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A full-circle moment for Bay Port grad Alec Jeffers
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) — For new Green Bay YMCA Swim Team head coach Alec Jeffers, the journey to leading the program feels like the natural next step in a lifetime spent around the pool. Jeffers, a Bay Port High School graduate and former standout swimmer at UW-Stevens Point, was introduced to the sport at […]
French Quarter Business
French Quarter Business #1 New Orleans, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (Photo Jeff Strout) George Messina, Shelley Pigeon, Stacey Messina, Steven Queyrouze
Trusting Brad Stevens: (an open thread on Celtics trade rumors)
I don’t know what Brad Stevens is going to do, but he’s pretty good at his job
Steven Bartlett Claims 3 Glasses of Wine Cost Him 3 Days of Productivity. Here's What the Science Says
When "The Diary of a CEO" host claimed a few drinks ruined his productivity for days, critics scoffed. We turned to medical professionals and researchers for their take.
Commentary: ‘Disclosure Day’ underscores a Hollywood marketing dilemma
From "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" to "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "War of the Worlds," a UFO-themed blockbuster from Steven Spielberg has long been a can’t-miss event, and last
WNBA to Fine Azura Stevens $500 After Chicago Sky-New York Liberty Game
Azura Stevens struggled against the New York Liberty and even received a technical foul.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management: Science, Stewardship, and Shared Successes
One of the most innovative aspects of the Magnuson-Stevens Act was the establishment of eight regional councils to manage fisheries. Across the country, regional councils are tackling their own unique challenges, each shaped by their local coastal communities and united under a shared framework.
Building Scientists in the AI Era
Stevens Institute of Technology’s newly launched AI in Biology and Chemistry Community helps students explore AI’s role in health care, biotech and ed-tech careers.
Miami-Dade commissioners vote unanimously for new mental health center
Steven Leifman, a judge and finance chair of the Homeless Trust, has been on a quest to help address a societal problem he has experienced in his Miami-Dade courtroom, defendants with untreated mental health issues leading to what he says is a revolving door of arrest and release.
'Disclosure Day' anchor Courtney Grace breaks down that unforgettable ending
Her name is Courtney Grace and she carries Steven Spielberg's sci-fi thriller to its emotional climax. She discussed her experience working on the film.
Swansea City to make Crystal Palace's Ben Stevens sporting director
Swansea City are set to appoint Crystal Palace assistant sporting director Ben Stevens as their new sporting director.
Family farmers squeezed by high costs, uncertainty
McBee Farm & Cattle Company rancher Steven McBee Jr. discusses how large monopolies and rising input costs are leading to challenges for family farms on ‘The Bottom Line.’
Review | Spielberg’s return to science fiction, “Disclosure Day” is a bold, messy blockbuster
Steven Spielberg is one of the most prolific directors of all time, so obviously, when he has a new movie coming out, I get incredibly excited. Spielberg’s return to science fiction with “Disclosure Day” is in many ways just what I expected from him, but also was head-scratching in some areas that I thought it...
“Disclosure Day ”lands out-of-this-world opening weekend with $93 million at global box office
While Steven Spielberg's extraterrestrial drama invades the world, 24-year-old Curry Barker's low-budget horror "Obsession" achieves a rare domestic feat.
'Disclosure Day' lands out-of-this-world opening weekend with $93 million at global box office
Steven Spielberg's alien oddity 'Disclosure Day' conquered the world this weekend with a $93 million gross, while the ultra low-budget horror 'Obsession' continues to surge in its fifth weekend in theaters.
Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' opens No. 1
Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” billed as his first popcorn movie in years, launched with $44 million in domestic theaters.
Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' opens No. 1, while 'Obsession' sensation continues
Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” billed as his first popcorn movie in years, launched with $44 million in domestic theaters. “Disclosure Day” opened largely as expected, collecting $92.9 million worldwide over
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ opens No. 1, while ‘Obsession’ sensation continues
NEW YORK (AP) — Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” billed as his first popcorn movie in years, launched with $44 million in domestic theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Disclosure Da…
Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' opens No. 1, while 'Obsession' sensation continues
Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” billed as his first popcorn movie in years, launched with $44 million in domestic theaters.
Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' opens No. 1, while 'Obsession' sensation continues
NEW YORK — Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” billed as his first popcorn movie in years, launched with $44 million in domestic theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Sunday Patriots Notes: Pats seek to ‘weaponize’ Drake Maye’s mind
Notes and thoughts on Drake Maye’s development, Rhamondre Stevenson’s leadership, and more.
Steven Spielberg’s career has been an alien crusade culminating in ‘Disclosure Day’
Steven Spielberg has always believed we’re not alone in this universe. With ‘Disclosure Day,’ he may make a believer out of you, too.
Spielberg’s new alien movie asks: Who gets to decide the truth?
In 1977, Steven Spielberg’s "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" imagined contact with aliens as an event inspiring awe. Five years later, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" envisioned another arrival as a
A UAP Science Advisory Council to the U.S.
On June 12, 2026, Steven Spielberg publicly released his film Disclosure Day while on the same day the U.S. Government disclosed the third…
Olivia Rodrigo's new album, Steven Spielberg's latest UFO film, and “Every Year After” top this week's Must List
James Ellroy's "Red Sheet" and Lena Dunham's "Famesick" round out our picks for the weekend of June 12.
Spielberg seeks blockbuster comeback with ‘Disclosure Day’
Steven Spielberg began tackling the story for his latest movie, "Disclosure Day," after a rare sequence of two films that fell flat at the box office. He started writing in
What Does the Alien’s Message Mean in 'Disclosure Day'? All About the End of Steven Spielberg’s New Movie
'Disclosure Day,' starring Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, premiered in theaters June 12. Here's the end of Steven Spielberg's new movie explained.
Steven Spielberg was 'consistently turned down' to direct a Bond movie, says now 'you can't afford me'
The "Disclosure Day" filmmaker unsuccessfully campaigned for the job early in his career.
Acknowledgments
This report was made possible by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. This report is a collaborative effort based on the input and analysis of the following individuals: Research team Jocelyn Kiley, Director, Political ResearchSteven Shepard, Associate Director, Political ResearchHannah Hartig, Senior ResearcherBaxter […]
Steven Chiu, Prominent California Healthcare Regulatory Attorney, Joins Crowell & Moring in California
Los Angeles – June 10, 2026: Steven Chiu, an experienced and versatile health care regulatory attorney with more than 16 years of experience advising leading health care clients, has joined Crowell &…
Steven Spielberg doesn't want to be the first human to meet aliens: 'I would not be the right person'
Steven Spielberg says that he doesn't want to be the first human to meet alien visitors: 'I would not be the right person.'
Pro-Israel Group Pushes for Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate Race
The main super PAC tied to the influential American Israel Public Affairs Committee released its first ads backing Ms. Stevens, a moderate congresswoman locked in a tight three-way primary.
Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, and Steven Spielberg look to the stars in EW's “Disclosure Day” cover shoot —see the photos
See all the pics of the "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" filmmaker and the leads of his new UFO thriller.
Movie Review: ‘Disclosure Day’ is classic Spielberg
Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day” takes the filmmaker back to familiar territory. The film follows Daniel Kellner, played by Josh O’Connor, who’s caught in a conspiracy involving extraterrestrial life. Emily Blunt
Steven Spielberg exposes the truth about his latest extra-terrestrial thriller 'Disclosure Day'
Steven Spielberg is still looking to the stars. The 'E.T.' filmmaker and actors Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth declassify their mysterious thriller 'Disclosure Day.'
'Disclosure Day' review: I wish life were like a Steven Spielberg movie
Josh O'Connor and Emily Blunt race to save humanity in this alien thriller.
Can AI Agents Replicate Science? Argonne's Rick Stevens Puts Them to the Test
Have we reached a point where AI agents can reliably function as scientific collaborators? Can they go one step further and work as autonomous scientists? Stevens is an Associate Laboratory […]
The Code As Witness: A Book About Science, Politics & Pandemic Inquiry
The Code as Witness written by Steven C. Quay is part scientific investigation, part policy strategy, and part warning about the future of biological research.
The Code As Witness: A Book About Science, Politics & Pandemic Inquiry
The Code as Witness written by Steven C. Quay is part scientific investigation, part policy strategy, and part warning about the future of biological research.
'The Diary of a CEO' host Steven Bartlett's best business advice
"Hot Smart Rich" host Maggie Sellers Reum got an investment from "The Diary of a CEO" star Steven Bartlett and valuable advice.
