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Journalism Matters: Business community mostly silent on 5-acre plan
There are a couple of hundred businesses, give or take, depending on how broadly you draw the circle around the “generational opportunity” at least some of us have attached to the dusty, dystopian 5.25 acres abandoned for a decade now at the corner of Kearns and Bonanza. You’ll forgive me, I think, for thinking I’d […]
What makes a great beach: Environmental science professor breaks it down
Professor Stephen Leatherman — also known as “Dr. Beach” — joins “Morning in America” to explain how beaches are ranked according to cleanliness and safety. The 2026 top 3 B…
Arizona opens as huge favorite vs. NAU
Oddsmakers don’t expect Arizona to fool around with NAU in the Wildcats’ season opener on Saturday. In one of the largest spreads of Week 1 of the college football season, Arizona has opened as a 33.5-point favorite vs. the Lumberjacks, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is 57.5. Arizona is 17-2 all-time against NAU, with […]
Apple Caught Off Guard by AI Demand for Mac Mini and Mac Studio
Apple's unusually timed announcement of new Mac mini and Mac Studio models this week was driven by unexpectedly strong enterprise appetite for AI hardware, according to The Information. Apple normally releases new Mac models in the autumn, closer to October or November, making this week's announcement unusually early, falling just before the anticipated arrival of new iPhone models. The Information says that the AI-driven boom in Mac Studio and Mac mini sales is behind the early launch.
Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra Was Tested
Apple has internally prototyped, tested, and considered launching an Apple Pencil for the upcoming foldable iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. However, he said it is unlikely that the accessory will be released. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the Apple Pencil tested for the foldable iPhone is stubbier than the versions for iPads. He said the Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone was designed to magnetically attach and charge on the side of the device.
Report: Apple Watch Series 12 may feature always-on heart-rate tracking, new Fitness app
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has a couple new features in the pipeline for Apple Watch Series 12 and...
Healthcare data breach exposes 3.75M patient records
The CareCloud data breach exposed Social Security numbers, banking information and medical records belonging to more than 3.75 million people.
Colorado Sues EarnIn For “Immoral, Unethical, Oppressive and Unscrupulous” Business Practices
Hey all, Jason here. When this hits your inbox, I should be en route to the airport — not to go anywhere myself, just to pick up my better half. I must admit, it’s been strange to be home alone (well, with two dogs) for two weeks! Really lets me “optimize” to spending more time on reading/writing/working, whether that’s healthy or not! Looking forward to getting back into a (somewhat) more balance routine. Subscribe or Support by Upgrading Compare Notes With the People Who Built Modern Fintech Partner content: Remitly CEO Sebastian Gunningham. Increase founder Darragh Buckley. Linda Du, Co-founder & President at Valon. They’ll unpack the decisions behind building and scaling major financial products: what they got right, what broke, what they would do differently, and how AI and new infrastructure are changing the operator playbook. Most events tell you where fintech is going. NerdCon puts the people who built the present in the room and asks them what comes next. Expect an operator-led conversation grounded in real products, real trade-offs and lessons earned the hard way. Fintech Business Weekly readers save 20% on Regular tickets with code FBW20 before standard pricing ends September 11. Meet the Builders Things To Know & Other Good Reads Advent and Stripe Abandon $50 Billion Pursuit of PayPal (Bloomberg) Trump Family’s New Crypto Bank Is Backed by Abu Dhabi Sheikh (Wall Street Journal) The multiplying risks of financing data centres (FT) Let the Bond Market Speak (Wall Street Journal) Did we waste a crisis? Modest proposals to reform deposit insurance. (Fintech Takes Banking) Untangling Guggenheim: How Private Credit Built Its Own Universe (Net Interest) The Hater’s Guide To Circular Financing — Part One (Ed Zitron) Fiat Ventures Rebrands to FGV Capital, Announces $35M Oversubscribed Fund II (BusinessWire) Socure Announces Strategic Growth Investment at $5.2B Valuation and Acquires Agentic Operations Platform Fravity (Socure) Listen: When Consumer Protection Disclosures Work Too Well (Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast) Colorado Sues EarnIn For “Immoral, Unethical, Oppressive and Unscrupulous” Business Practices When Andreessen Horowitz led EarnIn’s $39 million Series B in 2017, Alex Rampell, a partner at the storied venture capital firm, described EarnIn’s small-dollar advance product as “free,” relying on “entirely on voluntary contributions instead of fees.” Rampell favorably compared EarnIn’s approach to typical payday loans, writing, “Payday loans historically have had the potential to be a slippery slope for consumers into financial distress: opaque systems and steep fees that are hard to repay and set individuals back further than where they started. For many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, that kind of slide into debt can be extremely difficult to recover from.” But EarnIn’s product — which, the company says, isn’t a “loan,” legally speaking — ends up being anything but free for most users. While it is technically possible to take a no-fee advance from the company, most users incur “Lightning Speed” (instant funding) fees and/or ostensibly optional tips that combined can equate to annualized percent rates that can reach over 1,000%. With an average term of 9.77 days, even fees and tips that are small on an absolute dollar basis are equivalent to high APRs on an annualized basis. A lawsuit filed last week by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser against EarnIn describes the company and its product and business