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The Comeback of the Physical Store—and What It Means for Your Business
Brick-and-mortar retail is not declining but evolving, as stores take on new roles as logistics hubs, experiential destinations, and powerful drivers of demand and brand equity. Rising digital acquisition costs and operational challenges are pushing companies to integrate physical and online channels, using stores to improve fulfillment, customer engagement, and marketing effectiveness. The broader lesson for leaders: assets once viewed as liabilities can become competitive advantages when their role is reimagined and aligned with changing economics and customer behavior.
7 foods cardiologists love that won't bore you to tears — including some very clever swaps
You don't have to give up bacon and fries entirely, but occasionally swapping them for healthier foods or changing the way you prepare them can benefit your heart.
It’s time Colorado built back to affordability
By Samuel G. Michael The price of calling Colorado home has climbed faster than its fourteeners, and not everyone can keep up. Our beloved state is an increasingly unaffordable place to live, pricing out the very people who make it thrive. Without decisive legislative action, we risk losing the essence of what makes Colorado special. […]
Morrisey holds ceremonial signing for Small Business Growth Act
CHARLESTON – Gov. Patrick Morrisey held a ceremonial signing Tuesday for a bill – the first to pass the West Virginia Legislature during the recent session – that focuses on benefiting existing small businesses in the state. Morrisey held a ceremonial bill signing Tuesday afternoon for Senate Bill 1, creating the West Virginia First Small […]
Candidates pitch economic ideas, youth retention at ‘Voting For Business’ forum
WHEELING — Local candidates seeking seats in the West Virginia Legislature provided their thoughts Thursday night on how best to attract jobs to the Mountain State while also providing opportunities for youth to remain in the state. The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Regional Economic Development (RED) and WTOV-TV, sponsored the “Voting For […]
WATCH: Trump addresses NCAA Collegiate National Champions at White House
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his call for Congress to pass legislation that would rein in college sports at a time athletes are allowed to move freely from school to school and command salaries that put athletic departments in financial peril.
Trump repeats call for Congress to rein in college sports
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his call for Congress to pass legislation that would rein in college sports at a time athletes are allowed to move freely from school to school and command salaries that put athletic departments in...
Trump repeats call for Congress to rein in college sports
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his call for Congress to pass legislation that would rein in college sports at a time athletes are allowed to move freely from school to school and command salaries that put athletic departments in...
New York sues Coinbase and Gemini, seeking to halt unlicensed prediction market businesses
Both companies began as cryptocurrency trading platforms before branching into the prediction space.
Are cancer-screening blood tests close to prime time?
Earlier this year, the largest trial to date on cancer blood tests failed to reach its primary objective. Oncologists haven't lost hope.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of April 7
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
GOP strategists required to sign NDAs at meeting on midterm plans
The unusual secrecy surrounding the Waldorf Astoria meeting has frustrated some looking for funding clues as Trump’s popularity has dropped to near historic lows.
On the Hill: Health Care Reauthorizations, Congressional Hearings
House leaders plan votes this week on reauthorizing rural health and telehealth programs, as well as a proposed directive on lung cancer research. Legislation to be taken up under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage, includes H.R. 2493, which would reauthorize rural health care grants through fiscal 2030, and has been unanimously approved by the House […]
Registered Nurses, Customer Service Representatives and Retail Salespersons are the Top Jobs in February - Alabama Department of Labor
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 21, 2026 Registered Nurses, Customer Service Representatives and Retail Salespersons are the Top Jobs in February MONTGOMERY - Data collected and analyzed by the Alabama Department of Workforce’s Labor Market Information (LMI) Division shows that in February 2026, there were 104,060 job ads posted in Alabama, representing a monthly increase of […]
Reps. Smucker and Davids Introduce Bipartisan ‘Accountable Produce is Medicine Act’
WASHINGTON — Representatives Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced the bipartisan Accountable Produce is Medicine Act (H.R. 8355), legislation aimed at modernizing the U.S. health care system by incorporating proven nutrition-based interventions to prevent and manage chronic disease.
Inside the debate that sank a small business health insurance bill
With the state legislature focused this session on affordability, a proposal that aimed to lower health insurance costs for small and midsize businesses appeared to have momentum — including backing from Gov. Ned Lamont. But the bill stalled in the Appropriations Committee.
