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Leading on health care solutions - Talk Business & Politics
In Arkansas and across the heartland, we are used to solving problems together. That instinct — to step up for our neighbors, to find practical solutions and to work together...
Toxins plus climate harms likely cause of reduced fertility, study finds
Researchers find ‘alarming’ effect on fertility across global species from simultaneous exposures
Highlands students selected to script animated film for mental health awareness
Highlands students were among a limited number of teens selected to help script and score an upcoming animated film that focuses on mental health issues and delivers a message of inclusion and resilience. “Finding Alice in Wonderland” is produced by educational animation company Wonder Media and supported by The Grable
How Oak Park's Navaeh Burns pushes herself past sprinting plateaus
Oak Park junior Navaeh Burns is a top runner nationally finding new heights thanks to written goals, her support system and strong mental fortitude.
Things to do in Cincinnati this week, April 27-May 3
If you're looking for the best events happening in Cincinnati, you're at the right place. Find your next concert, game, festival or family event.
Does it matter if Vance and Pope Leo disagree? Why we wrote about it
We wanted to find out why the pope and vice president seemed to disagree so often. Then they had their biggest disagreement yet.
Fish oil may be hurting your brain, new study finds
Fish oil has long been praised as brain-boosting, but new research suggests the story may be more complicated. Scientists found that in people with repeated mild head injuries, a key omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil—EPA—may actually interfere with the brain’s ability to repair itself. Instead of helping recovery, it appears to weaken blood vessel stability, disrupt healing signals, and even contribute to harmful protein buildup linked to cognitive decline.
Bats Test Positive for Rabies Across the U.S.—Health Officials Issue Warning
Find out what to do if you're exposed.
How unexpected pregnancy reshaped my van life and tiny house journey
We set out in our camper van in hopes of finding a place in the country to settle down long-term. Our timeline was sped up when I got pregnant.
This exotic particle could finally explain why matter has mass
A major physics experiment has uncovered evidence for a strange new form of matter, where a fleeting particle gets trapped inside a nucleus. This exotic state may reveal how mass is generated, suggesting that particles can weigh less when surrounded by dense nuclear matter. The findings support long-standing theories about how the vacuum of space influences mass.
Harvard scientists link gut bacteria to depression through hidden inflammation trigger
A gut bacterium may be quietly fueling depression through an unexpected chemical twist. Researchers found that when Morganella morganii interacts with a common pollutant, it produces a molecule that triggers inflammation—something strongly linked to depression. This finding helps explain how gut microbes can influence brain health at a molecular level. It also raises the possibility of new treatments that target the immune system rather than just the brain.
15 Healthy Trader Joe’s Finds a Dietitian Recommends for Spring
These products have spring-forward flavors, and they're convenient and affordable.
Colorado Politics Calendar Apr. 27-May 3
CoPo’s weekly political calendar will help you find political and public-policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
If On Shoes Are for Everyone, Are They Still Ons?
The company finds itself at a critical juncture that others have botched: How does it stay a brand for serious athletes while keeping up its breakneck growth?
Florida Dem filed for reelection days before resignation as House Ethics Committee ramped up pressure
Former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is still registered to run for reelection despite resigning amid federal charges and ethics committee findings.
Texas agency finds Camp Mystic emergency plan insufficient, risks not opening for summer
Camp Mystic has 45 days to revise its emergency plan after Texas officials said that it does not yet fully comply with new rules for youth camps.
Texas agency finds Camp Mystic emergency plan insufficient, risks not opening for summer
Camp Mystic has 45 days to revise its emergency plan after Texas officials said that it does not yet fully comply with new rules for youth camps.
Your daily coffee habit may be quietly reshaping your gut and mood, study finds
A new study from APC Microbiome Ireland finds that habitual coffee consumption alters gut bacteria, influencing mood, stress and cognitive sharpness.
