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Middle River Veterinary Hospital celebrates 30 years in business
Kathryn Cash, the hospital’s veterinarian and current owner, said the clinic was founded and built in 1996 by Dr. Julie Bullock, who still lives in the area.
Candidates pitch economic ideas, youth retention at ‘Voting For Business’ forum
WHEELING — Local candidates seeking seats in the West Virginia Legislature provided their thoughts Thursday night on how best to attract jobs to the Mountain State while also providing opportunities for youth to remain in the state. The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Regional Economic Development (RED) and WTOV-TV, sponsored the “Voting For […]
Memphis area spring sports top performers for Week 8 of the 2026 season
Here are Memphis area high school baseball, softball, boys soccer and lacrosse top performers from Week 8 of the 2026 season.
FBI probes missing or dead scientists, including four from the L.A. area
President Trump told reporters last week that he had been briefed on the missing and dead scientists, which he described as “pretty serious stuff.”
The key areas to watch in Virginia tonight as voters weigh Democrats' redistricting plan: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Georgia's Republican primary for Senate is heating up.
Stanford's sports teams capture an NCAA championship for a 50th straight year
Stanford just captured an NCAA championship for a 50th consecutive year.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of April 7
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Shaky political science: using "simulated" elections over real-world elections
[Dear DSOS readers – this article is the latest in our “Shaky Political Science” series. In our 38 page report, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting,” released in early December, we examined over 40 studies focused on ranked choice voting. We found that many of these studies suffered from puzzling research methodologies, poorly constructed surveys, unrealistic simulated elections, cherry picked data, and faulty analyses that often were contradicted by results from real-world elections (a link to our full paper is here). Here are links to the first three articles in our series: the first one summarizing the overall results of our report, the second one analyzing a study co-authored by University of Minnesota academic Larry Jacobs, which was one of the most error-prone of all the research we reviewed in our report, and a third article showing an admirable example of two political scientists holding two other political scientists accountable for their flawed, sloppy research]. In this fourth article in our “Shaky Political Science” series, we shine a spotlight on seven studies that were web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group (the ERRG is an ad hoc committee headed by New America’s Political Reform Program and joined by the American Enterprise Institute, the Unite America Institute and Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law). This research consortium has been led by Lee Drutman, senior fellow with New America’s Political Reform Program. These seven studies are simply not credible from any objective standard about how political “science” is supposed to illuminate our understanding of either ranked choice voting or politics in general. The feature that six of these seven studies have in common is that they all used surveys – artificial, simulated elections -- to attempt to say something cogent or interesting about ranked choice voting (RCV) elections. None of them used real world data from actual RCV elections – either the 1000+ elections in the US or the many thousands of elections from places like Australia, Ireland and elsewhere where RCV has been used for 100 years. While a few of these studies conclude with some mixed positives about RCV, our analysis here is content neutral. The idea that, with a political reform like RCV, you can ask respondents in a mock, artificial election to vote with that method, with only the barest of explanation about how RCV works or its likely impacts (i.e. no spoiler candidates, majority winners, voters liberated to pick their favorite candidates, coalition-building), and then ask them their thoughts/reactions about voting in that system, with fake candidates and no real campaigning, no real exposure to an actual election or actual candidates, rests on some very puzzling assumptions. The findings of these seven studies actually are contradicted by the findings from many other studies based on real-world RCV elections. These New America studies also failed to list the real-world RCV studies in their own citations, instead including those studies that reinforced their conclusions. The seven studies featured in this article were chosen because they form a cohesive cohort which precisely illustrates one of the main points of our research paper, namely that using surveys, i.e. artificial elections, or mathematical/theoretical models, instead of real-world data, is in fact “shaky political science.” Below are summaries of our analysis of five of the seven New America studies. You can read our complete analysis of all seven studies at our paper, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting.” Choosing to “Vote As Usual” by Andre Blais, Carolina Plescia, and Semra Sevi. New America. (Blais et al., 2021). This study, web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group, used two surveys in which respondents completed ballots for simulated elections using plurality, approval, RCV and point (Score) voting. In both cases the authors provided the respondents with only minimal explanation of each method. For example, the entire explanation for RCV was “For this vote, rank the candidates from your first to your last choice (you do not need to rank them all). This is called the ranked vote.” That’s it. The study did not provide any context or explanation to survey respondents about why she/he might want to rank multiple candidates. Participants were not even told that ballots would be tabulated using an “instant” runoff, not to mention any description of RCVs ability to eliminate the spoiler effect or liberate voters to rank their favorite candidates without fear of helping the “greater evil” candidate to win. That’s like taking an iPhone back in time to 1970 and asking someone if they