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Governor signs bill to continue funding Medicaid in N.C.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed the Medicaid funding bill into law. The health insurance program faced running out of money within weeks.
Expense discipline wars: which insurance business managed cost inflation best?
Some grew revenue impressively from 2021 to 2025 — then let expenses grow even faster
Accel Entertainment launches live table games at Fairmount Park in Illinois
Accel Entertainment is celebrating the launch of live table games this week at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Illinois.
Viewpoint: A career in science is possible, and worth it
Starting a career in science is exciting, but also demanding, with researchers often faced with intense competition, long working hours and high levels of stress. A pioneer in the field of mass spectrometry, Carol Robinson has been there. She speaks with Science|Business on the importance of creating a supportive environment, particularly for women.Robinson did not wake up one day thinking that she would become a scientist. It was only late in school that she developed an interest in chemistry. “The more you work at something, the more you think, actually, this is fascinating. So, I went much further and deeper than I ever needed to pass the exam. And then I loved it,” she says. “I thought, I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to enjoy it while I’m here. But I didn’t think this would be my career for 50 odd years.”She left school at 16 to become a lab technician with the drug company Pfizer, which is where she first worked with mass spectrometry. Fascinated, she was encouraged to take a part-time degree and then a PhD. She went on to do pioneering work in native mass spectrometry, a technique that is used to study protein structures in their natural state, paving the way for breakthroughs in drug discovery. She also broke new ground by becoming the first female professor of chemistry at the University of Cambridge, and then the first female professor of chemistry at the University of Oxford, her current home.She now wants to show young researchers that a career in science is worth it. “Sometimes, I believe the culture isn’t very encouraging, and that’s something I have worked on,” Robinson says.In 2021, she launched the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at Oxford, whose acronym gives a sense of what she hopes it will achieve. “Maybe it is corny,” she says. “It’s just a reminder that I would like it if we could all be kind to each other and supportive, especially for early-career researchers of either gender, because there’s quite a big attrition rate in science, and maybe it just doesn’t feel like a very friendly place to work.”And yet, a career in science comes with a lot of flexibility. “There are few careers where you have that amount of freedom, to go to conferences, to the library. Just because you didn’t see me didn’t mean I wasn’t working,” she says. “And I’m excited to come in every day. So, I don’t want people to think it’s a terrible place.”Gender equality is also important when it comes to the quality of science as a career. “The more women we have, the better it becomes,” Robinson adds.Imposter syndromeAccording to EU data, women outnumber men in university education but account for just about a third of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). And while the number of women working as scientists and engineers in the 27-member bloc is on the rise, their representation remains below that of men, at 41%. This discrepancy is even more pronounced in top-tier functions across these fields, where women fill just 20% of positions.Having supervised many young scientists, Robinson sees that women continue to have a greater propensity than men to doubt their abilities, a feeling she once shared. “When I was doing my PhD at the University at Cambridge, I really felt like an imposter,” she says. “I don’t think I ever felt I deserved to be there or owned it and was proud. I just thought I was lucky.” Later on, she adds, “I was always that person who said, I can’t apply yet because my CV is not strong enough.”She has now made it her job to encourage women to break with this imposter syndrome. For example, rather than calling for volunteers to give a lecture in the groups that she mentors or teaches, which nearly always results in men stepping forward, she goes straight to the women, “because I know they won’t push themselves forward.”But the gender gap in science is not just down to imposter syndrome. The “obvious” reason, Robinson says, and the reason that is on everybody’s mind when discussing workplace gender equality, is the balance between work and raising a family. Her own path was to choose between the two, taking an eight-year break after completing a postdoctoral training fellowship to bring up three children. And she continues to advise women not to work part-time while they raise a family. “You’ll just get half the pay and continue to work full-time because you are not able to fit everything in,” she says. “You should be able to have a family and come back to have the career that you want.”The solution is for men to also take career breaks. “That kind of evens it up, so that it’s not such a big thing for women,” Robinson says. “I always encourage men in my groups to do that. I think it’s important to take your share of the duties.”Support produces resultsAccording to the Women in Stem Network, a UK advocacy group, countries with strong childcare systems and equal pay policies retain more women in technical careers. In Europe, these are primarily found in the Nordic region and parts of central Europe.At the EU level, the European Commission asks all Horizon Europe applicant organisations to have a gender action plan in place. Since this criterion was introduced in 2021, the share of women leading consortia has increased to 31%, against 23% in Horizon 2020. Their overall participation, however, has risen just 1%, to 38%. After trying to weaken the requirement for gender action plans in 2025, the Commission now intends to adopt a plan for supporting women in research and innovation.Related articlesCommission scraps plan to water down gender requirements in HorizonHow gender balance can swing who wins Horizon Europe fundingRobinson herself has benefited from three Advanced Grants from the European Research Council. “I was extremely honoured and privileged to get those, because they really allowed me to fuel my passion,” she says. “Without that, it would have been a much harder slog.”Beyond applying gender rules, she says that more work is needed on translational enterprise, where women are, once again, largely underrepresented. The European Patent Office found that only 13.8% of applications were filed by women in 2022. “We have so many more women doing amazing science; why do they feel it’s not a thing to have a company?” she asks.She founded her own spin-out company, OMass Technologies, in 2016, and remains chair of its scientific advisory board now that it trades as OMass Therapeutics. As for research, Robinson is now studying how changes in the brain may be linked to depression, using port-mortem tissue. “We’re hoping to publish soon,” she says. “We had to consult with a lot of people who knew a lot more about the brain than we did. So, we’ve learnt a lot, and that’s always a lot of fun to learn a new thing. That’s what keeps you going.”
