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1% of health insurance tax could fund medical education amid Idaho doctor shortage
Idaho lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to create a dedicated funding stream for medical education as the state faces a doctor shortage.Senate Bill 1420
The Insight Series: AI & Digital Health
“The Insight Series: AI & Digital Health” features industry experts answering key questions to help inform policymakers and the public about how AI is shaping the future of care delivery. Our latest edition features Julia Strandberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Business Leader, Connected Care at Philips.
Progressive groups in Maine push for wealth taxes
On Friday, a coalition of 21 business groups, led by the Maine Association of Realtors, said they are urging lawmakers to reject the 2% tax on incomes over $1 million and a measure to increase taxes on individual high earners.
Democrats Examine Elon Musk’s Role in Suspension of Business Disclosure Law
Lawmakers have asked the Treasury Department for information on how Mr. Musk may have influenced the decision to end enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act.
IGAPA Highlights Key Trends in Government Relations and Political Campaigns at Washington, D.C. Forum
The 11th International Government Relations (GR) & Political Campaigns Forum, organized by IGAPA (International Government Affairs Professional Association), a leading global network of public affairs professionals, convened policymakers, political strategists, consultants, and thought leaders from more than 10 countries to address pressing challenges in governance, elections, and public trust.
Scuffling Wizards finish road trip against red-hot Lakers
Scuffling Wizards finish road trip against red-hot Lakers
NJ Chamber ReNew Jersey Business Summit returns to AC
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's ReNew Jersey Business Summit returns to Atlantic City with key speakers including Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Corn tortillas in California now must contain folic acid. More states are looking at it
In January, California became the first state to require food makers to add folic acid, a crucial vitamin, to corn masa flour used to make tortillas and other traditional foods. It’s a long-delayed move aimed at reducing Hispanic infants’ disproportionately high rates of serious conditions called neural tube defects.
Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest bracket, standings, tiebreakers
The 2025-26 NHL regular season is scheduled to end on April 16. Here is the latest look at the playoff standings, bracket and tiebreakers.
Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest bracket, standings, tiebreakers
The 2025-26 NHL regular season is scheduled to end on April 16. Here is the latest look at the playoff standings, bracket and tiebreakers.
AI regulation clashing with business lobby in Louisiana
Louisiana lawmakers have filed over 20 AI bills, but broader regulatory efforts face resistance from business groups and federal warnings.
Navigating the social media minefield
Scientists and researchers seeking to announce promising findings, exchange ideas or contribute to policy discussions outside of academic circles may find social media an expedient tool.But increasingly, scientists and other professionals are discovering that online platforms can be a double-edged sword: while sharing their work and expertise is crucial for visibility and meeting funder expectations, it also exposes them to baseless criticism and even accusations of spreading false information."It is getting harder and harder for scientists, and researchers in general, to convey their findings without facing attacks on their legitimacy and accuracy of their research," says Valère Ndior, a professor of public law at the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France, who has spent more than a decade studying misinformation on social media. Researchers attempting to challenge deceptive online information may themselves be accused of political bias or not being objective in their research, he explains, adding that some scientists disengage because they feel overwhelmed and unable to sustain meaningful dialogue. "It is quite sad to see in some instances that researchers end up leaving social media altogether because they feel like the pressure is getting too intense or feel threatened," he says.Ndior, a past president of the Francophone Network of International Law, is also involved in European efforts to make science and research findings more accessible to the public. As an ambassador for the Science Comes to Town (SCTT) project, he has participated in recent discussions on public perceptions of science and online misinformation. The European Commission-funded initiative connects Brest and two other cities — Kiel in Germany and Split in Croatia — and aims to strengthen ties between communities, universities and research institutions to promote science awareness and cooperation across Europe.Coordinated campaigns around contentious topicsNdior draws a clear distinction between critical thinking and thoughtless criticism. Yet he sees online discussions being increasingly shaped by suspicious behaviour and coordinated information campaigns — including "raids" aimed at dominating discussions and "astroturfing," where small groups act as larger movements to sway debates. Tracking these patterns has become harder because some platforms have restricted data or charge for it, despite provisions of the European Union's Digital Securities Act aimed at ensuring researchers can have access to such data. According to Ndior, "platforms became more reluctant from the moment access to data became a legal requirement rather than a voluntary initiative."Unfounded claims and scepticism about science existed long before Internet chat groups. But the noticeable rise in online hostility has intensified around contentious topics, such as the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, alongside the weakening of gatekeepers to moderate content.For Ndior, dubious claims about pandemic countermeasures and vaccine safety highlighted the struggle between "balancing freedom of expression and the protection of public health and order." Efforts to remove social media content deemed false or risky for public health triggered accusations of censorship and the silencing of legitimate discussion, and in some cases, legal challenges.Concerns about attacks on the credibility of scientists and researchers have generated a flurry of academic papers in recent years and prompted professional communities to address ways to counter online attacks. Such unease extends to the generation that has grown up with digital media. Ndior points out that his students, some of whom research artificial intelligence regulation, hate speech, online surveillance and other controversial topics, hesitate to share their work or viewpoints online. "Many of them don't want to expose themselves too much because they don't feel ready to be faced with the backlash of other people criticising their research," he explains.Safer harbours for engagementLegal challenges against false or defamatory posts are not necessarily a solution — especially given the trans-jurisdictional nature of the Internet. Lawsuits also take time and money, and if they fail, can be counterproductive. Instead, Ndior advises scientists and researchers to be selective in how and where they communicate. Professional online platforms and moderated discussion spaces