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Our Town: Waterloo bakery teaches students business skills alongside baking
A downtown Waterloo bakery is providing students with more than just a paycheck.
NCAA president Charlie Baker reacts to Protect College Sports Act, says revisions are ‘essential’
In a letter to member schools Wednesday, NCAA president Charlie Baker shared his reaction to the Protect College Sports Act. But he also cited “several” provisions he said need to be revised. Baker pointed out the importance of the bipartisan Senate bill, filed last week by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in […]
Inside Caleb Williams' EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 cover shoot
Bears content presenter Jasmine Baker gives fans an exclusive look at quarterback Caleb Williams' cover shoot for EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 in Los Angeles.
Texas universities show sharp differences in health insurance premiums, Baker Institute report finds
Annual health insurance premiums for faculty and staff vary by more than $5,000 per employee across Texas universities, according to a new report from Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. For PPO (or POS plans) — the only plan type offered at every institution in the sample — the report finds that the total annual cost of individual coverage, combining employer and employee contributions, ranges from $8,095 for Texas universities belonging to Employees Retirement System of Texas (such as the University of Houston) to $15,742 at Trinity University.
Women's Business Center celebrates grand-reopening with partners, success stories
One couple stood back in hesitation Tuesday morning while about 50 people gathered in celebration of the grand-reopening of the MCSC Kern Women's Business Center along California Avenue.
Streets closed due to business fire
Bimbo Bakeries is located in the 1300 block of Adams Avenue.
Businesses boost Braddock with relocation in Free Press Building
A glass-restoration business and a pay-what-you-can gym are taking over space vacated by long-term tenant Studebaker Metals.
AgriLife Research scientist receives international Borlaug early career award
Shannon Baker, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research, received the 2026 Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum, WIT, Early Career Awards.
JBLM’s Home-Based Business program benefits spouses, families
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army spouse Gina Henry’s dream is to open her own bistro. And thanks to JBLM’s Home-Based Business Program, she’s working toward making that dream a reality. Henry opened Gina’s Bakery, one of about 25 HBBs on JBLM, in 2025, after moving to the installation in 2024.
Sports
The Seattle Times Sports section covers teams and athletes in the Seattle area and Pacific Northwest, including the Seahawks, Mariners, UW Huskies, WSU Cougars, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Storm, Seattle Reign, high-school teams and coverage of plans for an NBA/NHL arena. Columnists Larry Stone, Matt Calkins and reporters Bob Condotta and Geoff Baker are featured.
Budda Baker speaks on Jacoby Brissett’s absence from Cardinals OTAs
GLENDALE – One of the most glaring comments in the Arizona Cardinals’ media session came from what defensive captain Budda Baker said about Jacoby Brissett’s holdout situation and the Cardinals’ QB future. Arizona safety Baker (3) celebrates a defensive stop against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept.
Packed bars, sold-out gear and Knicks cookies: Long Island businesses cash in on NBA Finals run
Sports bars reported packed crowds, retailers saw Knicks gear sell fast and even local bakeries got in on the orange-and-blue excitement amid the team's historic playoff run.
Chrusciki Bakery to close final retail location May 31
The bakery made the announcement on social media, saying that after 40 years, a new chapter begins.
Analyst makes bold prediction regarding Baker Mayfield in 2026
Bleacher Report believes Baker Mayfield could be the key to a deep Buccaneers playoff run in 2026.
The game\'s afoot as armchair detectives mark Sherlock Holmes Day
From 221B Baker Street in central London to a cliffside waterfall in the Swiss Alps, generations of armchair detectives are celebrating International Sherlock Holmes Day. Fans on Friday honored Sir
BACS Holds Science Fair
62 young scientists came from around Eastern Oregon and Southeast Washington to Baker Adventist Christian School, so they could share ideas and learn from each other.
