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Recap: Boston College falters in Cincinnati, loses 34-15

On Saturday afternoon, Boston College opened the 2026 season against Cincinnati. After a 2-10 year, BC tore the roster down to the studs and reset, with the biggest new face being starting quarterback Mason McKenzie, a dangerous dual threat at Saginaw Valley State last season. BC leaned on the run early. Evan Dickens broke out […]

Sep 5 • 7:11 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Serie A official line-ups: Roma vs. Atalanta

Paulo Dybala and Evan Ndicka shake off knocks to start for Roma with unstoppable Donyell Malen and Rodrigo Mora, while Atalanta rely on Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere.It kicks off at the S...

Sep 5 • 1:50 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Analysis: Late goal costs Cherries... again

New Bournemouth boss Marco Rose had just finished giving high fives to his staff on the bench when Newcastle pulled a goal back - scoring 101 seconds after Malick Thiaw's own goal. Marco Rose's side had outfoxed and outplayed Newcastle for the majority of the opening period with an intelligent display. Evanilson fired over from a good position after Sven Botman gave the ball away, while a slick counterattack culminated in a tame finish by Marcus Tavernier.

Sep 5 • 10:34 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

We Need a Cure for AI Health Hype

AI evangelists’ bold predictions about the technology’s ability to cure all diseases are overblown and oversimplified, writes Arianna Huffington.

Sep 5 • 6:00 AM EDT • Health • time.com

Reitz holds off Jasper in third straight win

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — Reitz high school football team is undefeated through the first three weeks of the season beating Jasper Friday night 56-21. Next up the Panthers will head on the road to face North on Friday, September 11th. While the Wildcats will look to bounce back against Bosse.

Sep 5 • 12:51 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Home Team Friday: Week 3

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — Don’t miss out on our weekly coverage of high school football in the Tri-State. Home Team Friday airs every Friday night at 10:35 CT on ABC 25. Watch the videos below to see the full show: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Sep 5 • 12:15 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Manny Rutinel resigns from Colorado legislature to focus on congressional race

The Democrat running for a key congressional race — whose outcome could decide the balance of power in the U.S. House — on Friday resigned from the Colorado legislature. State Rep. Manny Rutinel is turning his attention to his campaign in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, where he is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans. The […]

Sep 4 • 6:27 PM EDT • Politics • coloradopolitics.com

Democrat Manny Rutinel resigns from state House to focus on competitive race in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District

Democratic Rep. Manny Rutinel resigned from the state legislature Friday to devote his full attention to his campaign in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, where he is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans. The open seat in House District 32 will be filled by a vacancy committee. The Adams County Democratic Party has not responded to […]

Sep 4 • 6:27 PM EDT • Politics • coloradopolitics.com

15 discouraging hours with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and 10 brilliant ones with He Who Watches

