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Health questions mount after Rep. Paul Gosar’s public remarks go viral
Rep. Paul Gosar's rambling remarks have raised questions among Democrats about whether he's healthy enough to run for reelection.
DNA reveals a hidden pitviper species in China
A vivid green pitviper hiding in Sichuan’s misty mountains has been revealed as a completely new species. Scientists had overlooked it for decades, assuming it was a common snake—until DNA analysis proved otherwise. Named after Laozi, it features striking differences between males and females, including bold stripes and eye colors. The discovery highlights just how many unknown species may still be lurking in well-studied regions.
Zoom across Armageddon with new Space Marine Detachments
All-vehicle armies and mounted Space Marine infantry? Yes, please!
Candidates pitch economic ideas, youth retention at ‘Voting For Business’ forum
WHEELING — Local candidates seeking seats in the West Virginia Legislature provided their thoughts Thursday night on how best to attract jobs to the Mountain State while also providing opportunities for youth to remain in the state. The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Regional Economic Development (RED) and WTOV-TV, sponsored the “Voting For […]
Paramount Business Jets sells first $1 million jet card
The Black level jet card tier provides members of Paramount Business Jets a fixed 10% management fee over direct operator pricing
Wisconsin political leaders mourn Daniel Bice's death
A veteran Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter, Bice broke national scoops and dug into local stories with same tenacity.
‘I will never support another curfew’: Virginia Beach councilman wants to cancel Oceanfront restriction
At a community meeting Monday night, Remick said he’s not proud of the City Council’s near unanimous vote to approve the curfew and wants to eliminate the last one scheduled for Friday night.
On the Hill: Health Care Reauthorizations, Congressional Hearings
House leaders plan votes this week on reauthorizing rural health and telehealth programs, as well as a proposed directive on lung cancer research. Legislation to be taken up under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage, includes H.R. 2493, which would reauthorize rural health care grants through fiscal 2030, and has been unanimously approved by the House […]
Former Southern Miss president and polymer science pioneer Shelby Thames dies at 89
The University of Southern Mississippi is mourning the loss of one of its former presidents.
Just Two Years After Opening, Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital - Miller Family Campus in Lehi is Expanding to Meet Growing Demand for Pediatric Care
Just two years after opening, Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital - Miller Family Campus in Lehi has become a critical access point for pediatric trauma care and specialty services for children closer to home for residents in fast-growing communities in Utah County and Southern Salt Lake County.Since opening in 2024, Intermountain...
L-Mount cameras have a new affordable everyday lens. The Panasonic Lumix S 40mm f/2 is lighter and brighter than some kit lenses – but two more lenses are coming
The Panasonic Lumix S 40mm f/2 is a new everyday prime with a compact design, but a new lens roadmap says that's just the start
Shaky political science: using "simulated" elections over real-world elections
[Dear DSOS readers – this article is the latest in our “Shaky Political Science” series. In our 38 page report, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting,” released in early December, we examined over 40 studies focused on ranked choice voting. We found that many of these studies suffered from puzzling research methodologies, poorly constructed surveys, unrealistic simulated elections, cherry picked data, and faulty analyses that often were contradicted by results from real-world elections (a link to our full paper is here). Here are links to the first three articles in our series: the first one summarizing the overall results of our report, the second one analyzing a study co-authored by University of Minnesota academic Larry Jacobs, which was one of the most error-prone of all the research we reviewed in our report, and a third article showing an admirable example of two political scientists holding two other political scientists accountable for their flawed, sloppy research]. In this fourth article in our “Shaky Political Science” series, we shine a spotlight on seven studies that were web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group (the ERRG is an ad hoc committee headed by New America’s Political Reform Program and joined by the American Enterprise Institute, the Unite America Institute and Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law). This research consortium has been led by Lee Drutman, senior fellow with New America’s Political Reform Program. These seven studies are simply not credible from any objective standard about how political “science” is supposed to illuminate our understanding of either ranked choice voting or politics in general. The feature that six of these seven studies have in common is that they all used surveys – artificial, simulated elections -- to attempt to say something cogent or interesting about ranked choice voting (RCV) elections. None of them used real world data from actual RCV elections – either the 1000+ elections in the US or the many thousands of elections from places like Australia, Ireland and elsewhere where RCV has been used for 100 years. While a few of these studies conclude with some mixed positives about RCV, our analysis here is content neutral. The idea that, with a political reform like RCV, you can ask respondents in a mock, artificial election to vote with that method, with only the barest of explanation about how RCV works or its likely impacts (i.e. no spoiler candidates, majority winners, voters liberated to pick their favorite candidates, coalition-building), and then ask them their thoughts/reactions about voting in that system, with fake candidates and no real campaigning, no real exposure to an actual election or actual candidates, rests on some very puzzling assumptions. The findings of these seven studies actually are contradicted by the