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Arts and entertainment throughout the region
A listing of arts and entertainment events throughout the region.
Arts and entertainment throughout the region
A listing of arts and entertainment events throughout the region.
Game 117: Twins at Brewers
A visit to the regional rivals, a tragic tale about a Brewers player, and Wisconsin whacking.
Steppin’ Out Festival in Blacksburg draws small business vendors from across the region
Vendors at Blacksburg's 45th annual Steppin' Out Festival say the weekend event is more than a sales opportunity — for some small business owners, it's their only storefront.
Commerce, EXIM Will Hit the Road with Exporting, Business Growth Resources
The Kansas Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Regional Export Program, announced the upcoming EXIM Roadshow. This first of its kind...
Air quality health advisory issued for Long Island, NYC Metro regions Friday
An air quality health advisory is in effect for Long Island and the NYC Metro regions until 11 p.m. Due to ground-level ozone.
Health department to discontinue cyclosporiasis hotline with fewer new cases
Lucas County has reported 1,246 cases of cyclosporiasis, while 3,229 cases have been confirmed across northwest Ohio, a regional increase of 23 since ...
Talking Business with Tony Iannelli: Summer in the Lehigh Valley is the best season
The economic success of a region is important, but equally as much and maybe more, is the quality of life. Thankfully, in the Lehigh Valley, we have so many people who are dedicated to maintaining our incredible quality of life.
Uberaba Geopark: A time capsule from the Late Cretaceous period nestled in Brazil's tropical savanna
Uberaba Geopark, also known as the "Land of the Giants," is a region in Brazil's Cerrado biome that preserved thousands of prehistoric fossils.
Is population growth still necessary for startup growth? Louisiana offers a messy test case
Every parish saw new business filings rise, but data from New Orleans, Lafayette and Baton Rouge shows why founder support matters in a shrinking region.
Lakes Region businesses say Canadian tourists gradually returning to New Hampshire
New Hampshire businesses say they are seeing some modest improvements after taking a hit from a lack of Canadian tourists last summer.
How Aroma-Zone Built A Beauty Business Around Trust Instead Of Trends
Speaking exclusively with Aroma-Zone CEO Sabrina Herloury-Rouget about trust, regional relevance and why beauty needs better guidance, not more hype.
AHF • ‘We the People’ Coalition Merges Faith & Politics to Engage Black Voters -- L.A. Gospel Concert & Panel, Sat., Aug. 8th
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world's largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, currently provides medical care and services to more than 1.75 million clients in 45 countries. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, AHF now has treatment clinics and other operations in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth, and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.
Vanderbilt Health physical therapist bound for Nationals after winning four medals at Tennessee Senior Olympics
Vanderbilt Health physical therapist Grant Schlisner, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, won four medals in the recent Tennessee Senior Olympics, which qualifies him to compete in the national Senior Olympics, set for July 2027 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Senior Olympians are athletes 50 years or older who compete in regional events for an opportunity to move to state events, and eventually to the Nationals. Schlisner’s medals were in the javelin, discus and softball throw (gold) and shot put (bronze). Schlisner, who is based at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks, grew up in the Chattanooga area in a family that valued physical fitness and playing sports, and he says, with considerable understatement, “The whole family is quite athletic.” Grant Schlisner (R) with brother Bret and sister Sue, all of whom won medals in the Tennessee State Senior Olympics. (photo courtesy Grant Schlisner) His brother Bret also competed in the Senior Olympics. So did his sister Sue. (His other sister Tammy did not compete, but, Schlisner said, “We’re still going to work on her.”) And their father, who now lives in South Dakota, competed in that state’s Senior Olympics in the category for athletes aged 84 to 89. Schlisner was a high school athlete in several sports, including stints as a baseball pitcher and a football quarterback. Since he was already playing positions in other sports in which he was throwing things, he was also recruited to the school’s track and field team, which is where he gained experience in the events that were his ticket to the 2027 Nationals. The medals are a reward for the hard work of training and preparation, but Schlisner said the real reward is the fitness that the medals represent. Schlisner competes in one of his medal-winning events, the shot put. (photo courtesy Grant Schlisner) “[Preparing for competition] got me working out to train for these events. I added more extensive weight training to promote injury prevention and building flexibility and strength have made me feel better overall.” He also said that, in addition to the physical rewards, he enjoys the camaraderie of the other athletes and a feeling of accomplishment. “It’s great to be able to have a goal,” he said. “If you aim low, you’ll hit it. This is aiming high. I want to bring home a medal in the Nationals.” His physical therapy patients, especially those who may be discouraged or need a little extra motivation, also benefit from his example. “I can connect with patients and say, ‘I’m 57 with previous injuries, and I’ve been doing these events, and you can get back to your ‘sport’ as well, whether that is chasing grandkids or participating in a competitive activity,’” he said. And being around the other Senior Olympians, especially in the older age groups, is motivating for him, as well. “One competitor was 90 years old,” he said. “She’s not just sitting around. That was super motivating and cool to see. I don’t want to be a lump on the couch at 90.”