In the last few weeks, while playing some video games that I might review, I emailed two cries for help. I sent the first to a rep for Capcom, confessing that the company’s samurai game Onimusha Way of the Sword (out today for PC and console) was crushing me. “Feels like I’m playing ‘hard’ mode, not ‘normal,’” I wrote. “And I don’t want to have to knock it down to “story”. I’m exploring, trying to level my gear, but these two-phase boss fights with no mid-fight checkpoints are brutal.” I wagered I was only about halfway through the game, if that. I wasn’t sure I could keep up with the steepening difficulty curve. Was I missing something? Then, on Monday, I took some photos of some puzzles that were baffling me in the mind-bending He Who Watches (out now on PC), wrote out lengthy descriptions of how I’d been trying to solve them and asked Bobby Vanden, the game’s solo developer, for a nudge in the right direction. I told Vanden I’d spent hours on these puzzles. “I’m stuck in triplicate,” I told him. Could he tell me if the solutions I was attempting were even on the right track? I didn’t mention that the puzzles—coupled with major time pressures from other work—were stressing me out so much that playing the game was giving me headaches. This double dose of panic was unusual. I’m used to managing a workload full of reporting and reviewing, used to a crowded schedule and the need to stay calm amid the bustle. But I was stressed about these games. No one was forcing me to review them, nor even play them. I’d simply found them interesting enough to start, hoped they’d be interesting enough to write about and I’d sunk hours into them assuming I’d made the right call. Suddenly, however, I felt trapped. I was emailing for a way out. Above: This guy took me about an hour to beat. The feedback I got from Capcom confirmed my fears. They didn’t say it, but I will: Onimusha Way of the Sword is not for me. It’s a brutally hard game in need of a normal difficulty level. It’s a game that spikes so severely during its abundant boss fights—yet offers such flawed ways to improve when outside of them—that it feels like a bait-and-switch. In the new Onimusha, you play as famed samurai Musashi Miyamoto, aided by a magical soul-absorbing gauntlet that is possessed by a lady who offers advice. (Way of the Sword is a continuation of Capcom’s long-dormant Onimusha series, but that set-up had me wondering if the company was cribbing from their ill-fated Bionic Commando reboot; read about “wife-arm” when you get a chance). Way of the Sword is partially set in 17th century Kyoto, an explorable city where Miyamoto can fight demons, help civilians and eventually rescue ghostly dogs. The city evolves over time, with new mini adventures and obtainable loot on offer, all feeding into systems that promise to upgrade your gear and sword-fighting skills. Upgrades, however, are so incremental as to be imperceptible, causing the exploration of Kyoto to feel like inconsequential busywork. From that hub, players can go on linear missions into forests and old temples, where they will encounter many of the game’s tough bosses. Combat in Way of the Sword is akin to many modern melee games. Players are asked to mix attacks with dodges and parries. They’re encouraged to deplete an enemy’s stamina bar in order to do greater damage to its health bar. The old Onimusha games’ signature move was the issen, a counter-attack so sudden it’s all but pre-emptive. You strike just as they begin to strike toward you, beating them to the cut. By definition, the issen is a high risk move, leaving you wide open to pain. It feels risky in the game, especially against bosses, who can maul you in just a few blows. A game might train you to perform an issen well by offering a variety of lesser enemies who are not as tough as the boss but get close. Or it might offer a toehold against bosses by saving or checkpointing the player’s progress when a boss’ first health bar has been destroyed and before the second health bar appears. It might offer the less skilled player a chance to over-level their character, should the player simply commit to playing through its optional sidequests. Way of the Sword does none of this. Fighting its trivially easy grunt enemies and then its ferociously adept bosses is like playing a game of chess where I’ve got a rook, while the opposing side is all pawns and five queens. Bosses simply don’t checkpoint. You may be able to clear a boss’ first phase without taking much damage. Good for you. Do it again, every time you fail the second phase. As for the the central Kyoto hub, I kept pace with all of its added side activities and never felt like I was overpowered. Bosses could still easily buckle me. The new Onimusha, I concluded, is just too discouraging to keep playing. The advice I got from Capcom had been well-intentioned. They reminded me of the game’s various systems. They alerted me to an optional assist that flashes recommended button inputs (basically: counter this move; dodge that move). It was a little helpful. So was dropping down to “story mode,” which I tried last night. Story mode turns on those button prompts by default. It makes countering and dodging way too easy, nearly automatic. I don’t consider myself a master of action games like these, but I’ve cleared the likes of God of War, Stellar Blade, Star Wars Jedi and others of sub-Sekiro difficulty and had a fun time doing so. Not here. Not yet. Unless they patch Onimusha: Way of the Sword and add a middle difficulty or just checkpoint the damn bosses when they’re between health bars, my streak of loving Capcom games released in 2026 will likely end at two. It’s a shame, because I was having a good time finding those ghostly dogs. And then there’s He Who Watches, a phenomenal first person puzzle game with Portal vibes, except instead of a portal gun you’ve got a magical bow that shoots one arrow that can activate switches or be used to drag blocks. The twist is an actual twist: you can also walk on walls and the ceiling, reorienting gravity as you do, thereby placing blocks onto those other surfaces. Walking on walls and ceilings to solve problems is really the best thing. Would that I could in reality. He Who Watches consists of locked-room challenges, each brief enough to only require about a minute to actually solving, though it will take five, 10, eventually 30 minutes to figure out said solutions. They are not obvious! It’s a game of layered mechanics and shocking solutions. For example, see if you can follow this: You can drag a block to a wall. Then you can walk on the wall, which now feels like the floor, and drag that block across the wall. Later, back on the floor, you might realize you can look up. The block is still on the wall, stuck to it. You can shoot your magic arrow to its underside. Doing so creates a tether, so that you can yank the block off the wall and carry it, as if it were a balloon, into the spot where you need it to be to solve the puzzle. Here, watch Vanden explain some of the game’s basics in this launch trailer: As with any great puzzle game, the solutions to He Who Watches’ puzzles elicit relief and amazement. Oh my god, that worked! I didn’t even think that could be possible! Learning to solve the game’s puzzles feels like learning magic. But, oh, does the game get hard. Its Steam reviews, mostly glowing, are full of players remarking how quickly He Who Watches made them sweat. Wrote one: “loving this one already although my brain is hurting!” Wrote another: “As you get further in the game it feels like you need an IQ level of at least 120+.” Vanden has shown some mercy. Each locked room puzzle includes an optional junior version of the puzzle, meant to