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Business journalism studies took her to the White House | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
The story by UNC Hussman alumni Brennan Doherty ’19 and video by John Roberts ’16 (M.A.) was originally published on unc.edu. This story is part of a four-part series on Carolina alumni working in Washington, D.C. Soon after her 2015 graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Megan Cassella was an intern for the Reuters news agency, eagerly awaiting and prepping for a special assignment. “Every now and then they needed an intern to run over to the White House last minute,” Cassella said. “You have to send your information the night before, so I started proactively sending my information to the White House every single night to be able to go the next day if they ever needed an intern.” Since then, she’s made many return trips to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in a career that’s included roles at Reuters, Politico, Barron’s and now CNBC, where she works as an on-air Washington correspondent. A longtime newswriter, Cassella made the move to TV in 2024, appearing on broadcasts multiple times daily to report on the biggest political and business stories. But the keys to doing a good job — knowing how to research, asking insightful questions, building relationships and explaining complex topics to a broad audience — remain the same. Did you know: Outside of the state of North Carolina, the Washington region is home to the largest concentration of Tar Heel alumni in the country. Cassella’s time as a Tar Heel was crucial in sharpening those skills, both in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and through roles at student-run publications like The Daily Tar Heel. She excelled in Carolina’s business journalism program with former professor Chris Roush, which led to an internship at The Charlotte Observer and helped Cassella find her journalistic niche. A data journalism course with Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg taught her how to find stories in numbers, and former professor Paul O’Connor’s reporting class took Cassella to the North Carolina Capitol weekly, where she gained invaluable experience interviewing politicians. “Those hands-on experiences that Carolina gave me really kept my interest and have really benefited me since I’ve been up here in D.C.,” said Cassella. “I have UNC to thank for the fact that I even went into business journalism in the first place.” Megan Cassella ’15 “You’ve got to thrive on adrenaline in this job. You’ve got to do well with last-minute changes, with running by the seat of your pants.” Megan Cassella ’15 ‘There’s nothing else like it’ In recent months, Cassella has reported live from the G7 Summit in Geneva, covered the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war and followed changes to trade policy, including tariffs. “Anything in this realm that influences Wall Street, I’ll be covering,” Cassella said. Her working hours are long and variable. After waking up, Cassella immediately checks her phone to see what news broke overnight. By 8:15 a.m., she usually learns which newscasts she’ll be on, and then she heads to the newsroom, White House or wherever her assignment is. “We want you in the 9 a.m. show and the 11, and then the 3 o’clock show wants you, too,” Cassella said, referring to a hypothetical day. If Cassella gets an exclusive or major news breaks, she might be told, “We want that on TV right now.” Within five minutes, she’d be expected to get to the camera, figure out what to say and deliver the news to a live audience. “It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking,” Cassella said. “But there’s nothing else like it.” A well-rounded education Cassella grew up in Maryland, the youngest of four kids. Her oldest brother, Brian Cassella ’05, attended Carolina, became a photojournalist and recently won a Pulitzer Prize. She remembers visiting campus as a young child and loving it. “I just always wanted to go,” she said, and that desire grew when she, like her brother, gravitated toward journalism. But it wasn’t just the journalism school that drew Cassella to Carolina. “It was also the whole liberal arts curriculum,” she said. “Even though I always wanted to be a journalist, I got to college, and I sort of felt I had to think about other things. I had to explore my options and see if that’s what I really wanted.” Did you know: In April UNC-Chapel Hill opened its Carolina in the Capital office in Washington. She combined her journalism schooling with a global studies major and a history minor. That broad range of academic experiences in Chapel Hill molded her, preparing Cassella for a career that’s taken her to the highest levels of political journalism and inside the Oval Office. “When you sit back and remember you’re actually sitting inside the White House and asking questions of the president, it’s a cool feeling,” Cassella said. “No matter who is in office, no matter what administration or party, it’s a privilege to be there.” Megan Cassella on… Being a Tar Heel in Washington: I run into Tar Heels all the time. My husband’s a Tar Heel. We actually met here in Washington, not at Carolina, even though we were the same class. Probably most of our friends are still Tar Heels. Even up here in D.C., we all get together for games and March Madness. And through work, there’s Tar Heels all over the place. It’s often used as a connection. Favorite Franklin Street spot: When we go back, our first stop is always IP3. That’s more my husband’s doing than mine. In college, I was a huge Spanky’s fan. Felt like it was a classic spot. May it rest in peace. Advice to journalism students: Reps, reps, reps! Nothing beats the experience you’ll gain by simply starting to do the work — asking the questions, reporting and writing the stories, doing the TV hits. When you can, go places in person. Talk to more people than you think you’ll need. Read as much as you can, from different sources and on different topics. If you’re not sure how to start your story, that usually means you need more reporting. When you’re not sure, ask.
Scientists look to shark DNA for the genetic signature of time
Aging leaves telltale marks on DNA, and for the first time, scientists have used those molecular signatures to create a model that predicts the age of sharks.
