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‘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
The unfinished business of Sonia Hayes and Mildred Frisby
Maryland Sen. Antonio Hayes reflects on the enduring influence of his mother, Sonia Hayes, and grandmother, Mildred Frisby, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day commentary about resilience, sacrifice and public service. Drawing from his upbringing in West Baltimore’s Penn North community, Hayes connects his legislative work to the struggles and hopes of the women who shaped his life and inspired his commitment to improving Baltimore neighborhoods.
Jelly Roll's comedy stand-up debut was raunchy, unfiltered and completely him
Jelly Roll hosted a comedy night for Netflix Is a Joke fest, delivering a phone-free set fans actually respected.
Atlanta Braves legend Cox dies: team
Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, a four-time National League Manager of the Year who guided the team to a World Series victory in 1995, has died, the club announced on Saturday."He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995.
GUEST ROOM | Unfinished Campus Business: Memorializing Three Young People Who Gave Their Lives for the Right to Vote
Bill Schechter ’68 argues that three civil rights activists, including a Cornell alum, whose murders spurred the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 deserve to finally have a memorial erected at Cornell as a daily expression of the University's unwavering values.
The ultimate Tampa Bay weekend entertainment guide
Explore the Tampa Bay Weekend Entertainment Guide for concerts, nightlife, and unforgettable events across the Bay area this weekend.
2 early Lightning trade targets after Game 7 Canadiens loss
The Lightning have lost in the first round on four consecutive occasions, potentially putting them in the trade market this offseason.
Bloody primary battle’ unfolding in California’s 40th district
Both Kim and Calvert have laid claim to the district as “theirs.”
Bloody primary battle’ unfolding in California’s 40th district
Both Kim and Calvert have laid claim to the district as “theirs.”
N.Y. lawmaker calls budget process a 'dictatorship'
As the battle surrounding the state budget continues to unfold, lawmakers in both houses of the New York State Legislature are sounding off on how long the budget process is dragging out.
When the state controls science
Evidence-based policy making is on the ropes and federal agencies are deeply compromised. There’s a historical precedent, unfortunately.
The merits and pitfalls of metaphor use in science communication
Effective science communication is a powerful but underrated tool. Metaphors, a common literary device, draw connections between unlike things and are often conceptually, innately understood. In science and science communication, these figures of speech act as a means of structuring concepts to provide the basis for further exploration. The use of metaphors in science can be a catalyst for change, invention, and, unfortunately, misunderstanding. Metaphors should be used responsibly when attempting to make complex scientific concepts easily understandable, and should weigh the accuracy and accessibility of information in a favorable balance.
ENTERTAINMENT: FUNFEST set for River Market; bike rodeo ready on Baseline Road
FUN501FEST 2026, "a celebration of our community and the people who sustain it" marking 501 Day, which happened on May 1, features live entertainment, a Creators' Village marketplace of local vendors, interactive art installations, food trucks and "engaging activities designed for the entire family," 4-8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at 350 E. Second St. in Little Rock's River Market Entertainment District.
Valve commits to restocking its Steam Controller after it "ran out faster than we anticipated"
The resource for people who make and sell games.
Sunflower Sports Report (5/3): Nowhere is home: Peyton Williams’ basketball journey
After two short-lived WNBA opportunities, Peyton Williams built the bulk of her career across multiple countries, adjusting year to year.
Leaker claims Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake could be split into two parts
Nash Weedle, whose track record is unfortunately spotty at best, has posted some information he has heard about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake which was originally leaked by NateDrake.
🥐☕️FC Breakfast: Zlatan's shaved head, the UNFP blunder!
Zlatan’s shaved head ✂Zlatan Ibrahimović lost a bet with American football legend Tom Brady, who didn’t hesitate to follow through… clippers in hand.UNFP awards: another incomprehensible snub...
Flyers Announcer Seemingly Calls to Injure Hurricanes Goaltender
The Carolina Hurricanes are no strangers to the heated competition of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, nor are they unfamiliar with […]
Sunflower Sports Report (5/3): Biggest headlines of the week
Here are the biggest headlines this week on Sunflower Sports Report.
The Cost of Gutting Science Is Invisible Yet Enormous
Intelligence agencies often complain that they are judged unfairly because you hear about their failures, not their successes. It’s hard to evaluate anything based on what didn’t happen — even when that’s really the important thing. The problem is just as salient for those trying to create a better future as trying to avert a worse one. When it comes to research, we can see technologies and industries that exist. We can’t see the ones that were never invented because the science that should have
Sports Roundup: Weekend Scores & Latest Power Rankings
Nantucket Current is the island's leading online news source. We deliver the news, stories, and people of Nantucket, unbiased and unfiltered.
