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Why investing in Illinois roads is critical for business competitiveness
A look at how deteriorating Illinois roads impact supply chains, business costs and economic growth across Chicago and downstate regions.
Who are the 'American Idol' finalists? These 3 will compete for the Season 24 crown tonight.
Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough and Hannah Harper are battling to win the long-running singing contest.
Crimson Desert Adds Surprise Claw Machine Mini-Game and Lets Pet Dogs Attack Enemies as Part of Update 1.06.00
Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss has released this week’s update as promised, and it adds what it said it would add. But it also adds a whole lot more, including a surprise claw machine mini-game that gives unique rewards.
Guelph, Ont., student's squirrel obsession earns her spot at Canada-wide science competition
Kira Egete and her family are obsessed with squirrels. Turns out, it's not such a nutty passion. Now, the Grade 10 student, whose project examines how squirrels see colour, will be among 400 participa...
Philippine Congress poised to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte
Impeachment complaint seeks Duterte's removal from office and perpetual disqualification from any government post.
Acrobatic gymnasts head to international event
The young squad will be competing against teams from Italy, France, Brazil and Switzerland.
Stars' Matt Duchene talks team injuries, outlook for next season
The forward joined The Sweet Spot on The Ticket to discuss Dallas' early postseason exit, and how it can compete for the Stanley Cup in 2027.
China's April car sales drop for seventh month
China's car sales fell again in April, with local automakers increasingly targeting overseas markets to offset intense competition at home where a push toward higher-end models has yet to reverse the broader slowdown.
Hegseth calls for Sen. Mark Kelly to be investigated by Pentagon for second time
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday called for Sen. Mark Kelly to be investigated over comments he made about US weapon stockpiles, marking the second time the Pentagon chief has opened a review into the Democratic senator.
IndyCar Fans React To Danica Patrick's 'Most Disliked' Title
Danica Patrick was named the "most disliked" driver in IndyCar history. A new poll, conducted by IndyCar's official Reddit page, announced that Patrick, who retired from full-time racing in 2018, was named the most detested driver in the history of the sport. She didn't have much competition. ...
West Virginia Small Business Development Center announces AI Pitch Competition winners
Three West Virginia small businesses received professional services awards after winning the West Virginia Small Business Development Center's AI Pitch Competition.
Hegseth says Pentagon will review Mark Kelly's public statements about classified briefing amid ongoing feud
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth suggested Sen. Mark Kelly may have violated his oath by discussing a classified Pentagon briefing on weapons stockpiles.
Broncos make decision on veteran tryout quarterback Nathan Peterman
"It ensures that there’s going to be a steady flow to practice," Broncos coach Sean Payton said of hosting veteran QB Nathan Peterman at rookie camp.
Is Q1 2026 Legal Accrual-Driven Loss Altering The Investment Case For Live Nation (LYV)?
In the first quarter of 2026, Live Nation Entertainment reported sales of US$3,793.03 million, but a net loss of US$389.1 million as a US$450 million legal accrual tied to investigations and litigation pushed the company into an operating loss. At the same time, the long-running Popp v. Live Nation and Ticketmaster nationwide class action over allegedly supracompetitive ticketing fees advanced, while management emphasized double-digit adjusted operating income growth expectations and record...
Couple moved to a senior care facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Peter Millard said he and his wife, Rita, want to stay independent, so they prepare their own meals and do their own housework.
NBA Mock Draft: With 2026 lottery now set, AJ Dybantsa goes No. 1 to Wizards, Darryn Peterson No. 2 to Jazz
Adam Finkelstein's first mock draft after the NBA Draft Lottery set the order for the first 14 picks
‘The Masked Singer’ Renewed for Season 15 With a Major Change
The Fox competition series is also sticking with a switch-up that was introduced last season.
‘The Masked Singer’ Renewed for Season 15 With a Major Change
The Fox competition series is also sticking with a switch-up that was introduced last season.
Israeli politics have shifted from institutional decline to perpetual negation
Beyond the Ben-Gvir controversy lies a structural crisis; information overload is reshaping politics, weakening institutions, and elevating figures who thrive in disorder.
New York Giants emphasize instruction over competition at rookie minicamp
The New York Giants have taken a different approach to rookie minicamp under head coach John Harbaugh.
Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
“Has your brand become toxic?” This was a pointed question from WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley, posed to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates in a recent interview. Her immediate response: “I don’t understand the question.” When pressed, Gates added, “The Chicago Teachers Union is not a political party, it is a labor union.” But internal union documents show CTU leadership is trying to skim $8.5 million more from teacher paychecks explicitly for politics, while trying to silence union members critical of Gates’ leadership. Under the proposed dues hike, Chicago teachers would see up to $800 more per year flow from their paychecks to union coffers. The union already takes in more than $40 million a year, mostly from dues. And it spends less than 18 cents of every dollar on teacher representation. The No. 1 reason for the proposed dues hike? Politics. “We must win a majority of the first 21 person fully elected school board in November,” reads the first point in CTU’s member FAQ document.1 This directly contradicts CTU’s promise to members about how leadership uses dues money. The official CTU handbook tells members that the union does not use dues money for politics, so if they are interested in funding political activity, they should consider voluntary donations to CTU’s political action committee. “Our dues are not used for political purposes,” according to the handbook. “So our PAC relies on extra contributions from our members to support progressive candidates and to impact elected officials at the city, county and state levels.” This kind of double-speak is one reason members are concerned about another constitutional change slipped into the dues hike vote, which will take place on May 20-21: an attempt to stop members from holding the union accountable. A proposed amendment to the union constitution tries to place limits on when members may bring a lawsuit against the union for violating members’ rights.2 This provision is clearly a response to members’ lawsuit against union leadership regarding Gates’ years-long refusal to publish audited financial statements. The judge in that case has repeatedly denied the union’s attempts to dismiss it. Teachers opposed to these changes have been circulating this flier, urging members to vote no. What will CTU members get in return for millions of dollars in additional dues? If the 2024 school board elections are any indication—not much. CTU leadership’s record on school board races may not inspire confidence among members. A Chicago Policy Center analysis of a dozen affiliated PACs found CTU spent nearly $2.9 million on school board races in 2024. Of that spending, more than $2.1 million (75%) went to losing candidates. And while CTU-backed candidates lost six of the nine competitive seats overall, they fared worse in their biggest-spending races, losing five of six contests in which the union and its affiliates put up more than $250,000 for their candidate. The Chicago school board elections take place Nov. 3.3 Is another $8.5 million enough to clean up a toxic reputation? Not likely. Update on federal tax credit scholarship: Last week, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program. If Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker follows suit, Illinois could unlock $1 billion in donor money statewide for both public- and private-school students. If Illinois does not opt in, that money will flow to other states. The Last Ward reported in February on how Illinois Democrats could unlock at least $100 million in new resources for Chicago public-school students by opting in. Update on the investigation into how Chicagoans learned about a meeting to hike their property taxes: The Last Ward reported in January on an absurd, taxpayer-funded investigation into how local media learned of a planned Chicago school board meeting to hike the district’s property tax levy. That investigation is now complete. Lawyers interviewed two dozen witnesses, and found nothing. Update on Illinois’ muni debt crisis: My colleague Joe Tabor last week published a must-read piece in Crain’s Chicago Business about how Illinois recently rejected south suburban Harvey’s request to be designated a “distressed city.” The saga shows why the state must implement a better structure to assist insolvent local governments, including allowing for the option to pursue debt relief via Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The Last Ward reported in October on how Harvey is tipping the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis. Mincing Rascals: I joined the Mincing Rascals podcast to discuss the SAFE-T Act, the millionaires tax, and more. My “green light” recommendation: Force Majeure (2014). 1 Notably, the No. 2 reason cited is “resources to fund a state-wide millionaires tax campaign in order to fully fund the state’s school funding formula.” The constitutional amendment necessary to implement a progressive income tax in Illinois recently died in the Illinois House, meaning this question would not appear on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest. 2 There is seemingly no single-subject rule for CTU constitutional amendments. So members only get one vote on the full package. One cannot vote “yes” on the dues hike and “no” on the restriction of members’ rights, for example. 3 Illinois law grants far too much power over local government to unelected officials like Gates. State lawmakers should fix that.
Test your dog or cat’s IQ using these simple tricks
And no, that viral "dog wall test" isn't the way to do it.
Flutter Entertainment Q1 Earnings Call Highlights
Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) reported 17% revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026 and said it is seeing early signs of improvement in its U.S. sportsbook business, while announcing changes to the leadership structure at FanDuel. Chief Executive Officer Peter Jackson said Amy Howe will leav
Hicks: Revenge is a dish often served by extremist politicians ... instead of governing
Too many state lawmakers are too often going nuclear over petty squabbles. But revenge politics isn't governing, and voters should tell them so.