findings from many other studies based on real-world RCV elections. These New America studies also failed to list the real-world RCV studies in their own citations, instead including those studies that reinforced their conclusions. The seven studies featured in this article were chosen because they form a cohesive cohort which precisely illustrates one of the main points of our research paper, namely that using surveys, i.e. artificial elections, or mathematical/theoretical models, instead of real-world data, is in fact “shaky political science.” Below are summaries of our analysis of five of the seven New America studies. You can read our complete analysis of all seven studies at our paper, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting.” Choosing to “Vote As Usual” by Andre Blais, Carolina Plescia, and Semra Sevi. New America. (Blais et al., 2021). This study, web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group, used two surveys in which respondents completed ballots for simulated elections using plurality, approval, RCV and point (Score) voting. In both cases the authors provided the respondents with only minimal explanation of each method. For example, the entire explanation for RCV was “For this vote, rank the candidates from your first to your last choice (you do not need to rank them all). This is called the ranked vote.” That’s it. The study did not provide any context or explanation to survey respondents about why she/he might want to rank multiple candidates. Participants were not even told that ballots would be tabulated using an “instant” runoff, not to mention any description of RCVs ability to eliminate the spoiler effect or liberate voters to rank their favorite candidates without fear of helping the “greater evil” candidate to win. That’s like taking an iPhone back in time to 1970 and asking someone if they like it better than their rotary phone without explaining how it works. Their first survey targeted states that held 2020 Super Tuesday Democratic primaries and used the real candidates’ names in the survey; the second survey used fictitious candidates. In other words, they surveyed respondents who had only ever participated in plurality elections, had no history or background with using RCV or any of the other methods, had no clue about its likely impacts, and did not communicate how the alternative methods would be counted, and then asked them: “How satisfied are you with using each system?” Predictably, the winner was plurality elections, the system used for president, Congress, gubernatorial and state legislative elections – in other words, the method they have been using, year after year, all their voting lives. With so little explanation of RCV and its impacts, this study is simply not credible in discovering anything useful about real-world RCV elections. It merely shows that a basic voter education campaign is needed when adopting a new election system. Additionally, the result contradicts many other post-election surveys following real RCV elections, asking opinions from voters who had just participated in a RCV election, that showed a great deal of satisfaction with RCV (see details on that in Studies 22-25 in our paper, as well as the four studies cited in the review for Study 28). Share Other studies on “satisfaction” and “understanding” make similar mistakes, in terms of basing their surveys on inadequate explanation to respondents and lack of education about context. How could any survey ever hope to measure accurately, in essence simulate a real-world election, without actual campaigning candidates, the media writing about those candidates, organizations endorsing candidates and voters being inundated with crucial information? More than anything, what these “studies” based on surveys show is that if you ask voters about something they don’t know very much about, and fail to adequately educate them, their responses will unsurprisingly reflect their confusion. Equally puzzling is that New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group, headed by political scientist Lee Drutman, found this to be a credible enough study that they not only published it but highlighted it in Drutman’s own discussion of research related to ranked choice voting. This pattern was repeated in study after study featured by New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group. For example in Ranked-Choice Voting and Political Expression: Voter Guides Narrow the Gap between Informed and Uninformed Citizens by Cheryl Boudreau, Jonathan Colner, and Scott MacKenzie, the researchers based their analysis on a survey which found that respondents who were asked to vote in a simulated RCV election, with minimal explanation of RCV or how it works, displayed less evidence of being informed about how to use RCV effectively, with the least informed voters ranking fewer candidates. As pointed out under the study above, in a real election voters are informed by a wide variety of methods, including public education by the election administration, by interested political groups, the media, and the candidates themselves who benefit from voters being aware of how to vote in the new system. In Support for Ranked-Choice Voting across Race and Partisanship by Joseph Anthony, David C. Kimball, Jack Santucci and Jamil Scott, the researchers used respondents from different parties and races voting in simulated plurality and RCV elections, who indicated their satisfaction with each voting method. Instead of using real world election results, the authors fell back on the easy, armchair and less reliable academic research methodology of making up mock elections. As with the other studies, little explanation was given of how RCV works or what its implications might be (electing majority winners or eliminating spoilers, for example). Unsurprisingly, this study found that respondents were not very satisfied with RCV. However, when the authors added an explanation that RCV has a tendency to elect more women and people of color, they found that this greater explanation increased the preference for RCV. The more voters were familiar with it, and the more they understood potential positive impacts – surprise! -- the more they were open to switching away from the status quo. Of note, the results from this study are thoroughly contradicted by a number of other studies whose