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Yes, Computer Science Can Teach Social-Emotional Skills. Here's How
Though seemingly disparate, computer science and student mindfulness can mutually reinforce one another.
NRC Affirms Science Behind Radiation Standards
However, the agency’s proposed rule would remove requirements to keep radiation “as low as reasonably achievable.”
Trump ousts bipartisan commission in latest effort to reshape elections before midterm
The White House defended President Trump's dismissal of the bipartisan U.S. Elections Assistance Commission's remaining members as enhancing election security. Critics called it a dangerous partisan move.
Mission Buzz: A handful of Mission businesses receive an economic boost from the city
Also, there are business closures on Valencia and Mission streets. The MCCLA will host its next community meeting next week.
Vanderbilt Health celebrates 100 years of membership in the American Hospital Association
Presented as part of the AHA Membership Milestone Awards, this recognition celebrates organizations whose longstanding partnership has helped strengthen hospitals and improve the health of communities across the nation.
What the Politics of Tears Means for Iran’s Future
Khamenei’s Funeral Lays Bare the Regime’s Reliance on Spectacle over Genuine Loyalty
Teens Drop Lawsuit Against Trump's Trans Sports Order After Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court last month upheld state bans on transgender girls in school sports.
How abolishing the NIH would weaken American science
American science, disability service provider staffing and more, in readers' eyes.
Songwriters sue South Korean entertainment giant Hybe, say BTS song 'Swim' copied their demo
Three songwriters filed a copyright lawsuit against South Korean entertainment giant Hybe, saying the K-pop supergroup BTS' chart-topping single "Swim" was lifted from their unpublished
Nobel Prize winner leaving UC Berkeley for new role in China
Omar Yaghi will lead an AI institute at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Trump keeps pushing voting bill that could backfire on Republicans
The president says passing the Save America Act would “guarantee the midterms” for the GOP, but the bill could be dangerous for Republicans.
Transgender girls drop lawsuit against Trump's sports order after Supreme Court ruling
Two transgender girls who were the first to challenge President Donald Trump's executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports,” have withdrawn their lawsuit in New Hampshire based on a recent U.S.
Ag Progress Days showcases college research, AI tool and animal health updates
Visitors to the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building during Penn State’s 2026 Ag Progress Days, Aug. 11-13, will have the chance to learn more about the college’s cutting-edge research driving innovation in modern agriculture.
Donald Trump ousts election commission members in latest push to reshape US voting process
President Donald Trump has ousted members of a bipartisan federal election commission charged with assisting state and local elections officials
Trump fires members of bipartisan elections commission
President Donald Trump fired two Democratic members of the Elections Assistance Commission and received the resignation of a Republican member.
Study of 281 Free Android VPN Apps Finds Traffic Leaks, Unencrypted Data, and Tracking
Researchers tested 281 free Android VPN apps and found DNS leaks, plaintext traffic, weak tunnels, and flaws across apps with 2.4B installs.
Of course ACA premiums are rising
The government encourages higher prices through policy.
Trump seeks to limit funding that doesn't 'advance' presidential policies
Proposed in late May, the rule would give political appointees unprecedented control over federal grants for research, education and infrastructure.
This team of lawyers represents Trump, even against his own government
President Trump has assembled a team of personal lawyers who have a key strength in his eyes: willingness to make arguments his previous attorneys might have balked at.
ACLU alleges new Kansas election statute violates federal voting rights laws
The law, which went into effect July 1, was designed to rapidly remove ineligible voters from registration rolls and restrict the use of voter registration websites. The Republican-led Kansas Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly's veto to pass the bill.
Ebola death toll reaches 600, as new cases suspected in other parts of Congo
New suspected cases of Ebola have been reported in parts of Congo that were previously unaffected, the government said, signaling the continued spread of the disease beyond the epicenter in Ituri.