‘Unfinished business’: Former Georgia gymnast Ariel Posen returns after medical retirement
After nearly three years of medical retirement, former Georgia gymnast Ariel Posen entered the transfer portal to compete with her remaining eligibility. Due to an ongoing valgus knee issue, which
School's flag footballers to compete for US trip
The Bradwell primary school pupils have managed to reach an "astonishing" level, says their coach.
Trans athlete dominates California girls’ track meet as protesters demand: ‘Keep men out of women’s sports’
AB Hernandez swept the field in multiple events at a California girls’ track meet while protesters demanded biological males be barred from competing against girls.
Virginia Tech softball makes NCAA Tournament hosting case after loss
Despite losing to Florida State in the ACC title game, Virginia Tech coach Pete D'Amour believes his Hokies should host an NCAA Tournament regional.
Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander throws simulated game in injury rehab
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander finally returned to a competitive setting, completing a two-inning simulated game before Saturday's game.
New York Giants' John Harbaugh: Kicker 'competition' has already started
The New York Giants desperately need consistency and durability at kicker, and the competition for the starting role has already begun.
Business Lookahead: Trump on Tour
STORY: From Trump's trip to China, to a slew of new U.S. data releases, these are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week. :: Trump goes to Beijing U.S. President Donald Trump visits Beijing on Thursday and Friday.It will be his first visit to China in eight years.He'll try to lock in the trade truce agreed to in October in South Korea, and avoid a rerun of the tit-for-tat tariff battle that he set off a year ago.Fresh trade data should offer a reality check on whether a protectionist White House has managed to dent Americans' appetite for Chinese-made goods.:: Saudi Aramco posts resultsThe world's biggest exporter of crude oil, Saudi Aramco, reports first-quarter results on Sunday.The numbers are expected to show the pain from the more than two-month-old Iran war.This comes as efforts to end the conflict appeared to stall after the U.S. and Iran traded fire in recent days, with some of the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago.:: U.S. economic dataA bunch of new data should give a clearer view of inflation in the U.S.Tuesday's April consumer price index is expected to rise 0.6% according to a Reuters poll.Prices at the pump are likely to loom large in the numbers.Producer price data for April on Wednesday is another inflation checkpoint after the Fed’s last meeting exposed a more hawkish tilt among some policymakers who are increasingly uneasy about price pressures.And retail sales figures on Thursday should show whether higher gas prices and other costs are starting to bite into household spending.
WTAP+ | Belpre business adds a splash of color, love and personality to weddings, events in the Mid-Ohio Valley
In this episode, Stephanie Plant sits down with the owner of Petunia's Floral Design.
Plainfield North H.S. teams compete at state science olympiad
Plainfield North students competed against 54 schools at the Science Olympiad Team State Tournament at the University of Illinois.
Palladino has received ‘no signals’ about future at Atalanta
Raffaele Palladino admits he’d like to stay at Atalanta to build a ‘competitive’ team for next season, but hasn’t yet ‘received signals’ from the club.Atalanta are preparing for the final ...
Jets enter summer with wide-open competition at kicker
The Jets have options at kicker, but questions remain about who can deliver consistency when it matters most.
Students compete in annual Elementary Science Olympiad
Elementary students across Campbell County put their scientific minds to the test Wednesday.
Art Can’t Compete With Politics in Venice or New York
Plus: Astrocartography, Michael Jackson, and a “hotspan” hack
Confirmed 2. Bundesliga lineups: Holstein Kiel vs. 1. FC Magdeburg
Tim Walter makes two changes from the victory over Braunschweig as Ivan Nekic and Umut Tohumcu replace Ikem Ugoh and Frederik Roslyng.Petrik Sander makes one change from the win against Hertha as Dari...
Two Court Decisions Have Unleashed an Era of Perpetual Redistricting
Four states are considering drawing new maps in the coming weeks. Another dozen or more could join the fray next year.
After 45 years, Susquehanna Chorale leader to take a bow [video]
In 1981, Linda Tedford met with 11 other singers for their first performance as a budding chorale. They filled the historic St. Peter’s Kierch in Middletown with harmony, performing songs
Titans juggle wide receiver room on their offseason roster
The Tennessee Titans claimed wide receiver Courtney Jackson off waivers from the Giants, adding competition to the receiver room.
Is Autodesk (ADSK) Using Small-Business Flex Pricing To Quietly Redefine Its Competitive Moat?
