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High-level US delegation visits Cuba as Trump ups pressure
A senior US delegation met with Cuban government officials in Cuba as the Trump administration ramps up its efforts to pressure Havana into a deal as it continues to exert its economic chokehold on the island.
LSU to Open $148M Science Building This Fall
A 148,000-square-foot facility set to open in the 2026-27 academic year will have research and teaching laboratories with technology supporting the biology, chemistry, geology, math, physics and astronomy disciplines.
EPA Adds More Pesticide Industry Reps to Science Board
While most appointees are academic scientists, Administrator Lee Zeldin also named employees of a company that makes forever chemicals.
New Microsoft Pro and Surface Laptop release delay rumoured
A reliable source has elaborated on Microsoft's launch plans for its Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 releases. Unfortunately, neither are now expected to arrive as soon as previously suggested. New Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models are still tipped to debut with Intel and Qualcomm processor options, though.
Oregon open for business: Study shows more biz openings than closings
On this edition we talk with OSU Doctor of Applied Economics Richard Acquah-Sarpong about his study which showed that since 2012 more businesses have opening in Oregon than have closed. Then we talk to KLCC's Julia Boboc about her story on the life and lessons of a local sheep farmer.
CBS Sports: Michigan football's spring game reveals strong defense
Michigan football's spring game showed a strong defense, but CBS Sports noted the Wolverines didn't reveal much.
Michigan Science Center hosting 21+ Aurora Space Party
The After Dark series will include hands-on activities, live programs, and more after the Detroit museum closes for the night.
Leaker: Apple Downgrading iPhone 18 to Cut Costs
Apple is downgrading the planned specifications of the standard iPhone 18 to cut costs, a leaker claims. In a new post on Weibo, the user known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the iPhone 18 features "certain manufacturing downgrades" that bring it more into line with the low-cost iPhone 18e model. The decision is said to be "a cost-cutting measure".
Comedian Paula Poundstone will get political and personal at the Englert
Poundstone discusses her stand-up career as a nearly five-decade veteran comic ahead of her show at the Englert on Friday, April 24.
Business Monday: Recovery Center to help small businesses affected by downtown Hilo fire
The U.S. Small Business Administration is setting up a recovery center where representatives will help businesses that burned in the 2025 Hilo fire apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Fantasy Baseball 2-Start Pitcher Rankings: Mick Abel, Kyle Harrison among top streaming options this week
2026 Canfield Fair entertainment lineup released
Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, April 24.
iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the screen on the devices, which will result in merely a smaller Dynamic Island.
Teaching Legislative Politics Through a Game: Active Learning, Assignment Co-creation, and Assessment Across Modalities -
Teaching Legislative Politics Through a Game: Active Learning, Assignment Co-creation, and Assessment Across Modalities By Jennifer L. Clemens, University of Wisconsin–Parkside and Michael A. Hansen, University of Turku This article examines a legislative politics simulation [...]
Power Tee: Reports on Midway Sports & Entertainment enhancements
Taylor, Michigan, facility installed Power Tee's auto-tee systems for its 75th anniversary
Reauthorization of Small Business Innovation Research and Technology T
Following President Donald J. Trump signing into law the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, the War Department is immediately advancing with a redesigned and more focused initiative
Microsoft tests Windows Explorer speed, performance improvements
Microsoft is rolling out multiple File Explorer changes to Windows 11 users in the Insider program, including improvements to launch speed and performance.
DOJ demands 865K Detroit ballots, threatening possible legal action
Michigan and the Trump DOJ clash over a demand for 865,000 ballots from Wayne County, with state officials calling the request baseless and political.
