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Harrison Smith's Potential Return Could Force Tough Vikings Roster Decision
SKOR North Minnesota Sports believes the Vikings could face difficult roster decisions depending on what role the veteran safety would fill in 2026 if he decides to return.
2026 AFC North Positional Rankings: Cornerback
During this year’s free agency cycle and 2026 NFL draft, all four AFC North teams made significant moves to add talent to their rosters. While more additions are still possible over the next few months, everyone’s core players are mostly set ahead of the 2026 season. How do the different positional groups in the division […]
Woman's body found in dumpster behind north Harris County business, sheriff's office says
A woman who was reportedly known for dumpster diving was found dead inside one behind a Family Dollar store in north Harris County, according to deputies.
Small Business Catalyst Fund spotlight: Denise’s Delicacies
Discover how Catalyst Fund awardee Denise’s Delicacies in North Philadelphia is using Catalyst Fund capital to move their business forward.
North Star announces new partnership
North Star Health Alliance has announced plans to partner with a group that already operates hospitals in St. Lawrence County.
Health inspections of Tacoma ICE center remain on pause as legal battle continues
The Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma remains closed to state health inspectors despite a judge’s order two weeks ago opening the region’s largest immigrant detention center to state officials.
2026 Health Policy Leadership Forum
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practicesconvened state and territory governors’ health policy advisors in Charlotte, North Carolina, July 8-10 for the 2026 Health Policy Leadership Forum. Through a discussion-based format, the forum provided governors’ advisors, NGA Partners and invited guests with an opportunity to exchange perspectives, share implementation strategies, and discuss emerging policy challenges shaping state and territorial health systems. Discussions focused on advancing governors’ health priorities in a rapidly evolving policy and fiscal environment while highlighting innovative approaches and peer-informed solutions from across the country.
We're looking to kick on
Preston North End midfielder Ben Whiteman tells BBC Radio Lancashire they want to put behind them the disappointment of missing the play-offs last season.
RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Telephone Town Hall to Discuss Health Care Costs, Medicare, Social Security, Utility Prices, Affordability in Jersey
Above: Gottheimer conducts a Telephone Town Hall with North Jersey families. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, July 22, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a Telephone Town Hall with thousands of North Jersey residents to discuss his bipartisan efforts to lower health care and prescription drug costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, cut taxes, lower […]
Olympic Mountain Glory
Snow-capped mountains carved by deep river valleys preside over northwestern Washington state.
'The restaurant remains open': Gee, Ursula stunned by Capitol Hill business owner's alleged $1.5M tax scheme
A Capitol Hill restaurant faces scrutiny as its owner is charged with stealing $1.5M in payroll taxes from employees.
Northern Kentucky city ends 'adult entertainment' with $3.8M land purchase
The city acquired nine parcels of land on and adjacent to Monmouth Street.
Northern Arapaho Business Council crafts policy governing 'outside organizations' after sermon sparks outrage
Protests, Sunday services continue after Foundations for Nations pastor goes viral with call for tribal members on Wind River Reservation to reject their traditional spiritual ways.
Northwell’s Firearm Safety Screening Tool to Become Available to Epic Health Systems Nationwide
Northwell Health has introduced a firearm safety screening tool that was integrated into Epic’s electronic health record system in May 2026.
Chicago Bears youth movement faces training camp test
The Chicago Bears are a team on the rise. The Monsters of the Midway put the league on notice in 2025 by winning the NFC North, which is possibly the toughest division in football, winning a Wild Card game against their hated rivals, and pushing the Los Angeles Rams to the absolute brink in the ...
'Rare' contagious cancer found in fish from Quebec and U.S. lakes
It's rare that cancerous tumours can spread from one individual to another. But a genetic study suggests that's what's happening with melanoma skin cancer tumours among catfish in Quebec and the northeastern U.S.
Will Jared Goff Contend for NFL MVP in 2026?
If the Detroit Lions win the NFC North, earn the No. 1 seed, and Jared Goff posts another outstanding statistical season, he could emerge as a legitimate NFL MVP candidate.
On 'Little Miss Twain,' Shania Twain reflects on her humble beginnings and her late mother
Shania Twain's new album, “Little Miss Twain,” explores her early life in Northern Ontario, Canada, a chapter she says most of her fans don't know much about.
NC Health News wins 10 awards in state press contest
Staff took home three first-place awards, along with two second-place and five third-place awards in the annual competition.
Virginia hemp businesses to file court injunction to stop new restrictions on CBD products
“We just need time to sort through that, so there’s not this devastating ripple effect that impacts not only business owners and their employees but all the vendors that work with them,” said Barbara Biddle, owner of District Hemp in Northern Virginia.
A Week of Smoky Skies Across North America
Brown carbon, emitted by wildland fires and tracked over the span of a week in July 2026, worsened air quality in parts of the U.S. and Canada.