offer a better environment for engagement. He also highlights the value of more traditional formats, such as radio interviews and in-person discussions at schools, libraries and science fairs, which encourage dialogue with the public. "Personal contact makes a big difference," he says, while acknowledging that these approaches lack the global reach of social media.Ndior’s interest in digital law and online misinformation stems from his time as a doctoral student in international law in the early days of social media. He began analysing posts from governments and heads of state to determine if they could be considered official and thus used as evidence in litigation. His work attracted media attention and led to conference and speaking invitations. "This was not part of my plan," he says, "but this is what happens as a researcher — your interest is sparked by a certain event or phenomenon, and it suddenly becomes your focus."Ndior believes SCTT provides "a double benefit" for researchers, enabling them to connect with peers and interact with the public. "There is a wide community of people who are not in academia who are critical thinkers looking for opportunities to ask questions, to get information and contribute their ideas,” he says. "I really value that kind of feedback."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Navigating the social media minefield
Scientists and researchers seeking to announce promising findings, exchange ideas or contribute to policy discussions outside of academic circles may find social media an expedient tool.But increasingly, scientists and other professionals are discovering that online platforms can be a double-edged sword: while sharing their work and expertise is crucial for visibility and meeting funder expectations, it also exposes them to baseless criticism and even accusations of spreading false information."It is getting harder and harder for scientists, and researchers in general, to convey their findings without facing attacks on their legitimacy and accuracy of their research," says Valère Ndior, a professor of public law at the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France, who has spent more than a decade studying misinformation on social media. Researchers attempting to challenge deceptive online information may themselves be accused of political bias or not being objective in their research, he explains, adding that some scientists disengage because they feel overwhelmed and unable to sustain meaningful dialogue. "It is quite sad to see in some instances that researchers end up leaving social media altogether because they feel like the pressure is getting too intense or feel threatened," he says.Ndior, a past president of the Francophone Network of International Law, is also involved in European efforts to make science and research findings more accessible to the public. As an ambassador for the Science Comes to Town (SCTT) project, he has participated in recent discussions on public perceptions of science and online misinformation. The European Commission-funded initiative connects Brest and two other cities — Kiel in Germany and Split in Croatia — and aims to strengthen ties between communities, universities and research institutions to promote science awareness and cooperation across Europe.Coordinated campaigns around contentious topicsNdior draws a clear distinction between critical thinking and thoughtless criticism. Yet he sees online discussions being increasingly shaped by suspicious behaviour and coordinated information campaigns — including "raids" aimed at dominating discussions and "astroturfing," where small groups act as larger movements to sway debates. Tracking these patterns has become harder because some platforms have restricted data or charge for it, despite provisions of the European Union's Digital Securities Act aimed at ensuring researchers can have access to such data. According to Ndior, "platforms became more reluctant from the moment access to data became a legal requirement rather than a voluntary initiative."Unfounded claims and scepticism about science existed long before Internet chat groups. But the noticeable rise in online hostility has intensified around contentious topics, such as the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, alongside the weakening of gatekeepers to moderate content.For Ndior, dubious claims about pandemic countermeasures and vaccine safety highlighted the struggle between "balancing freedom of expression and the protection of public health and order." Efforts to remove social media content deemed false or risky for public health triggered accusations of censorship and the silencing of legitimate discussion, and in some cases, legal challenges.Concerns about attacks on the credibility of scientists and researchers have generated a flurry of academic papers in recent years and prompted professional communities to address ways to counter online attacks. Such unease extends to the generation that has grown up with digital media. Ndior points out that his students, some of whom research artificial intelligence regulation, hate speech, online surveillance and other controversial topics, hesitate to share their work or viewpoints online. "Many of them don't want to expose themselves too much because they don't feel ready to be faced with the backlash of other people criticising their research," he explains.Safer harbours for engagementLegal challenges against false or defamatory posts are not necessarily a solution — especially given the trans-jurisdictional nature of the Internet. Lawsuits also take time and money, and if they fail, can be counterproductive. Instead, Ndior advises scientists and researchers to be selective in how and where they communicate. Professional online platforms and moderated discussion spaces offer a better environment for engagement. He also highlights the value of more traditional formats, such as radio interviews and in-person discussions at schools, libraries and science fairs, which encourage dialogue with the public. "Personal contact makes a big difference," he says, while acknowledging that these approaches lack the global reach of social media.Ndior’s interest in digital law and online misinformation stems from his time as a doctoral student in international law in the early days of social media. He began analysing posts from governments and heads of state to determine if they could be considered official and thus used as evidence in litigation. His work attracted media attention and led to conference and speaking invitations. "This was not part of my plan," he says, "but this is what happens as a researcher — your interest is sparked by a certain event or phenomenon, and it suddenly becomes your focus."Ndior believes SCTT provides "a double benefit" for researchers, enabling them to connect with peers and interact with the public. "There is a wide community of people who are not in academia who are critical thinkers looking for opportunities to ask questions, to get information and contribute their ideas,” he says. "I really value that kind of feedback."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Caitlin Clark Reflects on Impact in Women's Sports Before 3rd WNBA Season
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark was back on the hardwood on Sunday. Clark provided pregame analysis for Sunday’s matchup between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. This is the second NBC broadcast for Clark, who also took part in the pregame show in January during a Knicks-Lakers matchup at Madison Square Garden.