teach you. Difficulty nevertheless ramps severely. By the time I was emailing Vanden for help, I was struggling to even clear one of the hint puzzles. When I messaged him, my stress was exacerbated by strange things I’d found in the game’s various hubs: suspicious passageways, odd blocks and some intriguing locked doors. These were hints of secrets, I realized, yet I sensed I needed to play further into the game to understand them. I was stuck, but I wanted to see the rest. Vanden offered to give me the exact solutions, to solve those three puzzles for me, but first he gave four nudges. Three were for the specific puzzles, but his best hint was for all and ultimately proved to be a terrific life lesson: go back a bit, he suggested. Do the puzzles right before those. They were teaching you something. Focus on what their lesson was. Don’t rush, in other words. Recognize what you’ve accomplished. Build off of that. I did so. I absorbed the lessons. I saw those three tough puzzles in a new light. I solved one the night after he wrote back, another the morning after. I left a third for another time. I didn’t need it and I wanted to plunge deeper into the game, closer to the moment when I was sure I could start unlocking those secret doors. My head stopped hurting, too. He Who Watches feels special. It’s got more challenges, and I’m undeterred. It’s also nice that its puzzles don’t have a surprise second health bar. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: In brief… 🎮 Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder of Helsinki-based Housemarque (Super Stardust HD, Resogun, Returnal) has stepped down from his studio, after a 31-year run, saying he’s “ taking a rare and well-deserved breather.” Sony purchased Housemarque in 2021, and the studio released its newest game, Saros, earlier this year. Trend-watch: Sony-owned Insomniac saw its founder Ted Price retire in early 2025, after a 30-year run. Sony-owned Sucker Punch saw its co-founder Brian Fleming step down in late 2025, after a 28-year run. 👀 Savvy Games Group chief Brian Ward is stepping down from the Saudi-government-backed games conglomerate, Bloomberg reports. No word on a long-term successor yet, nor if this augurs any closer integration between Savvy and Electronic Arts. EA was purchased by a consortium led by Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund, in early August. 💿 Square Enix has denied a Japanese media report that the company was planning to go private. In very different Square Enix news, the company revealed that the physical version of Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, the April 2027 finale of its radical remakes of FFVII, will include just one disc in its case, requiring a download for the rest. The first two FFVII remakes in the trilogy shipped on two discs apiece. While Square hasn’t commented on the reason why, a feature here in Game File last month broke down the processes and costs for physical games. The expense of a second disc comes out of the game publisher’s cut of each copy. Square could be saving in excess of a dollar a copy with this move. 🟥 Grand Theft Auto IV’s 26-minute ’‘extended look” gameplay showcase that premiered on Netflix last week—and was exclusive to the platform for six hours—drew 31.1 million views in its first four days, the streamer announced. (Netflix calculates views as total viewed hours divided by runtime; excludes replays). Compared to YouTube: The version that later premiered on Rockstar Games’ YouTube channel is sitting at 22.6 million views after seven days (YouTube’s more liberal counting system tallies anyone who viewed even just the first few second.) Compared to other Netflix mega-events: Last year, Stranger Things season 5’s first four episodes, which debuted together, drew a record 59.6 million views in their first few days on Netflix. For more of a live event type of comparison, in 2024, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match drew 65 million concurrent streams as it happened; Netflix didn’t release live numbers for the GTA premiere. ☁️ Microsoft is changing the way it charges for cloud gaming, from an all-you-can-play offer for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, to caps for the subscription’s tiers (15 hours per month at the Ultimate tier), with the option to buy more hours in bulk beyond that. The company also said it will sell batches of cloud gaming time to non-Game Pass subscribers, details TBA. Microsoft does not release figures for cloud game usage, but said its changes would impact 4% of Game Pass subscribers. That implies a small portion of its subscribers exceed the 15-hour monthly mark. Cloud gaming offers the promise of playing games without the need for console or PC hardware, as the graphics, sound and controls are all transmitted via a streaming connection. Microsoft notes that its cloud gaming service can be used for a range of things, including Xbox One players using it to play newer-gen Xbox Series games via streaming; and people playing games via streaming, sans any console, “in markets where consoles are less available or affordable.” (That latter use case could even be relevant in Xbox’s home market soon, as console prices keep rising.) Take Two Interactive chairman Strauss Zelnick recently told investors he expects game-streaming tech, which has been only lightly adopted by gamers for over a decade, to be widely used within three years. 🇺🇸 The Trump administration has published multiple agenda-driven web video games to the White House’s website. One called Build The Wall partially clones Tetris as it asks players to build a wall to stop a “zombie border siege.” While actual Tetris involves clearing lines and basically not building a wall, the Trump-backed game omits the line-clearing aspect (and omits the fun as well). On Instagram, Tetris’ official license holders reacted by stating: “At Tetris we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them. To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community. P.S. The Tetris Company was not involved in the creation of ‘Build the Wall.’ P.P.S.: We take copyright infringement very seriously.” Item 3: The week ahead: Tuesday, September 8 Game releases: Mewgenics (consoles; already out on PC) is an engrossing tactical combat game (with cats). It is getting its console port right after the release of a Star Wars tactics game and ahead of the late September launch of a Fire Emblem–a bumper crop for the genre. Wanderburg (PC) is an auto-shooting game like Vampire Survivors, but you’re a castle on wheels Event: Nintendo airs a 30-minute Nintendo Direct (10am ET) focused on The Legend of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary. A full unveiling of the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time is expected. Will they also show footage from next year’s live action movie? Tease the next big 3D Zelda? Add Link to Mario Kart World? Shadow-drop a new Tingle game? Wednesday, September 9 Event: Nintendo again! On this day, they’re planning to air a 45-minute Nintendo Direct (10am ET) focused on games heading to Switch 2 this winter. Followed by about an hour of gameplay demoed by the company’s Treehouse team. The September Nintendo Directs are always some of the year’s biggest. The 2025 edition included announcements of several major 2026 Switch/Switch 2 games: Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave. Plus the return of the Virtual Boy. Friday, September 11 Game release: EA Sports NHL 27 (PlayStation, Xbox) is a hockey game. There are so few that an indie studio that had been making wacky sci-fi first-person shooters just announced that, hey, we’re going to fill a void and make a hockey game for PC.

