Journalists and media organizations can improve engagement by incorporating diverse perspectives, such as those of local activists and community leaders, into their reporting. For example, WHYY News' own coverage of the Newark, New Jersey, school board meetings has been praised for its in-depth analysis and citizen participation. Additionally, using social media platforms to facilitate real-time discussions and live streaming events can help build a sense of community among audiences. Panelists also emphasized the importance of fact-checking and accuracy in reporting, as seen in the work of organizations like PolitiFact. Furthermore, incorporating multimedia elements, such as videos and podcasts, can enhance storytelling and make content more accessible to a wider audience. Finally, media organizations should prioritize local issues and concerns, such as those highlighted by the Philadelphia Inquirer's coverage of the city's affordable housing crisis.
https://whyy.org/articles/civic-news-summit-5-trends/The attorneys general of 23 US states and Washington D.C. have sued the US Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over $12 billion in public health funding cuts. The lawsuit seeks to pause these cuts, which they argue are unlawful and harmful, particularly for addressing the opioid crisis and mental health systems. New York Attorney General Letitia James warned that the cuts would reverse progress made during the pandemic. In contrast, HHS claims it will recover previously allocated funds and prioritize projects addressing chronic diseases, citing President Trump's mandate to make America healthy again.
https://www.rawstory.com/hhs-public-health-funding-cuts/A researcher, May, initially believed everyone had an inner voice, but her work on aphantasia, a condition where people cannot create mental images, changed her mind. She attributes her lack of anxiety and ease with meditation to not having an inner voice. Philosopher Daniel Gregory notes that while inner speech can be beneficial, it also carries risks such as negative thought patterns. May reflects on the potential drawbacks of lacking an inner monologue, including difficulties in remembering past events due to aphantasia, which affects her ability to relive memories through sensory experiences.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/598515-i-dont-have-a-voice-in-my-head-life-with-no-inner-monologueSingaporean football captain Hariss Harun and his wife are working to help their 11-year-old son Naufal with autism develop independence, despite facing public scrutiny. Keenbie Kok, mother of twins Victor and Vernon who also have autism, is on a similar journey, seeking to raise awareness and promote understanding for children with autism.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/children-autism-parents-inclusion-5045351Tanya, a TV personality, compared her family's situation to that of The Clampetts from "The Beverly Hillbillies," who won the lottery. Her son Rocco, 16, has been diagnosed with ADHD, and Tanya revealed they live in a household where everyone has some level of autism spectrum disorder.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14574495/Real-Housewives-Tanya-Bardsley-ADHD-diagnosis-family-life.htmlThe US government funds public hospital systems to provide care to low-income populations, including gender-affirming services that can improve mental and physical health. However, seven families of transgender or nonbinary children, along with advocacy groups, have sued the government over a policy blocking federal funding for these treatments in some states. In contrast, attorneys general in Democrat-led states like California and New York have urged doctors to continue providing care to transgender kids, citing state laws that prohibit discrimination. As of December 2024, 26 states have passed bans on gender-affirming healthcare for children and teenagers, with transition surgeries being extremely rare and typically only considered on a case-by-case basis.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14572413/trump-NIH-study-regret-transgender-people-transition.htmlColorado lawmakers are frustrated with the state agency responsible for early intervention programs, citing missteps that have resulted in funding cuts to a $87 million program. Rep. Jeff Bridges, whose son is affected by the cuts, expressed his disappointment after learning that therapy for his 1-year-old son would be reduced by half starting in July.
https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2025/04/03/state-lawmakers-upset-by-state-early-intervention-missteps/The pressure to be constantly available at work is taking a toll on employees, leading to burnout and blurred boundaries between work and life. Despite growing discussions about work-life balance and mental health, many people are hesitant to take full lunch breaks or disconnect after hours due to feelings of guilt.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/does-skipping-your-lunch-break-make-you-a-better-worker-20250403-p5loxp.htmlTaking a break from an emotionally abusive parent can help alleviate stress hormones and reduce the risk of autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and other health problems. A temporary separation of a couple of weeks can allow individuals to experience life outside their abuser's influence, leading to improved mental and physical well-being. During this time, it's recommended to avoid telling the abuser about the break, instead using an excuse to maintain secrecy. After the initial break, creating a list of the abuser's transgressions and the lasting effects on adult life can help individuals prepare for potential future separation.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14569013/Cutting-abusive-mother-best-thing-did-heres-you-too.html