Denmark’s politics is all a bit chaotic right now – but Danes like it that way
Following last week’s general elections, Danish lawmakers are locked in the routine negotiations that come with forming a coalition government....
Bay Area Book Festival returns with Boots Riley, Rebecca Solnit
Bay Area Book Festival returns with new Chill Zone, expanded youth programming and a lineup of more than 350 authors and speakers.
Makers of dietary supplements push the FDA to allow peptides and other new ingredients
Makers of dietary supplements are pushing the Food and Drug Administration to expand the types of ingredients they can put in their products.
Assemblyman Josh Hoover says Capitol Annex project leaders are hiding information from lawmakers
California Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover says some state lawmakers like him are getting little to no information on the Capitol Annex Project and how much it could cost taxpayers.
Bad private credit headlines aren't stopping the push into your 401k
Even as private credit faces redemptions and scrutiny, policymakers are moving closer to bringing it into Americans' retirement accounts.
Son-sational South Bay Lakers Bronny James wows LeBron James
Bronny James steps from LeBron's shadow leading South Bay Lakers to 140-132 win over Sioux Falls Skyforce Saturday at UCLA Health Training Center.
Sports Highlights 3/28/26
Hudson Giboney: Hudson Giboney, a senior pitcher/infielder on the Lake Oswego baseball team, got it done with his arm and his bat in the Lakers’ 10-0 win over Colorado’s Chatfield […]
Riverhounds unveil USL championship banner, top Sporting Club Jacksonville in home opener
AMO, the mascot for Riverhounds SC, has a new look. For one, the furry fellow has adopted black, Riverhounds-themed high-top sneakers. When AMO —...
Lakers guard Doncic gets one-game ban for accumulated technicals
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, the NBA scoring leader, was suspended one game without pay by the league on Saturday after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season.NBA rules require any player or coach be automatically suspended for one game once he is whistled for his 16th technical foul during a regular season.
Georgia politics: Special elections, departures shape political landscape
Georgia lawmakers are rushing to pass bills before the end of the session, while election season is heating up with debates and special elections, and some lawmakers are choosing to step down from their positions.
Luka Dončić facing one-game suspension after getting 16th tech
In the Lakers' 116-99 win over the Nets on Friday, Luka Dončić picked up his 16th tech this season. He now faces a potential one-game suspension in Los Angeles' next game.
Bronny James Reveals Unexpected LeBron James Secret After Lakers Game
Bronny James made a big reveal after making NBA history with LeBron James on Friday.
Representative Bratten Discusses Wyoming Business Council
Leading up to the 2026 Budget Session of the Wyoming Legislature, there was a lot of discussion about dissolving the Wyoming Business Council. Lawmakers ultimately chose not to disband the economic agency. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more. The Wyoming Legislature agreed to fund the Wyoming Business Council for a year with the stipulation that […]
US lawmakers say they'll visit Taiwan before Trump's summit with China's Xi
A bipartisan group of senators has plans to visit Taiwan, Japan and South Korea
Canadian business stalls over US trade deal jitters
STORY: The Canadian manufacturing hub of Windsor is home to thousands of small and specialized part makers and caters primarily to car companies and equipment manufacturers. The city thrives on close integration with Detroit, America's automotive capital, just across the river.That means it's also on the frontline of tariff and trade uncertainty with Canada's largest trading partner. JACKIE RAYMOND: "Even if we don't directly work with the automotive industry, we indirectly do."Jackie Raymond is co-owner of FASTSIGNS, a Canadian company that designs and installs custom business signs and graphics.The company is coming off its toughest year since the pandemic. Orders from its core automotive clients dried up.And while a new project brought some relief, the company says customers are placing smaller orders, demanding longer payment terms, and bargaining harder on prices.:: FileIt all points to uncertainty tied to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is up for review this year. It's a deal U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he could scrap.:: Washington, D.C. / December 2, 2025TRUMP: "...and we'll either let it expire or we'll maybe work out another deal with Mexico and Canada...":: FileThe agreement - known as CUSMA north of the border - exempts most Canadian goods from U.S. levies.While Mexico has started formal negotiations with the U.S. over the deal's renewal, Canada has so far only held informal talks.RAYMOND: "I think the CUSMA is very, very important because it trickles down to every little business right down to your barber shop and your nail shop, which will affect all of our customers."The situation in Windsor reflects a broader unease facing Canada's economy, which contracted 0.6% in the fourth quarter. About 90% of the city's exports cross the border, often multiple times during production.Manufacturing accounts for nearly a quarter of employment in the Windsor-Essex region.Its chamber of commerce, which represents about 750 businesses, says companies paused investments, delayed production, and cut jobs at the height of the tariff uncertainty last year. :: FileWindsor partly regained its footing as Trump exempted USMCA-compliant exports from Canada from tariffs in March last year.But uncertainty still drags on business confidence and Windsor's unemployment level remains one of the highest among major cities in Canada.Local shops complain of lower traffic and restaurants report thinner crowds.And builders say the housing market – often among the first sectors to show strain from the knock-on effects of tariff uncertainties – is near a standstill.Brent Klundert of BK Cornerstone, a local real estate builder, said he laid off 13 of his 21 staff as sales and prices slumped last year. "And you know, when people are going to make the biggest investment of their life, they really want confidence in their job, in the longevity of their job in the economy itself. And people lost that due to the tariffs.” // “If we can get through CUSMA, if we can get through our trade agreements with the US, I think that that will add a lot of confidence into the marketplace that we've been lacking.”Since January Klundert has rehired 10 of his employees, hoping homebuyers would start coming back.So far, only a few have.