data was obtained from real RCV elections with real voters. Those studies show a great deal of satisfaction with RCV. More “fake election” research An interesting wrinkle on this “research by fake elections” approach, which only served to illustrate how unreliable such “research” can become, was taken in Ranked-Choice Voting, Runoff, and Democracy: Insights from Maine and Other U.S. States by Joseph Cerrone and Cynthia McClintock_,_ also web-hosted and funded by New America’s ERRG. It gets high marks for creativity, but an eye-roll for thinking this could possibly add anything meaningful to our understanding of real world RCV elections. This study tried to determine whether RCV, plurality or two-round runoff elections provided greater voter satisfaction and acceptance of election results. To determine that, the authors conducted a survey asking if voters were satisfied with a fictional newspaper report of an election, with three different versions given to respondents – plurality, runoff and RCV, with variations of Republican/Democrat winners and variations of “come-from-behind” winners,” i.e. candidates not initially in first place but who win the “runoff.” Again, a minimal explanation of RCV or how it works was given, and the survey showed that respondents had the greatest unfamiliarity with RCV than the other methods. The unsurprising result? Respondents were much more satisfied with “come-from-behind” victories in a traditional two-round runoff election than in RCV, even though RCV is also a runoff system but with a single round of counting. Interestingly, the dissatisfaction with RCV disappeared for those who were more familiar with RCV. In fact, among those respondents who were “very familiar” with RCV, they were equally satisfied with RCV, runoff and plurality. Surprise, surprise. Again, what this study revealed, more than anything, is not only the inadequacy of the explanation for RCV given by the authors of this study, but the failure of the research format itself, thinking that such an artificial mock election could somehow simulate what actually happens in the real world in a real RCV election. Those four studies reviewed above are fitting examples of inadequate and shaky political “science.” Other studies reviewed in our paper from the New America/Electoral Reform Research Group cohort which also used mock elections included: Ranked-Choice Voting is an Acquired Taste by Joseph Anthony and David C. Kimball. New America. (Anthony et al., 2021). Ranked-Choice Voting is No Refuge for Extreme Candidates by Melissa Baker. New America. (Baker, 2021). Also included in this New America cohort is Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Racial Polarization? by Yuki Atsusaka and Theodore Landsman, which actually did use real-world election results data but applied an odd and unconventional methodology to the data which relied on shaky assumptions and non-real-world scenarios that were too divorced from reality. To determine levels of “racially polarized voting,” the researchers imagined “ethnic parties,” by which they mean political parties for each ethnic group, which was especially odd since the election data they were using came from nonpartisan RCV races. But then they made an even odder assumption, namely that since race and ethnic characteristics of studied voters were not available, the authors tried to infer that information based on who voters selected and the racial make-up of voters in each district. This amounted to little more than vague and ambiguous guesswork dressed up with a bunch of mathematical equations used to give it a veneer of scientific appearance. Indeed, it seemed to assume racial polarization in order to prove racial polarization. Based on this questionable methodology, the authors concluded that RCV doesn’t reduce racial polarization. But the premise of this study missed an obvious reality: since RCV incentivizes more candidates to run and can result in more diverse fields of candidates, one would expect more racially-polarized voting in voters’ top rankings, not less, because more voters would have someone on that ballot who represents their racial or ethnic identity and more freedom to vote for their real first choice. By encouraging more diverse candidates and eliminating the spoiler effect, RCV facilitates voting for a favorite candidate of your own race and then selecting a second choice with the best likelihood of winning. The real measure is what voters do with their additional rankings – do they consider other candidates and vote “for the best of the rest”? This study didn’t tell us anything useful about that. But readily available data shows this is common in real RCV elections, and candidates act on this knowledge by engaging with voters outside their racial group. So the authors of this study failed to consider or account for what actually happens in real-world elections, and their conclusions are tainted by this failure. New America has contributed a great deal over the past 2.5 decades to our understanding of many policy areas, including politics and political reform (full disclosure: Steven Hill, one of the authors of this article and of the “Shaky Political Science” research paper and series, is a former senior fellow and former director of New America’s political reform program, 2005-2010). So it was especially disappointing that New America funded and published such a large batch of dubious studies about ranked choice voting. The stated praiseworthy goal of its Electoral Reform Research Group was to inspire new academic research about ranked choice voting that would shed light and help the public better understand the impacts of RCV. Instead, the ERRG research did just the opposite. It produced dubious research that created more confusion and misinformation. In so doing, New America’s political reform program contributed to “shaky political science.” Steven Hill and Paul Haughey Share Upgrade to $5 subscription Thanks for reading DemocracySOS, a reader-supported digital portal for the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe for only $5 per month to receive full benefits and to support our work. Subscribe
Bournemouth will be in good hands with Rose
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola says the appointment of Marco Rose to replace him in the summer will leave the club "in very good hands".
