senate primary
The race is the next, and perhaps biggest, battle between the Democrats’ warring factions.
Patrick Dempsey shuts down Maine Senate buzz as Democrats weigh a replacement
In an editorial, Dempsey emphasized the challenges Mainers face, like housing and healthcare. He decided against running, believing he can contribute more effectively through his current work.
GOP tightens grip on Senate amid Dems' dysfunction in Maine
As Democrats scramble to contain a political disaster in Maine, the Republicans on the front lines of the GOP's fight to hold the U.S. Senate majority are breathing a sigh of relief.
Maine Democrats plan convention to replace Platner
The Maine Democratic Party has voted to hold a convention now that Graham Platner has announced he'll drop out of the U.S. Senate race.
Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race
Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after a woman who dated him said he drunkenly forced her to have sex despite her telling him to stop. Platner denies the allegation.
Meet the 14 houseguests joining Big Brother Season 28
CBS revealed the 14 houseguests for Big Brother Season 28, featuring a rocket scientist, MMA fighter, and more.
Analysis | Can working-class roots help Democrats win back working-class voters?
Democratic gubernatorial candidates are running on personal working-class stories.
Senate hopeful Haley Stevens knows how to win in Michigan. Democrats must decide if that's enough
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens is closing Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary by arguing she is the party’s strongest candidate to beat Republicans
G.O.P Shutdown Anxiety & McConnell’s AWOL Politics
Senate Republicans are anxious about a possible preelection government shutdown instigated by Democrats. Plus, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pushes Mitch McConnell’s team on health updates.
Graham Platner debacle puts Democrats in grave danger of blowing it in the midterms
The meltdown in Maine’s Senate race risks the Democrats’ opportunity to turn Trump into a lame duck president.
US Senate nominee Platner halts campaign after assault allegations
A string of high-profile Democrats have withdrawn support for Platner following sexual assault allegation.
Democrats Face a Maine-Size Mess After Platner Withdraws
The party is getting a redo, but will they blow it?
Graham Platner drops out of U.S. Senate race, opening narrow path to replace him
Graham Platner's exit from the race comes just days before a statutory deadline allowing the Maine Democratic Party to replace him by July 27. So far, party leaders aren't saying how that process is going to work.
Graham Platner drops his bid for Senate after facing an allegation of rape
Platner's campaign to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine was marked by repeated scandals. It came to a crashing halt after the allegation led top Democrats to withdraw their support.
Graham Platner drops out of Senate race, allowing Maine Democrats to replace him
His decision comes within days of a key deadline, allowing Maine’s Democratic Party to select a new candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a critical contest for Senate control.
9 possible candidates who could replace Platner on Maine’s ballot
Will Democrats choose another progressive nominee or distance themselves from Graham Platner’s wing of the party amid his scandals?
Graham Platner drops Maine Senate bid, clearing way for Democrats to pick new nominee
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner said Wednesday he was ending his campaign, clearing the way for Democrats to select a new candidate to take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the most important contests of November’s midterm elections.
Graham Platner ends U.S. Senate campaign in Maine
Maine Democrats have until July 27 to choose a replacement candidate to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R).
Patrick Dempsey doesn’t want to replace Graham Platner in Maine U.S. Senate race
In a new op-ed, Patrick Dempsey declared he’s ‘concerned about the direction our country is heading,’ but will not replace Graham Platner in the Maine U.S. Senate race after calls mount for the Democratic nominee to drop out following sexual assault allegations against him.
Platner leave Democrats with egg on their faces
Democrats have a number of Graham Platner-related problems as they await his decision on whether to drop out of the Maine Senate race amid a rape allegation he denies.
Carville blasts Dems amid Platner scandal, warning they ignored a classic rule of politics and paid the price
James Carville blasted Maine Democrats for failing to vet Platner, saying opposition research on your own candidate is the most important step.
Democratic fighting escalates in Maine as Graham Platner stalls on making a decision
Platner’s campaign and the state party have been publicly sparring, with the campaign denying it’s trying to unduly influence who would replace him as the Senate nominee.
Democrats are calling for an investigation into Houston ICE shooting. Republicans have been mostly silent
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally shot by an ICE agent on Tuesday during what the agency called a "targeted enforcement operation."
How Did We Get Graham Platner, Anyway? The Answer Is the Problem.
Democrats need to learn this lesson.
Platner's sex assault allegations shine light on state of American politics
Many of the Maine Democrat's potential Senate colleagues have dropped their support, which had withstood once-disqualifying reports of distasteful behavior.
Platner's sex assault allegations shine light on state of American politics
Many of the Maine Democrat's potential Senate colleagues have dropped their support, which had withstood once-disqualifying reports of distasteful behavior.
Inside Michigan’s slugfest of a Senate primary
Democrats are in the middle of a hostile fight between Abdul El-Sayed, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rep. Haley Stevens, the choice of Chuck Schumer.