Fewer Canadian shoppers leave border businesses struggling
Political conflict, a weaker Canadian dollar and tough economic times have cut into Minnesota and North Dakota retail.
Power grid serving Northern Illinois faces breakup risk as feds weigh fate
A frustrated Trump administration wants major changes to the operator of America’s largest power grid as federal regulators meet this week.
Health systems buck at state health plan
Atrium Health and WakeMed leaders said they were shocked to learn they were left out of the top-tiered status in the new North Carolina State Health Plan.
UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility receives $7.7M from NIEHS - UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
July 21, 2026 The Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility (CEHS) has received a 5-year, $7.7M award from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This grant supports research and community engagement to improve environmental health and well-being for people in North Carolina and across the nation.
Summer safety: Heat and your heart health
In eastern North Carolina, soaring temperatures and humidity put residents at risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people with a heart condition.
One in three new science papers now reads as AI-written, study finds
A new study of 12,750 arXiv papers finds about a third of recent submissions read as AI-written, raising questions about transparency in academic publishing.
SGMC Health Releases FY2025 Annual Report Highlighting Regional Impact and Strategic Growth
SGMC Health has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth across key clinical services, workforce development, and a campus expansion that strengthens healthcare access across South Georgia and North Florida.
NC health officials report over 500 cyclosporiasis cases
There have been more than 500 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in North Carolina since the beginning of May. But officials say the state does not seem to be associated with the Taco Bell outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: Cases surge across NC as health officials work to find source
North Carolina health officials confirm hundreds of new cases of Cyclospora in the past week as investigators continue searching for the source of the outbreak.
Health officials urge food safety as cyclosporiasis cases rise in North Carolina
Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms, is rising across North Carolina and the U.S., health officials say.
Thanks to BookTok, business is booming for some North Texas independent bookstores
Some fear America is experiencing a literacy crisis, but business has been so good at Talking Animals Books in Grapevine that they opened a second location.
Ranking the NFC North LBs, DBs, and coaches
On our latest Detroit Lions podcast we rank the NFC North linebackers, defensive backs and coaches for the 2026 season.
Parasitic infections likely linked to farming practices, not restaurants
Two state experts break down the mysteries around a complicated foodborne infection, Cyclosporiasis, that’s been gaining traction in North Carolina and across the nation.
North Star Health to close birthing center at hospital in Ogdensburg
Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center is losing revenue operating its 24-labor-and-delivery unit amid months of financial turmoil at North Star.
Wildfires impacting businesses in northern Minnesota
Many businesses near the gunflint trail remain open regardless of wildfires. Golden Eagle Lodge is one of them. Owner of the resort Ruth Wagner joins All Day to talk about how they are open for business and safe from the fires.
What does the new British Prime Minister mean for Trump and Ukraine?
As Andy Burnham takes office as the U.K.’s Prime Minister, Northeastern University London experts examine the impact on global relations.
Fewer Canadian shoppers leave border businesses struggling
Border businesses in Minnesota and North Dakota say fewer Canadian visitors are cutting into sales, forcing some to reduce hours, staff and spending.
Rabid bat found near UW campus, King County Health warns
King County Public Health officials are warning people after a rabid bat was found on a busy sidewalk near the University of Washington campus.
Maid Brigade Leadership Summit Highlights AI Innovation, Business Growth and Franchise Excellence
Maid Brigade franchise owners from across North America gathered July 16-18 at The Source Hotel in Denver for the 2026 Maid Brigade Leadership Summit, where they explored innovative business strategies, shared best practices and celebrated franchise excellence.
Joey Logano ends victory drought in NASCAR points return to North Wilkesboro
Logano won the 2024 All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in dominant fashion.
Who is Andy Burnham and what are his policies for Britain?
The new U.K. prime minister rose to prominence as mayor of the northern city. NBC News traveled there and spoke to those who know Burnham to get a sense of who he really is and what his policies might be.
Highest compensation at Tapestry 360 Health
Tapestry 360 Health, formerly known as Heartland Health Centers, is a Federally Qualified Health Center with locations on Chicago's North Side in Albany Park, Lincoln Square, Rogers Park, Uptown, Lakeview and seven school-based health centers.
Northwestern Mutual annual meeting comes as economic anxiety continues
Some 11,000 people are in Milwaukee for the Northwestern Mutual annual meeting amid economic uncertainty.
A Quebecer noticed a strange circular pit on Google Maps while planning a trip; scientists have now confirmed it is a 390-million-year-old meteorite impact crater
In late 2023, amateur astronomer Joël Lapointe was doing something very ordinary: Mapping out forest roads for a summer road trip in Quebec. While zooming around northern regions on Google Maps, he spotted something that looked anything but ordinary.
Kenton County Mayors: Rick Wurth of One Quest Health talks about expanded vision and need to 'transform health'
By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Rick Wurth is the chief executive officer for One Quest Health, formerly the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, and he visited the July monthly meeting of the Kenton County Mayors, held in Ludlow, to give an update on the new vision for the organization. He said the new identity...
Northern Virginia's Business Leaders Turn a Corner
Based on the Q2 2026 NVC/Pinkston Northern Virginia Business Leader Survey.
Sunday Sports: Finals of the Watertown City Golf Tournament and more
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Sunday.
Woman attacked, robbed at gunpoint inside business in Wicker Park, Chicago police say
Chicago police are investigating after a woman was attacked and robbed at gunpoint by multiple suspects while inside of a business Saturday night on the city's Northwest Side.
North Carolina residents thought they were getting a business park — not a data center campus
"We as citizens feel like we were snookered a bit."
Connections: Medical school, Washington Regional announce new hires
Several new hires in the Northwest Arkansas medical field were recently announced, including a new associate dean at the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, and advanced practice registered nurses...
Grading Northwestern Alumni in the Summer League
A Summer League splattered with purple and white.
Who is Andy Burnham, the U.K.'s new prime minister?
On Monday, former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer as the United Kingdom's prime minister. Burnham's politics have been shaped by England's north-south class divide.
Blaney looks to stay hot as NASCAR heads to North Wilkesboro
Ryan Blaney is on a tear with eight straight top 10 finishes, including a win last week at Atlanta.
Bernie blowback: How Sanders’ primary endorsements have sparked a Democratic midterm war
Sen. Bernie Sanders had just announced his intent to unseat a sitting House Democrat — this time, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus from North Carolina — when Rep. Hakeem Jeffries decided it was time to confront Sanders himself.
Domestic violence groups fear survivor services could disappear without warning
A new rule change would allow agencies to terminate federal grants for political reasons — without a reason or appeal.
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]
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline marks 4 years as NC expands mental health crisis services
As the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline marks its fourth anniversary, North Carolina is rolling out new crisis response tools to meet growing demand for mental health support.
North Africa’s drying desert threatens Europe’s health
Catch up quickly on the global stories that matter
Saturday Sports: Summertime golf, softball, and lacrosse updates
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Saturday.
What is Cyclospora? Health officials explain symptoms, risks amid FDA lettuce investigation
Cyclospora has been making national headlines as the FDA investigates a possible link between a recent outbreak and shredded lettuce products in several northeastern states.
Former Northside baseball player Maddax Kincannon makes college transition
In many instances, players have a learning curve and an adjustment period going from high school to college. That wasn’t the case for Maddax Kincannon, a former Northside baseball standout,...
Friday Sports: City Golf Championship Quarterfinals wrap up
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Friday.
Caleb Williams ceiling outweighs his competitors in NFC North
Caleb Williams is just scratching the surface of what he can be with the Chicago Bears going into this 2026 NFL season
Dallas-Fort Worth business datebook for week of July 19-26
The North Texas business datebook for the week of July 19 includes key earnings reports for national and Dallas-Fort Worth companies.
Burnham expected to reverse ban on new oil and gas drilling
Incoming prime minister likely to reverse manifesto pledge and allow new North Sea licences, reports say
Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licenses.
Belichick Sees North Carolina Turnaround as Night and Day
Bill Belichick calls the North Carolina football turnaround a night and day difference after the 2025 disaster. Fans see real hope now.
Tariffs cause delays for Texoma business development
Denison city officials agreed Thursday night to extend construction deadlines at the Foundation Business Park north of town after tariffs slowed progress, forcing companies off their original timelines.
High impact, high science: How First Flight is building North Carolina’s innovation future
First Flight Venture Center has spent more than three decades helping science and technology startups grow into companies that create jobs, attract investment and strengthen North Carolina’s economy.
High impact, high science: How First Flight is building North Carolina’s innovation future
First Flight Venture Center has spent more than three decades helping science and technology startups grow into companies that create jobs, attract investment and strengthen North Carolina’s economy.
Rabid bat found in Seattle near the University of Washington
A rabid bat was found in Seattle on July 15, 2026, on the sidewalk on University Way Northeast, between NE 41st and NE 42nd streets. This is near Parrington Lawn, on the University of Washington campus, and is a busy area with many businesses. Anyone who might have had physical contact with this bat (even if not bitten) could be at risk and should seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine if rabies preventative treatment is necessary.
Northeast Ohio businesses feel sting of wildfire smoke
Communities and businesses were still feeling the sting of wildfire smoke on a second day of hazy skies and air quality alerts.
Canada wildfire smoke map: Health risks as poor air quality hits the Midwest and northern states
More than 100 million people nationwide are under air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke.
North Carolina scientists find airborne microplastics warm Earth as much as 200 coal plants
"We really need every single thing at our disposal."
