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Beyond the World Cup... 5️⃣ stories shaping Saturday
The national football scene is boiling over this Saturday with an explosive mix of boardrooms, asphalt, and grass. While the LALIGA EA SPORTS transfer market begins to stir with strategic moves in the...
Fears doctors criticising Israel may be silenced as health watchdog adopts contested antisemitism definition
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to use International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition for ‘regulatory work’
Ancelotti hints Neymar will be an option against Scotland
Neymar will be an option for next Wednesday’s (24) clash against Scotland.The assurance came from Carlo Ancelotti after the Brazil national team’s win over Haiti."Neymar will train individually to...
National Science Foundation reverses decision to dismantle critical ocean monitoring network
The Trump administration is reversing its decision to dismantle a critical ocean monitoring system after receiving bipartisan backlash in Congress.
Ancient Gem Popular With Romans And Victoria's Elite Found In New Martian Rock
An international team of scientists has discovered a completely new type of rock and the mineral garnet in a Martian meteorite fragment, unlocking fresh secrets about the geological evolution of Mars.
USA tops Australia to clinch spot in final 32
SEATTLE — Christian Pulisic’s injury absence didn’t hurt the Americans one bit. The U.S. national soccer team found a way to advance to the knockout round without the injured forward on the field, beating Australia 2-0 Friday for its second straight victory at the largest World Cup in history. “C.P. is a fantastic player — […]
USA tops Australia to clinch spot in final 32
SEATTLE — Christian Pulisic’s injury absence didn’t hurt the Americans one bit. The U.S. national soccer team found a way to advance to the knockout round without the injured forward on the field, beating Australia 2-0 Friday for its second straight victory at the largest World Cup in history. “C.P. is a fantastic player — […]
Series Preview: Padres kick off interleague matchup with Rangers
The San Diego Padres enter a weekend series with the Texas Rangers looking to maintain control of a wild card spot in a crowded National League playoff picture.
DC Wrap: Vance delays Iran talks trip; Trump unveils new Air Force One
A look at the day's biggest stories in national politics
DC Wrap: Vance delays Iran talks trip; Trump unveils new Air Force One
A look at the day's biggest stories in national politics
Air Force base hit with flu outbreak sickening over 160
Presented by Philip Morris International{beacon} Health Care Health Care PRESENTED BY The Big Story Air Force base hit with flu outbreak sickening over 160 More than 160 troo…
Hamilton returns to Louisville with $10 ticket lottery
Hamilton returns to Louisville later this month, and fans can enter a digital lottery for a limited number of $10 tickets to each show.
Executive function interventions may be critical to long-term mental health in autism
(2 min. read)
Registration open for 2026 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines
Registration is now open for the 2026 HousingIowa Conference, hosted by the Iowa Finance Authority and scheduled for Sept. 9-10 in Des Moines. The conference expects to bring together nearly 1,000 professionals from housing, development, lending, government and community sectors. The event will feature national speakers, policy experts, and industry leaders addressing key issues in…
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.
For Vance, Iran talks could shape political rise
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is poised to take on his biggest role yet on the international stage as President Donald Trump's chief negotiator to end the three-month war with Iran, a moment that could shape Vance’s prospects as a White House successor.
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.
Guinea-Bissau: Opposition leader house arrest raises stakes
Opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira remains under house arrest months after the Guinea-Bissau coup, deepening a political crisis and raising tensions with international partners.
Student research in Yellowstone could help scientists understand life on other planets
Arizona State University doctoral candidates Tanner Barnes and Vince Debes both enjoy a good hike. But when they set out on trails in places like Yellowstone National Park, they are not just taking in the sights — they are collecting samples that could answer some of science’s biggest questions: how life survives in extreme environments, how planets become habitable and what signs of life scientists should look for beyond Earth.
Watkins honored with top national bone health award
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Colleen Watkins, M.D., a WVU Medicine rheumatologist, has been named the 2026 Andrew D. Bunta Own the Bone Clinician of the Year by the American Orthopaedic Association. Colleen Watkins, M.D. ...
NC ranks 9th nationally in business using AI
North Carolina is emerging as a leader in AI adoption, with over 22% of its businesses utilizing the technology, ranking ninth nationwide.
Trump’s Fatal Second-Term Mistake: Underestimating Nationalism
In his second term, Trump has underestimated the power of patriotic sentiment in countries besides the United States.