practices quite differently than Andreessen’s Rampell; “EarnIn’s business practices are unfair because they are immoral, unethical, oppressive and unscrupulous,” the complaint, filed in District Court in Denver, Colorado, says. EarnIn’s marquee product, Cash Out, isn’t a loan, the company says, as Cash Out is not “[f]orward [l]ooking” because “[t]he money is transferred based on earnings to date,” does not carry a mandatory fee to access funds, and is “non-recourse,” meaning EarnIn cannot pursue recovery from users who don’t repay advanced funds. EarnIn is sometimes referred to as an “Earned Wage Advance” service. Though, unlike some others in the broader category, EarnIn does not integrate with employers’ payroll or time and attendance systems. Rather, EarnIn attempts to verify a user’s income and employment, by examining direct deposit transaction data in their linked external bank account, by using GPS location and Bluetooth data to estimate a user’s time spent at work, if they work in a fixed location, and/or by having a user provided a work email address. While repayment is theoretically optional, as EarnIn would have no recourse, such as reporting non-payment to the credit bureaus or a collections agency, this is anything but clear to users of the EarnIn app, Colorado’s complaint argues. During the process of taking a Cash Out, users must agree to a preauthorized debit of the amount advanced, plus any expedited funding fee and/or tips. Though users technically can revoke this ACH authorization, the fact that they have this right isn’t presented to users during the Cash Out process, but rather is included in linked terms and conditions few users are likely to actually read. And users who do wish to revoke their ACH authorization must do so three or more days before the scheduled transaction date by emailing EarnIn’s customer support. Similarly, EarnIn’s marketing claims that it carries “no interest” and “no mandatory fees” is technically true, but is not the reality for many of the app’s users, the Colorado complaint argues. Further, EarnIn has extensively marketed to users the ability to “access your pay today,” to get “instant” funds, and to get funds “the same day you work” — when, in reality, this speed of access was only possible by paying the additional, undisclosed Lightning Speed fee. The Colorado complaint highlights this contradiction specifically, noting: EarnIn tells consumers that they can ‘Make any day payday with EarnIn’ and that there no ‘hidden’ or ‘mandatory fees.’ For a consumer to access their pay on the same day requested, they would have to pay the Lightning Speed fee. In the fine print of the advertisement EarnIn discloses that ‘[f]ees apply to use Lightning Speed,’ a direct contradiction to the larger text of the advertisement, and a fact that would not be immediately understood by a consumer as ‘Lightning Speed’ is not defined nor explained. Like other small-dollar lending services, rather than explicitly charge interest, EarnIn collects a markup on the optional Lighting Speed fee, which, given the nature of the transactions, many users opt for, as well as offering users the option to leave “tips.” EarnIn leverages either Real-Time Payments (RTP) rails or push-to-card via debit rails if a user opts for the optional Lightning Speed. But while these capabilities cost EarnIn, on average, $0.075 or $0.20 per transaction, respectively, EarnIn charges users significantly more. Initially, EarnIn charged as little as $1.99 for Cash Outs up to $24. But EarnIn has hiked these fees multiple times, and now charges $4.99 for Cash Outs up to $75 and $6.99 for those over $75. According to the Colorado complaint, EarnIn leverages “dark patterns” to manipulate users and to make it more difficult to avoid tipping. Examples of these “road blocks” highlighted in the complaint include: As of 2023, in the EarnIn app, a consumer attempting to get a loan under the default settings had to make at least eighteen separate taps to complete the transaction and reduce the tip to $0. There is an alternative method to leave a $0 tip, via the “Custom tip” feature, but EarnIn made this option difficult to access by visually deemphasizing it and positioning it near devices’ “home” button. Using language and imagery such as “Tip to pay it forward,” “Your generosity supports the service + helps,” “Your tips make a difference,” and “[t]he APR for this cash out is 0%. Your tips help support us.” While Lightning Speed and tipping are, in theory, both optional, in practice, users nearly always ended up paying something. According to the Colorado suit, users were charged either a tip or an expedite fee for more than 92% of transactions, with an average APR of nearly 388%. And, although the advances are “non-recourse,” EarnIn successfully collects on nearly all transactions — 99.18%, according to the complaint, which, Colorado argues, “demonstrat[es] that EarnIn’s advances function as high cost loans, not voluntary payments.” The share of EarnIn users incurring fees — despite the product being marketed as 0% APR — is hard to reconcile with Andreessen investor Rampell’s favorable description of EarnIn vs. “opaque systems and steep fees” associated with payday loans, which, Rampell says, can be “extremely difficult” for borrowers to extricate themselves from. According to Colorado’s suit, EarnIn’s Cash Out product “trapped many consumers in extreme cycles of high-cost reborrowing.” The suit gives an example of one consumer in the state, who took out a whopping 1,151 loans, paying a total of $4,038.50 in Lightning Speed expedited funding fees on loans that averaged the equivalent of 1,421% APR. Another Colorado user, the suit says, took out 1,033 loans, paying $8,561.22 in tips and fees at an average APR of 1,539% . These types of usage patterns demonstrate “the severe and repeated financial harm caused by EarnIn’s illegal lending model,” the Colorado complaint argues. In aggregate, from January 2023 through July 2025, EarnIn extended 3.1 million loans to 56,778 users in Colorado — an average of nearly 55 transactions per person during the time period. EarnIn lent more than $300 million and collected more than $16 million from Colorado users in Lightning Speed fees and in