Democratic Senate Hopeful Abdul El-Sayed Is Running Against Both Parties
His progressive campaign's strength in Michigan has caught some Democrats off guard
Graham Platner, isolated, defies Maine Democrats as they try to hatch a plan
People close to the Senate candidate’s campaign say that they know he has to drop out but that Platner has struggled with the decision.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asks Sen. Mitch McConnell for a health update
The Democratic governor’s letter comes weeks after the 84-year-old lawmaker entered the hospital for reasons he hasn’t explained.
Actors’ Equity, IATSE, Local 802 AFM Endorse New York Gov. Hochul
Actors’ Equity, IATSE and AFM Local 802 are backing the Democratic incumbent for reelection, citing her support for the industry.
Becerra’s primary win leads to flood in donations from business, labor and tech
Democrat Xavier Becerra raised at least $2.6 million since the June 2 primary from groups ranging from Uber to an L.A. police union.
Trump denies disaster aid for four Democratic-led states
The move deepens what Democrats say is the president's politicization of federal emergency management decisions.
Rahm Emanuel warns that Israel has become a 'territorial pariah' in a blistering speech
Rahm Emanuel, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, warns that Israel is becoming isolated due to its leadership.
Gov. Beshear urges McConnell to be ‘transparent’ and give an update on his health
The Democratic governor said “Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned” about Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health as his office has declined to give details on his hospitalization.
Michigan Democratic lawmakers introduce legislation to curb campaign spending power of corporations
State Rep. Betsy Coffia, a Democrat from Traverse City, and state Sen. Sean McCann, a Kalamazoo Democrat, introduced legislation in their respective chambers last week to limit the powers of business corporations, nonprofit corporations and limited liability companies to participate in campaign spending.
Trump denies disaster aid for four Democratic-led states
The move deepens what Democrats say is the president's politicization of federal emergency management decisions.
In Maine, voters consider their options as they await Platner’s decision
With the embattled Democratic Senate nominee under pressure to leave the key race, other politicians are maneuvering to replace him on the ballot.
Succession fight under way as Bernie Sanders calls for Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race
Vermont senator is latest figure to call for Democratic nominee to step down after sexual assault allegations
Why a bitter health care fight is at the center of a high-stakes House battle
Rep. Mike Lawler is bracing for a barrage of Democratic attacks over cuts to care and hospitals.
Hungary moves to overhaul university models banned from Horizon Europe
Hungary’s new government is aiming to overhaul the governance model of the institutions and universities that lost access to Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ funds “in a short timeframe,” according to Péter Horváth, the new state secretary for science policy and innovation. “As of today, the two non-university foundation-controlled institutions under my remit have been transformed,” he told Science|Business. “We hope the universities will follow and that this will be enough to satisfy the EU’s demands.”Under the previous government, led by Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party, many academic and scientific institutions were restructured and made into special public trust foundations, with members strongly linked to the government given lifelong mandates and significant decision-making powers with little oversight. The European Commission deemed that this undermined academic freedom and transparency in the country, leading to a ban on 34 institutions in 2022, including 21 universities, which saw academics in Hungary lose access to Horizon Europe grants. The new Hungarian government, elected in May and led by Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party, has promised to dismantle this governance model and restore the institutions to EU programmes. As a result, the European Commission has promised to return access to the Erasmus+ education mobility programme, but so far no concrete agreement has been made on the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. Hungary has already made legislative changes in June to allow the institutions to be reformed and set a timeline for the implementation.The non-university foundations, which are mainly cultural centres such as the Foundation for Hungarian Culture or the Makovecz Campus Foundation, will all be dissolved by August 31 this year, a date tied to EU-set milestones that Hungary must meet to unlock frozen funds, with control transferred to relevant ministries. Meanwhile, the universities will have until 31 August 2027. For each university foundation, the government will set the dissolution date and the body to take over operations. There is no final decision on a permanent new model for the universities, according to Hungarian MEP Eszter Lakos, who is shadow rapporteur for the Horizon Europe specific programme, a separate piece of legislation detailing implementation rules for the EU’s next research programme, due to start in 2028. “The aim of the transition year is to settle this with [the universities], not to impose a model, and not to put them under state control,” she told Science|Business. “The goal is to give academic independence back to universities.”There are three models that are most likely to be implemented. One would be a return to a traditional, state-run model. Another could be a newer, more self-standing public institution. A third option would be a reformed version of the foundation models that meet EU standards. According to Lakos, the dismantling of the system put in place by the Orbán government is well underway and if all goes according to plan, Hungary could regain access to EU research money by the start of the next academic year in 2027. “I believe that the Hungarian government is doing the necessary changes so the universities could return as beneficiaries to Horizon from the next school year,” she said. In the meantime, “the universities, institutes and cultural assets carry on under proper public stewardship rather than a handful of unaccountable trustees,” said Lakos. The laws passed in June impose new safeguards: board terms are capped at four years and renewable only once, appointments are made through open competitions and sitting politicians cannot join joining these boards.It remains unclear whether a domestic science funding programme set up as a back-up scheme by the former government following the EU funding ban, called HU-rizon, could