European Union innovation needs regulatory science excellence centres
Nature Biomedical Engineering - Fit-for-purpose regulation of medical devices and medical artificial intelligence in Europe needs Centres of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation,...
Human health risk from manganese in groundwater
Nature Water - Machine learning is the key to uncovering where populations across the globe are at risk from manganese in their groundwater-sourced drinking water.
Change could cripple Endangered Species Act, Minnesota science teacher says
The federal government’s decision to alter the definition of the word “harm” under the Endangered Species Act is a “stake through the heart” of the law, St. Cloud science teacher Devon Bowker — a.k.a. Devon the Nature guy — told MPR News.
Scientists look to shark DNA for the genetic signature of time
Aging leaves telltale marks on DNA, and for the first time, scientists have used those molecular signatures to create a model that predicts the age of sharks. This tool, known as an epigenetic clock, was developed for the zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) and could soon be expanded to more species,
Shein says it's under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission as it prepares for Hong Kong IPO
Shein disclosed the FTC is investigating its U.S. business, but the nature of the probe is unclear.
A steward’s view on how business can rebuild Earth systems
Business is one of the most powerful levers for transformation when it comes to climate and nature, and needs to rethink how modern systems are designed.
WVU Medicine to make "transformative contribution" to health services in Monongalia County
Announcement set for Tuesday morning in Morgantown.
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen
Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website HERE. Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen of Warren County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties. "Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse has been an outstanding addition to the Indianola community," said Chair Ernst. "For 23 years, the Nguyen family has proudly served Iowans with their signature thin-crust pizzas and hand-cut steaks, building a loyal following through exceptional food and service. The Nguyen family’s dedication to their customers and community embodies the very best of Iowa’s entrepreneurial spirit." Founded in 2003 by Winn Nguyen, Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse has become a beloved fixture in the Indianola community. In 2015, Winn expanded to Norwalk, bringing the business’ssignature hospitality and comfort food to even more Iowans. Most recently, the launch of Winn & Sara’s Kitchen in 2024 further strengthened the family’s connection to the community, earning widespread praise during its first three appearances at the Iowa State Fair. For over two decades, the Nguyen family has worked tirelessly to serve classic comfort food with a creative twist. Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award. ###
Heat stress is rising globally, raising health concerns for billions: Study
Climate change is causing frequent, well-studied, extreme heat events. Less well understood is the additional heat stress experienced by billions of people as a result of those extreme heat events. However, a new study published in Nature Climate Change aims to change that. The study analyzed more than 70 years of climate data stored in […]
Sit back and watch the birds—your health will thank you, data shows
A psychologist says scientific research have cited consistent evidence to show spending time in nature leads to health improvements.
Splash and Science Day Camp III—new location at Buttonwood
Kids can splash in the stream and learn about local waterways during a summer day camp offered by Buttonwood Nature Center. The Splash & Science day camp will be offered […]
Revolutionary stories, Star Lab, more at Museum of Nature & Science
This summer the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science offers Star Lab, Backyard Club, Nerd Nite, Delaware 250 history & lots more
Dillon Brooks Sends Strong Message About Future With Suns
After a career-best season under Jordan Ott, the veteran wing discusses his "dream come true" partnership with Devin Booker and embracing his signature villain role in Phoenix.
Governance committee proposal advances after lengthy debate at North Shore Health
The North Shore Health Hospital board debated forming a governance committee during its July 23 meeting. After a half-hour of debate, the board voted to form a pilot committee to evaluate the appropriate nature of a governance committee made up of two board members and appropriate members of the public. The motion comes after a...
'Money out of Politics' initiative moves forward after signature inquest
The Michiganders for Money out of Politics proposal survived an inquiry into its signatures, with canvassers approving the proposal July 24.
What are we overlooking in kids' mental health? Playing outside!
Most young people spend less time in nature than previous generations. They need it for their health and development.
Donald Trump Is Very, Very Angry About His Biggest Failure. There’s Almost Nothing He Can Do About It.
It's destined to become the signature disaster of his second term.
Election board allows money-out-of-politics initiative to move forward
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has determined the "Michiganders for Money Out of Politics" campaign to ban some companies from making political donations has gathered just enough signatures from registered voters to move ahead.