Rays host the Nationals to start 3-game series
The Tampa Bay Rays start a three-game series at home against the Washington Nationals on Friday
Juneteenth and the politics of delayed freedom
Celebrating this national holiday is a reminder of the enduring challenges of U.S. democracy.
Trump’s new acting intel chief Bill Pulte arrives early, eyes firing hundreds
President Donald Trump’s pick for acting director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte, showed up at his new job a day early on Thursday after asking for a list of every employee in the office so he could assess whether to fire them, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
KPMG leaked confidential Optus information and surveilled whistleblower’s laptop, inquiry hears
International firm owns up to breach of ethics after staff leaked confidential Optus information while bidding for telco contract
Three computer science students gain national recognition for AI-based homebuilding platform
The project, called Vision, helped the UT San Antonio team land a spot as a one of 15 national finalists in the 2026 Red Bull Basement competition.
'Trump is an aberration in US politics', former security adviser tells RFI
Former United States national security adviser John Bolton worked closely with President Donald Trump during his first term in the White House, but is highly critical of the president's current policies…
Saints swept by Omaha in doubleheader
St. Paul was eliminated from first-half playoff contention Thursday evening after being swept in both games of a doubleheader against Omaha at CHS Field. With the losses, the Saints fell to 40-31 with three games remaining in the first half of the International League season. Game 1 Saint Paul knotted at 2-all through three innings before the visiting Storm Chasers put up four runs in the ...
Paraguayan volunteers gain firsthand health care experience supporting AMISTAD audiologists
During AMISTAD 2026, two Paraguayan volunteers stood at the intersection of education and international partnership, working alongside U.S. Air Force audiologists to deliver specialty hearing care at Unidad de Salud Familiar Niño de Jesús.
IOM Conducts Over 1 Million Health Screenings, Scales Up Ebola Response
Geneva/Nairobi 19 June 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has conducted more than one million health screenings at borders and along key cross-border routes and travel corridors across Ebola-affected and at-risk countries as it scales up its efforts to support the control of an outbreak that has spread across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Why China Insists on the “Existing International Order”: The Politics of UN Centrality and Reform
In May 2026, China held the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew […]
Souls and songs take flight in circus musical 'Water for Elephants'
A national tour of the 2023 musical tours to Madison this week, combining a memory play, circus acts and a bluegrass-style score.
Andrews University Students and Faculty Win Awards at Business Conference
Graduate students and faculty in the Andrews University School of Business Administration (SBA) won five awards and presented 17 papers at the Midwest Business Administration Association (MBAA) International Conference, on March 25-26, 2026. Held annually in Chicago, the MBAA International Conference is a multidisciplinary academic gathering, bringing together more than 6,000 academics and professionals, with […]
DC Wrap: Oil tankers begin to move in strait; Obama celebrates center opening
A look at the day's biggest stories in national politics
National Science Foundation reverses decision to dismantle oceans-monitoring network after outcry
The National Science Foundation issued a statement Thursday saying that it “appreciates the concerns raised by the range of stakeholders” and would halt efforts to remove or disable equipment.
NIH Chief Defends His Management of the Agency
National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya hit back Thursday at critics of funding cuts and other shifts at the agency, accusing them of resisting the kind of “fundamental change” he believes is necessary for modernizing the NIH and improving scientific research. Bhattacharya said that ...
Türkiye’s Democratic Breakdown: Authoritarian Consolidation and the Sources of Resilience
Lessons from Global Democratic Resistance is a public panel series that brings together frontline activists, civic leaders, institutional actors, and field‑informed scholars to examine how democratic actors have resisted, responded to, and learned from democratic backsliding across countries. The series aims to identify practical lessons and comparative insights for those defending democracy today and is organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in collaboration with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance at the Harvard Kennedy School; the Cornell Center on Global Democracy; Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania; the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame; the Democratic Futures Project at the University of Virginia; Stanford’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.
National Science Foundation reverses decision to dismantle oceans-monitoring network after outcry
The NSF issued a statement saying it would halt efforts to remove or disable equipment.
MLB proposes massive draft overhaul in CBA negotiations, including eliminating high school eligibility
The league's proposal would also create an international draft and cut the number of draft rounds
National Science Foundation reverses decision to dismantle oceans-monitoring network after outcry
The Trump administration has reversed a plan to dismantle a sprawling ocean monitoring network after vigorous objections from Democratic lawmakers and scientists.
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.
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.
