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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit create new pathways for Detroit’s young innovators
Ahead of the Detroit Tigers’ Black in Baseball Weekend, students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGC) gathered at the BGC Spark Lab inside Michigan Central Station for an opportunity to witness firsthand how storytelling, creativity and collaboration bring a campaign to life. The project centered around
Potawatomi Ventures launches business program for Native entrepreneurs
Bwadwét Innovation Community is offering a new entrepreneurial training program for members of the Forest County Potawatomi, with classes ranging from marketing to legal readiness to financing.
Executive function interventions may be critical to long-term mental health in autism
(2 min. read)
U.S. scientific instruments in oceans off Alaska and elsewhere to remain in place
After a public outcry and a unanimous Senate vote, the National Science Foundation dropped plans to remove parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative system.
KISS looks ahead as sons rise, Vegas avatar show looms
NEW YORK - When Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley enter a room, people pay attention.
U.S. scientific instruments in oceans off Alaska and elsewhere to remain in place
After a public outcry, the National Science Foundation dropped its plan to remove much of the Ocean Observatories Initaitive system.
Health advisory issued for Sanibel Causeway due to bacteria levels
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a water quality advisory for the Sanibel Causeway after tests showed elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria.
Steam Controller demand is so high Valve is changing reservation estimates, and some customers won't get theirs until 2027
Valve has updated its Steam Controller reservation system as demand has exceeded its expectations.
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit Create New Pathways for Detroit’s Young Innovators
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Battle ramps up over WA ballot measure to bar transgender students from girls’ sports
Opponents of conservative-backed initiatives officially launched their campaign to defeat the Washington ballot measures this week.
Conservatives are dying at higher rates than liberals. A new study points to mistrust in medicine
The health divide emerged over the last decade and has widened since 2020, according to research that links ideology to outcomes from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other internal causes.
Bobby Prince, the composer of Doom’s iconic soundtrack, has died at 81
Prince’s Doom soundtrack was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress this year…
Analysis: What the missing center has meant for the Supreme Court
For more than a half century, the Supreme Court was anchored by a series of conservative centrists who controlled the most anticipated end-of-term rulings in June, pragmatic justices like Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy.
Private equity has no place in health care
By Miah Ntepp Of all the financial pressures placed on working people in this country, the skyrocketing costs of health care rank near the top. As families struggle under the cuts to Medicaid made by the Trump administration, they are now facing yet another barrier to affordable health care: the increasing incidence of predatory private […]
K-Beauty's New Frontier: Microbiome Science Hits U.S. Retail Shelves
South Korean brand Lactomedi’s nationwide CVS launch signals a major shift in feminine care, blending K-Beauty innovation with advanced microbiome science.
SNP concedes Aberdeen South with Scottish Conservatives set to win
Byelection loss suggests voters rebelled against SNP over Peter Murrell’s theft of £400,000 in party funds
Black hole winds may be robbing giant galaxies of their future stars
Astronomers may be closing in on a long-standing cosmic mystery: why some of the universe’s biggest galaxies seem to have far fewer stars than expected. Using NASA- and JAXA-supported XRISM observations of a galaxy called NGC 4151, researchers found strong evidence that supermassive black holes can unleash powerful winds that blow away the raw material needed to make new stars.
Top GOP lawmaker rallies around conservative school board member facing calls to resign
Rep. Lisa McClain rebukes a Michigan school board for trying to remove a conservative member who missed meetings while on military deployment.
The Healthcare Leaders Shaping Tomorrow – and the Challenges Facing Them
Healthcare innovation is advancing at a pace few could have imagined decades ago, from gene-editing therapies and lifesaving vaccines to artificial intelligence systems that could transform how doctors diagnose and treat disease. But at a time of unprecedented scientific progress, industry leaders ...
Scientists uncover a deep-sea coral kingdom almost the size of Vatican City
Across the broader survey area, researchers collected 28 species that they suspect are new to science.
California is getting ready to increase a health insurance tax. Will it affect your premium?
Private plans say they'll pass the cost to consumers — meaning families could pay $400 more a year to help keep Medi-Cal afloat.