Earlier this month, Autodesk Inc. launched “Autodesk for Small Business,” introducing a Small Business Hub, product refinements across AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion, and Flow Studio, plus more flexible Autodesk Flex token and pricing options in the US and UK. The initiative materially lowers onboarding complexity and upfront commitment for small firms, potentially broadening Autodesk’s customer base while giving these users a clearer feedback channel into future product development. Next, we’ll...
Spring sports scores and highlights: May 7, 2026
Highlights feature the softball game between Petersburg at Pendleton County
High school sports results, playoff schedule for Friday, May 8, 2026
FRIDAY’S RESULTS Baseball NON-SECTION Albert Gallatin 6, Beth-Center 1 Bethel Park 11, Central Mountain 1 (6) Eden Christian 5, North Catholic 0 Peters...
The Chaotic New Era of British Politics
Keir Starmer’s unpopularity has led Labour to a humiliating defeat in local elections. Now, with five major parties competing for votes, the far right could be well positioned for a general-election victory.
Prime Video follows Netflix and Disney by adding a TikTok-like 'Clips' feed in its app
The Clips feed aims to enable discovery by offering users a scrollable feed with short snippets of shows and movies.
Op/Ed: Small Businesses Deserve Better Health Coverage Choices in N.C.
For years, one of the most consistent concerns heard from North Carolina small businesses is the rising cost of health coverage. Small businesses want to do right by their employees and offer competitive benefits. But unlike large employers, they often lack the size and purchasing power needed to negotiate better rates and manage risk, leaving them more exposed to premium increases.
Clever kid builds phone charger powered by pet hamster
The YouTuber turned a rodent's exercise wheel into a tiny turbine.
Petaluma businesses earn California Green Business Certification; community invited to celebrate May 12
A cohort of 16 forward-thinking Petaluma businesses has successfully achieved or are working to achieve California Green Business Certification through a collaborative program led by local climate action nonprofit, Cool Petaluma. The initiative supports businesses in adopting environmentally responsible practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve operational efficiency.
Big weekend for baseball, basketball and volleyball across Twin Cities
Hundreds of teams at the AAU, club and high school level will compete in marquee events at various venues this weekend.
Middle school Science Olympiad teams compete at state level - Fayetteville-Manlius CSD
A group of 30 Fayetteville-Manlius School District middle school students spent the past eight months preparing for the chance to participate in the New York State Science Olympiad Tournament, and their hard work paid off. In March, both Eagle Hill and Wellwood middle schools had teams compete at the Regional Science Olympiad Division B competition
2026 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Award
First year Materials and Nanoscience graduate student Stéphane Miaule (Tolbert group) has been awarded the 2026 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship, one of the country’s most prestigious honors for graduate students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The program, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, supports doctoral students across a broad range of scientific and technological fields of strategic importance. This highly competitive fellowship provides full tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend for three years. In 2026, only 102 fellowships were awarded nationwide, and Stéphane is the sole recipient from UCLA. Before transferring from Santa Monica College to UCLA, Stéphane interned at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center, where he researched the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of lunar regolith, as well as radiation shielding materials for lunar habitation development. At UCLA, he joined the Soft Materials Research Laboratory under Professor Qibing Pei, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of hafnium oxide nanocomposite scintillators. After earning his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, he remained in the Soft Materials Research Laboratory as a post-baccalaureate researcher for one year before joining Professor Sarah Tolbert’s group as a Ph.D. student. Stéphane’s Ph.D. research is focused on improving the properties of conjugated polymers, which are a family of plastic materials that can conduct electricity. Stéphane is specifically looking at self-assembling polymers that can be processed in water to create light-weight, flexible, high-conductivity polymer devices without the need for toxic or volatile organic solvents. After completing his Ph.D., Stéphane hopes to work in a national laboratory, researching semiconducting polymers for applications in new electronic devices. “The Graduate (1967) featured a memorable scene in which the protagonist was told that ‘there’s a great future in plastics.’ We know this still holds true today, as polymer research has expanded rapidly due to the wide variety of applications these materials enable. Through my work on semiconducting polymers, I hope to contribute to the continued development of plastic electronics,” Stéphane said. Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penjen@g.ucla.edu.
Gorsuch says ideological divides on Supreme Court come down to ‘how you read law,’ not politics
Justice Gorsuch, who calls himself a “proud textualist," stressed that competing legal philosophies, not partisanship, shape rulings and relationships on the high court.