Butterfly lilies wing their way to Science
Many animals and plants show left-right differences in how their bodies or organs are arranged, but we still know little about how such asymmetries evolve or how genes control them in natural populations. Mirror-image flowers, in which female and male sex organs are deflected to opposite sides in left- and right-handed forms, provide a notable example of such asymmetry. Here, we studied South African butterfly lilies, where individual plants produce only left- or right-handed flowers. Their mirror-image flowers promote outcrossing by depositing pollen from each floral form onto a specific region of a pollinator’s body that matches the stigma position of the opposite form. This suggests that selection for efficient pollen transfer between forms maintains this natural polymorphism. Our work uncovers a hemizygous supergene that coordinates the left-right orientation of female and male sex organs in mirror-image flowers by linking two independently acting genes for style and stamen handedness in a single, nonrecombining genomic segment. This architecture ensures the coinheritance of a matched pair of organ orientations that is essential for efficient cross-pollination between floral forms. At the developmental level, we show that floral handedness emerges from the interaction between an intrinsic tissue chirality and a gravitropic response that orients the style and median stamen relative to gravity. Together, these findings reveal how a supergene, hormone and microRNA signaling, tissue chirality, and an external physical cue combine to produce and maintain a stable left-right polymorphism in natural plant populations.
Entertainment around the area
Singer-songwriter Duane Betts, son of late Allman Brothers Band cofounder Dickey, leads the entertainment highlights coming to local and regional venues over the next two weeks. The guitarist, along w...
Proposed Gardner development would bring 15,000-seat concert pavilion, esports arena
A developer is betting a mix of live entertainment, education and hospitality can transform Gardner into a regional destination. Velocity Arts shared plans Wednesday for a 335-acre entertainment, arts, and education district anchored by a 15,000-seat indoor concert venue.
Sacramento sees business expansions, openings and closures in July. Here’s where
The region saw some popular restaurant chains open new locations. Also in July, midtown and downtown saw restaurant closures.
Science|Business summer reads of 2026
As most people in the European research and innovation policy bubble are going on a well-deserved summer break, we have come up with a list of our favourite books, podcasts and essays from the past year that ask deeper questions about science, technology and politics.BooksPasteur’s Quadrant: Basic Science and Technological Innovation, by Donald StokesIf you haven’t read Pasteur’s Quadrant yet, now is the time. In the EU and elsewhere, we’re living through a period of dwindling faith that curiosity-driven research automatically leads to economic growth and technological progress. Pasteur’s Quadrant, published in 1997 by the Princeton academic Donald Stokes, is the most influential critique of the standard “linear model” of R&D: the idea that new discoveries made in ivory-tower labs get neatly passed on for commercialisation by start-ups. In reality, Stokes argues, practical applications often inspire more theorical lines of inquiry. Of course, we have long known that things are more complex than the linear model, but even today, it’s still often assumed in Brussels discourse. The book is a useful corrective, and is being used now to argue for new types of scientific institutions. David MatthewsThe Weaponization of Expertise: How Elites Fuel Populism, by Jacob Hale Russel and Dennis PattersonAre society’s problems solvable by technical expertise alone? “If only the benighted would listen,” say Jacob Hale Russel and Dennis Patterson, two professors at Rutgers Law School who got frustrated with how scientists and politicians handled public health communication during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the book, they argue that clichéd mantras about scientific evidence and expertise perpetrated by academics, journalists and politicians have harmed public trust in the very institutions they were trying to defend. Paradoxically, slogans such as “we believe in science,” “follow the science” and “defer to the experts” can fuel mistrust in science, experts and democratic institutions. The authors criticise “condescension” and “technocratic paternalism” in the public discourse and make the case for a more nuanced approach to scientific and expert policy advice that rests on humility, doubt, scepticism and open dialogue. “Most complex social questions in fact revolve around values, not the recitation of unambiguous facts,” they say. Florin ZubascuBreakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future, by Dan WangIn this book, Dan Wang compares the structural differences between the US and Chinese industrial policies, but raises a very timely question for innovation policy wonks: how can advanced manufacturing know-how contribute to technology-intensive economic growth? Wang says technology has three components: the tools, the blueprints and patents, and the process knowledge. The third component represents the “proficiency gained from practical experience, which isn’t easily communicated and requires years of implementation.” According to Wang, rather than seeing tools and blueprints as the ultimate ends of technological progress, policymakers should see them as milestones in the training of better scientists and manufacturers. Over the past decades, China has amassed “process knowledge” because capital flowed to complex fabrication facilities, while investors in the West have parked their money in capital-light businesses such as digital platforms or chip companies that focus on design. As it turns out, thanks to its oversized focus on manufacturing, China has gained remarkable advantages in the global technology race. Florin ZubascuBaltic: The Future of Europe, by Oliver MoodyWhat can Europe learn from the nine countries surrounding the Baltic Sea? Alongside the familiar stories about Estonia's digital transformation, the book examines how the region has used technology, resilience, education, governance and long-term thinking to respond to geopolitical, economic and security challenges. Innovation policy wonks might find fresh perspectives on how innovation can strengthen defence, societal resilience and Europe's capacity to adapt in an uncertain world. Whether or not you agree with all of Oliver Moody's conclusions, the book is a useful guide to a region that is increasingly shaping European debates on security, competitiveness and technology. Goda NaujokaityteThe Invention of Nature, by Andrea Wulf This book chronicles the wild and adventurous life of natural science pioneer Alexander von Humboldt who at some point in the 19th century seems to have been just about the most famous person in the world. Through scientific expeditions to the Andes Mountains and to the depths of Siberia, von Humboldt contributed a host of discoveries and concepts. During his life he met and formed relationships with historical figures as different as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Simon Bolivar, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles Darwin. He is also claimed to be the person in the world with most things named after him, a list that includes an ocean current, a penguin and a region of the Moon. Still venerated in Germany, with numerous scientific institutions named after him, von Humboldt has