Waste Watch: How community colleges spent taxpayer-funded mental health recovery dollars
WLOS News 13 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Asheville, NC and nearby towns and communities in Western North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina, including the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, Rutherford, Haywood, Polk, Transylvania, McDowell, Mitchell, Madison, Yancey, Jackson, Swain, Macon, Graham, Spartanburg, Greenville, Anderson, Union, Pickens, Oconee, Laurens, Greenwood, Abbeville and also Biltmore Forest, Woodfin, Leicester, Black Mountain, Montreat, Arden, Weaverville, Hendersonville, Etowah, Flat Rock, Mills River, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, Franklin, Cullowhee, Sylva, Cherokee, Marion, Old Fort, Forest City, Lake Lure, Bat Cave, Spindale, Spruce Pine, Bakersville, Burnsville, Tryon, Columbus, Marshall, Mars Hill, Brevard, Bryson City, Cashiers, Greer, Landrum, Clemson, Gaffney, and Easley.
SGMC Health Honors Student Engagement and Workforce Development Teams as Health System Heroes
SGMC Health has recognized its student engagement and workforce development teams as its latest Health System Heroes for their leadership in developing future healthcare professionals. The honorees—Rachel Dillard, Deb Baker, […]
‘Choo Choo Revue’: Bob Baker Marionette Theater's new show
For the iconic L.A. troupe, this fantastical representation of a cross-country train trip is a bold look toward the future.
Bakersfield businesses describe struggle with construction on 18th and 19th streets
If you’ve walked down 18th or 19th Street in Bakersfield lately, you’ve likely hit a few obstacles. Literally.
Lightning in a Bottle festival brings big boost to Bakersfield businesses, owners say
For one weekend every year, thousands of people pour into Kern County for the Lightning in a Bottle festival, turning Buena Vista Lake into a temporary city of
Highway 178 closure from River Fire could threaten Kern River Valley Memorial Day business
KERNVILLE, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Highway 178 remains closed at both ends of the canyon because of the River Fire, raising concerns for businesses in the Kern River
Kudos to Cheer Club, College of Business faculty, Cybersecurity team and more
Becky Cottrell, Ph.D., Department of Social Work, and Bridget Arend, Ph.D., School of Education Becky Cottrell from the Department of Social Work and Bridget Arend, Ph.D., from the School of Education co-authored an article recently published in an international journal. Read the article. Biff Baker, Ph.D., College of Business Biff Baker, Ph.D., received a Best in Track award from the Society for Advancement of Management for research examining bureaucratic inefficiencies within Section 8 subsidized housing programs. The study focuses on how administrative delays and communication breakdowns can create housing instability for families and discourage landlord participation. It also offers recommendations to improve accountability and trust in public housing systems. Brendan Fry, Ph.D., Department of Mathematics and Statistics Brendan Fry, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, co-authored the article “Modeling the Impact of Venous Collapsibility on Retinal Oxygenation,” published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology. The interdisciplinary research brought together scholars from the University of Delaware, Indiana University Indianapolis, McGill University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Access the article. Bridget Arend, Ph.D., School of Education Bridget Arend, Ph.D., professor in the School of Education, co-published the book “Facilitating Seven Ways of Learning: A Resource for More Purposeful, Effective, and Enjoyable College Teaching, Second Edition” with James R. Davis. The book explores practical approaches to improving college teaching and student learning experiences. Buy the book. College of Business Faculty At the 2026 Western Decision Sciences Institute international conference, Sally Baalbaki-Yassine, Ph.D., Debora Gilliard, Ph.D., and David Lynn Hoffman, Ph.D., from the College of Business received the Best Case Study Paper Award for “Oreo: A Global Success Story in Brand Evolution and Market Leadership.” Lisa McVicker, Ph.D., and Apryl Brodersen, Ph.D., also had their paper, “Electronic Performance Monitoring: Employer Panacea or Legal Quagmire?” accepted for publication in the Journal of Business Leadership. Community Engagement Exchange Program Metropolitan State University of Denver was selected to host international Fellow Aleja Henao Espitia of Bogotá, Colombia through the Community Engagement Exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. View Espitia's LinkedIn profile. David Varel, Ph.D., College of Letters, Arts and Sciences MSU Denver historian David Varel, Ph.D., has been awarded a 2026 ACLS Fellowship by the American Council of Learned Societies. The fellowship program supports outstanding scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, and selected just 63 scholars from