The Planet Needs Prosperous Forests. These Scientists Are Planting More Than 33,000 Trees to Find the Perfect Blend of Species
Forests provide myriad benefits, including timber, wildlife attraction, local cooling and climate resilience. At the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, ecologists are testing which tree combinations might create flourishing woodlands
OPPO Find X9 Ultra Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit hands-on
You get just one zoom, but it's a 300mm piece of glass that looks as Pro as it gets. This is the OPPO Find X9 Ultra Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit, a fancy...
988 hotline linked to thousands of fewer youth suicide deaths since launch, study finds
Nearly 4,400 fewer U.S. teens and young adults died by suicide than projected in the first two-and-a-half years of the 988 mental health crisis hotline, a sign the program is working even as it faces long-term funding challenges.
The Planet Needs Prosperous Forests. These Scientists Are Planting More Than 33,000 Trees to Find the Perfect Species Blends
Forests provide myriad benefits, including timber, wildlife attraction, local cooling and climate resilience. At the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, ecologists are testing which tree combinations might create flourishing woodlands
This senior finds purpose through teaching and research
Evianna Merriam combined science and teaching in her studies and will continue marine science research after graduation.
Gog Dynasty Buffet shutters for staff training, deep cleaning after health inspector citations
Health inspectors found zero health code violations one week after finding 16.
Health Dept. to present workshop with resources for problem gambling
JACKSON, Wyo. — Join the Teton County Health Department (TCHD) for a workshop about the “hidden addiction” of problem gambling. The workshop is designed to help the community recognize the signs of and find support for gambling addictions. It is often referred to as a “hidden addiction” because there are no physical signs like those […]
Meta employees react to pending job cuts: '28 days of hell'
Inside Meta, employees are bracing for weeks of limbo as they wait to find out who's cut.
Michigan Health System Reports Reduced Caregiver Strain Through Toolkit Pilot - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association
The MHA Keystone Center, in partnership with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, released findings from a two-year pilot implementing the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit in acute care settings. Results show reductions in caregiver strain and stronger caregiver support infrastructure across two Michigan health systems. Both organizations implemented the toolkit and…
UF expands certificates in business and education
By: Erin Moran Morane@findlay.edu The University of Findlay has announced a graduate certificate expansion, adding new opportunities in accounting, business fundamentals, finance, human resources, operations management, and trauma-informed education. The additions are part of the university’s effort to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and prepare their students post graduation. Kirby Overton, dean of […]
New York City is at major risk of flooding that could leave 4.4 million people exposed to extreme damage, study finds
The new flood risk index identified eight cities along the U.S. East Coast that are at high or very high risk of floods causing extreme damage.
Health Care Roundup: Market Talk
Find insight on EssilorLuxottica, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals and more in the latest Market Talks covering Health Care.
These Fun Pursuits Help Middle-Aged Folks Protect Brain Health, Study Finds
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, April 24, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Picking up an instrument. Taking a trip abroad. Going out to dinner with friends. All of these are pleasant activities that add spice to life. And they are also some of the most powerful ways to boost brain power and ...
Blowing Rock student turns grief into state science fair award
BLOWING ROCK — A Blowing Rock student wanted to find a way to include her dogs in her sixth-grade science project. What followed was months of research, the loss of
NOLA.com's Live from Jazz Fest: See Day 2 weather forecast, shows to catch, more
Keith Spera is previewing Jon Batiste and Lorde's shows. Ian McNulty is hunting down the best Friday Fest Food Finds. Join us! Today's live show is presented by Explore Louisiana and New Orleans and Company.
Why Eagles made 2026 NFL draft trade with Cowboys
Why did the Philadelphia Eagles make a draft-day trade with the Dallas Cowboys?? Find all the answers here.
Scientists find perfect fossils in rust beneath Australian farmland
Beneath the dry farmland of New South Wales lies a hidden window into a lost rainforest teeming with life from 11-16 million years ago. At McGraths Flat, scientists have uncovered fossils preserved in astonishing detail—not in typical rock like shale or sandstone, but in iron-rich sediment once thought incapable of such preservation. Tiny iron particles filled and captured entire cells, preserving everything from insect organs to fish eye pigments and delicate spider hairs.