Trump Fires National Science Foundation Board, Including 2 Catholic Scientists
U.S. President Donald Trump has eliminated the National Science Foundation board, citing “constitutional questions” raised in a 2021 Supreme Court case.
Trump fires National Science Foundation board, including 2 Catholic scientists
U.S. President Donald Trump has eliminated the National Science Foundation board, citing “constitutional questions” raised in a 2021 Supreme Court case.
End of an era: Longtime Greenville jewelry business closing doors
Since the 1960s, Geiss & Sons Jewelers has been an Upstate mainstay. Its Spartanburg store closed in 2021, and now the Greenville location is closing
Work more, lose less? New bill aims to end Social Security penalty
A proposed bill from Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Greg Murphy would let Social Security beneficiaries work without having their benefits reduced.
Can I Skip My Niece’s Graduation to Avoid the Politics?
A reader wants to be a supportive aunt at the Naval Academy commencement, but the prospect of political speeches has her gritting her teeth.
Radiology AI vendor Azra acquires rival firm focused on incidental findings
The Nashville, Tennessee, company—which offers AI to monitor radiology reports for unexpected findings—has reached a deal to buy Thynk Health for an undisclosed sum.
Business briefs, April 29
Ventas expects 2026 senior living investments will total $3B by year’s end … RFK Jr.’s recent comments on paid family caregivers ‘deeply concerning,’ advocates say … DHS interim final rule codifying immigration fees goes into effect May 29 … Assisted living provider groups back new HCBS quality measures, with caveats … Fitch rates Lebanon Valley Brethren Home at BBB
Entertainment Listing: April 29
Wednesday April 29 Hangar 9 • Carbondale Star Wars Trivia, 8 p.m. PK’s • Carbondale Trivia, 8 p.m. Thursday April 30 Advertisement Hangar 9 • Carbondale International Jazz Day, 5 a.m. Urban Cowboy Line dancing, 7 p.m. Brews Brothers • Murphysboro Trivia, 8 p.m. Route 51 • Elkville Nate Graham, Tim Whiteford and Tall and...
Google Tensor G6 Chip Likely To Launch With An Ancient GPU That Debuted Around 5 Years Back
Google's penchant for hobbling its mobile SoCs continues with the Tensor G6 chip, which is likely to sport a GPU that launched back in 2021!
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.Australia is among a growing number of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma, contributing to global progress towards the targets set out in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021–2030.Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies that carry eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelids, turning eyelashes inward, and ultimately causing blindness if untreated.“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities. It brings us closer to a world free from the suffering caused by trachoma.”Australia’s journey to eliminationAustralia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma persisted despite its earlier disappearance from the rest of the country.National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat infection, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Regular screening of all communities classified as at-risk of trachoma by teams of qualified health workers formed an important part of the Programme. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities.Over time, sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, led to a steady decline in trachoma prevalence. Australia’s approach included adaptations to reflect its context, such as targeted treatment based on community-level data rather than mass drug administration, and strong integration with environmental health programmes.“Elimination of trachoma is a win for the eye health of communities across Australia, particularly those whose lives have been impacted by a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Australia. “This major milestone is thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment and sustained investment over many decades.“The lessons from this work will inform how we approach other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers have been central to this success, delivering culturally safe care and community-led solutions.”“This recognition from the World Health Organization reflects decades of work led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, alongside local health workers in remote First Nations communities,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians. “Their work has been critical to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.”Advancing global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and disease groups that are regarded by WHO as NTDs. Together, NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved populations with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care.Australia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing the underlying determinants of health. It also underscores the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging settings.In addition to trachoma, Australia has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy and scabies. Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem marks the first time that WHO has confirmed the elimination of an NTD in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country globally and 16th in the Western Pacific Region to have eliminated at least one NTD.