“Graphic Talk About Science: Adventures in Science Engagement”
Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO), Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history, welcomes the public to the third Saturday Evening Talks & Telescopes of the season on Saturday, July 25, 2026. MWO is honored to present “Graphic Talk About Science: Adventures in Science Engagement,” a lecture by Clifford V. Johnson, from UCSB. This lecture explores how graphic storytelling can make cutting-edge physics more accessible, as Johnson discusses the science and creative process behind his illustrated book, “The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe.” Tickets are available here: www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture072526 During the six-month season, each Talks & Telescopes event runs from 5:30pm to 11:30pm with the “talk” portion of the evening beginning in the Observatory’s Auditorium. The 60+ minute presentation is followed by picnic dining—bring your own, or purchase from a food truck or caterer—and then, after the sun goes down, stargazing through Mount Wilson’s immense telescopes, the largest in the world made available to the public. Additional stargazing around the grounds will be available thanks to members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Both the 60-inch telescope and the 100-inch—the latter famously used by Edwin Hubble to discover the expanding universe—will be available for viewing the night sky. Priced at $50, this event series offers the most economical stargazing event option on the mountain. Tickets and more information are available on Mount Wilson Observatory’s website here: www.mtwilson.edu/lectures. Advance purchases are highly recommended. UPCOMING SATURDAY EVENING TALKS & TELESCOPES OF THE 2026 SEASON August 22: “Towards a Functional Cosmology” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture082226 Join artist Lita Albuquerque for a lecture on her multidisciplinary practice at the intersection of art, science, and cosmology. Drawing on decades of work across painting, land art, performance, and installation, she reflects on projects created in remote, astronomy-linked environments and how they shape her exploration of time, space, and human perception. September 19: “The Brightness of Stars: Henrietta Leavitt and the Transformative Nature of Attention in Art and Science” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture091926 Visual artist and author Anna Von Mertens explores the life and legacy of Henrietta Leavitt, whose study of variable stars enabled the first reliable measurements of cosmic distances. Working among the Harvard Computers, Leavitt laid the foundation for breakthroughs at Mount Wilson, including Harlow Shapley’s mapping of the Milky Way and Edwin Hubble’s discovery of an expanding universe. Drawing from her book “Attention Is Discovery: The Life and Legacy of Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt,” Von Mertens shares archival materials alongside her own artwork inspired by Leavitt’s life, to celebrate how careful attention leads to both scientific discovery and a meaningful life. October 17: “The Duality of Genius and Struggle: G.E. Hale” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture101726 This talk, presented by Sam Hale, explores the extraordinary life and legacy of his grandfather, George Ellery Hale—the visionary behind some of the world’s most important astronomical institutions. Drawing on both history and personal connection, Sam Hale offers insight into a legacy that continues to shape science and culture today. VISITING MWO The gate to Mount Wilson’s campus opens at 10:00am daily and closes at 5:00pm from early April through November. Entrance to the grounds is free. Visitors can hike, gaze at the telescope domes and towers that dot the landscape, and take a look at historic Mount Wilson photos and letters in the Museum. The Cosmic Cafe (www.mtwilson.edu/cosmic-cafe), located above the main parking lot at the Observatory entrance, is open on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition to traditional menu items such as hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, the Cafe offers wraps, salads, and sweet treats from Little Flower. PARKING A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory. A $5 day pass or a $30 dollar annual pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe on weekends between 10:00am and 5:00pm. During the week, passes are available at locations around Los Angeles. The most convenient location before heading up is at the Shell station in La Canada Flintridge at the bottom of the Angeles Crest Highway (https://find.shell.com/us/fuel/10007957-4530-angeles-crest-hwy/en_US). Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information about Passes and other locations to buy them: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass For more information about Visiting Mount Wilson Observatory, please visit: www.mtwilson.edu/visiting NOT ADA-COMPLIANT Please be advised that access to the 100-inch dome is via an open-air, 53-step staircase inside the building. There is no ADA-compliant access.
Surprise candidate Shimon Blau cleared to face off against Melat Kiros in November
Unaffiliated congressional candidate Shimon Blau, a Denver doctor, has qualified by petition for the general election in Colorado’s 1st District, where Democrat Melat Kiros defeated 15-term U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in last month’s primary, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office said Friday. Blau, a newcomer to politics, submitted just shy of 2,000 valid signatures on […]
Unaffiliated candidate Shimon Blau will face Melat Kiros in congressional race
Unaffiliated congressional candidate Shimon Blau, a Denver doctor, has qualified by petition for the general election in Colorado’s 1st District, where Democrat Melat Kiros defeated 15-term U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in last month’s primary, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office said Friday. Blau, a newcomer to politics, submitted just shy of 2,000 valid signatures on […]
‘Money out of politics’ proposal cleared for Michigan ballot
A group seeking to ban political spending by regulated utilities and large state contractors submitted enough signatures to put its proposal on Michigan’s general election ballot, a bipartisan board determined Friday.
State canvassers finds Michigan’s ‘Money out of Politics’ effort has sufficient valid signatures
Valid signatures for the Michiganders for Money Out Of Politics ballot petition were determined to be sufficient on Friday after a close call by the Board of State Canvassers. However, the board must still determine if the wording of the proposed petition meets legal standards.
elrow transforms Pacha New York into an electric, larger-than-life playground
Pacha New York became more than just a nightclub last weekend as elrow brought its signature blend of music, theater and immersive entertainment to Brooklyn
The government killed this nature study. Scientists finished it anyway. » Yale Climate Connections
When the National Nature Assessment was shut down, the scientists who worked on it kept going. In this Q&A, one author shares what the research reveals about nature’s powerful, underused role in supporting health.