Gov. Whitmer announces Michigan ranked #6 in best states for doing business
LANSING – On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated Michigan’s No. 6 ranking from CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business, earning a Top 10 ranking for a fifth time under Governor Whitmer’s leadership and representing a massive leap from No. 24 at the start of her administration in 2019. “Michigan is a place where everyone can […]
Judge gives college basketball players a chance with injunction
CINCINNATI — An Ohio judge has granted a preliminary injunction for 24 men’s and women’s college basketball players suing the NCAA for eligibility, claiming the new age-based model unfairly shuts them out of further competition. Judge Christopher Wagner said Thursday the NCAA eligibility rules have been applied to 2022 high school graduates in an arbitrary […]
Are the Dodgers tone deaf? White House visit an insult to fans
For a franchise built on a diverse, immigrant-heavy fan base, the Dodgers' decision to visit President Trump at the White House — again — makes no sense.
Disney+ explores a free tier as YouTube draws TV viewers
Disney is discussing a free tier for Disney+ as US TV viewers embrace no-cost streamers like YouTube.
Annual Bigfork Rodeo draws thousands for 4 days of entertainment
For four days after the Fourth of July, the Bigfork Rodeo brings around 20,000 people to enjoy a display of professional entertainment.
Costco hit with lawsuit alleging protein powder sold in stores contains 'dangerous' levels of lead, arsenic
Costco is facing a class action lawsuit alleging Orgain protein powders sold by the retailer contain elevated levels of lead, arsenic and cadmium.
Health Brief: The peptide showdown
Plus: The push to expand peptide access is running into resistance from FDA scientists
Judge dismisses suit challenging Sen. Tuberville's eligibility to run for Alabama governor
A judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit alleging U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville does not meet the residency requirement to run for governor of Alabama.
Virginia cannabis budget language triggers legal confusion, political fallout
Virginia’s decision to revive legal cannabis sales through the state budget instead of standalone legislation has triggered several days of confusion over the commonwealth’s marijuana laws, with lawmakers, local prosecutors, Virginia State Police and legislative officials offering differing interpretations of when key provisions take effect. Much of the confusion focused on two issues: whether Virginia’s long-delayed retail cannabis market had accidentally been moved up by a year and whether existing criminal penalties for marijuana possession and distribution involving people younger than 21 were still enforceable.
Jayden Daniels is working with his teammates in California
Jayden Daniels has a social media feud with Brandon Aiyuk, who has expressed interest in playing in Washington.
Sens. Fetterman (D) and McCormick (R) form rare bipartisan fundraising committee
The unusual cross-party fundraising committee comes amid speculation that Republicans are courting John Fetterman, who has said he has no plans to switch parties.
Witnesses say several people detained in HSI operation at Kansas City business
Witnesses say at least six people were detained Thursday morning as part of a Homeland Security Investigation operation at a food business in Kansas City, Missouri.
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, July 9-12
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout's BOLO events calendar.
The biggest drag on Virginia’s business ranking is Trump
CNBC's business rankings showed Virginia's economy was still ailing from DOGE cuts, though it got high ratings for infrastructure and education.
City Government Is the Latest Proving Ground for Socialist Politics
A new stream of leftist candidates for local office is vowing to lower the cost of living for everyone. How much runway will they get?
A new kind of robot swims the seas and soars the skies
Inspired by diving birds, roboticists built the lightweight machines to move from water to air. The design may one day lead to robots that can monitor and sample the coastal ocean.
OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR DISABLED IN VERMONT
Mountain bike enthusiasts have been working for years on an ambitious 485-mile, multi-use trail called The Velomont that will span the length of the state. They're making sure it's friendly for people people with disabilities, particularly cyclists.
Trans athletes drop lawsuit to gain access to girls' sports in New Hampshire after SCOTUS ruling
Trans athletes Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle dismissed their lawsuit challenging the state law after the Supreme Court's landmark Title IX ruling.
