For Iran’s Athletes, There Is No Separating Sports From Politics

By Tamara DavisonJune 17, 20269 min read

From defections and protests to moments of national pride, the 2026 World Cup arrives amid decades of tension between identity and the state.

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Politics & Society

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How political leaders use combat spectacles to symbolize national power and purpose

For both Roman gladiators and modern-day mixed martial arts participants, physical contests become moral dramas about sacrifice and human limits. That has led today’s fighters to right-wing politics.

Scott Atran, Research Professor, University of MichiganJun 17, 2026

Ceramics Now

The week’s news in the ceramic art world – June 15, 2026

The week’s news in the ceramic art world – June 15, 2026 🏺 The 52nd Congress and General Assembly of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) will take place in Jingdezhen, China, from June 27 to July 2, 2026. Hosted by Jingdezhen Ceramic University and the Jingdezhen Municipal Government, the congress explores Inheritance and Innovation […]

Ceramics NowJun 15, 2026

The Conversation

Major sporting events could offer a public health role for nursing students

For most observers, the World Cup is about soccer, national pride and global celebration. But for host cities, it’s also a public health event. Here’s how nursing students could help.

Areej Al-Hamad, Assistant professor, School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityJun 16, 2026

Public Books

“Seize the Means of Knowledge Production”: Durba Mitra on Third World Feminists and Their Fight Against Patriarchal Authoritarianism

“I suggest that the building of women’s organizations through cross border collaboration leads to a total transformation of civil society.” The post “Seize the Means of Knowledge Production”: Durba Mitra on Third World Feminists and Their Fight Against Patriarchal Authoritarianism appeared first on Public Books.

Morgan BarryJun 15, 2026

ProPublica

Trump Plans to Protect Methane-Leaking Stripper Wells. This Billionaire Donor Will Benefit.

The post Trump Plans to Protect Methane-Leaking Stripper Wells. This Billionaire Donor Will Benefit. appeared first on ProPublica.

Alex CuadrosJun 16, 2026

ProPublica

More Than 770,000 Children Are No Longer Receiving SNAP Benefits After Trump Changes Federal Food Program

The post More Than 770,000 Children Are No Longer Receiving SNAP Benefits After Trump Changes Federal Food Program appeared first on ProPublica.

Nicole Santa CruzJun 17, 2026