Banana Ball brings fans, entertainment back to Connecticut for Hartford series
Banana Ball returned to Connecticut this week, bringing its signature mix of baseball and entertainment back to Dunkin’ Park in Hartford for the first time in three years. The Indianapolis Clowns defeated the Party Animals in the opening game of a three-game series Wednesday night, rallying for a walk-off win in the ninth inning on a hit by former Boston…
Sperm whales blow bubbles to help them nap
The large toothed whales are known for their signature vertical sleeping skills.
State board to look at MI Money Out of Politics signatures
A bipartisan state elections board meets Friday to decide if the campaign to ban political committees linked to utilities and public contractors has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
When It Comes to Fusion, Materials Matter
Fusion at high temperatures powers the sun and, if harnessed, could provide a potential source of energy here on Earth. But controlling fusion reactions has other benefits. The process also generates subatomic particles called neutrons that are used in a range of applications spanning medicine, research, and national security. Now, scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), and the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have found that the materials surrounding a fusion reaction can dramatically increase how often it occurs, particularly at low energies where fusion is rare. The study was published July 18 in Nature Communications. Their approach sets up a way to study and engineer nuclear reactions within solid materials, opening a new field of “materials-driven fusion.” Instead of designing materials just to survive the harsh conditions of fusion, researchers might be able to design materials that boost the reaction in specific conditions, similar to the way catalysts speed up chemical processes. “It gives you a new knob to turn that you didn’t have before,” said Arun Persaud, head of the Fusion Science & Ion Beam Technology group in Berkeley Lab’s Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division. “If we understand this effect better, it opens the door to engineering new materials that would affect the fusion rate under certain conditions. Someday future progress might enable more compact and efficient neutron generators, which have all kinds of applications, like cargo screening, planetary science, and medical therapy and imaging.” In the experiment, researchers used two different methods to pack deuterium, a heavy form of hydrogen atoms that is often used in fusion, into thin foils of palladium and titanium. They then fired a beam of deuterium ions at the foils at different energies and measured how often fusion happened. Then they compared the rates from the different materials and methods with the “bare” fusion reaction (not in a material). The team found that fusion rates depended on how the deuterium was loaded into the metal foils. The biggest effect was at the lowest energies, below 2.5 kiloelectronvolts (keV), where theory predicts fusion rates drop off sharply. Instead, researchers found a surprising plateau: Some samples showed elevated fusion rates roughly a quintillion times higher than bare fusion reactions. (A quintillion is a 1 followed by 18 zeroes.) Researchers are not exactly sure why that’s happening, though they have some ideas and ways to test them. The electrons and defects within the material might partially shield repulsive electrostatic forces between deuterium nuclei, making it easier for them to get close together and fuse. Tuning the electronic structure, defects, and composition of materials could help make nuclear reactions happen more readily. “It comes down to better understanding the mechanism so that we can try to enhance it,” said corresponding author Jeremy Munday, a professor at UC Davis. “We’ve seen that we can increase fusion rates, but what is the limit? Can we bring it to lower temperatures or energies? There’s obviously a lot of interest and excitement about fusion, so if there’s something we can learn about the physics at these lower energy scales, maybe there’s something we can translate to other areas of nuclear science.” The team plans to explore a wider range of materials and continue probing the unexpected fusion plateau at lower energies. Their work establishes a reproducible experimental platform to study how solid materials influence nuclear reactions, creating a new area of research that links fusion science with materials science and chemistry. “The work shows conclusively that the material environment where fusion occurs at low temperatures is an active participant rather than a passive container,” said Cameron Geddes, director of ATAP. “That adds a new dimension to fusion research.” This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Landmark Aging Study by UT Health Sciences Researcher Published in Nature
A University of Tennessee Health Sciences researcher has published findings that could reshape how medicine approaches aging, longevity and late-life health, including the prospect of personalized interventions that keep people healthier longer.
Tension between Mullin and White House appears to be growing, sources say
President Donald Trump brought in Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to lead a department at the forefront of his signature domestic policy.
Health Professions Camp Inspires Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Campers learned about high-demand professions while gaining hands-on exposure to the collaborative nature of patient care.
Breathalyser can tell if you are burning fat from a single exhale
Nature - The compact device can measure when the body is in ketosis and could help people to manage weight loss.
UA researcher leads global effort to promote reliable health information
UA's Rebecca Ivic anchors a global commission on health communication sponsored by Nature Medicine, a leading academic journal.
Recall petitions officially declared insufficient by city
The effort to recall five of Ellsworth's seven city councilors has officially concluded after the petitions fell a few hundred signatures short, the city announced Monday afternoon, July 20.
Gardening is linked to a longer life. Here’s how it helps your body.