slipped out of public consciousness in most of the rest of the world. For anyone not familiar with him, this book does a good job of describing his fascinating life. Ole EllekrogCareless People, by Sarah Wynn-WilliamsYou may have heard this referred to as the book Meta doesn’t want you to read. The 2025 memoir from Sarah Wynn-Williams, former director of global public policy at Meta, then just called Facebook, includes explosive claims about everything from a toxic workplace culture to how the company worked with advertisers to target vulnerable teens, and the lengths it was prepared to go to in order to break into China. It’s a fascinating insight into how and why the tech company gradually shifted its approach to policy, whether in the US, Europe or Asia. Meta has denied the allegations in the book, and last year won an emergency ruling to prevent Wynn-Williams from promoting it. In response, the author is now suing her former employer. If that doesn’t make you want to read it. Martin GreenacrePodcastsThe Europeans: Europe’s anti-ElonThis podcast is a great choice for a light-hearted dose of European policy and culture news. Most of it has little to do with research, innovation and technology, but this particular podcast features an interview with Mastadon’s founder Eugen Rochko. He talks about his experience running an open-source, federated, European-made social media platform, and leaving it all behind. The conversation, which starts 14 minutes in, gently encourages us to reflect on what kind of technology we, as Europeans, want to make. Goda NaujokaityteSolarpunk and how we escape dystopiaNew technologies are very often taken from science fiction. Alberto Santos-Dumont, inventor the airship, was inspired as a child by the adventure stories of Jules Verne. OpenAI’s attempt to build a personal assistant with the voice of Scarlett Johansson was lifted from the 2013 film Her, completely ignoring the movie’s cautionary message. So if we want better tech, we need to imagine it first. Unfortunately, the state of current sci-fi is relentlessly dystopian, giving inventors precious few ideas or hope. However, a new genre, Solarpunk, which envisages a technologically advanced but ecologically harmonious future, is now taking off. The actual tech the genre imagines, such as permaculture, renewable energy or community repair workshops, while nice, isn’t all that inspiring or ambitious. But it’s a first step towards rescuing sci-fi from its pessimistic Blade Runner rut. David MatthewsEveryday AbundanceLaunched in June, Everyday Abundance is a podcast that tells the stories of the inventions we now take so for granted that we barely given them a second thought. For example, the washing machine, which liberated women from a lifetime “bent over washtubs and washboards.” Or modern dentistry, which ended the reality that “tooth pain was simply part of human life.” Historians of technology, Virginia Postrel and Charles C Mann are very much on the optimistic end of the spectrum when it comes to the capacity of invention to improve human life. Here, they set out their case: if it wasn’t for progress, you might be hunched over a washtub with toothache rather than reading these words. David Matthews‘We will not know what we lost’: Conservation fallout a year after USAID shutdownSince his return to the White House, Donald Trump has been on a mission to undermine science. He slashed jobs at federal agencies, terminated grants in some research areas, took unprecedented control over university affairs and, within hours of his inauguration, suspended the US Agency for International Development. While its initial focus was to administer health and food aid around the world, it had since expanded to conservation projects. The result? Some of these projects were stopped abruptly. In this Mongabay podcast, environmental reporter Michelle Nijhuis tells the story of the EcoGuard conservation programme in Liberia, whose local patrols had helped protect rainforests, monitor endangered wildlife and track illegal threats. From one day to the next, these were left without salaries. Luckily, she notes, the initiative was able to get emergency funding from international NGOs, but its future remains “incredibly uncertain.” Juliette PortalaEssaysThe Mars Delusion, by Henry WismayerWhy is humankind so fixated on establishing a colony on Mars? asks London-based writer Henry Wismayer. From space evangelists promoting Martian settlement as an insurance policy, to billionaire Jeff Bezos, who said humans should settle on Mars “because it’s cool,” the mission is not running short of advocates. However, in this essay, Wismayer reminds us that some critics expect any future Mars pioneer to end up “irradiated, sick, mad and dead.” Scientists have already looked into the possible effects of prolonged exposure to Martian gravity, and it’s not pretty: muscle shrinking, bones weakening, changes to the central nervous system and other biological modifications to make us all reconsider the journey. “Some researchers have forecast that the future settler, after generations of evolutionary conditioning, will look less like an Übermensch and more like ET,” Wismayer writes. Juliette Portala
HHS shutting down Kentucky organ procurement group over safety concerns
The federal government is moving to shut down the organization that manages organ donations in the Kentucky region, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday, calling the organization a “bad apple.”
Türkiye’s Middle East Policy Following July 15
Türkiye demonstrated its influence in the region to all parties by openly supporting Doha against the blockade.
Ask the Doc Town Hall to spotlight Breastfeeding Awareness Month and women's health
Wake County Public Health is hosting a free Aug. 13 town hall at the Southeast Regional Library to provide expert guidance on breastfeeding, maternal wellness and women’s health during Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
Student artists blend science and creativity in new EPCHS mural project
Evergreen Park Community High School students combined science and art to create a STEAM-inspired mural that will permanently brighten the school's science wing.
University of Utah Health ranked top hospital by U.S. News & World Report
University of Utah Health continues to set the standard for regional and national care.
Rady Children’s Health Named Official Pediatric Healthcare Partner of San Diego FC and San Diego FC’s Right to Dream Academy
San Diego FC announced today a deeply integrated, multi-year partnership with Rady Children’s Health. Rooted in a shared commitment to youth wellness, the partnership brings together two trusted and local organizations focused on supporting the health, mental well-being, and joy of children across the San Diego region. “A club is
New NSF State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs will power AI-enabled scientific research across the country
New initiative will accelerate AI-enabled scientific discovery by expanding access to compute for researchers, students and educators through regional partnerships among state and local governments…
The Purple-State Problem
Most close readers of this column know that I see our nation’s political divisions as so great as to make the last line in the Pledge of Allegiance, that we are “one nation” and “indivisible,” hardly descriptive.While some states or congressional districts are characterized as red for Republicans or blue for Democrats, purple states or districts are thought of as fair fights where neither party has a distinct advantage. In those purple regions, it’s often thought that to win, a candidate must do well with voters near the ideological center.