Economic Development Director’s April Update Spotlights New Openings, Small Business Grants, and JPL Partnership
Daily Newsmagazine and City Guide to Pasadena, California featuring local news, breaking news, events, weather, sports news, schools news, shopping, restaurants and more from Pasadena Now
NVIDIA says new ReSTIR path tracing update is 2 to 3 times faster, but this is still research
ReSTIR PT Enhanced could lower the cost of real-time path tracing NVIDIA researchers have published a new paper called ReSTIR PT Enhanced: Algorithmic
Having more kids associated with reduced risk of stroke and brain damage, research co-led by UT Health San Antonio shows - UT Health San Antonio
Number of live births could be an important predictive factor Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, April 20, 2026 – While some say having lots of kids can make you lose your faculties, a new study suggests otherwise. Research co-led by UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of […]
Smash-and-grab burglars target sports card and comic store in Chicago's Dunning community
The US in Brief: Fuelling economic worries
Our daily political update, featuring the stories that matter
After a year of turmoil, cancer researchers see promising signs for mRNA vaccines
The mRNA-based Covid vaccines helped blunt the impact of the pandemic but also sparked political backlash that has threatened to slow or derail dozens of potential cancer treatments. Now there are signs that the mRNA train is still on track.
M&C Saatchi predicts hit to sports and entertainment arms from Iran conflict
The advertising giant held off from handing shareholders a dividend as it battles ‘tough’ macroeconomic conditions.
Bossier City's incoming arts building director may be key to entertainment district plans
The new director may be the key to Bossier City's future economic plans.
How the Professionalization of College Sports Changed Who Wins
The House v. NCAA private antitrust settlement professionalized collegiate sports by requiring colleges and universities to compensate student athletes. The case has changed the economics of college sports, pushing schools to spend big to pay for top athletes to field teams that compete for championships. New research from the Progressive Policy Institute finds that although the new model has narrowed success to the top programs, the ability for schools to pay for success has now been mostly priced in, writes Diana L. Moss.
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.
Discover, explore and analyse business statistics
Have you ever wished you could see how a certain economic activity is performing without drowning in datasets or spreadsheets? Meet the Business sector profiles: your one-stop gateway for fast insights, easy to grasp comparisons and deep dives into the EU’s business economy. This tool puts everything in one place offering...
Iran’s Ballistic Missile Retaliatory Strikes and Escalation Dynamics
The fact that Iran simultaneously targeted US bases in the region and Israel marked a significant difference in the scale of the retaliation.
Microsoft releases emergency updates to fix Windows Server issues
Microsoft has released out-of-band (OOB) updates to fix issues affecting Windows Server systems after installing the April 2026 security updates.
Progressive Bulgaria Heads for Decisive Victory in Latest Snap Election
Bulgaria continues to grapple with economic disparities, corruption concerns and geopolitical pressures as a member of the EU and NATO.
Small Business Excellence: PaddyShack Golf and Gaming Lounge
Fort Atkinson’s newest golf simulator bar, PaddyShack Golf and Gaming Lounge, is Thrive Economic Development’s Small Business Excellence award winner. The
Business of the Year: Jones Dairy Farm
Fort Atkinson’s Jones Dairy Farm was recognized as Thrive Economic Development’s Business of the Year, honoring the meat product producer for its
Community Impact: Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation
The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation was recognized as Thrive Economic Development’s Community Impact award winner, commemorating the
Inconsistent Nationals face challenge in surging Braves
The Washington Nationals will try to cool off Michael Harris II and the surging Atlanta Braves when the teams open a four-game series on Monday night.
Oil price jumps with US-Iran ceasefire ‘on tenterhooks’
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Emerging Business: FITBENCH
Ixonia-based FITBENCH, a fitness equipment wholesaler making multifaceted workout benches, was recognized as Thrive Economic Development’s Emerging
Leslie Science & Nature Center hosts Ann Arbor’s annual Earth Day Festival for kids
Local nonprofits, organizations and businesses gathered at the Leslie Science & Nature Center Sunday afternoon to take part in Ann Arbor’s annual Earth Day Festival.