Even a few sessions a week can provide moderate exercise, sensory stimulation, stress relief, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Taylor’s Maid-Rite
Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website HERE. Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Taylor's Maid-Rite of Marshall County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties. "Taylor's Maid-Rite has truly maid their mark as a cornerstone of Marshalltown's business community," said Chair Ernst. "For nearly a century, this shop has served generations of Iowans with a signature burger made fresh every day. This 'Maid in Iowa' success story has proven that consistency, quality, and genuine customer care are the recipe for lasting success." Founded in the heart of Marshalltown, Taylor's Maid-Rite has remained a family-owned business for nearly a century and is now entering its fourth generation of Taylor family ownership. Best known for its signature Maid-Rite sandwich, the restaurant also serves classic American diner favorites, including malts, pies, fries, and sodas. Throughout its history, Taylor's Maid-Rite has remained committed to fresh ingredients, personalized service, and strong community involvement. Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award. ###
Small Town Event. Big Time Entertainment.
If you are looking for a small town to visit, look no further than Houston and Whalan, Minnesota. Both communities are hosting signature events this coming weekend: Music in the Bluffs and Houston Hoedown Days. Small Town Vibes in Whalan Whalan, population 67, hosts three outdoor concerts throughout the summer, one each month. The community’s
An ambassador for WSU’s signature apple
Kate Evans navigated the male-dominated world of plant breeding to become the face of WSU's biggest, and tastiest, commercialization project.
Scientists have found an ancient sea worm with jaws made from a mysterious 'bio-metal' never encountered before, a discovery that could rewrite what we know about nature
Imagine you’re playing “20 Questions” and you start with the classic opener: “Animal, vegetable, or mineral?” Most of the time, a sea worm would be an easy answer: animal. But one particular marine species, the ancient and still-living bristle worm Perinereis cultrifera, complicates that simple choice.
Hicks Commentary: The Lincoln Party Is Already Winning
This column was originally published for the Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research Weekly Commentary blog. By Michael J. Hicks July 19, 2026 The Lincoln Party has taken a deeply consequential step. By collecting sufficient signatures to place former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on the ballot for secretary of state, his team
Victor Marx reflects the unsettling nature of today politics
Victor Marx barely won, but his victory delivers a strong statement about the nature of today's politics. It shows what happens when a party stops seriously competing and instead indulges its fever dreams.
Pols & Politics: Brensley launches write-in bid for Sec. of State following failed Lt. Gov. campaign
Former GOP Lt. Gov. candidate Anne Brensley is launching a write-in campaign for Sec. of State after failing to qualify for the ballot due to falling victim to a signature collection fraud scheme.
Bill Montevecchi, seabird ornithologist and science communicator
The North Atlantic can look empty until someone begins paying attention. A stretch of gray water off Newfoundland may appear to hold little more than waves and scattered birds. To Bill Montevecchi, those birds were evidence. Their breeding success, feeding trips, and changing numbers revealed what was happening beneath the surface, offering clues about fish [Continue reading]
Discover The Connection Between Science And The Science Fiction Of Project Hail Mary July 21 At Nature Center
PEEC News: Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to dive deeper into Project Hail Mary with, “The Science of Project Hail Mary,” 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, in the Planetarium at the Los Alamos Nature Center. This light hearted presentation is sure to amuse scientists and science fiction fans alike. Learn more about […]
Avocados Have Been Dubbed ‘Nature’s Moisturizer’—Here’s What To Know About Their Skin Health Benefits
Avocados are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenolic compounds, that may support firm, hydrated skin.
Proposal to ban DTE, Consumers political donations has enough signatures
The petition initiative from Michiganders for Money out of Politics has enough valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
Michigan’s ‘money out of politics’ group confident in signature validity as it faces new challenge
Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers plan to take up the Michiganders for Money Out Of Politics petition next week, assessing both the sufficiency of its signatures collected over the last year, as well as a direct challenge to those signatures.
GOP leaders forced to abandon signature veterans benefits bill amid intra-party dispute
Speaker Mike Johnson suffered another humiliating political defeat at the hands of his own party on Thursday when he was forced to abandon plans to pass a veterans’ benefits bill designed to be one of the GOP’s big legislative wins before the midterms.
SF supes give final OK to cannabis cafes to offer food, drinks and entertainment
San Francisco may become the first city in the Bay Area to license cannabis cafes that will allow consumers to enjoy food, beverages and live San Francisco supervisors gave final approval to cannabis cafes that can serve food, beverages and entertainment alongside onsite cannabis consumption, pending the mayor’s signature.
Organizers of efforts to establish two new political parties in Nebraska submit signatures
The groups behind the effort to establish two new Nebraska political parties submitted required signatures to get a ballot line this November.
Hidden Creatures by Dino Martins review – the revolting world of parasites
From maggots to viruses, this gross-out compendium also manages to celebrate the awe and inventiveness of nature
How tiny pollen grains helped solve a brutal murder: The fascinating science behind nature's invisible crime scene evidence
Blood, fingerprints, and weapons aren't the only evidence investigators look for at a crime scene; pollen is another. Pollen grains are one piece of evidence that has helped solve some of the highest-profile murder cases in recent years, one grain at a time.