“Tackling neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific Region has long been a challenge for countries across the socioeconomic spectrum, given the complexities in reaching the most vulnerable communities, including in remote areas,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As a doctor from Tonga, I’ve experienced these challenges for myself. But I also know that with strategic commitment underpinned by optimal resources and partnerships in health, success is possible as other countries in our region have also demonstrated. I commend Australia on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem and urge all involved to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained.”WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring that progress reaches those most in need and that gains are sustained through strong surveillance, appropriately integrated into national health systems, and mainstreamed within the wider health sector and beyond.Editor’s notesNeglected tropical diseases and trachoma elimination effortsNeglected tropical diseases are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Their burden is mainly felt among impoverished communities in tropical areas.Public health targets for the control, elimination and eradication of these conditions were set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352).In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions dedicated to the fight against trachoma. WHO continues to support endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide; 2030 is the new target date.Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is defined as: (i) a prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) “unknown to the health system” of < 0.2% in ≥15-year-olds; and (ii) a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years of < 5%, in each formerly endemic district, plus (iii) the existence of a system to identify and manage incident cases of TT.Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Business Professor Engages Students in Real-World Research on Supply Chains and Human Behavior
Jianliang Hao has built a strong record of impactful research and teaching since 2021, publishing in top-tier journals and engaging students through applied learning. His work connects real-world challenges with data-driven insights, advancing both student success and societal impact.
In Warning Shot, Oregon Insurance Regulators Oust Alternative Health Plan From the State
State takes first enforcement action against health care sharing arrangement since 2021.
Peek inside Cache Creek Casino Resort, where gaming meets getaway
Since its humble beginnings as a bingo hall in 1985, Cache Creek Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in Brooks, California, has become one of Northern California's largest casino-resort destinations.
Arkansas Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus formed - Talk Business & Politics
For the first time, Arkansas lawmakers have made the move to form the Arkansas Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus (ARECC), advocating for the interests of local cooperative consumer-members across the Natural...
Rethinking Utility Incentives and Business Models in the Age of Distributed Energy
Many utilities have been slow to embrace distributed energy resources (DERs) and, in some cases, have reshaped rate structures and compensation mechanisms to limit their growth. This is not simply resistance to change. It is a rational response to incentive structures that favor building infrastructure over technology advancement and energy optimization and efficiency.
Business, investment conference coming to Redding in May
Economic Development Corporation of Shasta County is selling tickets to its startup and investment conference in Redding.
As heart, kidney and metabolic health worsen, cancer risk may rise
Research Highlights: Researchers studied the link between cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM syndrome) and risk of cancer. CKM syndrome refers to several connected health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity...
Letters on senior park sale, politics, and primary elections
Writers address fear of displacement, politics and endorsements in this week's letters.
Things to do in Pensacola: Fiesta Pensacola 10K & 5K; Alice Cooper
Seven days out is your guide to entertainment events, concerts, festivals and activities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Entertainment: 2026 SPAM JAM; Na Hoku Hanohano Awards
SPAM JAM takes over Kalakaua Ave today at 1 p.m. The block party starts at 4 with music, vendors and SPAM dishes.
Joint Budget advances school separation measure - Talk Business & Politics
The Joint Budget Committee Thursday (April 23) advanced an amendment to an appropriations bill that the sponsor said is needed for four isolated schools to detach from their existing districts....
Cases of syphilis and other STIs drop in Pennsylvania, new data shows, as local counties ramp up prevention and testing
Public health teams across the state ramped up efforts to target STIs after a sharp increase between 2020 and 2021.
Best NFL Draft prospects available entering Day 3: Jermod McCoy, Garrett Nussmeier still awaiting calls
A look at the best prospects still available entering the NFL Draft's fourth round on Saturday.
Lyme disease cases in Michigan rise 168% over 5 years, health officials report
Cases of Lyme disease have seen a 168% increase just in the last five years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
2026 NFL Day 2 mock draft: When do Carson Beck, Garrett Nussmeier come off the board?
Projecting Day 2 picks as teams attack needs and top prospects slide into Rounds 2-3.
Nike announces roughly 1,400 layoffs in latest round of cuts
Nike announces layoffs of roughly 1,400 employees in its Global Operations team, primarily affecting its technology division across three regions.
Health care buyers turn to medtech's safer bets
Buyers are focused on the background infrastructure behind buzzy market segments.
Macomb County announces Michigan's 10th measles case of 2026
A person from Macomb County has a confirmed case of measles, health officials said April 23, urging people to get vaccinated.