Quarter of a million people could lose job by middle of 2027 as UK ‘flirts with recession’, analysis says
Twin reports from top accounting firms underline scale of economic threat as Iran war shatters business confidence
Quantum computers reveal heat that flows the wrong way
Researchers have observed unusual patterns of heat flow inside quantum computers, revealing behaviors that defy classical thermodynamics.
Image 1
Schematic illustration of overpotential deconvolution in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis.
Michigan Democrats seek to mend old divides at contentious convention
The Israel-Gaza war remains a flashpoint within the Michigan Democratic Party, as demonstrated by the ouster of a pro-Israel official on Sunday.
SportsMonday: Behind the scenes
Growing up right here in Ann Arbor, my entire life revolved around sports. I’ve missed a total of five home Michigan football games since I was 7 years old. I played soccer, basketball, volleyball and baseball when I was younger before switching to water polo and swimming in high school. Every summer for my birthday, […]
Michigan Democrats pick Savit over McDonald for attorney general nominee
Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit defeated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald at a Michigan Democratic Party state convention on Sunday.
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist wins Democratic nomination for secretary of state
Michigan Democrats nominated Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II as their candidate for secretary of state at a convention in Detroit on Sunday.
Problem Solver's Consultants named West Virginia Rural Small Business of the Year
Problem Solver’s Consultants, a Buckhannon-based marketing agency, has been named the 2026 West Virginia Rural Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The honor will be presented May 6 in Fairmont during National Small Business Week.
As Michael Jordan watches, Tyler Reddick wins for the fifth time in nine NASCAR Cup Series races
Lansing politics are blocking a crackdown on fleeing, eluding cases
Michigan's 'fleeing and eluding' cases are rising, but legislation to stiffen penalties is stalled in the Senate.
Scientists stunned as bacteria rewire DNA machinery to shape cells
Cyanobacteria—ancient microbes that oxygenated Earth and made complex life possible—are still revealing surprises billions of years later. Scientists have now discovered that a molecular system once used to separate DNA has been repurposed into something entirely different: a structure that shapes the cell itself.
Smoke-free nicotine products can accelerate the end of the smoking epidemic
Nature Health - Increased use of smoke-free nicotine products such as vapes could help to achieve an ambitious global goal of reducing smoking prevalence below 5% by 2040.
Indonesia advances One Health and pandemic preparedness through CARE-I
CARE-I is financed by the Pandemic Fund, a global financing mechanism established in 2022 to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The programme focuses on advancing the One Health approach by strengthening collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors at both national and subnational levels. It will be implemented for three years from 2026 to 2028.
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.
State House moves forward with Health Dept. budget
LANSING — Two and a half months before the state’s budget deadline, members of the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives unleashed a flurry of budget proposals from their respective subcommittees, including a three-part plan to fund the Department of Health and Human Services. With the department making up nearly half of the state budget, members […]
‘Sport as a Public Good’ talk spotlights gaps in youth sports education, access
There’s little that people enjoy more than play. Unfortunately, when it comes to our youth, we often fail in nurturing that love, former President of the U.S. Tennis Association and Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA Brian Hainline said. On Wednesday, April 15, Hainline spoke at the University of New Mexico Physics and Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science Building and said sports should be a public good to an audience including local sport leaders and athletes. He highlighted what he called an inadequate systemic support for sports in the U.S. Hainline’s lecture was hosted jointly by the UNM School of Medicine and Alumni Association.
Canada's prime minister says economic connection to the U.S. has shifted from a strength to a weakness
Prime Minister Mark Carney said tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have impacted workers in such major industries as auto and steel and prompted businesses to hold back investments.
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.
WWDC 2026 Graphic Teases Major iOS 27 Feature
Apple's WWDC 2026 graphic provides "a glimpse of the revamped Siri interface coming in iOS 27," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said iOS 27 will include a new Siri interface in the Dynamic Island.