Monroe County sheriff's employees indicted after inmate worked at private business
A Tennessee Comptroller's investigation has led to indictments against two Monroe County Sheriff's Department employees accused of using inmate labor for privat
National Science Foundation halts plans to dismantle oceans observatory project
The Trump administration has reversed a plan to dismantle a sprawling ocean monitoring network after vigorous objections from Democratic lawmakers and scientists.
OpenAI's Karan Singhal on how he's driving ChatGPT health advancements
Researcher Karan Singhal drives OpenAI's goal to elevate ChatGPT's health advice, reaching millions of users weekly for wellness guidance.
Rockford Park District Sports Facilities Generate $14.1 Million Annually
New data highlights Rockford Park District sports facilities as powerful economic engines that attract visitors, generate tourism spending, and elevate the region's national profile.
Jason Stone Joins Tepper Sports & Entertainment as General Manager of Stadium & Venue Operations
Stone will join the organization on July 8, 2026, and oversee all stadium and venue operations for Carolina Panthers (NFL) games, Charlotte FC (MLS) matches and all other events at Bank of America Stadium, in addition to TSE’s broader portfolio of venues, including Atrium Health Performance Park and the Atrium Health Training Facility.
Playing politics with water access in Anne Arundel? Behind the vote to delay two projects.
Two projects for public water access in Anne Arundel were quickly amended out of next year’s budget. Advocates described feeling blindsided, and some officials decried the move as potentially motivated by politics.
Seth Meyers reminds Donald Trump that the Reflecting Pool is not, in fact, a swimming pool: 'This isn't your chintzy golf club'
The 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' host reminded Donald Trump on Wednesday night that the Reflecting Pool is not a swimming pool. Meyers' quip comes amid costly renovations made to the water feature and comments the president made likening it to a pool at one of his clubs.
Mount Sinai to Lead Aspen Discussions on Youth Mental Health, and Healthspan Science and Practice
Will explore innovative approaches to mental health and new frontiers in healthspan, longevity science, and personalized care during Aspen Ideas: Health and the Aspen Ideas Festival.New York, NY and Aspen, CO, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mount Sinai Health System experts will lead discussions on innovative community-based approaches to youth mental health and emerging scientific advances that are transforming how we understand healthy aging and healthspan at the 2026 Aspen Ideas: Health an
Arsenal Capital Partners Adds Max Schechter as Head of Industrial Growth Business Development
/PRNewswire/ -- Arsenal Capital Partners ("Arsenal"), a middle-market private equity firm specializing in building industrial growth and healthcare companies,...
Meet the 2026 award-winning downtown businesses helping build community as they find success
They are pioneers, innovators and big dreamers: Meet the 2026 Downtown Sioux Falls award winners.
AMC Entertainment Stock Advances As Retail Traders Fuel Volatility Following Latest Corporate Equity Capital Raise
AMC Entertainment stock jumps 9.8% on record May attendance, CEO insider buying, and improving U.S. box office — but balance sheet risks remain elevated.
Elanco to launch $25M VC program focused on animal health innovation
The fund will target investments in animal-health therapeutics and technologies designed to improve care, Elanco said.
Clean-Tech Innovator Relocates to Northeast Science and Technology Center
The Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center will now be the home to Still Bright, Inc, a copper-extraction company developing a cleaner, low-cost alternative to traditional processing. Still Bright will occupy 15,000 square feet of laboratory space at 15 NEST, which will serve as the company's global headquarters.
Clean-Tech Innovator Relocates to Northeast Science and Technology Center
/PRNewswire/ -- The Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center will now be the home to Still Bright, Inc, a copper-extraction company developing a cleaner,...
Gabe Newell, founder of Bellevue’s Valve, buys $70.8M Florida mansion
The 20,000-square-foot house spans from the ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, with a private dock and a tunnel leading directly from the house to the ocean shore.
Quartz countertops are driving a public health crisis in the US – 2 occupational health experts explain the surge of lung transplants and lawsuits
Workers are facing a preventable and incurable lung disease from a material being used to renovate kitchens in millions of American homes.
Sports is driving a large part of the entertainment economy, says Activate CEO Michael Wolf
Michael Wolf, Activate Consulting CEO and co-founder, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Versant's media rights agreement with the WNBA, appetite for live sports, Fox's $22B acquisition of Roku, Paramount-WBD merger, and more.