Sep 4 • 6:23 PM EDT • Technology • gamefile.news

Elevance Health (ELV) Stock Still Looks Undervalued Despite Its 37% Run

After a strong 37.5% return over the past year, Elevance Health now trades with a high value score and an undervalued read on market multiples, which raises the question of whether the recent share price strength has fully reflected that signal or not. Elevance Health has delivered a 37.5% 1 year return, so any further upside now depends on how much fundamental value is still not priced in. The appointment of Dr. Patrick Fox to lead Carelon Behavioral Services, alongside greater use of AI in...

Sep 4 • 1:08 PM EDT • Health • finance.yahoo.com

“Practical Magic” star Alexandra Artrip addresses being recast in sequel after Evan Rachel Wood’s comments

Artrip portrayed Antonia in the original film, a character Maisie Williams now plays in “Practical Magic 2.”

Sep 4 • 11:18 AM EDT • Entertainment • yahoo.com

‘Practical Magic’ star Alexandra Artrip addresses being recast in sequel after Evan Rachel Wood’s comments

‘Practical Magic’ star Alexandra Artrip, who played Antonia Owens in the 1998 film, addressed the ‘negativity’ surrounding her recasting in the sequel.

Sep 4 • 11:18 AM EDT • Entertainment • ew.com

Why Mike Evans is most important playmaker for 49ers' offense

The 49ers' top WR is going to play a large role in the team's success in 2026.

Sep 4 • 11:03 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

DE Azeez Ojulari, OL Evan Neal, WR Ronnie Bell sign with Raiders' practice squad

Sep 3 • 9:41 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Raiders sign 3 including former 1st round G Evan Neal

The Raiders added three free agents on Thursday, releasing three others to make room.

Sep 3 • 8:23 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Raiders work out 16 players, including OL Evan Neal, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Sep 3 • 6:42 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Longtime Evansville business sells to new owners

According to a letter sent out by the CEO, the new owners will be The State Group.

Sep 3 • 5:09 PM EDT • Business • 14news.com

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Trailer Will Give Veteran Fans Goosebumps

Bloody Tears... Need we say more?

Sep 3 • 3:30 PM EDT • Technology • nintendolife.com

Democratic socialists are pushing their influence deeper into politics

The movement has more success nationally than in Georgia. But its members are working to push Democrats to the left at a moment when they are gaining momentum.

Sep 3 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • ajc.com

Home Team Friday Week 2 MVP

POSEYVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — After counting up 1,706 total votes, North Posey’s Carter Schickel was named our Week two Home Team Friday MVP of the night. The senior quarterback threw for over 300 yards for four touchdowns in the Vikings 48-14 win over Tecumseh. Schickel’s performance cemented his spot atop the North Posey record books […]

Sep 3 • 12:55 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

The reality entertainment audience is changing. What does that mean for festive advertisers?

As reality entertainment audiences become younger, more affluent and multi-screen, advertisers are using integrations, participation and cultural relevance to drive festive impact.

Sep 3 • 12:21 AM EDT • Entertainment • bestmediainfo.com

Christian McCartney Among 6 Cast In Sports Comedy Feature 'Defensive'

Christian McCartney will lead the film Defensive alongside Mark Christopher Lawrence, Robert Amaya, Chris Petrovski, Camila Camilo, and Evan Huffed.

Sep 2 • 6:21 PM EDT • Sports • deadline.com

Home sports competitions kick off at The Nest

Albany High hosted its first home sports competition of the 2026-27 season at The Nest on Tuesday evening as our boys' soccer team faced off against Schalmont! Our Falcons delivered a thrilling win, defeating the Sabres 4-0. Ahadi Wangya, Adam Rouse, Garnett Ngome Ekiti and Rajanie Morgan each scored a goal, with Ngome Ekiti also delivering an assist. Evan Bermejo recorded five saves for Albany to record the shutout. Come to Albany High tonight, Sept. 2, to pack the stands with Falcon fans! Our girls' tennis team will face off against Guilderland at 4:15 p.m. and our girls' soccer team takes on Berne-Knox-Westerlo at 4:30 p.m. Let's go Falcons!

Sep 2 • 6:00 PM EDT • Sports • albanyschools.org

Evan Rachel Wood speaks out about being replaced in 'Practical Magic 2'

Evan Rachel Wood says she wasn’t asked to return for “Practical Magic 2” and reveals Joey King reached out after taking over her role.

Sep 2 • 12:29 PM EDT • Entertainment • usatoday.com

Predators Trade Veteran Forward to New Jersey Devils

The NHL offseason is winding down, and the season is set to get underway soon as the calendar has finally turned to September. And with the offseason being almost over, there was a late-night trade struck. The Predators traded Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for draft picks. The post Predators Trade Veteran Forward to New Jersey Devils appeared first on HEAVY.

Sep 2 • 12:15 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Brendan Fraser says WW2 drama 'Pressure' offers timely warning against questioning science

Brendan Fraser ​says Anthony Maras' new World War Two drama "Pressure" serves as a cautionary tale that remains relevant today, ‌more than 80 years after the D-Day invasion.

Sep 1 • 9:12 PM EDT • Science • reuters.com

City launches 'Legacy Business Bounce Back' promotion to support local legacy businesses

The City's Economic Development Division has announced the Legacy Business Bounce Back Promotion, a September initiative designed to drive support for the

Sep 1 • 1:46 PM EDT • Business • evanstonroundtable.com

Konami Press Start live stream set for September 3 featuring Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, Silent Hill: Townfall, and Rev. NOiR

Konami will host a “Konami Press Start” live stream on September 3 at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET / September 4 at 00:00 JST, featuring game news and updates, the company announced. Yo…

Aug 31 • 8:05 PM EDT • Technology • gematsu.com

Argonne takes AI on the road

Argonne's AI Roadshow brings cutting-edge artificial intelligence research to everyday community spaces, making science accessible, exciting and relevant to all.

Aug 31 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • anl.gov

Oregon Ducks Receive Promising Update on 2028 QB Prospect

Rising high school star Tommy Devany eyes a high-stakes visit to Eugene as Dan Lanning pivots his powerhouse recruiting strategy toward a new generation of elite quarterbacks.

Aug 30 • 3:15 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Rest for a priest not a luxury but a necessity for mental health, Nigerian Vatican official says

As part of a formation program, the secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization urged priests to take time away from ministry to sustain their physical and mental health.

Aug 30 • 7:00 AM EDT • Health • ewtnnews.com

Burlington mayor meets with businesses over downtown disorder

A standing-room-only crowd gathered at Burlington’s City Hall to express their grievances.

Aug 28 • 4:31 PM EDT • Business • wcax.com

Video in competitive congressional race spotlights challenge of regulating AI-generated political content

In Wisconsin, a recent example can be found on the campaign social media of U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, who is running a competitive reelection bid.