Clackamas County commission race 2026: 2 ousted members challenge 15-year incumbent
Jim Bernard and Mark Shull, both defeated in past elections, are mounting separate bids to unseat Paul Savas.
Tuesday letters: Decency in politics, airport spending and banking concerns
Call for decency in public life Our country needs another Joseph Welch moment. Welch was the lawyer hired by the U.S. Army in 1954 to defend it against allegations of lax security at a top-secret...
Xbox Exec Chimes In As Rumours Suggest Project Helix Chip Will Be Used For 'Other Machines'
Jason Ronald makes it clear we're getting a first-party console
NFL’s custom scouting systems tell the story of the sport’s changing technology
Advanced internal scouting systems can sort massive amounts of information on NFL prospects, organizing evaluations, grades and other data.
Aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer – and we're starting to understand why
The 4,000-year-old drug, most commonly used to treat pain, prevents certain tumours from forming and spreading across the body – findings that are already changing health policies.
Ibrahima Konate’s new contract could shape Liverpool’s summer transfer plans
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has confirmed that he is close to signing a new deal, ending speculation about his future.Konate’s current deal ends this summer, leading to rumours that he cou...
Seattle Mariners Bullpen Falters in 6-4 Loss to Athletics
The Mariners failed to preserve an early lead and whiffed on several opportunities late against the A's.
'Schmigadoon!' review: The Broadway adaptation is a 150-minute smile faithful to the series
'Schmigadoon!' has finally hit Broadway. Read EW's review to hear how Alex Brightman and Sara Chase take over roles made famous by Keegan Michael-Key and Cecily Strong on the Apple TV series.
Q&A: Expert discusses AI, automation drive autonomous science origin in scientific research
Rob Moore is a recognized leader in the development of autonomous science and self-driving laboratories at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). A Tennessee native who ...
Wembanyama wins NBA defensive player of the year
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was named the NBA's defensive player of the year on Monday, becoming the first unanimous winner in the award's 43-year history.Mixing prodigious defense with a potent offense, Wembanyama has excelled again this season and is regarded as one of the front-runners for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award.
Photos: Voluntary Veteran Minicamp
Head inside Intermountain Health Performance Center to view photos from the first day of the Raiders' 2026 voluntary veteran minicamp.
Victor Wembanyama unanimously named NBA Defensive Player of the Year -- and it should be the first of many
The 7-foot-4 Spurs superstar became the first unanimous winner in league history, a feat he's likely to repeat
Victor Wembanyama named NBA Defensive Player of the Year award as first ever unanimous winner
SRAM Eagle S-Series Combines 9 Groups into 3, Adds New UDH Half Mount
SRAM Half Mount looks pretty interesting, but it may only be offered on the lowest end group?
New Microsoft Pro and Surface Laptop release delay rumoured
A reliable source has elaborated on Microsoft's launch plans for its Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 releases. Unfortunately, neither are now expected to arrive as soon as previously suggested. New Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models are still tipped to debut with Intel and Qualcomm processor options, though.
Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes
New patch arrived with a new mount, map updates, major Arthas rework, and balance changes!
SRAM Quietly Releases Eagle S-Series Drivetrains That Are Not T-Type
A Half Mount UDH Plate adds protection to non T-Type derailleurs
The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses and Start Ups | Phil Weiser for Colorado
Colorado has some special and unique aspects that make it the best state in the nation. From its spectacular mountain peaks, to its vast open plains, to its bustling Front Range urban centers, Colorado is one of the most physically beautiful states. And while these vistas are critical to making us who we are, Colorado […]
Battle over Ingles heats up as April 30 meeting looms
Activist investor Summer Road is continuing its fight to win a board seat at Black Mountain-based Ingles Markets, stressing its view that the company should split off its real estate into a separate business.