more than 2,000 applicants this year. Varel’s project, “The Black Chicago School: Academic Activism in the Age of American Apartheid,” explores the work of Black scholars who challenged scientific racism, built alternative institutions and helped lay the foundation for the modern civil rights movement. The fellowship provides up to $60,000 to support full-time research and writing. Learn more about the fellowship. MSU Denver Office of Financial Aid Team Several MSU Denver employees were recognized for leadership and service during the Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators (CAFAA) conference held in May in Crested Butte. Don Holtzen, interim associate director of systems, chaired the conference and was recognized for his service as CAFAA conference chair and technology chair during the 2025-26 term. Holtzen also received the Postsecondary Institution Professional of the Year award, which recognizes financial-aid professionals who have made significant contributions to their institutions and to CAFAA. Tori Pacheco, associate director of Student Services, helped design décor and facilitate the conference and was recognized for her service as CAFAA secretary during the 2025-26 term. Destiny Candelaria, call center coordinator, served on the conference planning committee and presented on One Stops during the event. Michael Nguyen, executive director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, assisted as a CAFAA board member and was recognized for serving as president-elect during the 2025-26 term. Richard Balbag, program assistant I, received the Distinguished Support Staff Member of the Year award, honoring staff members who have made exceptional contributions to their financial-aid offices. Military Friendly Recognition Military Friendly has awarded MSU Denver Gold Status as a military-friendly university and ranked the University No. 7 nationally for military spouses. The recognition reflects MSU Denver’s strong support systems for veterans and military spouses, including transfer credit assistance and retention-focused resources. As of 2026, 1,050 military-connected students are enrolled at the University, advancing institutional priorities around serving veterans and supporting student retention. MSU Denver Cheer Club The MSU Denver Cheer Club earned third place in the 4-Year College Small Coed Intermediate division at the USA Spirit Nationals. Celebrate the win on Instagram. MSU Denver Cybersecurity Team An MSU Denver cybersecurity team earned first place in the Strategist category at the 2026 CYBER RECon National Competition hosted at Fort Meade, Maryland, by U.S. Cyber Command. Led by Jeffrey London, Ph.D., and undergraduate student Matthew Bopp, the team competed against universities and law schools nationwide with its 30-page legal analysis on cybersecurity and free speech titled “Freedom of Speech and MDM: Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation.” The paper also earned Bopp a personal invitation to apply to the University of Maryland School of Law. MSU Denver Debate Team MSU Denver Debate won the 2026 Sierra Sustainability Summit hosted at Yosemite National Park in April. Students Kat Conte and Simon Bernhard bested teams from George Washington University, Gallaudet University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the University of San Francisco and Tennessee Tech in the modified present-and-defend style competition. Their proposal recommended adapting Colorado’s Keep Colorado Wild Pass model to support California state parks facing budget constraints. Learn about the summit. MSU Denver Women’s Golf MSU Denver Women’s Golf was represented on the national stage this month as junior Neige Dunn competed as an individual at the NCAA West Regional. She became the first Roadrunner in 10 years to qualify for NCAA Regionals as an individual. Get the details.
MBA Roundup: 3 Harvard Business School Professors Top Harvard’s Highest-Paid List
Three women on the Harvard Business School faculty made a combined $4.8-million in 2024 ... but that's not the whole story.
Prantl’s owner responds to health department consumer alert
Joe Cugliari, owner and president of Prantl’s Bakery, issued a statement following the Allegheny Health Department’s consumer alert regarding the bakery’s Walnut Street location in Shadyside. According to the department’s Thursday report, the bakery had a presence of rodent droppings on multiple surfaces, damaged exterior walls, soiled food equipment, old
Report discovers rodent droppings at Prantl's Bakery location
Prantl's Bakery issued a statement Friday following a report by the Allegheny County Health Department, which said rodent droppings were found at the bakery's Shadyside location.
New Business Licenses: 5.15.26
Chesterfield and Henrico report a bakery, antique shop, pet food company and more. (BizSense Pro required)
Bucs Brass Impressed With UDFA QB Jalon Daniels
The Kansas standout is turning heads in rookie minicamp, utilizing his dual-threat ability and leadership to challenge for the backup role behind starter Baker Mayfield this season.