tips. Ultimately, the Colorado complaint argues that “EarnIn’s Cash Outs are loans under Colorado law, and EarnIn’s contention that its product is not a loan based on its disclaimer of any legal repayment obligation lacks any real-world significance given how the Cash Out transactions actually operate in practice.” Colorado further argues that “EarnIn was not working with companies here in providing consumers with funds but acted as a third-party lender and charged illegally high rates, used deceptive design strategies to extract some charges, and trapped consumers in repeat borrowing. Colorado will continue to stand up for consumers and hold companies accountable when they violate our credit laws or attempt to evade them through misleading practices.” Colorado’s suit alleges EarnIn assesses finance charge in excess of that permitted by Colorado law, that EarnIn failed to make legally required disclosures to Colorado borrowers, that EarnIn made supervised loans to consumers without obtaining the requisite license, that EarnIn violated the state’s Deferred Deposit Loan Act, that EarnIn engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices, and that EarnIn made false or misleading statements concerning price. The suit seeks a court order enjoining EarnIn from violating relevant Colorado laws, for EarnIn to refund amounts charged in excess of state law, fees, costs, and penalties, and other relief the court deems to be just. Fintech Business Weekly is made possible by the generous support of paying subscribers — bringing you independent analysis of banking, fintech, and crypto without fear or favor. You can support my work by becoming a paying subscriber if you aren’t already. Paying subscribers enjoy: access to the entire archive of nearly six years of newsletters extended versions of the weekly newsletter, with additional content and analysis and (for founding member tier) quarterly personal 1:1 fintech Q&A / strategy calls with me, tapping into my unparalleled knowledge of the intersection of banking and fintech and experience working in the sector, including helping to launch Goldman Sachs’ retail bank Marcus Support Fintech Business Weekly You can also support Fintech Business Weekly by sponsoring a newsletter or podcast, putting you in front of 93,000+ of the most influential decision makers in banking, fintech, and crypto. Learn more about sponsor opportunities or request a media kit by dropping me an email. Q2 Quarterly Banking Profile: Five Quick Takeaways The FDIC released its quarterly banking profile, which is always worth a read, for the second quarter. The profile provides an aggregate snapshot about the overall health of the 4,238 institutions whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, who, collectively, hold more than $26 trillion in assets and saw a total net income of more than $90 billion in the second quarter. Net income was up 12% vs. Q1 2026, with lower provisions and realized gains on securities helping to drive the improvement, somewhat offset by increases in non-interest expense and applicable income taxes. Overall net interest margin was basically flat quarter over quarter (up 1 basis point vs. Q1 2026), though community banks saw NIM grow by 10 basis points, to 3.81%. Unsurprisingly, given that interest rates haven’t changed, unrealized losses on securities changed little, edging up slightly to $326.7 billion vs. $325.1 billion in Q1 2026. Aggregate credit quality has remained benign, with asset quality actually improving slightly in Q2. Overall, institutions reported a 9 basis point decline in their past-due and non-accrual rate, to 1.44%. Net charge off rate also declined by 2 basis points, to 0.57%. And finally, the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund stands at $161.1 billion, making the DIF reserve ratio 1.48% — above the statutory minimum of 1.35%, but still below the designated target reserve ratio of 2%. [Paid Subscriber Exclusive] Nissan Withdraws ILC App, State Associations Plan BankChain Alliance, FDIC Defines “Unsafe or Unsound Practice” For First Time Automaker Nissan withdrew its application to charter a Utah industrial loan company and its corresponding application to the FDIC for deposit insurance last week, on August 19th. Nissan’s application had been outstanding for more than a year, as it originally applied in June 2025. Recent applications to the OCC to form national banks have been decisioned, one way or the other, substantially more quickly than has historically been the case.
Flooding devastated swathes of Indiana but response is hampered by politics
Record inundations wrecked homes and took seven lives but Trump has not approved emergency aid and the state has cut funds for environmental agencies
University Computer Science department remains hopeful in the age of AI
According to National Student Clearinghouse, undergraduate enrollment in traditional information and computer science degrees at four-year institutions fell by 8.1 percent in the fall of 2025 compared to fall 2024.
Harvest Management LLC Takes Position in Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $CZR
Harvest Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:CZR - Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 44,000 shares of the company's stoc
Palestinian health officials say Israeli attacks killed three in central Gaza
Israeli strikes and fire in central Gaza killed three Palestinians and wounded others on Saturday, according to local health officials.
334,932 Shares in Six Flags Entertainment Corporation $FUN Bought by Man Group plc
Man Group plc purchased a new position in shares of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:FUN - Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 334,932 shares of the company's stock, valued at app
Rising energy, fuel costs cut into bottom line for Pa. businesses
According to an August poll, 57% of residents reported it was very or somewhat difficult to afford monthly utility costs.
RB Leipzig set to sign Morocco international from Roma
RB Leipzig have agreed a deal to sign Neil El Aynaoui on loan from AS Roma, according to Sky Germany.The two clubs reportedly reached a verbal agreement on Saturday night, with Leipzig set to pay €4...
Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. Acquires Shares of 183,455 Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. $PLAY
Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. bought a new position in Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY - Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 183,455 shares of the restaurant operato
Smart ring reads your sweat to measure glucose, ketones, and more
Smart rings are everywhere: smart rings that can record your verbal notes and send them to your cellular telephone for transcription, smart rings that let users pose questions to AI and get answers via earbuds, and smart rings that help athletes reach their peak performance.
Tom Cruise announces sequel to 'Days of Thunder' with Anne Hathaway
LOS ANGELES — Tom Cruise is set to film a sequel to his 1990 NASCAR hit "Days of Thunder" with Anne Hathaway, both actors announced in a video posted Saturday
Giants news: NY releases 8 players, including Isaiah Hodgins
The New York Giants made several cuts on Saturday, as the coaching staff must bring the roster size down to 53 players before the start of the new season. However, one notable release was wideout Isaiah Hodgins , as the club is going in a different direction with the wide receiver room. Hodgins was cut alongside seven other players , according to […] The post Giants news: NY releases 8 players, including Isaiah Hodgins appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Steelers trading Broderick Jones to Cowboys, reports say
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading a former first-round draft pick, according to reports.
Fami。- Hakoniwa (Victor Entertainment/JPU Records)
The bassist of Lovebites, Fami returns with a release of her own material for the first time in five years. Given that in the timespan since 2021’s Sotsugyo, she did join Lovebites, it’s not surprisingly that it’s taken a bit of time to get more solo material out there. Given her spotlight in the international […]
Current NFL Star RB Could Threaten LaDainian Tomlinson’s Fantasy Record
With David Montgomery gone, the Detroit Lions’ dual-threat star enters a workhorse role capable of chasing the most prolific scoring season in fantasy football history.
Denver Broncos have waived cornerback Ricardo Hallman
According to Mike Klis if 9News, the Denver Broncos have waived defensive back Ricardo Hallman.
KY Health Department confirms potential measles exposure in Richmond, Olive Hill
According to the KY Department for Public Health, a potential measles exposure has been identified in Richmond and Olive Hill this week.
Eagles reportedly waive 2025 draft pick
The Philadelphia Eagles waived 2025 sixth-round pick Myles Hinton on Saturday, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter. Hinton’s departure doesn’t come as a surprise; he really struggled this summer. The Eagles originally experimented with moving the 24-year-old to guard earlier this offseason before putting him back at offensive tackle, where he didn’t […]
Denver Broncos have cut offensive tackle Foster Sarell
According to Mike Klis of 9News, the Denver Broncos have waived offensive lineman Foster Sarell.
Is Oscar Health (OSCR) Fully Priced Following Raised 2026 Guidance?
Oscar Health (OSCR) recently reported record first half 2026 results and raised its full year guidance, a combination that appears to have supported renewed investor attention on the stock this month. At a share price of US$30.47, Oscar Health has seen some short term volatility, with a 7 day share price return down 4.9%. However, the 90 day share price return of 37.07% and 3 year total shareholder return of 363.07% suggest momentum has been strong over a longer stretch as investors react to...
Denver Broncos have waived defensive lineman Israel Antwine
According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the Denver Broncos have waived defensive lineman Israel Antwine.
Does your business or non-profit have what it takes to break a world record?
Former UCF Standout EDGE Posts Stellar NFL Preseason Outing
Nyjalik Kelly fueled his roster bid with a dominant defensive showcase for Green Bay, recording a momentum-shifting interception and crucial sack to solidify his professional future.
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Takes Fifth No. 1 As 'Coyote vs. Acme' Takes $14 Million Opening
Ketchup Entertainment nearly quintuples its opening weekend record while 20th Century's "The Dog Stars" bombs with $7 million launch
Will the Seahawks win the NFC West in 2026?
The Seahawks were forecasted by Bleacher Report to finish second in the NFC West in 2026 with a worse record than the one they had last season.
GTA 6's gameplay reveal pulled in 3.97 million peak viewers, overwhelming Twitch and Netflix in the process
GTA 6's first gameplay reveal drew more than 3.97 million peak viewers across platforms, according to new data from Streams Charts.
Amazon Offers Early Savings on 2026 Mac Mini, Plus Record Low on AirTag 2
Apple introduced the M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini this week, and Amazon currently has the first pre-order discounts on these models ahead of their September launch. Below, we're also tracking a new record low price on the AirTag 2 during Amazon's Labor Day event. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Welsh Gender Service surgical referrals paused for clinical review
Data suggests "significantly higher" rates of referral for gender-affirming surgery compared with English services, according to the health board.
College sports and ‘amateurism’ become the new ‘professional’ as an NFL player fights to return to school
Pros going back to amateur sports? It’s not amateur in the first place, according to a sports historian.
Mint Tower Capital Management B.V. Takes $2.11 Million Position in Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $CZR
Mint Tower Capital Management B.V. acquired a new stake in shares of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:CZR - Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 70,021 shares of the company
Yankees' win against Boston was big in so many ways
Toi start the final regular season meeting between MLB's ancient rivals, the Yankees beat the Red Sox, 1-0, on Friday night in the Bronx.
Empowered Funds LLC Buys Shares of 586,714 PENN Entertainment, Inc. $PENN
Empowered Funds LLC purchased a new position in shares of PENN Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PENN - Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 586,714 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $12,532,0
Saints beat Cowboys 27-24 to end the preseason
The Saints finish the preseason with a 1-2 record.