Igniting the desire to live: adaptive sports give war veterans a new purpose
When Artem Peredereiev, 36, woke up after the amputation of both his legs, he could not imagine a future outside the hospital walls. A volunteer who joined the army in 2024, from a small settlement near Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, he was severely wounded on the battlefield and brought to Ivano-Frankivsk for rehabilitation. His physical condition was poor, and emotionally he was depressed. “Everything was new and different. I had no place to return to because my hometown was occupied. I did not understand how to live further,” he recalls. Every year, hundreds of wounded servicemen and women pass through the Centre for
Flash flooding closes roads, impacts businesses across northern Connecticut
Flash flooding hit northern Connecticut hard Monday morning, closing roads, filling basements and sending restoration crews scrambling across the region.
LIST: National Night Out events in our area
Various townships and safety departments throughout the region are preparing to celebrate National Night Out with free entertainment, food, demonstrations, and more.
It’s just good business
Commentary: As I've traveled around our region filming my new documentary series, The Good Business Tour, I've had the opportunity to spend time with entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, and innovators who are building remarkable organizations.
Exclusive interview: Science diplomat Paul Arthur Berkman
Strategic competition across the Indo-Pacific region presents challenges for nation-states and their ability to coexist within contested spaces.
Inside Kummer College: A conversation on entrepreneurship and impact
In this Q&A, Kummer College Dean Jim Sterling chats with Dr. Chevy Fang, associate professor of business and information technology at the Dennis and Janet Jaggi School of Business, to discuss the connections between research and practice, the role of family businesses to affect regional growth
Master’s degree in artificial intelligence gets underway
A new master’s degree in artificial intelligence being offered this fall at WSU will provide students with high-demand skills in AI and machine learning to meet industry needs around the state and region.
Norman Regional Health System no longer in network with Aetna after agreement unable to be reached
Norman Regional Health System is no longer in network with the insurance company Aetna.
JMU’s innovation efforts gain national notice
James Madison University received a national Innovation & Economic Prosperity award for its role in regional business collaboration and workforce development.
JMU eyes $2 billion economic impact by 2040
James Madison University plans to generate a $2 billion economic impact in Virginia by 2040 through expanded healthcare programs and stronger business partnerships.
After near shutdown, AeroFarms has new owners
AeroFarms in Danville has new owners and a new CEO after nearly shutting down, signaling renewed hope for vertical farming in the region.
Grants expand Hampton Roads apprenticeships
With a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Hampton Roads Workforce Development Council is offering local employers up to $30,000 to
A Muny dream comes true for 13‑year‑old Myles Lacey
Thirteen‑year‑old Myles Lacey has sung in stadiums, on television and at events across the region. But stepping onto The Muny stage this week as part of the youth ensemble for Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations was different. For the first time, he wasn’t there to sing. He was there to […]
From the lab to the marsh, Georgia Southern students lead summer science research
As summer heat settles across the region, students in the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) at Georgia Southern University are completing research projects from the laboratory to the salt marsh.
Air Quality Alert Remains in Effect
An air quality alert remains in place for the region. Air quality is expected to significantly deteriorate tonight and Monday as westerly and…
Orlando Sentinel 150: Central Florida’s major role in state, national politics
Central Florida was a battleground region for the White House for decades, with presidents and candidates routinely swinging through and drawing crowds every four years.
From gendered sacrifice to ancient politics: DNA uncovers early Chinese civilisation
New analysis reveals the Shimao people were a distinct civilisation that evolved locally in a small region over centuries.
Hockwold farmer swaps onions for grapes to future-proof business
The third-generation farmer says his chalk-rich soil is similar to that of France's Champagne region.
We the people: Learning the navigation of politics and voting
Democracy has become a loaded word, along with the U.S. Constitution. Then I was extended the opportunity to playtest a game, Convention of States. I began to see how democracy was complicated and often politically maneuvered. To understand this: Article V of the U.S. Constitution allows state legislatures to bypass Congress and propose amendments to the Constitution. Therein lies the game: a role-playing game that casts players as democratically elected delegates representing the regions and states of America. I was lucky enough to become a Justice, heavily equipped with states, which is voting power. I voted on behalf of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Panama: Haemophilus influenzae meningitis case reported in Veraguas Health Region
The Veraguas Health Region, located in the central-western region of Panama, confirmed a case of meningitis caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria in a 12-year-old student from La Primavera School, diagnosed on July 29. The patient remains hospitalized, is receiving appropriate treatment, and is in stable clinical condition. The regional health director of Veraguas, Xavier A. Torres Domínguez, reported that, once the diagnosis was confirmed, the Ministry of Health (Minsa), in coordination with the Social Security Fund (CSS), immediately activated the epidemiological investigation and health response protocols established for this type of event. Canada: Haemophilus influenzae type B outbreak in Calgary As part of the actions implemented, the Epidemiology teams carried out the identification and monitoring of the patient’s close contacts, applying the corresponding preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission and safeguard the health of the educational community. Health authorities explained that meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterial disease that requires timely medical attention. In that regard, they urged the population to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, or altered mental status. They also reiterated that vaccination is the main preventive measure against this disease, and therefore called on parents and guardians to verify that their children’s immunization schedules are complete, in accordance with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Grant applications for mountain region healthcare nonprofits available through CommonSpirit
CommonSpirit Health has opened grant applications for local nonprofits operating in its Mountain Region. According to a recent press release, these grants — which are part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program...