Sports is driving a large part of the entertainment economy, says Activate CEO Michael Wolf
Michael Wolf, Activate Consulting CEO and co-founder, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Versant's media rights agreement with the WNBA, appetite for live sports, Fox's $22B acquisition of Roku, Paramount-WBD merger, and more.
How sports betting became Colorado’s ticket to funding $140 million in water conservation projects
Supporters say the gambling money is a godsend. Critics say legalized sports betting has come at a cost — fueling an addiction crisis that Colorado is unprepared for.
Time, Outcomes, Adoption, Cost: The Four Metrics Redefining Digital Health
Despite rapid innovation, many healthcare organizations still struggle to translate new care models into system-wide impact.
This Ghost in the Shell keyboard makes me want to activate the hundred spidery robot fingers inside my regular fingers
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Keyboard
El Niño Is Underway
Satellite observations of sea surface height indicated that the 2026 event continued to strengthen in early June.
Nashville mayor finalizing plans for Legacy Business Fund Program
O’Connell announced plans for his Legacy Business Fund Program in his State of Metro address in April. The program honors, elevates and supports longtime Nashville businesses that are loved b…
$25 million ‘anonymous’ gift to build multipurpose science facility at Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University said Wednesday that “anonymous” donors have given the school $25 million to build “a bold new hub of innovation and discovery.”
Researchers found 8 common food additives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease
A major study of more than 112,000 people found that eating foods containing common preservatives may be linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart-related diseases. Researchers tracked participants for up to eight years and discovered that people consuming the highest amounts of certain preservatives had significantly greater risks of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
NASA Announces Public-Private Partnership to Advance Mars Science
NASA Wednesday announced a new public‑private partnership to advance Mars science by combining the agency’s scientific leadership with commercial innovation.
'Trump should renege': Iran deal faces backlash from conservative allies
Trump's Iran peace framework faces fierce criticism from allies like Pence, Haley, and Greene, who call the 14-point agreement an American surrender.
Spider-Man faces off against the Hulk in 'Brand New Day' trailer: 'Didn't know you could get that big'
Is your Peter tingle activated? Spider-Man finds himself going up against the Hulk in the newest 'Brand New Day' trailer.
AI for discovery science and healthcare delivery
AI's effect on scientific R&D and healthcare delivery and how policy can support further innovation and responsible growth.
What 70 Years In Business Has Taught Us About Leadership
This year, 84 Lumber celebrates 70 years in business. For a privately held company, reaching that milestone is rare.
Samsung phones are getting a new feature for checking the health of your pets.
During the VivaTech 2026 conference in Paris, Samsung announced a new feature for its mobile devices created through a collaboration with the pet health management platform, Lifet. You’ll be able to snap a photo of your dog or cat which will be analyzed by AI to alert you to conditions like periodontal disease and obesity. [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/samsung.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
‘Gulfcoasting’ in the sand: Beach volleyball joins the fun at Sports Challenge America
Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" at Sports Challenge America, as beach volleyball and Elevate SWFL turn the sand into Bonita Springs’ newest social scene.
Why is Trump’s threat to the Ocean Observatories Initiative so monumental to scientists?
Researchers warn that shuttering a key network of research equipment and analysis will make the country less prepared for climate crises
USA Lacrosse Docuseries Wins Cynopsis Sports Award
Behind the Shield, a seven-part docuseries following the 2025 U.S. Men’s Lacrosse U20 team, won the 2026 Cynopsis Sports Award in the Best Sports Team/Event/Competition Documentary or Docuseries category.Watch Behind the ShieldThere were more than 30 categories in this year’s Cynopsis Sports Awards, recognizing an exceptional group of organizations, teams and individuals driving innovation, creativity and impact across the sports industry.
In private speech, Blanche tried to mend fences with critical conservative activist
At President Donald Trump’s Miami hotel, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recently tried to smooth things over with a conservative watchdog group whose anger at the Trump administration was building on multiple fronts.
FIU professor selected as a lead scientist aboard cutting-edge ocean research vessel
Mark Bond has been selected as a lead scientist for the maiden voyage of REV, one of the world's most advanced research vessels dedicated to ocean science and conservation.
Vanderbilt Health advances nursing innovation and workforce well-being in ‘Strong by Design’ State of Nursing address
She highlighted several systemic and financial programs designed to improve departmental collaboration between frontline staff and operational teams, and better support workforce well-being and professional growth.