Advanced Tech on Station Informing Space-Designed Health Treatments
The Expedition 74 crew explored how weightlessness affects cartilage growth and the digestive system on Thursday to protect crew health and improve patient care on Earth. The orbital residents are also gearing up for a robotics maintenance spacewalk at the end of the month on the International Space Station.
Advanced Tech on Station Informing Space-Designed Health Treatments
The Expedition 74 crew explored how weightlessness affects cartilage growth and the digestive system on Thursday to protect crew health and improve patient care on Earth. The orbital residents are also gearing up for a robotics maintenance spacewalk at the end of the month on the International Space Station.
Regulatory investigations reveal systemic failures among Commercial California Health Plans in delivering timely behavioral health care
Commercial California health plans are failing enrollees who need access to behavioral health services for mental health and substance use disorder care, recent investigations have shown. Across three rounds of investigations, the California Department of Managed Health Care found 70 Knox-Keene Act violations and 35 barriers to care across 14 health plans, spanning national, regional, and county-based plans.
Misericordia University Faculty Member Presents Research at International Business History Conference in London
Jennifer M. Black, PhD, Professor and Chair of History at Misericordia University, recently contributed to international scholarship in her field by presenting original research at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Business History Conference (BHC), held March 26–28 in London, England.
What if there is no one to farm? Scientists reveal a hidden risk to future food security
The cause of future food shortages may not be a lack of farmland, but a shortage of agricultural workers. Amid low birth rates and rural decline, a joint international research team from KAIST has developed ...
Early-career scientists build national infrastructure to bridge science and policy
A new Special Report in the journal BioScience introduces the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP), a student-led, nonpartisan, grassroots coalition founded in 2025 to empower early-career researchers ...
Africa Is Essential To 'Global' Business Education
Rabat Business School's Nicolas Arnaud argues that true internationalization means treating African institutions as knowledge creators – not just emerging-market field trips.
University staffers honored by College Sports Communicators
Caroline Gerke ’22, ’24 MBA and Joe Brennan ’27 MBA earned national recognition from College Sports Communicators.
Final Entry Deadline Extended in The 23rd Annual International Business Awards®
/PRNewswire/ -- The Stevie® Awards, organizers of The International Business Awards®, announced today that the final entry deadline for the 2026 (23rd annual)...
ICON International Launches Content and Entertainment Solution, Establishing New Pathways for Brand-Funded Film and Television
/PRNewswire/ -- ICON International, the media-backed financial solutions company, today announced the official launch of its Content and Entertainment...
Ilitch Companies Announces Formation of Ilitch Gaming, a National Gaming, Hospitality, and Entertainment Platform
Entertainment
Defense Health Agency Outlines Joint Force Blood Therapy Strategy at National Forum
Medical logistics and prolonged field care in austere environments present significant challenges for the military health system. To address potential Large-Scale Combat Operations in remote locations across the globe, Defense Health Agency experts presented a strategy update for novel blood replacement therapies during the Strategic National Forum on Blood and Biotherapies, June 12, 2026, in Bethesda, Maryland.
Can AI help us age better? These scientists are trying to find out
A growing number of researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to understand why some people remain healthy into their 90s while others develop chronic diseases decades earlier. At labs throug...
Vice president for development, health affairs and health system named
Corey Pashea, MHS, was named vice president for development, health affairs and health system of UT San Antonio, following a national search. She will begin Aug. 17.
Exclusive | Connie Health Grabs $40 Million to Give Local Medicare Advantage Brokers an AI Lift
HealthQuest Capital led the financing for Connie, which helps local brokers compete with national players.
Indonesia’s MD Entertainment Bets on IP and Microdramas for Global Push
As Indonesia’s entertainment industry gains greater international visibility, MD Entertainment, one of the country’s top studios, is increasingly looking beyond local success and toward global partner...
Tennessee's new quantum computer could reshape science: Meet Pathfinder
Oak Ridge National Laboratory just launched Pathfinder, a quantum computer built to tackle complex global challenges.
The Presidential Prayer Team
Each day, we invite you to join us in prayer for our national leaders. As mandated by 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we encourage prayer for those in positions of authority.
‘Different worlds’: Americans see a huge divide between haves and have-nots, new poll shows
A national NBC News poll finds 81% of Americans say there is more that divides than unites the wealthy and those who aren’t wealthy.
Liverpool have chosen their Yan Diomande alternative forward
Liverpool are bang in the mix to sign Yan Diomande. The Ivorian, 19, is currently starring for his national team at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. And the winger emerged on Liverpool’s radar a few mont...