Trying to find common ground? Look to sports and the athletes who inspire
Olympic gold medalists Brandi Chastain and Elana Meyers Taylor joined NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for a conversation with NBC Sports' Mike Tirico about sports as a unifying force.
Close, but still not good enough: Cubs 8, Phillies 7
The Phillies finally showed some signs of life, but nevertheless they still couldn’t manage to finally break their losing streak, which has now extended to nine games. They erased a 6-2 deficit and tied it at 7-7 in the ninth, but ultimately, they couldn’t find a way to win in extras while Dansby Swanson walked it off for the Cubs to win 8-7. Brandon Marsh went 4-5 with two home runs and three RBIs in a losing effort.
The Business of Two Babson Students Made $3 Million In One Year
Where else can you find student founders who's business made $3 million while pursuing their degrees? Only at Babson College.
What does the future hold for BYU cornerback Mory Bamba?
Bamba performed so well at pro day that he could find himself in the NFL next season.
Giant, 60-foot octopuses were apex predators 100 million years ago, fossil discovery shows
Rare fossil finds show colossal octopuses were among the top ocean predators during the Cretaceous Period, according to a new study.
Moment of Science: Discovery of Galileo’s notes opens window into astronomy history
Turning back the pages through centuries of science! Dan Smith has the story of an Italian historian's incredible find on a library shelf. 🔭📜
UK packaging maker to build up e-commerce business at Clinton Commerce Center
There were no presses left to stop for the news announced at the huge industrial building at 2201 Sweeney Dr. within Clinton Commerce Center in Findlay Township.
UW Student from Gillette Finds Hands-On Learning, Community in Environ
Alexandria Shinkle credits her hometown of Gillette with giving her a head start on her college education. The dual enrollment program with Gillette College allowed her to take college courses during
Sorrell College of Business Student Research Showcase highlights student work
From beef cattle to sports to physical fitness and weddings, students revealed their findings during the Sorrell College of Business Student Research Showcase on April 21 as part of Trojan Research Week. “I discovered that you can depreciate beef cows as assets,” said Kearston Clancy, who along with Rachel Temples presented “Determination of Individual Tax...Read More
Women in science – global study finds presence without power
Women make up one in three researchers worldwide, but they remain sidelined in scientific organisations.
Field Yates goes OL for Rams in final mock draft
The Rams could find their offensive line cornerstone at No. 13 instead of an offensive playmaker.
This Week in Sports Trivia: April 23, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
For Love of the Game: Discovering a Whole New Sport as an Adult
Finding volleyball in my 30s has been more rewarding than I ever expected.
Churn in the Statehouse should make for interesting, and crowded, legislative races
With five state senators and 19 House members either retiring or running for other offices in 2026, there will be significant Statehouse turnover come 2027, which means you don’t have to look too far down the ballot to find interesting battles in the primaries.
Scientists discover hidden forces are warping Earth deep beneath the surface
Scientists have mapped how Earth’s deepest mantle is being deformed—and the results point to long-lost tectonic plates buried thousands of kilometers underground. Using a massive global dataset of seismic waves, they found that most deformation happens in regions where these ancient slabs are thought to reside. The findings confirm long-standing theories but, for the first time, show the pattern on a global scale. It’s a major step toward understanding how the planet’s interior slowly churns over time.
DeSantis says he's taking up Jeffries' invitation to 'F-around and find out' on Florida redistricting effort
Gov. Ron DeSantis fires back at Hakeem Jeffries over Florida redistricting, inviting the Democratic leader to campaign in the state ahead of 2026 midterms.
2026 NFL Draft Odds: Back Big Ten to Have Even Bigger Round 1
Find out why Geoff Schwartz is backing the Big Ten to have more than a handful players hear their names called on Thursday.