Friday Bantering: Jays Notes
Happy Friday. The Jays are back home for a series against the Angels. It almost can’t be worse than the last series. I think the team has let Tropicana Field get into their heads. Maybe all the batters should move back in the batter’s box: Petriello talks about it here. There is talk about having […]
Ariana Grande Announces ‘Petal’ Lead Single & Release Date: ‘One of My Favorite Songs I’ll Ever Write’
The track is titled "Hate That I Made You Love Me."
Britain Has Entered a New Era of Multiparty Politics. It’s Messy.
A voting system created when two parties dominated is being tested by the rise of newer competitors.
Meghan Dutkovich Commits To Pitt-Johnstown For Soccer
By: Jared Barton North Allegheny junior Meghan Dutkovich has announced where she will be attending to compete at the next level. The outside back announced on social media Thursday that she will study psychology and play for Pitt-Johnstown. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meghan Dutkovich (@meghan_dutkovich) Dutkovich has two career… More »
Tim Walz Minnesota forcing teachers to abide by ‘horribly disgusting,’ ‘crazy’ race standard, says lawmaker
Minnesota public school teachers must assess how their biases perpetuate oppression under state licensing standards tied to Gov. Tim Walz's tenure.
In Memoriam: Peter R. Moody, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Political Science
Peter R. Moody Jr., October 13, 1943 ~ May 2, 2026 (age 82) Funeral Mass Livestream Link It is with deep sadness that the children …
In Memoriam: Peter R. Moody, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Political Science
Peter R. Moody Jr., October 13, 1943 ~ May 2, 2026 (age 82) Funeral Mass Livestream Link It is with deep sadness that the children …
Titans have more competition at TE than you realize
The Tennessee Titans will enter training camp with a ton of competition at the tight end position.
A woman for all seasons: Mescher teaches science and coaches wrestling at Battle when she's not competing in roller derby
A lifelong soccer player, Battle wrestling coach Kelsey Mescher now satisfies her competitive itch through coaching and in the roller-derby rink, where she is a staple of the circuit.
PSMA PET imaging’s proliferation produces uptick in aggressive treatment for prostate cancer
First approved by the FDA in 2021, providers have rapidly adopted this clinical innovation, which offers greater accuracy in detecting prostate cancer.
Under the Radar: Iowa State’s Gaming and E-Sports Club
AMES — The rise of gaming among college students has turned video games into a competitive outlet, and Iowa State students have found a place to connect through the university’s Gaming and Esports Club. The club gives students opportunities to play competitively and casually across multiple platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices. Members can...
Commanders make big front-office hire
Adam Peters adds a former 49ers colleague to the Commanders' front office.
Colorado Gov. Polis faces intense lobbying blitz from DC-based groups over credit card ‘swipe-fee’ bill
Colorado’s long‑running fight over credit‑card swipe fees entered its final round Tuesday, when lawmakers sent a proposal to Gov. Jared Polis and rival industry coalitions immediately launched competing campaigns to sway his decision. The clash pits groups urging Polis to sign the bill — restaurants, hotels, breweries, liquor stores, small businesses, and big‑box retailers — […]
Here's why the coaches association's 24-team College Football Playoff could ruin the sport
A 24-team College Football Playoff field would diminish the best regular season in sports and include teams with inadequate resumes to compete for a championship.
AirPods with cameras reportedly in final testing at Apple
But the cameras aren't used for what you think they're used for.
Vote for the best American golf and tennis stars of all time in our '250 for 250' poll
Tiger Woods or Serena Williams? Pete Sampras or Nancy Lopez? The United States has produced all-time golf and tennis greats. Vote for your favorites.
34-year-old competed on 'Survivor' after starting her own business from her apartment and NYC-to-D.C. train commute: It 'truly was a reset'
Bianca Roses competed on season 48 of "Survivor" while building her own PR agency back at home in Arlington, Virginia, after quitting her job.
Appeals court appears poised to reject Hegseth’s bid to punish Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video
A federal appeals court appeared ready Thursday to reject Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to punish Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over his call to US service members to refuse illegal orders.
IOC urges sports to let Belarus athletes compete under flag
Athletes from Belarus should once again compete with their full national identity and not be vetted for neutral status, the International Olympic Committee says.
IOC urges sports to let Belarus athletes compete again without vetting as neutrals
Athletes from Belarus should once again compete with their full national identity and not be vetted for neutral status, the International Olympic Committee said on Thursday. One barrier to Russia’s return is an ongoing World Anti-Doping Agency investigation into recent reports implicating Russian anti-doping agency official Veronika Loginova. The IOC said its executive board noted “with concern the recent information” being looked at by WADA, without naming Loginova.