The Constitutional Politics of Chile’s National Reconstruction
--Benjamín Alemparte, Assistant Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Chile Constitutions do not change only through formal amendment. Bruce
Nationwide nursing-home picture comes into focus with new analysis
Either the stakeholders issuing the warnings overstated the risk of widespread closings—or COVID-era emergency funds succeeded in heading off a calamity of national proportions. Either way, patient access has taken a hit here and there.
Australian media turns Mike Grella’s ‘layup’ comment into World Cup storyline
With the United States and Australia set to face off in group play at the World Cup on Friday, comments from an American soccer commentator about the Australian national team have become a major storyline Down Under—even as the controversy has barely registered in the United States. It was CBS Sports Golazo commentator Mike Grella…
Sports with Sam: Atlanta’s power soccer team gears up for nationals
Discovery Supercomputer’s first applications selected for Day-One Science
Scientific computing experts at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have selected the first nine research projects that will run on Discovery, the nation’s next flagship supercomputer, slated for deployment in 2028. The projects will be developed through the Discovery Center for Accelerated Application Readiness program at ORNL’s Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility. The program is designed to ensure that a suite of leading-edge scientific applications is optimized and ready to deliver results as soon as Discovery becomes operational.
DC Wrap: Iran deal details emerge; Trump stalls his own intel pick
A look at the day's biggest stories in national politics
DC Wrap: Iran deal details emerge; Trump stalls his own intel pick
A look at the day's biggest stories in national politics
Discovery Supercomputer’s First Applications Selected for Day-One Science
Scientific computing experts at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have selected the first nine research projects that will run on Discovery, the nation’s next flagship supercomputer, slated for deployment in 2028.The projects will be developed through the Discovery Center for Accelerated Application Readiness (CAAR) program at ORNL’s Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF).
Variety Announces Brand Entertainment for Fans Event Spotlighting Leaders at Cannes Lions
Variety will host Brand Entertainment for Fans, presented by Walmart Connect, on Monday, June 22, during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, bringing together executives from Walmar...
Advanced Health Research on Station Using Augmented, Virtual Reality Tools
Biomedical tests using augmented and virtual reality tools to advance space health dominated the research schedule aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday. The Expedition 74 crew is also turning its attention to a spacewalk at the end of the month following the departure of a U.S. cargo spacecraft.
The Culture Wars in Pro Sports Go On
But how long will major league sports retain their influence on mass culture?
‘Then there’s the matter of national security’
Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
Biostatistics faculty elected to leadership posts in top statistics societies
Three Department of Biostatistics faculty have won new leadership roles and honors in the American Statistical Association and the International Statistical Institute
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
The Next Big Score
Perched on the hills of Pacific Bluffs, the world-famous Kortz Center looms large over the Los Santos cultural scene. Priceless international works of art have adorned its hallways for years, and now the time has come to raid this prestigious gallery’s...
Big Red spring sports highlights
An outstanding spring campaign vaulted Denison to a seventh straight conference all-sports trophy and another top-20 national finish.
How Argonne’s John Domyancich is creating pathways to science, technology, engineering and math careers
STEM Learning Pathways Manager John Domyancich inspires the next generation of scientists through hands-on learning experiences at Argonne National Laboratory.
Tribes and ANCs Are Not DEI: Key Takeaways from the 2026 NSBGCA Conference | Insights
The 2026 National Small Business Government Contractors Association (NSBGCA) Alaska Regional Conference reiterated that entity-owned firms can participate in federal procurement without violating DEI policies.
Science, Public Health, and the Politics of Truth
Presented as part of the McCloskey Speaker Series.Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, joins the Aspen Institute for a keynote lecture on the intersection of science, medicine, and public trust. A leading authority on vaccines and neglected tropical diseases, Hotez reflects on the challenges facing public health today, the growing politicization of science, and what it will take to rebuild trust in scientific institutions in the years ahead.Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:00 pmRegistrationThis event is free and open to the public, but registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an event is at capacity, we will have an in-person waitlist at the door.Public registration is now open for summer 2026. Please click here to register.ParkingParking is very limited. Please carpool, walk, bike, or ride RFTA.Book signing will immediately follow the event. To learn more about his book or to order a copy, please click here.