25 Years of the International Space Station: Legacy, Science, and the Road Ahead
ORLANDO, Florida—In November 2025, the International Space Station (ISS) marked 25 years of uninterrupted crewed operations – a record unmatched in human spaceflight. On 15 January 2026…
Legislature could approve more Medicaid funding, but full budget remains elusive
Legislators announced a deal Tuesday to continue funding Medicaid in North Carolina.
Entertainment Listing: April 22
Wednesday April 22 Hangar 9 • Carbondale Carbondale Idol, 7 p.m. Open Deck Night, 10 p.m. PK’s • Carbondale Trivia, 8 p.m. Little Nashville • Marion Advertisement Bingo, 6 p.m. Thursday April 23 Hangar 9 • Carbondale Gnarly: A Girlypop dance party, 9 p.m. PK’s • Carbondale Cold Front and RGB Lighthouse, 9 p.m....
Trump-aligned think tank goes after hospitals
Paragon Health claims government policy has led to today's problems.
Shooting Jr. World Cup continues; Asian Beach Games begin: Indian Sports LIVE, April 22
Here are all the updates from Indian sports on April 22, 2026.
Dan Eggen, who shaped politics coverage at The Post, dies at 60
He helped guide Pulitzer Prize-winning projects, including coverage of Russian election interference in 2016 and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Is Netflix Making a Big Real Estate Move In L.A.?
The streaming giant is reportedly in talks to acquired the Radford Studio Center.
Shaky political science: using "simulated" elections over real-world elections
[Dear DSOS readers – this article is the latest in our “Shaky Political Science” series. In our 38 page report, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting,” released in early December, we examined over 40 studies focused on ranked choice voting. We found that many of these studies suffered from puzzling research methodologies, poorly constructed surveys, unrealistic simulated elections, cherry picked data, and faulty analyses that often were contradicted by results from real-world elections (a link to our full paper is here). Here are links to the first three articles in our series: the first one summarizing the overall results of our report, the second one analyzing a study co-authored by University of Minnesota academic Larry Jacobs, which was one of the most error-prone of all the research we reviewed in our report, and a third article showing an admirable example of two political scientists holding two other political scientists accountable for their flawed, sloppy research]. In this fourth article in our “Shaky Political Science” series, we shine a spotlight on seven studies that were web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group (the ERRG is an ad hoc committee headed by New America’s Political Reform Program and joined by the American Enterprise Institute, the Unite America Institute and Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law). This research consortium has been led by Lee Drutman, senior fellow with New America’s Political Reform Program. These seven studies are simply not credible from any objective standard about how political “science” is supposed to illuminate our understanding of either ranked choice voting or politics in general. The feature that six of these seven studies have in common is that they all used surveys – artificial, simulated elections -- to attempt to say something cogent or interesting about ranked choice voting (RCV) elections. None of them used real world data from actual RCV elections – either the 1000+ elections in the US or the many thousands of elections from places like Australia, Ireland and elsewhere where RCV has been used for 100 years. While a few of these studies conclude with some mixed positives about RCV, our analysis here is content neutral. The idea that, with a political reform like RCV, you can ask respondents in a mock, artificial election to vote with that method, with only the barest of explanation about how RCV works or its likely impacts (i.e. no spoiler candidates, majority winners, voters liberated to pick their favorite candidates, coalition-building), and then ask them their thoughts/reactions about voting in that system, with fake candidates and no real campaigning, no real exposure to an actual election or actual candidates, rests on some very puzzling assumptions. The findings of these seven studies actually are contradicted by the findings from many other studies based on real-world RCV elections. These New America studies also failed to list the real-world RCV studies in their own citations, instead including those studies that reinforced their conclusions. The seven studies featured in this article were chosen because they form a cohesive cohort which precisely illustrates one of the main points of our research paper, namely that using surveys, i.e. artificial elections, or mathematical/theoretical models, instead of real-world data, is in fact “shaky political science.” Below are summaries of our analysis of five of the seven New America studies. You can read our complete analysis of all seven studies at our paper, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting.” Choosing to “Vote As Usual” by Andre Blais, Carolina Plescia, and Semra Sevi. New America. (Blais et al., 2021). This study, web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group, used two surveys in which respondents completed ballots for simulated elections using plurality, approval, RCV and point (Score) voting. In both cases the authors provided the respondents with only minimal explanation of each method. For example, the entire explanation for RCV was “For this vote, rank the candidates from your first to your last choice (you do not need to rank them all). This is called the ranked vote.” That’s it. The study did not provide any context or explanation to survey respondents about why she/he might want to rank multiple candidates. Participants were not even told that ballots would be tabulated using an “instant” runoff, not to mention any description of RCVs ability to eliminate the spoiler effect or liberate voters to rank their favorite candidates without fear of helping the “greater evil” candidate to win. That’s like taking an iPhone back in time to 1970 and asking someone if they like it better