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Surgery still outperforms GLP-1 drugs in terms of heart health
Both treatment options are effective, but metabolic and bariatric surgery was linked to more significant cardiovascular risk reductions than GLP-1 medications.
Scientists discover a hidden brain “cleaning” effect triggered by movement
Scientists have uncovered a surprising link between simple body movement and brain health: every time you tighten your abdominal muscles—even slightly—your brain may gently sway inside your skull. This subtle motion, triggered by pressure changes in connected blood vessels, appears to help circulate cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, potentially flushing out harmful waste.
SFA names Reese permanent dean of Nelson Rusche College of Business
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has appointed Dr. Jason Reese as the permanent dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business, effective May 1. This appointment follows Reese’s yearlong service as interim dean after the departure of Dr. Tim Bisping, who is now dean of the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas.
Business–labour cooperation and long-term competitiveness in the age of AI
Modern economic competitiveness depends on how effectively industries and workers collaborate to adopt new technologies.
‘Move fast and break things’ not way to fix Colorado’s roads
By Donna Lynne, Kelly Nordini and Rebecca McClellan This month, after the effects of federal H.R. 1 hit Colorado’s budget like a sledgehammer, Colorado lawmakers had to cut more than $1.5 billion from our state budget, leaving virtually no corner untouched. Critical programs for health care, the environment and education felt the effects. We do […]
Computer science grad earns IBM fellowship for AI research
Modern medicine runs on data organized into tables and charts that help doctors make fast, informed decisions. Survival rates and prescription side effects are often distilled into formats that can be scanned in seconds. But that clarity doesn’t come easily. The data must be extracted and organized, often through a time-consuming process that can leave critical information buried deep in research reports.Naman Ahuja wants to change that.
What Janet Mills' fall signals for the Democratic Party's future: From the Politics Desk
Plus, redistricting ruling ripple effects.
Mauro named interim dean of the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
John Mauro, department head and professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State, has been named interim John Leone Dean in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, effective July 1.
Senate bans members and staff from trading on prediction markets
A resolution changing the rules of the Senate was passed unanimously, and goes into effect immediately.
Political donations are poison to our democracy – but there’s an easy antidote to that
As revelations about Reform UK’s donors emerge, it’s clear that increasingly complex forms of patronage can’t be regulated effectively. We need a clean sweep, says columnist George Monbiot
New study suggests coffee supports gut health and mood
Key Takeaways:Coffee might support both gut health and mood, with recent study participants showing lower stress, depression, and more beneficial gut bacteria.OSF gastroenterologist Omar Khokhar says effects vary by individual and coffee type, and the study only shows a correlation, not proof of cause.Moderation and personal tolerance matter mos...
What Does the National Science Board Do? Experts Warn Board’s Firing Could Endanger NSF Independence, U.S. Scientific Leadership
The recent news that President Trump notified all 22 members of the National Science Board that they were being dismissed, effective immediately, has caused alarm in the scientific community because of the body’s unique role in leading the National Science Foundation – one of the world’s premiere research-funding agencies.
Trump Fires All 22 Board Members of National Science Foundation
The 22 members of the National Science Foundation board were informed in an email that they had been "terminated, effective immediately."
Protect patient access to life-saving drugs
By Leslie Herod Since its inception, Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) created fear among patients around effects to life-saving medicines and the negative ramifications price controls have on affordability. Five years on, those fears persist. Patients and advocates continue to push for protections for those facing the very likely scenario drugs whose price is […]
They Say Compassion Drains You. Science Disagrees
Research suggests it’s not compassion that wears doctors down but a different emotion — a distinction that may help them recharge more effectively.
Scientists reveal the best exercise for knee arthritis pain relief
A major review of 217 trials shows that aerobic exercise is the most effective option for managing knee osteoarthritis. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming outperformed other exercise types in reducing pain and improving movement. While alternatives like strength training and mind-body exercises help, they are best used alongside aerobic workouts. The findings also confirm that exercise is a safe and essential part of treatment.
Supreme Court ruling will reshape American politics. The only question is when
The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority on Wednesday handed Republicans their biggest victory yet in the perpetual battle to control the House of Representatives and statehouses across the country — but it may have come too late to have much of an effect on this year's midterm elections.
Cause of falling fertility rates isn’t biological
Letters: Peter Foreshaw Brookes says economic conditions and smartphone usage (and its effects on coupling) are more likely causes
Trusted Science Communicators Share their Expertise at IMMUNOLOGY2026™
Attendees of IMMUNOLOGY2026™ learned how to make their science communication more effective, empathetic, and have a greater impact.
This ‘longevity drug’ may weaken gains from exercise
Researchers anticipated rapamycin would enhance the effects of working out, while also initiating health improvements of its own, but the results surprised them.
NC county social service agencies brace for deluge of work as Medicaid work requirements go into effect
About 10 percent of county social services positions dedicated to Medicaid are currently vacant, even as recertification work will double.