like it better than their rotary phone without explaining how it works. Their first survey targeted states that held 2020 Super Tuesday Democratic primaries and used the real candidates’ names in the survey; the second survey used fictitious candidates. In other words, they surveyed respondents who had only ever participated in plurality elections, had no history or background with using RCV or any of the other methods, had no clue about its likely impacts, and did not communicate how the alternative methods would be counted, and then asked them: “How satisfied are you with using each system?” Predictably, the winner was plurality elections, the system used for president, Congress, gubernatorial and state legislative elections – in other words, the method they have been using, year after year, all their voting lives. With so little explanation of RCV and its impacts, this study is simply not credible in discovering anything useful about real-world RCV elections. It merely shows that a basic voter education campaign is needed when adopting a new election system. Additionally, the result contradicts many other post-election surveys following real RCV elections, asking opinions from voters who had just participated in a RCV election, that showed a great deal of satisfaction with RCV (see details on that in Studies 22-25 in our paper, as well as the four studies cited in the review for Study 28). Share Other studies on “satisfaction” and “understanding” make similar mistakes, in terms of basing their surveys on inadequate explanation to respondents and lack of education about context. How could any survey ever hope to measure accurately, in essence simulate a real-world election, without actual campaigning candidates, the media writing about those candidates, organizations endorsing candidates and voters being inundated with crucial information? More than anything, what these “studies” based on surveys show is that if you ask voters about something they don’t know very much about, and fail to adequately educate them, their responses will unsurprisingly reflect their confusion. Equally puzzling is that New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group, headed by political scientist Lee Drutman, found this to be a credible enough study that they not only published it but highlighted it in Drutman’s own discussion of research related to ranked choice voting. This pattern was repeated in study after study featured by New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group. For example in Ranked-Choice Voting and Political Expression: Voter Guides Narrow the Gap between Informed and Uninformed Citizens by Cheryl Boudreau, Jonathan Colner, and Scott MacKenzie, the researchers based their analysis on a survey which found that respondents who were asked to vote in a simulated RCV election, with minimal explanation of RCV or how it works, displayed less evidence of being informed about how to use RCV effectively, with the least informed voters ranking fewer candidates. As pointed out under the study above, in a real election voters are informed by a wide variety of methods, including public education by the election administration, by interested political groups, the media, and the candidates themselves who benefit from voters being aware of how to vote in the new system. In Support for Ranked-Choice Voting across Race and Partisanship by Joseph Anthony, David C. Kimball, Jack Santucci and Jamil Scott, the researchers used respondents from different parties and races voting in simulated plurality and RCV elections, who indicated their satisfaction with each voting method. Instead of using real world election results, the authors fell back on the easy, armchair and less reliable academic research methodology of making up mock elections. As with the other studies, little explanation was given of how RCV works or what its implications might be (electing majority winners or eliminating spoilers, for example). Unsurprisingly, this study found that respondents were not very satisfied with RCV. However, when the authors added an explanation that RCV has a tendency to elect more women and people of color, they found that this greater explanation increased the preference for RCV. The more voters were familiar with it, and the more they understood potential positive impacts – surprise! -- the more they were open to switching away from the status quo. Of note, the results from this study are thoroughly contradicted by a number of other studies whose data was obtained from real RCV elections with real voters. Those studies show a great deal of satisfaction with RCV. More “fake election” research An interesting wrinkle on this “research by fake elections” approach, which only served to illustrate how unreliable such “research” can become, was taken in Ranked-Choice Voting, Runoff, and Democracy: Insights from Maine and Other U.S. States by Joseph Cerrone and Cynthia McClintock_,_ also web-hosted and funded by New America’s ERRG. It gets high marks for creativity, but an eye-roll for thinking this could possibly add anything meaningful to our understanding of real world RCV elections. This study tried to determine whether RCV, plurality or two-round runoff elections provided greater voter satisfaction and acceptance of election results. To determine that, the authors conducted a survey asking if voters were satisfied with a fictional newspaper report of an election, with three different versions given to respondents – plurality, runoff and RCV, with variations of Republican/Democrat winners and variations of “come-from-behind” winners,” i.e. candidates not initially in first place but who win the “runoff.” Again, a minimal explanation of RCV or how it works was given, and the survey showed that respondents had the greatest unfamiliarity with RCV than the other methods. The unsurprising result? Respondents were much more satisfied with “come-from-behind” victories in a traditional two-round runoff election than in RCV, even though RCV is also a runoff system but with a single round of counting. Interestingly, the dissatisfaction with RCV disappeared for those who were more familiar with RCV. In fact, among those respondents who were “very familiar” with RCV, they were equally satisfied with RCV, runoff and plurality. Surprise, surprise. Again, what this study revealed, more than anything, is not only the inadequacy of the explanation for