than their rotary phone without explaining how it works. Their first survey targeted states that held 2020 Super Tuesday Democratic primaries and used the real candidates’ names in the survey; the second survey used fictitious candidates. In other words, they surveyed respondents who had only ever participated in plurality elections, had no history or background with using RCV or any of the other methods, had no clue about its likely impacts, and did not communicate how the alternative methods would be counted, and then asked them: “How satisfied are you with using each system?” Predictably, the winner was plurality elections, the system used for president, Congress, gubernatorial and state legislative elections – in other words, the method they have been using, year after year, all their voting lives. With so little explanation of RCV and its impacts, this study is simply not credible in discovering anything useful about real-world RCV elections. It merely shows that a basic voter education campaign is needed when adopting a new election system. Additionally, the result contradicts many other post-election surveys following real RCV elections, asking opinions from voters who had just participated in a RCV election, that showed a great deal of satisfaction with RCV (see details on that in Studies 22-25 in our paper, as well as the four studies cited in the review for Study 28). Share Other studies on “satisfaction” and “understanding” make similar mistakes, in terms of basing their surveys on inadequate explanation to respondents and lack of education about context. How could any survey ever hope to measure accurately, in essence simulate a real-world election, without actual campaigning candidates, the media writing about those candidates, organizations endorsing candidates and voters being inundated with crucial information? More than anything, what these “studies” based on surveys show is that if you ask voters about something they don’t know very much about, and fail to adequately educate them, their responses will unsurprisingly reflect their confusion. Equally puzzling is that New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group, headed by political scientist Lee Drutman, found this to be a credible enough study that they not only published it but highlighted it in Drutman’s own discussion of research related to ranked choice voting. This pattern was repeated in study after study featured by New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group. For example in Ranked-Choice Voting and Political Expression: Voter Guides Narrow the Gap between Informed and Uninformed Citizens by Cheryl Boudreau, Jonathan Colner, and Scott MacKenzie, the researchers based their analysis on a survey which found that respondents who were asked to vote in a simulated RCV election, with minimal explanation of RCV or how it works, displayed less evidence of being informed about how to use RCV effectively, with the least informed voters ranking fewer candidates. As pointed out under the study above, in a real election voters are informed by a wide variety of methods, including public education by the election administration, by interested political groups, the media, and the candidates themselves who benefit from voters being aware of how to vote in the new system. In Support for Ranked-Choice Voting across Race and Partisanship by Joseph Anthony, David C. Kimball, Jack Santucci and Jamil Scott, the researchers used respondents from different parties and races voting in simulated plurality and RCV elections, who indicated their satisfaction with each voting method. Instead of using real world election results, the authors fell back on the easy, armchair and less reliable academic research methodology of making up mock elections. As with the other studies, little explanation was given of how RCV works or what its implications might be (electing majority winners or eliminating spoilers, for example). Unsurprisingly, this study found that respondents were not very satisfied with RCV. However, when the authors added an explanation that RCV has a tendency to elect more women and people of color, they found that this greater explanation increased the preference for RCV. The more voters were familiar with it, and the more they understood potential positive impacts – surprise! -- the more they were open to switching away from the status quo. Of note, the results from this study are thoroughly contradicted by a number of other studies whose data was obtained from real RCV elections with real voters. Those studies show a great deal of satisfaction with RCV. More “fake election” research An interesting wrinkle on this “research by fake elections” approach, which only served to illustrate how unreliable such “research” can become, was taken in Ranked-Choice Voting, Runoff, and Democracy: Insights from Maine and Other U.S. States by Joseph Cerrone and Cynthia McClintock_,_ also web-hosted and funded by New America’s ERRG. It gets high marks for creativity, but an eye-roll for thinking this could possibly add anything meaningful to our understanding of real world RCV elections. This study tried to determine whether RCV, plurality or two-round runoff elections provided greater voter satisfaction and acceptance of election results. To determine that, the authors conducted a survey asking if voters were satisfied with a fictional newspaper report of an election, with three different versions given to respondents – plurality, runoff and RCV, with variations of Republican/Democrat winners and variations of “come-from-behind” winners,” i.e. candidates not initially in first place but who win the “runoff.” Again, a minimal explanation of RCV or how it works was given, and the survey showed that respondents had the greatest unfamiliarity with RCV than the other methods. The unsurprising result? Respondents were much more satisfied with “come-from-behind” victories in a traditional two-round runoff election than in RCV, even though RCV is also a runoff system but with a single round of counting. Interestingly, the dissatisfaction with RCV disappeared for those who were more familiar with RCV. In fact, among those respondents who were “very familiar” with RCV, they were