be continued. “This programme should never have had to have been established in the first place, but it has proven to be quite popular,” he said. “I am considering continuing this programme with a refined focus on helping international collaborations.”Re-organising the research network One of the first priorities for Horváth and his cabinet is to resolve questions over the future of the Hungarian Research Network, Hun-Ren. The network of academic institutes was taken away from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 2019 and turned into a quasi-private organisation, with similarities in its governance to the public trust foundations.Horváth and his team have consulted over 5,000 representatives from the network and the conclusion is broad unhappiness with the directors of all the institutes involved. “We have presented the results to the president and the chief executive of the network and this is currently being discussed,” Horváth said. The plan is to re-integrate the network back into the Academy of Sciences but in an improved way, “learning from mistakes of the past,” he added. The government also wants to reintegrate four humanities and social science research centres into the network that the previous government had transferred to Eötvös Loránd University. The transfer brought sharp criticism from the academic community, with a group of Hungarian research heads, including European Research Council grant recipients, sending an open letter to Orbán warning that the transfer would “cause historically significant harm to the entirety of Hungarian scientific life.” The transfer was “one of the biggest shames in Hungarian research in the past 20 years,” Horváth said. “We want to immediately re-integrate them back into the research network and to regain the trust of these institutions, because the way they were treated was really unfair.”Another pressing issue is the Élvonal Excellence Research and Talent Development Foundation, led by Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz. The foundation signed a financing agreement with the former government earlier this year for a budget of over €730 million over the next five years. The goal is to create a world-class centre to attract top talent from abroad and to develop local researchers. But there was little transparency about this foundation, and news of its huge budget, which is nearly as much as Hungary’s entire research budget, caused a stir in the media following the recent elections. Another issue is that, as with the foundation boards of the institutes banned from Horizon Europe, there was little-to-no oversight of decisions led by Krausz. “It was an excellent idea but an unacceptable execution,” Horváth said of the foundation. “The fact that this is out of the Hungarian funding scheme, mostly concentrating on one person who decides on the budget is unacceptable for us.”The government plans to merge the centre with the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, the country’s R&D funding agency, with a reduced budget. Horváth is hopeful that Krausz will still be involved. The new government’s R&D goalsA phrase that crops up regularly during the discussion with Horváth is “democratic process.” The new state secretary is determined to involve Hungary’s research community in shaping future policies. This marks a departure from the previous government’s approach, and several people in Hungary’s research community have commented on the openness of the new government. In terms of concrete goals, Horváth and his team already have plans. He wants to create a new science fund in Hungary, based on the best practices of other European countries. The fund would not be tied to annual government budgets and would provide long-term, stable financing. “If we were to succeed in creating this fund, then I think it would be one of the biggest achievements for me in this period of government,” Horváth said. On the innovation side, he is looking into how best to bring in the private sector. “We want to make sure that we are working with the private sector to support innovation,” Horváth said. One of his big aims is to introduce entrepreneurship teaching into high schools. Hungary already has a reputable national academy offering research and innovation training in the field of natural sciences, and Horváth wants to expand this to all disciplines and across the whole country. “One of the main ways to elevate our innovative businesses is to teach our children to be innovative,” he said. “This will probably need ten years to pay off, but this is what we should do. Our aim is to make Hungary strong in our region, and this is what is needed.” Related articlesHungary’s Horizon Europe performance in numbersCommission unlocks Erasmus+ cash for Hungary, Horizon could be next‘Academic Huxit.’ Hungarian researchers speak out on impact of EU ban A more difficult task will be funding. The new government is aiming to increase research spending to 2% of the GDP by 2030, and then increase it to 3% in line with EU objectives. Currently, spending sits around 1.3%. But according to Horváth, the current budget, inherited from the previous government, is “heavily in the negative,” so any plans to increase research spending will have to start next year. Achieving 2% by 2030 already needs a big push, almost doubling the research budget. “This is something we’d definitely like to reach, and something I can see us achieving,” he said. “From the 2030s, I’d like to see an innovative generation growing up that can help us reach the 3% target.” Positivity in the new governmentDespite the many challenges facing Horváth and his team, the mood is positive. “It feels a bit like a start-up right now. Everyone is working 24/7, day and night, trying to do as much as they can. There is a lot of energy,” he said. It is a big change for the state secretary who, like many in his cabinet, is coming from a background in research or business, and not in politics. “Six weeks ago, I was sitting with my microscope and my research PhDs, so it’s been a big change for me,” said the computer scientist, who was previously the director of the Institute of Biochemistry at the Hun-Ren Biological Research Centre in Hungary and worked at the Institute for AI for Health at Helmholtz Munich. But he is relishing the task to transform the country’s R&D landscape. “We feel enormous support from the Hungarian people, but also from Europe,” he said. “We’ve received a lot of letters of support from around Europe. There is big trust there, and huge responsibility on our side. We want to get everything back on track, and there’s a lot to do.”
Bipartisan support on US House panel for examining private equity in youth sports
Some Democrats promoted a bill sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Chris DeLuzio that would ban private equity from youth sports.