Business briefs, April 29
Ventas expects 2026 senior living investments will total $3B by year’s end … RFK Jr.’s recent comments on paid family caregivers ‘deeply concerning,’ advocates say … DHS interim final rule codifying immigration fees goes into effect May 29 … Assisted living provider groups back new HCBS quality measures, with caveats … Fitch rates Lebanon Valley Brethren Home at BBB
A one-in-a-million supernova seen five times could reveal the Universe’s true speed
A spectacular cosmic event nicknamed “SN Winny” could help solve one of astronomy’s biggest mysteries: how fast the universe is expanding. This rare superluminous supernova, located 10 billion light-years away, appears five times in the sky thanks to gravitational lensing, creating a dazzling “cosmic fireworks” effect. By measuring the slight delays between each appearance—caused by light taking different paths around two foreground galaxies—scientists can directly calculate the universe’s expansion rate.
Impending layoffs at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center spark concerns about mental health care
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center announced that 648 employees would be laid off, effective June 26. Some are worried about the impact it will have on the availability of mental health treatment in San Antonio.
Exploring effects of climate change on maternal health
A two-day symposium earlier this month at UC Riverside convened academic researchers, activists, government officials and leaders from nonprofit organizations to explore the effects of climate change on maternal and reproductive health as well as strategies for mitigating the risks.
Denuvo Responds to Day-Zero DRM Hypervisor Crack: "We're Already Working on Updated Security Versions"
A Hypervisor bypass recently appeared giving game crackers an alternative way to circumvent protections like Denuvo DRM. The bypass is so effective that popular game repacker, FitGirl, has declared that "all single-player/non-VR Denuvo games are now cracked/bypassed." The announcement comes after fo...
Denuvo Has Been Fully Cracked And 2K Is Fighting Back
Using a relatively new bypass technique, hackers claim to have effectively cracked all games using Denuvo protection software
Mail-In test for colorectal cancer could help community health centers increase screening
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States and disproportionally impacts people who receive care in under-resourced settings. Fortunately, several effective screening tests are available to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. In partnership with community health centers (CHC), investigators from Mass General Brigham and UCLA Health mailed one of two stool-based screening tests to more than 5,000 participants from CHCs in Boston and Los Angeles. Researchers found that participants were more likely to complete screening if they received a newer stool-based screening test, but follow-up colonoscopy rates remained low for those with abnormal results. Findings are published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
WVU Health System names Richard Dabruzzo vice president of business development
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Richard Dabruzzo will become vice president of business development for the WVU Health System effective May 1. Richard Dabruzzo Dabruzzo brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience in physician...
WVU Health System names Richard Dabruzzo vice president of business development
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Richard Dabruzzo will become vice president of business development for the WVU Health System effective May 1. Richard Dabruzzo Dabruzzo brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience in physician...
Flutter Entertainment updates board committee roles
Flutter Entertainment’s 8-K/A details new board committee roles for Sally Susman and David Kenny, effective after the May 29, 2026 AGM, via RNS Exhibit 99.1.
20th Anniversary iPhone's 'Liquid Glass' Display to Make Bezels Vanish
Apple's 20th-anniversary iPhone will use a new type of curved screen technology that more effectively hides the display bezels from the user's line of sight for a purer viewing experience, claims a Chinese leaker. Apple is reportedly planning a radical redesign for the 20th-anniversary iPhone that could feature a display that curves around all four edges of the device.
Business owners concerned about proposed pause in S.C. liquor liability law
South Carolina lawmakers voted last week to pause the state’s liquor liability law that took effect last year.
Airfare data: Ticket prices could jump by 14% if Spirit collapses
An analysis of air fares shows a reverse "Spirit effect," in which ticket prices would rise if the budget carrier folds.
Trump fires independent board overseeing National Science Foundation
Positions ‘terminated, effective immediately’, says email to scientists sent on president’s behalf, in move labelled ‘dangerous attack’ on US innovation
Fewer stents, positive outcomes: Sirolimus-eluting balloons a safe alternative during PCI
Using a DCB that releases sirolimus over an extended period of time appears to be both safe and effective when treating patients who present with NSTEMI or unstable angina.
Vanderbilt Health clinicians seek to improve care for those with traumatic brain injuries
CBIS training covers the cognitive, psychological and social consequences of brain injury; behavioral approaches for managing challenging behaviors and promoting positive skills; and techniques for effectively working with families of individuals with brain injury.
Paige Bueckers says it’s all business with Azzi Fudd as they try to win with the Dallas Wings
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers said her relationship with teammate and fellow No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd will have no effect on what they do on the court as they try to…
Rover-Induced Mineral Transformations: Extent of the Effect for the Mars Science Laboratory and Opportunities for Future Landed Mission
X-ray amorphous sulfate hydrates are a substantial component (up to 23 wt%) of the sedimentary rocks
Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th Street Clinic to expand weekend and holiday walk-in hours
The Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th Street Clinic will expand its weekend and holiday walk-in hours to 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., effective Saturday, May 2 (current hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
How The Golden Entertainment (GDEN) Investment Story Is Shifting With Mixed Analyst Sentiment
The fair value price target for Golden Entertainment is now set at US$30.0, effectively unchanged from the prior US$30 level and signaling a steady headline anchor for the story. This static target comes as bullish and bearish analysts weigh steadier execution potential against more cautious expectations and a downgrade in research commentary. As you read on, you will see how to track these shifting views and what they may mean for following the evolving narrative around the stock. Analyst...