Report: Cardinals, Saints discussing expensive 2026 draft trade
Saints GM Mickey Loomis isn't known for his patience in the NFL draft. But this report about a trade up to third overall may be too rich even for him.
Savion Hiter names Michigan football's fastest player
Michigan running back Savion Hiter reveals which early enrollee has impressed him most, naming Travis Johnson as the team's fastest player.
Fed’s Beige Book reveals Iran conflict’s impact on business confidence
Former World Bank President David Malpass discusses economic uncertainty amid the Iran conflict, the state of the Federal Reserve and more on ‘Varney & Co.’
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, ...
Windows 11 to get a major reliability update in May with faster clipboard, stable taskbar, storage and more
Microsoft is preparing a major Windows 11 reliability update for May 2026 with improvements across File Explorer, explorer.exe, taskbar, Settings, clipboard history, input systems, and Windows Hello. Early Insider builds show faster performance, fewer crashes, and a more stable experience.
33 years after the crash, there’s still plenty to miss about Mickelson and his brand of politics
Just as journalism has felt the effects of time, so have politics and politicians. Gov. Mickelson was, after all, literally a giant among elected officials.
Mesa's Micky Scala, other locals earn Fight Club PHX wins
At the inaugural Fight Club PHX event, the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix featured two rings for combat sports and room for fans.
Hollywood, Silicon Valley turn out for the 'Oscars of Science'
Big names from the worlds of film, technology, music and sports gathered on Saturday in Santa Monica, California, for the Breakthrough Prizes, popularly known as the "Oscars of Science."
Must-win Michigan Senate race turns messy for Democrats amid fight over Israel and future of the party
Microsoft Is Quietly Opening the Windows 11 Taskbar To Third-Party AI Agents That Can Act On Your Desktop
Microsoft launches AI Agents for Windows 11 taskbar supporting third-party options, enhancing productivity with Microsoft 365 Researcher and more.
Scientists develop dirt-powered fuel cell that could replace batteries
Scientists have developed a fuel cell that uses microbes in soil to produce electricity. The device can power underground sensors for tasks like monitoring moisture or detecting touch, without needing batteries or solar panels. It works in both dry and wet conditions and even lasts longer than similar technologies. This could pave the way for sustainable, low-maintenance sensors in farming and environmental monitoring.
Centipede consumption boosts growth and gut health in endangered crocodile lizards
A new study in Biological Diversity reveals that centipede consumption enhances growth and gut microbiome homeostasis in juvenile crocodile lizards by enriching beneficial fermentative bacteria and elevating short chain fatty acid production, underlining the critical role of dietary diversity in the conservation of endangered reptiles.
Xbox Game Pass Announces 3 Day One Games All Coming the Same Day
Xbox Game Pass has announced three day one games all coming on the same day, the biggest dump of day one games so far this year.
How a must-win Michigan Senate race turned messy for Democrats
Sitting in a coffee shop in his hometown of Ann Arbor, Abdul El-Sayed is ready to dispel the notion that he’s unelectable. “I think there is this notion that electability is about being the least offensive,” he told CNN. “If that were true, why would Donald Trump have won the presidency twice?” Whether he’s right could have enormous ramifications for control of the Senate. Michigan’s open Senate seat is now emerging as a GOP hedge against a potential takeover for Democrats, who need to net four seats to flip the chamber. Losing Michigan would make the Democrats’ task almost impossible, a major reason why a leading Republican outside group just announced plans to pour $45 million into the state this summer and fall to boost former Rep. Mike Rogers, the likely GOP nominee. El-Sayed faces US Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow in a battle already riven by divides over Israel, immigration enforcement and health care.