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
How can collaborative care help cancer patients?
Psychiatrist Dr. Kyle Lavin explains the treatment benefits when oncologists team up with mental health care professionals.
Girls Ambitious about Learning Science registration deadline April 22
Participants will get their hands dirty digging soil samples and more as they attend GALS, a mini-series of science programs for girls in grades 5-8.
What can science fiction tell us about sex-change and the transsexual experience? | The Clayman Institute for Gender Research
Though science fiction describes future sociocultural worlds impacted by scientific and technological breakthroughs, a conundrum persists when it comes to science fiction on transgender, transsexual, and sex-change themes. Why is it that fantasies and imaginaries of sex-change in the breakthrough years of hormonal science did not register with authors writing science fiction in this period?
These digital games are teaching players about the world's most fragile ecosystems
As Earth Day highlights the importance of protecting the planet, a pair of digital learning games from Arizona State University’s Ask A Biologist is helping people move from awareness to action in their everyday lives.
Johnson faces political gauntlet as legislative fights collide
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is barreling toward a brutal end-of-the-month crunch, juggling a slate of high-stakes legislative fights with intensifying calls for one of his members to step down and…
A workhorse emerges in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District?
Do we have a workhorse emerging from Colorado’s Third Congressional District? I’m not sure, but an interesting bit of legislation U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd introduced is at least a bit suggestive that he just might be in Washington, D.C. to get work done, even if the cameras are not aimed his way. As my regular […]
Small business owners to connect, upskill at Vend Con
In celebration of National Small Business Week, the Women & Minority Small Business Market Inc. (WMSBM) will host Vend Con: Market Ready. The full Vend Con experience is offered at a founding year rate of $45, providing access to all three components. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit www.wmsbm.org/events.
Free small business financing, support workshop scheduled in Kailua-Kona
It is a valuable opportunity to learn about funding pathways and connect directly with experts who can support the next steps of small businesses; only several spaces remain, so don’t wait, register today.
Legislation that could lead to faster election results advances
The Pa. House State Government Committee has advanced a bill that would allow election officials to begin opening and tallying mail-in ballots before Election Day, speeding election result reporting.
Technologist And Media Vet David Dibble Named Vice Chairman Of Sphere
David Dibble, a technologist and former senior executive at Cablevision and Yahoo, has been named vice chairman of Sphere. The appointment by Sphere Entertainment will formalize Dibble’s work helping ...
Sphere Entertainment Appoints David Dibble As Vice Chairman
Sphere Entertainment has named David Dibble, a seasoned technologist and business leader, Vice Chairman, Sphere.
Lancaster Democratic candidates to host public town hall
Democratic legislative candidates Nancy Mannion, James Malone and Chad Gleissl will host a town hall Thursday in Manheim Borough to answer voter questions.
Santiago Canyon’s Community Science Night makes education fun for younger students
Students and their families from throughout Orange County are invited to the Friday evening event.
Business Monday: Recovery Center to help small businesses affected by downtown Hilo fire
The U.S. Small Business Administration is setting up a recovery center where representatives will help businesses that burned in the 2025 Hilo fire apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Teaching Legislative Politics Through a Game: Active Learning, Assignment Co-creation, and Assessment Across Modalities -
Teaching Legislative Politics Through a Game: Active Learning, Assignment Co-creation, and Assessment Across Modalities By Jennifer L. Clemens, University of Wisconsin–Parkside and Michael A. Hansen, University of Turku This article examines a legislative politics simulation [...]
State Action to Improve Maternal & Child Health with the Rural Health Transformation Program: Virtual Convening of Milbank State Leadership Network Recap
Event Date: March 27, 2026 Introduction The Milbank State Leadership Network hosted a virtual session for state legislators and executive
Essentia Health registered nurse logs over 900 volunteer hours
On most evenings, after a full day as a registered nurse in the ICU at the Essentia Health-Fargo, Darian Slama's second shift begins caring for her four-legged patients.
Trump picks top Texas health official for CDC deputy director
Dr. Jennifer Shuford has led the Department of State Health Services in Texas since 2022 after serving as the state's chief epidemiologist and helping to lead the COVID-19 response here.
Despite tribal boundary disagreement, lawmakers try to tee up a sports betting deal
Whether the Oklahoma Legislature can strike and pass a sports betting deal in 2026 is one of the largest lingering questions of the session.