RCV given by the authors of this study, but the failure of the research format itself, thinking that such an artificial mock election could somehow simulate what actually happens in the real world in a real RCV election. Those four studies reviewed above are fitting examples of inadequate and shaky political “science.” Other studies reviewed in our paper from the New America/Electoral Reform Research Group cohort which also used mock elections included: Ranked-Choice Voting is an Acquired Taste by Joseph Anthony and David C. Kimball. New America. (Anthony et al., 2021). Ranked-Choice Voting is No Refuge for Extreme Candidates by Melissa Baker. New America. (Baker, 2021). Also included in this New America cohort is Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Racial Polarization? by Yuki Atsusaka and Theodore Landsman, which actually did use real-world election results data but applied an odd and unconventional methodology to the data which relied on shaky assumptions and non-real-world scenarios that were too divorced from reality. To determine levels of “racially polarized voting,” the researchers imagined “ethnic parties,” by which they mean political parties for each ethnic group, which was especially odd since the election data they were using came from nonpartisan RCV races. But then they made an even odder assumption, namely that since race and ethnic characteristics of studied voters were not available, the authors tried to infer that information based on who voters selected and the racial make-up of voters in each district. This amounted to little more than vague and ambiguous guesswork dressed up with a bunch of mathematical equations used to give it a veneer of scientific appearance. Indeed, it seemed to assume racial polarization in order to prove racial polarization. Based on this questionable methodology, the authors concluded that RCV doesn’t reduce racial polarization. But the premise of this study missed an obvious reality: since RCV incentivizes more candidates to run and can result in more diverse fields of candidates, one would expect more racially-polarized voting in voters’ top rankings, not less, because more voters would have someone on that ballot who represents their racial or ethnic identity and more freedom to vote for their real first choice. By encouraging more diverse candidates and eliminating the spoiler effect, RCV facilitates voting for a favorite candidate of your own race and then selecting a second choice with the best likelihood of winning. The real measure is what voters do with their additional rankings – do they consider other candidates and vote “for the best of the rest”? This study didn’t tell us anything useful about that. But readily available data shows this is common in real RCV elections, and candidates act on this knowledge by engaging with voters outside their racial group. So the authors of this study failed to consider or account for what actually happens in real-world elections, and their conclusions are tainted by this failure. New America has contributed a great deal over the past 2.5 decades to our understanding of many policy areas, including politics and political reform (full disclosure: Steven Hill, one of the authors of this article and of the “Shaky Political Science” research paper and series, is a former senior fellow and former director of New America’s political reform program, 2005-2010). So it was especially disappointing that New America funded and published such a large batch of dubious studies about ranked choice voting. The stated praiseworthy goal of its Electoral Reform Research Group was to inspire new academic research about ranked choice voting that would shed light and help the public better understand the impacts of RCV. Instead, the ERRG research did just the opposite. It produced dubious research that created more confusion and misinformation. In so doing, New America’s political reform program contributed to “shaky political science.” Steven Hill and Paul Haughey Share Upgrade to $5 subscription Thanks for reading DemocracySOS, a reader-supported digital portal for the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe for only $5 per month to receive full benefits and to support our work. Subscribe
Sources: Barring renewed faith, Steve Kerr not expected to return to Warriors
Many with the Warriors and around the league believe Steve Kerr will be jobless after he meets with Golden State CEO Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy.
Area grade schoolers see money burn (among other experiments) at annual Badin Science Carnival
Hundreds of elementary students from area private schools recently watched, learned and even joined in dozens of science experiments by Badin High School students as part of the school’s annual
NJ eyes $150M to boost health care system in rural areas
NJ will soon distribute the first of $147M in federal funding to help strengthen the health system and improve outcomes in rural communities.
Warriors reportedly targeting surprise SEC coach if Kerr departs
If Steve Kerr doesn't return for a 13th season in the Bay Area, the backup plan is reportedly already set.
Bay Area marijuana growing business still awaiting policy changes to ease industry woes
Journal of Business selects its 2026 Young Professionals
The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business is excited to announce this year’s Young Professionals winners.
Apple to Focus Hardware Team on Five Areas Under Johny Srouji
Apple Inc.’s newly combined hardware engineering and hardware technologies division will be organized across five key areas, its new leader told staffers on Monday.
State health officials announce 2026’s first confirmed case of measles in Maryland
Maryland health officials warn that a Baltimore-area resident was confirmed to have measles after traveling internationally, marking the first measles outbreak of the year.
After flooding hits Milwaukee’s south side, business owner and community group push cleanup efforts
After recent flooding, a business owner near 20th and Mitchell says trash and water keep piling up. Muskego Way Forward is now working to clean the area and connect residents with resources.
Gas prices down last week in Santa Fe, across New Mexico
While prices remain high, the cost of fuel throughout New Mexico and the Santa Fe area declined last week, according to Thursday's AAA New Mexico Weekend Gas Watch.