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner's daughter dies after long health battle
Virginia Senator Mark Warner is mourning the loss of his daughter, Madison, who died following a decades-long health battle
Health care leaders discuss opportunities to shape the future of health care delivery, access
AHA Board Immediate Past Chair Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO, Corewell Health, and Rob Allen, president and CEO, Intermountain Health, participated in a discussion moderated by Jim Skogsbergh, former chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, for a discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing health care leaders in today’s landscape.
Spire Center Will Present The Steel Wheels
The Steel Wheels will perform on Friday, May 1, at the Spire Center for the Performing Arts in Plymouth.
Tickets Are On Sale For Phil Collins Tribute
The team that produced "The Simon & Garfunkel Story" and "R.E.S.P.E.C.T.–The Aretha Franklin Story" will present "The Phil Collins Story" on Sunday, October 18, at Plymouth Memorial Hall. Start time
Chatbots often offer 'problematic' cancer advice, study finds
Popular artificial intelligence programs told users where to find alternative, potentially dangerous treatments for cancer and other health scenarios.
Pinwheels and the ‘lobster district’: How Virginia Democrats drew up a US House map to all but lock out Republicans
Virginia Democrats hope the new congressional map they’re asking voters to approve Tuesday will flip four Republican House districts, delivering 10 of 11 seats in a state Vice President Kamala Harris won with just 52% of the vote in 2024. To do it, they want to dramatically rework entire sections of the state, slicing up deep blue districts in the Washington, DC, suburbs and around Richmond, and creating a new district running along the Blue Ridge Mountains that connects liberal cities. That’s required something called the “lobster district,” stretching from northern Virginia into two “pincers” grabbing up rural territory.
Rahm wins LIV Mexico City amid tour collapse rumours
Jon Rahm clinches the LIV Golf Mexico City title on Sunday amid rumours the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse.
Tesla robotaxi passenger said car tried to pull over on highway
"I wouldn't recommend this for my grandmother," said Chris Ramos, who is still a believer in autonomous driving.
Ford CEO said there's a reason he chose to drive Xiaomi and not Tesla
Farley famously drove a Xiaomi SU7 for six months in 2024 and said he did not want to give it up.
Los Alamos Public Schools Students Compete At 2026 New Mexico State Science & Engineering Fair
Students from Barranca Mesa Elementary, Mountain Elementary, Los Alamos Middle School, and Los Alamos High School at the 2026 New Mexico State Science & Engineering Fair at New Mexico Tech. Pho…
Jane Seymour, 75, uses this simple trick to beat sleep anxiety
Jane Seymour says she aims to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Matches To Make After UFC Winnipeg
UFC Winnipeg went down last night (Sat., April 18, 2026) inside Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, which saw Mike Malott secure a stunning stoppage victory over Gilbert Burns in the third round of their Welterweight headliner (see it again here). In the co-main event, Charles Jourdain defeated Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision, while […]
Penn announces changes to 2026-27 employee health care plan
The changes include new contribution amounts, a deductible increase, and additional voluntary benefit options.
Modder Discovers Abandoned Dark Souls II Sewer Level
The infamous Gutter appears to have been far more ambitious in an earlier development phase
Massive Intel Nova Lake leak reveals multiple chips with copious amounts of cache
A new leak has highlighted exactly how much total cache each Intel Nova Lake chip could feature at launch. The top-spec model reportedly has more cache than AMD’s newly announced Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.
Jane Seymour Celebrates 75th Birthday With ‘Dr. Quinn’ Cast Reunion
‘To see dear friends from so many chapters of my life, including some I hadn’t seen in decades, was incredibly moving,’ the actor said.
Jane Seymour Celebrates 75th Birthday With ‘Dr. Quinn’ Cast Reunion
‘To see dear friends from so many chapters of my life, including some I hadn’t seen in decades, was incredibly moving,’ the actor said.
Rack Cage Generator Gets Your Gear Mounted
Sometimes, as hackers and makers, we can end up with messy lashed-together gear that is neither reliable nor tidy. Rackmounting your stuff can be a great way to improve the robustness and liveabili…
Freshman Stacy caps Portsmouth's comeback win over Londonderry
PORTSMOUTH -- Freshman Cam Stacy is one of 10 players in their first season playing varsity for a Portsmouth High baseball team that on Friday was on the verge of
High School Roundup: Kearney, Secor lead Londonderry softball team
Elisabeth Kearney pitched a one-hitter and Paige Secor cracked two homers for all three RBIs in Londonderry's 3-1 victory over Portsmouth in Division I softball on Friday.