US embassies urge citizens to 'consider departing' Middle East
Iran's military, meanwhile, has accused Washington of 'escalating tensions' in the region
Science filled BioBus set to make stops in Capital Region to promote STEM and learning
Science Inquiry Comes Alive for Jacket Middle Schoolers
Snails, sidewalks and Double Stuff Oreos... At Partnership Middle School, instructors are finding innovative ways to help students connect the classroom to what they see in the real world every day. By integrating hands-on experiences and scientific investigations into weekly lessons, 6th and 7th grade science teachers push their classes to explore the curriculum standards through the lens of critical thinking, communication with their peers, experimentation, and scientific inquiry. Last week, two different approaches for two different grade levels saw Jacket teachers ignite the same spark for learning. On Tuesday, 6th graders in Lydia Jones' science class took their lessons outside as they explored the school grounds to identify living and non-living things. Despite the warm temperatures, they engaged in discovering unexpected objects on the campus and connecting that to what they learned in class about the criteria for what qualifies a thing as "living". Ms. Jones tasked students with walking the grounds and listing as many living and non-living things they could find in just a few minutes. Students spotted a fire hydrant, construction vehicles, grass, trees, soccer equipment, rocks, sidewalks, and even a snail hidden in the plants. After they finished the exploration, students returned to the regular classroom to discuss their results and whether their objects were classified correctly. On Thursday, 7th graders in Omini Parks' science class participated in their first lab of the semester as they explored and identified the physical properties of a favorite snack -- Oreos. Ms. Parks identified the class objective before the lab activity began by writing the academic standard on the dry erase board in a declarative statement: "I can collect and evaluate qualitative data to describe substances using physical properties." Students watched a video about how Oreo sandwich cookies are made, and then engaged in a question and answer discussion to give observations on the manufacturing process, review various types of physical properties and their scientific terminology, and talk generally about how the lab inquiry would work. The Q&A ended with a predictable question from students... "Will we be able to eat the Oreos?" The hands-on lab exercise required the 7th grade scientists to observe and record the differences between regular Oreos and the Double Stuff variety based on their physical properties. They followed the instructions in their lab brief to chart a comparison between the two types of cookies by observing properties with their magnifying lenses, measuring the height and diameter of both, and weighing the cookies with and without their filling. The activity let students put their lessons about physical properties into practice with real objects while also practicing vocabulary and writing skills to record their observations and using math skills from the last school year like taking measurements and calculating averages. Of course, they ended the lab by charting the taste of the cookies as well! These types of activities allow students to see the science standards they are learning come to life in the real world and engage with the content in new ways. Beyond that, they serve as a foundation for encouraging and growing scientific inquiry. Later in the school year, students will use the scientific method they are learning to complete science projects that require real research and the ability to explain and answer questions about their process and results. At the school-level competitive Science Fair last year, 41 Partnership students earned a place in the 2026 regional Science Fair held at MSU. From there, 14 advanced to the State Science Fair conducted at Northeast Mississippi Community College in April.
Chile declares health alert for hantavirus
The Chile Ministry of Health issued a Health Alert for hantavirus and other diseases, such as some arboviruses and avian influenza. This is the first time this measure has been taken and it will be in effect until July 31, 2027 and it extends from the Atacama region to the Magallanes region. “Hantavirus causes a disease that is endemic to Chile, transmitted by the long-tailed pygmy rice rat that lives in rural and semi-rural areas throughout almost the entire country. As a ministry, we are constantly monitoring its behavior and are very concerned and actively working because this year the virus's lethality has increased, and for this reason, we decided to declare this alert. As of last week, there were 46 confirmed cases and 18 deaths, representing a 39% lethality rate,” reported the Undersecretary of Public Health, Dr. Alejandra Pizarro. Cases have occurred in the regions of Valparaíso, Metropolitan, O'Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, Los Lagos, and Aysén. By comparison, in 2025, there were 44 infections and eight deaths (18% case fatality rate). The health alert, which is preventative and prepared, will allow for the granting of extraordinary powers in the event of serious health emergencies to strengthen surveillance, ensure timely resource management, hire specialized personnel, implement health control measures, and expedite the acquisition of supplies through direct procurement. The alert does not imply that there is an ongoing epidemic or that the healthcare system is overwhelmed. Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube “Hantavirus is not exclusively a summer virus, as the long-tailed pygmy rice rat is present year-round. Therefore, we urge everyone to take extreme precautions: avoid touching rodents, ventilate homes before entering if they have been closed, clean unused spaces with water and bleach, and keep garbage covered and food stored away. Furthermore, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms: fever, intense muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. If someone experiences these symptoms and has been in rural or semi-rural areas where the long-tailed pygmy rice rat may have been present, they should immediately go to a health center and inform the medical staff so that a hantavirus diagnosis can be considered promptly,” the official added. Since December 2025, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has maintained an epidemiological alert due to the rise in hantavirus cases throughout the Southern Cone, and that the Ministry of Health had an epidemiological alert in place since November of last year. Chile eliminates leprosy As mentioned above, the Health Alert decree also covers diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti, Aedes vexans, and Anopheles pseudopunctipennis mosquitoes, such as dengue and Zika, which, according to the alert, “have a high epidemic potential, which could generate high demand and overload for health facilities.” For these diseases, the alert is in effect from Arica to Los Ríos. The authority stressed that it is essential to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water and to monitor any suspected cases of people arriving from abroad infected with any of these diseases, in order to prevent any of these vectors from biting a sick person and starting to spread the disease. In the case of avian influenza, the alert was extended to the entire country, because unlike other years, the disease has been concentrated in wild and farm birds, not in poultry farms, increasing the risk of exposure for people. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Arts and entertainment throughout the region
A listing of arts and entertainment events throughout the region.