CNBC ranks North Carolina high on business rankings
Ohio took the top spot, but North Carolina and Virginia still ranked among CNBC’s best states for business in 2026.
Bill to protect health care workers from workplace violence set for Senate vote next week
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka unveiled a bill Thursday mandating employers to offer paid leave to healthcare workers assaulted on the job.
William & Mary’s VIMS & Batten School unveil new, unified brand identity
The refreshed brand strengthens institutional connections and reflects the university’s brand hierarchy while preserving the legacy of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Microsoft expects more Windows security updates from AI-discovered flaws
Microsoft says Windows users should expect to see an increase in security updates as the company increasingly relies on artificial intelligence to discover vulnerabilities in its codebase.
New York attorney general files lawsuit against makers of PFAS chemicals
The lawsuit alleges that the companies that make PFAS chemicals knew about their toxic characteristics and continued to make and sell them.
New Hampshire student athletes drop lawsuit over state's transgender sports ban
New Hampshire transgender student athletes drop lawsuit against a state law barring them from girls’ sports teams
Victor Marx wins GOP nod for governor, will face Democrat Phil Weiser in November
The GOP primary remained too close to call for over a week, but Marx emerged victorious by about 2,500 votes.
How to Embrace the 'Science of Math' Without Abandoning Your Existing Curriculum (Opinion)
Teachers can improve mathematics instruction with these straightforward changes.
‘Sony essentially destroys its own defense’: How its disc-free PS5 plan triggered a $457M lawsuit and undercut its antitrust defense
Sony’s move enraged thousands of gamers and brought on a lawsuit with the backdrop of rival Xbox’s restructuring amid video game industry challenges.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, July 10-16
Aspen Words Annual Benefit Dinner, July 10 Great company is paired with great words Friday at Aspen Words’ 2026 Book Ball, an annual benefit dinner from 5:45-9:30 p.m. July 10 at Doerr-Hosier Center, Aspen Meadows...
'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling.
Vendors, food and entertainment return for 53 Art in the Park
West Lincoln Part will come to life this weekend with live music, tasty delights, a beer tent and 153 vendors selling handmade goods and arts from across the region. The ironic event is celebrating its...
Entertainment this week: Wild Soul Festival, The Illeagles and more
Friday, July 10 Cowgirls + Cocktails – 5-7 p.m., Alder Creek Adventure Center. Cowgirls and cowboys are invited to gather for an early evening trail ride followed by a social hour with beer, wine and...
Sony, Bungie settle with ex-Marathon director they accused of "predatory behaviour", bringing $200m wrongful dismissal lawsuit to a close
Former Marathon director Christopher Barrett departed Bungie in 2024, but filed a lawsuit after reports of inappropriate behaviour emerged.
Live updates: U.S. and Iran escalate attacks; jockeying starts in Maine after Graham Platner drops Senate bid
Get live updates and the latest news as the U.S. and Iran escalate attacks and Maine Democrats jockey to replace Graham Platner as the party nominee for Senate after he withdraws from the race.
Bonnie Tyler dies: 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' singer was 75
Bonnie Tyler, the husky-voiced powerhouse vocalist who delivered memorable and dramatic pop-rock songs including 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' in the 1980s, has died.
Jared Huffman is one of few nonreligious members of Congress
California Rep. Jared Huffman is one of just four openly agnostic or religiously unaffiliated lawmakers and is by far the most outspoken. His new book warns of the perils of rising Christian nationalism.
Analysis | Can working-class roots help Democrats win back working-class voters?
Democratic gubernatorial candidates are running on personal working-class stories.
How Mitch McConnell’s absence complicates the Senate’s business and war funding
The 84-year-old's hospital stay may make it harder for Republicans to break a stalemate over funding, including $87 billion for the Pentagon as the Iran war reignites.
Will federal changes to research funding promote ‘accountability’ or politicize science?
A retired Brown University professor says the Trump administration is weakening a system that relies on subject-matter experts to judge scientific merit.