Mass Effect Andromeda 'Done Dirty' by Publisher EA, Actor Says
One of the lead actors behind BioWare's Mass Effect Andromeda has spoken out about the game's disappointing critical and commercial response, and placed much of the blame on publisher EA.
All coffee, even decaf, can improve mood, brain health, study finds
Coffee, even the decaffeinated variety, can help improve a person's mood and has a protective effect on brain health, and that is likely because of its effect on the gut.
How Legacy became a costly crypto bust for players and a business win for Peter Molyneux
After millions in NFT sales, the hyped “play to earn” game was effectively dead in weeks.
PS5 Price Increases Hit Another Region, Effective from 1st May
Southeast Asia sees console price increases next
Healthy life expectancy gap between rich and poor has widened
Poor housing, obesity and the effects of deprivation have been suggested as underlying causes of the fall.
Blowing dust health alert in effect for Bernalillo County
Those with respiratory conditions advised to limit outdoor activity until 8 p.m.
Trump has terminated several members of the independent National Science Board
The Trump administration sent letters to several members of the National Science Board, informing them that their positions were "terminated, effective immediately."
World IP Day 2026 Spotlights IP Issues in Sports
WIPO established World IP Day to commemorate April 26, 1970, the date the WIPO Convention officially took effect.
Italy referee chief suspends himself over sports fraud investigation
The man in charge of assigning Serie A and B referees, Gianluca Rocchi, has suspended himself from the role with immediate effect while under investigation for sports fraud by Milan's Public Prosecutor's Office.
Connections: Tyson Foods appoints chief accounting officer - Talk Business & Politics
Springdale-based meat producer Tyson Foods Inc. has named Phillip Thomas as its new chief accounting officer and controller effective April 6. He replaces Lori Bondar, who is stepping down and...
Toxins plus climate harms likely cause of reduced fertility, study finds
Researchers find ‘alarming’ effect on fertility across global species from simultaneous exposures
Italian referee designator under investigation for alleged sporting fraud
Gianluca Rocchi placed himself under suspension with immediate effect, as did his colleague Andrea Gervasoni.
How to use habit-stacking to reach your health and wellness goals
Habit-stacking, a technique that’s gotten a lot of attention in recent years, can create a structured and effective routine when motivation alone isn’t enough.
How aging is reshaping the job market
There's a lot of emphasis on what AI means for the job market. Aging Americans are already having a larger effect.
Pols & Politics: Boston’s $325M White Stadium deal could be killed with booze ban
Plans to serve booze at White Stadium’s professional soccer matches in Boston have encountered pushback by critics of the city’s public-private rehab plan, but a ban on alcohol would effectively kill the $325 million project.
Spencer Fane to merge with Conner & Winters - Talk Business & Politics
Kansas City, Mo.-based Spencer Fane will combine with Tulsa, Okla-based Conner & Winters LLP. The merger, effective July 1, will result in Spencer Fane having its first Arkansas office, as...
Spencer Fane to merge with Conner & Winters - Talk Business & Politics
Kansas City, Mo.-based Spencer Fane will combine with Tulsa, Okla-based Conner & Winters LLP. The merger, effective July 1, will result in Spencer Fane having its first Arkansas office, as...
Waterpik’s Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser is 32% Off
The device has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for effectiveness.
New “optical tornado” technology could transform quantum communication
Scientists have created tiny “optical tornadoes” — swirling beams of light that twist like miniature whirlwinds — using a surprisingly simple setup based on liquid crystals. Instead of relying on complex nanotechnology, the team used self-organizing structures called torons to trap and manipulate light, causing it to spiral and rotate in intricate ways. Even more impressively, they achieved this effect in light’s most stable, lowest-energy state, making it far easier to generate laser-like beams with these unusual properties.
Even without social media, phones have a subtle, damaging effect on our mental health
Digital communication in its most basic forms can push us into an ‘always on’ state – and generate feelings of exclusion or rejection, says academic and author Devi Sridhar
This common habit could be quietly hurting men’s fertility, experts warn
Experts warn that cannabis use can negatively affect male fertility by lowering sperm count and quality, but the effects may be reversible over time.
Microplastics, MAHA, and the Evolving Politics of Exposure Science
Concerns about microplastics and their effect on human and environmental health are no longer confined to academic literature or environmental advocacy.
Microplastics, MAHA, and the Evolving Politics of Exposure Science
Concerns about microplastics and their effect on human and environmental health are no longer confined to academic literature or environmental advocacy.
