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N.C. A&T Real Estate Foundation, Cone Health Hold Ribbon Cutting for The Resurgent
The North Carolina A&T Real Estate Foundation, in partnership with Cone Health, celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Resurgent.
I saved $60,000 and opened my first restaurant at 21
Jack Ng immigrated to the US at 12, worked as a fisherman, and used his savings to build a multimillion-dollar restaurant business.
How can scientists visualize cellular life with greater precision? - Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Highlights Salk researchers collaborated with scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine to develop a new class of probes for imaging living cells The probes, called visible-spectrum antigen-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies (VIS-Fbs), generate high-contrast images with minimal disruption to normal cellular activity The technology enables more precise investigation of complex biological processes, including cell signaling, development, and disease progression LA JOLLA—Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized science, enabling researchers to tag and visualize individual molecules in living cells, tissues, and animals. Using these tools, researchers have watched viruses infect cells in real time, observed cellular trash collection, and tracked the signaling that spurs tumor growth.
Indigenous health can’t be separated from environmental health, leaders tell UN
At Permanent Forum, leaders connect climate change, mining, and deforestation to mounting health crisis and demand coordinated approach to land rights.
Spurs 'have more chance than they had last week'
The wisdom of crowds is sometimes overlooked - and it was again on Saturday in a crucial moment during the Tottenham v Brighton game. Up 2-1 in the 95th minute, the ball fell to Tottenham's Kevin Danso in his own box. Danso dithered, Jan Paul van Hecke nipped in, and seconds later two crucial points evaporated on the altar of progressive ideology.
Westgate Las Vegas’ SuperBook to be operated by Caesars Entertainment
The transition will expand offerings at the popular destination while preserving its identity.
‘The GOP should’ve done more’: Virginia Republicans point fingers after gerrymandering loss
They are frustrated the party didn’t spend extensively and are putting pressure on Florida to give them back an edge.
Cougar science sidelined as pressure takes over
Editor’s Note: This is the final part of a three-part series. By the time Washington’s cougar debate reached its peak intensity, the conflict was no longer limited to public meetings or policy discussions. It had infiltrated the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife itself. What had started as pressure from outside — from parents, hunters,
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital completes $30 million modernization
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Building on its reputation as one of the nation’s highest-rated centers for pediatric care, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital completed…
The AirPods are Tim Cook’s most underrated achievement
Apple changed how we use personal audio.
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.
🚨 Line-ups ready: Mallorca and Valencia open the matchday
RCD Mallorca and Valencia CF kick off LaLiga Matchday 33 this Tuesday in a dramatic clash in the battle for survival. Separated by just one point, 14th and 15th in the table face off in one of the fir...
🚨 Confirmed line-ups: Athletic and Osasuna must win
San Mamés opens its doors this Tuesday, April 21 (7:00 PM) for a highly even clash on Matchday 33 of LaLiga EA Sports. Athletic Club and CA Osasuna face off separated by just one point in the standin...
National Small Business Week is Coming Up – Here’s How You Can Support
Voice of Business Blog National Small Business Week is being celebrated from Sunday, May 3rd, through Saturday, May 9th around the country, including right here in Greater Rochester, NY. Our small businesses have a massive economic impact in our community. A recent report from NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found that 98.9% of all businesses in…
Paradigm Health Launches SPIRE to Accelerate Late-Phase Clinical Evidence Generation
/PRNewswire/ -- Paradigm Health today announced SPIRE — Scalable Platform for Integrated Research & Evidence — a new model for post-approval and late-stage...
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
Soil that powers devices: Scientists create battery-free electricity from dirt
Science News: The researchers have developed a new type of microbial fuel cell (MFC) that provides a reliable and constant source of electricity generated by soil-d.
South African Business Optimism Wanes in March on Iran Conflict
South African business confidence moderated in March as the US-Israeli war with Iran roiled financial, commodity and foreign-exchange markets.
Campus Politics in City Hall: The Civic Culture We Tolerated in Universities Is Now Shaping How Cities Are Governed.