Binghamton native announces plans for new entertainment venue
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) -A Binghamton native who had a successful career in finance in the Boston area is looking to invest in his hometown. Nate Levy recently purchased the former CVS drugstore ...
Draymond Green eyeing three more years in NBA after encouraging Warriors season
Warriors star Draymond Green shared he is looking to play for three more years in the NBA after an encouraging 2025-26 season with Golden State.
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski seeking contract extension in offseason
Brandin Podziemski is hoping to secure a long-term contract extension with the Golden State Warriors this offseason.
Who was the New Orleans area prep sports athlete of the week for April 13-18? Vote now.
The past week in New Orleans area high school sports included several outstanding performances in many different sports.
7 Overlooked Ways to Cut Costs in Your Business Right Now
If you’re not reviewing these areas, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
Warriors reportedly will discuss ‘philosophy tweaks' if Steve Kerr returns
If Steve Kerr returns as Warriors coach, Golden State reportedly will discuss potential changes to the team's longtime offensive system.
The DC Area's First Women's Sports Bar Opens in Arlington
Westover Taco changes direction under new ownership.
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar - U.S. Embassy in Madagascar
U.S. Delivers Maternal Health Equipment Across Madagascar U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Arnold today provided critical maternal and newborn health equipment that will reach healthcare facilities across Madagascar, demonstrating how U.S. foreign assistance builds a safer, healthier world by helping recipient countries build self-reliant health systems in line with the America First Global Health Strategy. Under President Trump’s America First foreign assistance policy and the America First Global Health Policy, U.S. support serves as a tool of strategic engagement – not global charity. Every U.S. taxpayer dollar is subject to rigorous oversight to ensure measurable results, maximum efficiency, and accountability, with zero tolerance for fraud, waste, or abuse. Through the bilateral Global Health Memorandum of Understanding with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health, both governments agreed on shared priorities and responsibilities, including a strong focus on maternal and newborn health and Madagascar’s increasing co-investment in its own health system. Madagascar continues to face major challenges in maternal and newborn health, including high maternal mortality rates and significant gaps in access to quality delivery care. In rural regions, many women still give birth at home or in facilities without adequate infection-prevention supplies. Through the U.S.-funded Momentum Country and Global Leadership Project, the United States is providing essential equipment to healthcare facilities nationwide: calibrated reusable drapes for infection prevention in approximately 1,000 community health centers (CSBs), single-use calibrated drapes for 35 hospitals, and management tools for health workers to improve data collection and care coordination. “U.S. foreign assistance makes America safer by preventing instability and strengthening health systems that can detect and contain infectious diseases before they cross borders,” said Chargé d’Affaires Arnold during the handover ceremony. “Our support is temporary and targeted, designed to help Madagascar build greater self-reliance and reduce long-term dependence on U.S. taxpayer resources.” This U.S. support will help standardize safe delivery practices, strengthen infection prevention, and improve data management systems. Used effectively, these materials will contribute directly to reducing maternal and newborn deaths, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to quality delivery care remains limited. From major hospitals to remote health centers, U.S.-funded equipment is already delivering results. The nationwide scope of this support ensures that women and newborns across Madagascar benefit from improved infection prevention and safer delivery practices. This targeted assistance helps save lives today while supporting Madagascar’s transition toward a self-sufficient health system, ensuring that today’s U.S. support leads to Madagascar’s future independence from foreign assistance.
Our latest list of Chicago’s largest private companies has a newcomer near the top
Last year's private equity buyout made drugstore giant Walgreens the Chicago area's second-largest privately held company. This year's list is also missing one of its regulars.
What events are happening in the South Bend area from April 20 to 26?
Discover concerts, festivals, theater, and family fun in South Bend and Michiana from April 20-26, 2026.
Nebraska Sandhill ranching wrecked by Morrill Fire
The Nebraska Sandhills are made for cattle grazing, and that is, in large part, what keeps the area thriving and supports the small communities throughout western Nebraska. In Arthur County, most operations are cow-calf producers with a few operators who run yearlings on grass during the summer. On a good year, the grass is dense […]
Boosting the berry business
Blueberry growers recover from the blues and strawberries have their saviors after a blistery—by Florida standards—winter. Add other growing challenges and Southwest Florida’s berry businesses need a boost. Still, it’s peak season for blueberries in the area and residents can enjoy the healthy treat as the crop losses mostly affect commercial buyers, local growers said.
Thailand’s Krabi Coast
The coastal province features striking tropical karst landscapes and sandy beaches alongside a mix of natural land cover and developed areas.