Curing U.S. Health Care, Part I
In 2008, much to their own surprise, leading Democrats unified around a program of major health care reform. Policy wonks had spent years developing the concepts behind what eventually became Obamacare; big Democratic victories in the 2006 midterms and the prospect of controlling both Congress and the presidency made it possible to imagine turning those ideas into reality. During the Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama advocated similar plans, based on those ideas, for expanding insurance coverage. And it happened! The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010. When it was fully implemented in 2014, millions of Americans got health insurance: Impressive as the raw numbers are, they don’t tell the whole story. Before the ACA, even upper-middle-class Americans often found it impossible to get health insurance if they had pre-existing medical conditions. Many Americans were trapped in jobs they wanted to leave but couldn’t for fear of losing their employment-based coverage. Meanwhile, dire predictions from the usual suspects about runaway costs proved wrong. In fact, overall U.S. medical spending has grown much more slowly since the ACA was enacted than before. But the U.S., alone among advanced nations, still falls far short of providing universal health care. As you can see from the chart above, 8 percent of the population was still uninsured in 2024, a number that is set to rise over the next two years as a result of Republican policies. True, many of the uninsured in 2024 were undocumented immigrants, who we don’t try to cover. But there are still a lot of uninsured. Moreover, a significant number of Americans who have health insurance are in fact underinsured. As a result, they are at risk of incurring devastating healthcare costs and are sometimes forced to forgo needed care. This number is set to rise sharply in the next two years as a result of Republican policies adopted under Donald Trump. And not only is the U.S. unique among advanced countries in its under-provision of health care coverage, it also incurs by far the world’s highest healthcare costs per capita. So now may well be a good time to get behind a new push for major health reform — an effort, if you like, to finish the job begun under Obama. Today’s primer is devoted to the economics of health reform. During his failed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Donald Trump famously complained, “Nobody knew healthcare could be so complicated.” Actually, we did know — and it’s not that complicated. Health economists understand the principles very well. And because health policy varies greatly among advanced nations, we know a lot about what works and what doesn’t. This will be the first in a series about health reform. Beyond the paywall I’ll address the following: 1. Why markets can’t be trusted to deliver healthcare 2. Routes to universal healthcare 3. What works? In a follow-up post I’ll discuss the pros and cons of different approaches, and possible paths forward for the United States.
Largest-ever 3D map of the universe shows 47 million galaxies, from the Milky Way to 'cosmic noon' — Space photo of the week
The largest 3D map of the universe, created with data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, shows 47 million galaxies in stunning detail.
Muslim Southerners Face a Fresh Wave of Hateful Political Rhetoric
Some Muslim voters were once drawn to Republican positions on family values and individual liberty, but as Southern politicians stoke anti-Islamic sentiment, many feel threatened.
University of Pittsburgh team's FRED model tracks measles
Pitt's Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics program was instrumental in convincing lawmakers to pass rare legislation that took away the ability of residents to skip vaccines because of religious or personal beliefs.
Opinion: Systemic failures in New Mexico health care oversight extend beyond Mark Erasmus case
A local attorney says one disgraced surgeon is a symptom of deeper corporate and oversight failures in New Mexico health care.
Michigan betting that space is next frontier to create jobs
Michigan is playing a key role in the US space industry, contributing to the Artemis II rocket mission. Products from Michigan-based companies, like Moeller Aerospace and Elmet Technologies, were part
Lawmakers pressed to address Black maternal health disparities
Advocates pushed Michigan lawmakers to address racial differences in maternal healthcare this week. The activism is part of Black Maternal Health Week.
11 missing or dead scientists draw federal scrutiny, including 4 tied to LA County
The Trump administration is reviewing 11 cases of missing or deceased scientists, including Southern California researchers Monica Jacinto Reza, Carl Grillmair, Frank Maiwald, and Michael David Hicks.
Q&A: Jocelyn Benson on her tenure as Michigan's secretary of state
Michigan Democrats will pick a new secretary of state nominee during a convention in Detroit on Sunday.
Former U.S. Presidents, Entertainment, Sports and Media Leaders Convene in Rare Gathering to Celebrate Country’s 250th Anniversary
Former president Barack Obama appeared alongside former first lady Michelle Obama, five other former U.S. leaders, actors Nicole Kidman and Ted Danson, 'SNL' players Tina Fey and Colin Jost, NFL playe...