New York does not need less debate. It needs a restoration of civic norms. The question is no longer what we tolerate on campus. It is what we are willing to accept from the people who govern us.
Nike's 'walkers tolerated' Boston Marathon ad falls flat with runners
Nike faced backlash over an ad for the Boston Marathon, with runners criticizing the "Walkers tolerated" sign. It has since been taken down.
MATCH PREVIEW, pres. by Toyota: Red Bulls Host Atlantic Cup Rivals D.C. United on Wednesday Night at Sports Illustrated Stadium
New York have posted a 3-1-1 mark in their last five MLS matches against D.C. United
New Microsoft Pro and Surface Laptop release delay rumoured
A reliable source has elaborated on Microsoft's launch plans for its Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 releases. Unfortunately, neither are now expected to arrive as soon as previously suggested. New Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models are still tipped to debut with Intel and Qualcomm processor options, though.
Deezer says AI song uploads have nearly overtaken human music
AI-generated music uploads are outpacing human ones.
Deezer says 44% of new music uploads are AI-generated, most streams are fraudulent
AI tracks account for a small fraction of Deezer streams, and most are demonetized for fraud.
‘Where’s our proposal?’: Daniel Perez frustrated with inaction on property taxes by Gov. DeSantis, Senate
With no clear proposal from the Governor’s Office and time running short, Perez says it’s ‘tough to hear this rhetoric over and over again’ from DeSantis.
Texas Named Best State For Business For Record 22nd Consecutive Year
Texas Border Business AUSTIN ‒ Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Texas being ranked the Best State for Business for the 22nd year in a row by Chief Executive magazine. “Texas is where businesses innovate and where opportunity abounds,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas has long dominated the nation as the Best State for Business thanks to our pro-growth […]
Reform’s Richard Tice posts picture with telltale signs of AI manipulation, say experts
Tice’s image on X was almost certainly generated or altered using AI, according to Peryton Intelligence
Deezer says 44% of songs uploaded to its platform daily are AI-generated
Deezer says consumption of AI-generated music on the platform is still very low, between 1-3% of the total streams, and that 85% of these streams are detected as fraudulent and are demonetized.
Health care leaders discuss opportunities to shape the future of health care delivery, access
AHA Board Immediate Past Chair Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO, Corewell Health, and Rob Allen, president and CEO, Intermountain Health, participated in a discussion moderated by Jim Skogsbergh, former chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, for a discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing health care leaders in today’s landscape.
Healthcare Worker Making Heart Gesture.
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) have entered into a formal Memorandum of Agreement designed to create clear, accelerated pathways for UAFS graduates pursuing careers in health care. The agreement covers 14 UAMS programs across four colleges and…
Super Bowl parade poured cash into Seattle businesses, new figures show
The Super Bowl parade generated $16.6 million for downtown Seattle businesses.
OpenAI Takes Aim at Google with New Image Model
If you’ve been on X or Reddit in recent weeks, you’ve likely seen images created by an upcoming model from OpenAI floating around. Sharp-eyed people have pointed out that the new model is potentially being tested with some ChatGPT users and on leaderboards under code names.The images generated ...