NC-STeP Pediatric Program receives national recognition for advancing pediatric mental health care
Recognition highlights innovation to connect pediatric patients to timely, specialized psychiatric treatment
Jimmy Kimmel skewers Trump over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool algae
Jimmy Kimmel has been reflecting on President Donald Trump's reflecting pool renovation, and he's ready to wade into the waters.
Water district project addresses contamination at Averill Park middle school
Elevated levels of PFOA/PFOS chemicals were found in the school's water during well testing.
Our View: Don’t settle public business in private
Lowndes County Supervisors and the Columbus City Council are set to meet Friday in an attempt to settle a months-long dispute over $455,000 in jail and emergency services bills the city has declined to pay.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management: Science, Stewardship, and Shared Successes
One of the most innovative aspects of the Magnuson-Stevens Act was the establishment of eight regional councils to manage fisheries. Across the country, regional councils are tackling their own unique challenges, each shaped by their local coastal communities and united under a shared framework.
Governor Sherrill Secures SBA Economic Injury Disaster Assistance for Businesses and Nonprofits Affected by Belleville Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2026 Governor Sherrill Secures SBA Economic Injury Disaster Assistance for Businesses and Nonprofits Affected by Belleville Fire Business Recovery Center Opened June 16 in Belleville TRENTON – Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by the devastating May 3, 2026 fire in Belleville Township may now apply[...]
Letter: Love of country should trump personal politics
I was disheartened to see that Donald Trump was booed by fans at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City on June 8. The next day, I had an amazing discussion with a neighbor about whether Trump would be met with a standing ovation or booed by an audience here in Hawaii. I argued that we have more aloha for America than disdain to boo a president.
Tampa Sports Authority rejects local attorney's claims of conflict of interest
The agency's counsel said the accused members would not see "private gain or loss” if a Rays' stadium was near their properties. Tampa resident Jared Willis, who made the allegations, vowed to press on.
Science without borders: the lasting legacy of Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Over 30 years ago, Europe decided to back researchers, trust their curiosity, and see where it leads in honour of Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Tigers’ Justin Verlander Set for Return Start at Comerica Park
The Tigers plan to activate Justin Verlander from the 60-day injured list and start him Sunday at Comerica Park.
Addie and Baylor Foundation teams up with Kentucky Science Center for library renovation project
Siblings Addie and Baylor Kirchgessner were killed in a crash during a family vacation in December 2020
WHO Step-by-Step programme recognized as a promising innovation for mental health in humanitarian settings
WHO, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Lebanon’s National Mental Health Programme, showcased Step-by-Step at the World Bank Group’s biennial Fragility Forum in Washington, DC. The forum convened more than 1500 representatives from governments, international organizations and civil society to advance the development agenda in the world’s most fragile and crisis-affected communities. WHO was invited to demonstrate Step-by-Step – a digital self-help intervention for depression, alongside innovations presented by Stanford University and Google. The World Bank Group selected Step-by-Step from among more than 50 innovations that they reviewed in the lead up to the Forum.About Step-by-StepStep-by-Step is a free digital tool developed by WHO in collaboration with Lebanon’s National Mental Health Programme and other partners, that helps people manage depression and anxiety on their own, with light guidance from a trained supporter. It uses a picture-based story to walk users through evidence-based techniques for managing common mental health conditions. Users complete five modules, with weekly contacts – of around 15 minutes each – from a trained non-specialist helper, such as a community health worker.Evidence-basedClinical trials in Lebanon involving nearly 1250 participants – including 680 Lebanese participants and 569 Syrian participants – showed that Step-by-Step significantly reduced depression, anxiety and stress, and improved daily functioning. By the end of the programme, a reduction in depressive symptoms of more than 50% was reported by almost half (46%) of Lebanese participants and more than one third (37%) of Syrian participants compared to approximately 14% of those who did not use the programme. Cost-effectiveness analyses further suggest that Step-by-Step may offer a cost-saving response to depression in humanitarian emergencies in low- and middle-income countries.Used globallyStep-by-Step is already in use nationwide in Lebanon and Thailand, as part of each country’s mental health system. In India, the NGO – Kaya Guides – has adapted Step-by-Step for delivery through a widely used messaging app. Together, these programmes have provided thousands of people with evidence-based support for depression. The content is freely available from the WHO website for any organization or country to adapt for their own context.A new implementation guideThe Fragility Forum coincided with the recent launch of WHO’s new practical guide: Psychological self-help interventions: delivering self-help for individuals, featuring Step-by-Step and Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (WHO, 2026). The guide is designed to help governments, health workers, organizations and planners bring evidence-based mental health support to more people, particularly in low-resource and crisis-affected settings.