HHS rejects publication of study showing Covid-19 vaccines prevent hospitalizations, ER visits
Covid-19 vaccines roughly halved the chances that a US adult would need to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized with their infections last fall and winter, according to two sources familiar with the findings of a new study. But you won’t hear about it from the agency that led the research: the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Claude Mythos AI Model Uncovers 271 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Firefox
Anthropic’s latest frontier AI model, Claude Mythos Preview, has identified a staggering 271 zero-day vulnerabilities in Mozilla Firefox marking a seismic shift in AI-powered cybersecurity defense. The findings, addressed in Firefox 150, represent the most significant single batch of security fixes in the browser’s history. The discovery didn’t happen in isolation. Since February 2026, Mozilla’s […]
No one can look Starmer in the eye … and the Mandy saga is not going away
The PM’s failure was being a spectator as Morgan McSweeney set about finding jobs for his mates
Preorders Are Live for the Switch 2-Exclusive Splatoon Raiders and Its Three Accompanying Amiibo Figures
Everything you need to know to preorder Splatoon Raiders for Nintendo Switch 2, including pricing, release date, and where to find the accompanying amiibo figures.
This is the surprising science behind the potato breed in your bag of chips
Michigan professor David Douches explains why the perfect chipping potato is so hard to find.
Jigi Dinero has the latest in entertainment headlines
Drake sent fans in a frenzy to find out his new album release date, plus other top stories from Jigi.
Ohio State releases findings in investigation into Ted Carter's business relationship with podcaster
Focusing in on human health research at annual space meeting
Long-duration spaceflight can chip away at an astronaut’s health, prompting scientists to find new ways to make living in space easier on the body. The journey to outer space is incredibly dangerous, but crews must also face day-to-day hazards, such as exposure to cancer-causing radiation, microgravity and extreme isolation. Understanding and ...
Christian nationalists more likely to oppose gun regulations and support political violence, study finds
A new article finds that for Christian nationalists with a high gun-owner identity, there is an instilled culture of personal and community protection that makes them more likely to endorse extreme actions like violence.
More Pennsylvanians unhappy with the state of health care, stressed out by politics, Muhlenberg poll finds
According to Muhlenberg College’s 2026 Pennsylvania Health Poll, Pennsylvanians’ outlook on health care continues to worsen.
70% of people believe at least one divisive health claim. Science needs a new playbook
Edelman’s 2026 Trust Barometer finds doubts about health recommendations are far from fringe — they're mainstream, global, and span education levels.
70% of people believe at least one divisive health claim. Science needs a new playbook
Edelman’s 2026 Trust Barometer finds doubts about health recommendations are far from fringe — they're mainstream, global, and span education levels.
Minnesota educators fight for a way to lower skyrocketing health insurance costs
As health insurance premiums continue to rise, Minnesota school districts – especially small, rural ones – struggle to find good, affordable health care coverage for their staff. Minnesota educators across the state want to be able to band together for better coverage and bargaining power in the marketplace.
Top 10 things to do this weekend, festival season kickoff edition
Find the best places to be this weekend in Cincinnati, from Asian Food Fest to Jane Austen Festival to belated Earth Day celebrations.
Belleville restaurant inspections find improper cleaning, food storage
Health inspections in Belleville restaurants found improper cleaning, food storage issues, and more from February to April.
Ancient DNA reveals a hidden Neanderthal group frozen in time
A remarkable genetic breakthrough has uncovered what may be one of the clearest snapshots yet of a Neanderthal “community” living together 100,000 years ago in what is now Poland. The findings reveal that these individuals shared genetic ties with Neanderthals spread across Europe and the Caucasus, hinting at widespread ancient lineages that later disappeared.
Scientists stunned as JWST finds ice clouds on a giant alien planet
Scientists have discovered unexpected water-ice clouds on a distant, Jupiter-like exoplanet, challenging current atmospheric models. By directly imaging Epsilon Indi Ab with the James Webb Space Telescope, they found less ammonia than expected—likely hidden by thick, patchy clouds. The finding reveals new layers of complexity in giant planets and shows how much we still have to learn.