equally satisfied with RCV, runoff and plurality. Surprise, surprise. Again, what this study revealed, more than anything, is not only the inadequacy of the explanation for RCV given by the authors of this study, but the failure of the research format itself, thinking that such an artificial mock election could somehow simulate what actually happens in the real world in a real RCV election. Those four studies reviewed above are fitting examples of inadequate and shaky political “science.” Other studies reviewed in our paper from the New America/Electoral Reform Research Group cohort which also used mock elections included: Ranked-Choice Voting is an Acquired Taste by Joseph Anthony and David C. Kimball. New America. (Anthony et al., 2021). Ranked-Choice Voting is No Refuge for Extreme Candidates by Melissa Baker. New America. (Baker, 2021). Also included in this New America cohort is Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Racial Polarization? by Yuki Atsusaka and Theodore Landsman, which actually did use real-world election results data but applied an odd and unconventional methodology to the data which relied on shaky assumptions and non-real-world scenarios that were too divorced from reality. To determine levels of “racially polarized voting,” the researchers imagined “ethnic parties,” by which they mean political parties for each ethnic group, which was especially odd since the election data they were using came from nonpartisan RCV races. But then they made an even odder assumption, namely that since race and ethnic characteristics of studied voters were not available, the authors tried to infer that information based on who voters selected and the racial make-up of voters in each district. This amounted to little more than vague and ambiguous guesswork dressed up with a bunch of mathematical equations used to give it a veneer of scientific appearance. Indeed, it seemed to assume racial polarization in order to prove racial polarization. Based on this questionable methodology, the authors concluded that RCV doesn’t reduce racial polarization. But the premise of this study missed an obvious reality: since RCV incentivizes more candidates to run and can result in more diverse fields of candidates, one would expect more racially-polarized voting in voters’ top rankings, not less, because more voters would have someone on that ballot who represents their racial or ethnic identity and more freedom to vote for their real first choice. By encouraging more diverse candidates and eliminating the spoiler effect, RCV facilitates voting for a favorite candidate of your own race and then selecting a second choice with the best likelihood of winning. The real measure is what voters do with their additional rankings – do they consider other candidates and vote “for the best of the rest”? This study didn’t tell us anything useful about that. But readily available data shows this is common in real RCV elections, and candidates act on this knowledge by engaging with voters outside their racial group. So the authors of this study failed to consider or account for what actually happens in real-world elections, and their conclusions are tainted by this failure. New America has contributed a great deal over the past 2.5 decades to our understanding of many policy areas, including politics and political reform (full disclosure: Steven Hill, one of the authors of this article and of the “Shaky Political Science” research paper and series, is a former senior fellow and former director of New America’s political reform program, 2005-2010). So it was especially disappointing that New America funded and published such a large batch of dubious studies about ranked choice voting. The stated praiseworthy goal of its Electoral Reform Research Group was to inspire new academic research about ranked choice voting that would shed light and help the public better understand the impacts of RCV. Instead, the ERRG research did just the opposite. It produced dubious research that created more confusion and misinformation. In so doing, New America’s political reform program contributed to “shaky political science.” Steven Hill and Paul Haughey Share Upgrade to $5 subscription Thanks for reading DemocracySOS, a reader-supported digital portal for the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe for only $5 per month to receive full benefits and to support our work. Subscribe
WhatsApp Testing Paid 'Plus' Subscription Tier
WhatsApp has started testing a paid subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus, which adds a set of personalization options on top of the standard messaging experience, according to WABetaInfo.
Girls Ambitious about Learning Science registration deadline April 22
Participants will get their hands dirty digging soil samples and more as they attend GALS, a mini-series of science programs for girls in grades 5-8.
Learn how Pitt connects local small businesses and drives regional economic impact on May 29
Doing Business with Pitt is a no-cost informational session on securing University contracts.
Gen Z Alinea founder explains how to connect with investors
Eve Halimi and Anam Lakhani created Alinea, an investment platform designed for the next generation of wealth-builders, in 2021.
Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 21, 2026, puzzle No. 575
Welcome to Connections: Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
Microsoft Teams and Outlook are getting significant changes soon
Teams is about to feel very different with major UI changes for the toolbar and performance tweaks, while Outlook quietly adds smart Copilot features you might rely on daily.
Washington County high school spring sports scores for April 20-25
Here are the Washington County high school sports scores for the week of April 20-25.
Val Ackerman, who guided Big East after team exodus, to retire
Val Ackerman is retiring this summer after leading the Big East as commissioner for 13 years, leading the conference through realignment and team exodus, as well as eight national championships during her tenure.
Florida unemployment rate jumps 2 months in a row
The professional services, government and leisure, and hospitality industries were hit hardest.