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar - U.S. Embassy in Madagascar
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Arnold today provided critical maternal and newborn health equipment that will reach healthcare facilities across Madagascar, demonstrating how U.S. foreign assistance builds a safer, healthier world by helping recipient countries build self-reliant health systems in line with the America First Global Health Strategy. Under President Trump’s America First foreign assistance policy and the America First Global Health Policy, U.S. support serves as a tool of strategic engagement – not global charity. Every U.S. taxpayer dollar is subject to rigorous oversight to ensure measurable results, maximum efficiency, and accountability, with zero tolerance for fraud, waste, or abuse. Through the bilateral Global Health Memorandum of Understanding with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health, both governments agreed on shared priorities and responsibilities, including a strong focus on maternal and newborn health and Madagascar’s increasing co-investment in its own health system. Madagascar continues to face major challenges in maternal and newborn health, including high maternal mortality rates and significant gaps in access to quality delivery care. In rural regions, many women still give birth at home or in facilities without adequate infection-prevention supplies. Through the U.S.-funded Momentum Country and Global Leadership Project, the United States is providing essential equipment to healthcare facilities nationwide: calibrated reusable drapes for infection prevention in approximately 1,000 community health centers (CSBs), single-use calibrated drapes for 35 hospitals, and management tools for health workers to improve data collection and care coordination. “U.S. foreign assistance makes America safer by preventing instability and strengthening health systems that can detect and contain infectious diseases before they cross borders,” said Chargé d’Affaires Arnold during the handover ceremony. “Our support is temporary and targeted, designed to help Madagascar build greater self-reliance and reduce long-term dependence on U.S. taxpayer resources.” This U.S. support will help standardize safe delivery practices, strengthen infection prevention, and improve data management systems. Used effectively, these materials will contribute directly to reducing maternal and newborn deaths, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to quality delivery care remains limited. From major hospitals to remote health centers, U.S.-funded equipment is already delivering results. The nationwide scope of this support ensures that women and newborns across Madagascar benefit from improved infection prevention and safer delivery practices. This targeted assistance helps save lives today while supporting Madagascar’s transition toward a self-sufficient health system, ensuring that today’s U.S. support leads to Madagascar’s future independence from foreign assistance.
News | U. of Oklahoma athletics drives plans for $1.1 billion entertainment district
Mixed-use hub's first phase to include performance venue, 'carefully curated' retail
Gotham FC to Host Girls in Sports Day Presented by Grüns, Highlighting the Future of the Game
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (April 20, 2026) – Gotham FC is set to host Girls in Sports Day presented by Grüns at Sports Illustrated Stadium, a match dedicated to celebrating the next generation of athletes and
UFC veteran breaks down Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
In what's turned into one of the bigger grudge matches in recent years, middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland headline the UFC 328 fight card on May 9th. The undefeated Chimaev and Strickland used to train together but their relationship deteriorated into ...
Class of 2028 celebrates Declaration Day, computer science sees sharp decrease in majors
The Class of 2028 celebrated Declaration Day on Cannon Green as major declaration data showed declines in computer science and increases in several other departments.
Michigan Democrats seek to mend old divides at contentious convention
The Israel-Gaza war remains a flashpoint within the Michigan Democratic Party, as demonstrated by the ouster of a pro-Israel official on Sunday.
Great Women of Science Go Missing: The Matilda Effect
It’s now been two years since Great Women of Science debuted, featuring women who have made notable contributions to science, technology, or health and have largely gone unnoticed, often with Nobel prizes they deserved awarded to the men with whom they collaborated. There’s a name for this phenomenon - it’s called “the Matilda Effect.”
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.
Ohio Valley Health Center Helps Patient Rebuild Health, Life
STEUBENVILLE — Helping people who might have fallen through the cracks is one of the many important goals of the Ohio Valley Health Center. And for that, Ray Scurry is a thankful man. The 55-year-old Steubenville resident had operated Heavenly Rides, what was then the largest cab service in the Steubenville area, for about 15 […]
4.5mm iPhone Ultra/Fold cases and "final design" renders leak; big MagSafe mystery
Leaked iPhone Ultra/Fold cases confirm a wider book-style foldable design for Apple’s 2026 flagship. However, the leaked images suggest a conflict between the device's ultra-thin 4.5mm chassis and MagSafe compatibility, as dummy units lack magnets while cases include them. Known iPhone Ultra/Fold features include a 7.8-inch display, A20 Pro chip, and a late 2026 release date.
Barcelona to beat Chelsea to signing of highly-rated midfielder
Barcelona are set for a big summer of transfers, as they plan to add extra quality to Hansi Flick’s squad for next season. Sporting director Deco will also oversee more La Masia additions, and the l...
Tapper to Stefanik: ‘Is calling for wiping out an entire civilization bad or good?’