Scientists ejected from diabetes conference for distributing journal reprints
Those ousted included ADA journal editor-in-chief Steven Kahn and former ADA president Desmond Schatz...
UW diabetes researcher removed from conference by police
Steven Kahn, director of the UW Diabetes Research Center, was removed by police from a national conference as he and others handed out copies of an editorial.
Chuck Schumer Privately Backs Haley Stevens in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader, has remained officially neutral on the race, but in conservations with donors, he has been clear about which candidate he supports.
NIH Selects Dr. Steven Schiff as Director of Fogarty International Center, Associate Director for International Research
Dr. Schiff will serve as the ninth permanent director of FIC.
Digging out: One man’s recovery and the business it inspired
Craig Stevens was just a kid when he started to build worlds. While growing up in West Brookfield, he’d take the blocks he was always given for Christmas and construct cities in his backyard. He used the garden hose to make flowing rivers, his hands to sculpt the land. When he was 10, he wanted […]
Can Hollywood help heal America's divides?
Steven Olikara believes movies and TV can help Americans move beyond caricature, contempt and political division.
Guardians' Steven Kwan: Contributes immediately
Guardians' Steven Kwan: Contributes immediately
Can movies and TV help bridge America’s political divide?
Steven Olikara believes movies and TV can help Americans move beyond caricature, contempt and political division.
All-New ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle Raises the Bar for Gaming Handhelds
Discover the all-new ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle with a stunning 7.4" OLED Nebula HDR display, AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, and ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR Glasses. Celebrate 20 years of ROG with the ultimate portable gaming setup.
All-New ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle Raises the Bar for Gaming Handhelds
Discover the all-new ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle with a stunning 7.4" OLED Nebula HDR display, AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, and ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR Glasses. Celebrate 20 years of ROG with the ultimate portable gaming setup.
Patriots players offer honest take on A.J. Brown rumors
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas and running back Rhamondre Stevenson shared their thoughts on A.J. Brown potentially joining the Patriots.
Lawmakers Push IRS To Issue 'Prompt' Tax Guidance For Marijuana Businesses Now That Rescheduling Is Happening
A group of congressional lawmakers are pressing federal officials to issue “prompt guidance” on tax issues for marijuana businesses in light of the Trump administration’s move to federally reschedule cannabis. A new letter, led by Reps. Steven Horsford (D-NV and Steve Cohen (D-TN), notes that “state-legal cannabis businesses have been denied ordinary business tax deductions […]
Marvin Forland, MD, founding faculty member of the UT Health San Antonio medical school, passes away at 93 - UT Health San Antonio
Internist, nephrologist, educator, leader helped shape the school in its early years Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, May 28, 2026 – Marvin Forland, MD, MACP, a founding faculty member of the School of Medicine at what was then The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio – now the Joe R. […]
Marshfield Clinic invests $90K in community health through United Way
Marshfield Clinic donated $90,000 to United Way of Wisconsin to boost community health initiatives within its service area.
Steven Stenzler Recognized by Sacramento Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 Honoree
Steven Stenzler, a senior policy advisor in Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s State Government Relations Group, was recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of its 2026 40 Under 40…
Work begins this week on Business 51 reconstruction project in Stevens Point
Drivers in Stevens Point will begin seeing closures this week as the Business 51 reconstruction project gets underway.
Lake Stevens dual-sports star was destined for college baseball. Then last fall happened
Lake Stevens' Blake Moser always expected to play baseball in college, but a big junior season as the Vikings' quarterback suddenly has college football coaches taking notice.
TheBodyPro: Can gene therapy control HIV? Steven Deeks, M.D., explains the science
A single dose of anti-HIV duoCAR-T cellular therapy is safe — and might lead to sustained control of HIV in the absence of any ART in some individuals.
Chad Stevens Full GAME LOG
View Chad Stevens's full Game Log from the null MLB season
OPM’s top official for healthcare and insurance resigns
Shane Stevens, who has been serving as associate director of healthcare and insurance at OPM since last summer, is voluntarily resigning from the role.
Steven Thrasher on Why We Must Think Past Skin-Deep Identity Politics
A conversation with the author of The Overseer Class about how people from marginalized groups can "mistake representation for liberation and confuse visibility with safety," as Kwaneta Harris put it.
'The Late Show' is ending on May 21. Here's what led CBS to cancel Stephen Colbert, why David Letterman says he's 'pissed off' and who the final guests are.