Aug 28 • 6:00 AM EDT • Politics • wpr.org

The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science

“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe

Aug 27 • 6:47 PM EDT • Science • wessiler.substack.com

Is Germany benefitting yet from the crisis in US research?

Science|Business - Table.Media partnershipScience|Business has partnered with Table.Media, a leading source of news about higher education and research in Germany. Each week, we are publishing one of each other’s stories to give readers an even broader range of insight into R&D policy across Europe.Drawing over 500 participants, the German Academic International Network conference in San Francisco brings together researchers, universities, scientific organisations and policymakers in the US as part of an attempt to recruit international talent for Germany. It also serves as an annual barometer for the uncertainty triggered by the Trump administration’s science policies. As was the case last year, Germany’s political presence was unusually strong: federal lawmakers, nine state ministers of science and research, and federal research state secretary Marcus Pleyer all attended. Joybrato Mukherjee, president of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has observed a marked shift at US universities a year after the Trump administration began sweeping interventions: the initial state of "shock and paralysis" has given way to a strategic approach to the situation. Universities are seeking new funding sources, mounting legal challenges against interventions and opening themselves up more to international collaborations, including with Germany, he said. Early-career international researchers with expiring visas are considered particularly vulnerable. Germany is benefiting from increased demand among this pool of young talent; the country’s 1,000 Minds Plus programme, designed in part to lure German academics back home, has already filled up around one-third of its capacity. Meanwhile, Markus Blume, Bavaria’s science minister and current chair of the federal Conference of Science Ministers, sees an "enormous outflow of talent from the US." An increasing number of international researchers want to leave. Applications to Canada have risen by 42% January, and those to Europe by 32%. Meanwhile, the number of people drawn to the US is plummeting. "In this context, Germany must position itself as a prime destination offering reliable conditions, institutional stability and academic freedom, including through smart collaborations," Blume told Table.Briefings.“Darkest hour”At the get-together in San Francisco, the former president of the US National Academy of Sciences, Marcia McNutt, highlighted the gravity of the situation on the ground in a keynote address. She described the present moment as the "darkest hour for the US scientific system." At the same time, she said that cooperation should be maintained, especially during a crisis. Established researchers in the US are less likely to leave. Ulrike Malmendier, a former member of the German Council of Economic Experts and an economist at Berkeley, explained why established researchers are not packing their bags and leaving the US in droves: working conditions and the concentration of talent at places like Berkeley and Stanford remain unparalleled. According to Peter-André Alt, managing director of the Wübben Foundation, which helps Germany attract international academics, political restrictions are not the only grievance voiced by US-based researchers. "There are evidently still many areas where, fortunately, unfettered research is possible," Alt told Table.Briefings. Instead, the primary complaint concerns the cost of living, which has "skyrocketed” to absurd levels. "Runaway inflation, like that currently seen in the US, is certainly no draw for young scientific talent,” he said. Return homeA growing number of early-career researchers from Germany appear to be considering a return home. Jörn Benzinger, who is responsible for recruiting early-career researchers from abroad at Ruhr University Bochum, reports numerous conversations with researchers who are taking a closer look at the German academic landscape."Germany has definitely moved more into the spotlight,” he said. States, university alliances and research organisations joined forces to recruit talent. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia were prominently represented, as were alliances such as the Berlin University Alliance and the University Alliance Ruhr. Benzinger sums up Germany’s approach with a new formula: "collaboration is the new competition." He notes that it is becoming increasingly difficult for individual universities to gain international visibility, while regional research ecosystems and collaborations are growing in importance. Afraid to leaveThe crisis in the US academic sector is also straining transatlantic research relations. Benzinger reports that some US-based researchers had to decline brief invitations to Germany because they could not be certain of being allowed to re-enter the US afterward.He considers the simple poaching of researchers to be the wrong approach; what is needed, he says, are "reliable offers and long-term partnerships."However, Green Party politician Ayşe Asar, who also attended the conference, sees a significant need for improvement, particularly regarding career paths in Germany.While lifetime professorships and academic freedom certainly make Germany attractive, young researchers also require predictable career paths, tenure-track positions and flatter hierarchies.

Aug 27 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencebusiness.net

Levanta raises $22 million Series B to grow social-commerce network

Creator commerce platform Levanta has raised a $22 million Series B round as it looks to drive more influencer affiliate sales on retail sites.

Aug 27 • 6:00 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

Get to know: Arkansas '28 baseball pledge Evan Canode

Bentonville infielder and multi-sport standout Evan Canode recently pledged to Arkansas baseball as a member of the 2028 class.

Aug 27 • 3:00 AM EDT • Sports • wholehogsports.com

Thunderbolts sign Vande Meerakker

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — It’s a reunion on the ice, as the Evansville Thunderbolts agree on a deal to bring Logan Vande Meerakker back to the Tri-State. The forward joined the Bolts late in the 2024 season, and immediately became an impact for the team scoring two goals and three points in the playoffs. The following […]

Aug 27 • 1:02 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Report: Mike Evans expects to play Week 1

Aug 26 • 9:14 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Leaker says iPhone Ultra will come in these colors, with one surprise

Leaker Evan Blass has just posted what he claims are the three colors coming to iPhone Ultra, and they include a surprising red option.

Aug 26 • 2:17 PM EDT • Technology • 9to5mac.com

Evanston pairs small business startups with vacant retail space in Space to Place incubator

Evanston is providing small business startups with vacant retail space downtown in its Space to Place incubator.