Must-win Michigan Senate race turns messy for Democrats amid fight over Israel and future of the party
Bay Area scientists honored at the ‘Oscars of Science’ for math and physics
Researchers from Stanford and UC Berkeley are being celebrated like celebrities for advancing mathematics and developing strategies to find a hypothetical particle.
Documentary highlights Esther Wojcicki's influence on tech
A new documentary explores the impact of Esther Wojcicki, celebrated Palo Alto educator and "Godmother of Silicon Valley."
Bleisure travel continues to reshape the business trip
The shift toward "bleisure travel," a blend of business and leisure, has accelerated as work policies evolve and travelers look for more value from conferences.
Midland business roundup highlights credit union wins
Wildfire Credit Union, which has a branch in Midland, celebrated the addition of David Satek as its new Vice President of Business Services on March 16.
Donovan Mitchell, James Harden lead Cavaliers over Raptors. 3 takeaways from Game 1
Despite a tight first half, Cleveland demonstrated its dominance in the third quarter and left the Raptors with massive questions to answer.
Rosalind Franklin, chemist: “Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated”
A pioneering DNA scientist reflects on science, faith and purpose, offering a grounded view of how discovery and everyday life intertwine
Savannah Early College students make memories on prom night
Savannah Early College students celebrated their 2026 High School prom at Red Gate Farms.
Sports Illustrated resort to open in Nashville
Travel + Leisure Co. said the resort is set to welcome its first members and guests in Spring 2026 and will be located on Music Row.
Taijuan Walker is battered by Braves, booed by frustrated fans
The Phillies’ offense went cold while Taijuan Walker struggled on the mound against the Braves.
Data Science and Biology Courses Collaborate to Provide Students With Real-World Experiences
Data science and biology courses collaborated during the spring 2026 semester at Meredith to provide students with real-world experiences.
Netflix: Advertising Could Become A Real Drag On The Business
Netflix stock is rated Hold: earnings boosted by $2.8B termination fee, but ad-tier push cuts engagement and raises costs. Click for this NFLX earnings update.
Wade College Prepares North Texas Students for Careers in Business, Technology and Design Through Accelerated Degree Programs
Wade College is strengthening its position as a career-focused college in Dallas, preparing students for in-demand careers in business, technology and design through accelerated degree programs and industry-aligned instruction.
Sports Illustrated Resorts brand expands to Louisiana college town
Developers will convert a Hilton hotel in Baton Rouge under the lifestyle brand amid Sports Illustrated Resorts’ expansion into premier sports-driven college and university markets.
Sen. King calls for expanded mental health services for incarcerated veterans
Maine Senator Angus King is trying to expand mental health services for incarcerated veterans.
Louisiana GOP races to keep an exonerated Black man from taking office in New Orleans
The Louisiana House Judiciary Committee April 16 passed a bill essentially eliminating New Orleans’ clerk of criminal court just weeks before Calvin Duncan, a Black man who was wrongfully imprisoned for decades before being elected to the position last year, is set to take office.
Company employs, helps formerly incarcerated find work, get a second chance
One Sandhills business is stepping up to help those with records reenter the workforce and rebuild their lives.
Business in style: Raksha Thiagarajan’s path to fashion
For sophomore Raksha Thiagarajan, identity has always come in layers. She was raised in St. Louis by parents who immigrated from India, so she grew up with two different cultures.
Vermont Natives Provide Entertainment Through Community, Connection, and Headlocks
A Vermont organization has delivered heated rivalries, daring smackdowns, and unique athleticism for decades — and now, it’s back in Barre. Green Mountain Wrestling (GMW) was founded 30 years ago, when Vermont lacked a professional wrestling scene and was rarely the target for major industry events. Launched by Gary Langevin, the group operated out of Newport from 1996 through 2003. During the organization’s early years, Adam Lash began helping with events. A wrestling fan and teenager eager to join the industry, GMW became a career springboard. “As I got older, I became more involved in the broader professional wrestling industry beyond
GE Appliances invests $28M in Decatur plant, health clinic
GE Appliances has announced a $28 million investment in new manufacturing technology and a primary care clinic designed to serve employees and their families at its Decatur refrigeration plant. The company says the investment strengthens its Alabama workforce, deepens community ties and supports its broader $3 billion plan to expand U.S. manufacturing over the next five years. GE Appliances has operated in Decatur since 1977, and the company says the site remains its highest-volume refrigeration plant in the country.