Play can improve health. Tech is making that happen.
A new grant from the Flinn Foundation is allowing computer scientist Jared Duval to expand his work around making healthcare technology both effective and fun. Duval, an assistant professor in the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, won the two-year, $300,000 grant to support his work in health-related research that benefits Arizona. His far-reaching work, which includes everything from helping…
Remove bad breath-causing buildup with these 6 tongue scrapers, recommended by dentists
I asked three dentists for recommendations on the best tongue scrapers that are easy to use and effective at fighting bad breath.
We must go beyond box checking when it comes to teaching reading
The science of reading isn't enough for Ohio children. Effective reading instruction must address skill and confidence together.
Businesses dole out up to $4 million to cross Panama Canal during Strait of Hormuz chokehold
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Businesses have doled out up as much as $4 million to move boats through the Panama Canal with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, according to the Panama Canal Authority, in a move that has created a seismic shift in global trade flows.
Businesses dole out up to $4 million to cross Panama Canal during Strait of Hormuz chokehold
Businesses have doled out up as much as $4 million to move boats through the Panama Canal with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, according to the Panama Canal Authority, in a move that has created a seismic shift in global trade flows. While passage through the waterway usually comes at a flat rate via reservations, companies without reservations can cross by paying an additional fee in an auction for slots, which are awarded to the highest bidder rather than waiting for days off the coast of Panama City. Ships have increasingly traveled through the Panama Canal as shipments are rerouted and buyers purchase from other countries to avoid commerce through now-treacherous Middle Eastern waterway.
Marshall Health Network enrolling patients in lung cancer clinical trial evaluating personalized immunotherapy approach
lungllulungHUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Edwards Cancer Institute at Marshall Health Network (MHN) is enrolling eligible patients in a clinical trial evaluating whether a personalized immunotherapy approach can enhance the effectiveness of treatment following lung cancer surgery. The study is investigating the use of an individualized therapy designed with a tumor’s unique biology from a surgical sample to help the immune system better […]
U.S. Forging a Healthier Oceania Through Trump Administration's America First Global Health Strategy Through Bilateral Health Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China
United States Forging a Healthier Oceania Through Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy Through Bilateral Health Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea Press Statement Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson April 23, 2026 Yesterday the United States and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy. The landmark health MOU focuses on effectively addressing emerging infectious diseases and ongoing outbreaks, building and maintaining surge-response capacities, and enabling Papua New Guinea’s government to independently manage new health threats before they spread internationally. Working with Congress, the United States intends to provide $15 million through December 2030 through the jointly decided health MOU, building on decades of progress in reducing HIV infections and transmissions in Papua New Guinea. The government of Papua New Guinea intends to allocate up to $3 million to disease control programs and strengthen health systems at the national and provincial levels. Up to $5 million under the health MOU will directly support global health security funding, advancing our shared commitment to health security in the region. Through the signing of this $18 million MOU, we are bolstering infectious disease prevention and response by leveraging cost-effective, nationally-driven approaches, with the goal of increasing Papua New Guinea’s health system self-sufficiency. America First Global Health Strategy Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed so far represent more than $20.6 billion in new health funding, including more than $12.8 billion in U.S. assistance alongside $7.8 billion in co-investment from recipient countries, building on decades of progress fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases around the world. As of April 22, the State Department has signed 32 bilateral global health MOUs with Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, and Uganda.
Changes to Wisconsin's FoodShare program set to take effect this year
Work requirements are being expanded for participants, along with certain products being banned from the program.
Health officials nix publication of study on Covid vaccine effectiveness
The report's release had previously been delayed after the CDC's acting director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, expressed concerns about its methodology.
Lehigh Valley Health Network out of network with UnitedHealthcare starting Sunday
This weekend, Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, will be out of network with UnitedHealthcare for commercial plans effective Sunday.
Asking Patients to Decide on Treatment When Side Effects Can Include Death
Patients must weigh their own values in deciding care.
Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 changelog leaks days before Stable rollout
Leaked changelog reveals One UI 8.5 stable update for the Galaxy S25 series will bring a noticeable visual refresh, leaning into cleaner layouts, blur effects, and more fluid elements that adapt naturally to how you use the phone daily. Galaxy AI takes center stage with smarter, more practical tools. From screening calls with Bixby to […]
New issue: Mirrorlife | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Mirror life could end all life on Earth. That sounds dramatic, but senior biologists have raised the alarm about experiments happening all around the world. It sounds like something in a Doctor Who plot, but no – mirror life is a real possibility. So why do scientists want to create something that’s potentially apocalyptic? Well, it could also have huge benefits (think back to splitting the atom). The first thing to say, however, is that mirror organisms are still a little way away yet – but only decades, not centuries. So far, scientists have only made mirror molecules, one of life’s building blocks. What for? Life works because its building blocks fit together. Imagine drilling a screw into a piece of wood. The screw cuts a hole with a thread that snugly matches its own. If, for some reason, the Doctor showed up and handed you a mirror version of the screw, its thread would be in reverse. It wouldn’t twist into the hole you’d just made as the threads wouldn’t match. That said, the mirror screw would still work; you’d just have to create a mirror hole for it. Mirror molecules, including DNA, work a bit like that. They follow the same principles as the biology around us, but they’re entirely incompatible with traditional biological functions. In medical terms, this means they’re effectively invisible to your body’s systems. Our biology doesn’t have the tools to recognise these molecules and break them apart. And if someone took these mirror molecules and put them together to make a cell and then an organism… you’d have mirror life. But we don't have any way of breaking it down. If it escaped the lab, we’d just have to hope it didn’t have an appetite.