Lansing politics are blocking a crackdown on fleeing, eluding cases
Michigan's 'fleeing and eluding' cases are rising, but legislation to stiffen penalties is stalled in the Senate.
Advancing epidemic and pandemic preparedness through research readiness: SEAR Unity Studies Network Sites chart the way forward in 2026
On 25 March 2026, WHO Regional Office for the South‑East Asia Region (SEARO) convened the first meeting of the SEAR Chapter of the Unity Studies Network Meeting in 2026 to take stock of progress and plan next steps for strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness across the Region. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing adaptation of selected, standard Unity Study methodologies, sharing field implementation experiences from 2025, and identifying key priorities to guide collaborative work in 2026.Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives from six Unity Studies network sites across five countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) as well as participants from all three levels of WHO.The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional efforts in South‑East Asia to strengthen early investigations and studies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, with a focus on pandemic influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential. In this context, and as part of preparedness for the rapid generation of evidence, the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in SEAR (WHE/SEAR) encourages Unity Studies sites to adapt prioritized, standardized Unity Study protocols to their national contexts. This approach supports the generation of timely and reliable evidence to inform public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.These efforts are supported through a combination of experience sharing, participation in the global Unity Studies network webinars, capacity‑building of the national public health workforce, and regional collaboration that promotes inter‑country, inter‑agency, and inter‑ministerial action. In parallel, sites are encouraged to explore diversified funding sources to help sustain research preparedness over the long term.Discussions highlighted the importance of WHO’s catalytic financial support through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contributions (PIP‑PC). When combined with national and institutional resources, this support enables countries and sites to maintain continuity of activities at a core level and remain prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to future epidemics and pandemics.Regional and Global Updates: Opening the session, Dr Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager, Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the progress made in operationalizing the Unity Studies Network across the Region and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of WHO at all three levels, together with country unity studies sites. He emphasized the availability of limited but catalytic funding through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PIP‑PC) workplan at SEARO to sustain network activities in 2026, while encouraging sites to leverage additional funding sources to expand implementation.Representing SEARO, Dr Ashok Basnet, consultant, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness reported that, at the regional level, the Unity Studies Network currently includes six sites across five countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He noted that in 2025, catalytic funding supported protocol adaptation, training, and pilot implementation. In addition, a regional Unity Studies symposium held during the Global Public Health Summit in Sri Lanka strengthened and advocated collaboration between the Unity Studies site, national decision‑making forum, relevant technical units of the ministry of health, WHO and other partners.The symposium also highlighted the role of early investigations and studies as a key component of a multi‑source surveillance system needed at country level to generate a broad range of evidence. It underscored the critical role of country Unity Studies sites and similar research entities in generating evidence to support public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.Participants of the WHO GISRS Unity Studies Sites Network- SEAR Chapter Meeting 2026 (Photo credit- PEM/WHE/SEARO). SEARO also updated participants on ongoing efforts to develop a regional Unity Studies webpage and to promote participation in global knowledge‑sharing platforms, including webinars and the WHO Community of Practice. Priorities for 2026 include supporting the implementation of Unity protocols, strengthening collaboration and experience sharing across sites, documenting and publishing findings, integrating Unity Studies activities as a component of multi-source national surveillance systems, and building workforce capacity.Dr Nickle Boddington of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO Headquarters, which coordinates the Unity Studies Network globally, provided updates on global Unity Studies activities, noting that the network has expanded to 16 sites worldwide. New and updated protocols, including rapid clinical severity assessment tools and standardized data platforms, are being developed to support implementation. The global Community of Practice has also been launched to facilitate technical exchange, and continued support will be provided to sites for protocol adaptation, ethical approvals, and readiness for early investigation during outbreaks. Updates from Unity Studies sites in SEAR in 2025Unity Studies sites shared progress and experiences in implementing protocols across diverse country contexts. Sites initiated activities in 2025 using catalytic funding from SEARO, complemented by the mobilization of internal national resources. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh, reported the adoption and piloting of investigation protocols on non‑seasonal influenza and emerging respiratory diseases during recent avian influenza outbreaks, demonstrating a multi‑source funding approach involving government, WHO and One Health partners.The Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR), New Delhi, India, highlighted the piloting of household transmission investigation studies, the expansion of the national Unity Studies network, and the contribution of study findings to global evidence through published outputs. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, shared experiences from large‑scale seroprevalence studies conducted during the COVID‑19 pandemic, recent efforts to strengthen national Unity network sites through training activities, and plans to initiate multi‑centre studies on respiratory viruses.Similarly, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, highlighted its experience in developing integrated surveillance and diagnostic protocols for multiple respiratory pathogens, enhancing readiness for targeted investigations of emerging threats. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, reported ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Health and exploration of additional funding sources to initiate studies. Meanwhile, the National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal, provided updates on continued coordination with national stakeholders to initiate implementation, despite delays related to the country context.Across sites, shared experiences underscored the importance of protocol adaptation, multisectoral collaboration, and sustainable funding to operationalize Unity Studies and generate evidence for public health action.Discussions and Way ForwardThe meeting reinforced key priorities for 2026, including strengthening unity studies protocol implementation, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, integrating research as a component of national multi-source surveillance systems, and ensuring that generated evidence informs public health decision‑making. Participants also emphasized the importance of documentation, visibility, and leveraging multiple funding sources, and agreed on the following action points.Unity Studies Sites and WHO Country Offices:Advance adoption and implementation of at least one Unity protocol, continuing activities initiated in 2025 with catalytic funding, supplemented with other sources of funding where feasible.Document site-specific experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned; participate in regional and global knowledge-sharing platforms including WHO webinars and the Community of Practice.Work closely with ministries of health to establish unified national platforms for translating generated evidence into national public health decision-making. WHO Country Offices may facilitate technical support and complementary, synergistic funding opportunities where feasible. WHO Regional OfficeCoordinate with WHO Country Offices to support implementation of core unity studies activities by network sites through catalytic funding and provide technical guidance and virtual engagement opportunities throughout 2026.Facilitate the participation of all Unity Studies sites in the regional meeting on Unity Studies implementation in October 2026, to be held back‑to‑back with the Annual SEAR Regional PIP‑PC Meeting; develop and host a SEAR Unity Studies website; and mobilize support from academic institutions within the SEAR Unity Studies Network to support the development of regional manuscripts that showcase Unity Studies activities to scientific audiences and promote knowledge‑sharing.Explore complementary funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain and expand network activities across the Region.WHO HeadquartersProvide global technical guidance, updated protocols, and toolkits to support the implementation of Unity Studies in SEAR.Facilitate engagement of SEAR sites in global webinars, the Community of Practice, and opportunities to showcase their work.Support joint publications, inclusion of SEAR experiences in global outputs, and identification of additional funding and collaborative opportunities to strengthen Unity Studies activities.
NASCAR Standings Today: Cup Series Points Leaders After Kansas
Sunday’s Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway saw plenty of domination from the likes of Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell and […]
A four-bill tax package is going through the Colorado legislature, here's how it would impact local businesses
A four-bill tax package is going through the Colorado legislature, here's how it would impact local businesses
Sky Sports apologises after Erling Haaland calls Bernardo Silva ‘F—ing Cannavaro’
Haaland referenced the Ballon d'Or-winning centre-back after a crucial defensive header from City captain Silva in the win over Arsenal.
Science 4 Everyone: How to make sure your tires are properly inflated
Storm Team4 meteorologist Ryan Miller explains how underinflated tire can affect your car and the environment.
Iran war ceasefire, Q1 earnings will spark a big stock rally, strategist says
Ryan Detrick, the chief market strategist at Carson Group, shares his investing framework as the stock market rides a rapid relief rally.
University of Pittsburgh team's FRED model tracks measles
Pitt's Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics program was instrumental in convincing lawmakers to pass rare legislation that took away the ability of residents to skip vaccines because of religious or personal beliefs.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) April 19, 2026
This week on Politics Unplugged: Gov. Hobbs halts legislation, Sen. Gallego faces scrutiny, and Trump's AI Jesus post sparks political fallout.
Obsession with primaries takes hold in French politics a year out from presidential race
On both left and right, talk of primaries continues to stall amid logistical challenges, personal rivalries and deeper strategic voids that experts say traditional parties have yet to confront.