This week's announced guests include Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne and Bruce Springsteen.
Delaware Division of Public Health Director Announces Retirement - State of Delaware News
DOVER, Del. (May 18, 2026) — After 32 years of dedicated service, Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Director Steven Blessing announced his retirement effective July 1, 2026. The first non-physician DPH Director in state history, Blessing led the organization through many changes during his tenure and leaves a legacy of meaningful initiatives that have, […]
Roberts and Sweeney among seven to leave Stevenage
Midfielder Jordan Roberts and defender Dan Sweeney are among seven players released by League One club Stevenage.
Steven Soderbergh used AI in a documentary about John Lennon. And he wants to talk about it
The day John Lennon was shot in 1980, he and Yoko Ono gave an interview to a San Francisco radio crew from their home in New York’s Dakota Apartments | WWJ Newsradio 950
Steven Soderbergh used AI in a documentary about John Lennon. And he wants to talk about it
The day John Lennon was shot in 1980, he and Yoko Ono gave an interview to a San Francisco radio crew from their home in New York’s Dakota Apartments | Talk 1370
Steven Soderbergh used AI in a documentary about John Lennon. And he wants to talk about it
The day John Lennon was shot in 1980, he and Yoko Ono gave an interview to a San Francisco radio crew from their home in New York’s Dakota Apartments.
Rockets 2025-2026 season in review: Steven Adams
Another season in the books for Aquaman!
SF business owners in Mission District say drug use, encampment fires are worsening
Small business owners on Clinton Park and Stevenson Street in the Mission say conditions have worsened in recent months as enforcement and encampment cleanups at major hotspots increase in other parts of the city.
Santa Clara University, Sutter Health to open new medical school
The new institution, to be named the Mark and Mary Stevens School of Medicine, will be located in northern Santa Clara near a planned Sutter Health medical complex.
Sutter, Santa Clara Launch New Medical School
Sutter Health and Santa Clara University to Launch the Mark & Mary Stevens School of Medicine Funded in part by a $175 million gift from Mark and Mary Stevens, it will be the first new medical school in the San Francisco Bay Area in more than a century. SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Sutter Health and […]
'Lower the stigma': Kwan hosts chess tourney for mental health awareness
CLEVELAND -- Steven Kwan and the Guardians had a team off-day on Thursday, on the heels of a stretch of playing 13 games in as many days. However, Progressive Field was buzzing with activity for a great cause. Kwan hosted the second annual “Check on Your Mate" chess tournament on
Learn more about Business 51 South project at May 19 meeting
A public meeting on May 19 will provide information on the Business 51 South improvements project in Stevens Point.
Riverfront Rendezvous adds drone show and more entertainment for 2026
Riverfront Rendezvous will feature a drone light show, bigger fireworks display and more in 2026 to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary.
‘NCIS’ Boss Confirms ‘Someone Was Hit’ in Finale Shooting Cliffhanger
Showrunner Steven D. Binder also discusses Knight/Palmer, Knight/Torres, and more.
Democratic strategist launches effort to repeal California’s two-top primary
Steven Maviglio submitted his “Undo the Top Two” proposal on Friday to state officials.
Penn State Health names Bradley Stevens vice president of ambulatory services
Penn State Health has appointed Bradley Stevens as vice president of ambulatory services. In his new role, Stevens will help ensure that Penn State Health’s ambulatory strategy supports both the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Penn State Health names Bradley Stevens vice president of ambulatory services
Penn State Health has appointed Bradley Stevens as vice president of ambulatory services. In his new role, Stevens will help ensure that Penn State Health’s ambulatory strategy supports both the…
Nutrition manager calls new career a 'dream come true'
Steve Reves' positive influence on residents and teammates is why he’s the National Ever Forward Leader Champion for Good Samaritan.
Tampa estate with go-kart track listed for $115 million: See photos
Energy executive Steven Lempera has listed his Tampa estate for $115 million, aiming to break local sales records.
Technical college students pitch new business ideas in Stevens Point
Wisconsin technical college students pitched business ideas at the New Ideas Pitch Challenge in Stevens Point, gaining real-world experience.