Cleveland Browns: Former QBs to be featured on Netflix series
Joe Flacco and Baker Mayfield among group of four QBs who will be highlighted on season 3 of Quarterback
Baton Rouge entrepreneur rebuilds life one loaf at a time
After surviving three heart attacks and open-heart surgery, Baton Rouge entrepreneur Matt Bolton traded the industrial construction business for a slower—but no less demanding—second act in artisan breadmaking, 225 writes. What began as a sourdough hobby in retirement has grown into BlueRabbit Bakehouse, a Jefferson Highway bakery drawing weekend lines for its small-batch loaves, spreads […]
"My fear doesn't matter" - Troy Baker reflects on recreating the opening to Raiders of the Lost Ark as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrives on Switch 2
Troy Baker looks back on recreating the opening to 1981's Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark for the Great Circle's tutorial.
Vintage Disney-like shooter Mouse P.I. For Hire has sold so well its publisher has made all invested money back
The Troy Baker-starring cartoon noir shooter Mouse P.I. for Hire has shifted roughly 730k copies since its release in April, across PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 and PC.L
Turning passion into business: Tennessee community rallies behind a 15-year-old baker
Teenager Grace Nirmaier turned a hobby into Baked by Grace, a thriving bakery in Maynardville, Tennessee, inspiring locals with her ambition and sweet treats.
Inside a family-owned Brooklyn bakery with 50 years of tradition
Biagio Fortunato manages Fortunato Brothers Bakery, balancing family tradition with modern business challenges in Brooklyn's Italian bakery scene.
'Blue Heron' Filmmaker Sophy Romvari Signs With Fusion Entertainment
'Blue Heron' filmmaker Sophy Romvari has signed with Fusion Entertainment, the management company for Ira Sachs and Sean Baker.
Science communication as feedback loop explored at annual ethics symposium
The annual Ethics and Compliance Symposium brought renowned vaccinologist Peter Hotez, senior fellow in disease and humanity at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, to share his research and discuss the ethics of academic public engagement.
Angie Baker helped launch and manages her son CaseOh's gaming career
When Angie Baker's son, CaseOh, blew up on social media, she got a crash course in the creator business.
Eyewitness News 'Health Alert' for May 3, 2026
Watch "Eyewitness News Health Alert" every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on KBAK-CBS.
NICK STROBEL: Constellations on display this spring
On Friday, the moon was at full moon phase. Since the lunar phase cycle is 29.5 days long, May will have a "blue (full) moon" at the end of the
Northwood University Celebrates 2026 Class of Outstanding Business Leaders
Gala honors achievement, raises scholarship funds, and inspires students to pursue lives of meaning, leadership, and earned success Northwood University celebrated five honorees whose vision and leadership have transformed industries and communities on Saturday, April 18, during the 46th Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. The gala brought together honorees, alumni, students, donors, and university leaders for a signature event rooted in Northwood’s mission to develop free-enterprise leaders who drive global economic and social progress. This year’s honorees represented an array of industries, including entertainment, entrepreneurship, construction, manufacturing, motorsports, and automotive retail. “Outstanding Business Leader Awards is one of the most meaningful traditions at Northwood University,” said Dr. Kent MacDonald. “It gives our students the opportunity to learn directly from leaders who have built exceptional careers through vision, perseverance, personal responsibility, and service to others. What makes these honorees special is that their impact reaches far beyond business success. They create jobs, strengthen communities, open doors for others, and lead with purpose. They remind our students that free enterprise, when guided by character and integrity, can be a powerful force for good.” Since 1981, the Outstanding Business Leader Awards have recognized exceptional business leadership while supporting student opportunity through the Outstanding Business Leader Endowed Scholarship Fund. Prior to the gala, honorees met with Northwood students during a roundtable conversation designed to give students direct access to first-hand mentorship and career insight. The student-centered experience continued that evening, as each honoree was formally introduced by a Northwood student selected through a competitive process that drew more than 50 applicants this year. The experience reflects Northwood’s emphasis on learning through experience and providing students with