Local rescue holding online sports memorabilia auction
Finding Eden Rescue is holding its first sports memorabilia auction, with more than 25 items up for bid through Sept. 9. The online auction launched Aug. 28 and runs through Sept. 9 at 5 p.m., according to Peyton Olsen, founder and CEO of Finding Eden Rescue.
Republicans Are Worried About the Midterms. Trump Is Focused on His Legacy.
As his approval ratings sag, the president is on a mission to burnish his legacy, according to his advisers.
Hughes due extension after Makar signs record-breaking deal
The Minnesota Wild’s clock is ticking to get defenseman Quinn Hughes signed after seeing Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar get a contract extension today. Makar signed a historic 8-year deal worth $163.4 million, which makes him the highest-paid player in NHL history. He’s the first NHL skater to be making over $20 million as an […] The post Hughes due extension after Makar signs record-breaking deal appeared first on HEAVY.
Avalanche Set NHL History With Massive Cale Makar Extension
After weeks of speculation as to what his next contract could look like, the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Cale Makar have come together on an extension that has officially set NHL history.On Friday, the Avalanche announced that they have signed Makar to an NHL-record $163.2 million contract extension over eight seasons. This means that Makar […] The post Avalanche Set NHL History With Massive Cale Makar Extension appeared first on HEAVY.
All iRacing content will be available in career mode at ‘zero extra cost’
All content will be available in iRacing's career mode at ‘zero extra cost’, according to Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, Greg Hill.
Cale Makar’s Record Contract Marks Fourth Landmark NHL Deal in 11 Months
The Colorado defenseman’s $20.4 million AAV smashes Celebrini’s record from July.
Cordell, Miguez, Edmonds
Misti Cordell, left, Blake Miguez, center, and Rick Edmonds, right, all received endorsements from the Louisiana Republican Party this week after a contentious process that has left some in the
Heartflow tech limits unnecessary catheterizations in patients with suspected CAD
AI-powered software from Heartflow can provide cath labs with a lot of value, according to new late-breaking data presented at ESC Congress 2026.
Review: A lively if familiar ‘Buddy Holly Story’ at Drury Lane
CHICAGO — Truth be told, it was strange on Wednesday to be at a show that depicts the life and death of a great American music star not named Dolly
Ebola outbreak in Congo spreads to 2 new health zones, bringing total to 60 areas affected
The two new zones affected are Biena and Manguredjipa in Congo’s North Kivu province, where the case fatality rate is much higher than the overall rate of 48%, due in part to delayed response efforts, according to Congo’s Ministry of Health data.
Colorado measure adding ID checks to mail-in voting qualifies for ballot
A ballot initiative that would require voters to include additional information on mail-in ballots has qualified for the November election, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Backed by El Paso County Treasurer Chuck Broerman and former Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Taheri, Initiative No. 362 would require voters to include either the last four […]
Colorado measure adding new ID checks to mail-in voting qualifies for November ballot
A ballot initiative that would require voters to include additional information on mail-in ballots has qualified for the November election, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Backed by El Paso County Treasurer Chuck Broerman and former Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Taheri, Initiative 362 would require voters to include either the last four digits […]
LGBTQ people struggle to get needed health care and pay for it, study finds
LGBTQ+ people spend much more on health insurance than the rest of the population, according to a new study.
Colorado election website error exposes personal data of confidential voters
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office says a system update accidentally lifted protections on confidential voter records, exposing dozens of voters’ personal information. The limit that normally blocks access to confidential voter profiles was inadvertently disabled during an update to the Find My Voter Registration Tool, briefly exposing personal information for 59 voters who had […]
Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 460 cases of measles in 31 counties
Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, according to the press release.
Business Formations Are at Record Highs — and the Fastest-Growing States Aren't the Ones You'd Guess
AI and remote work just killed the case for building in a legacy startup hub — and the data on where founders are actually launching proves it.
Milo Yiannopoulos in ICE custody, agency records show
Far-right political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos is currently in ICE custody, the agency's database shows.
These 5 Everyday Foods Can Slash Your Fracture Risk by Up to 46%, According to Science
You probably don’t think twice about what your bones are doing right now. They feel solid, reliable, invisible – until they’re not. Most of us grew up hearing that milk builds strong bones, and then we moved on, assuming the job was done somewhere around adolescence. But bone density doesn’t stay constant. It quietly declines...
Hugging Face says Microduck sales topped $2.6 million in 24 hours
The future of robotics can waddle. Hugging Face said its bot-maker, Pollen Robotics, recorded over $2.6 million in sales of Microducks in 24 hours.
Survey: NC afterschool STEM grows, computer science lags
Eighty-seven percent of NC parents with a child in an afterschool program say it offers STEM, up from 53% in 2014 but below the 92% national figure, according to a new Afterschool Alliance survey.
Rabid bat found in unincorporated St. Charles, state health officials confirm
KANE COUNTY, Ill. — Health officials in Kane County have confirmed that a bat located in unincorporated St. Charles last week has tested positive for rabies. According to county officials, the Illi…
iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders May Start at an Unusual Time
Pre-orders of Apple's iPhone 18 Pro may not open until Saturday, September 12, a day later than the company's usual schedule, according to a new report. Apple is set to hold its annual iPhone event on Wednesday, September 9, where the iPhone 18 Pro models, its first-ever foldable iPhone, and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are all expected to be announced.