Obama, Nicole Kidman, Tina Fey, Jason Kelce Attend HISTORYTalks 2026
Former president Barack Obama appeared alongside former first lady Michelle Obama, five other former U.S. leaders, actors Nicole Kidman and Ted Danson, 'SNL' players Tina Fey and Colin Jost, NFL players Tom Brady and Jason Kelce, and more to discuss legacy and leadership for HISTORYTalks 2026.
Beshear urges Democrats to 'talk like a normal human being' to voters
Michigan Democrats gathered Saturday in Detroit to honor outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Her Kentucky counterpart had a message on voter messaging.
Gathering of Nations’ ‘Last Dance’ could signal big loss for local businesses
Albuquerque’s Gathering of Nations powwow is approaching its final ‘Last Dance’ this weekend, and local businesses are hoping the event goes out with a bang as they brace for the loss of up to $30 million in annual economic activity and hotel occupancy rates roughly 20% higher than average.
Ubisoft’s New Action RPG Is Devil May Cry Meets Cyberpunk
Despite a string of recent controversies, a huge overhaul of its business model, and a restructuring of its most important IP, Ubisoft is seemingly continuing to produce good games. Sure, Assassin’s Creed Shadows was a fairly enjoyable revamp of a very familiar formula, and Star Wars Outlaws, as lambasted as it was at launch, impressed […]
Savion Hiter explains why he stayed with Michigan football
Five-star running back Savion Hiter explains why he remained committed to Michigan football despite coaching changes.
Portland metal finishing company to halt solvent use after emissions exceed health limits
A SE metal finishing company has agreed to stop using a chemical solvent after emissions exceeded health risk levels.
Microsoft is giving Windows 11 File Explorer a speed boost, dark mode fix, and reducing explorer.exe crashes
Microsoft now says it's preparing a big update for File Explorer that would allow it to run faster, address 'white flashes,' and more.
Potential 2028 Democrats Audition in Michigan,With a Focus on Trump
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky spoke at a gathering of party insiders in Detroit, fueling presidential speculation.
Lisa Rinna shares what it would take to get her back on ‘Real Housewives’
The "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum wasn't afraid to throw shade on a sunny Saturday morning during her panel at The Times' Festival of Books.
5 standout performers from Michigan Football’s spring game
Here are the 5 standout performers from Michigan Football’s spring game at the Big House:
Xbox Players Can Soon Spend Microsoft Rewards Points on Console
Xbox users will soon be able to redeem Microsoft Rewards points directly on the console. Learn how it works and what it means for gamers.
Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5083826 update for OS recovery
New dynamic updates for Windows 11 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, as well as Windows 11 22H2, under KB5083826, and more, have been released.
Why isn't Pete Davidson in 'Lorne,' the new documentary about 'SNL' boss Lorne Michaels? Its director explains
'Lorne' director Morgan Neville reveals why Pete Davidson isn't in his new documentary about 'SNL' boss Lorne Michaels.
Farewell to Prof. Michael Rabin, godfather of Israeli computer science
A pioneer of modern computing, Rabin shaped algorithms, cryptography and AI foundations, mentored generations and remains the only Israeli to win the Turing Award, the field’s highest honor, as computer science reshaped everyday life
Transfer center, Malick Kordel is coming to Minnesota
Minnesota gets another Michigan transfer
Washington baseball falls 6-4 to Michigan State in opener
The Washington Huskies fell behind early and couldn't muster a comeback in a 6-4 loss to the Michigan State Spartans on Friday.
“Yeah… it’s not so good,” as Microsoft confirms major Rewards changes in May and what it means for anyone who relies on daily point earning
Microsoft Rewards is getting an update with new tiers, monthly bonuses, and expanded rollout, but early feedback suggests not everyone is convinced by the changes.