4 weeks in, Trump’s conflicting signals on Iran war frustrate GOP lawmakers and political allies
President Donald Trump’s conflicting signals over the future of the war in Iran have spurred deepening frustration among GOP lawmakers and allies who fear the administration still lacks a clear endgame after four weeks of fighting.
On CPAC’s Main Stage, Fissures in the Party Trump Remade
The Conservative Political Action Conference typically seeks to establish orthodoxy with its roster of speakers. This year, organizers created space for dissent, highlighting ongoing schisms in the MAGA movement.
On CPAC’s Main Stage, Fissures in the Party Trump Remade
The Conservative Political Action Conference typically seeks to establish orthodoxy with its roster of speakers. This year, organizers created space for dissent, highlighting ongoing schisms in the MAGA movement.
Trump wants a deadlocked Congress to move on AI. Frustrated states say they already have
State lawmakers have been stepping in to regulate artificial intelligence, clashing with the federal government's inaction as concerns about oversight and safety grow.
Luka Dončić again facing 1-game suspension with 16th technical foul of season
The Lakers star has already had two techs rescinded this season.
Lakers’ PA announcer Lawrence Tanter misses game because of ‘health matter’
When the Lakers hosted the Nets on Friday, there was an iconic deep voice missing inside of Crypto.com Arena. Longtime franchise public address announcer Lawrence Tanter wasn’t in attendance for...
The toughest new sport in Japan is street-racing office chairs
On a snowy day in the quiet town of Kumamoto, dozens of Japanese office workers in safety helmets and sneakers crouch low on their office chairs, eyes fixed on the starting line, ready to launch.
With Hochul and lawmakers poised for a late budget, will it matter in November?
Both a Democratic and Republican strategist told Spectrum News 1 the governor's budget messaging is working in her favor.
Minnesota lawmakers head for a short break, legislation continues to backlog in the House
MPR News host Clay Masters and the politics team recap a week in state politics.
Lakers Announce Bronny James News After 33 NBA Games
Bronny James has managed just 33 games for the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
Sony to hike PS5 prices by $100 as AI and Iran war push up memory chip costs
Updated prices of PlayStation 5 consoles to go into effect on 2 April as electronics makers face rising cost pressures
Giant horn speakers, a Bluesound streamer, and Bryston power amps: inside the new Spotify Listening Lounge designed to showcase lossless audio
Spotify's dedicated Listening Lounge in London features a spectacular sound system for "deeper, intentional listening sessions" for artists and fans
LeBron James Makes Off-Court Career Move During Lakers' Season
LeBron James opens Buckets, a fried-chicken restaurant in Akron, as the Lakers ride a 10-1 run before facing the 17-56 Brooklyn Nets.
Trump tells farmers that tractor companies should lower prices
President Donald Trump announced new measures on Friday to support U.S. farmers who are reeling from the administration's trade policies and the Iran war and suggested farm equipment makers cut
Big tech spends more than ever to shape California politics
Tech giants involved in AI and cryptocurrency spent $39 million last year to influence lawmakers and policy. It’s the start of what could be a spending blitz in the upcoming election.
Business leaders and legislators gather for discussion in Youngstown
The movers and shakers of the Valley got together for breakfast Friday morning, hoping to make some connections.
Lakers Fans Upset Over Luka Doncic Update on Friday
Los Angeles Lakers fans are not happy about the latest Luka Doncic update.
Sony hikes PS5 prices by up to $150 citing 'pressures' in global economy
Sony, like other console makers, is contending with surging memory chip prices which have forced the company to raise prices.
CPAC draws conservatives to Texas amid Iran war, Republican battle for U.S. Senate nomination
The influential Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, is underway in Grapevine, Texas. While the annual event draws attendees and speakers from all over, a host of Texans — including Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Senate hopeful Ken Paxton and state Sen. Bryan Hughes — are scheduled to speak on Friday.
DHS funding bill moves to House after early morning passage in Senate
Lawmakers have felt pressured to make a deal because of lengthy security checkpoint delays at some airports.
Tech giants are spending more than ever to shape California politics. See how much
Tech giants involved in AI and cryptocurrency spent $39 million last year to influence lawmakers and policy. It's the start of what could be a spending blitz in the upcoming election.
Lakers return home from successful trip to face spiraling Nets
Lakers return home from successful trip to face spiraling Nets
Sights from SBJ’s Business of Soccer Day 2
Business of Soccer wrapped up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, with speakers like Arthur Blank discussing the state of the sport.
One Republican Farmer in Wisconsin Is Bitter Over Trump’s Deportations
For 20 years, Tim O’Harrow has asked lawmakers to acknowledge that America’s food supply depends on immigrants. Politics went in the other direction.
'That money was earned': Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick counsel pushes back on allegations of siphoning money to campaign
But a bipartisan panel of lawmakers said much of defense at House Ethics trial 'strained credibility.'