IPERS CEO Samorajski resigns
Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced she has accepted the resignation of Greg Samorajski, former chief executive officer of the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System. His resignation was received May 1 and was effective immediately. Samorajski was placed on administrative leave March 31 as a result of alleged misconduct allegations. IPERS Chief Benefits Officer Steven Herbert…
Horsford Takes "Congressman on the Job" to the Kitchen, Spotlighting Small Business Crisis
NORTH LAS VEGAS- Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) continued his “Congressman on the Job” series, a district-wide initiative where he steps directly into Nevada workplaces to experience firsthand the challenges facing workers, small businesses, and families across the Fourth District.
Celtics' Brad Stevens Reveals Severity of Jayson Tatum's Injury
The Boston Celtics were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and Jayson Tatum missed Game 7 of the series.
Stevens: Politics and vulgarity not a good mix
If you have sensed that our politicians are using more vulgarity in public discourse in the last 10 years, you are right. In the past, politicians have only occasionally used
NYC business bigwig slams Zohran Mamdani's 'Tax the Rich' video outside Ken Griffin's home as 'ugly'
Breese Stevens Field is still breaking the rules, 100 years later
Breese Stevens, Madison’s downtown sports and recreational stadium, celebrates 100 years on May 5. Since it opened, the field has defied definition.
Scott Galloway: Top skills for AI-proofing kids' future careers
Parents should tell their kids to prioritize storytelling skills in the AI era, Scott Galloway told Steven Bartlett on "The Diary of a CEO."
Minocqua Brewing owner Bangstad says he's launching run for governor
Liberal activist Kirk Bangstad said he is launching a campaign for governor, days after the FBI interviewed him over a Trump assassination remark.
2026 Best & Brightest MBA: Steven Pillon, Cambridge Judge Business School
Steven Pillon, who is graduating from Cambridge Judge, has been named a Poets&Quants Best & Brightest MBA for 2026
Horsford Works Alongside North Las Vegas Small Business Owner Impacted by Republican Healthcare Cuts
NORTH LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) continued his “Congressman on the Job” series, a district-wide initiative where he steps directly into Nevada workplaces to experience firsthand the challenges facing workers, small businesses, and families across the Fourth District.
Ypsilanti Lincoln vs Jackson | HS Boys Lacrosse Highlights
Airdate: April 29th, 2026 Ypsilanti Lincoln vs Jackson | HS Boys Lacrosse Highlights | JTV SportsApril 30, 2026Tim & Torri Meunier, Jackson First United Methodist ChurchApril 30, 2026Katie Osman & Megan Stevens, VCL Schools Yes CommitteeApril 30, 2026Today’s News – Thursday April 30th – The Morning ShowApril 30, 2026Girls Soccer Ypsilanti Lincoln at Jackson, 04-29-2026…
Josh O'Connor reveals the 'amazing' advice he got from Steven Spielberg — that was actually a mixed-up text
O'Connor was "so thrilled" with the "E.T." director's unprompted late-night counseling, until it became a "very big joke" on set.
Delap wants to stay at Chelsea
Liam Delap wants to stay and fight for his Chelsea career, Barcelona contact Atletico Madrid over a possible Julian Alvarez transfer, Steven Gerrard could be in contention to replace Scott Parker as manager of Burnley, plus more.
UT Health San Antonio researchers awarded grant to study how circadian rhythm disruptions may contribute to Alzheimer’s - UT Health San Antonio
Environmental stressors like jet lag, high-fat foods suspected as disease risk Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu Content provided by Claire Kowalick SAN ANTONIO, April 27, 2026 – Can jet lag cause more than just sleep loss? Do quick-grab, high-fat foods associated with late-night or rotating work shifts bring more than indigestion? Those circadian […]
Dave & Buster's Entertainment Chief Information Officer Steven Klohn Sells 34% Of Holding
We'd be surprised if Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shareholders haven't noticed that the Chief...
Entertainment Committee’s TechFest 2026 with Rachel Chinouriri
On April 8, as the end of the spring semester approached, Stevens Entertainment Committee (EC) hosted the highly anticipated musical event to kick off the summer festivities: TechFest 2026 Each year, the student-run Entertainment Committee works to coordinate a memorable event filled with fun activities, performances from students, and top musicians. Previous years’ headliners included
How to get clinical and ops staff to adopt new tech – a major health IT challenge
"It's coming at them at a very fast pace," says Broward Health CIO Steven Travers, who advises healthcare organizations to ensure new tools fit both what an organization is is trying to accomplish, and the existing processes of frontline staff.
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