Should Monopoly Verdict and Breakup Risk Require Action From Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) Investors?
In recent days, a jury found that Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster unit illegally monopolized concert ticketing, opening the door for more than 30 US states to seek remedies that could include curbing the company’s power or even forcing a breakup. This verdict introduces significant legal uncertainty around Live Nation’s vertically integrated concerts and ticketing model, potentially reshaping how major live events are promoted, ticketed, and operated across the...
Can Europe turn world-class science into world-class scale?
Despite exceptional regional hubs and research strength, investors say Europe still needs more integrated incubators, smarter regulation and broader pools of patient capital to keep breakthrough companies growing at home.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping environmental science into a predictive and precision-driven discipline
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how scientists study and protect the environment, shifting the field from traditional observation toward predictive, data-driven discovery. A new perspective article highlights how emerging AI technologies are enabling a fundamental change in environmental research, opening the door to faster, smarter, and more integrated solutions to global challenges.
Spectrum Science Appoints Lisa Talbot to Lead Communications Business
/PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum Science, an independent, full-service, strategic platform offering integrated clinical, commercial, and communications services, today...
Spectrum Science Appoints Lisa Talbot to Lead Communications Business
/PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum Science, an independent, full-service, strategic platform offering integrated clinical, commercial, and communications services, today...
Gina Procaccio to be Inducted to the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
PHILADELPHIA—Villanova women's track & field and cross country head coach Gina Procaccio earned a top honor on Thursday morning when she was announced as part of the 23rd inductee class to the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. Procaccio will be recognized along with other top athletes, coaches, contributors, and teams whose legacies have shaped the rich history of Philadelphia sports when the 2026 Inductee Class is celebrated on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Live! Casino & Hotel Event Center. The public is invited to join in honoring these remarkable individuals and teams.
What is the deal with these strange deepfake Trump memes?
Before there was Trump as Jesus, there was Trump as the pope. There was Trump as Rocky. There was Trump in Apocalypse Now, smelling victory.
Health Taxes and the IMF: Are Support and Reform Aligned?
Health taxes remain one of the clearest opportunities for countries to raise revenue while improving public health, but how these reforms are supported matters as much as whether they are adopted. The current pattern—where reform commitments are concentrated in lower-income countries, while technical support is more visible elsewhere—raises a practical concern: complex excise reforms may be pursued without commensurate design and implementation support. Given the technical demands of these reforms, this gap could affect both their durability and effectiveness.
Stony Brook School of Health Professions Honors Alumni Leaders
The Stony Brook University School of Health Professions (SHP) celebrated a group of graduates whose careers reflect both professional excellence and a commitment to service, mentorship and innovation in healthcare. At the School of Health Professions Outstanding Alumni Awards, held March 25 in the Health Sciences Center (HSC) Galleria, nine alumni were recognized for achievements
Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster operated monopoly over concert venues
A jury has found that concert giant Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary had a harmful monopoly over big concert venues.
We tested Anthropic’s redesigned Claude Code desktop app and 'Routines' -- here's what enterprises should know
For the enterprise, the Desktop GUI is likely to become the standard for management and review, while the CLI remains the tool for execution.
FAMU Sports Hall of Fame announces trailblazers for 2026 ceremony
Maurice Allen and Chato Hendrix will be celebrated as Trailblazers during the 50th Anniversary of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame this September.
Ohio State urban science center celebrates 25 years
The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA) at The Ohio State University celebrated its 25th anniversary with a festive brunch and commendations from the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate, as well as from Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.Founded in 2001, CURA’s mission is research and outreach to foster more sustainable, resilient an...
UF opens Whitney Marine Research Center, expanding marine science innovation in St. Augustine
The University of Florida celebrated the opening of its new Whitney Marine Research Center on April 14, marking a significant expansion of marine science research, education and conservation efforts at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.