The fiery effects of political memes
Despite their simplicity, memes can both inspire new political voices and reinforce false narratives and are affecting online discourse around the globe.
Navy Secretary abruptly leaves job as US naval blockade of Iran continues
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is leaving his position “effective immediately,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on Wednesday evening.
US health officials nix publication of a study on COVID vaccine effectiveness
U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study on the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations.
US Health Officials Nix Publication of a Study on COVID Vaccine Effectiveness
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials stopped the publication of a study on whether the COVID-19 vaccine was keeping adults from becoming sick enough to have to go to the hospital. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman on Wednesday confirmed the decision to halt publication,
Four receive 2026 University Staff Excellence Awards
The University Staff Excellence Awards honor staff members for their excellence in effectiveness, innovation, creativity, originality, leadership,…
Reform enacts new business license fees for tattoo, piercing and other body art services
A new business license fee structure for "personal services" is now in effect in the City of Reform.
New study reveals coffee’s positive gut impacts, even without caffeine
New research is looking at the positive effects of coffee on the gut-brain connection.
CBL Scholars Program Opens Pathways to Business Law Careers - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
First-year law students and 2026 CBL Scholars Deniz Masjedi, Alvaro Flores, and Tavia Pappaly gain mentorship connections with leading industry professionals as they prepare for careers in business law. Created by the UC Center for Business Law San Francisco (CBL), the CBL Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of business law leaders, supported by contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors. The highly competitive program provides funding along with academic and professional mentorship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholars gain exposure to the Bay Area’s technology and venture capital ecosystems and access to UC Law SF’s broad network of senior legal professionals. Now in its sixth year, the CBL Scholars Program provides a scholarship and academic and professional mentorship to students entering the business law community from disadvantaged educational, economic, social, or physical backgrounds. The program is generously sponsored by the law firms Gunderson Dettmer and Goodwin Procter. Meet this year’s CBL Scholars: Deniz Masjedi, Alvaro Flores, and Tavia Pappaly. All three have secured summer associate positions at prestigious law firms. Deniz Masjedi: A Passion for Helping Founders Grow Companies Deniz Masjedi, who was born in Iran and moved to Southern California as a teenager, traces her interest in law to her family’s immigration journey and her desire to advocate for herself and her family. She earned a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley, where she studied political science and sociology. At UC Law SF, she serves as a 1L representative for the Iranian Law Students Association and is active in the Business Law Society and Technology & Law Society. Next fall, she will serve as director of mentorship for the Technology & Law Society and director of professional development for the Business Law Society. She will join Sidley Austin this year as a 1L/2L summer associate. Q: What draws you to business law? A: Prior to law school, I worked in Cooley LLP’s Private Companies practice group as a corporate paralegal for three years, supporting over 100 venture-backed startups and venture capital funds. I found purpose in helping founders transform their vision into successful companies. It was incredibly rewarding being part of their journeys—from company formation and initial financing to major transactions such as M&A deals. What excites me most about this field is the potential for a small, innovative company to become the next Google or Zoom, shaping how people communicate and access information. I hope to continue supporting entrepreneurs and investors as a corporate attorney. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: As the first person in my family to attend law school in the United States, receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor. My parents and I left everything behind so that I could enjoy the freedom to practice my religion without persecution and pursue a career in law as a woman. This award is an acknowledgment of my dedication to business law and motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in this field. It also recognizes years of hard work—learning a new language, navigating the college and law school application process, and ultimately building a career in the legal profession. Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: This scholarship will provide access to mentorship from leaders in the field, enabling me to develop the skills necessary to offer practical advice and effective representation to future clients. It also eases the financial burden of law school, letting me focus on my coursework and deepen my commitment to corporate law. As an immigrant, breaking into the legal profession has not always been easy, and the time that mentors have invested in me has been instrumental to my progress. This scholarship will allow me to continue building those relationships while positioning me to one day mentor others pursuing similar paths. Alvaro Flores: Inspired by Entrepreneurs The son of Mexican immigrants raised in San Antonio, Texas, Alvaro Flores says he has long been interested in how policy, markets, and culture shape society. He studied international relations and global economy at the University of Southern California, with minors in business finance and legal studies. His experiences span local political organizing, venture capital and startup work, and teaching entrepreneurship. At UC Law SF, he is involved in the Business Law Society, Technology & Law Society, and the Latinx Law Student Association. He will join Perkins Coie as a 1L/2L summer associate with the firm’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice. Q: What draws you to business law? A: I’m drawn to stories of entrepreneurs whose simple ideas become companies that shape the economy and society. Spending time in venture capital and working directly with founders has shown me that many important decisions in the scaling process are ultimately legal ones, particularly how companies are structured and how capital is raised. Business law sits at the intersection of innovation and equity. It offers a way to stay close to the pace of technological change while also helping expand who gets to participate in it. There is something special about being part of that process here in the Bay Area, where the American Dream feels like it is reimagined in real time. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: I am truly grateful for the support and belief this scholarship represents. I see it not just as recognition, but also as alignment. The CBL Scholars Program’s focus on developing individuals who engage deeply with the business and technology ecosystem reflects the path I have been intentionally building. More than anything, it feels like an investment in that journey. I have been thoughtful about each next step–whether teaching, working in venture capital, or building multidisciplinary experiences–and this scholarship reinforces that those efforts come together in a meaningful way. Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: It allows me to focus more on developing as a business lawyer, without the distraction of financial constraints. Beyond that, the mentorship and access to the Bay Area network are just as valuable. I’m especially interested in working with early-stage companies and investors, so the opportunity to learn directly from people operating at a high level in that space is huge. Tavia Pappaly: Working in the Wine Industry Sparked Interest in Business and Law Tavia Pappaly spent five years in the wine industry before deciding to pursue law school with a goal of becoming a corporate transactions attorney. Pappaly says she wants to use her legal skills to help business grow and thrive. A first-generation law student from Fairfield, California, she is a member of the Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP) and will serve as vice president of social planning for the UC Law SF Sports Law Society in her 2L year. She plans to work as a summer associate at Gibson Dunn in San Francisco after her 2L year. Q: What draws you to business law? A: Business law brings together many of my interests and personal experiences. As the daughter of immigrants who grew up around a family-owned small business, I saw firsthand both the opportunities and challenges of building something from the ground up. That perspective, combined with my experience in the wine industry, solidified my interest in helping businesses of all sizes tackle evolving legal challenges. I’m excited to grow within the corporate law space and develop the skills and experience to support businesses at every stage. I’m deeply motivated to give back to immigrant communities and small business owners, whose experiences often intersect. By building a strong foundation in corporate law, I hope to support those working to create generational stability and to contribute in a meaningful way to the communities that have shaped me. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. I take great pride in my background as a first-generation student and a woman of color, so being recognized for my potential in a field that has historically underrepresented those communities is both affirming and empowering. This program will help connect me to the resources and committed mentors that will help me succeed. Beyond that, it is no secret that law school is a significant financial commitment. This scholarship helps ease both the financial burden and the stress that comes with it, allowing me to focus more on my education and long-term goals. I am incredibly grateful! Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: This scholarship has already connected me with an incredible network of faculty, business law professionals, and like-minded students. The community fostered by the Center for Business Law is deeply supportive, and I’m excited to grow alongside my cohort. I truly believe this network will play an important role in helping me thrive in law school and position me for success in business law. As I have seen firsthand how impactful both financial scholarship and mentorship are, I hope to give back in this same way later in my career.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn plays like a Mass Effect-like sci-fi adventure in fine form, but its developer's use of AI raises some difficult questions
The signs are all good. Except there's that nagging question. How much does it matter that the studio is using gen-AI tools during the game's development?
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.