Senate reaches a deal to fund most of DHS
The partial shutdown began at midnight on February 14 after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement over funding the Department of Homeland Security.
World Trade Center Health Program will start hiring, federal officials tell lawmakers
The program, which serves about 140,000 people sickened by exposure to the Sept. 11, 2001, attack sites, has been grappling with staff shortages.
Federal judge upholds North Carolina photo voter ID mandate in win for GOP lawmakers
North Carolina’s photo voter identification law was upheld on Thursday, as a federal judge set aside arguments by civil rights groups that Republicans enacted the requirement with discriminatory intent against Black and Latino voters.
Private Equity firm says
Thoma Bravo's Holden Spaht said the popular narrative around AI and software is incorrect, and not all software makers are equally exposed to disruption.
Democratic lawmakers highlight pay gap; business group raises concerns on wage transparency bill
Democratic lawmakers marked Equal Pay Day on Thursday by highlighting persistent wage disparities in Connecticut while backing legislation that would require employers to disclose salary ranges and benefits in job postings.
Memphis People in Business for March 26, 2026
A look at promotions, hirings, movers and newsmakers in the Memphis area business scene.
Prediction market bets on sports, election, war would be verboten under new legislation
Lawmakers have introduced a flurry of measures to rein-in prediction markets in recent weeks, as the platforms have come under increased scrutiny.
Menopause hormone therapy treatments would be covered by health insurance under Ohio bill
Ohio Democratic lawmakers want menopause hormone therapy treatments covered by health insurance and Medicaid.
Bronny, LeBron James share special on-court moment for Lakers
The family had to be happy about this one.
GOP lawmakers vent frustration over Trump administration’s lack of info on Iran war
A key group of House Republicans are growing increasingly wary of the US war with Iran after a briefing with Department of Defense officials on Wednesday left some unsatisfied with what they were told about the objectives and length of the war effort.
New bill could shield small business payroll cash, curb bank runs and aid community banks
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced legislation that would expand federal deposit insurance coverage for certain bank accounts.
Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders push bill to impose AI data center moratorium
A bill introduced by two high-profile progressive lawmakers would pause new data centers in the United States until national safeguards are in place to protect workers and consumers and ensure the technologies don’t harm the environment.
Lawmakers Say Political Fears Stand in Way of ICE Deal
Democrats pointed to President Trump’s sway, while Republicans decried Democrats’ ‘radical base.’
Doctors worry about FDA scrutiny of RSV shots to protect babies
The antibody shots are about 80% effective at preventing babies from ending up in intensive care because of RSV. The drugmakers behind them maintain they're safe.
Global Chemicals Science Panel Fails to Launch After Chaotic First Meeting - Center for International Environmental Law
Global chemicals science panel stalls after chaotic first meeting in Geneva, exposing political obstruction and delays in tackling toxic pollution.
Sports agent imparts life lessons at T.W. Lewis series
Leigh Steinberg recently documented his highs, lows and rebound as a renowned sports agent in a soon-to-be released book. He shared his life lessons as […]
READY, SET, IMPLEMENT! Lifelines in Crisis: Prioritizing Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health in Humanitarian, Conflict and Climate-affected Settings
This dialogue is part of PMNCH’s Ready, Set, Influence series, bringing together policymakers, humanitarian leaders, donors, and grassroots experts. The webinar will focus on accelerating the implementation of health commitments within humanitarian affairs, specifically focusing on the need for integrated, rights-based health services that remain resilient in the face of conflict, disaster and climate events.
NBA Power Rankings: Wolves are the sleeper to watch (again) as championship hierarchy comes into view
The Nuggets and Lakers are right there, and Detroit will have plenty to say when Cade Cunningham gets back
Lawmakers ramp up fight against sports betting on prediction markets
The political battle over sports betting on prediction markets is heating up as professional leagues dive deeper into the national gambling frenzy. Lawmakers in both parties are attempting to stifl…
‘Project Hail Mary’ Is Out-of-this-world Entertainment
Back in 2017, filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were hired and, several months into filming, fired from the Han Solo prequel movie, “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Fix the process before reauthorizing state PUC
What needs to be fixed before reauthorizing the Public Utilities Commission? The answer is simple: the process. The last time the commission was reauthorized in 2021, lawmakers expanded its role in meaningful ways — particularly as Colorado accelerated its clean energy transition. The PUC was asked to do more, to carry more and to implement […]
Lakers release injury report for Wednesday's game versus Pacers
The Lakers will likely be a bit short-handed again when they visit the Pacers on Wednesday.
KY leader testifies in support of bill to expand Mammoth Cave National Park
Two Kentucky lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing to expand the sprawling park through legislation.
Julio Fuentes: Florida amends SB 1760 to protect access to lower-cost drugs
Lawmakers preserve competition to keep prescription drugs affordable for Floridians
Leveraging storytelling in politics
Community college marketing and communications staff play a key role in providing the visuals and storytelling in a college's efforts to educate and influence lawmakers and other stakeholders. That...
Dimon warns on AI job losses, calls for government-business incentives
The potential AI-related disruption of the job market is a critical issue in Washington, with lawmakers trying to curb the amount of job displacement.