Reauthorization of Small Business Innovation Research and Technology T
Following President Donald J. Trump signing into law the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, the War Department is immediately advancing with a redesigned and more focused initiative
MacBook Pro With Touch Screen and New Mac Studio Likely 'Postponed'
The global memory chip shortage may result in the next MacBook Pro and Mac Studio models launching later than expected, according to the latest rumor. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has repeatedly stated that 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a touch screen are slated to launch in late 2026 to early 2027. In his Power On newsletter today, though, he said to be prepared for the laptops to potentially arrive towards the end of that timeframe due to the chip shortage.
Problem Solver's Consultants named West Virginia Rural Small Business of the Year
Problem Solver’s Consultants, a Buckhannon-based marketing agency, has been named the 2026 West Virginia Rural Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The honor will be presented May 6 in Fairmont during National Small Business Week.
Riverview apartments sell for $7.5M below 2021 sale price
The community just off Interstate 75 was bought by a Virginia real estate investment firm.
Department of Health confirms measles case in Rhode Island
TheRhode Island Department of Health said that a case of measles had been confimred in the state.
Another poll shows Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis staring up at JD Vance in 2028 GOP sweepstakes, each struggling with young voters
Can a Florida man win the White House in 2028?
Entertainment Listing: April 15
Wednesday April 15 Hangar 9 • Carbondale Saluki Con Super Hero Trivia and Costume contest, 8 p.m. PK’s • Carbondale Trivia, 8 p.m. Project Human X • Carbondale Advertisement Open studio, 4 p.m. Paint night: “Spring Gnome,” 6 p.m. Little Nashville • Marion Trivia, 6 p.m. Thursday April 16 Booby’s • Carbondale Karaoke, 8:30 p.m....
Stem Challenge Expo at Miami’s Frost Museum of Science kicks off Saturday
Michigan House moves ahead on state health department budget with expanded SNAP and Medicaid checks
Michigan House moves ahead on state health department budget with expanded SNAP and Medicaid checks
Trump administration embraces quest to stamp out the events of Jan. 6
In his second term, the president has doubled down on efforts to reframe public perception of the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, in court and beyond.
Commissioners approve business accelerator initiative to expand child care accessibility in Harris County
The demand for child care subsidies soared during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains on the rise. In Harris County, around 30,000 families are on a waitlist to receive state scholarships for child care services through the Texas Workforce Commission, according to a recent University of Houston study.
iPhone Loyalty Hits 96.4% as Android Users Four Times More Likely to Switch
Customers are more loyal to Apple than ever, according to a smartphone loyalty survey conducted by phone trade-in site SellCell. 96.4% of customers surveyed said they planned to stick with an iPhone for their next upgrade, and 3.6% said they would choose a different brand. That's up from 91.9% in SellCell's 2021 survey and 90.5% in 2019. Android users were less loyal to their brand, and are almost 4x more likely to switch than iPhone users.
What is tailgating, and has FIFA banned it at World Cup stadiums in the US?
Football fans in the US have criticised FIFA and local organisers over a move to ban tailgating at World Cup matches.
U.S. DOL: Florida sees jump in new jobless claims for first full week in April
Florida's increase in new unemployment filings was in line with the national trend in early April.
UCF Recognizes Faculty Excellence with 2026 Promotion and Tenure Awards
One hundred faculty members are recognized for excellence in teaching, research and service.
Study: South Carolina emerges as top state for new business success
South Carolina is emerging as one of the most resilient states for new businesses, supported by steady population growth and a surge of entrepreneurial activity.
NFIB Releases Report Detailing Benefits of Federal 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent for Massachusetts
Will the benefits of federal relief overcome the high-tax environment created by state and local government in the Commonwealth?
Beau Bayh outraises competitors in Indiana secretary of state race
Bayh is heading into prime convention season with nearly $2 million in the bank, compared to incumbent Diego Morales' $1.2 million.
Supporting students before, during, and after mental health crisis
Nationally, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among college-aged young adults.
NFIB Releases Report Detailing Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent in New York
NY is projected to gain 71,000 new jobs annually over the next 10 years if the deduction remains in place.
Radiology Business Management Association elects new board members
Stacy Sanso—director of patient access for ARA Diagnostic Imaging, the Austin, Texas, affiliate of Radiology Partners—takes over as president of the association.
Dow Jones and WSJ launch new sports vertical with live event
More media companies are leaning into coverage of the business of sports as a way to capitalize on the growing appetite for insights on the topic from business decision-makers.
NFIB Report Details Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent in California
California Tax Day news release on Small Business Deduction
NFIB Report Details Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent in Washington
Washington Tax Day news release on Small Business Deduction
Radiology Business Management Association names new board of directors
Stacy Sanso—director of patient access for ARA Diagnostic Imaging, the Austin, Texas, affiliate of Radiology Partners—takes over as president of the association.