This Hits Home: News that impacts Seattle-area families
This week: Gas Work Park safety order, library levy goes to voters at $480, early learning losses, child care gains, and RSV news
Advancing epidemic and pandemic preparedness through research readiness: SEAR Unity Studies Network Sites chart the way forward in 2026
On 25 March 2026, WHO Regional Office for the South‑East Asia Region (SEARO) convened the first meeting of the SEAR Chapter of the Unity Studies Network Meeting in 2026 to take stock of progress and plan next steps for strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness across the Region. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing adaptation of selected, standard Unity Study methodologies, sharing field implementation experiences from 2025, and identifying key priorities to guide collaborative work in 2026.Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives from six Unity Studies network sites across five countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) as well as participants from all three levels of WHO.The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional efforts in South‑East Asia to strengthen early investigations and studies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, with a focus on pandemic influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential. In this context, and as part of preparedness for the rapid generation of evidence, the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in SEAR (WHE/SEAR) encourages Unity Studies sites to adapt prioritized, standardized Unity Study protocols to their national contexts. This approach supports the generation of timely and reliable evidence to inform public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.These efforts are supported through a combination of experience sharing, participation in the global Unity Studies network webinars, capacity‑building of the national public health workforce, and regional collaboration that promotes inter‑country, inter‑agency, and inter‑ministerial action. In parallel, sites are encouraged to explore diversified funding sources to help sustain research preparedness over the long term.Discussions highlighted the importance of WHO’s catalytic financial support through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contributions (PIP‑PC). When combined with national and institutional resources, this support enables countries and sites to maintain continuity of activities at a core level and remain prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to future epidemics and pandemics.Regional and Global Updates: Opening the session, Dr Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager, Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the progress made in operationalizing the Unity Studies Network across the Region and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of WHO at all three levels, together with country unity studies sites. He emphasized the availability of limited but catalytic funding through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PIP‑PC) workplan at SEARO to sustain network activities in 2026, while encouraging sites to leverage additional funding sources to expand implementation.Representing SEARO, Dr Ashok Basnet, consultant, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness reported that, at the regional level, the Unity Studies Network currently includes six sites across five countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He noted that in 2025, catalytic funding supported protocol adaptation, training, and pilot implementation. In addition, a regional Unity Studies symposium held during the Global Public Health Summit in Sri Lanka strengthened and advocated collaboration between the Unity Studies site, national decision‑making forum, relevant technical units of the ministry of health, WHO and other partners.The symposium also highlighted the role of early investigations and studies as a key component of a multi‑source surveillance system needed at country level to generate a broad range of evidence. It underscored the critical role of country Unity Studies sites and similar research entities in generating evidence to support public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.Participants of the WHO GISRS Unity Studies Sites Network- SEAR Chapter Meeting 2026 (Photo credit- PEM/WHE/SEARO). SEARO also updated participants on ongoing efforts to develop a regional Unity Studies webpage and to promote participation in global knowledge‑sharing platforms, including webinars and the WHO Community of Practice. Priorities for 2026 include supporting the implementation of Unity protocols, strengthening collaboration and experience sharing across sites, documenting and publishing findings, integrating Unity Studies activities as a component of multi-source national surveillance systems, and building workforce capacity.Dr Nickle Boddington of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO Headquarters, which coordinates the Unity Studies Network globally, provided updates on global Unity Studies activities, noting that the network has expanded to 16 sites worldwide. New and updated protocols, including rapid clinical severity assessment tools and standardized data platforms, are being developed to support implementation. The global Community of Practice has also been launched to facilitate technical exchange, and continued support will be provided to sites for protocol adaptation, ethical approvals, and readiness for early investigation during outbreaks. Updates from Unity Studies sites in SEAR in 2025Unity Studies sites shared progress and experiences in implementing protocols across diverse country contexts. Sites initiated activities in 2025 using catalytic funding from SEARO, complemented by the mobilization of internal national resources. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh, reported the adoption and piloting of investigation protocols on non‑seasonal influenza and emerging respiratory diseases during recent avian influenza outbreaks, demonstrating a multi‑source funding approach involving government, WHO and One Health partners.The Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR), New Delhi, India, highlighted the piloting of household transmission investigation studies, the expansion of the national Unity Studies network, and the contribution of study findings to global evidence through published outputs. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, shared experiences from large‑scale seroprevalence studies conducted during the COVID‑19 pandemic, recent efforts to strengthen national Unity network sites through training activities, and plans to initiate multi‑centre studies on respiratory viruses.Similarly, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, highlighted its experience in developing integrated surveillance and diagnostic protocols for multiple respiratory pathogens, enhancing readiness for targeted investigations of emerging threats. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, reported ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Health and exploration of additional funding sources to initiate studies. Meanwhile, the National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal, provided updates on continued coordination with national stakeholders to initiate implementation, despite delays related to the country context.Across sites, shared experiences underscored the importance of protocol adaptation, multisectoral collaboration, and sustainable funding to operationalize Unity Studies and generate evidence for public health action.Discussions and Way ForwardThe meeting reinforced key priorities for 2026, including strengthening unity studies protocol implementation, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, integrating research as a component of national multi-source surveillance systems, and ensuring that generated evidence informs public health decision‑making. Participants also emphasized the importance of documentation, visibility, and leveraging multiple funding sources, and agreed on the following action points.Unity Studies Sites and WHO Country Offices:Advance adoption and implementation of at least one Unity protocol, continuing activities initiated in 2025 with catalytic funding, supplemented with other sources of funding where feasible.Document site-specific experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned; participate in regional and global knowledge-sharing platforms including WHO webinars and the Community of Practice.Work closely with ministries of health to establish unified national platforms for translating generated evidence into national public health decision-making. WHO Country Offices may facilitate technical support and complementary, synergistic funding opportunities where feasible. WHO Regional OfficeCoordinate with WHO Country Offices to support implementation of core unity studies activities by network sites through catalytic funding and provide technical guidance and virtual engagement opportunities throughout 2026.Facilitate the participation of all Unity Studies sites in the regional meeting on Unity Studies implementation in October 2026, to be held back‑to‑back with the Annual SEAR Regional PIP‑PC Meeting; develop and host a SEAR Unity Studies website; and mobilize support from academic institutions within the SEAR Unity Studies Network to support the development of regional manuscripts that showcase Unity Studies activities to scientific audiences and promote knowledge‑sharing.Explore complementary funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain and expand network activities across the Region.WHO HeadquartersProvide global technical guidance, updated protocols, and toolkits to support the implementation of Unity Studies in SEAR.Facilitate engagement of SEAR sites in global webinars, the Community of Practice, and opportunities to showcase their work.Support joint publications, inclusion of SEAR experiences in global outputs, and identification of additional funding and collaborative opportunities to strengthen Unity Studies activities.
Ohio Valley Health Center Helps Patient Rebuild Health, Life
STEUBENVILLE — Helping people who might have fallen through the cracks is one of the many important goals of the Ohio Valley Health Center. And for that, Ray Scurry is a thankful man. The 55-year-old Steubenville resident had operated Heavenly Rides, what was then the largest cab service in the Steubenville area, for about 15 […]
Michigan attorney general rejects Trump administration ballot request amid broader push to challenge elections
Michigan’s attorney general is rejecting an effort by the US Justice Department to obtain ballots and other voting materials from the Detroit area, a target of the Trump administration’s efforts to probe elections in states that the president falsely claims he won in 2020.
Health officials confirm measles case was found in Maryland
A case of measles has been confirmed in a Baltimore area resident who recently traveled internationally.
Measles case confirmed in Baltimore after international travel, health officials report
One case of measles has been confirmed in the Baltimore metro area from a resident who traveled internationally, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
Measles case confirmed in Baltimore after international travel, health officials report
One case of measles has been confirmed in the Baltimore metro area from a resident who traveled internationally, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
The Hard Truths Behavioral Science Must Face in Conflict Settings - by Britt Titus
Approximately 2 billion people live in conflict-affected areas. Yet most of the theories, experiments, and interventions developed in behavioral science are based on stable contexts.
DOJ demands Detroit-area 2024 ballots, escalating election scrutiny
DOJ official Harmeet K. Dhillon wrote that she is seeking ballots to investigate election law compliance. Democratic state officials call the request baseless.
Warriors' Draymond Green praises Dillon Brooks' impact on Suns this season
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green had praise for longtime nemesis Dillon Brooks after Friday's play-in tournament loss.
Business briefs: Franciscan launches wellness walking program
News and events around the area
Briggs: Loaded Toledo — and Ohio State — schedule highlights our top 10 area college football games in 2026
Now that spring football is over, time to start making fall plans. Which wedding or reunion dates are negotiable? Which ones are dealbreakers? As always, ...
Desperate search continues for missing Oakland business owner, Amy Hillyard
The Bay Area's Local News Station
Five takeaways from Sharks GM Mike Grier's end-of-season exit interview
Sheng Peng shares his takeaways from San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier's end-of-season interview.
Bloom Where You’re Planted event helps families grow food, boost health in underserved area
Families looking for fresh ideas to stretch their grocery budget and eat a little healthier found plenty to dig into earlier today at a free community event cen
Appleton area high school sports results for Saturday, April 18
High school softball, soccer, baseball and golf teams were in action.
Green Bay area high school sports results for Saturday, April 18
High school softball, baseball and soccer teams were in action.
Bay Area scientists honored at the ‘Oscars of Science’ for math and physics
Researchers from Stanford and UC Berkeley are being celebrated like celebrities for advancing mathematics and developing strategies to find a hypothetical particle.