Campaign staffers keep trying to bet on races despite push to curb insider trading
Kalshi says it has blocked "dozens" of trades from campaign insiders, but experts say the company's approach leaves lots of potential loopholes. NPR has found at least one trade that slipped through.
The Iran ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a grand nuclear deal. New strikes expose its flaws
The day after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, opening a 60-day window to negotiate a deal over the country’s nuclear program, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff got on the phone to brief skeptical Republican leaders.
Radiologist pushes back against snowbird couple’s claim he missed signs of a stroke
Attorneys for radiologist Eric J. Sax, MD, MBA, and MaineHealth contend the lawsuit has circumvented crucial pre-litigation requirements established in the state.
Federal judge denies Kalshi's request to override N.Y.'s gambling laws
The prediction market company is pushing back.
Democrats Face a Maine-Size Mess After Platner Withdraws
The party is getting a redo, but will they blow it?
Boca Raton salon owner launches fundraiser after fire destroys her business
A Boca Raton salon owner is asking the community for help after a fire from a neighboring plaza destroyed her business and insurance won't cover it.
Transgender student athletes end legal fight over N.H.’s girls’ sports law after recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling
Student athletes withdraw lawsuit against New Hampshire law barring transgender girls from participating in girls' school sports after Supreme Court ruling.
Graham Platner drops his bid for Senate after facing an allegation of rape
Platner's campaign to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine was marked by repeated scandals. It came to a crashing halt after the allegation led top Democrats to withdraw their support.
SKF eyes role in humanoid robotics business
SKF is looking to work its way into the expanding Chinese robotics market with a recently announced agreement with Leaderdrive (LD), a global manufacturer specializing in precision robotic components. The companies are working together on a venture in China focused on high-precision transmission components for robot joints. SKF officials said the investment is a step […]
Business owners say prolonged Decatur Street construction has cost them millions
Several French Quarter business owners have filed a lawsuit against the Sewerage and Water Board, saying nine months of construction along Decatur Street has driven away customers and pushed their businesses toward closure.
MAD: M+C Saatchi NA Names Bacchus To Lead New Entertainment Practice
Bacchus is based in Los Angeles and will report to Derek Goode, Managing Director, M+C Saatchi Sport+Entertainment.
Radiologist and Maine health providers ask judge to dismiss couple’s lawsuit
The couple say MaineHealth, Spectrum Healthcare Partners and a radiologist failed to diagnose a blood clot that led Jeffrey Sayward to experience a disabling stroke.
UnityPoint Health confirms layoffs as part of Revenue Cycle outsourcing
UnityPoint says it will transition "certain Revenue Cycle functions" to Omega Healthcare.
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s constituents deserve transparency
Mitch McConnell's health, Nixon’s war on drugs, 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' and more, in readers' eyes.
Longtime friends and business partners thrive as architecture grad students
Setareh Farashzadeh and Yasaman Ghaffarian came to Penn State as close friends and established architects in pursuit of the history and theory behind their chosen field. Originally from Iran, the duo started their own practice after earning their bachelor’s degrees and jointly decided to expand their understanding of the built environment. Their interests and underlying friendship led them to the dual master of architecture and master of science in architecture program in the College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School.
7 surprises and snubs from the Emmy nominations
“The Pitt” and “Hacks” dominated the field, but there was plenty that was unexpected in Wednesday’s announcement.
New study finds NFL players nearly four times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease
"A fourfold increase in dementia rates from a presumed environmental cause is immense."
Do you know where your birth certificate is? Journalist warns of new voting barriers
The rules of the midterms are being rewritten, from redistricting to campaign money. Mother Jones journalist Ari Berman explains why President Trump seems "obsessed with the mechanics of voting."
United must face lawsuit over 'window seats' that don't have windows, judge rules
A federal judge ruled passengers plausibly alleged United Airlines breached its agreement by selling certain window seats without an actual window, allowing the proposed class action to proceed.