'Pompey fought for their lives'
Portsmouth on the verge of Championship survival following narrow Leicester win.
How a must-win Michigan Senate race turned messy for Democrats
Sitting in a coffee shop in his hometown of Ann Arbor, Abdul El-Sayed is ready to dispel the notion that he’s unelectable. “I think there is this notion that electability is about being the least offensive,” he told CNN. “If that were true, why would Donald Trump have won the presidency twice?” Whether he’s right could have enormous ramifications for control of the Senate. Michigan’s open Senate seat is now emerging as a GOP hedge against a potential takeover for Democrats, who need to net four seats to flip the chamber. Losing Michigan would make the Democrats’ task almost impossible, a major reason why a leading Republican outside group just announced plans to pour $45 million into the state this summer and fall to boost former Rep. Mike Rogers, the likely GOP nominee. El-Sayed faces US Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow in a battle already riven by divides over Israel, immigration enforcement and health care.
Curing U.S. Health Care, Part I
In 2008, much to their own surprise, leading Democrats unified around a program of major health care reform. Policy wonks had spent years developing the concepts behind what eventually became Obamacare; big Democratic victories in the 2006 midterms and the prospect of controlling both Congress and the presidency made it possible to imagine turning those ideas into reality. During the Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama advocated similar plans, based on those ideas, for expanding insurance coverage. And it happened! The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010. When it was fully implemented in 2014, millions of Americans got health insurance: Impressive as the raw numbers are, they don’t tell the whole story. Before the ACA, even upper-middle-class Americans often found it impossible to get health insurance if they had pre-existing medical conditions. Many Americans were trapped in jobs they wanted to leave but couldn’t for fear of losing their employment-based coverage. Meanwhile, dire predictions from the usual suspects about runaway costs proved wrong. In fact, overall U.S. medical spending has grown much more slowly since the ACA was enacted than before. But the U.S., alone among advanced nations, still falls far short of providing universal health care. As you can see from the chart above, 8 percent of the population was still uninsured in 2024, a number that is set to rise over the next two years as a result of Republican policies. True, many of the uninsured in 2024 were undocumented immigrants, who we don’t try to cover. But there are still a lot of uninsured. Moreover, a significant number of Americans who have health insurance are in fact underinsured. As a result, they are at risk of incurring devastating healthcare costs and are sometimes forced to forgo needed care. This number is set to rise sharply in the next two years as a result of Republican policies adopted under Donald Trump. And not only is the U.S. unique among advanced countries in its under-provision of health care coverage, it also incurs by far the world’s highest healthcare costs per capita. So now may well be a good time to get behind a new push for major health reform — an effort, if you like, to finish the job begun under Obama. Today’s primer is devoted to the economics of health reform. During his failed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Donald Trump famously complained, “Nobody knew healthcare could be so complicated.” Actually, we did know — and it’s not that complicated. Health economists understand the principles very well. And because health policy varies greatly among advanced nations, we know a lot about what works and what doesn’t. This will be the first in a series about health reform. Beyond the paywall I’ll address the following: 1. Why markets can’t be trusted to deliver healthcare 2. Routes to universal healthcare 3. What works? In a follow-up post I’ll discuss the pros and cons of different approaches, and possible paths forward for the United States.
'Atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge growing quieter with each game'
There were chants of "we want our Chelsea back" during a protest march before kick-off - then the chorus spread to the stands during the second half of the defeat by Manchester United. The frustration from supporters is understandable, given Chelsea have now lost their past four Premier League games without scoring - their joint-longest run since November 1912. Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior admitted his side face a "mountain to climb" in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, after the latest 1-0 loss to United left them four points off the top five, having played a game more.
Plus-size flyers react to Southwest's new seating policy
Southwest's new plus-size policy caused online controversy as passengers shared their experiences on TikTok, and some flyers mourned the old rules.
Maybe we need more religion in politics, not less
R. Bruce Anderson writes that the president's blasphemous meme and profane feud with the pope are a symptom of a wider disconnect of politics from morality.
'Unsexy' side of robotaxis: The AV industry wants to grow up
Ride AI, an autonomous vehicle hype conference, showed an industry that wants to move away from the hype and focus on scaling.