White House favors Erica Schwartz, former deputy surgeon general, to lead CDC
Schwartz would be Trump’s third nominee to lead the CDC. She left government in 2021, after the Biden administration passed her over for acting U.S. surgeon general.
Identity will close its Anchorage health clinic dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ community
The organization, which launched the Identity Health Clinic in 2021, will continue to support patients and connect them with alternative care through May 15.
Productivity and Politics
Productivity is normally the dry and esoteric stuff of academic debates. But at present, productivity lies at the root of some of the most contentious political debates. If one reads the newly released Economic Report of the President, one will find that the administration is expecting real gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at an average rate […]
Justice Department moves to dismiss Proud Boys and Oath Keepers’ seditious conspiracy convictions
The Justice Department moved to dismiss the seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members Tuesday, undoing one of the Biden administration’s most celebrated victories against those who it said inspired the January 6, 2021, attack on American democracy.
Justice Dept. Moves to Vacate Jan. 6 Convictions for Far-Right Extremists
Defending the convictions would likely have required administration officials to assert that far-right groups were acting on behalf of President Trump on Jan. 6, 2021.
Minneapolis Schools withheld money from employee health plan account for 10 months
The school district’s financial maneuver, which has not previously been reported, risked creating a shortfall in the health care account.
Charlotte's Black developers describe challenges
Three prominent Black Charlotte real estate developers spoke at the weekly Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum, sharing insights on why they remain outliers in an industry that they said remains dominated by white males.
Washington County high school sports scores for April 13-18
Here are the Washington County high school spring sports scores for the week of April 13-18, to be updated as the week progresses.
FDA shares warning about cath lab procedure kits due to risk of patient injury
The syringes included in several convenience kits commonly used by interventional cardiologists and interventional radiologists should not be used. If treatment is necessary and no other devices are available, it should be done with “extreme caution and vigilance.”
Jennifer Riley: Nuclear verdicts and junk science are creating a judicial hellhole
Over the years, Pennsylvania has become flooded with excessive lawsuits that are pushing our healthcare system to a breaking point. […]
Apple Testing Four Smart Glasses Styles Made of High-End Materials
Apple is developing at least four different styles of smart glasses, and the company is betting that their superior design will set them apart from rival products, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple's latest designs are made from a high-end material called acetate, which is "more durable and luxurious" than the standard plastic used by most existing brands.
Business Travel Market Expected to Reach USD 2,095.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 9.5%: Allied Market Research
Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "business travel Market by INDUSTRY (Government, Corporate), by SERVICE (Transportation, Food and Lodging, Recreation), by TRAVELER (Group, Solo): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031". According to the report the global business travel market, valued at USD 689.7 billion in 2021, is projected to reach USD 2,095.4 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period — more than tripling in size within a d
New Cold Case Task Force spotlights growing role of private forensic labs
The same DNA science being used to bring closure to families in long-unsolved cases is also increasingly being used as a frontline investigative tool.
You can grab a refurbished 2021 Kindle Paperwhite starting at just $49.99
How pristine you want it is up to you.
Midtown High students shine at Future Business Leaders of America conference
Midtown High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter recently captured top honors at the Georgia FBLA State Leadership conference
Mesa County health department honors public health workers
Event recognized staff achievements and community partners during National Public Health Week
CPUID site hijacked to serve malware instead of HWMonitor downloads
: Six-hour breach turned trusted links into a coin toss between legit tools and credential stealers
Radiology departments can cut costs and save the planet by limiting ultrasound waste
The modality uses a high volume of linens, gels and other disposable supplies that also can have a significant global carbon footprint in radiology, experts note.
How to fix the UN Decade of Ocean Science
In a previous post an uncomfortable reality was highlighted: that the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) has, so far, delivered more branding than transformati…
Exclusive: DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, Bet365 fund sports gambling super PAC
Several major sportsbooks have contributed tens of millions of dollars to a super PAC to support sports betting throughout the country, Axios has learned.
Former Erie County DA John Flynn eyeing town of Tonawanda supervisor job
Longtime Supervisor Joe Emminger announced he would be stepping down in May.
Evers signs measure paving way for online sports betting in Wisconsin
Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday signed a law opening the door to legal online sports betting in Wisconsin.
Comptroller: State workforce overtime surged 23%, driven by DOCCS, prison strike
State workforce overtime costs increased by $1.6 billion in 2025, according to a report released by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said.
Review determines no charges for Green Bay mayor over recording devices
The devices, in place in 2021 and 2022, were located outside the City Council chambers and the mayor’s office.