This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Former Jags linebacker helps athletes translate sports skills to business
Kent Justice talks with former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele, now Gallagher’s market leader for South Florida, about the Gallagher Partnership Internship Program with the Jaguars—designed to help pro athletes translate what they’ve built in sports (resilience, preparation, competition, leadership) into post-playing careers, especially in consultative sales and risk management. Ayodele explains how the program works (typically in the offseason), what interns experience day-to-day inside Gallagher, and why he believes employers should value an athlete’s mindset even if the résumé doesn’t look “traditional.”
This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Former Jags linebacker helps athletes translate sports skills to business
Kent Justice talks with former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele, now Gallagher’s market leader for South Florida, about the Gallagher Partnership Internship Program with the Jaguars—designed to help pro athletes translate what they’ve built in sports (resilience, preparation, competition, leadership) into post-playing careers, especially in consultative sales and risk management. Ayodele explains how the program works (typically in the offseason), what interns experience day-to-day inside Gallagher, and why he believes employers should value an athlete’s mindset even if the résumé doesn’t look “traditional.”
Science diplomacy lessons from a North Korean volcano
Mount Paektu, a mythic, active volcano on the border between North Korea and China, is almost the epitome of a scientific challenge that crosses political lines. In 946 CE, it erupted in one of the five biggest volcanic events of the past 10,000 years, kicking up huge quantities of ash and sending destructive mud flows down river channels for hundreds of kilometres. Should this happen again, the entire region, including easternmost Russia, South Korea and even Japan could be hit. “It’s definitely got the potential to be big,” said James Hammond, a professor of geophysics at Birkbeck, University of London. An eruption on the scale of 946 would have “huge regional impact.” For the past 15 years, Hammond has helped lead a groundbreaking collaboration with North Korean scientists to study the volcano, navigating scientific sanctions, tough export controls on scientific equipment and a long, pandemic-enforced exodus from the country. Although he seems more at home on far-flung research expeditions – before speaking to Science|Business, Hammond was camping out on a Greenland ice sheet – he has also advised the European Commission on its changing science diplomacy strategy. His long experience with North Korea has made Hammond sceptical of blanket bans on science collaboration, no matter the country.This is a live question in Europe, where in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, institutional ties with Russian universities were almost entirely severed, although some scientists fear this could undermine our understanding of climate change’s impact on the Arctic. Here, Hammond tells the story of the Mount Paektu mission and the policy lessons he takes from it. Ominous rumblingsThe genesis of Hammond’s collaboration came in 2002, when Mount Paektu began to rumble ominously. Earthquake activity picked up and the volcano began to emit unusual gases. North Korean scientists took notice. “People felt we need to know more about this volcano,” said Hammond. In 2011, North Korean vulcanologists put out a request for international expertise to help them learn more. At the time, Hammond and his collaborator, Clive Oppenheimer, were working on a vulcanology project in another sanctioned country, Eritrea, and so decided to answer the call. Within a month, they had flown into Pyongyang. “It was pretty incredible,” recalls Hammond (left). “We were made to feel like honoured guests, and invited to official celebrations.” The scientific opportunity was huge. Paektu is unusually positioned, a thousand kilometres from where tectonic plates rub against each other in the Pacific. “It was an incredibly interesting volcano, but not much research had been done, at least not in the international community,” he said. “There was so much we felt we could do. And we had these partners that were super keen to engage.”The mission received an unusual visitor in the form of volcano-obsessed filmmaker Werner Herzog, who accompanied Hammond and Oppenheimer while directing his 2016 film Into the Inferno about volcanos across the world. Four days into the trip, the German director delivered a long speech about reunification to his North Korean hosts, recalls Hammond. “He got to the heart of the Koreans and how they felt, and how they thought, in a way that I'm not sure I ever will,” he said. UN sanctionsHowever, Hammond realised he’d been “naïve” about how difficult it would be to collaborate with North Korea, which was sanctioned far more heavily than Eritrea. “We didn’t fully appreciate the all-encompassing nature of restrictions,” he said. In 2016, as tensions escalated over Pyongyang’s nuclear tests, a United Nations resolution banned all joint scientific work with North Korea. However, the UN sanctions did allow countries to request carve outs, and the UK successfully requested an exemption for Hammond’s work. Related articlesEU pushes for joint science diplomacy, but care needed to avoid gridlock, experts sayRussia severs its last ties with German scienceAnchor Greenlanders in Arctic climate research, experts tell EU ahead of policy updateExport controls have also delayed Hammond’s work. In one case, it