Davidson Community Players stage contemporary plays
'The Lifespan of a Fact,' and 'Actually' at Armour Street Theatre
Bournemouth close to appointing Marco Rose as next head coach
Bournemouth are close to appointing Marco Rose as their next head coach, with the club moving quickly to replace Andoni Iraola following confirmation that the Spaniard will leave at the end of the sea...
Newcastle: Eddie Howe's biggest Newcastle challenge yet? Can he survive?
Newcastle are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League following defeat by Bournemouth. Will manager Eddie Howe turn it around?
Iraola bowing out in style - where will he go next?
Any suggestion of distraction following Andoni Iraola's decision to leave Bournemouth was firmly dismissed by his players in their statement victory against Newcastle.
Dylan Sprouse Tackles Alleged Trespasser at His Home
Sprouse also had a gun during the confrontation, but reports vary as to whether he ever brandished it.
The Unfinished War: Brinton exhibition highlights Native perspectives of famous battle
“We have this wonderful opportunity, because of our collection, to really tell this story from the (Native) perspective,” Wierich said. “Art can be a testimony to endurance and resilience.”
Eight days key to Portsmouth's likely survival
While Portsmouth are not mathematically safe, their past three results in eight days have been crucial to their hopes of staying up.
Common cleaning sponge found to release trillions of microplastic fibers
That “magic” sponge under your sink may be hiding an environmental downside. While melamine sponges are famous for effortlessly scrubbing away stubborn stains, they slowly break down as you use them—shedding tiny plastic fibers that wash into water systems. Researchers estimate that globally, these sponges could release over a trillion microplastic fibers every month, potentially entering the food chain and affecting wildlife.
Pixel Laptop: Return of Google Pixelbook laptops spotted in new OS release
Google continues to add features to Android 17 through its beta program. While many relate to the company's high-end smartphones, Android 17 Beta 4 also contains references to a mysterious new Pixel laptop.
Failure of communication is a problem in today’s politics [column]
“I came to see if words are still an effective method of communication,” Japanese writer and political activist Yukio Mishima said during a famous political debate at the University of
Russia Signals Pullback in Business Support as Budget Strains Mount
Russia’s government warned it will scale back new support for businesses as mounting fiscal pressures limit its ability to sustain the stimulus that helped drive recent economic growth, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said Friday.
Newcastle United vs Bournemouth – Match preview and team news
The spotlight shines on Andoni Iraola today as he leads Bournemouth to Newcastle United following his announced departure.The Cherries contest their first match since confirmation that Iraola will lea...
Paul Gosar's rally appearance reignites health speculation
Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar's appearance at a Turning Point USA rally has renewed public speculation about his health, with observers citing slurred speech, unsteady posture, and difficulty completing sentences. Social media users suggested, without evidence, possible neurological conditions, echoing similar concerns raised in past years. Gosar has consistently denied such rumours, attributing symptoms to arthritis, spinal issues, and past surgeries.
Three takeaways from LSU baseball's loss to Texas A&M
Casan Evans got the start on the mound, and the Aggie bats remained hot against him. Here are three takeaways from LSU's Friday night loss.
Taijuan Walker is battered by Braves, booed by frustrated fans
The Phillies’ offense went cold while Taijuan Walker struggled on the mound against the Braves.
Mayor speaks on 'politics' regarding funding at risk
Houston Mayor John Whitmire talks one-on-one with FOX 26's Sherman Desselle about the mounting pressure against the city's policy for police and ICE.
Shopping TV empire behind QVC, HSN files for bankruptcy amid mounting losses
The parent company of QVC and HSN has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of a major restructuring plan to slash billions in debt. The company says it will continue normal operations with no planned layoffs.
Dillon Town Council shows support for new business incentive programs
The Dillon Town Council discussed potential new business incentive programs at its April 14 work session. The programs would look to provide financial assistance to businesses in the town core. Proposed programs would offer a...
Proclamation Brings Awareness To State’s Behavioral Health Workforce Needs - West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Recognition from Gov. Patrick Morrisey is helping autism treatment advocates to expand resources in West Virginia.
Starmer rejects calls to quit as pressure mounts over Mandelson vetting
Top Foreign Office official takes fall for fiasco and resigns; Starmer promises to deliver 'relevant facts' on Monday.
Anonymous mass text smear campaign targeting Jacksonville leaders likely considered ‘protected speech’
The News4JAX I-TEAM has uncovered new details about an anonymous mass text message campaign targeting two prominent Jacksonville leaders.