Ubiquiti Patches Critical UniFi Flaws Across Connect, Talk, Access, Protect, and OS
Ubiquiti fixes seven critical UniFi flaws across Connect, Talk, Access, Protect, and OS, with no evidence of exploitation in the wild found.
In shift, Trump praises Zelensky, will let Ukraine build Patriot missiles
It was a dramatic departure from Trump’s more acerbic tone toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he once derided as ungrateful.
Mayor Brandon Johnson taps new public health commissioner
Dr. Garth Walker is the chief medical officer at Rush Health. He would replace Dr. Olusimbo Ige, who resigned in May. His appointment requires City Council approval.
Mayor Brandon Johnson taps new public health commissioner
Dr. Garth Walker is the chief medical officer at Rush Health. He would replace Dr. Olusimbo Ige, who resigned in May. His appointment requires City Council approval.
Health Insurance Giants Are Fighting Efforts to Break Them Up
UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health and Cigna are suing states over new laws targeting their pharmacy businesses.
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.”
Nexstar launches its first subscription streaming service with The Hill Insider, aimed at political junkies
The service, priced at $5.99 and $9.99 a month, will offer deeper looks at Washington-based news and trends.
Andrew Armacost, Gregg Haug, Alan O'Neil included on Prairie Business' Leaders & Legacies 2026 list
The three from the Grand Forks region are among seven honorees overall
News | Beyond the Rodeo: Calgary Stampede bets on becoming year-round entertainment district
Hotel project underway at Calgary's Stampede Park as landmark event takes place
News | Former Macy’s in downtown Brooklyn to become entertainment hub
Developers pitch BKX as largest contiguous retail space available in New York
Cancer cases worldwide will soar in the coming decades, a report finds. Here’s why.
The World Health Organization tempered optimism about improvements in cancer treatment and said global health care inequities are driving more cases and deaths.
News | Blackstone reviews £6 billion UK logistics business sale
Indurent launched in 2024 after merger of Industrials REIT and St Modwen
A spirit of resilience helps Venezuelans face healthcare challenges after the quakes
The economic collapse of Venezuela has pushed its healthcare system to the brink. The disaster is now adding to the stress.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby and Toyota to partner on manufacturing, Driscoll’s faces pesticide backlash, economic woes drive slowdown on local granny units
Jessica M. Pasko gives you the latest in local business news, including Joby Aviation and Toyota expanding their partnership, Driscoll's facing a new class action lawsuit over pesticide use, and upcoming events.
I mocked sports fans. Then I became one.
A lifelong sports skeptic learns to love the power of the game.
‘Shell-shocked’ Chicago scientists raise alarm about federal overhaul of research grant funding
Researchers here and across the country say a proposed rule could undermine a system that has helped fueled scientific innovation for generations. A public comment period ends July 13.
‘Shell-shocked’ Chicago scientists raise alarm about federal overhaul of research grant funding
Researchers here and across the country say a proposed rule could undermine a system that has helped fueled scientific innovation for generations. A public comment period ends July 13.
Opinion: The Lexington Problem: Beating the Literacy Odds Without the Science of Reading
The science of reading has largely won the policy debate. Over the last decade, state after state has embraced evidence-based reading instruction. Legislatures have passed literacy laws, and teacher p...
Lionel Messi is the ultimate summer romance: Why he's so beloved
I knew Lionel Messi would be the headliner of this World Cup, but I didn't expect to fall so hopelessly in love with him.
Tesla Science Center to dedicate new visitor center after Wardenclyffe fire
Nikola Tesla’s historic Shoreham lab will mark a major step in its recovery Saturday with the dedication of a new visitor center nearly three years after a devastating fire.