meaningful opportunities to build confidence, connections, and professional momentum before graduation. The following honorees and presenters were featured at this year’s Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala: Paul A. Glantz, chairman and CEO, EH Real Estate LLC; chairman emeritus, Emagine Entertainment Inc., was introduced by Kennedy Williams, a marketing communications and automotive aftermarket management student from Farmington Hills, Michigan. They are pictured with Gala Emcee Steve Madincea (far left) and Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. Jennifer Tenaglia Panning ’92, president, Artisan Tile Inc., was introduced by Karley Baker, a finance and marketing student from Washington Township who is enrolled in Northwood’s four-year bachelor/MBA track. Danny Sullivan, 1985 Indianapolis 500 champion, 1988 IndyCar World champion, and 1994 Rolex 24 at Daytona champion, was introduced by Max Hart, an automotive marketing and management student from Cheboygan, Michigan. Reagan Cordes, a sales management student from Davison, Michigan, is pictured introducing Linzie Venegas, chief operating officer of Ideal Group, who was unable to attend the gala. Larry Zinn, executive general manager of Warren Henry Auto Group and a 2008 Northwood alumnus, was honored to accept the Outstanding Business Leader Award on behalf of his father, Warren Henry Zinn ‘77, who was unable to attend Saturday’s gala. Larry Zinn was introduced by Bella Smylie, a data analytics student from Clare, Michigan. “This gala is about more than recognizing business excellence; it’s also about investing in students and reinforcing the relationships that make Northwood special,” said Advancement Vice President Murray Kyte. “We celebrate leaders whose lives reflect The Northwood Idea while raising scholarship funds to invest in students whose ambition, character, and entrepreneurial spirit reflect the values Northwood seeks to advance.” “During my time at Northwood, I’ve been fortunate to experience things I never could have imagined,” said Baker, who added she was honored to form a meaningful connection with her Outstanding Business Leader honoree. “…Northwood builds a network that stretches far beyond these walls, one shaped by shared values, a belief in free enterprise, and a conviction that business, done right, can change lives.” To learn more about this year’s honorees and gala sponsors, visit the Outstanding Business Leaders Awards webpage at www.northwood.edu/advancement/signature-events/outstanding-business-leader-awards/. Share this page
NCAA On Track To Expand To 76-team March Madness Bracket For Next Season
The NCAA is still deliberating expanding March Madness on both the men’s and women’s sides to 76 teams for next season
Optimistic Baker: New NCAA eligibility rules not retroactive
NCAA president Charlie Baker, who is "pretty optimistic" the age-based eligibility proposal will pass, told ESPN that the implementation is not expected to include athletes who graduated or exhausted their eligibility in the 2025-26 season.
Mike Minogue wins Mass. GOP endorsement for governor in a landslide
Former Baker Administration official Mike Kennealy fell just short of making the primary ballot.
As colleges struggle, Baker says sports can be part of the solution
Former governor and NCAA president says UMass hockey title boosted student applications.
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
For allergy help, baked goods try these new NJ businesses
Soulmate Bakery & Cafe is in Ringwood. ENT & Allergy Associates is in Morristown. Rosto serves rotisserie chicken in Tenafly.
Pols & Politics: Baker makes return trip to Massachusetts this week
Former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA President Charlie Baker will be making a return trip to the Bay State this week as the featured speaker at a luncheon in Boston.
NICK STROBEL: Artemis II crew shows a greater good
Tickets for the last show of the spring season at the William M. Thomas Planetarium, “Supervolcanoes” this Thursday, April 23, are still available through the Vallitix site.
‘The Mummy’ is an endurance test, not entertainment
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Watching “Lee Cronin’s the Mummy” is like putting your face in a bucket of vomit. On some weird level you must admit that experience has a degree of originality t…
‘The Mummy’ is an endurance test, not entertainment
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Watching “Lee Cronin’s the Mummy” is like putting your face in a bucket of vomit. On some weird level you must admit that experience has a degree of originality to it beca...
Coachella 2026: We talked to L.A.'s beloved Bob Baker Marionettes about the festival
The Bob Baker Marionettes made their Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival debut on April 10.