Reactions: “Created very few attacking opportunities”
Ole Book (in the mixed zone): “We put in a very good performance last week and were really hoping to build on that. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to do so. We created very, very few attacking op...
Helping Scientists Take Their Research Global: 7 Lessons - by Elena Brandt
The W.E.I.R.D research participant problem persists not because scientists fail to see it as a problem worth solving, but because conducting studies in new, unfamiliar places is difficult. But overcoming this difficulty is doable and essential.
Burcum: The race to rescue HCMC
The fight to save Minnesota’s most essential hospital is urgent, unfinished, and only going to get harder, columnist Jill Burcum writes.
Despite blowing 3-1 lead after standout regular season, the Celtics remain unfazed: 'We stick to the process'
Business Lookahead: Eyeing oil, US jobs, and European earnings
STORY: From high oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East to U.S. jobs data and corporate earnings, here’s what you need to watch in business and finance in the week ahead.:: Crude and currencyOil prices briefly topped $120 a barrel this week to hit their highest level since 2022 as the war with Iran enters a third month.While the U.S. and Iran face pressure to end a conflict that has shut the Strait of Hormuz, the world watches anxiously as the biggest-ever disruption to energy supplies unfolds.For each week the Strait is closed, keeping oil elevated, the greater the economic risks via higher inflation or weak growth or, for some, both. Oil importer Japan just intervened to prop up a yen that has been weakened by the conflict.A new month is now underway and some traders will be mindful of that old adage, "Sell in May and go away.":: Jobs gyrationsAs the U.S. economy grapples with fallout from the Middle East war, Wall Street's radar turns to Friday's April monthly payrolls report.The U.S. economy likely created 73,000 new jobs, economists polled by Reuters forecast. In March, payrolls increased by 178,000, the most since December 2024, but that followed a sharp decline in February.The U.S. employment data comes amid signs of hawkishness at the Federal Reserve, as Donald Trump pick Kevin Warsh prepares to take over as chair with the U.S. president keen on rate cuts.:: Starmer’s statusThursday's local elections in Britain, usually a non-event for investors, could move markets in a big way, with opinion polls pointing to a heavy defeat for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party.A heavy defeat could spark more widespread demands for his dismissal among his own lawmakers and stoke expectations of a successor more willing to run looser budgets. That would bring more bad news for British bonds.::European earningsIt's a big week for European earnings with Shell and Commerzbank among those reporting.On aggregate, profits are expected to grow 3.2% in Q1, according to LSEG I/B/E/S. Under the surface, it's a little bit more complicated. Growth is expected to be driven by just three sectors: financials, tech and energy. The latter is seen as the biggest beneficiary of the Iran war due to higher oil and gas prices.But if the war, and energy surge, persist, the overall outlook for Europe's earnings could turn.
Preparing neighborhoods and small businesses for a summer of sports
Together with our partners, we are committed to making the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup an unforgettable moment for Seattle – one that strengthens local businesses, celebrates our neighborhoods, and showcases Seattle on a global stage.
Florida Yacht Charter Business Fights $1.5 Million Tax Bill
A Florida yachting venture that participated in high-stakes offshore fishing tournaments before unforeseen setbacks forced a pivot to luxury charters told the US Tax Court the IRS wrongly defined its business as a hobby and assessed more than $1.5 million in tax liabilities.
Americans continue to view both the Republican and Democratic parties negatively
The share of Americans holding unfavorable views of both parties has grown over time, rising to 26% today compared with 21% in 2020.
Where UNC lands in USA TODAY Sports' post-spring practice re-rank
An unfavorable 2025 season gives the UNC football team a bleak outlook heading into the fall. Where does USA TODAY Sports rank the Tar Heels?
PickleJar Entertainment Group Provides Fan Engagement Platform for Romantic Comedy Sunflower Child Starring Gavin Casalegno
Following Buyer Introduction at European Film Market in Berlin, MSR Media International to Continue International Distribution Push at Upcoming Cannes Film Festival Amazon's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Star Leads Ensemble Cast; Project Now in Post-P...
UNFINISHED BUSINESS FOR DEJORIA AT SGMP
BROWNSBURG, Ind. (APRIL 29, 2026) – John Force Racing’s Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team rolls into the May 1-3 NHRA Southern Nationals with
Portland enacts buffer on music venues, could halt Live Nation development
Opponents of the buffer claimed it was unfair to change the zoning rules after the development was cleared by the planning board. Supporters said a large, corporate venue would endanger the smaller, local venues in town.