Marathon has sold 1.2M copies across Steam, PS5, and Xbox
Alinea Analytics estimates show that Marathon has generated gross revenues of $55M via 1.2M copies sold on Steam, PS5, and Xbox: Looking at the split between Steam, PS5, and Xbox, Steam is clearly the main platform for Marathon, accounting for a little under 70% of the audience (800K copies sold). Meanwhile, PS5 takes about 19% (217K) and Xbox (including console, PC, and cloud) accounts for a bit over 11% or 133K. Marathon is technically a first-party Sony title, so seeing the home console struggle to break 20% of the volume is a notable data point for the ongoing platform-agnostic debate. PlayStation Studios online games will almost certainly continue being multiplatform (despite Sony reportedly pulling back on PC releases). Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe As for Marathon, the consensus among hardcore players who pushed through the awkward onboarding phase – myself included – is that it’s fantastic. The gunplay, aesthetic, and presentation are among the best in the shooter genre. A great game doesn’t always equal an immediate hit, though, as shown by our estimates. Things are looking lukewarm right now. But this might be one of those marathon-not-a-sprint situations. Had to, didn’t I? Why wasn’t Marathon a hit on the same level as Arc Raiders? One topic that came up in a lot of conversations at GDC this year was why Marathon hasn’t hit the same stratosphere as Arc Raiders. On paper, they’re both extraction shooters, and Marathon has the Bungie pedigree – the house that built the gold standard for gunplay in Halo and Destiny. Marathon’s neon-futuristic aesthetic also distinguishes itself from the gritty realism of Tarkov or the post-apocalyptic hope of ARC Raiders. But vibes can only get you so far for first impressions if the onboarding feels like a brick wall. Marathon is a sweaty PvP-focused experience with a first-time user experience and UI that I can only describe as dreadful. Players are dropped into a complex ecosystem where the UI, though visually striking, is functionally uninformative, forcing users to manually hover over nondescript, identical icons just to identify basic gear or weapon mods. This lack of clarity is compounded by punishing mechanics like a severe heat gauge for movement and a scarcity of vital resources, all without a clear tutorial or a low-stakes mode to learn the ropes. Most people – even top streamers and veteran shooter players – have no idea what’s going on in Marathon at first. Arc is on the complete other end of the spectrum. As we covered here and here, Arc Raiders offers a more collaborative, approachable loop where players often work together toward shared goals. And the objectives are instantly clear. To many players, this contrast only emphasised Marathon’s issues, especially during the testing period. Players understand the Arc Raiders loop within 30 minutes, while Marathon acts as a massive filter, chewing up newcomers and spitting them out before they can experience the depth of Bungie’s signature gunplay. What I’m getting at here is that the poor first-time user experience of Marathon’s Server Slam likely stifled launch sales, while the opposite was true for Arc. Let’s look at the pre-launch copies sold for each game during their respective Server Slams (launch-aligned) : Looking at the trajectory: Arc Raiders saw a massive 80% jump in copies sold during its three-day Server Slam (day -13 to -11). Players jumped in, realised the water was fine, and immediately opened their wallets. Marathon, meanwhile, saw a 49% increase in the four days following its Slam (Day -7 to -3). At the time of each game’s respective launch, Arc Raiders had nearly double the Steam footprint of Marathon – and word of mouth only continued to grow. Bungie could have had more time to fix the onboarding process had the beta happened earlier. But Marathon launched three days after the beta finished. These factors limited the launch sales quite a bit, I reckon. Marathon has found a niche audience, though Despite the friction-heavy start, the data suggests that those who survived Marathon’s onboarding are loving life. We’ve been tracking cross-platform DAUs, and while there’s the expected post-launch leakage, many players are sticking with it. After peaking at 478K total DAUs on its first Saturday, Marathon has settled into a respectable rhythm, holding 345K DAUs as of yesterday and averaging 380K DAUs across the weekend. Steam continues to do the heavy lifting here, consistently accounting for the lion’s share of the daily players. Players have been putting in the hours, too: On Steam, Marathon’s average playtime has climbed to 27.8 hours, significantly outpacing the console averages on PS5 (16.5h) and Xbox (17.3h). Even more telling than the averages: 22% of the Steam audience has surged past the 50-hour mark, and nearly 7% have already logged over 100 hours. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe This data suggests that once the Bungie magic clicks, it hooks players deeper than the average extraction shooter. There’s also started to be a shift in the game’s discourse. Marathon launched as one of those games that’s cool to hate. But as Marathon’s 100-hour club grows, we’re seeing conversations around its mechanical merit outweigh the negativity. Several high-profile creators, who were initially vocal critics, have spent the last week coming around on the mechanical depth of the endgame. It’s a subtle but positive signal; the hate train is losing steam, and a new narrative about the game is emerging. Bungie faithfuls unite Another interesting metric in Marathon’s first few weeks is who, exactly, is playing. Bungie leans heavily on its prestige as the “makers of Halo and Destiny,” in its marketing, and that message has clearly hit the mark. On Steam, the gravity (hammer) of Bungie’s previous work is unavoidable. A staggering 78.2% of Marathon players also played Destiny 2. The trend carries across other platforms, with 74.2% of PS5 players and 82.7% of Xbox players also having played Destiny 2. The Halo legacy lives on, it seems. More on that in a bit. While Destiny 2 went free to play, these numbers still represent a high-intent migration of a fanbase that trusts Bungie’s specific brand of kinetic gunplay and cryptic world-building. The Xbox data adds another layer of legacy. About 85.7% of Marathon players on Xbox have played Halo Infinite, while over half of the Steam audience has spent time in Halo Infinite and 36.1% in the Master Chief Collection (a paid collection of the old Bungie-made legacy games). Interestingly, we see a 55.9% overlap with ARC Raiders on Steam. Overlap is even higher there on PlayStation (60.5%) and Xbox (66.5%). And there’s also significant crossover with Helldivers 2 on all platforms, too. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe Bungie has found some of its fans with Marathon, and the challenge now is keeping this engaged in a high-stakes PvP environment when they’ve spent the last decade primarily enjoying the power fantasies of PvE. On that note… Go the full 26 miles? Or cut and run? Time for some could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. These things would have improved Marathon’s performance at launch: A more robust onboarding process, perhaps in the form of a short single-player/PvE campaign. We know Bungie fans love this stuff. A traditional arena-based mode akin to Destiny’s Crucible could have been a bridge for the cautious players who’d have been otherwise deterred by the Server Slam. It’s also a great palate cleanser after getting merked. Introducing a dedicated PvE environment would have similarly diversified the conversation and lowered the barrier for the Bungie faithful who found the pure PvP extraction loop too abrasive. PvE is safer than PvP these days. There’s an argument that a thin PvE mode would have just felt like a budget Destiny, potentially hurting the brand more. But given how dire the FTUE is, I think it would have been a net positive. Any kind of tutorialised loop that demystifies the stakes, really. While there is merit in a studio sticking firmly to a singular creative vision, and going all in on the hardcore extraction loop. Less forgiving is the technical reality is that the user interface and first-time user experience (FTUE) were not at a commercial standard for launch. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe In a landscape where player time is oversaturated and the most contested currency, a flawed FTUE is a critical failure point. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as Marathon has an incredible, unique gameplay loop, suggesting that financial success is still attainable if Bungie can pivot effectively. Bungie and PlayStation now face a difficult strategic crossroads, though – one within a challenging games market. They could: Double down on Marathon with a long-term Rainbow Six Siege- or No Man’s Sky-style recovery plan, which is something I heard Last Stand Media’s Chris Maldonado mention last week. While this could be a sunk-cost fallacy in action, it could eventually yield the audience the game’s mechanical depth deserves. Shift focus toward the inevitable Destiny 3 or another project, mitigating the escalating opportunity cost and cutting their losses, so to speak. Doing both is an expensive proposition, given the high overhead and burn rate of operating out of Bellevue, Washington. With Sony recently demonstrating a lower threshold for underperforming studios and projects, the margin for error has vanished. Whatever happens, the next six months will determine whether Marathon becomes a cornerstone of Sony’s live-service portfolio or a cautionary tale of vision exceeding accessibility. I’m hoping it’s the former, because Marathon rocks. As always, hit subscribe to get updates on Marathon and other relevant games. Subscribe Want to get your hands on our data for yourself – for free? We’re offering a free trial of our platform for games companies. Send us a message here, or reply to this email, and we’ll set you up. The last word Reply to this email – or reach out here – if you have any feedback for the newsletter – or want to request a game for us to cover. [Alinea Analytics boasts the most accurate PC and console estimates in the business. Game makers use our platform to understand their audience, keep an eye on the competition, monitor sales trends, and spot new opportunities. We equip game studios and financial institutions with accurate data and the confidence to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Want to talk about all things games market data? We’d love to chat!]
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At the Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala in Richmond earlier this month, a very dapper gentleman approached me and introduced himself. In his light-colored suit and bowtie, he looked very Southern in a classical sense, the sort of Virginia Gentleman you used to see south of the Rappahannock as recently as my college days. “I’m a longtime reader and fan of your writing, if not your politics,” he said. His comment was the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, simultaneously conveying praise and disapproval while establishing boundaries. Man, I wish we still discoursed like this instead of shouting bromides and insults to try and “own” our opponents with a funny meme and a furrowed brow. Subscribe “Well, we’ll always have wine to share together,” I said, and thanked him for his kind words. We clinked glasses, exchanged pleasantries about the delicious gold medal-winning wines being poured that evening, and went our separate ways. Our exchange reminded me that more unites us than divides us. Wine brings people together to share a meal and a few hours of joy despite our differences.1 That’s why I refer to the wine community — including readers and consumers — rather than the wine industry. Together, we are so much more than production, distribution and sales statistics. A few minutes later the evening’s awards ceremony began. Applause grew as the 12 winemakers who made the top-scoring wines for the Governor’s Case took the stage, including a loud cheer for Jonathan Wheeler of Trump Winery and his 2018 Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. All the winemakers on stage had reason to be proud, Wheeler perhaps more so. Trump Winery was the only winery to win six gold medals in the competition this year. (Wineries are limited to six entries.) Two of Wheeler’s ciders also won gold medals in a separate competition. When you cover the labels and take the sour taste of politics off your palate, the wines are pretty darn good.2 Then Gov. Abigail Spanberger, newly elected Democrat and Virginia’s first female governor, was introduced to great applause to announce which of the 12 wines had won the Governor’s Cup. She spoke for a few minutes about the importance of wine to Virginia’s economy and tourism