Meet Delaware's Most Influential People in Health Care for 2026
Delawareans across the state are working toward more inclusive and equitable health care resources. Here are some of the most inspiring doing so.
Delaware's 2026 Most Influential & Inspiring in health care members
These eight exceptional Delawareans made it into the 2026 Most Influential & Inspiring in health care.
Search intensifies for missing Oakland mother and business owner
The search is intensifying for an Oakland mother and business owner who has been missing for almost a month.
Search intensifies for missing Oakland mother and business owner
The search intensified for an Oakland mother and business owner who has been missing for almost a month.
Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids bring over 90,000 sports fans to the metro area Saturday
Those in Denver on Saturday likely noticed it was a little more crowded than usual. It wasn't just the nice weather; two big sports games brought tens of thousands of fans to the stands.
Guided Spring Wellness Walk at Henderson park promotes youth mental health
A guided Spring Wellness Walk brought area youth to Henderson’s Terrazza Park on Saturday, April 18, for an event aimed at supporting mental health through time
Sweet business opportunity awaits area youngsters
Young entrepreneurs got a jump-start on the approaching Galveston County Lemonade Day on Saturday in Galveston.
Arizona midterms begin with spotlight on largest county's controversial election system
Much of the political spotlight this election year in Arizona has been focused on the office that runs elections in Maricopa County, the state’s largest. Republican Justin Heap is overseeing elections in the Phoenix-area and he's an election skeptic.
2025-'26 CCX Sports All-Area Boys Basketball
After a great season of boys basketball in the northwest suburbs we've consulted with local coaches to name the CCX Sports All-Area team.
It's Your Business has Linda Gwaltney and Emersen Frazier Freeman
News about the latest hires, retirements and more in the Topeka area.
Bay Area doctor highlights health inequities for Black pregnant women
Friday marks the end of Black Maternal Health Week, and Bay Area doctors are sharing where progress is still needed to help fix disparities in healthcare for Black pregnant women.
Appleton area high school sports results for Friday, April 17
High school softball, baseball, soccer and golf teams were in action.
Green Bay area high school sports results for Friday, April 17
High school baseball, softball and soccer teams were in action.
West Eugene break-in latest in Asian business owner burglaries
Eugene police are investigating a new break-in targeting an Asian American business owner, part of an ongoing pattern of similar crimes in the Eugene-Springfield area, with authorities urging increased vigilance
New LSU science building aims to keep Louisiana talent in state
148,000-square-foot facility features labs, workspaces and glass-walled teaching areas
Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred’s New Endgame Is All About More Freedom and Less Friction
Could Blizzard finally give us an endgame that was not only fun at launch, but also offered enough variety to keep folks engaged in the long term? After playing a few hours of it recently and talking to the developers about what they’re building, I can confirm that Blizzard appears to have received the feedback in this area, and has created an endgame structure that, at the very least, has a much better chance of keeping my attention.
iOS 27 rumored to bring new design changes in two key areas
The next major iPhone software update, iOS 27, is rumored to bring change in two new areas related to Apple’s Liquid Glass design.
Green Bay area high school sports results for Thursday, April 16
High school softball, baseball and soccer teams were in action.
Appleton area high school sports results for Thursday, April 16
High school baseball, softball and soccer teams were in action.
Carrick needs Man Utd form reversal
It has been interesting to observe how Manchester United have been assessed in the wake of Monday's disappointing home defeat by Leeds, and particularly the reaction to Michael Carrick. What had previously been viewed as calmness in the technical area and a sense of stability gained from not making many changes, was suddenly viewed as inaction and questions were raised about why Carrick did not bring on any substitutes. To that end, Manchester United are not doing well.
Asha Sharma Lays Out Plans For 'Deeper Investment' In Xbox's Platform Foundations
She's identified multiple areas of improvement
Brain health: Staying more active during the day helps retain brain volume
Older adults with a more fragmented circadian rest-activity rhythm lost more brain volume in areas typically affected by Alzheimer’s disease, research has found.
Arts & Entertainment Calendar
Events coming up in the Greenville area offer music, arts, theater and family fun. Here is a sampling.
Politics correspondent examines new California governor's race poll results
Politics and government correspondent Guy Marzorati joined NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai to examine the first major statewide poll conducted after Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race.
Joel Connelly, longtime Seattle political columnist, dies
Former Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Joel Connelly was a respected political commentator and fierce defender of the Pacific Northwest's wilderness areas.
Sunweb ends sale of excursions involving wildlife entertainment
Sunweb Group will stop selling excursions with wild animals used for entertainment, following new animal welfare guidelines.
Now You Know: ‘Be a Marine Scientist’ at Rookery Bay’s Marine Science Camp
Area students entering grades seven through 10 can experience hands-on science this summer at Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s Marine Science Summer Camp.