9 in 10 Americans say brain health is important, but Alzheimer’s report finds most don’t know how to maintain it
While nearly 9 in 10 adults say brain health is very important, only a small number say they actually know how to maintain it, according to a new report from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Approval of Trump on economy falls in new AP-NORC poll, as Iran war drives up prices
The findings from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research show a president who is struggling with unfulfilled promises to tame inflation and testing Americans’ patience with a conflict in the Middle East that has dragged on longer than expected.
This Senior Couple Started a Business to Stop Snoring. Their Ad Was ‘Too Pornographic’ — Then They Hit $250K in Monthly Sales: ‘It’s Lunacy’
Lloyd and Sue Ecker went all the way back to 1888 to find a snoring solution.
Responding to Today's Gaps for Tomorrow's Health Emergencies: 2026 Ready or Not Report
Join Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) for a Congressional Briefing and National Webinar on the latest information on public health emergency readiness and findings from TFAH’s upcoming report, Ready or Not 2026: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism – releasing May 7th. The past year alone saw the U.S. facing the most […]
Mozilla Used Anthropic’s Mythos to Find and Fix 151 Bugs in Firefox
The Firefox team doesn’t think emerging AI capabilities will upend cybersecurity long term, but they warn that software developers are likely in for a rocky transition.
I was happy with my Pixel camera until I tried the Oppo Find X9 Ultra [Gallery]
While there are a ton of different things I care about on my smartphone, the camera is a huge deciding...
New ‘Jeopardy!’ Sports Spinoff to Be Hosted by Joe Buck
Find out its name, where show will air, and more.
Oppo announces the Find X9 Ultra with a 50MP 10x optical zoom telephoto camera
The Find X9 Ultra’s main camera is a 200-megapixel sensor. At 1/1.12 inches, Oppo says it’s the largest 200MP sensor in a phone yet, but the 10x optical zoom telephoto may be the star.
Chipolo’s Android Find Hub trackers actually have 1-year battery life, new wallet launches
Chipolo has a big update on its Find Hub trackers for Android, with the battery life rating having just doubled...
Beyond DTC: Finding the Best Business Model for Your Brand with Molly Sims and Randy Goldberg
The best brands aren’t choosing between online and in person retail—they’re doing both, intentionally. Bombas co-founder Randy Goldberg and YSE Beauty founder Molly Sims break down how to expand your model without diluting your brand.
Ohio State releases findings in investigation into Ted Carter's business relationship with podcaster
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Update
Starting today, Game Pass Ultimate drops from $29.99 to $22.99 a month. Find out more inside.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra debuts with dual 200MP cameras and 10x optical zoom
It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. After weeks of teasers, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is now official. Oppo unveiled its latest cameraphone...
NASA’s Curiosity Finds Organic Molecules Never Seen Before on Mars
After years of lab work, the results are in: A rock that NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover drilled and analyzed in 2020 includes the most diverse collection of
The most effective AI strategies for corporate law departments start with business goals
As corporate law departments adopt AI, a report finds departments must align its use with the priorities that matter most to the business.
'Nations need to prepare now': Key Atlantic ocean current is much closer to collapse than scientists thought
An alarming study claims the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is weakening more than than believed previously. But experts say its findings are far from the final word.
Ohio State releases findings in investigation into Ted Carter's business relationship with podcaster
Napping may be warning sign of health issues in older adults, study finds
For older adults, naps may be a warning sign of underlying conditions or declining health, according to a new study.
‘Is it life? We can’t tell’: Nasa’s Curiosity rover finds organic molecules on Mars
Scientists think they are looking at chemical building blocks of life preserved for 3.5bn years
NASA's Mars rover finds new organic matter in crater
NASA's Curiosity rover has identified more organic compounds as scientists investigate any potential ancient life signs on Mars. It was exploring the massive Gale Crater also believed to be a now-dry lake.
The Hasselblad In Your Pocket: Oppo’s Find X9 Ultra Challenges The Galaxy S26 Ultra
The latest phone from Oppo includes dual 200MP Hasselblad cameras and a 10x optical telephoto lens. But it doesn’t come cheap.
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
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