Hungary moves to overhaul university models banned from Horizon Europe
Hungary’s new government is aiming to overhaul the governance model of the institutions and universities that lost access to Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ funds “in a short timeframe,” according to Péter Horváth, the new state secretary for science policy and innovation. “As of today, the two non-university foundation-controlled institutions under my remit have been transformed,” he told Science|Business. “We hope the universities will follow and that this will be enough to satisfy the EU’s demands.”Under the previous government, led by Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party, many academic and scientific institutions were restructured and made into special public trust foundations, with members strongly linked to the government given lifelong mandates and significant decision-making powers with little oversight. The European Commission deemed that this undermined academic freedom and transparency in the country, leading to a ban on 34 institutions in 2022, including 21 universities, which saw academics in Hungary lose access to Horizon Europe grants. The new Hungarian government, elected in May and led by Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party, has promised to dismantle this governance model and restore the institutions to EU programmes. As a result, the European Commission has promised to return access to the Erasmus+ education mobility programme, but so far no concrete agreement has been made on the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. Hungary has already made legislative changes in June to allow the institutions to be reformed and set a timeline for the implementation.The non-university foundations, which are mainly cultural centres such as the Foundation for Hungarian Culture or the Makovecz Campus Foundation, will all be dissolved by August 31 this year, a date tied to EU-set milestones that Hungary must meet to unlock frozen funds, with control transferred to relevant ministries. Meanwhile, the universities will have until 31 August 2027. For each university foundation, the government will set the dissolution date and the body to take over operations. There is no final decision on a permanent new model for the universities, according to Hungarian MEP Eszter Lakos, who is shadow rapporteur for the Horizon Europe specific programme, a separate piece of legislation detailing implementation rules for the EU’s next research programme, due to start in 2028. “The aim of the transition year is to settle this with [the universities], not to impose a model, and not to put them under state control,” she told Science|Business. “The goal is to give academic independence back to universities.”There are three models that are most likely to be implemented. One would be a return to a traditional, state-run model. Another could be a newer, more self-standing public institution. A third option would be a reformed version of the foundation models that meet EU standards. According to Lakos, the dismantling of the system put in place by the Orbán government is well underway and if all goes according to plan, Hungary could regain access to EU research money by the start of the next academic year in 2027. “I believe that the Hungarian government is doing the necessary changes so the universities could return as beneficiaries to Horizon from the next school year,” she said. In the meantime, “the universities, institutes and cultural assets carry on under proper public stewardship rather than a handful of unaccountable trustees,” said Lakos. The laws passed in June impose new safeguards: board terms are capped at four years and renewable only once, appointments are made through open competitions and sitting politicians cannot join joining these boards.It remains unclear whether a domestic science funding programme set up as a back-up scheme by the former government following the EU funding ban, called HU-rizon, could be continued. “This programme should never have had to have been established in the first place, but it has proven to be quite popular,” he said. “I am considering continuing this programme with a refined focus on helping international collaborations.”Re-organising the research network One of the first priorities for Horváth and his cabinet is to resolve questions over the future of the Hungarian Research Network, Hun-Ren. The network of academic institutes was taken away from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 2019 and turned into a quasi-private organisation, with similarities in its governance to the public trust foundations.Horváth and his team have consulted over 5,000 representatives from the network and the conclusion is broad unhappiness with the directors of all the institutes involved. “We have presented the results to the president and the chief executive of the network and this is currently being discussed,” Horváth said. The plan is to re-integrate the network back into the Academy of Sciences but in an improved way, “learning from mistakes of the past,” he added. The government also wants to reintegrate four humanities and social science research centres into the network that the previous government had transferred to Eötvös Loránd University. The transfer brought sharp criticism from the academic community, with a group of Hungarian research heads, including European Research Council grant