Latvia pilots citizen engagement in research grant evaluations
Latvia has introduced an element of citizen engagement to the evaluation of nationally funded research grants. The aim is to both create more connections between science and society, and to improve the quality of its evaluations. The move comes as research funders across Europe are experimenting with ways to improve evaluation processes in the face of a sharpened focus on science’s impact on society. Evaluators of grant applications submitted to Latvia’s Fundamental and Applied Research Programme (FLPP), the country’s main research funder, will this year have the option of consulting citizen feedback on challenges the public thinks science should focus on to inform their decisions. “In recent years, both public discussions and policy-level debates in Latvia have highlighted the importance of demonstrating how publicly funded research contributes to society, the economy and the resolution of real-world challenges,” said a source at the Latvian Council of Science (LCS), which manages the FLPP. “At the same time, research institutions themselves expressed interest in improving the project evaluation framework while continuing to ensure that funding is awarded to the highest-quality projects,” the source added. The citizen input comes from a survey that was conducted between 25 February and 16 March 2025, to which 1,737 people responded. It gathered information on what the public views as problem areas for Latvia, and the role of science and technology in providing solutions to these problems. A summary of these responses has been included as an annex to the FLPP 2026 call for proposals that evaluators can refer to, purely in an advisory manner, when judging proposals. Results from the survey show that the main problem areas identified by the public were in healthcare and public health, followed by the development of new treatment methods and medicines, and then digital technology, data security and cyber security. At the bottom of the list was research aimed at acquiring new knowledge about the universe, matter and the laws of nature. Further analysis looked at the public view of the possible role of science in solving these problems. The survey charted 4,167 individual responses based on open-ended questions that were derived from the participants’ answers. The analysis again found that medical and health sciences topped the scoring, with 788 responses referring to the field. Humanities and the arts were bottom of the list, with 625. Digging further into the details, the survey suggests citizens are aware of and concerned about a number of research areas. This includes technologies and innovation to improve the environment or reduce pollution, the development of modern military technologies and cybersecurity tools, and the development and application of artificial intelligence, among others. “We hope this initiative will help strengthen public trust in science and create a more meaningful dialogue between researchers and society,” the LCS source said, adding that it offers benefits to researchers, evaluators and to the general public. More space for citizen engagement in evaluationsThere is a gradual but increasing use of citizen engagement in research evaluation processes around Europe, especially in healthcare, but it remains relatively rare, said Henry Sauermann, a professor at the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin and an expert in citizen science.“Given that we are at a point where citizen involvement is extremely limited, there is presumably space for more, but it's not that we should do it just because we want to do it,” he told Science|Business. He said some research lends itself better to having citizen input, and this usually tends to be on the applied end of the science spectrum where the public can offer useful feedback based on their experiences. He added that advising scientists on certain topics to study is also a useful approach, in the way that Latvia is doing. “The public does fund a lot of science, there's a lot of tax money going into this. We of course do want to preserve academic freedom, but it's also not unreasonable to incorporate more feedback or input from citizens where possible,” he said. Related articlesCitizen science: where, when, and how to let the public contribute to researchHow can Europe cope with a flood of AI-assisted research grant proposals?Data Corner: Horizon Europe’s AI, digital and data call success rate is 5.2%There are several ways of involving citizens in science funding. The most minimal way is having a few representatives on a panel, such as members of a patient group or union. The most direct way is crowdsourcing funding for specific projects. There is an increasing number of online platforms that allow the public to chip in to support scientific proposals.Sauermann studied this in a recent paper and found that it can have its uses, but it still is not clear if there are benefits to it. There are various assumptions linked to citizen engagement, for example that it increases public trust in science, or that it provides a representative view of what the public thinks about science. These are not necessarily true, Sauermann found. People who participate in engagement activities tend to already be very trusting of science, and, on the whole, it is generally the well-off and well educated who contribute, giving a narrow view of public opinion. On whether citizen input can help manage the increasing number of proposals that are being submitted