and the international acclaim Virginia wine has received. Just two weeks earlier, she gave the Democrats’ response to Trump’s State of the Union speech, but this night wasn’t about politics. That didn’t stop several people in the crowd from speculating on the irony should she have to present the trophy to Trump Winery. In the end, Valley Road Vineyards was displayed on the screen behind Spanberger as the winning winery. Blue Bee Cidery in Richmond took top honors for that category. The crowd cheered a female governor presenting the state’s highest trophy to a female winemaker and then resumed the evening’s festivities, united by their mutual love of wine. A whiff of politics couldn’t dim the cheer of celebration and a community united by its love of wine. In Memoriam: Michel Rolland The global wine community lost a giant March 20, with the passing of Michel Rolland. He was 78. Rolland was the original “flying winemaker,” a globe-trotting consultant who helped Bordeaux regain its mojo in the 1970s and then shaped the rise of Napa Valley cult Cabernet as consultant to Simi, Harlan, Newton, Screaming Eagle, Araujo, Dalle Valle and other wineries. He was instrumental in Argentina’s rise to prominence and even had his own winery, Clos de los Siete, in a partnership with other wine families. Rolland’s career arc paralleled that of Robert Parker, the world’s most influential critic. Parker championed many of the wines Rolland consulted on, helping build his reputation and demand for his services. It also made him a target for Parker’s critics. As W. Blake Gray wrote on Wine-Searcher in his excellent tribute to Rolland: Rolland created the type of wines Parker loved: rich body, plenty of fruit, soft tannins. He sometimes faced the accusation of creating a generic international style of red wine, where the great wines he made in Argentina were indistinguishable from the great wines he made in France. Rolland chafed at that critique, as did many of his fans. He was credited with championing green harvesting and leaf pulling, as well as careful selection of grapes in the winery, practices we nearly universally think of today for high-quality winemaking. “Michel was an incredible innovator who changed how wine was made and how grapes were grown,” Napa Valley winemaker Aaron Pott wrote on Facebook. “His work has transformed the wine trade. He created new ways of looking at wine, tasting wine, evaluating ripeness and quality. … This was not just a man with a ‘style’ that he imposed on vineyards but a man that understood how to make great wine from great sites.” Rolland started his consulting company in 1973 in Libourne, in Bordeaux, with his wife, Dany. Both had graduated the year before from Bordeaux’s Institute d’Oenologie. The couple sold their majority share in the business in 2020, according to Wine Spectator. Over his career, Rolland reportedly worked with more than 100 wineries in 20 countries. He even made it to Virginia, where he consulted for Kluge Estate in the mid-2000s. (Kluge Estate is now Trump Winery.) Reader feedback, please! Last week, I did my first WineLine Live! with Dr. Laura Catena of Catena Zapata winery in Argentina. We enjoyed a fascinating discussion about her efforts to preserve the genetic heritage of old vineyards in Mendoza. I conceived of WineLine Live! for paid subscribers, as a thank you for your financial support. And while only a few people joined live, the video now has more views than I have paid subscribers, so I guess that’s pretty good. Even so, I’m considering opening future installments to anyone on Substack to reach a broader audience. So my questions to you: Should these be public? And what format do you prefer? Live gives a chat feature with the potential for viewers to interact with me and the guest, while a video post would just be that. Another alternative is a podcast, which would just be audio, without video of my chins. Please let me know in the comments. Leave a comment In the Glass A few wines I’ve enjoyed recently: Bonny Doon Vineyard Take Me to Your Liter, Le Cigare Volant, Red Wine of the Earth. 2023, Central Coast, CA. Blend of Grenache, Syrah Cinsaut and Petite Sirah. Delightful wine with expressive red fruit flavors, casual drinking. Doon lovers of a certain age will remember Randall Grahm’s Big House Red; this is more in that style than his original Le Cigare Volant, modeled after Chateauneuf du Pape. The liter bottle makes it an even better value. I see this online at about $15. Great value. Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Origines 2023. 13% - Textbook pinot noir and an excellent, affordable entry (regional) Burgundy. Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025. $24 at Total Wine & More. Loma Larga Pinot Noir 2021 “Coastal Cool Climate Wine”, Valle de Casablanca, Chile. An older sample, showing beautifully. Spicy and fruit forward. I’m seeing widely varied pricing online, from $18-$32. At the lower end, it’s a terrific value. 13.5% Dr. Loosen Riesling Dry 2016, Mosel, Germany. Found this “in the stack.” And it stacked up well, shedding some of its youthful acidity for opulent Riesling character, including a hint of the mineral oil older Riesling often features. A great value, as I’m seeing it as low as $14 online. 12% abv. Red Tail Ridge Blau Franc Blend 2024, Sans Oak, Finger Lakes. 13.4% abv. The name is a neat portmanteau of Blaufrankisch and Cabernet Franc, thus Blau Franc. The blend is 50-50, no oak involved. The Blau dominates on the palate, with the spicy caraway seed (think New York deli rye bread). The Franc adds body. The result is juicy, energetic and joyful. Sokol Blosser Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir 2025, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon. This first rosé of 2025 was a welcome respite to our cold, snowy winter here in the Mid-Atlantic. Oh man, I needed this! Bright and energetic, exuberant even, it perks up the mood and goes down fast. 13%. Certified B Corp. Ingredient and nutrition labeling, and in a modest way that doesn’t occupy a lot of label space. (Since it’s not required, presumably there are no minimum font size requirements.) More wineries should follow this example. Dave McIntyre's WineLine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Thanks for reading Dave McIntyre's WineLine! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share 1 Some restraint may be required. 2 Especially the bubblies.
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