NYU Langone Health neurologists present latest clinical findings and research at AAN 2026
This year’s meeting features more than 80 presentations from Department of Neurology faculty. Here are notable highlights: practical strategies to counter harmful medical myths and misinformation, phase 3 clinical results for a novel epilepsy medication, and the barriers patients with disabilities face while navigating outpatient facilities.
This week in politics: How Schuylkill County’s legislators voted
Between ongoing budget stalemates and severe partisan divides, it can be easy to feel like nothing is getting done in government. But every week is a busy week in politics, and important developments are happening at both the state and…
Kim Kendall maintains control of HD 18 money race
The rookie legislator's lone challenger isn't raising much.
Meet the candidate for Dallas County recorder
ReNae Arnold is running for reelection as Dallas County recorder.
Effort to bridge divide between moderate, liberal Democrats in the Colorado legislature falls apart
A transparency bill sponsored by Opportunity Caucus leaders and progressives has stalled. In its place, a new bill, sponsored only by more progressive Democrats, was introduced Friday
Great Lakes Aquarium hosts Women in Science Night with two WDIO meteorologists
The Great Lakes Aquarium hosted a Women in Science Night to highlight the achievements of local women in the scientific community.
Gas tax holiday, Tim Ackert, landlord registry: CT politics news
Plus: Eversource and the RWA respond to William Tong and the Senate passes bills on wage theft and homeowners renting out rooms.
Democrats want Colorado colleges to provide medication abortion
A bill proposing to require Colorado colleges and universities to provide abortion medication services cleared a legislative committee on Thursday. Advocates said the measure — which exempts religious-based institutions but applies to public, private, and community colleges — will improve access to abortion, while opponents argue it would force educational institutions to take a side […]
Archaeologists discover perfectly circular ancient Egyptian temple that may have been used for sacred water rituals
The temple included a network of water infrastructure, revealing the importance of the ancient city and the Nile.
Trump picks top Texas health official for CDC deputy director
Dr. Jennifer Shuford has led the Department of State Health Services in Texas since 2022 after serving as the state’s chief epidemiologist and helping to lead the COVID-19 response here.
Council demands more transparency from Mayor Mamdani on mental health response program
The City Council on Thursday passed legislation that requires the mayor’s office to submit regular reports tracking the performance of B-HEARD.
Previewing the 2026 NC legislative session
ABC11's Sean Coffey and N&O politics reporter Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi talk about what to look for in the upcoming session of the North Carolina General Assembly.
St. Joseph Health nurses hold rally to mark start of contract negotiations
Registered nurses at St. Joseph Health in Brazos Valley, Texas, will hold a rally on Wednesday, April 22 as they begin negotiations for their first contract, following their decisive vote to form a union last year. Nurses say safe staffing, workplace safety, and a strong voice for nurses will be their top priorities as they start negotiations.
Fed Beige Book Points to Uncertainty and Increased Business Costs - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
by Raymond J. Keating – The latest Federal Reserve Beige Book take on the economy pointed to sluggishness and uncertainty, with the Iran war naturally coming into the equation. Specifically, it was reported, “Overall economic activity increased at a slight to modest pace in eight of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, while two Districts […]
Wildfire Smoke Poses Recurring Threat to Lung Health w
With wildfire smoke becoming a more common threat to lung health due to climate change, pulmonologists can play a role by preparing their patients and practices for the season.
Radiologist pipeline barely keeping pace with population growth
“Expanding residency slots and mitigating workforce attrition will be necessary to mitigate increasing workforce gaps," experts write in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Zohran Mamdani reflects on his first 100 days as NYC mayor, and what else is left to do
Through his first 100 days as mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani has focused on “pothole politics” — a blend of high-level legislative wins and intense focus on everyday essential services that keep the city running. The 34-year-old mayor has delivered on progressive campaign promises, from more funding for child care to new taxes on the ultrawealthy. He views his government as a model for how Democrats can deliver on policies that benefit the working class.In this episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, Mamdani sits down with host Leila Fadel at City Hall to discuss his first 100 days in office, his approach to working with President Trump and the message he believes Democrats should deliver during this year’s midterm elections.NPR's Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or watch the show wherever you get podcasts.Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Minnesota up against the clock on Medicaid changes
Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature say they need to either pass legislation or update existing rules soon to ensure that state programs comply with new requirements from the federal government.