due to assistance from AI, Sauermann is more sceptical. “The obvious answer to the flood of AI-written proposals is AI-driven evaluation,” he said, adding that it doesn’t mean citizen engagement shouldn’t be a part of evaluations in a well thought-out manner. Southern Denmark’s successful approachOne successful example of citizen engagement in science evaluations was implemented in southern Denmark. Between 2019 and 2025, citizens in the region were invited to vote to fund one of five pre-selected projects in the field of healthcare. The project, called A Healthier Southern Denmark, was a collaboration between regional authorities, the University of Southern Denmark, and two media partners. Over the seven years, there were 75,000 votes and significant public engagement online and on social media. “It was a bit of a wild project, we’d never done something like that before and we were a bit nervous about what would be said in the media about it. But actually, people were very positive,” said Anne Kathrine Overgaard, one of the main organisers of the project from the University of Southern Denmark. The university and its researchers have learned a lot from the experience, particularly about engaging with society and shaping their research to match real-world needs. This is important with Europe’s increasing focus on competitiveness and bringing innovations to market faster, Overgaard said. She hopes to see more citizen engagement in evaluation processes and in science more broadly. “For many years, citizen engagement has been a bit of an add-on to proposals, just to check a box. But I think things are changing,” she said. It’s less about citizens just gathering data and more “about the dialogue between the public and the scientists,” she said. The initiative ended last year as the team wanted to regroup to find fresh momentum. The development of AI and AI-written proposals has made Overgaard reflect on how the project could be reworked to help evaluators. She hopes to bring it back in the future. “It could be a good idea to try this initiative again in a slightly re-worked format,” she said.
Major private payer encouraging employees to leave willingly
The largest Medicaid-specialized managed care organization in the U.S. is offering buyout packages to most of its 60,000 or so staff workers.
Dodgers activate Tommy Edman, designate Santiago Espinal for assignment
LOS ANGELES — Tommy Edman was activated off the 60-day injured list on Tuesday after missing the first 73 games of the season following right ankle surgery in November. They get back a multi-positional player who started 32 of 33 postseason games in his first two years with Los Angeles. To make room on both […]
Roy Hattersley, Frontline Warrior of British Politics, Dies at 93
A Labour Party deputy who spent years in opposition, he criticized Conservatives and members of his own party, and was at the heart of major political moments.
NASA’s Webb Catches Exoplanet Getting Roasted
One well-done gas giant, coming right up! That’s the latest from researchers analyzing NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s observations of HD 80606 b, an
Merchants of Doubt and the attacks on Extreme Event Attribution science
Last week, I attended a meeting at Columbia University on attribution science and climate law, hosted by the Sabin Center. It was a fantastic event, bringing together scientists and legal experts working at the intersection of extreme event attribution and climate law. Subscribe For those unfamiliar with it, extreme event attribution attempts to quantify the contribution of climate change to an extreme event. For example, several groups analyzed the impact of climate change on Hurricane Harvey’s enormous rainfall totals over Houston, Texas and they found that climate change increased rainfall by 15 to 38%. One thing that came up again and again was how terrified fossil-fuel interests are of extreme event attribution science. They are acutely aware that this research could land them in court. And losing those cases would leave them legally liable for billions of dollars in climate damages. Because the legal stakes are so high, the blowback has turned ugly. I spoke with several scientists at the meeting who are facing ongoing harassment over their work. This blowback is a coordinated campaign to make the entire field look suspect. The goal is to create the impression that attribution science is too uncertain, too political, or too conflicted to be useful in court or in public policy. The strategy is not based on actual science or evidence of misconduct, but on the generation of doubt. The new Merchants of Doubt We’ve seen this before. In fact, not that long ago: We only have to go back a year to the Department of Energy (DOE) Climate Working Group (CWG) report to see an example of using doubt as the tool to push back against well-established science. This strategy is laid out in an email from a member of the CWG, Dr. Roy Spencer, that was released during litigation over the Climate Working Group process. The key quote is: About all I can hope is that what we write will provide sufficient “reasonable scientific doubt” regarding the science claims in the 2009 TSD [technical support document], based upon almost 2 decades of new science, to call into question the original reasoning for the EPA Administrator’s decision that CO2 presents a threat to human health and welfare. This statement is strong evidence that at least some members of the committee were working to support a particular policy outcome: revoking the Endangerment Finding. The email also explains how they planned to do it: by attempting to generate “reasonable doubt”. This is going to be hard, Spencer implies. Despite falsely claiming that “2 decades of new science” weakens the case, Spencer explicitly acknowledges that the actual peer-reviewed science of climate change overwhelmingly rejects his position: But if the science argument is decided upon by a vote, or by the number of published citations, we lose the science argument. We can go back even further: This CWG email shares unmistakable DNA with the infamous 1969 tobacco memo that declared: “Doubt is our product, since it is the best means of competing with the ‘body of fact’ that exists in the mind of the general public. It is also the means of establishing a controversy.” The tobacco memo also acknowledges the limit of this strategy: Like the CWG, they knew the science was not on their side. Share The new new Merchants of Doubt The people attacking the IPCC chapter on extreme event attribution are the newest iteration of the Merchants of Doubt. Their goal, like all Merchants before them, is to introduce doubt into the process. Because the report is not even out yet, they cannot attack its conclusions. So they are attacking the authors instead. Here is a press release from the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee: In the letter, the Chairmen express concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving members of the Attribution Committee, stating that “publicly available information suggests a troubling pattern” in which committee members are affiliated with nonprofits that support climate accountability lawsuits, “raising the appearance of impropriety and member bias.” To be clear, this is just innuendo. There is no actual evidence of bias. And given the robust process that these reports go through, including multiple lines of peer review, it seems very unlikely that significant bias can survive into the report. When the report comes out, critics will have the opportunity to make legitimate criticisms of the report — if any exist. If none do, however, they’ll still make criticisms, but they’ll be bogus, simply designed to generate doubt. We’ll see. A note to the press: Fix your frame To any journalists reading this: The public debate over extreme event attribution science is not going away. The science is simply too dangerous to fossil-fuel interests for them to stop fighting it. You very well might be assigned to write an article about this area of research in the future. When you do, do not automatically adopt the framing that climate misinformers want you to use. They want you to frame the story around questions like: Are climate scientists trying to put their thumb on the scale to achieve a predetermined, politically motivated result? Are climate scientists improperly letting their politics invade the science of the IPCC? That frame is a trap. Instead, you need to view this through the historical lens of the Merchants of Doubt. How does the ecosystem of doubt operate? Who funds it? What methods do they use to misrepresent science and slime researchers? What scientific results are they trying to keep people from understanding are legitimate? Ultimately, you instead need to focus your article on the generation of doubt as a way to maintain the fossil fuel industry’s social and legal license to keep burning oil, gas, and coal. If you treat the misinformers’ frame as a legitimate, good-faith scientific critique, you are helping them produce doubt. Don’t do it. Don’t be a Merchant of Doubt. Thanks for reading The Climate Brink! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. Subscribe other stuff The Staying Curious Substack has an interesting post about the different flavors of climate sensitivity. This is crucial information if you want to understand how scientists think about how much warming the Earth will experience. I’d be grateful if you could hit the like button ❤️ below! It helps more people discover these ideas and lets me know what’s connecting with readers.
Maryland Science Center Launches Harbor Plaza Renovation
Last Saturday, the Maryland Science Center held a ceremonial groundbreaking of the renovation of the Harbor Plaza between the Inner Harbor promenade and the Science Center entrance.
Pizza Hut bought by private equity firm that owns 24 Hour Fitness
P.E. firms have bought up restaurant chains in recent years, but they have a mixed track record when it comes to turning them around.
Alaska’s Murkowski among Congress members seeking to save ocean science network
Members from coastal states want to prevent the Trump administration from dismantling portions of the Ocean Observatories Initiative network.
NASA Webb, Hubble Reveal History of Relic of Milky Way’s Formation
Researchers using two of humanity’s most powerful observatories — NASA’s James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes — have definitively shown that Terzan 5 is not
Trump mulls co-endorsement in South Carolina as governor’s race proves tight
An endorsement of both candidates would be the latest example of the president hedging his bets to avoid a fight with conservative activists.
Xreal Officially Reveals Its Android XR Aura Glasses
The company is taking paid reservations for a launch later this year.
UConn Health Celebrates Grand Opening of Expanded Torrington Location
The newly renovated facility brings a range of healthcare services together under one roof, making care more convenient and accessible close to home.
