Hey, what’s up? In any nation, the right to make decisions about one’s body and personhood is foundational. Yet, Stateside, true freedom feels distant when so many still lack equitable access to basic healthcare — a right as fundamental as the air we breathe. Rosie the Riveter's legacy reminds us of the power in demanding more than just promises. Citizens everywhere must push their leaders for tangible, lasting change that ensures healthcare, fairness, and opportunity for all.

IN PERSPECTIVE

Unconscious Bias in Leadership Perceptions

In today’s global workplace, unconscious bias continues to shape leadership perceptions, especially when it comes to nationality. Despite progress toward inclusivity, a recent study shows that certain nationalities are more readily associated with leadership traits, often on a subconscious level. These biases subtly influence who we view as "natural" leaders, particularly in multinational environments, affecting leadership dynamics in meaningful ways.

The Leadership Perception Gap

The research, conducted globally, reveals that individuals from Western, particularly English-speaking, countries are more likely to be seen as leaders. On the flip side, people from non-Western nations face more challenges being recognized for their leadership potential, regardless of their skills or experience. This gap in perception can limit innovation and sideline diverse voices in key decisions.

Building Inclusive Leadership

For companies operating in a global market, acknowledging and addressing these biases is crucial. By promoting leadership models that embrace diverse perspectives, businesses can ensure that leadership is based on merit, not nationality, and unlock the full potential of their workforce.

IN THE WORLD

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso’s government is facing criticism from Human Rights Watch (HRW) for not addressing alleged human rights abuses in its latest state report. The report failed to mention abuses HRW documented between 2021 and 2024. These include arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances amid the country's fight against Islamist insurgencies. The authorities have also limited access to HRW's findings and suspended media outlets reporting on the issue. While the government has taken steps to address terror-related crimes, rights groups urge further accountability for abuses on all sides.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sparked controversy by comparing the European Union's influence over member states to the Soviet Union’s past control over Hungary. In a recent speech, Orban urged Hungarians to resist EU policies that he believes threaten national sovereignty, particularly focusing on migration and political autonomy. He emphasized Hungary’s role in defending its autonomy, drawing parallels between past Soviet domination and current EU regulations. Orban's remarks come amid his broader efforts to challenge EU authority and promote a nationalist agenda domestically​.

🇬🇪 Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has held a massive rally in Tbilisi as the country approaches a critical parliamentary election. In power since 2012, the party is facing increasing opposition, with a looming referendum on political polarization adding to the pressure. Tens of thousands of supporters turned out, signaling the party’s push to energize its base before a vote that could shift the nation’s political course. With democracy, European integration, and domestic stability on the line, this election could redefine Georgia's future direction, balancing its European ambitions with internal tensions

🇳🇬 Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has announced a significant cabinet reshuffle, naming seven new ministers and dismissing five, in hopes of shaping his broader reform agenda. The move comes as the country grapples with deepening economic challenges, including rising inflation and a weakening naira. Tinubu has faced mounting pressure to stabilize Africa’s largest economy and hopes the shake-up will inject fresh momentum into his administration. With the new appointments, he is signaling a commitment to economic reforms and governance changes as Nigerians await concrete improvements in their daily lives.

🇿🇼 Sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are not only affecting the nation but also disrupting the broader development of Southern Africa, according to regional leaders. The sanctions, mainly from Western countries, were initially implemented over concerns about human rights and governance. However, leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) argue that these measures are stifling economic growth across the region, impacting trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

QUICK HITS

🖼️ Culture

• 🎨 Free Whitney — Artist Julie Mehretu is covering free admission for visitors under 25 at the Whitney Museum, opening doors for the next generation of art lovers.

• 😶‍🌫️ Weed soundtrack — A new research initiative at a consumption lounge in Toronto is diving into the “soundtrack of cannabis” to explore how being high impacts music absorption and enjoyment.

• 🍉 Oh, Germany — Iranian-German photographer Shirin Abedi is facing backlash after being asked to apologize for saying "Free Palestine" during an award speech, igniting conversations about artistic freedom and political expression.

🧠 Health

• 🧠 On the brain — New York University researchers have unlocked a way to decode brain signals into music, offering fresh insights into how we experience sound.

• …and — Scientists may have solved a key brain mystery that could pave the way for new treatments and potentially a cure for dementia.

• … and finally — Motivated by the lack of research on women’s brains, neuroscientist Carina Heller scanned her brain 75 times to study the effects of birth control pills.