Fertilizer scarcity as a failure of global health governance
Nature Medicine - Fertilizer scarcity as a failure of global health governance
Watchdog science journalism: Crucial yet precarious work, according to study
How do journalists act as watchdogs of science? New qualitative research led by University of Amsterdam media scholar Alice Fleerackers sheds light on the labor-intensive nature of watchdog science journalism, ...
Health care ballot measure could appear in La Crosse, Eau Claire this November
Community Action Wisconsin, also known as CAW, collected 13,000 signatures across both cities in support of a local health care action plan measure.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Lager discontinued. Load up now.
Oregon's Deschutes brewery says it is winding down the cobranded Kirkland Signature Lager with the end of its production contract with Costco.
Money out of Politics faces petition signature challenge as campaign works toward November ballot
The challenge says a ballot measure to limit political donations from Michigan’s public utilities and large government contractors didn’t collect enough valid signatures to make the ballot.
WVU Health System settles with federal government in controlled substance mismanagement case
$4.1 million fine and three-year improvement agreement announced.
Creative Studio: Art, Nature, Science At Library July 14
Creative Studio: art, nature, and science, 2-5 p.m. Tuesday in The Zone at Mesa Public Library. Courtesy/LAC COUNTY News: The next Creative Studio: art, nature, and science for budding artists and engineers of all ages and ideal for ages 6-11 is 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 in The Zone at Mesa Public Library. The event […]
Opinion | Alabama politics costs so much because power is worth buying
Alabama’s $40.6 million primary spending reveals how money, access and human nature can reshape the obligations of public office itself.
Berks Family Business Alliance Storytelling Series to Spotlight New Castle Lawn & Landscape
Join the Berks Family Business Alliance, a signature program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, for the third installment of its 2026 FBA Storytelling Series.
Retiree, 75, lives out of a backpack, traveling the world with husband
Christine Casady says she and her husband are frugal by nature but have splurged in retirement on experiences like a $7,200 liveaboard snorkeling trip in Indonesia.
Health Investments Reverberate throughout Our Nation
Guest Opinion At the heart of the Cherokee story is an innate commitment to community. It’s the background rhythm that connects every Cherokee Nation citizen. Gadugi, our word for working together for the common good, is a part of our nature. Gadugi, itself, is unquantifiable. We can’t measure it directly. But when we look at […]
Judge holds Justice family business reps personally responsible in multimillion-dollar dispute
That conclusion, to 'pierce the corporate veil,' would allow the court to hold the owners personally responsible for the companies' liabilities.
Libertarians won’t be on the ballot in Georgia
The party failed to gather enough signatures required to qualify statewide candidates for the midterms.
From Moana to Suki Waterhouse: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia star in the latest Disney animation to get the live-action treatment, and the model-actor-singer proffers more of her signature lush soft rock
Business-backed group challenges signatures to put political spending ban on ballot
Protect MI Free Speech says it found problems with signatures submitted by a group backing the ballot initiative.
Motorola has the chance to do something special with the Edge 70 Max, so why am I skeptical?
Following the Signature, Razr Fold, and Edge (2026), Motorola is preparing to release yet another very promising device... that's unlikely to ever achieve its true potential.
Maine Supreme Court affirms Bellow’s decision to invalidate trans sports ballot question
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court Friday affirmed the Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ decision to remove a question about transgender sports from the ballot this November because its campaign committee did not collect enough valid signatures. The group, called “Protect Girls Sports,” initially submitted enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, proposing an […]
MAGA's attack on science is even worse than it looks
In my post on America’s 250-year anniversary, I argued that respect for the individual was the “secret sauce” in the U.S.’ long-lasting preeminence among nations. But it was certainly not the only factor. There were plenty of institutional innovations that helped the U.S. stay on top — economically, militarily, and in terms of the attractiveness of its society. One of these was American science. Today we take things like the modern research university, government grants for science, public-to-private research spinoffs, etc. for granted, but a lot of that infrastructure wasn’t there before World War 2. It was either invented or scaled up massively by the U.S. government in the postwar period, led by far-sighted scientist-bureaucrats like Vannevar Bush (pictured above). If you want to read about this history, a good place to start would be Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson’s excellent book Jump-Starting America. Those scientific institutions didn’t exist in a vacuum, however. They were backed by the U.S. government’s abiding faith in the power of science — and, even more fundamentally, by deep popular trust in the scientific enterprise. Science gave us radar and the atom bomb in wartime, and in peacetime it gave us plastics, vaccines, cheap food, and a thousand other things that made our lives easier. Science was also the driver behind American industry — chemicals, aerospace, telecommunications, computers, electronics, and so on. We owed science our jobs, our livelihoods, our comfortable living standards, and our greatness and power as a nation. It’s little wonder that both political parties, even as they fought viciously over other issues, were steadfast in their support of science. For a long time, the only people who distrusted science were a hippie fringe on the left who disliked modernity (or thought they did, anyway), who also disliked American industry and American power, and who subscribed to an early version of degrowth environmentalism. America’s scientific enterprise is still strong, especially compared to the systems in