Gabe Halimi
Fortune Brands Innovations welcomes Gabe Halimi as its General Manager, Connect Products – Water.
Pizza Hut Sold to Two Firms for $2.7 Billion
Yum China will acquire Pizza Hut’s locations in mainland China. The private equity firm LongRange Capital will buy its locations in the United States and elsewhere.
Department of Health and Human Services Digital Stockpile & Manufacturing Response Network Challenge
NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) assists in the use of crowdsourcing across the federal government. CoECI’s NASA Tournament
Sabres announce details for NHL Draft Fan Fest on June 26 and 27
Fan Fest will include a red carpet arrival prior to Round 1 along with entertainment and hockey-themed activities.
Takeaways From JD Vance’s New Book ‘Communion,’ on Faith and His Political Ambitions
In a new memoir, Mr. Vance recalls an “unsettling” meeting with Vatican officials on immigration policy and disavows his infamous disparagement of some Democrats as “childless cat ladies.”
Scientific American Unveils Inaugural Class of Young American Scientists, Celebrating the Next Generation of Innovators
NEW YORK, June 16, 2026--Scientific American announces The Young American Scientists Class of 2026.
Watch Netanyahu Pays a Political Price for Trump’s Iran Deal
Benjamin Netanyahu has spent years cultivating one of the most important relationships in global politics. Now, that relationship with Donald Trump may be becoming a liability, explains Dan Williams.
Walker Sands acquires Atlanta-based consulting firm
The private equity infusion is being felt in another corner of professional services.
Coral reefs are not doomed – but policy must catch up with the science
A new study shows some reefs still have a meaningful chance to survive and recover from climate impacts – provided they are protected
After-hours party at Detroit Zoo includes food, cocktails and dancing
Sunset at the Zoo, which returns June 18, is a fundraiser for animal animal welfare efforts and global conservation programs.
Pitt Athletics And JMI Sports Launch H2PNIL To Elevate Student-Athlete NIL Support
PITTSBURGH – Pitt Athletics and JMI Sports, a leading multimedia rights and venue development company, announced today the launch of H2PNIL, a comprehensive ...
United States Announces U.S. Government Members of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council
United States Announces U.S. Government Members of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council Press Release June 16, 2026 Today, at the fifth annual Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF 2026), the United States announced the following inaugural members of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Vice President Bethany Aquilina Brez Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Senior Vice President Sarah Witten Assistant Secretary of Commerce, David Fogel Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, Caleb Orr U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Jonathan Henick Launched in Washington, D.C., in April 2026, the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council serves as the premier bilateral platform to accelerate trade and catalyze private sector investment between the United States and Uzbekistan. The Council is Co-Chaired by Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor and Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Council gives American businesses direct access to U.S. government financing, trade promotion, and market development tools to execute large-scale projects in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan holds significant reserves of critical minerals essential to U.S. technology, defense, and energy sectors. The Council provides a direct mechanism to advance U.S. access to these resources through transparent, mutually beneficial partnerships. Through their participation, the American members of the Council will deepen the institutional framework for American commercial engagement in Uzbekistan.
Orkin Invites Students to Imagine Life in 2151 Through National Virtual Insect Science Fair
As Orkin marks 125 years of helping people better understand and manage pests, the company is launching the Orkin Insect 2151 Science Fair. The national virtual competition challenges students ages 14-18 to explore entomology and imagine how insect-inspired ideas could help solve real-world challenges over the next 125 years. Born out of Orkin's 125th anniversary and vision for the future, the competition encourages students to explore how insect science can inspire tomorrow's innovations in way
Lockton appoints Stéphane Lespérance as CEO of its Canadian Business
/PRNewswire/ -- Lockton, the world's largest privately held independent insurance brokerage, today announced the strategic appointment of industry veteran...
Informa Markets and Thailand's Health Ministry Join Forces To Deliver a Successful Edition of International Healthcare Week 2026 in Bangkok
Informa Markets joins forces with Thailand's Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) to unveil International Healthcare Week 2026, a transformative regional healthcare platform that will elevate Thailand's position as a world-leading medical and wellness hub and catalyze new waves of investment, innovation, and international partnerships across the healthcare industry.
The darts business scores with the Luke Littler effect
A cottage industry run by family companies is attracting private equity as it expands globally