Sun Fun Festival kicks off Myrtle Beach tourist season
The first Sun Fun was held in 1951 to help draw tourists and locals to the Ocean Boulevard area.
Triangle sports bars to watch the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Carolina Hurricanes are heading back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here are some Triangle-area sports bars that are sure to provide lively atmospheres for what's hopefully another deep playoff run.
Cancer
WHO fact sheet on cancer providing information on the health burden of different types of cancer, causes, risk factors, prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and WHO's work in this area.
UConn Business Students Claim ‘Double Victories’ at QuantumUP! Event
Transportation efficiency was the area tackled by both teams from the MSBAPM program
Memphis People in Business for April 16, 2026
A look at promotions, hirings, movers and newsmakers in the Memphis area business scene.
The 10 prep softball players in New Orleans that have made significant strides this year
These New Orleans area prep softball players have shown major improvement this season.
Small business owners scrambling after abrupt closure of 6 Houston-area 'Painted Tree' boutiques
Dozens of small business owners across the Houston area are scrambling to find new places to operate after the sudden closure of all Painted Tree boutique locations nationwide.
'This is the majority of my income' | Painted Tree closures leave Houston-area small business vendors scrambling
Painted Tree Boutiques is shutting down locations across the U.S., including six stores in the Houston area, leaving hundreds of small business owners scrambling.
Community, business leaders learn about economic growth during annual breakfast
There are many pieces in the healthy economy puzzle. Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham spoke at the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Breakfast on Wednesday morning and shared what should be done to help foster growth in local economies. Chamber President/CEO John Hall sat on the stage with Durham at […]
Bothell police investigate downtown massage parlors; five businesses shut down
Bothell police are investigating several massage parlors in the city’s downtown area over suspected prostitution.
Houston small business owners blindsided by sudden Painted Tree Boutiques closure
Hundreds of Houston-area small business owners are scrambling after Painted Tree Boutiques, an indoor marketplace with six locations across the Houston area, abruptly shut down all of its stores nationwide with little to no warning.
Lynch Scholarship assists Ashland-area business majors
Discover the David A. Lynch Scholarship Endowment at Morehead State University, supporting aspiring students pursuing higher education in business.
Pleasanton Innovation Fair Brings Robots, Drones, Electric Buses and More This Weekend
The one-day free event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and innovation in the area, according to organizers.
Why Warriors have advantage that matters in NBA play-in tournament vs. Clippers
The Golden State Warriors' postseason experience gives them an edge over the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday.
Green Bay area high school sports results for Tuesday, April 14
High school baseball, softball, track and field, and golf teams were in action.
Appleton area high school sports results for Tuesday, April 14
High school baseball, softball, track and field, and golf teams were in action.
Scientists and the Fishing Industry Join Forces for Better Data and Management (Part 2)
Industry-Based Biological Sampling Fills Data Gaps to Improve Stock AssessmentsOur cooperative research team works with industry partners across New England and the Mid-Atlantic to collect fish and invertebrate samples to better understand age, growth, reproduction, and bioenergetics. These samples fill data gaps during times of year and areas without surveys or other ways of collecting fish samples.
AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship welcomes 2026 fellows | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Fifteen early career scientists — spanning research areas from medical artificial intelligence to exoplanets to bug science — will join newsrooms around the country and in Puerto Rico this summer to contribute their skills towards increased public understanding of science and technology.
Noordyk Business Equipment Celebrates 80 Years
Since 1946, Noordyk Business Equipment has served West Michigan (the Grand Rapids and Lansing areas) with Konica Minolta products.
From a massive living area to an entertainment room and art collection: Ram Kapoor’s approximately Rs 20 crore Mumbai house
Ram Kapoor enjoys a lavish lifestyle in Mumbai with wife Gautami and kids. He once gave a glimpse of his luxurious Mumbai house in a Farah Khan’s vlog. The house is worth around Rs 20 crore and includes an entertainment room, bar and much more. Here’s a look at his lavish Mumbai house:
Gambling legislation proposed puts fee on sports wagers
A bill has been proposed by Republican State Senator Bill Blessing, based in the Cincinnati area, that would put a two percent fee on sports wagers.The bill is
Gambling legislation proposed puts fee on sports wagers
A bill has been proposed by Republican State Senator Bill Blessing, based in the Cincinnati area, that would put a two percent fee on sports wagers.The bill is
Mountain View considers downtown entertainment zone
(KRON) — The City of Mountain View is considering new legislation to establish an entertainment zone in its downtown area. The proposed ordinance, introduced Tuesday evening at a City Council meeting, would allow for public, outdoor alcohol consumption during special events on five blocks of Castro Street. The initiative aims to create a festive environment […]