• In a show of collective force in the market, LGBTQ+ consumers are spending less at companies they see as weak on diversity and inclusion. Human Rights Campaign's Pride in the Marketplace 2026 report showed that around 70% of respondents reported spending less or refusing to shop at companies that have pulled back on diversity and inclusion efforts, including Target, Walmart, Amazon, Chick-fil-A, and Home Depot. On the flipside, about the same amount of respondents reported spending more with businesses they view as inclusive of LGBTQ+ communities such as Ben & Jerry's Delta Air Lines, and Kroger. The findings highlight the growing influence of values-driven consumer spending and the economic power of LGBTQ+ consumers.

• A new report from GLAAD highlights concerns about how artificial intelligence systems can reinforce bias and misinformation about LGBTQ+ people when they are not designed with diverse communities in mind. The report calls for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusive development practices to ensure AI technologies serve all users fairly and do not perpetuate discrimination. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, advocates emphasize the importance of building systems that reflect and protect the experiences of LGBTQ+ communities.

• Millions of fans will be packing stadiums across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the FIFA World Cup, which kicked off June 11th and runs through mid-July across 16 cities. Public health officials in host cities have raced to prepare amid diminished federal health presence and funding. Local officials say they're confident in their readiness, even as federal coordination calls and guidance arrived later than in past mega-events.

• A year on from reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), part of the Trump Administration's sweeping domestic policy bill, more than 770,000 are no longer receiving food benefits. Although Republican lawmakers insisted that the most vulnerable would be protected, a ProPublica investigation found that in 12 states that provide program participation by age, 46% of the 1,670,011 people no longer receiving benefits are children.

Since earning her MPH from Simmons University, Dr. Abigail Gingrande has continued her commitment to education and leadership by completing a doctorate in organizational leadership at the University of Dayton. Her doctoral research explored the impact of academic advising on student achievement and future employment outcomes, reflecting her passion for supporting student success and advancing effective leadership practices in higher education.

Currently working in higher education, Dr. Gingrande is driven by a desire to help students realize their full potential and create meaningful opportunities for growth. She credits her Simmons MPH experience with strengthening her commitment to evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and health equity principles that continue to guide her professional and community work. She says, "the Simmons MPH program has not only deepened my knowledge and skills in public health but has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility and dedication to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities."

Beyond her career, Dr. Gingrande remains actively engaged in public health through community outreach, health education initiatives, and volunteer efforts that promote wellness and equitable access to resources. Her advice to current MPH students is to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, as each one "brings you closer to your goal and is a testament to your dedication and hard work." She also encourages current students and young professionals to "embrace the and obstacles that come your way with resilience and determination" because they are opportunities for growth and development that will have valuable impact in the long term.