Taste of Orland Park delivers big flavors and big entertainment
The Taste of Orland Park opened Friday with food, music and crowds, with another full weekend of entertainment still ahead.
Cambridge-Salem unable to field a varsity football team this fall
The regional powerhouse doesn't have the numbers, officials said.
Help Business Report recognize the Capital Region’s most charitable companies
Baton Rouge Business Report is building a new ranking of the Capital Region’s most charitable companies—and we want your organization to be part of it. For our December philanthropy edition, we’re surveying businesses across the region to measure the scale and reach of their corporate giving. Companies will be ranked by their total cash and in-kind […]
'Primarily an itchy nuisance' in Pennsylvania, fleas still pose health risks
This is the latest installment of Pittsburgh Pests, an occasional series examining the insects and other creatures that pose health risks in our region. It...
BP Puts Its North Sea Drilling Business Up for Sale
The plans are part of the energy giant’s efforts to streamline operations, but BP has deep roots in the region.
Triangle positioned to benefit as AI investments surge
The Triangle region's technology workforce and research universities position it to capitalize as U.S. AI investment accelerates despite broader economic slowdown.
BP puts North Sea business up for sale
The decision follows a review of BP's operations and is set to end 60 years of production in the region by the oil giant.
Hydrogen-powered shipping could deliver $284 billion in annual health benefits
Researchers modeled how replacing conventional global shipping fuels with hydrogen could change PM2.5 and ozone pollution, premature mortality, and monetized health benefits. Under complete transition, the model estimated 129,458 fewer premature deaths and US$284 billion in annual monetized health benefits, although some regions experienced increased pollution from hydrogen production or altered ozone chemistry.
Sonoma County updates health advisory due to poor air quality caused by the Woodside Fire
8:15 P.M. UPDATE: Conditions are changing quickly and the air quality conditions have evolved to "hazardous" and "very unhealthy" levels. The Sonoma County Health Officer today issued the following health advisory: Areas of Sonoma County may experience "very unhealthy" or "hazardous" air quality caused by the wildfire event along the coast near Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. People may experience adverse health effects from the smoke over Sonoma County and across the region. Below are some things you can do when the air quality is poor.
'We're committed to this region' | New hospital expands Margaret Mary Health in rural Indiana
In a time when rural hospitals often struggle to keep doors open, Margaret Mary Health celebrated the opening of a $125 million facility in Batesville Thursday.
El Paso advocacy groups expand fund to deliver shelter, health care for migrants in Juárez
Humanitarian groups in the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region announced an expansion of aid for migrants and asylum seekers in Ciudad Juárez, citing growing needs as asylum access narrows and deportations accelerate
Brooklyn Nets Streaming Shifts From Gotham to DAZN
Brooklyn Nets fans will soon have a new way to stream local games. YES Network and MSG Networks are moving from the Gotham Sports App to DAZN, marking another major shift in the changing regional sports media landscape.
St. George Regional Hospital’s Legacy Display highlights over 100 years of health care history and impact
St. George Regional Hospital visitors can now explore a new permanent artifact display that showcases over a century of local medical history.
Roundup: Composite expansion / Oil surges / Steady rates prevail
Carencro investment: NPK Access Solutions LLC will invest $40 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Carencro, increasing production capacity by about 50% and adding a new composite matting product line. The project will create 38 new direct jobs, retain 124 existing positions and support an estimated 109 total new jobs in the Acadiana Region, […]
Business journalism studies took her to the White House | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
The story by UNC Hussman alumni Brennan Doherty ’19 and video by John Roberts ’16 (M.A.) was originally published on unc.edu. This story is part of a four-part series on Carolina alumni working in Washington, D.C. Soon after her 2015 graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Megan Cassella was an intern for the Reuters news agency, eagerly awaiting and prepping for a special assignment. “Every now and then they needed an intern to run over to the White House last minute,” Cassella said. “You have to send your information the night before, so I started proactively sending my information to the White House every single night to be able to go the next day if they ever needed an intern.” Since then, she’s made many return trips to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in a career that’s included roles at Reuters, Politico, Barron’s and now CNBC, where she works as an on-air Washington correspondent. A longtime newswriter, Cassella made the move to TV in 2024, appearing on broadcasts multiple times daily to report on the biggest political and business stories. But the keys to doing a good job — knowing how to research, asking insightful questions, building relationships and explaining complex topics to a broad audience — remain the same. Did you know: Outside of the state of North Carolina, the Washington region is home to the largest concentration of Tar Heel alumni in the country. Cassella’s time as a Tar Heel was crucial in sharpening those skills, both in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and through roles at student-run publications like The Daily Tar Heel. She excelled in Carolina’s business journalism program with former professor Chris Roush, which led to an internship at The Charlotte Observer and helped Cassella find her journalistic niche. A data journalism course with Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg taught her how to find stories in numbers, and former professor Paul O’Connor’s reporting class took Cassella to the North Carolina Capitol weekly, where she gained invaluable experience interviewing politicians. “Those hands-on experiences that Carolina gave me really kept my interest and have really benefited me since I’ve been up here in D.C.,” said Cassella. “I have UNC to thank for the fact that I even went into business journalism in the first