Rebranded Fairgrounds Restaurant Among Several New Liquor &…
Nantucket Current is the island's leading online news source. We deliver the news, stories, and people of Nantucket, unbiased and unfiltered.
Kacey Musgraves Taps Mariachi Brothers Detained by ICE to Open Texas Shows
The Gámez-Cuéllar brothers, Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua, will support Musgraves at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels next month
Opinion | Assassination Attempts Have Unforeseen Political Consequences
Assassination attempts against sitting presidents have tended to compound their political problems and isolate them from the public.
Downtown Milwaukee food trucks must close earlier, owners say it's unfair
Milwaukee food truck owners say a new ordinance forcing them to close by 10 p.m. will destroy their businesses.
Dumas Teases Welterweight Move After Latest Loss
Sedriques Dumas continued to struggle at UFC Vegas 116. The Floridian “Reaper” started off his UFC career well enough, winning three of his first five bouts in addition to his Contender Series success. Unfortunately, it’s been off the rails ever since, as he’s winless in his last four fights. He was stopped in all three […]
Stephen A. Smith calls out heated political rhetoric after WHCD security scare
Stephen A. Smith recounts the fear inside the White House Correspondents' Dinner after gunfire outside the Washington Hilton sparked widespread panic.
Cowboys' George Pickens joins Eagles' AJ Brown and Steelers' Aaron Rodgers atop the NFL's top unfinished business
Facts compete with conspiracy theories after WHCD attack
No sooner had a gunman tried to storm the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the White Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place Saturday night, than social media was awash with conspiracy theories about what was still unfolding in real time.
Altman makes courtroom appearance as potential jurors slam AI, Musk
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was spotted at a California courthouse, where some potential jurors shared unfavorable views about AI — and Elon Musk
Alleged Trump Shooter's Steam Game Pulled From Sale
A wealth of incredibly unfunny reviews were added over the weekend until the game was yoinked
A First-of-Its-Kind Entertainment Experience Comes to the Warren County Prime Beef Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable night as the Warren County Prime Beef Festival raises the bar on entertainment with something never before seen at any
35 Years Ago, Queen Elizabeth Charmed Congress. King Charles Will Face a Harder Room
King Charles’s address to Congress on Tuesday will unfold in a more polarized Washington than the one that greeted Queen Elizabeth at the end of the Cold War.
Distracting from unfinished business
North Carolina House Republicans introduced a bill Thursday that would ban books from elementary school libraries and allow the state to withhold salaries from school district leaders who violate the state law known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”
Even Before the Gunfire. Many Guests Bore the Scars of Political Violence
Gunfire at a press gala on Saturday underscored the ever growing club of political figures whose lives have been upended by violence.
With three weeks left in Missouri legislative session, what unfinished business is there?
The countdown is on for the Missouri Legislature. State lawmakers have three weeks remaining this second session of the 103rd General Assembly. So far, they have passed 19 policy bills. Buckle up: they still have plenty of unfinished business. Which key bills are lingering? •The main focus is to pass a $50 billion state budget […]
We were there: Hearing gunfire and ducking for cover at the DC gala
The Times had six reporters at the dinner, seated at a table near the right side of the stage. Here's what happened when the shooting started.
Sunflower Sports Report (4/26): Washburn and Emporia State split Turnpike Tussle, game three underway
Sunflower Sports Report (4/26): Washburn and Emporia State split Turnpike Tussle, game three underway
Sunflower Sports Report (4/26): KU baseball leads Sunflower Showdown, game three in weather delay
The Kansas baseball team is leading the Sunflower Showdown series 2-0 with game three in a weather delay.
A chaotic White House Correspondents' Dinner, as told by NPR reporters in the room
Top government officials were rushed out of the Washington Hilton after gunshots were heard at the dinner. NPR journalists describe hiding under tables and scrambling for information as the night unfolded.
Houston police fatally shoot suspect after business break-in and gunfire exchange
Houston police shot and killed a man late Saturday night after he allegedly broke into cars and opened fire on employees inside a business, authorities said.
Sexual misconduct scandals in Washington spark scramble for reforms, expedited investigations
Scandals and resignations have reignited a debate about whether Washington’s rules and institutions for self-oversight can keep pace with the unfolding misconduct.
I shopped Gap's Victoria Beckham collection. It's good, but flawed.
The Gap x Victoria Beckham line is full of high-quality basics and chic designs. Unfortunately, many of the items seemed too tight or too long on me.