took 18 months to get approval from the UK government to take seismometers, which measure earthquakes, to North Korea. “It was frustrating,” he said. “But they didn’t just say no.” However, one instrument, called an induction coil, used to measure how the earth conducts electricity, was blocked entirely because it can in theory be used to detect submarines. Karaoke bondingSince the collaboration started in 2011, Hammond has visited the country around 15 times, although the pandemic closed off North Korea for more than five years. A trip last November was Hammond’s first since the outbreak. Despite this lengthy interlude, Hammond has deep bonds in the country. The North Korean scientists Hammond works with are somewhat isolated, as they struggle to access the latest research papers and travel to international conferences. That said, they are “excellent geophysicists” and are “very well trained in the field,” he said. Over karaoke and chats about their families, “we’ve made friendships, for sure,” he said. The authorities have to sign-off things like the placement of seismometers, for example, but Hammond said these requests have been approved. “Everything that we've asked for within a scientific context has been delivered.”Scientific backchannels? These kind of personal links between scientists across political lines are one purported benefit of science diplomacy. During the Cold War, some historians argue, scientific contact between the US and Soviet Union laid a groundwork of trust for other cooperation, such as on arms control. Hammond agrees that backchannel contacts to North Korean geophysicists are hardly likely to defuse a military crisis on the Korean peninsula, but the simple fact of the scientific collaboration makes contacts between diplomats that little bit easier. “It creates opportunities to understand each other a little bit better,” he said. “When maybe you have those more difficult discussions as diplomats, it's coming from a slightly better place.” Cutting tiesDrawing lessons from the Mount Paektu mission for today’s links with Russian science isn’t simple. The analogy is far from exact, Hammond said, “because one is essentially a Cold War, versus a pretty hot war in the case of Russia.” But Hammond’s broader argument is that the challenges we face, such as climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss, pollution and so on, have globalised in an unprecedented way, making blanket shutdowns in collaboration with any country unwise.He’s somewhat critical of the UN scientific sanctions imposed on North Korea in 2016, even though they did allow for exceptions. “I think a blanket halt to some of these things, when we face big global challenges [. . .] that’s quite a risky thing to do,” he said.Institutional endorsement?European academics are still by and large free to work individually with Russian counterparts. However, official, institutional partnerships have largely ended. Shortly following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian university rectors wrote a public letter endorsing the war, meaning European universities fear official collaboration could also be seen as a kind of endorsement. Hammond acknowledges there is a risk of legitimising regimes, and state-controlled universities, through scientific cooperation. “That’s the trade off you have to make,” he said. Strategic projectsWith Russia, instead of giving a green light to restart all Arctic science, a middle ground might be firing up a few carefully selected “strategic” projects, said Hammond. After all, European countries are still collaborating with Russia on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, an experimental nuclear fusion plant in the south of France. However, even if Europe did try to revive Arctic science with Russia, there’s no guarantee Russian scientists would play ball. A series of high-profile arrests of physicists in Russia accused of sharing their findings with the outside world has made collaboration fraught. Even before the invasion of 2022, “the Russian regime made it increasingly difficult, and this sort of discouraged people,” Dag Rune Olsen, rector of the Arctic University of Norway, told Science|Business last year.
Around the MHS
The latest news from around the Military Health System for the week of May 4-8, 2026, includes the National Intrepid Center of Excellence leading in care for service members with brain injuries, Uniformed Services University medical student competes in an Ironman Triathlon, and an important award for the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center.
Servite, Notre Dame to qualify athletes at Division 3 track prelims
Servite, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame will be preparing to compete for next week's Southern Section Division 3 championships.
Building Bonds Through Competition: Sports Day Unites Soldiers and Families
Soldiers and families gathered for Sports Day to participate in team competitions, recreational activities and morale-building events. The event strengthened relationships across the unit, encouraged teamwork and provided an opportunity for Soldiers and loved ones to build lasting memories together in a positive and energetic environment.
A Sea of Spinning Clouds
Icy, isolated Peter I Island stirred up a show in the atmosphere off the West Antarctic coast.
Cubs pick up third straight walk-off win via 10th-inning walk vs. Reds
Pete Crow-Armstrong drilled a two-run shot in the ninth to force an extra inning on Wednesday night.
Cubs pick up historic third straight walk-off win over Reds after wild 9th inning to push win streak to 8
Pete Crow-Armstrong drilled a two-run shot in the ninth to force extra innings on Wednesday night.