Petroleum infuses a multitude of everyday items the Iran war could make more expensive
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[Dear DSOS readers – this article is the latest in our “Shaky Political Science” series. In our 38 page report, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting,” released in early December, we examined over 40 studies focused on ranked choice voting. We found that many of these studies suffered from puzzling research methodologies, poorly constructed surveys, unrealistic simulated elections, cherry picked data, and faulty analyses that often were contradicted by results from real-world elections (a link to our full paper is here). Here are links to the first three articles in our series: the first one summarizing the overall results of our report, the second one analyzing a study co-authored by University of Minnesota academic Larry Jacobs, which was one of the most error-prone of all the research we reviewed in our report, and a third article showing an admirable example of two political scientists holding two other political scientists accountable for their flawed, sloppy research]. In this fourth article in our “Shaky Political Science” series, we shine a spotlight on seven studies that were web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group (the ERRG is an ad hoc committee headed by New America’s Political Reform Program and joined by the American Enterprise Institute, the Unite America Institute and Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law). This research consortium has been led by Lee Drutman, senior fellow with New America’s Political Reform Program. These seven studies are simply not credible from any objective standard about how political “science” is supposed to illuminate our understanding of either ranked choice voting or politics in general. The feature that six of these seven studies have in common is that they all used surveys – artificial, simulated elections -- to attempt to say something cogent or interesting about ranked choice voting (RCV) elections. None of them used real world data from actual RCV elections – either the 1000+ elections in the US or the many thousands of elections from places like Australia, Ireland and elsewhere where RCV has been used for 100 years. While a few of these studies conclude with some mixed positives about RCV, our analysis here is content neutral. The idea that, with a political reform like RCV, you can ask respondents in a mock, artificial election to vote with that method, with only the barest of explanation about how RCV works or its likely impacts (i.e. no spoiler candidates, majority winners, voters liberated to pick their favorite candidates, coalition-building), and then ask them their thoughts/reactions about voting in that system, with fake candidates and no real campaigning, no real exposure to an actual election or actual candidates, rests on some very puzzling assumptions. The findings of these seven studies actually are contradicted by the findings from many other studies based on real-world RCV elections. These New America studies also failed to list the real-world RCV studies in their own citations, instead including those studies that reinforced their conclusions. The seven studies featured in this article were chosen because they form a cohesive cohort which precisely illustrates one of the main points of our research paper, namely that using surveys, i.e. artificial elections, or mathematical/theoretical models, instead of real-world data, is in fact “shaky political science.” Below are summaries of our analysis of five of the seven New America studies. You can read our complete analysis of all seven studies at our paper, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting.” Choosing to “Vote As Usual” by Andre Blais, Carolina Plescia, and Semra Sevi. New America. (Blais et al., 2021). This study, web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group, used two surveys in which respondents completed ballots for simulated elections using plurality, approval, RCV and point (Score) voting. In both cases the authors provided the respondents with only minimal explanation of each method. For example, the entire explanation for RCV was “For this vote, rank the candidates from your first to your last choice (you do not need to rank them all). This is called the ranked vote.” That’s it. The study did not provide any context or explanation to survey respondents about why she/he might want to rank multiple candidates. Participants were not even told that ballots would be tabulated using an “instant” runoff, not to mention any description of RCVs ability to eliminate the spoiler effect or liberate voters to rank their favorite candidates without fear of helping the “greater evil” candidate to win. That’s like taking an iPhone back in time to 1970 and asking someone if they like it better than their rotary phone without explaining how it works. Their first survey targeted states that held 2020 Super Tuesday Democratic primaries and used the real candidates’ names in the survey; the second survey used fictitious candidates. In other words, they surveyed respondents who had only ever participated in plurality elections, had no history or background with using RCV or any of the other methods, had no clue about its likely impacts, and did not communicate how the alternative methods would be counted, and then asked them: “How satisfied are you with using each system?” Predictably, the winner was plurality elections, the system used for president, Congress, gubernatorial and state legislative elections – in other words, the method they have been using, year after year, all their voting lives. With so little explanation of RCV and its impacts, this study is simply not credible in discovering anything useful about real-world RCV elections. It merely shows that a basic voter education campaign is needed when adopting a new election system. Additionally, the result contradicts many other post-election surveys following real RCV elections, asking opinions from voters who had just participated in a RCV election, that showed a great deal of satisfaction with RCV (see details on that in Studies 22-25 in our paper, as well as the four studies cited in the review for Study 28). Share Other studies on “satisfaction” and “understanding” make similar mistakes, in terms of basing their surveys on inadequate explanation to respondents and lack of education about context. How could any survey ever hope to measure accurately, in essence simulate a real-world election, without actual campaigning candidates, the media writing about those candidates, organizations endorsing candidates and voters being inundated with crucial information? More than anything, what these “studies” based on surveys show is that if you ask voters about something they don’t know very much about, and fail to adequately educate them, their responses will unsurprisingly reflect their confusion. Equally puzzling is that New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group, headed by political scientist Lee Drutman, found this to be a credible enough study that they not only published it but highlighted it in Drutman’s own discussion of research related to ranked choice voting. This pattern was repeated in study after study featured by New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group. For example in Ranked-Choice Voting and Political Expression: Voter Guides Narrow the Gap between Informed and Uninformed Citizens by Cheryl Boudreau, Jonathan Colner, and Scott MacKenzie, the researchers based their analysis on a survey which found that respondents who were asked to vote in a simulated RCV election, with minimal explanation of RCV or how it works, displayed less evidence of being