Europe, Japan, Korea, and other developed countries. It has lost a lot of ground to China in a relative sense, but a lot of that is because of China’s incredible growth; as China has poured untold amounts of money and talent into its research labs, spending and output have overtaken the U.S. by some measures. There are a few ways in which China’s rise creates problems for American science — for example, top scientists can choose to work in China instead of in the U.S. — and of course there’s the concern that China’s technological strength will help its military to reign supreme. But overall, China’s rise in science should be good for American science, since American scientists can use Chinese discoveries for free and build on them. The much bigger problem is that the scientific enterprise America built during and after World War 2 is now being threatened with absolute decline. The biggest problem, of course, is that much of the country — the Republican half — has basically lost faith in the scientific enterprise. To what degree this loss of faith is justified is an open question, and deserves to be discussed openly. But the larger point — that the system that powered American dominance is under threat — is true either way. Most Americans still trust science, but MAGA Republicans don’t There’s a myth, popular in right-wing circles, that scientists have lost the trust of regular Americans — either due to the increasingly left-wing composition of academic departments, or to misbehavior during Covid, or to DEI-related research taking over science, etc. This also fits with a wider narrative that Americans are losing trust in all of our institutions. But it just isn’t true. Poll after poll shows that on the whole, Americans still trust scientists and want to spend more on science. For example, here’s a Pew poll from late 2025 showing that although about a fifth of Republicans did lose confidence in science in 2020, two thirds still have at least “a fair amount” of confidence: That same poll found that scientists are among America’s most trusted groups — even better trusted than the military! In fact, Americans trust scientists more than people in most other countries do. Other polls show that although Republican trust in science has dropped somewhat, Republican support for spending more on science remains very strong: A Pew poll in 2023 found the exact same thing: So when MAGA types tell you about scientists losing their credibility, or a drop in trust in science, they’re only talking about themselves. Whatever left-wing politicization of science happened during the Biden administration — and there was definitely some of that — it was not enough to make most Republicans lose faith in the scientific enterprise, or favor research cuts in order to purge unwanted ideology from the system. That doesn’t mean I think progressives should continue down the path of politicizing scientific research. They should not, and Biden made real missteps in this area. Objectivity clearly matters for public trust of science in the long term. But as of right now, there’s no crisis of trust in science, except among the smallish minority of people who are running around screaming that there’s a crisis of trust in science. But despite science’s overwhelming popularity and public trust, Trump and his administration are launching an unprecedented and devastating attack on American science — cutting funding, and forcing science projects to undergo ideological review by government commissars. Trump’s comprehensive attack on science
Trump will let bipartisan housing bill become law without signing in protest over GOP voter ID law
Trump had 10 days until the Friday deadline to sign the bill, issue a veto, or allow the measure to take effect without his signature.
Trump says he won't sign bipartisan housing affordability bill
The housing measure could become law on Friday without President Donald Trump’s signature, as he had 10 days to issue a veto and stop the measure.
Lost in Curiosity reveals the messy reality of doing science
In her new book, science journalist Roberta Kwok takes readers behind the scenes to understand how researchers get nature to give up its secrets.
Trump says he won’t sign housing bill that’s set to become law at midnight
President Donald Trump said Friday that he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill, which is set to become law at midnight even without his signature, as he digs in on controversial federal elections overhaul legislation.
Women Who Win to Host Inaugural International Business Pitch Competition at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's 2026 Grand Boulé
/PRNewswire/ -- Women Who Win, the signature economic empowerment initiative of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, is making history by hosting its...
Older adults face greater risk of mental health hospitalizations during extreme heatwaves
As the US recovers from its 4 July heatwave, a new study in Nature Health warns of an impending uptick in people attending hospitals for mental health and behavioral disorders, according to the first multi-country study of heatwave-related mental health hospitalization, led by Monash University in Australia.
Integrated photonic polarization synthesizer and analyzer
Light: Science & Applications - A single photonic integrated circuit enables both generation and analysis of arbitrary optical polarization states using a polarization-splitting grating coupler...
Spatial transcriptome for cell segmentation
Nature Computational Science - A diffusion-based multimodal framework called DISSECT leverages transcriptomic gradients to refine segmentation boundaries, enabling high-precision single-cell...
Tunable resonant metasurfaces enabled by atomically thin semiconductors
Light: Science & Applications - Voltage-tunable hybrid metasurfaces integrating 2D transition metal dichalcogenides with photonic bound states in the continuum enable dynamic control of...
Housing bill's fate remains uncertain as 10-day deadline nears
The legislation could become law Friday without the president's signature
Housing bill's fate remains uncertain as 10-day deadline nears
The legislation could become law Friday without the president's signature
GOP lawmaker says he doesn’t know if Mitch McConnell is alive
Sen. Mitch McConnell has been in the hospital since June 14, but the nature of his condition remains unknown.
World Snake Day: The Surprising Science of Snakes
In honor of World Snake Day, learn about some of nature’s most important—yet misunderstood—animals.