Ex-Goldman Analyst Jeff Currie Is Getting Into the Oil Business
Jeff Currie, the one-time Goldman Sachs Group Inc. commodities strategist known for shaping investor views on energy markets, has co-founded an oil and gas company.
Hot ticket: Rodeo kicks off and Fleet Week takes flight
Pretty Fly for a Smart Guy: Dexter Holland, lead singer of The Offspring and a molecular biologist, will headline an upcoming installment of Space Center Houston‘s Thought Leader Series.
Strait of Hormuz blockade ‘working to provide leverage,’ political strategist says
An ‘All-Star’ panel joins ‘Special Report’ to discuss the state of US-Iran negotiations and the impact of the conflict on gas prices and affordability.
Colorado’s $46.8 billion budget nears finish line
The Colorado Senate on Thursday voted largely along party lines to approve $46.8 billion in spending for the next state budget. The spending plan is bigger than what legislators originally approved for the current fiscal year’s budget, driven by increases in Medicaid costs. The proposal saw changes from a dozen amendments during debate Wednesday, but […]
LA28 Opens $$ Opportunities for Local LA Businesses in 2028 Games
LA28 releases procurement plan directing 75% of spending to Greater Los Angeles region and 25% to small businesses for 2028 Olympic Games. Register at RAMPLA.org.
Health Subcommittee: The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Health and Human Services Budget
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
The Politics Hour: D.C. budget and MD GA wrap up
Maryland State Sen. Cheryl Kagan on rising utility costs, immigration enforcement legislation, and election reforms. D.C. Councilmember Doni Crawford on the Mayor's proposed budget.
10 dinosaur science books recommended by a paleontologist
Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs and The Story of Birds, recommends 10 dinosaur books to dig into
Missouri Hemp Businesses Ask Governor To Veto Bill That Would 'Eliminate' The Industry
“It would effectively eliminate an entire industry in Missouri—the hemp industry—regardless of any federal change in legislation.” By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independenta Gov. Mike Kehoe’s (R) office received 10,000 handwritten letters Tuesday asking him to veto a Missouri bill that would impose a statewide ban on intoxicating hemp products. The letters, gathered in just 10 […]
House considers bill to protect Haitian immigrants, in pushback against Trump administration
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a rare bipartisan moment, the House has agreed to consider legislation that would extend temporary protections for Haitian immigrants, pushing back against the Trump administration’s efforts to end the program. The bill expected for a vote Thursday would require the Trump administration to extend for three years Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, which would allow hundreds of thousands of qualifying immigrants to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation. House
Get Real With SOMD Politics: Chuck Borges Discusses Housing Affordability, Economic Development And Tax Reform
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On a recent episode of “Get Real with Southern Maryland Politics,” host Chris Hill sat down with state Senate District 29 candidate Chuck Borges for a wide-ranging discussion about his background, career, and priorities for Southern Maryland. Borges, a 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, said he came to Southern Maryland in 2004 for test pilot […]
Make a Low-Carb or Low-Fat Diet Heart-Healthy with These 3 Foods
In TODAY.com's Expert Tip of the Day, discover a cardiologist-approved way to eat a low-carb or a low-fat diet to prevent heart disease.
Despite late-night maneuvering, agriculture bond fails enactment again
A final push for a $45 million agriculture bond was still not quite enough to get the legislation past the finish line and on the November ballot. Instead, the bond is stuck between chambers as the Maine Legislature ends the session.
Sunderland near another landmark
Sunderland go to Aston Villa with a carrot dangling this weekend. The Black Cats have won 46 points in the Premier League, a tally which is already their most in a top-flight season since 2010-11 (47). Regis le Bris' side have 12 wins in the Premier League during the campaign.
Bill to give Louisiana Legislature more power to remove elected officials draws controversy
The bill’s sponsor said it would open another way to remove officials for wrongdoing. Critics said it could become a partisan weapon.
Colorado state legislators must recognize EMS is essential
By Dusty A. Johnson Currently, emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians such as EMTs and paramedics are not listed as essential in Colorado, and that is not OK. A few weeks ago, the Colorado House of Representatives unambiguously passed a bill to designate emergency medical services as an essential service. My bill is long overdue in […]
Jonesboro cardiologist to be featured on Discovery, Science channels
A St. Bernards cardiologist will showcase her expertise on the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel this weekend.