informed about how to use RCV effectively, with the least informed voters ranking fewer candidates. As pointed out under the study above, in a real election voters are informed by a wide variety of methods, including public education by the election administration, by interested political groups, the media, and the candidates themselves who benefit from voters being aware of how to vote in the new system. In Support for Ranked-Choice Voting across Race and Partisanship by Joseph Anthony, David C. Kimball, Jack Santucci and Jamil Scott, the researchers used respondents from different parties and races voting in simulated plurality and RCV elections, who indicated their satisfaction with each voting method. Instead of using real world election results, the authors fell back on the easy, armchair and less reliable academic research methodology of making up mock elections. As with the other studies, little explanation was given of how RCV works or what its implications might be (electing majority winners or eliminating spoilers, for example). Unsurprisingly, this study found that respondents were not very satisfied with RCV. However, when the authors added an explanation that RCV has a tendency to elect more women and people of color, they found that this greater explanation increased the preference for RCV. The more voters were familiar with it, and the more they understood potential positive impacts – surprise! -- the more they were open to switching away from the status quo. Of note, the results from this study are thoroughly contradicted by a number of other studies whose data was obtained from real RCV elections with real voters. Those studies show a great deal of satisfaction with RCV. More “fake election” research An interesting wrinkle on this “research by fake elections” approach, which only served to illustrate how unreliable such “research” can become, was taken in Ranked-Choice Voting, Runoff, and Democracy: Insights from Maine and Other U.S. States by Joseph Cerrone and Cynthia McClintock_,_ also web-hosted and funded by New America’s ERRG. It gets high marks for creativity, but an eye-roll for thinking this could possibly add anything meaningful to our understanding of real world RCV elections. This study tried to determine whether RCV, plurality or two-round runoff elections provided greater voter satisfaction and acceptance of election results. To determine that, the authors conducted a survey asking if voters were satisfied with a fictional newspaper report of an election, with three different versions given to respondents – plurality, runoff and RCV, with variations of Republican/Democrat winners and variations of “come-from-behind” winners,” i.e. candidates not initially in first place but who win the “runoff.” Again, a minimal explanation of RCV or how it works was given, and the survey showed that respondents had the greatest unfamiliarity with RCV than the other methods. The unsurprising result? Respondents were much more satisfied with “come-from-behind” victories in a traditional two-round runoff election than in RCV, even though RCV is also a runoff system but with a single round of counting. Interestingly, the dissatisfaction with RCV disappeared for those who were more familiar with RCV. In fact, among those respondents who were “very familiar” with RCV, they were equally satisfied with RCV, runoff and plurality. Surprise, surprise. Again, what this study revealed, more than anything, is not only the inadequacy of the explanation for RCV given by the authors of this study, but the failure of the research format itself, thinking that such an artificial mock election could somehow simulate what actually happens in the real world in a real RCV election. Those four studies reviewed above are fitting examples of inadequate and shaky political “science.” Other studies reviewed in our paper from the New America/Electoral Reform Research Group cohort which also used mock elections included: Ranked-Choice Voting is an Acquired Taste by Joseph Anthony and David C. Kimball. New America. (Anthony et al., 2021). Ranked-Choice Voting is No Refuge for Extreme Candidates by Melissa Baker. New America. (Baker, 2021). Also included in this New America cohort is Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Racial Polarization? by Yuki Atsusaka and Theodore Landsman, which actually did use real-world election results data but applied an odd and unconventional methodology to the data which relied on shaky assumptions and non-real-world scenarios that were too divorced from reality. To determine levels of “racially polarized voting,” the researchers imagined “ethnic parties,” by which they mean political parties for each ethnic group, which was especially odd since the election data they were using came from nonpartisan RCV races. But then they made an even odder assumption, namely that since race and ethnic characteristics of studied voters were not available, the authors tried to infer that information based on who voters selected and the racial make-up of voters in each district. This amounted to little more than vague and ambiguous guesswork dressed up with a bunch of mathematical equations used to give it a veneer of scientific appearance. Indeed, it seemed to assume racial polarization in order to prove racial polarization. Based on this questionable methodology, the authors concluded that RCV doesn’t reduce racial polarization. But the premise of this study missed an obvious reality: since RCV incentivizes more candidates to run and can result in more diverse fields of candidates, one would expect more racially-polarized voting in voters’ top rankings, not less, because more voters would have someone on that ballot who represents their racial or ethnic identity and more freedom to vote for their real first choice. By encouraging more diverse candidates and eliminating the spoiler effect, RCV facilitates voting for a favorite candidate of your own race and then selecting a second choice with the best likelihood of winning. The real measure is what voters do with their additional rankings – do they consider other candidates and vote “for the best of the rest”? This study didn’t tell us anything useful about that. But readily available data shows this is common in real RCV elections, and candidates act on this knowledge by engaging with voters outside their racial group. So the authors of this study failed to consider or account for what actually happens in real-world elections, and their conclusions are tainted by this failure. New America has contributed a great deal over the past 2.5 decades to our understanding of many policy areas, including politics and political reform (full disclosure: Steven Hill, one of the authors of this article and of the “Shaky Political Science” research paper and series, is a former senior fellow and former director of New America’s political reform program, 2005-2010). So it was especially disappointing that New America funded and published such a large batch of dubious studies about ranked choice voting. The stated praiseworthy goal of its Electoral Reform Research Group was to inspire new academic research about ranked choice voting that would shed light and help the public better understand the impacts of RCV. Instead, the ERRG research did just the opposite. It produced dubious research that created more confusion and misinformation. In so doing, New America’s political reform program contributed to “shaky political science.” Steven Hill and Paul Haughey Share Upgrade to $5 subscription Thanks for reading DemocracySOS, a reader-supported digital portal for the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe for only $5 per month to receive full benefits and to support our work. Subscribe
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