Health officials investigate foods potentially linked to cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
North Carolina health officials continue to investigate amid a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause "explosive" diarrhea.
Health officials investigate foods potentially linked to cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
North Carolina health officials continue to investigate amid a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause "explosive" diarrhea.
A behavioral health recovery center opening in Anchorage’s Fairview neighborhood will focus on mobile outreach
True North Recovery and the Fairview Community Council signed a non-binding contract, called a “good neighbor agreement” that outlines how the nonprofit will operate in order to reduce negative impacts to the neighborhood.
Downtown Wilmington bar closes doors after 4 years in business
WILMINGTON — In operation since 2022, a bar in the heart of downtown Wilmington closed shop Sunday, as the owners cited challenges with managing a business two hours away from their other North…
Lab coats before graduation: Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science students take on research at UNT
Rows of bubbling fish tanks line the Roberts Lab at the University of North Texas as some of the students at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science spend their
Not everything in northern Minnesota is on fire. Many businesses are safe and open.
Civic leaders acknowledge a delicate balance in trying to get the word out that many vacationers shouldn’t cancel plans.
Carmen Schools of Science & Technology Northwest Celebrates New Home with Ribbon Cutting and Community Block Party
MILWAUKEE (July, 2026) Carmen Schools of Science & Technology Northwest will officially celebrate the opening of its new campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community block party. The free event will welcome students, families, neighbors, alumni, partners, and community members to mark an exciting new chapter for the school on Saturday, July 25 from […]
Hearing rescheduled for Hunter Vanderwall after previous mental health evaluation surfaces
Hunter Vanderwall, 19, is charged in connection of the shooting death of Lawrence Boyd in November 2025.
The Commodore of Recycling helps his family business grow
A recycling plant machine in New York City runs on machines built by a Northeastern grad known as the ‘commodore of recycling’.
North Little Rock looks to enhance growing entertainment district with new downtown hotels
Two new hotels rising in downtown North Little Rock, the Tempo by Hilton and Aloft, will add just over 220 rooms within walking distance of Simmons Bank Arena, the newly opened North Little Rock Event Center and the Argenta Arts District.
4 sentenced in burglary ring that targeted Asian American business owners in the Northwest
Four Colombian nationals were sentenced in federal court Tuesday for their roles in a multistate burglary ring that targeted Asian American business owners across Oregon and Washington state. Derinso...
All hail the World Cup town of East Rutherford, a deserving center of the universe
The small borough in northern New Jersey is about to host the biggest sporting event in the world.
Oral health advocates try to unravel mystery of two NC budget paragraphs
A budget provision about dental Medicaid services, ambulatory surgical centers confounds oral health organizations, advocates.
How Andy Burnham, ‘King of the North,’ Conquered U.K. Politics
A plain-spoken politician from a modest background in northwest England, Mr. Burnham is set to be named Labour leader — and prime minister apparent — on Friday.
Northeast Wisconsin heads indoors for summer entertainment to avoid wildfire smoke
BROWN COUNTY (WLUK) -- Our smoky skies have turned summer staples like Bay Beach, the pools, and parks into ghost towns.“It's really bad because you can't even
Veteran bilingual journalist joins North Bay Business Journal staff
Veteran bilingual journalist Raquel Issenberg is joining the staff of the North Bay Business Journal, where she will cover entrepreneurship, employment, job training and health care.
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
Can Network Science Predict the World Cup?
Northeastern researchers use network science to examine World Cup teams. Can the data accurately predict who will win the World Cup final?
The science of wildfire smoke: How it traveled hundreds of miles and dimmed Northeast Ohio’s sun
Smoke from fires hundreds of miles away rode prevailing winds into Northeast Ohio, where it descended to ground level, blotted out the sun and sent fine-particle pollution soaring. Here’s how it reached the region.
Traverse City business owner charged in child porn case after police seize 8,000 images
Jason Wayne Redman, 55, was arrested at his business Wednesday.
New spinning drone hides in plain sight: 'Phantom Twist' harnesses motion blur to nearly vanish in flight
By exploiting the quirks of human vision, Northwestern University engineers have designed a drone that nearly disappears before the eyes. For years, researchers have tried to design invisible drones and ...
Inside You42 Studios: Roswell's New Destination for Dining, Entertainment and Experiences
From chef-driven dining and live entertainment to immersive spaces, events, and creator studios, You42 Studios brings a new kind of destination to North Fulton.
OnePlus, the ‘Flagship-Killer’ Smartphone Brand, Is All but Dead
The original OnePlus phone disrupted the mobile market 13 years ago with its affordable price and top-end specs. Now, the company is exiting North America and Europe to focus on China.
Ontario Wildfire Smoke Moves East
Canadian wildfires sent plumes of smoke streaming over Ontario, Quebec, and parts of the U.S. Midwest and Northeast.