place.” Megan Cassella ’15 “You’ve got to thrive on adrenaline in this job. You’ve got to do well with last-minute changes, with running by the seat of your pants.” Megan Cassella ’15 ‘There’s nothing else like it’ In recent months, Cassella has reported live from the G7 Summit in Geneva, covered the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war and followed changes to trade policy, including tariffs. “Anything in this realm that influences Wall Street, I’ll be covering,” Cassella said. Her working hours are long and variable. After waking up, Cassella immediately checks her phone to see what news broke overnight. By 8:15 a.m., she usually learns which newscasts she’ll be on, and then she heads to the newsroom, White House or wherever her assignment is. “We want you in the 9 a.m. show and the 11, and then the 3 o’clock show wants you, too,” Cassella said, referring to a hypothetical day. If Cassella gets an exclusive or major news breaks, she might be told, “We want that on TV right now.” Within five minutes, she’d be expected to get to the camera, figure out what to say and deliver the news to a live audience. “It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking,” Cassella said. “But there’s nothing else like it.” A well-rounded education Cassella grew up in Maryland, the youngest of four kids. Her oldest brother, Brian Cassella ’05, attended Carolina, became a photojournalist and recently won a Pulitzer Prize. She remembers visiting campus as a young child and loving it. “I just always wanted to go,” she said, and that desire grew when she, like her brother, gravitated toward journalism. But it wasn’t just the journalism school that drew Cassella to Carolina. “It was also the whole liberal arts curriculum,” she said. “Even though I always wanted to be a journalist, I got to college, and I sort of felt I had to think about other things. I had to explore my options and see if that’s what I really wanted.” Did you know: In April UNC-Chapel Hill opened its Carolina in the Capital office in Washington. She combined her journalism schooling with a global studies major and a history minor. That broad range of academic experiences in Chapel Hill molded her, preparing Cassella for a career that’s taken her to the highest levels of political journalism and inside the Oval Office. “When you sit back and remember you’re actually sitting inside the White House and asking questions of the president, it’s a cool feeling,” Cassella said. “No matter who is in office, no matter what administration or party, it’s a privilege to be there.” Megan Cassella on… Being a Tar Heel in Washington: I run into Tar Heels all the time. My husband’s a Tar Heel. We actually met here in Washington, not at Carolina, even though we were the same class. Probably most of our friends are still Tar Heels. Even up here in D.C., we all get together for games and March Madness. And through work, there’s Tar Heels all over the place. It’s often used as a connection. Favorite Franklin Street spot: When we go back, our first stop is always IP3. That’s more my husband’s doing than mine. In college, I was a huge Spanky’s fan. Felt like it was a classic spot. May it rest in peace. Advice to journalism students: Reps, reps, reps! Nothing beats the experience you’ll gain by simply starting to do the work — asking the questions, reporting and writing the stories, doing the TV hits. When you can, go places in person. Talk to more people than you think you’ll need. Read as much as you can, from different sources and on different topics. If you’re not sure how to start your story, that usually means you need more reporting. When you’re not sure, ask.
YES Network, MSG Networks to exit Gotham app for DAZN streaming service
The regional sports networks that air games for local New York and New Jersey teams, including MLB's Yankees and NHL's Rangers, will have a new streaming home.
Nike was once China's sneaker king. Here's why its sales have fallen 30%
China was once Nike's fastest-growing region but the company has lost relevance among young consumers and ceded market share to smaller, domestic brands.
Strong quake hits Japan's production hub, disrupts business operations
A powerful earthquake centred on Kumamoto in southwestern Japan on Tuesday forced a growing number of manufacturers, retailers and service providers to suspend operations across the region, disrupting supply chains in one of the country's key production hubs.
Amber heat health alert: How are people and wildlife faring?
As another amber heat health alert is issued, what are the issues across the region?
What are you building? Talking with founders and business leaders at the Seattle Tech Week kickoff event
The fourth annual Seattle Tech Week got off to a big start Monday, with panels and parties bringing together thousands of people from across the region and out of state. Organizers said the week features more than 250 events and drew more than 29,000 event registrations.
NYS health commissioner visits Syracuse, talks about WIC, vaccinations and cyclosporiasis
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) — The WIC program has been providing proper nutrition in the region for nearly 50 years. Due to rising enrollment, the state’s health commissioner, James McDonald,…
Tech Stocks Tumble on Worries About A.I. Spending and China’s Chip Competition
South Korea temporarily paused trading on Tuesday as its benchmark stock index led losses across the region, closing more than 10 percent lower.
Lancaster County ranks 9th in US for measles cases as health systems tighten precautions
Lancaster County now ranks ninth in the country for the number of measles cases that have occurred in one county or region in 2026.
U.S. Senate candidates not addressing Michigan’s economic woes, political experts say
“Michigan’s economy over the past 25 years has become calcified in its nostalgia for manufacturing,” said pollster Richard Czuba, who regularly surveys Michigan residents for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “And that is, at the very core, what has caused Michigan’s economy to just stagnate. We have got to change.”
NTCC hosts one-of-a-kind healthcare summit
Northshore Technical Community College recently hosted its Inaugural Patient Navigator Summit at the main campus in Lacombe, where potential students, educators, regional economic leaders and six major healthcare systems gathered
On Demand: Bridging Community and Clinical Approaches ─ Region 7 Maternal Health ECHO® Session 2
Session 2 of the Region 7 Maternal Health ECHO series explored ways to strengthen maternal care by connecting community support with clinical expertise.