A sea cucumber venture in Zanzibar seeks to balance business and conservation
PEMBA, Tanzania — Like many coastal communities across East Africa, the residents of Shamiani have grown accustomed to watching the sea yield less and less. Warming waters, degraded marine habitats and decades of fishing pressure have all taken a toll on the resources that once sustained local livelihoods, according to community members. On Tanzania’s Pemba […]
Arsenal Facing Painful Blow as Martinelli Transfer Takes Major Turn
Gabriel Martinelli is closing in on a move from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal after giving the green light to the transfer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Arsenal winger has agreed to the move as both clubs work through the final stages of negotiations. Romano reported on Friday: “Understand Gabriel Martinelli […] The post Arsenal Facing Painful Blow as Martinelli Transfer Takes Major Turn appeared first on HEAVY.
Shapiro, Kennedy have war of words following 2 measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Health this week recorded its first two measles-associated deaths in 35 years, both in people who were unvaccinated. The agency declined to provide further details, saying it was protecting patient privacy.
Wealthy Former Hospital Lobbyist Defends Collins’ Poor Record on Health Care
PHOTO: Susan Collins with former Maine Hospital Association President Steven Michaud
Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo spreads to 2 new health zones with a total of 60 areas now affected
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has spread to two new health zones in eastern Congo, with a total of 60 now affected, according to the latest government figures pu…
Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo spreads to 2 new health zones with a total of 60 areas now affected
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has spread to two new health zones in eastern Congo, with a total of 60 now affected, according to the latest government figures pu…
In AP interview, Attorney General Todd Blanche defends his record as political pressure mounts
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Attorney General Todd Blanche’s fidelity to President Donald Trump nearly cost him his confirmation. Now comes Blanche’s real test.
In AP Interview, Attorney General Todd Blanche Defends His Record as Political Pressure Mounts
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Attorney General Todd Blanche’s fidelity to President Donald Trump nearly cost him his confirmation. Now comes Blanche’s real test. Trump’s former personal attorney has stepped into the commanding role facing a challenge that other leaders of the Republican president’s ...
Congo starts Ebola vaccinations for health workers
Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday began vaccinating frontline health workers with a vaccine approved for a different Ebola species, as authorities seek to contain the country's largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak on record.
AMC Entertainment (AMC) Edges Toward Positive Free Cash Flow Is Its Debt Strategy Reframing the Story?
Earlier this week, AMC Entertainment Holdings said it is edging closer to sustained positive free cash flow, estimating it needs an industrywide domestic box office of about US$10.40 billion to reach that goal, helped by record adjusted EBITDA, stronger per-patron profitability, and lower interest costs. An important angle is that AMC’s recent refinancing and debt-repayment efforts are expected to cut annual cash interest expense, meaning the box-office level required to support ongoing...
Galaxy S26 series gets seventh One UI 9.0 beta update
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LiveOne Targets $10M EBITDA as PodcastOne Growth, Cost Cuts Reshape Business
LiveOne (NASDAQ:LVO) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rob Ellin said the audio and entertainment platform recorded quarterly revenue of more than $19 million and EBITDA of more than $6 million, following what he described as a period of restructuring and cost reductions. Speaking during a compa
Steelers QB Will Howard evaluated for unknown injury
According to reports, Steelers quarterback Will Howard was being evaluated for an unknown injury after Thursday's preseason game.
Bills edge out Steelers, 28-27, in preseason finale
The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Buffalo Bills, 28-27, in the preseason finale. The Steelers finished the preseason with a 1-2 record.
1 in 6 VPNs Track Your Location, According to New Report From Proton
A significant number of VPNs on Apple's App Store and Google Play collect your private data, which is the exact opposite of what a VPN should do.
UK business confidence hits highest since March, Lloyds says
British businesses turned the most confident since March this month, bolstered by a rosier view of the economy, according to a survey that echoes other signs of an improving outlook.
UK business confidence hits highest since March, Lloyds says
LONDON, Aug 28 (Reuters) - British businesses turned the most confident since March this month, bolstered by a rosier view of the economy, according to a survey that echoes other signs of an improving
Woman arrested in connection to Tillamook illegal massage business investigation
A woman was arrested at a Tillamook massage parlor on Thursday in connection to an illegal massage business investigation, according to police.
The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science
“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Former MassGOP Chair, political pundit sues Shortsleeve campaign on eve of primary
The former Chair of the MassGOP and current conservative political pundit is suing GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve’s campaign for allegedly secretly recording her without consent.
Health workers in Congo receive Ebola vaccine amid outbreak
Congo has started vaccinating people against Ebola to combat its worst outbreak on record. The campaign launched Thursday in Kisangani, Tshopo province.
Nepal floods highlight increased risks of melting glaciers as Himalayas warm
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Once Seen as a Sure Thing, Computer Science Has Lost 53,000 Majors
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Florence Harding Photographed Taught Me About Women Partaking in Politics
What would Florence Kling Harding think now? A week or so ago when I cast my ballot at my designated polling place this thought crossed my mind. I imagine the former first lady would be pleased about how routine voting has become for women in the United States. But perhaps she would not be satisfied. Today, a published essay I wrote for In Pursuit spotlights a lesson in leadership demonstrated by First Lady Florence Harding. In my research, I discovered there’s a lot to be said about this strong female historic figure. But it was the blurry photograph capturing Mrs. Harding voting for her husband Warren G. Harding, one of two presidential candidates from Ohio, on Nov. 2, 1920—Election Day—that drew my attention. It was the first presidential election held in the United States after the ratification and certification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Its 106th anniversary was marked on Wednesday. I remember thinking what a shame it was that her presence in the image was imperfect while the mostly men surrounding her were in sharp focus. Perhaps cynically I thought, “No surprise!” On further examination, though, the clear reaction of the people surrounding Mrs. Harding was equally important. In that snapshot of time, many of their expressions were serious. One man stood elevated above the rest with a slight smile as he caught a glimpse of history. Mr. Harding hovered over his wife’s shoulder closely observing the last seconds of her vote being cast. Their gazes were locked in on who would hours later become first lady. Subscribe The attention she drew is worth noting, mostly because, as I learned, Mrs. Harding understood the power her image could have on women across the country. She and I share in common a career in newspapers—hers the business side and mine on the editorial side. Nevertheless, it became clear to me as I write in the essay that she understood if she was seen voting, other women would follow suit. That wouldn’t necessarily be the case in that 1920 election, though, Karen Kedrowski, the director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University, explained to me. Florence Harding was a suffrage advocate. But, suffrage was a contentious issue and women were far from united at the time of the election. In fact, a substantial number of women and active anti-suffrage organizations thought women participating in elections was a “bad idea and antithetical to their roles in the private sphere as mothers and homemakers,” Kedrowski said, adding that women were also viewed as the moral compass for their husbands and sons. If women got involved in politics they would become contaminated by it. Suffragists, on the other hand, wanted to bring that moral presence into politics to help clean things up. Only about 30% of women voted in that 1920 presidential election. That was a start. More than 100 years later in the 2024 presidential election, 66.9% of eligible women voted (91.3 million), compared to 63.7% of men who voted (82.6 million), according to the League of Women Voters. Yes, Florence Harding would be pleased. Subscribe That imperfect Election Day image was important symbolism about women’s potential during what was known as the “Modern Woman” era and the growing public role women were taking in the 1920s. I imagine Florence Harding might agree with other succeeding first ladies when it comes to gender equality and the importance of the vote. Like Michelle Obama when she said in her memoir Becoming, “We all play a role in this democracy. We need to remember the power of every vote.” Or Hillary Clinton during her unsuccessful run for president in 2016 when she remarked on International Women’s Day: “We celebrate the progress we’ve made to advance the full participation of women in economies and societies. And most importantly, we recommit to finishing the unfinished work that remains …” I hope if you are reading this, you will also read my essay on Florence Harding’s leadership lesson for In Pursuit. And perhaps that will move you to dig deeper and read more about Florence Harding’s life circumstances in biographies like First Lady Florence Harding: Behind the Tragedy and Controversy by Katherine A. S. Sibley. No, I do not think Florence Harding would be satisfied despite how far women have come from that day she first entered her polling place. She once wrote to the Camp Fire Girls, “The part that women play in the world has been greatly changed … It has been broadened and enlarged …” It has. And as women continue to engage in civics it continues to be. I imagine Florence Harding would want women to keep meeting the moment. Read the In Pursuit essay Watch on C-SPAN Share East Wing Magazine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Zach Werenski Should Be Blue Jackets Captain, Says NHL Analyst
NHL analyst Mike Johnson says that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski should be named the team captain.Former Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner recently signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Capitals, leaving Columbus without a captain for this coming season.But according to Johnson, this is an easy call for the franchise to make in […] The post Zach Werenski Should Be Blue Jackets Captain, Says NHL Analyst appeared first on HEAVY.
Carlos Alcaraz favored at US Open with Jannik Sinner injured
The return of Carlos Alcaraz and the absence of Jannik Sinner has had a significant influence on US Open betting futures. Alcaraz, the reigning champion, is +250 to retain his title according to DraftKings odds as of midday Thursday.
Trump keeps winning Republican primaries. His losses may be more revealing.
The president is 24-for-24 in Senate primaries and 214-for-218 in House races, according to a Fox News tracker
Phillies news: Philadelphia may get big pitching boost before playoffs
The Philadelphia Phillies are competing for a National League Wild Card spot. Left-handed relief pitcher Tanner Banks is currently out with a left forearm strain , however. Banks has not pitched since early July because of the injury but is expected to return in “mid-to-late September” according to MLB.com. Banks began his rehab assignment on […] The post Phillies news: Philadelphia may get big pitching boost before playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Business Briefs: Aug. 28, 2026
UMassFive welcomes new community engagement pro HADLEY — UMassFive College Credit Union has hired Kelley Jewell as its community engagement coordinator. This newly created position reflects UMassFive’s continued investment in community engagement and expands the credit union’s ability to deliver financial wellness programs, strengthen community partnerships and support volunteer efforts throughout the Valley. In this […]
Yankees news: Aaron Boone's strategy brings playoff concerns
Earlier this week, the New York Yankees lost Fernando Cruz for the season , depleting another arm from their bullpen. Because of this, Aaron Boone has had to take special measures with his use of the bullpen. Even though the Yankees’ playoff odds are good, their World Series chances are in danger as they attempt to navigate the bullpen , according […] The post Yankees news: Aaron Boone's strategy brings playoff concerns appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Political cartoons for August 27
Today's political cartoons include the trade war with Canada, the record Dow Jones, and Dolly Parton
Claiming Unlicensed Sports Betting, CT Sues Kalshi
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Eagles make wide receiver swap prior to final preseason game
The Philadelphia Eagles made two roster moves on Thursday morning, according to an official team announcement. Here’s an overview: Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis. TAHJ WASHINGTON Washington, 25, was originally a seventh-round pick (No. 241 overall) by the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 5’10”, 174 pound pass catcher […]
Apple's New Macs to Ship With macOS Golden Gate
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CIA chief was in Moscow to warn Russia against attacking NATO and encourage cutting off Iran
President Donald Trump’s central intelligence chief traveled to Moscow this week with a warning to Russia not to stage an attack in NATO territory, among other issues, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Is Germany benefitting yet from the crisis in US research?
Science|Business - Table.Media partnershipScience|Business has partnered with Table.Media, a leading source of news about higher education and research in Germany. Each week, we are publishing one of each other’s stories to give readers an even broader range of insight into R&D policy across Europe.Drawing over 500 participants, the German Academic International Network conference in San Francisco brings together researchers, universities, scientific organisations and policymakers in the US as part of an attempt to recruit international talent for Germany. It also serves as an annual barometer for the uncertainty triggered by the Trump administration’s science policies. As was the case last year, Germany’s political presence was unusually strong: federal lawmakers, nine state ministers of science and research, and federal research state secretary Marcus Pleyer all attended. Joybrato Mukherjee, president of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has observed a marked shift at US universities a year after the Trump administration began sweeping interventions: the initial state of "shock and paralysis" has given way to a strategic approach to the situation. Universities are seeking new funding sources, mounting legal challenges against interventions and opening themselves up more to international collaborations, including with Germany, he said. Early-career international researchers with expiring visas are considered particularly vulnerable. Germany is benefiting from increased demand among this pool of young talent; the country’s 1,000 Minds Plus programme, designed in part to lure German academics back home, has already filled up around one-third of its capacity. Meanwhile, Markus Blume, Bavaria’s science minister and current chair of the federal Conference of Science Ministers, sees an "enormous outflow of talent from the US." An increasing number of international researchers want to leave. Applications to Canada have risen by 42% January, and those to Europe by 32%. Meanwhile, the number of people drawn to the US is plummeting. "In this context, Germany must position itself as a prime destination offering reliable conditions, institutional stability and academic freedom, including through smart collaborations," Blume told Table.Briefings.“Darkest hour”At the get-together in San Francisco, the former president of the US National Academy of Sciences, Marcia McNutt, highlighted the gravity of the situation on the ground in a keynote address. She described the present moment as the "darkest hour for the US scientific system." At the same time, she said that cooperation should be maintained, especially during a crisis. Established researchers in the US are less likely to leave. Ulrike Malmendier, a former member of the German Council of Economic Experts and an economist at Berkeley, explained why established researchers are not packing their bags and leaving the US in droves: working conditions and the concentration of talent at places like Berkeley and Stanford remain unparalleled. According to Peter-André Alt, managing director of the Wübben Foundation, which helps Germany attract international academics, political restrictions are not the only grievance voiced by US-based researchers. "There are evidently still many areas where, fortunately, unfettered research is possible," Alt told Table.Briefings. Instead, the primary complaint concerns the cost of living, which has "skyrocketed” to absurd levels. "Runaway inflation, like that currently seen in the US, is certainly no draw for young scientific talent,” he said. Return homeA growing number of early-career researchers from Germany appear to be considering a return home. Jörn Benzinger, who is responsible for recruiting early-career researchers from abroad at Ruhr University Bochum, reports numerous conversations with researchers who are taking a closer look at the German academic landscape."Germany has definitely moved more into the spotlight,” he said. States, university alliances and research organisations joined forces to recruit talent. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia were prominently represented, as were alliances such as the Berlin University Alliance and the University Alliance Ruhr. Benzinger sums up Germany’s approach with a new formula: "collaboration is the new competition." He notes that it is becoming increasingly difficult for individual universities to gain international visibility, while regional research ecosystems and collaborations are growing in importance. Afraid to leaveThe crisis in the US academic sector is also straining transatlantic research relations. Benzinger reports that some US-based researchers had to decline brief invitations to Germany because they could not be certain of being allowed to re-enter the US afterward.He considers the simple poaching of researchers to be the wrong approach; what is needed, he says, are "reliable offers and long-term partnerships."However, Green Party politician Ayşe Asar, who also attended the conference, sees a significant need for improvement, particularly regarding career paths in Germany.While lifetime professorships and academic freedom certainly make Germany attractive, young researchers also require predictable career paths, tenure-track positions and flatter hierarchies.
AI searched 100 million possibilities and found a cheaper way to 3D-print a NASA rocket alloy
Researchers used AI to search through more than 100 million possible settings for 3D-printing a high-performance NASA alloy. After only 40 experiments, the system identified six successful configurations, including one that worked at a record-low 500 watts. That could allow GRCop-42, currently difficult and expensive to print, to be made with much more widely available equipment.
Dallas-Fort Worth ranks among top 3 US markets for business bankruptcies
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