Is Base Stealing a Science or an Art Form? RI's David Earl Lopes…
Former Major League Baseball players Dusty Baker, Dave Stewart, and Jerry Royster helped celebrate David Earl Lopes’s homecoming this past Wednesday.…
How a Florida State University student entrepreneur is building a bakery business for good
A Florida State University student in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is turning a lifelong health challenge into a purpose-driven business that
Dr. Baker Presents Midwestern University's Vision for the Future of Healthcare Education
Executive profile in The CEO Magazine focuses on Midwestern's commitment to One Health and cutting edge education
Baker Adventist Christian School reports a successful Science Fair
BAKER CITY — Experiments were done, ideas were heard, and fun was had at the ...Read More
Baker Hughes sells Waygate unit to Hexagon for about $1.45 billion
Oilfield services provider Baker Hughes sold its Waygate Technologies unit to Swedish industrial technology group Hexagon for about $1.45 billion in cash, the two companies said on Monday.
Who Had “New OS For The Z80” On Their 2026 Bingo Card?
Some might say the venerable Z80 doesn’t need another operating system, but [Scott Baker] obviously disagrees. He has come up with a brand new, from scratch OS called NostOS for the Z80-based…
Mental Health Awareness of Michiana holds cake fundraiser
Mental Health Awareness of Michiana offers a bite of comfort food — cake. The fundraiser at Howard Park will feature professional and amateur bakers.
Young sibling duo starts small bread making business
Our team stopped by the Youngstown Flea this afternoon and found 12-year-old Gloria, and her 10-year-old brother Israel running their own stall.
Citadel cadet wins the 12th annual Baker Business Bowl
Stone Fish, an innovative fishing apparel brand, has won the 12th annual Baker Business Bowl, sending Cadet Bryson Barrett home with a $10,000 check.
The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror
Loss Protocol by Paul McAuley; Night Babies by Lucie McKnight Hardy; Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell; Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker
Downtown Keene Business Owners Sound Off on Pop-up Chain Bakery, Call for Local Support on WKBK
B Bakes owners discuss chain pop-up controversy, community impact, and why supporting local businesses matters.
Entertainment Look-A-Head: Music at Baker Center, movie releases, screenings at The Athena
From Apr. 7-13, there are a variety of music and film releases. In Athens, students and visitors can attend various performances and movie screenings.
NICK STROBEL: Don't miss last shows of spring
Tickets are still available for this Thursday's showing of "Incoming!" and the April 23 showing of "Supervolcanoes" (the last show of the spring season of shows) at the William M.
Business looking up inside Bakersfield's office market
A pattern repeats itself along Bakersfield's California Avenue professional services corridor west of downtown: Building after building has signs out front advertising space for lease.
A small-business bakery owner details how tariffs are taking a toll
Small-business owner Katrina Golden explains why she thinks sales have cooled and how tariffs are affecting her baking business.
Sports Spotlight: Baker’s Madison O’Connor
Baker’s Madison O’Connor ended her basketball career second in points and first in assists and steals in Montana high school history. The senior also leaves as a two-time state champion.
Hinesburg restaurant to close after more than 30 years in business
Travis and Maryam Counter expanded a year ago when they opened the Good Times Café and Matryoshka’s Bakery on Shelburne Road in South Burlington.
Spartanburg business announces closure after 6 years of service
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — Burgers & Bakery in Spartanburg announced Monday that the restaurant will close its doors mid-summer. The establishment has been in operation for six years. The…
Spartanburg business announces closure after 6 years of service
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — Burgers & Bakery in Spartanburg announced Monday that the restaurant will close its doors mid-summer. The establishment has been in operation for six years. The closure is l...
Is an IDA Health Window the Global Health Financing Solution?
The global health architecture is facing intense scrutiny. There are now an A-Z of initiatives launched to lead the reform, from the Accra Reset to the Lusaka Agenda Secretariat and a WHO-led process. Critics have argued that the current system fails to focus on the poorest countries, fragments national systems, undermines country ownership, and displaces domestic health spending.