recipients, sending an open letter to Orbán warning that the transfer would “cause historically significant harm to the entirety of Hungarian scientific life.” The transfer was “one of the biggest shames in Hungarian research in the past 20 years,” Horváth said. “We want to immediately re-integrate them back into the research network and to regain the trust of these institutions, because the way they were treated was really unfair.”Another pressing issue is the Élvonal Excellence Research and Talent Development Foundation, led by Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz. The foundation signed a financing agreement with the former government earlier this year for a budget of over €730 million over the next five years. The goal is to create a world-class centre to attract top talent from abroad and to develop local researchers. But there was little transparency about this foundation, and news of its huge budget, which is nearly as much as Hungary’s entire research budget, caused a stir in the media following the recent elections. Another issue is that, as with the foundation boards of the institutes banned from Horizon Europe, there was little-to-no oversight of decisions led by Krausz. “It was an excellent idea but an unacceptable execution,” Horváth said of the foundation. “The fact that this is out of the Hungarian funding scheme, mostly concentrating on one person who decides on the budget is unacceptable for us.”The government plans to merge the centre with the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, the country’s R&D funding agency, with a reduced budget. Horváth is hopeful that Krausz will still be involved. The new government’s R&D goalsA phrase that crops up regularly during the discussion with Horváth is “democratic process.” The new state secretary is determined to involve Hungary’s research community in shaping future policies. This marks a departure from the previous government’s approach, and several people in Hungary’s research community have commented on the openness of the new government. In terms of concrete goals, Horváth and his team already have plans. He wants to create a new science fund in Hungary, based on the best practices of other European countries. The fund would not be tied to annual government budgets and would provide long-term, stable financing. “If we were to succeed in creating this fund, then I think it would be one of the biggest achievements for me in this period of government,” Horváth said. On the innovation side, he is looking into how best to bring in the private sector. “We want to make sure that we are working with the private sector to support innovation,” Horváth said. One of his big aims is to introduce entrepreneurship teaching into high schools. Hungary already has a reputable national academy offering research and innovation training in the field of natural sciences, and Horváth wants to expand this to all disciplines and across the whole country. “One of the main ways to elevate our innovative businesses is to teach our children to be innovative,” he said. “This will probably need ten years to pay off, but this is what we should do. Our aim is to make Hungary strong in our region, and this is what is needed.” Related articlesHungary’s Horizon Europe performance in numbersCommission unlocks Erasmus+ cash for Hungary, Horizon could be next‘Academic Huxit.’ Hungarian researchers speak out on impact of EU ban A more difficult task will be funding. The new government is aiming to increase research spending to 2% of the GDP by 2030, and then increase it to 3% in line with EU objectives. Currently, spending sits around 1.3%. But according to Horváth, the current budget, inherited from the previous government, is “heavily in the negative,” so any plans to increase research spending will have to start next year. Achieving 2% by 2030 already needs a big push, almost doubling the research budget. “This is something we’d definitely like to reach, and something I can see us achieving,” he said. “From the 2030s, I’d like to see an innovative generation growing up that can help us reach the 3% target.” Positivity in the new governmentDespite the many challenges facing Horváth and his team, the mood is positive. “It feels a bit like a start-up right now. Everyone is working 24/7, day and night, trying to do as much as they can. There is a lot of energy,” he said. It is a big change for the state secretary who, like many in his cabinet, is coming from a background in research or business, and not in politics. “Six weeks ago, I was sitting with my microscope and my research PhDs, so it’s been a big change for me,” said the computer scientist, who was previously the director of the Institute of Biochemistry at the Hun-Ren Biological Research Centre in Hungary and worked at the Institute for AI for Health at Helmholtz Munich. But he is relishing the task to transform the country’s R&D landscape. “We feel enormous support from the Hungarian people, but also from Europe,” he said. “We’ve received a lot of letters of support from around Europe. There is big trust there, and huge responsibility on our side. We want to get everything back on track, and there’s a lot to do.”
Littwin: Lynn Bartels was the greatest political reporter I ever knew. And that’s not even half the story.
Lynn Bartels was one of one, a legend, who dominated state politics like no reporter before or since. And I was her friend — one of a million.