Biological aging clocks in health and disease
Nature Medicine - This review outlines the state of the art of biological clocks and how they could help understand pathobiology, reduce the burden of disease and extend healthspan.
Plasma-state metasurfaces for ultra-intensive field manipulation
Light: Science & Applications - Plasma-state metasurfaces for ultra-intensive field manipulation
Intestinal muscularis in health and disease
Communications Biology - The authors review the intestinal muscularis – an increasingly recognized neuroimmune interface that orchestrates gut homeostasis, contributes to disease...
Markey, Moulton meet in first Senate primary debate
The hourlong event marked the first head-to-head matchup between the pair after months of back-and-forth over when, where, and how many debates should take place in the state’s signature political race.
Costco quietly discontinues award-winning Kirkland item fans call 'one of the best' in the market
Costco shoppers will soon have to say goodbye to two popular Kirkland Signature beers as the retailer's partnership with Deschutes Brewery comes to an end.
Small Business Spotlight: Business blooms beyond bouquets
BUSINESS: The Busy Bloom OWNERS: Amanda and Walter Adkins ADDRESS: 708 S. 17th St., Wilmington EMAIL: thebusybloomco@gmail.com WEBSITE: thebusybloomco.com PHONE NUMBER: (910) 742-0790 YEAR FOUNDED: 2024 NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 4 WHAT IS THE BUSY BLOOM? AMANDA ADKINS: “The Busy Bloom is a flower shop with a spin – a creative experience shop located in Wilmington’s Cargo District. Founded in 2024 by husband-and-wife team Amanda and Walter Adkins, we offer fresh flowers, botanical teas, a build-your-own bouquet bar, candle-making experiences, gifts, workshops, wedding florals and event services. Our mission is simple: to make flowers accessible, approachable and enjoyable for everyone – not just for special occasions.” WHY DID YOU START THE BUSINESS? AMANDA ADKINS: “The Busy Bloom was born from a lifelong connection to flowers and a desire to create meaningful experiences for people. After doing my own wedding florals and after years of working in healthcare management, I found myself returning to gardening and floral design as a creative outlet and source of healing. The loss of my mother-in-law, who always shared flowers from her garden, inspired me to pursue floristry full-time. My husband encouraged me and built a small flower cart for us to grow, and fast forward to now, two years later, it has grown into a community-centered business focused on bringing joy, connection and creativity through flowers.” WHAT KIND OF GROWTH ARE YOU HOPING FOR? AMANDA ADKINS: “We’re focused on sustainable growth that allows us to continue serving our community while expanding creative experiences. We hope to grow our wedding and event services, expand our educational workshops and creative programming and become a destination where people can gather, create and connect. We’re also passionate about creating opportunities that showcase floral design as an art form, such as our Fleur Couture fashion show and other community collaborations.” WHAT PAST EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH STARTING/WORKING IN BUSINESS? AMANDA ADKINS: “Before opening The Busy Bloom, I worked as a clinical manager in healthcare and spent years building leadership, operations and customer service skills. I’ve also worked in education and nonprofit programming, teaching people about nature and local ecosystems. Along the way, I designed flowers for weddings and events on the side, gradually turning a passion into a business. Walter has years of welding and construction experience, combined with entrepreneurship and a drive to own his own company. …The Busy Bloom has been a journey of combining creativity with entrepreneurship alongside my husband ... learning every step of the way.”
I've studied human nature. It's true 'If mama ain't happy ...'
We can all learn from "front porch" wisdom from Oklahoma farmers and ranchers. They're often supported by scientific investigation.
Scientists finally crack nature's secret for building better cancer drugs
Researchers have cracked the code behind bacteria's ability to naturally manufacture multiple versions of powerful anti-cancer drugs. The discovery could make it much easier to engineer new cancer treatments inspired by nature, including improved versions of existing medicines.
Scientists used AI to crack one of water's biggest mysteries
Water’s odd behavior becomes even more dramatic when it is supercooled, but scientists have struggled to compare the many different ways of describing its microscopic structure. Researchers at the University of Osaka used an AI model trained on computer simulations to evaluate 16 different structural descriptors. The system identified the most effective ways to distinguish between water’s two competing liquid states, providing a clearer framework for studying one of nature’s most mysterious substances.
PlayStation users cancelling PS Plus are offered 50% discounts as petition to save physical discs passes 200,000 signatures
Sony confirmed that new PlayStation games will no longer receive disc production starting January 2028. The decision has triggered a petition and reports of PS Plus discounts during cancellation attempts.
How geospatial science can boost equitable access to healthcare
Nature Health - The World Health Organization should include a wider range of data for their Geolocated Health Facilities Data Initiative, so that the spatial accessibility of healthcare can be...
How geospatial science can boost equitable access to healthcare
Nature Health - The World Health Organization should include a wider range of data for their Geolocated Health Facilities Data Initiative, so that the spatial accessibility of healthcare can be...
Detroit extends its signature small business incentive program for another year
The Detroit City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved $2.5 million to keep the Motor City Match program operating through the city’s 2026-27 fiscal year.