Aug 26 • 9:00 AM EDT • Business • chicagotribune.com

Council advances youth sports complex with multiple amendments

Evanston’s City Council voted unanimously Monday to preliminarily approve a youth sports facility proposed at 2722 Green Bay Rd. in north Evanston, after

Aug 25 • 4:20 AM EDT • Sports • evanstonroundtable.com

Tax report: Residential bills up 5%, down for business properties

The median Evanston homeowner saw their property tax bill increase by about 5% this year to more than $8,200, while business properties saw their bills

Aug 24 • 10:47 PM EDT • Business • evanstonroundtable.com

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Reveals English Voice Cast In New Trailer

Launching on Switch this October

Aug 24 • 8:30 PM EDT • Technology • nintendolife.com

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse English voice cast announced

Publisher Konami and developers Evil Empire and Motion Twin have announced the English voice cast for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.

Aug 24 • 11:14 AM EDT • Technology • gematsu.com

The Business of Broadway: Star-driven shows increase prices, demand this fall

If you want to stay ahead of the Broadway market, and get some good choices and availability, act in the next week or so.

Aug 24 • 8:00 AM EDT • Business • amny.com

Opinion: Men's health: Prevention starts with knowing your numbers

Making time for regular checkups and preventive care is essential to staying healthy and active for years to come.

Aug 23 • 5:00 AM EDT • Health • citizen-times.com

AMD’s AM4 CPUs Like The Re-Launched Ryzen 7 5800X3D Deliver Negligible Gaming Improvements In Newer Motherboards, Making Older Hardware Relevant During DRAM Crisis

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D shows negligible gaming gains on newer motherboards, proving older AM4 hardware remains fully relevant amid the current DRAM crisis

Aug 22 • 8:30 PM EDT • Technology • wccftech.com

Raise up a mech pilot and make sure she doesn't get Evangelion-level depressed in the sci-fi visual novel Valkyrie Iteration: Mecha Pilot Raising Pocket Simulator

Easier said than done, I suppose.

Aug 22 • 5:52 PM EDT • Technology • rockpapershotgun.com

Return of ‘Ted Lasso’ puts struggles of women’s sports front and center

For “Ted Lasso,” which returned this month after a pause of more than three years, the Lady Greyhounds bring both new cultural relevance and a new challenge.

Aug 22 • 3:09 PM EDT • Sports • pressdemocrat.com

Evansville Museum Geek Con celebrates 10th anniversary Saturday

The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science is hosting its 10th annual Geek Con on Saturday with special guest M.S. Harkness, panels, and cosplay.

Aug 22 • 11:04 AM EDT • Science • 14news.com

Ali Adams promoted to Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Health & Wellness

A member of the University of Evansville Athletic Training staff since 2020, Ali Adams has been promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Health & Wellness.

Aug 21 • 11:04 AM EDT • Health • gopurpleaces.com

The top three spots in Evanston’s entertainment scene

There is no shortage of great art being performed by Northwestern students. From recitals and plays to dance and a cappella shows, Wildcats will have no trouble getting their entertainment fix. But staying inside the campus bubble can sometimes get a bit repetitive, so here are three spots around Evanston that will scratch that same...

Aug 19 • 8:49 PM EDT • Entertainment • dailynorthwestern.com

Entertainment Weekly's first look at Chris Evans in Sacrifice looks like a bad angle from the Met Gala

Entertainment Weekly's first look at Chris Evans in Sacrifice looks like a bad angle from the Met Gala and celebrity social media for August 19, 2026

Aug 19 • 2:37 PM EDT • Entertainment • laineygossip.com

Anya Taylor-Joy abducts Chris Evans’ movie star in first look at Netflix’s provocative thriller ‘Sacrifice’ (exclusive)

See the debut images of Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Evans, Salma Hayek Pinault, John Malkovich, and Charli XCX in the new film from acclaimed music video director Romain Gavras.

Aug 19 • 9:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • ew.com

Who are your 5 Most Important Chicago Bears?

The latest @TheRealEvanMac & @RossRead Show talking roster battles, 5 Most Important Bears, and more @2ndCityGridiron is right here!

Aug 19 • 8:30 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Hometown Hero: Evan Benson, Chepachet

SMITHFIELD, RI (WPRI) — This week’s Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses Hometown Sports Hero is Evan Benson. The 14-year-old Chepachet native found the sport of Disc Golf in 2023 and just completed his first Professional Disc Golf Association season, where he racked up nine rated rounds over 1,000 and 13 wins. That success helping to make him the […]

Aug 17 • 10:58 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Former Washington Football WR Gets Chance With Kansas City Chiefs

Former Washington Huskies wide receiver Omari Evans continues to make a case for himself sticking with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Aug 16 • 10:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Senate hopeful Talarico touts his faith. Texas Republicans call it blasphemy.

The Democratic nominee is seeking to win over faith-based voters in Texas, the Bible Belt’s largest state, but evangelical Republicans aren’t sold.

Aug 16 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • washingtonpost.com

Why Is Hunter Biden on a Media Blitz?

The former president’s son is trading silence for airtime, using podcasts and essays to talk about his past and share grievances.

Aug 14 • 9:00 PM EDT • Politics • wsj.com

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. tease 'Avengers: Doomsday' at D23

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday" will unite the Avengers, Fantastic Four and the X-Men.