Unfounded health concerns are powering a solar backlash
Unfounded health concerns are powering a solar backlash
Windows 11 will let you skip updates, pause longer, and avoid forced restarts
New controls let you skip updates during setup, extend pauses, and avoid forced reboots.
Trump weighs in on Polymarket Insider trading arrest: ‘The whole world unfortunately has become somewhat of a casino.’
Unfounded Health Concerns Are Powering a Solar Backlash
Across the U.S., critics are pressuring public officials to stop or stall new solar projects, often citing unfounded health concerns.
Madrid Presents the Transformation Project of the Former Olympic Aquatic Center Site into a Multifunctional Complex for Sports, Entertainment, and Education
Barsento, the joint venture formed by Live Nation, Oak View Group (OVG), and Atlético de Madrid, has today presented the transformation project of the former Olympic Aquatic Center site alongside the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. The initiative will breathe new life into the unfinished Aquatic Center building, transforming…
Google Pixel's battery problems are unforgivable after 10 years
After 10 Pixel generations, five of which have shipped with Google's own Tensor processor, it's unacceptable to see this many battery issues still.
Indigenous health can’t be separated from environmental health, leaders tell UN
At Permanent Forum, leaders connect climate change, mining, and deforestation to mounting health crisis and demand coordinated approach to land rights.
Analysis: Fans have turned on Rosenior
It marked radical new low point in a bleak run of five consecutive league defeats without a goal for Chelsea - their worst such sequence in more than a century and one that few supporters have witnessed in their lifetime. Given the club's success over the past 25 years, it is perhaps understandable that patience is thin for a head coach appointed just three months ago from Chelsea's partner club, Strasbourg. There were early signs that the night might not unfold as Rosenior had hoped.
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.
Shohei Ohtani's roster spot an unfair advantage, claims Craig Counsell ahead of weekend Dodgers-Cubs series
As a two-way player, Ohtani is listed as a position player, which allows the Dodgers to roster 13 other pitchers
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
Ocean Casino Resort Unveils Summer 2026 Lineup with High-Energy Entertainment, New Openings, Expanded Private Jet Service and Seasonal Amenities
/PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Casino Resort is setting the stage for an unforgettable Summer 2026 with an exciting lineup of headlining entertainment at HQ2 Beachclub...
This new camera captures what happens in a trillionth of a second
Scientists have unveiled a breakthrough imaging method that can capture the hidden details of events unfolding in trillionths of a second. This new technique doesn’t just track how bright something is—it also reveals subtle structural changes that were previously invisible, all in a single shot. By effectively turning ultrafast phenomena into detailed “movies,” researchers can now watch plasma form, electrons move, and materials transform in real time.
NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round after Dexter Lawrence trade
The Dexter Lawrence trade has shaken up the 2026 NFL Draft. Here's how experts see the draft unfolding in wake of that blockbuster deal.
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.
Lily Allen’s ‘West End Girl’ tour is a brutal, brilliant look at romantic betrayal
"Lily Allen Presents West End Girl" is a fearless display from a woman reclaiming her dignity. Here's how the concert show unfolds.
2026 NFL mock draft: 32 reporters make their first-round picks
Reporters who cover their teams on a daily basis predict how the first round of the 2026 NFL draft will unfold in The Times’ beat writers' mock draft.
Influencers Are Spinning Nicotine as a ‘Natural’ Health Hack
The influencers, many of them aligned with the Make America Healthy Again Movement, say the medical establishment has unfairly demonized the compound.
Barcelona winter signing suffers unfortunate knee injury
Barcelona have been handed a concerning update regarding one of their emerging defensive prospects, Patricio Pacifico, following a worrying incident during the recent Barça Atletic fixture against UE...
‘Sport as a Public Good’ talk spotlights gaps in youth sports education, access
There’s little that people enjoy more than play. Unfortunately, when it comes to our youth, we often fail in nurturing that love, former President of the U.S. Tennis Association and Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA Brian Hainline said. On Wednesday, April 15, Hainline spoke at the University of New Mexico Physics and Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science Building and said sports should be a public good to an audience including local sport leaders and athletes. He highlighted what he called an inadequate systemic support for sports in the U.S. Hainline’s lecture was hosted jointly by the UNM School of Medicine and Alumni Association.
Sports Roundup: Five Teams Win Final Games Ahead Of April Break
Nantucket Current is the island's leading online news source. We deliver the news, stories, and people of Nantucket, unbiased and unfiltered.
2026 NFL Draft gets massive shakeup after Dexter Lawrence trade: How the top 10 could now unfold
How this trade changes the draft and sends ripple effects across the entire NFL.