West York entertainment complex stuck on hold without liquor license
Bakery Complex in West York is almost ready to open, but the state hasn't yet OK'd a liquor license, which the developer says is crucial.
West York entertainment complex stuck on hold without liquor license
Bakery Complex in West York is almost ready to open, but the state hasn't yet OK'd a liquor license, which the developer says is crucial.
See photos inside The Bakery Entertainment Complex on March 23
The Bakery Entertainment Complex is taking shape inside a former bakery building at 1501 W. King St. in West York.
Coeur d'Alene Pediatrics readies for move to Heritage Health
Coeur d’Alene Pediatrics officially becomes part of Heritage Health this spring. “We've been talking about it for about a year,” Heritage Health CEO Mike Baker said. “We spent time trying to figure this out what makes sense for the community and really protect what Coeur d’Alene Pediatrics has been doing forever.”
Can This Russian Bakery Survive a 3,500% Tax Increase?
The challenges faced by a small-business owner near Moscow highlight how Russia’s war-drained economy is on the doorstep of a major crisis.
A Bremerton bakery closed by a 'particularly scary' crime
A Bremerton business launch was cut short by stalking, a 'particularly scary' crime one resident is speaking out about.
Portland keeps losing legacy businesses. Could a new program be the solution?
A majority of business owners surveyed for the study expressed support for the program, according to the report.
At Baklava Bakery & Coffee, a family business evolves with a new generation
One year after opening, the Arlington cafe extends a 20-year bakery operation while sons help shape its coffee program for future growth.
Add this one line to your AI prompts for faster, better answers
This handy prompt add-on can save you from tedious back-and-forths with your AI.
Bucs facing a tough decision with Baker Mayfield in 2026
The Bucs have to get the contract situation with Baker Mayfield solved sooner rather than later.
Dustin Baker’s 2026 Vikings Mock Draft 3.0 Has Arrived
The Vikings shook operations up just a bit during free agency, notably adding quarterback Kyler Murray and CB3 James Pierre, […]
Nine Winters Bakery is closing in Cambridge: 'I'm choosing my family'
In an Instagram post, owner Marissa Ferola addressed the closure and said the last day of service is at the end of the month.
Kern County could see record heat as Bakersfield nears 95 in mid-March, NWS says
It may feel like summer in Kern County, but it is only the middle of March — and temperatures could reach the mid-90s, raising concerns about record heat and th
Lawsuit says Manolo’s Bakery lost more than $50k in business during ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web’
That fight for survival hasn’t stopped Betancur from smiling and greeting his customers.
Kenneth Gainwell: 'All About Business'
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Kenneth Gainwell spoke to the media after signing with the team during 2026 Free Agency. RB Gainwell discussed QB Baker Mayfield's toughness, being eager to show his skills and teaming up with RB Bucky Irving.
Herman’s Bakery in Baltimore County closing March 31 after decades in business
Customers say last goodbyes to Dundalk bakery closing after 103 years
It's the end of an era for a Baltimore family business as Herman's Bakery is set to close in Dundalk.
Palisades comes up just short against Bakersfield Christian
Jack Levey’s three-pointer at the buzzer was off target and Palisades lost to Bakersfield Christian in the Southern California Regional Division II final.
How two painful sports stories underscore girls' unique injury risks
This tennis player and former gymnast aren't alone in manic world of kids sports. Here's how parents can better understand girls' unique injury risks.
Letters: Chad Baker-Mazara and Gilbert Arenas have it wrong
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on USC's Chad Baker-Mazara, Gilbert Arena, the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels and Kings.
A little butter and a lot of passion: Black Box Bakery perfects the recipe for a successful small business
Black Box Bakery opened in the Edgewater Public Market and has quickly become known as one of the top bakeries in the Denver area. How did they do it? With professionals who take pride in their work.
Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker 2026 offseason profile
A look at safety Budda Baker's season, his contract and what to expect in the offseason.
Dave Baker’s time with the UK Sports Network comes to an end, still going strong at WKYT
WKYT Special Projects Coordinator and Sportscaster Dave Baker released the following statement about his time at the UK Sports Network.