Welcome to MindLab

Across today’s headlines public services, community safety and civic life took center stage: Canada is experimenting with generous signing bonuses and concierge-style offers to attract family doctors to underserved communities as a quarter of the population lacks a regular GP, while in the UK domestic-abuse charity Refuge is intentionally recruiting tradeswomen to carry out repairs and maintenance in its 64 safe homes so survivors feel more comfortable and supported. In local politics, the Gorton and Denton byelection has drawn attention with Reform candidate Matt Goodwin building a high-profile, media-savvy campaign that is engaging voters on everyday issues like bin collections as well as national debates. And in space news, NASA confirmed a planned mission to the far side of the Moon will be postponed after engineers identified a rocket issue, a precautionary step as teams work to resolve technical problems and preserve crew and mission safety. Together these stories highlight efforts—across health, housing, politics and exploration—to adapt services, improve safety and maintain momentum while tackling practical challenges.