Indigenous Leadership for Health: Virtual Preparatory Webinar to UNPFII 2026
English - French - Portuguese - Spanish - Russian Indigenous Peoples have the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. WHO invites you to join Indigenous Leadership for Health, a virtual preparatory webinar to the 25th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII 2026), to be held on Thursday, 16 April 2026, from 13:30 to 16:00 CEST, via Zoom. Interpretation will be available in English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.This event brings together Indigenous leaders working on health to help shape the forthcoming WHO Global Plan of Action on the Health of Indigenous Peoples (GPoA). It is co-organized by WHO, the Government of Brazil, the Government of the Philippines, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.The webinar will be divided into two parts, each with a corresponding objective:Part I – Contents of the draft Global Plan of Action. Part I's objective is to provide an update on the process for development of the Global Plan of Action on the Health of Indigenous Peoples, to share important lessons learnt from previous work and inputs received thus far, and to invite participants to send written inputs to the Plan. The linkages to the health topics to be discussed at the forthcoming UNPFII will also be highlighted.Part II – Panel on Indigenous Leadership for Health. Part II's objective is to highlight Indigenous leadership, knowledge systems, and community-driven approaches that contribute to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, through the sharing of select country and regional examples.Registration is free and open to all. Register hereWe encourage all Indigenous organizations, communities, partners, and individuals to join us and contribute to this important global process.
Alaska’s only dedicated queer health care clinic is closing
Identity Alaska’s Anchorage clinic will end patient care this month. They’re closing their doors because of financial and logistical pressures.
In the House, Republican Plans Go Awry Amid Party Divides
Fresh off a two-week break, lawmakers returned to turmoil in the House, where legislation to reopen the Department of Homeland Security is stalled and the G.O.P. is struggling to keep its agenda on track.
Tammy Baldwin targets game blackouts, expensive sports streaming apps
New legislation from Sen. Tammy Baldwin would prohibit league-owned streaming services from blacking out games and require a free option for fans.
Democratic lawmakers seek fix to Colorado’s stalled prison population plan
Colorado’s prison population plan was designed to prevent overcrowding. Instead, eight months after it was triggered, the system remains strained and largely ineffective, prompting two Democratic lawmakers to push for changes through new legislation. According to its sponsors, Senate Bill 036 lays out the proposed changes. Sen. Mike Weissman and Sen. Julie Gonzales say the […]
In group chats and meetings, Republicans are privately petrified the Iran war could cost them the midterms
Many Republican lawmakers and strategists told NBC News they worry the party has little to run on. “Right now, the voters don’t see a message or a strategy,” a Trump pollster said.
Will Mississippi Legislature try to override one of the governor's vetoes?
Legislators haven't set a public agenda for their one-day return, but top of mind for Gov. Tate Reeves is the Rural Health Transformation Fund,
FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and other MAHA figures
Peptides are unproven chemicals often pitched as way to build muscle, lose weight, look younger.
With no challengers, Shevrin Jones crosses $250K raised this cycle to defend SD 34 seat
Jones paired his fundraising efforts with legislative wins and a push for issues like gas price relief during a potential Special Session.
http://democrats-energycommerce.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-opening-remarks-subcommittee-legislative-hearing-public-health-bills
Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks at a Health Subcommittee legislative hearing on "Healthier America: Legislative Proposals to Improve Public Health:"
Golden Entertainment takes next step toward deregistration
If the Gaming Commission approves later this month, the chain will transition from being a publicly traded company.
Governor Stein Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week
Today Governor Josh Stein joined Senator Natalie Murdock, the Legislative Black Caucus, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to…
Google’s chief technologist delivers talk at Rice on role of AI in math and computer science research
Prabhakar Raghavan, chief technologist at Google, was the featured speaker in the Ken Kennedy Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.
Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Legislative Hearing Discussing Solutions to Improve Public Health of Americans
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
City Celebrates Austin Small Business Week (May 4-8)
Weeklong series of no-cost events, register at SmallBizAustin.org
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.
Presidential Downballot Losses: An Updated History and a Look Ahead to Trump’s Second Term
Since World War II, presidents have consistently presided over losses for their party in down-ballot offices—in the Senate, the House, governorships and state legislatures.