Sports Illustrated Resorts Announces New Resort Destination Near LSU in Baton Rouge
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 15, 2026--
HealPort Raises 1.2M USD to Scale Global Digital Health Infrastructure
MUSCAT, Oman, April 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HealPort announced that it has raised $1.2 million in funding to accelerate development and deployment of its integrated platforms and supporting infrastructure designed to help governments, health agencies, and institutions strengthen health system intelligence, planning, and decision-making. The funding will be allocated to three priorities: infrastructure development and integration, global ecosystem expansion, and establishing HealPort as the
The Unlikely Team That Ended One of the Longest Playoff Droughts in Sports
Despite starting the season at the bottom of the NHL standings, the reinvigorated Buffalo Sabres are heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011.
Cannabis stores on State Street face a hazy future
Stores selling hemp-derived THC products have proliferated, especially on State Street. A change in federal legislation means their future is uncertain.
Justice Department moves to dismiss Proud Boys and Oath Keepers’ seditious conspiracy convictions
The Justice Department moved to dismiss the seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members Tuesday, undoing one of the Biden administration’s most celebrated victories against those who it said inspired the January 6, 2021, attack on American democracy.
Sports Illustrated, Shaq opening a sports fan-focused leisure resort in downtown Baton Rouge
SI announced plans to bring immersive sports hospitality, premium lodging, and year-round fan experiences
How Canada’s Carney Used His Political Savvy to Win a Majority
In six months, the prime minister orchestrated the defection of five lawmakers to his side and won a special election.
Showcase shines spotlight on students in School of Arts & Sciences
Columbia College celebrated students in the School of Arts & Sciences during a vibrant and dynamic week‑long series of events from April 7-10.
Explore Purdue’s integrated business and engineering major
Nicole Welsh knows that progress is possible when business-minded and engineering-minded people work together.
If someone says priests should stay out of politics ‘it’s because it’s not their politics’: Priest
President Trump is facing fierce criticism for his attacks on Pope Leo XIV and for posting a Jesus-like A.I. image of himself. Host of "The Busted Halo Show" on SiriusXM Father Dave Dwyer, CSP and Staff Writer for The Atlantic Mark Leibovich join Chris Jansing to share their reaction.
Ecuador and Saudi Arabia Will Face Off at Sports Illustrated Stadium in May During Final Preparations for the World Cup
MIAMI, FL (April 10, 2026) - Utilizing the last FIFA match window prior to the World Cup, Ecuador and Saudi Arabia will face off at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ on May 30th at 7:30 pm (ET). Both teams are laser focused on getting out of the Group Stage
Analysts believe Apple taking a highly unusual step, may double Mac user base
Analysts believe Apple may be adopting a very uncharacteristic policy in pursuit of accelerated growth. The company has traditionally protected...
VA announces intent to reorganize the Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is restructuring the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to eliminate administrative hurdles and grant local hospital directors greater autonomy, the VA said in an announcement on Dec. 15, 2025. The shift aims to modernize the system, ensuring veterans receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of the VA facility they visit. The VA said this isn’t a reduction in force or an attempt to reduce VHA staffing levels. The department said the goal is to improve veteran health outcomes and ensure policies are applied consistently throughout all facilities. As part of the reorganization, the VHA Central Office will have responsibility for setting policy goals and conducting financial management, oversight and compliance, and operation centers and Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) will take policy direction from the VHA Central Office to develop operational, quality and performance standards. The changes aim to provide clearer guidance for delivering health care throughout the VA. For DAV’s statement on VHA reorganization, scan the code or visit qrs.ly/q9h7shd. For DAV’s statement on VHA reorganization, visit dav.org/learn-more/news/2025/dav-statement-on-vha-reorganization/.
What trainers actually think about the 12-3-30 workout
Have we finally unlocked exercise’s biggest secret? Or is this yet another lie perpetrated Big Treadmill?
Open-air driving pleasure in the new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C
Lightweight cabriolet with a high-revving naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission.