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Nickelodeon's All-Star Cast Returns To The Tennis Court Next Month
Move aside, Mario Tennis
Car-Mart to close 42 dealerships, lay off staff - Talk Business & Politics
Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart Inc. will close 42 dealerships over the next week as market challenges impact its establishment of a “non-recourse revolving warehouse credit facility,” according to a Tuesday (April...
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n law-enforcement celebrity crime music hip-hop-and-rap shootings entertainment u-s-news general-news | KCBS All News 106.9FM and 740AM
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n law-enforcement celebrity crime music hip-hop-and-rap shootings entertainment u-s-news general-news | Talk Radio 1210 WPHT
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n law-enforcement celebrity crime music hip-hop-and-rap shootings entertainment u-s-news general-news | 830 WCCO
TribCast: Anti-Muslim rhetoric in Texas politics
Rep. Salman Bhojani, one of the first Muslim state legislators, joins TribCast to talk about the backlash his community has experienced in state government.
Bright ideas: Culver's Business Model Competition showcases student entrepreneurship
UWO student Josh Lee, who is majoring in information systems, won first place in the Culver's Business Model Competition April 2 for his pitch, "Titan Academic Advisor" that simplifies and modernizes the academic planning experience within universities.
Oscars set dates for 99th and 100th broadcast, before move to YouTube
The 99th Oscars will be held on March 14, 2027
Cattle futures lower ahead of direct business
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower waiting on the week’s direct business to develop. June live cattle closed $1.22 lower at $245.80 and August live cattle closed $.50 lower at $242.37. May feeder cattle closed $3.72 lower at $366.62 and August feeder cattle closed $3.77 lower at $366.05. Direct cash […]
‘A blatant political ploy’: California sheriff’s seizure of referendum ballots sets off alarm bells
Chad Bianco of Riverside county obtained warrants to seize ballots cast for state’s successful redistricting referendum
Oscars set dates for 99th and 100th broadcast, before move to YouTube
a e n movies academy-awards entertainment u-s-news general-news | KNSS Radio
Oscars set dates for 99th and 100th broadcast, before move to YouTube
a e n movies academy-awards entertainment u-s-news general-news | KNX News 97.1 FM
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n law-enforcement celebrity crime music hip-hop-and-rap shootings entertainment u-s-news general-news | WWL
Local thrift, pawn shops say rising costs are driving more business
Boston area thrift stores and pawn shops see an uptick in customers looking for quick cash or inexpensive items as they struggle with high inflation and rising costs.
Preds, Scripps Sports Announce Game-Changing Broadcast Partnership
Agreement Begins Next Season; Scripps Will Broadcast Predators Games Over the Air for Free
Western Michigan's business college gets largest gift in its history
The $17 million from the Stan Lucas Trust will fund innovative ways for students to receive hands-on experience in the business world.
Venture Global cashing in as gas markets tighten
Venture Global is poised to reap significant profits from the latest global energy shock, as disruptions in the Middle East tighten liquefied natural gas supplies, The Wall Street Journal writes. The exporter, which has several Louisiana-based projects, has built a lucrative strategy around selling a sizable portion of its cargo on the volatile spot market, […]
Four L-L League, CCAC players are named to PA Sports Writers girls basketball All-State team
Four for the show.
Acting AG says ‘Nobody has any idea why’ Pam Bondi was fired except for Trump
During his first news conference Tuesday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche showcased his loyalty to President Donald Trump while declining to answer specific questions about the war with Iran, why Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired or other investigations into the president’s enemies.
High school sports top performers from a busy Monday put up huge stats
No cases of the Mondays here. These 17 high school athletes showed they're in midweek form already. Here's who stood out from action April 6.
Former interim CEO is returning to run HCMC’s cash-strapped health system
Dr. Jon Cumming is expected to succeed David Hough, who is stepping down as administrator.
Snohomish County declares measles outbreak over, warns travel could bring new cases
The Snohomish County Health Department has declared an end to the county’s recent measles outbreak, but health officials are warning residents to stay alert as
Keith Gross reports more than $5M cash on hand, mostly from his own pocket
'The establishment doesn’t own me.'
Ohio State competition prompts students to put business skills to work
Students from across the country gathered at The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus recently to participate in the annual Fisher Invitational Case Competition.The Fisher College of Business hosted the competition with Battelle, a Columbus-based nonprofit, private company that applies science and technology to solve challenges in the envir...
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n law-enforcement celebrity crime music hip-hop-and-rap shootings entertainment u-s-news general-news | WBEN
Clicks and clacks, rhythms and beats: The tap shoe
You’ll never say you didn’t hear them coming: tap shoes, where plates are added to the soles allowing the wearer to make music with each step. They’re the required equipment
Men Are Obsessed With Their Sperm Health, and Brands Are Cashing In
Wellness brands are fueling a growing demand for male-fertility products, selling supplements and sperm-testing kits.
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n law-enforcement crime celebrity music hip-hop-and-rap shootings entertainment u-s-news general-news | KCBS All News 106.9FM and 740AM
Marketplace - Business News & Economic Stories for Everyone
Marketplace raises the economic intelligence of the country through the unorthodox story, casual conversations and unexpected angles on the news.
Michigan health officials recommend early measles vaccine -- what to know
There are now eight confirmed cases across two counties -- seven in Washtenaw and one in Monroe.
Brenda Alexander has the latest in entertainment headlines:
Are Kim K & Lewis Hamilton dating? Lil Nas X may have caught a break in his felony assault case, and Stephen Colbert's replacement has been announced.
Native Zelda: Twilight Princess PC Port Looks Glorious At 60FPS
Twilight Princess: Courage Reborn, a 60fps port of the original GameCube release of Twilight Princess, looks borderline complete in its latest showcase video
Amid Iran war, 53 of Israel's future scientists showcase projects in Jerusalem contest
‘Courageous, creative, and deeply committed’: The Young Scientists and Developers in Israel returns for its 29th year amid war, as part of National Science Week events.
Former Migos rapper Offset is stable after being shot outside a Florida casino, spokesperson says
a e n grammy-awards general-news music hip-hop-and-rap entertainment shootings u-s-news | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Florida Chamber case study spotlights aviation workforce challenges
‘Florida’s aviation industry is essential to our state’s economic strength and global connectivity.’
Leostream Demonstrates High-Performance Remote and Hybrid Media and Entertainment Workloads at NAB Show 2026
Leostream Corporation, creator of the world-leading Leostream® Remote Desktop Access Platform, will show broadcast/entertainment professionals how its platfo...
‘Healthy Rounds’: Inquiring About Quality, Patient Safety
Dr. Scott Allen, UConn Health’s chief medical officer, joins Dr. Anthony Alessi’s podcast
Blues broadcaster FanDuel Sports Network Midwest to wind down after first round of playoffs
NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals take Rueben Bain 3rd overall
Sam Monson dropped his mock draft on his podcast. See who the Arizona Cardinals' pick is at third overall.
The world’s “oldest octopus” was never an octopus
A famous “oldest octopus” fossil has been exposed as a case of mistaken identity. Advanced imaging revealed hidden teeth showing it was actually related to a nautilus, not an octopus. The confusion came from decay that altered its shape before fossilization. This discovery rewrites part of evolutionary history, pushing the true origin of octopuses much later in time.
Spotify's prompted playlist feature will now work for podcasts, too
Spotify will now allow users to input natural language prompts to create podcast playlist.
WMU business college receives largest philanthropic gift in its history | Haworth College of Business
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Brewing Better Health highlights the power of public health partnerships and celebrates National Public Health Week
A Brewing Better Health podcast conversation with Chad Kingsley, M.D., MBA, and Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH, on prevention, community health and what public health is.
Accel Entertainment, Inc. to Report First Quarter 2026 Results, Host Conference Call and Webcast on May 5
CHICAGO, April 07, 2026--Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) ("Accel" or "the Company"), a leading locals-focused gaming operator partnering with small businesses, local communities, and state governments to provide entertaining, convenient, and safe gaming experiences nationwide, announced today it will release its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, after market close on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The Company will host a conference call and webcast that da
Penguins provide Blake Lizotte injury update ahead of playoffs
The Penguins got some seemingly positive updates on a key penalty killer just before the end of the regular season. The Sportsnet Pittsburgh broadcast shared footage this weekend of Blake Lizotte, who has been sidelined since March 14 with an upper-body injury, skating and taking shots ahead of Sunday morning practice. “He’s continuing to progress,” […]
MAGA Is Winning Its War Against U.S. Science
Source: NBER With all the other terrible news right now, you may not have noticed that Donald Trump is in the process of killing American science. OK, that’s an exaggeration — but not that much of an exaggeration. The Trump administration’s latest budget proposal calls for a gigantic increase in military spending combined with severe cuts to social programs. But as the chart above shows, it also calls for debilitating reductions in research funding. Furthermore, Trump appointees have already been strangling science by sharply reducing the rate at which research grants are approved. Here, for example, is the number of new grants approved by the National Science Foundation: Source: Nature Large numbers of existing grants have also been frozen or terminated, especially in the study of infectious diseases. Add to this a sharp drop in visas issued to foreign students, who often play a direct role in research and who help support academic departments that do research: Put all of this together, and much U.S. scientific research is set to come to a screeching halt — not a few years from now, but over the course of the next year or two. This new assault on U.S. science is taking place at a time when the role of American science in the world has already been greatly eroded. The chart below, based on research recently reported by the National Bureau of Economic Research, measures national strength in science by the share of publications in highly ranked journals. In the 1990s the United States had more such publications than the rest of the world combined. Since then we’ve dropped into third place — well behind China and slightly below the European Union. And this was before the Trump administration’s attack on science had time to take its full effect. Source Some erosion in U.S. scientific preeminence was inevitable given China’s growing sophistication and wealth. But we’ve also fallen behind Europe, even though everyone says that Europe is lagging economically and technologically. Claims about Europe’s underperformance are, in fact, dubious if one looks hard at the data. But it’s still striking to see America lagging. What’s going on? There are presumably multiple factors behind America’s scientific lag. But even before Trump II the growing hostility of the U.S. right to science surely had some negative effect. And since the rise of MAGA G.O.P. attitudes toward science in general have become overwhelmingly hostile. This is true even for the Republican rank and file: And while I haven’t been able to find good survey data, it’s obvious that the anti-science turn has been even more pronounced — and began earlier — among the Republican political elite. Chris Mooney published The Republican War on Science in 2005, and even then was describing a longstanding trend. Why have Republicans turned so anti-science? Part of the answer is that they believe that scientists don’t support them. And they’re right! A study of who scientists give money to shows that only a small percentage gave money to Republicans even 20 years ago, and that almost none of them donate to Republicans now: Social scientists have always been strongly pro-Democratic, while there used to be a significant number of physical, “hard” scientists supporting the GOP. But these days physicists are almost as uniformly Democratic, or at least non-Republican, as sociologists. Why are there almost no Republican scientists? It’s not a mystery. GOP political orthodoxy includes positions that are at odds with the scientific consensus on multiple issues, ranging from the validity of the theory of evolution, to the reality of climate change, to the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In each case the scientific consensus is solidly grounded in evidence. But even before the rise of MAGA the U.S. right was increasingly hostile to evidence-based policymaking — especially, of course, where the evidence is unfavorable to fossil fuel interests or quack medicine, both financial mainstays of right-wing politics. So scientists don’t support Republicans, and the feeling is mutual. Today’s Republican Party doesn’t like science or scientists. It doesn’t like having its preconceived views challenged by appeals to evidence. It knows that very few scientists are on its side electorally. In general, it sees scientific research as a threat to its grasp on political power. Add in MAGA’s combination of rabid anti-intellectualism and allergy to any hint of criticism, and one has the makings of a drastic anti-science turn in policy. “Ignorance is strength” might was well be an official MAGA motto. And as I said, we aren’t talking about something that will happen over the course of multiple years: The U.S. scientific enterprise is threatened with severe damage, even collapse, over just the next year. There are many reasons to find this prospect horrifying: Think of all the beneficial advances, affecting almost every part of life, that won’t happen because U.S. science — still crucial to the world — has been eviscerated. But think, also, of America’s international standing. Can a nation that has forfeited its role as a leader, or even a contender, in global science, still be a Great Power? No. MUSICAL CODA
Wisconsin Supreme Court race could give liberals control for years
The state’s high court, which liberals will control either way, could take up cases on abortion, redistricting and election disputes in coming years.
‘Neighbors’ finds entertainment in the mundane
For fans of reality TV, a new series has entered the world of streaming services. “Neighbors,” an American television series, was released on Feb. 13. Directed by Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford, “Neighbors” aims to bring out the world’s craziness by showcasing real-life conflicts over mundane topics between various neighbors and neighborhoods. At the moment,...
Marcus Buckingham: The Case For Designing Love Into Your Business
Marcus Buckingham argues that love, not engagement, is the most powerful force in business and the key to driving performance and retention.
GRATON RESORT & CASINO ANNOUNCES APRIL PROMOTIONS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND MAY 4 EXPANSION OPENING
This spring marks the start of a new era at Graton Resort & Casino. On May 4, the resort will unveil the next phase of its expansion, introducing new dining, entertainment, and gaming experiences. At the heart of the expansion is a new 144,000-square-foot, fully smoke-free gaming floor, creating a more spacious and comfortable environment for guests while expanding Graton’s…
Rapper Offset hospitalized after being shot in Florida
The rapper Offset was hospitalized after being shot Monday evening near a casino in Florida, according to his representative, who said he is in stable condition.
Democrats hope to increase liberal control of battleground Wisconsin's Supreme Court
Democrats are hoping to increase liberal control of the state Supreme Court in battleground Wisconsin in an election that has focused largely on abortion rights as cases affecting congressional redistricting, union rights and other hot button issues also await
Lil Nas X granted mental health diversion that could lead to dropped charges in police assault case
A judge said the charges could be dismissed if the Grammy-winning artist completes a mental health diversion program and doesn't break the law for the next two years.
Former Birmingham sportscaster indicted in Alabama Motor Sports Hall of Fame probe
A longtime Birmingham sports anchor has been indicted for allegedly using his position for personal gain while leading the Alabama Motor Sports Hall of Fame.
WHO calls for science-led action and stronger One Health approach to address evolving health risks
The World Health Organization today called for urgent scale-up of research, innovation, and collaboration to accelerate momentum towards ending tuberculosis in the WHO South-East Asia Region, which continues to bear nearly half of the global TB burden, accounting for the highest share of cases and deaths worldwide. To build momentum, experts, national TB programme managers, researchers, along with partners and members of civil society, began a three-day virtual workshop organized by WHO for ‘Advancing research and Innovation to accelerate momentum towards ending TB in the WHO South-East Asia Region.’
Sacramento County confirms 2 additional measles cases
Both children are 'in isolation and recovering,' county health officials said.
Lil Nas X gets mental health diversion in police battery case
Lil Nas X, who was arrested last August, reportedly will enter a two-year mental health diversion program in the latest step to potentially resolve a felony battery case.
Lil Nas X assault case to be dismissed if he completes mental health programme
The judge said the musician's behaviour when he was arrested in LA last year was "aberrant from his normal conduct".
Ballots cast Tuesday, counted later: Surfside mayoral runoff results pushed to April 28, Judge rules
A Judge’s ruling creates a three-week window for additional mail-in ballots, allowing voters to request and submit them well beyond Election Day.
Sacramento County measles cases rise to 5 after 2 new infections
The 5th and final season of 'The Boys' hits Prime Video
The final season of “The Boys” hits Prime Video on April 8
Revisit the original Angels as 'Charlie’s Angels' turns 50
“Charlie’s Angels” turns 50, marking half a century since the hit TV show debuted. See the 1976 cast -- Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith.
Jane Castor cheers Rays return to Tropicana Field while negotiations for Tampa relocation loom
Castor made clear this week that the city remains interested in a new ballpark so long as taxpayers do not strike out on the deal.
Lil Nas X Granted Mental Health Diversion in LAPD Battery Case
Lil Nas X had will see his felony police battery charges dismissed if he completes a two-year mental health diversion program, a judge said Monday.
Apple showcases apps using Liquid Glass in new developer gallery
Apple showcased apps using Liquid Glass design well, including Carrot Weather, Denim, AllTrails, and Fantastical in an updated gallery.
Do You Have Questions About a No-Bid Federal Contract? Tell Us Here.
The government is supposed to let many vendors compete for contracts, to get the best deal for taxpayers. We are looking at cases where it did not.
Netflix's New #1 Show Absolutely Lives Up to the Hype—and I'm Not the Only One Who's Obsessed
Netflix’s current #1 show is a feel-good, deeply real dating series that’s quietly winning everyone over. Here’s why viewers can’t stop watching (and rooting for the cast).
Gov. DeSantis says Samuel Alito writing opinion in case that will drive congressional redistricting
The outcome is allegedly beyond doubt, even as timing is a question mark.
Walmart’s new Chromecast with Google TV replacement starts showing up in stores, $30
After leaking just last week, the new Chromecast with Google TV replacement from Walmart is already showing up in stores,...
New Research Brings Joint Repair Closer for Millions With Osteoarthritis
DURHAM, N.C. — Osteoarthritis affects more than 32 million Americans, making it one of the leading causes of chronic pain, disability, and loss of mobility in the United States.For many people, treatment options are limited to managing pain with medications or repeated injections, and in severe cases, replacing the joint entirely through surgery.
What is flea-borne typhus? LA County reports record number of cases
“Flea-borne typhus can cause serious illness, but it is preventable with simple steps,” said Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County health officer.
St. Cloud Business Showcase Set for Tuesday at River’s Edge Convention Center
(KNSI) - The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Showcase on Tuesday, April 7th....
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp Strengthens Entertainment Transactions Practice with Addition of New York Media & Entertainment Partner
NEW YORK, April 06, 2026--Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (MSK) announced today that it has expanded its national Entertainment Transactions group with the addition of Amy Stein Simonds as a partner in its New York office. With more than a decade of experience, Stein Simonds joins from Pryor Cashman LLP, where she was a partner in the Media + Entertainment group.
Trump’s Foreign Aid Overhaul Sent Millions More Dollars to Big U.S.-Based Contractors
While organizations in the developing world were nearly shut out, the big aid agencies DOGE had called wasteful received huge infusions of cash, a new analysis found.
Supreme Court sides with Steve Bannon in bid to dismiss Jan. 6 conviction
The influential right-wing podcaster spent four months in prison for defying a subpoena from the House panel investigating the 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Supreme Court clears way for Trump DOJ to wipe out Steve Bannon's conviction
Bannon, now a host of a popular MAGA podcast, was convicted in 2022 for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 attack .
Supreme Court paves way for Steve Bannon contempt case to be dismissed
Bannon, a Trump ally and podcaster, already served a four-month prison sentence for defying congressional subpoenas to testify about the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Supreme Court clears path for Trump’s DOJ to dismiss criminal case against Steve Bannon
The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s administration to drop the government’s criminal case against Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser convicted in 2022 of defying a subpoena from lawmakers investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Nintendo announces limited-time Switch 2 offer with Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2
Nintendo just shared the news about a new Switch 2 offer which will save consumers a bit of cash when they pick up Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 with the console. The offer goes into effect starting on April 12, lasting through May 9. Those who purchase Nintendo Switch 2 at the same time as the physical...
Samsung follows Apple and turns your Galaxy S26 Ultra into a broadcast camera
Live sports might never look the same after this.
Science Will Win season finale explores AI in cancer care with Pfizer Chief Oncology Officer Jeff Legos
In February, Pfizer launched the sixth season of Science Will Win, our flagship podcast which recently reached 3 million downloads. The season finale focuses on the future of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) —and what they could mean for cancer research and care.
Vox Launches America, Actually, a New Video-First Podcast Hosted by Astead W. Herndon
The show offers a sharp, on-the-ground look at American politics, built for how audiences watch and engage today.
A New Era of Sports Broadcasting: Galaxy S26 Ultra Unlocks New Perspectives, Bringing Cameras Inside the A ...
Capturing new angles like never before, Galaxy S26 Ultra’s broadcast-ready capture transforms how skateboarding is filmed, experienced and delivered in real time
Vox Launches America, Actually, a New Video-First Podcast Hosted by Astead W. Herndon
The show offers a sharp, on-the-ground look at American politics, built for how audiences watch and engage today.
Whatcom County health officials warning about pertussis outbreak
The county has reported 15 cases of pertussis this year. In 2024, Whatcom County had 189 cases, the fourth-highest in the state.
Level-5 Will Finally Share News On Its Upcoming Titles In 'Vision 2026' Showcase
Finally time for some more Layton?
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and George Mason University scientists mine past air temperature forecasts, lower cost with greater subseasonal prediction accuracy
Researchers at Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and George Mason University‘s College of Science have developed a new method that improves air temperature forecasts one to five weeks in advance—without requiring additional model simulations.
Software from tech startup Leto helps caseworkers connect clients with community resources
Leto Tech PBC has launched software developed by Purdue researchers that helps social service agencies and other organizations more efficiently connect their clients with community resources.
Live updates: Trump's massive military request faces tough climb, senator says
Get live updates and the latest news as Sen. Tim Kaine casts doubt on Trump's $1.5 trillion military request and Ruben Gallego considers a run for president in 2028.
East Lansing Insider Podcast: A Conversation with Acorn Health
On this week's podcast, ELi Deputy Editor Anna Liz Nichols talks about autism awareness and acceptance with Paul Doher, national director of clinical quality for Acorn Health.
How the Voyager missions rewrote planetary science, tested the limits of 1970s engineering, and became humanity's longest-running experiment in institutional patience
In November 2026, Voyager 1 will become the first human-made object to reach one light-day from Earth. Nearly 49 years after launch, the twin Voyager missions remain the most productive space exploration program ever flown, and a case study in what happens when engineering resilience meets institutional patience.
FCC eyes changes to live sports broadcast rules amid fan frustration
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is opening the door to a rewrite of its rules for local blackout restrictions on live sports, a move that could be the first step in a potential shakeup …
In Race to Replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Iran War Is a Dividing Line
Tuesday’s special House election runoff in a conservative stretch of Georgia is one of the first to showcase disagreements over the conflict, including within the G.O.P.
Voters in Georgia have moved on from Marjorie Taylor Greene. On Tuesday, they finally fill her seat
Three months after Marjorie Taylor Greene abruptly left Washington in the midst of a remarkably bitter feud with President Donald Trump, voters in northwest Georgia on Tuesday are poised to cast their ballots – again – in a runoff election to replace her.
How interest rate trends can impact business value
Falling interest rates are reshaping business valuation by affecting discount rates, cash flow and investor returns. Here’s what it means now.
Weekend News Roundup
It was an eventful long weekend for Jays news. The big one was that Alejandro Kirk fractured and dislocated his thumb on an Austin Hays foul tip late in Friday’s game. His actual prognosis won’t be known until he meets with specialists on Monday. In the best case scenario, though, it’ll be several weeks before […]
Isle of Man children inspired by insight into STEM career choices
An event to showcase Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers was recently held.
On plant health and embracing new plant-breeding techniques in South Africa
The major challenge currently confronting South Africa’s agriculture is the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. For many farmers across the country, the most urgent tasks are both securing sufficient vaccines and rolling them out quickly in the coming months, particularly as the beef and dairy industries continue to suffer big losses. There is also pressure on sheep, goats, and other livestock to prevent the disease from spreading. As efforts to get the country through this monumental challenge continue, I believe it is important to sharpen our focus on the broader task at hand: strengthening biosecurity. This covers both animal and plant health. In recent years, we haven’t focused much on plant health, except a few times, such as when we had a goss’s wilt scare in the maize industry, a few cases of citrus black spot, or cases of sclerotinia in sunflower seeds. But the fact that South Africa managed to control the outbreaks of these particular diseases when they occurred a few years ago was due to organized agricultural and government scientific capabilities, and, most importantly, the availability of crop protection or agrochemicals necessary to address some of them. Therefore, as the animal health division in the Department of Agriculture focuses on the pressing challenge of the day, the foot-and-mouth disease, there is an opportunity for the plant health division to assess if they have all the requirements to tackle any outbreak that may occur on fruits, vegetables or crops in future. The challenge with crop diseases is that they can spread quickly and cause much more rapid damage in the field than we typically see with livestock. Therefore, speed is everything in ensuring the appropriate controls are available. I raise this as an important area, particularly given the drastic climate variation we observe across the country. The production conditions in some areas have changed noticeably over time, which may introduce new risks. The other essential part is ensuring that South Africa has access to the best crop protection technology available in the market. Many technology developers worldwide have operations in South Africa. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture, along with the Agricultural Research Council, must continuously interact with technology developers to assess the various crop protection technologies they are releasing globally and determine their suitability and need in South Africa. This will require a proactive approach from the government, unlike the current approach, in which technology developers typically approach regulators with new technologies. The government, recognising the food security risks, must take a proactive approach to ensure that South African farmers have access to the latest crop protection technologies, thereby safeguarding the country’s food security. Beyond crop protection, we must never forget that South Africa’s agriculture is key to ensuring that the country is the most food-secure country at the national level in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is also the only African country in the top-40 global agricultural exporters, having more than doubled since 1994 on the back of the adoption of high-yielding seed cultivars. South Africa has been the only African country to adopt a bold approach to embracing science and adopting genetically engineered seeds for grains and oilseeds in the early 2000s. Since then, we have seen crop yields improve noticeably, contributing to the gains we mentioned above. But ensuring that South Africa improves further is not a given. The key lies in South African regulators’ attitudes towards new technologies. We have to maintain a progressive approach and not give in to the politics of non-food and non-scientific voices that shout on the sidelines. Food security is national security, and the government must ensure we progress, leaning on science. Therefore, the registration of high-yielding new genomic techniques is required. South Africa cannot afford to fall behind the EU, the USA, South America, and many of its competitors in global agriculture. The Department of Agriculture’s crop science division must adopt a progress-and-science-embracing approach for the good of the country. Thanks for reading AgriView! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe Share
Politics and vulgarity are not a good mix
If you have sensed that our politicians are using more vulgarity in public discourse in the last 10 years, you are right. In the past, politicians have only occasionally used