PlayStation 5 GTA 6 Download Codes Turn Region Locked, Leaving Importers Stuck While Xbox Buyers Escape the Restriction
GTA 6 physical download codes are region-locked on PS5, giving Xbox Series X|S a clear advantage as they can be purchased and used worldwide
Rockstar clarifies which GTA 6 pre-order download codes are going to be region-locked, and how that is going to affect the game in your country
If you plan on pre-ordering GTA 6 on PlayStation 5 at retail, you should be very careful not to get a code that won't work with your account.
NKY Chamber’s August 18 Eggs ‘N Issues to explore the arts, entertainment and hospitality shaping NKY
Join the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) for Eggs ‘N Issues: Play, Stay, Grow – Building a Region People Choose taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 7:30-9 a.m.
Public health advice tells us to buy local. Can Canada’s food system keep up?
A resilient food system requires connecting affordability, trade, food safety, biosecurity, regional infrastructure and preparedness before the next disruption.
This Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit shows the business of craft launched in Philly 150 years ago
“Workshop of the World” shows of the Centennial Expo kickstarted the region’s industrial craft legacy.
Business People
Jamie Stogsdill has been promoted to Regions Bank Arkansas and Louisiana consumer banking executive, a senior leadership role overseeing retail-banking operations in Fayetteville; Little Rock; New Orleans; Baton Rouge; Shreveport; and additional markets.
Google Maps "2026 Update" Now Rolling Out, Also Available on Android Auto and CarPlay
Immersive navigation started showing up for more users, though the availability is limited to some region, most of them in the United States
Attitudes about Southeast’s business climate a bit better, but pessimism in Juneau rises in annual study
62% of regional business leaders say they’re optimistic about current conditions, but big differences in responses exist among communities and industries.
Outdoor sports continue as extreme heat hits KC; how athletes are preparing
The big story in late July, of course is the extreme heat. However, the heat didn't stop tennis players from competing in a regional tournament. KSHB 41's Braden Bates shares how they prepared.
Bay Area sports leaders eye World Cup, other major events to expand regional economy
At a sports business conference in San Francisco this week, Bay Area sports leaders outlined many visions for a bigger regional sports landscape and
Citizen Science Reveals A Hidden Map Of Sharks And Rays In Mozambique
Citizen science data from iNaturalist reveal 44 species of sharks and rays in Mozambique, covering about a third of known national diversity. Most records are from southern regions and many species are threatened, highlighting both the power and the bias of crowd-sourced biodiversity data.
Patriots putting new pieces together
LINCOLN CITY, Ind. (WEHT) — The Heritage Hills Patriots have been the most successful football team in southern Indiana over the past three seasons. “These guys, all the way back to their freshman year, have seen nothing but success,” Heritage Hills football head coach Kevin Tempel said. Three regional titles, two state championship appearances, and […]
New business numbers should be source of optimism
We know and share in the pain that fluctuating energy costs and gas prices and a decade of rising prices for groceries and other costs of living have inflicted on our nation and region. A Center Square article in Tuesday’s edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette offered some good news: The United States has seen nearly […]
Arts and entertainment throughout the region
A listing of arts and entertainment events throughout the region.
Is North Star-Rochester Regional deal still on after dueling news releases?
Conflicting news releases have raised questions about the status of a potential partnership between North Star Health Alliance and Rochester Regional Health.
FNB names retail manager, small business lender
FNB Oxford Bank announced the appointment of Austin Vardaman as Oxford Regional Retail Manager and Jacob Marker as Consumer and Small Business Lender. Austin Vardaman graduated from the University of […]
A Million-Panel Project
Utah’s new solar power and battery storage facility is among the largest in the region.
Health and Human Services announces ribbon cutting for Southern Region Office and Peaks Youth Center
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is excited to announce the opening of the newly remodeled Southern Region Office and official ribbon cutting ceremony of the CCHHS Peaks Youth Center
Health inspections of Tacoma ICE center remain on pause as legal battle continues
The Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma remains closed to state health inspectors despite a judge’s order two weeks ago opening the region’s largest immigrant detention center to state officials.
Wilmington announces business and economic development chief
The city of Wilmington announced on Thursday the hiring of Louis Starks as its new business and economic development manager. According to a news release, the role focuses on strengthening Wilmington's business ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurship and advancing strategic economic growth. "In this role, Starks will collaborate with residents, local businesses, community groups, educational institutions and regional partners to promote investment, workforce development, and innovation for businesses of all sizes," the release stated. "He will also help connect small businesses with City procurement opportunities, cultivate public-private partnerships, and lead initiatives that promote long-term economic vitality." Starks has more than 20 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, housing finance, workforce development and public policy, according to the release. Most recently, he served as manager of business development for Oakland County, Michigan, "where he led teams focused on business retention and expansion and financial services for one of the nation's most economically diverse regions. During his tenure, his teams supported billions of dollars in business investment initiatives while helping create thousands of jobs," the release stated. He holds a law degree and master's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa, as well as a bachelor's degree from Duke University. He is also a Certified Economic Development Professional. Starks is expected to begin his Wilmington position on July 27. “Louis has built his career around helping individuals, organizations and communities reach their full potential,” stated city manager Becky Hawke in the release. “Whether supporting entrepreneurs, managing complex redevelopment projects, or bringing together public and private partners, he has consistently focused on creating opportunity and delivering results. He understands that a strong economy creates opportunities for everyone. By supporting local businesses and fostering innovation, his work will help ensure the benefits of Wilmington’s growth are felt throughout the community, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods, and improving quality of life for residents.”