Zeldin rebuilds Science Advisory Board
New members include a climate science skeptic and two employees from the chemical manufacturer Chemours.
X-Men's 'Avengers: Doomsday' return is 'opportunity to pit multiple universes against each other' (exclusive)
The X-Men in 'Avengers: Doomsday' became 'an amazing opportunity to pit multiple universes against each other,' Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige tells EW at CinemaCon. 'I think people know that the story of Doomsday is inspired by a very famous comic run in which universes are colliding.'
Cultural Fusion Fest welcomes seasonal workers and year-round residents
BAR HARBOR — The third annual Cultural Fusion Fest will take place Thursday, May 14, from 4-7:30 p.m. at the YWCA MDI, 36 Mount Desert St. This free, family friendly
Three Microsoft Defender Zero-Days Actively Exploited; Two Still Unpatched
Three Defender zero-days exploited since April 10, 2026, enabling privilege escalation and DoS, forcing isolation of affected systems.
April's History Happy Hour is for the birds!
BAR HARBOR — Spring is in the air on Mount Desert Island, and so are the birds. As warblers, raptors, and shorebirds make their way back to the island, MDI
Costco worker Lee Warders, famous for not smiling, retires from WA store
Ahead of Lee Warders' retirement Saturday, Costco customers have turned to his fan page to celebrate the viral sensation's next steps — and mourn their loss.
Scientists warn of 3,100 “surging glaciers” that can trigger floods and avalanches
A hidden threat is emerging in the world’s glaciers: while most are shrinking, a rare group known as “surging glaciers” can suddenly accelerate, unleashing powerful and sometimes destructive events. Scientists have identified over 3,100 of these glaciers worldwide, with many clustered in high-risk regions like the Arctic and the Karakoram Mountains, where communities lie directly in their path.
KUSTOM ENTERTAINMENT AND CYCURION ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT ON TERMS FOR SALE OF LEGACY VIDEO SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
TARGET JUNE 30, 2026 CLOSING DATE OVERLAND PARK, KS and MCLEAN, VA, April 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kustom Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: KUST) (“Kustom” or the “Company”), and Cycurion, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYCU) today announced they have entered into a revised, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) that establishes revised terms for the sale of Kustom’s legacy video solutions segment (the “Business”) to Cycurion from the previously announced MOU on January 22, 2026. The parties have moved
Bournemouth 'lucky' to have teenage goal machine Kroupi
Former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington heaped praise on Eli Junior Kroupi after his goal against Arsenal on Saturday and described the 19-year-old as one of "the world's best teenage goalscorers". Kroupi's opener in the 2-1 win made him the first teenager to score 10 goals in his maiden Premier League season since Robbie Keane for Coventry in 1999-2000.
Trans woman leaves role with Portsmouth women's health charity
Steph Richards' endometriosis charity work was criticised by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Indonesia and the politics of platform governance
The relationship between governments and digital platforms is never simple. Governments can introduce regulations, but digital platforms also possess enormous power through the technologies, algorithms, and global information infrastructure they control.
Amazing America 250: Talladega Superspeedway Buzz Brings Business from Around the Nation
TALLADEGA, Ala. — The thunder of engines at Talladega Superspeedway is famous nationwide, but just beyond the track, another kind of momentum is building—one po
BeBold UND Women in Leadership Summit spotlights leaders in sports
Event brings to campus Lamoureux twins, other female sports and sports-industry leaders to share career and advocacy lessons
Paramount's David Ellison makes big promises to theater owners at CinemaCon
He commits to a 45-day theatrical window
Jose Mourinho Has Entered the Newcastle Conversation
Newcastle United are approaching decision time on Eddie Howe’s future as the manager of the side. An awful end to the season and a team that cannot escape their never-ending struggles, currently sitting in the very lower half of the Premier League table, simply screams for action. Howe remains in charge and, seemingly, for some […]
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, April 18 to April 26
Lo Semple moderates Maria Semple talk in Denver, April 17 The Aspen Times columnist Lo Semple will interview novelist Maria Semple about her new book “Go Gentle” from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17,...
Measles and Moab? Pitkin County Public Health raises awareness in off-season
With Utah becoming the epicenter of the U.S. measles outbreaks this month, Pitkin County Public Health is recommending all those planning to travel to Moab, Utah and even further to make sure they are protected against the virus.
High school sports top performers from Wednesday went above and beyond
They put up huge days at the plate, on the mound and at the net. Here are Wednesday's 19 high school sports top performers.