Science, Public Health, and the Politics of Truth
Presented as part of the McCloskey Speaker Series.Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, joins the Aspen Institute for a keynote lecture on the intersection of science, medicine, and public trust. A leading authority on vaccines and neglected tropical diseases, Hotez reflects on the challenges facing public health today, the growing politicization of science, and what it will take to rebuild trust in scientific institutions in the years ahead.Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:00 pmRegistrationThis event is free and open to the public, but registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an event is at capacity, we will have an in-person waitlist at the door.Public registration is now open for summer 2026. Please click here to register.ParkingParking is very limited. Please carpool, walk, bike, or ride RFTA.Book signing will immediately follow the event. To learn more about his book or to order a copy, please click here.
MISMO Updates Business Glossary To Support AI, eMortgages
MISMO has released an updated version of its Business Glossary, expanding standardized definitions across key areas of mortgage lending as the industry continue
Best Life: The yoga effect: The science-back benefits
June 21st marks the International Day of Yoga, a practice that started thousands of years ago in ancient India and today, it’s not just about stretching or relaxing.
Fifteen Siena Student-Athletes Earn Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Recognition
Siena Athletics was well represented on the national stage as 15 student-athletes were named 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, with honorees representing five different athletic programs.
Idaho Office for Refugees celebrates World Refugee Day here in Boise
Celebrated each year on June 20 is World Refugee Day, an international observance to honor the courage and resilience of people forced to flee their home countries to escape persecution
Business Record recognized nationally for journalism and design excellence
On behalf of Business Publications Corp., I am proud to share that the Business Record received national recognition in two categories at the 2026 Alliance of Area Business Publishers Editorial Excellence Awards. While awards are never the goal, recognition from industry peers is always meaningful. These honors place the Business Record alongside some of the…
For Iran’s Athletes, There Is No Separating Sports From Politics
From defections and protests to moments of national pride, the 2026 World Cup arrives amid decades of tension between identity and the state.
Foreign tennis players could hurt college quarterbacks' payday. Here's why
U.S. senators are using NCAA tennis cuts as a prop to cap athletes' payday. Has anyone looked at those tennis rosters? They're packed with international players.
World Cup and presidential runoff: How Colombia’s yellow jersey got political
Colombia plays its first game in the World Cup and votes for its next president this week. Its national soccer jersey has ended up stuck in the middle.
How Trump sidelined national security experts ahead of his war with Iran
Worried about a president who seemed to be flying by the seat of his pants as he waged war, Congress stepped in to establish a council of experts to advise the president, gathering information from across the government to consider the consequences and effects of military action.
Trump says he is canceling DNI hearings as he vents frustration at legislative maneuvering over surveillance law
President Trump says he is canceling a planned hearing Wednesday for his nominee to serve as Director of National Intelligence, venting frustration at legislative maneuvering over a US surveillance authority.
Deadline Hollywood
Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle the international theatrical release of Greta Gerwig’s 'Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.' Read more below.
Is gambling the reason we have pro sports?
To hear author David Bockino tell it, gambling has always been a key ingredient of pro sports in the U.S.—it’s as American as apple pie. Bockino is the author of the new book Over/Under: An Unexpected History of Sports Betting. So what gave rise to this new wave of sports gambling? And what are we risking placing so many bets on games? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — Prediction markets are threatening national security. Who’s gonna fix it? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator’s brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+
Austria make World Cup return with win over debutants Jordan
Veteran Marko Arnautović scored in his World Cup debut as Austria made their return to the big stage with a 3-1 victory in their tournament opener on Tuesday. The Austrians are making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, while Jordan have qualified for the competition for the first time in their history.
Roper St. Francis facility latest health venture in growing Dorchester/Berkeley counties
WCIV ABC News 4, Charleston, South Carolina provides coverage of local and national news, sports, weather and community events in the region, including North Charleston, Mt Pleasant, Summerville, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Rantowles, Cottageville, St George, Moncks Corner, Jacksonboro, Ravenel, Cottageville, Walterboro, Sullivans Island, Dewees Island and Folly Beach.
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.
NFL, NBA unions applaud efforts on bill designed to fix college sports in letter obtained by the AP
The NFL Players Association and National Basketball Players Association teamed up on letter to leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee, applauding their efforts on a recently introduced Senate bill designed to fix college sports. The unions wrote that they support the bill for provisions that guarantee NIL rights and provide medical and healthcare benefits. “We encourage continued meaningful stakeholder engagement and negotiations to further strengthen the bill as it moves through Congress to ensure college athletes are protected and empowered,” read the letter addressed to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.