Aug 14 • 7:52 PM EDT • Entertainment • centraloregondaily.com

Hometown entertainment: Weekend events Aug. 15-16

Sara Evans performs in Rocky Mount Friday night — plus a car show, heritage festival, free art event and meteor shower watch this weekend

Aug 13 • 5:30 PM EDT • Entertainment • wdbj7.com

Underrated 49ers Signing Could Pay Huge Dividends in 2026

The San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver has seen some big changes this offseason. Mike Evans was brought in to be the No. 1 receiver, and old favorite Deebo Samuel was brought back into the fold. Fellow receiver Ricky Pearsall went down for the year, which was a big blow.

Aug 13 • 10:19 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Leadership Sioux Falls announces newest class

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has named 35 people to the next class of the Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program.

Aug 13 • 9:00 AM EDT • Business • siouxfalls.business

LUC sends youth sports complex to City Council with lighting curfew and parking conditions

The Land Use Commission Wednesday approved a recommendation to the City Council for a youth sports facility on Green Bay Road — with conditions including

Aug 12 • 11:48 PM EDT • Sports • evanstonroundtable.com

WIP not replacing Devan Kaney for Eagles broadcasts

WIP’s Philadelphia Eagles broadcasts will go into the 2026 NFL season without anyone specifically assigned to work the sidelines. Merrill Reese and Mike Quick, entering their 29th season calling games together, will lean on other WIP personalities for in-game updates instead of a dedicated reporter, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Rob Tornoe. Per Tornoe, Eliot…

Aug 12 • 5:40 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

VHC Health gets record-breaking $17.5M donation, supporting new cancer center

A $17.5 million donation to VHC Health, the largest philanthropic gift in the organization's history, is supporting a new cancer center expected to open in 2028. VHC Health is renaming its outpatient pavilion the "Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry Outpatient Pavilion" in honor of the donors, who previously contributed $3 million to the hospital that

Aug 12 • 2:45 PM EDT • Health • arlnow.com

WORLDWIDE WEDNESDAYS: The Rise of A.I. Entertainment

NewsChannel 7’s Alyssa Dutton and Emmett Rice sit down with Producer Evan Bendall to discuss the rise of A.I. entertainment

Aug 12 • 9:48 AM EDT • Entertainment • wjhg.com

Qunova Appoints CFO and Two Business Development Executives

Qunova Computing appoints Jake Hwang as CFO and adds Evan Kang and Woomin Kyoung to expand quantum software commercialization.

Aug 12 • 9:27 AM EDT • Business • thequantuminsider.com

SC Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame celebrates legends |

By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com LIBERTY — A comment from one of the state’s music legends played a part in the creation of the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame. During a recent induction ceremony held at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center in Liberty, founder David Godbold discussed how the Hall

Aug 12 • 7:30 AM EDT • Entertainment • yourpickenscounty.com

Evander Kane stirs up controversy despite still being unsigned.

Has Evander Kane hurt his chances of earning a new NHL contract?

Aug 11 • 8:48 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Cook County moves to end decades-old tax buying practice

After Evanston homeowner Goyce Rates fell behind on her property taxes, two tax buyers in 2019 purchased liens on the home’s two parcels for a total of $9,025. By 2023, she was unable to redeem her property for the cost of back taxes and interest, enabling the buyers to win deeds for the property and evict her family in November that year.

Aug 10 • 9:45 AM EDT • Business • chicagobusiness.com

3 Undrafted Free Agents with Best Chance to Make 49ers Roster

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the league. The roster is loaded with proven veterans like Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, and Nick Bosa, among many others. The 49ers signed many fewer undrafted free agents than other teams did, and the ones that they did sign have a tough path.

Aug 9 • 11:48 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

49ers’ Kyle Shanahan makes Mike Evans guarantee amid injury absence

Mike Evans is dealing with a quad injury during training camp, but Kyle Shanahan still sees him playing a major role in the 49ers' offense.

Aug 9 • 11:32 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Four 49ers Position Battles Still Ongoing at Training Camp

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the league. There are a few interesting position battles going on, though, such as at left guard and free safety. A month ago, it was assumed that Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall would be the top two options and it would be a solid room.

Aug 9 • 10:05 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Review | Jeremy Jordan keeps ‘Just in Time’ swinging after Jonathan Groff

"Just in Time" is a bio-musical that follows Bobby Darin, the singer who rose to fame with “Splish Splash.”

Aug 9 • 10:02 AM EDT • Entertainment • amny.com

Fauci Contempt Vote Reflects the Enduring Politics of COVID

Experts say the focus on COVID grievances shows that some wounds it opened were never closed

Aug 8 • 8:00 PM EDT • Politics • medpagetoday.com

Former VP Mike Pence joining Colorado Christian University faculty

Former Vice President Mike Pence has been hired as a visiting faculty member at Colorado Christian University, the Lakewood-based private evangelical university announced Tuesday. Pence will be on campus about once a month during the 2026-2027 school year to give lectures, host classroom discussions, and engage with students. The role builds upon his other work […]

Aug 6 • 1:43 PM EDT • Politics • coloradopolitics.com

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.

Aug 6 • 11:47 AM EDT • Business • forbes.com

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

Aug 5 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencebusiness.net

No Recognition for Florida State is Another Norvell Indictment

Empty trophy watch lists and a staggering seventeen losses expose a coaching staff unable to develop elite talent, leaving the once-proud Seminoles languishing in preseason irrelevance.

Aug 5 • 1:12 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

7 Conversations Defining the Future of Women’s Sports at Sportico RISE

From ownership and investment to collective bargaining and executive leadership, this year’s RISE Women’s Sports agenda brings together the people shaping the business of women’s sports. Hear from Michele Kang, Terri Carmichael Jackson, Janet Evans and more to be announced. RISE will take place Sept. 10 at Second NYC in New York City. Register now! …

Aug 4 • 2:00 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

There Were Actually Two Mass Extinctions During The Cretaceous, And The First One Is Looking Very Familiar

The dinosaurs went on unhindered, but 113 million years ago many marine species died out and the reasons have turned out to be very relevant right now.