2026 AdventHealth 400 predictions, odds, start time: NASCAR at Kansas picks, best bets by advanced model
Best bets for NASCAR at Kansas as the AdventHealth 400 unfolds on Sunday with Tyler Reddick atop the Cup Series standings
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.”
I went to Coachella and masqueraded as an influencer for 48 hours. Unfortunately, it was amazing.
Some people say the California music festival has lots its magic. Maybe it has, but it's still a spectacle.
Unfinished business@ChicagoHoundsRugbyMLR vs @TheNewEnglandFreeJacks
7 meetings. 2 Conference Finals. A one-point classic 📺 Sunday 4 PM ET ESPN+ | 🎟️ https://bit.ly/MLRMusicCity
Trump administration considers unfreezing $20 billion in Iranian assets as peace talks hit home stretch
The Trump administration is considering unfreezing $20 billion in Iranian assets as part of ongoing negotiations with Tehran, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Scientists May Have Finally Solved the Mystery of Christopher Columbus’ Origins
Christopher Columbus purposely kept his ancestry a mystery during his life. But unfortunately for him, some researchers might have solved it.
Islanders Pack Board Of Health Meeting On Turf Field, But No Accord…
Nantucket Current is the island's leading online news source. We deliver the news, stories, and people of Nantucket, unbiased and unfiltered.
Ella Triunfa Series to Spotlight Women Breaking Barriers in Business a
Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with two powerhouse leaders from L’Oréal and The Campbell’s Company as we celebrate women who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose and shaping the future
Scientists Opened Up A Martian Meteorite And Found Ink From A Violet Gel Pen Inside
While we will have to wait a long time for samples collected on Mars to be returned to Earth, we do have Martian rock sent to us the old-fashioned way – unfortunately, analysis reveals a few surprises that shouldn't be there.
Multiple people injured in shooting at north Laredo business
Three men were injured Wednesday afternoon, April 15, when gunfire erupted inside a business in north Laredo, according to the Laredo Police Department.
Analysis of Alzheimer’s Drugs Stirs Debate About Their Effectiveness
The review said a certain class of drugs had little clinical benefit, but many Alzheimer’s experts criticized the analysis, saying it unfairly lumped failed drugs with two recently approved treatments.
Sonia Sotomayor apologizes for public comments about Brett Kavanaugh on immigration
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a highly unusual public apology to a colleague Wednesday, saying her criticism of Justice Brett Kavanaugh was unfair.
3 arrested after shots fired outside Clanton business
Officers responded shortly after 3 p.m. to a report of gunfire outside KMA Manufacturing, according toClanton police.
Maine lawmakers adjourn with unfinished business, may return to handle vetoes
State lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session a day early on Tuesday but left several issues unresolved.
Iron Hill Brewery reopening in Center City with "unfinished business"
Catching up with Stars GM Jim Nill: Unfinished business, injury updates, playoff format and more
Nill, whose team has gone to three straight conference finals, signed a two-year extension recently: "We haven’t finished what we’re doing."
Vendors, gig workers, and therapists push back on Philadelphia’s ‘very unfriendly’ business tax
One therapist's BIRT increased to more than $5,700 this year. "It exorbitantly affects my business," she said.
Trump Administration Accuses Biden DOJ of Unfairly Prosecuting Anti-Abortion Activists
The report is part of the president’s effort to claim anti-conservative and anti-Christian biases in federal law enforcement, even as he pushes to wield the legal system against his political enemies.
Virginia Health Officials Issue Fish Consumption Advisory for Occoquan Watershed
April 14, 2026 Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov Virginia Health Officials Issue Fish Consumption Advisory for Occoquan Watershed Contaminants Identified in Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass RICHMOND, Va. – Effective immediately, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is issuing a fish consumption advisory for the Occoquan watershed due to elevated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels in specific […]
Entertainment Host & Lifestyle Expert Josh McBride Launches New Podcast "The McBride Rewind" Featuring Iconic Voices of the 2000s/Late 1990s
Television host and entertainment personality Josh McBride is officially stepping into the podcast space with the debut of The McBride Rewind, a nostalgic, interview-style show celebrating the icons, culture, and unforgettable moments of the early 2000s.
Ultimate science trip
Thirteen juniors and seniors, led by three Westminster Christian Academy science teachers, spent their spring break exploring Quito, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. The trip was an unforgettable hands-on journey
After falling short last season, TF Sport has unfinished business in WEC
TF Sport's Corvettes were in title contention for much of last season but they ultimately fell short This year the aim is to finish the job.