Pixel’s Tensor Chips Can Easily Handle Liquid Glass, But Google’s Approach Promises One Benefit, Preventing This UI Transition
The Pixel’s Tensor SoCs might be slower than the competition, but they can easily handle the Liquid Glass UI, but Google may never adopt it for one reason
20 Oakland sports events to catch in May
Plus: The Roots are off to their best season yet and the Falcons are in first place in their ultimate frisbee league.
RUBÉN LIMARDO IS PLANNING TO COMPETE IN HIS FINAL PAN AMERICAN GAMES IN LIMA 2027 AND TO RETIRE FOR GOOD AFTER LOS ANGELES 2028
The greatest Venezuelan fencer of all time has already decided when he […]
Amazon just expanded its shipping business. What does that mean for UPS?
The shipper's wind-down with Amazon has caused the company to give up some of its market share to competitors like FedEx.
The “Rent-a-Show” Generation: Why Gen Z Is Systematically Destroying the Subscription Model
Gen Z's subscription hopping habits are killing platform loyalty, forcing streaming services to compete show-by-show instead of building lasting relationships.
North Hollywood Senior High School Wins 5th Place at National Science Bowl
Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2026) – North Hollywood Senior High School tied for 5th place at the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science National Science Bowl® academic competition in Washington, D.C., delivering a standout performance on the national stage on Monday, May 4, 2026. The team proudly represented Los Angeles and showed their teamwork […]
Republican candidates for Oregon governor spend millions to push competing messages in final stretch
Each of the candidates say they are confident in their preferred campaign strategy.
Leaker: This Is Why Apple Is Delaying the iPhone 18
Apple proactively chose to delay the standard iPhone 18 as a deliberate market strategy, the leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital" claims, with the move said to extend the iPhone 17's sales window while lowering production costs and improving Apple's competitive position against Android rivals.
Gilman named Official Goal of World Lacrosse through 2028
World Lacrosse today announced Gilman Gear as the Official Goal of the International Federation in a multi-year partnership running through 2028. Under the partnership, Gilman Gear lacrosse goals will be exclusively used in competition across World […]
IU Kelley Student Competing in Open-Wheel Racing, While Also Pursuing a Business Degree
For more than 100 years, the Indiana University Kelley School of Business has created career momentum for thousands of students. But this May, a junior studying finance and accounting, will experience it faster than any Kelley student who has come before him. The Kelley School is supporting Joey Brienza, a Kelley direct admit and Hutton Honors College student and a race car driver who competes in the USF Pro 2000 Series, a premier open-wheel racing series in the ladder to INDYCAR. On May 9, he w
Small business relief has come, but more is needed, Sen. Marshall says
Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall calls attention to tax breaks and reduced regulation; advocates for competition on credit card swipe fees.
Mattel Recasts Growth With Mobile Games Brick Shop And Entertainment Push
Mattel has completed the acquisition of mobile game studio Mattel163, taking full control of its digital gaming business. The company is rolling out the new Mattel Brick Shop, a construction toy concept positioned to compete more directly with LEGO. Mattel is also deepening its entertainment efforts, tying its brands more closely to film and content projects. NasdaqGS:MAT is trading at $14.72, with the stock down 26.5% year to date and 30.3% over five years. In this context, the decision to...
Arm Reports Earnings as It Shifts Its Business Model
Arm reports earnings Wednesday as investors focus on its move into data center CPUs, a business shift that could put the chip-design company in competition with some of its own customers.
Blame towering market power for soaring hospital prices: Healthcare affordability specialist
“When hospitals that were once competitors merge, prices go up—often by double-digit percentages—with no measurable improvement in patient outcomes.”
Military Vets Finally Have a Launchpad for Their Business Dreams in SA
San Antonio is about to become the first city in the country to offer veterans — and their families — a direct path to owning their own business. District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears is behind a new Small Business Accelerator Program that connects vets with mentors, funding resources, and even a pitch competition — and it's already gotten the green light from the city. Army veteran Melanie McCoy knows firsthand how lonely and confusing starting a business can be without support. Now she's helping lead the charge with a new non-profit called Supply SA, designed so no vet has to figure it out alone. With 75% of San Antonio's economy powered by small businesses, this program could be a game-changer for the whole city. #VeteranOwned #SmallBusinessSA #SanAntonio #MilitaryEntrepreneur #VetBiz
Senate Bill Intends to Strengthen the Science Used for TSCA Risk Evaluations
The Sound Science Act (S. 4397), introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) on April 27, 2026, would strengthen the science used for risk reviews and