Aug 4 • 7:53 AM EDT • Science • iflscience.com

Spirit's collapse hits businesses in Detroit Metro's Evans Terminal

Spirit Airlines' exit from Detroit Metro Airport has left vendors in the Evans Terminal facing empty gates, declining sales, uncertainty.

Aug 4 • 12:02 AM EDT • Business • detroitnews.com

Former public health director helps launch new healthcare model in Rochester

During "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 8/4/26, Dr. Michael Mendoza explains a new healthcare model available to local seniors. Then, in "Connections Summer Sessions," teens on curbing gun violence.

Aug 4 • 12:00 AM EDT • Health • wxxinews.org

Upcoming Science Cafe

BAR HARBOR—Join us for a fascinating Science Cafe with environmental toxicologist Nishad Jayasundara, Ph.D., as he explores how everyday contaminants and other stressors such as heat exposure may be quietly influencing kidney health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 1 in 7 adults in the United States—and more than 840 million people worldwide. While factors like diet and genetics are well known, scientists are increasingly uncovering another important piece of the puzzle: environmental exposure. Drawing on his team’s research, Dr. Jayasundara, Maine INBRE alum as a College of the Atlantic undergraduate student and past MDI Bio Lab Visiting Scientist, will share how early-life exposure to environmental toxins can disrupt kidney development, and may affect kidney structure and function in adults. Blending cutting-edge research with real-world relevance, this Science Cafe will shed light on an important and often overlooked contributor to human health—and what it could mean for communities around the world. Monday, August 17, 2026 at 5 p.m.Hybrid event at Maren Auditorium and via Zoom Register Now What Are Science Cafes? MDI Bio Lab’s Science Cafes provide an informal introduction to ground-breaking biomedical research by its scientists, scholars from near and far and from local experts in other fields as well. Each Cafe lasts about one hour; the floor is open for questions and discussion. It can get lively and it’s always engaging. MDI Science Cafes are open to the public and free of charge. For more information, or to watch past events, visit our website. The MDI Science Cafe Series is brought to you by Cross Insurance. Subscribe Share Leave a comment

Aug 3 • 2:56 PM EDT • Science • barharborstory.substack.com

Pixel 11 Pro XL joins the rest of the family with Google image leak

Leaker Evan Blass has been publishing some insider Google photos of the Pixel 11 series, and completes the set with the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Aug 3 • 2:37 PM EDT • Technology • androidauthority.com

Mike Evans out of 49ers practice with a quad strain

Aug 3 • 1:48 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Good Communication Is Good Business by Geoffrey Losee

The following column was contributed by J.D. Fisher. Mixed-use communities are increasingly common. Restaurants, breweries, retail stores, entertainment venues, and professional offices often operate within walking distance of established neighborhoods. That proximity creates tremendous opportunity, but it also means that a business's decisions may affect more than just its customers. Many business owners understandably focus on obtaining the permits necessary to open their doors. However, municipal approval is rarely the end of the conversation. As a business evolves, whether by adding outdoor seating, live entertainment, extended operating hours, or other new amenities, the applicable zoning ordinance may require additional approvals or impose operational standards designed to balance commercial activity with nearby residential uses. From a business perspective, the question should not simply be, "Can we do this?" It should also be, "Have we communicated with everyone who may be affected?" Recent local news coverage highlighted how differing interpretations of a municipal ordinance can quickly become the subject of public hearings, legal arguments, and significant uncertainty for a business. While every situation turns on its own facts, one common theme emerged: practical solutions are more difficult to achieve if communication breaks down. Businesses can often reduce that risk by engaging early with the relevant stakeholders. That begins with municipal staff. Planning departments are oftentimes willing to discuss how an ordinance applies before substantial investments are made. Seeking clarification in advance may identify permitting requirements or operational limitations that can be addressed proactively rather than after enforcement action. Communication should not stop with local government. Nearby property owners and neighborhood representatives frequently appreciate being informed about proposed changes before they occur. A brief meeting, an informational email, or an invitation to discuss concerns can foster goodwill and reveal potential issues while there is still flexibility to adjust operations. That’s why such meetings often required for substantial projects and may be a good idea even if not required. Perhaps most importantly, businesses should view compliance as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Operational changes that seem minor from a business standpoint may have regulatory implications under local development ordinances. Periodically reviewing proposed changes with experienced land-use counsel or planning professionals can help identify issues before they become disputes. No ordinance can eliminate every conflict between commercial activity and residential expectations. Nor should every disagreement become a legal controversy. But businesses that invest in transparent, proactive communication place themselves in the strongest position to protect both their operations and their relationships within the community. In today's regulatory environment, good communication is more than good public relations, it is good risk management. If your business is planning to expand its operations, introduce a new use, or simply wants to better understand how local land development regulations apply, the attorneys at Rountree Losee LLP are available to help. Our land use and local government practice works with businesses throughout southeastern North Carolina to navigate municipal approval processes, identify potential issues before they become disputes, and keep projects moving forward with confidence. Read more at rountreelosee.com.

Aug 3 • 8:00 AM EDT • Business • wilmingtonbiz.com

Mega Pixel 11 series leak leaves nothing to the imagination

A new Pixel 11 series leak has given away detailed specs and pricing for the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Aug 3 • 2:52 AM EDT • Technology • androidauthority.com