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What Should Fans Expect From Bogdan Bogdanovic This Season?
After a surprising free agency signing, the Serbian sniper must overcome age and injury history to crack Houston's crowded rotation and prove his health under Ime Udoka. If not, he can hopefully still be a good veteran presence for someone like Reed Sheppard.
Tobias Harris Draws Bold Prediction; Tough Spurs Decisions Coming?
Bleacher Report named Tobias Harris the Spurs’ best offseason addition and predicted he would rank top-five on the team in clutch minutes in 2026-27.
Mike Washington Jr. Is Running Back Klint Kubiak Wanted
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Washington because Klint Kubiak wanted him, and Ashton Jeanty is the guy he inherited.
Lucumi aiming to become a leader on the Juventus team
Jhon Lucumi wants to become one of the leaders in the Juventus dressing room after completing his move to the club from Bologna during this transfer window.The Colombian has always wanted to wear the ...
In 1996, Columbia scientists shifted Biosphere 2’s 2.6-million-gallon Arizona ocean between ice age, modern and future CO₂ every 3 months; future chemistry cut coral calcification by about 40%
For years, scientists argued about whether it would be safe for the ocean to absorb the carbon dioxide that people release into the atmosphere. When Biosphere 2 began, it was a widely reported experiment in which people lived in confinement to test whether a closed biosphere could support them.
Juventus legend Gigi Buffon on Nick Woltemade: “Impact like Ibrahimovic”
Serie A side Juventus signed Nick Woltemade on loan from Newcastle United late in the summer transfer window. While the German is yet to make his debut for the Bianconeri, big praise has come from Juv...
Are we seeing the end of Jewish politicians in the Democratic Party?
One might have thought that advocating for recognition of a Palestinian state and standing up for Islamophobia would have earned him a few brownie points, but when you’re Jewish, none of that matters
Public health planner answers questions on homelessness strategic plan
City staff has planned focus groups, stakeholder input meetings and one-on-one interviews to develop a strategic plan.
Analysis: Emery's side lack cutting edge
Aston Villa arrived at MKM Stadium still searching for their first shot on target, goal and point of the season - against a defence who were yet to concede this season. Nicolas Jackson's movement caused problems for the Hull backline and Villa created enough openings while generating an expected goals (xG) of 1.74, compared to Hull's xG of 0.58. The striker's departure to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in the final week of the transfer window was always going to leave a void and Villa continue to search for a new identity after the arrival of a host of new names.
Could Better Mental Health Start With the Gut? Scientists Found Specific Pathways to Test
A study of 61 healthy women found region-specific associations between microbial pathways, brain chemistry, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.
Dortmund produce remarkable second-half comeback to sink Hoffenheim
In a thrilling second-half turnaround, Borussia Dortmund came from two down to emerge 3-2 winners over TSG Hoffenheim this afternoon. A late own-goal from Albian Hajdari in the 87th-minute gave the vi...
Exclusive: Justin Ishbia reveals vision for Sox stadium and massive riverside development
The billionaire owner-in-waiting is offering Crain's readers the first detailed look at a proposed 80-acre riverfront district.
US phases out $45M annual support for Namibia HIV program
The United States plans to phase out financial support for Namibia's HIV response programs.
US phases out $45M annual support for Namibia HIV program
The United States plans to phase out financial support for Namibia's HIV response programs.
Spalletti names the “strongest” player in the Juventus squad
Luciano Spalletti has admitted that Kenan Yildiz is the best player at Juventus right now, with the Bianconeri waiting for their star man to return to action after he underwent surgery a few days ago....
Business roundup: Three up-and-coming businesses reach Columbia
Marcos Pizza, The Fifth Season and The Plant Shop are now open in Columbia.
Liverpool loses another top executive as sporting director steps down
Richard Hughes has stepped down from his role as Liverpool sporting director, becoming the latest high-ranking executive to depart the Premier League club recent months. Hughes, who is reportedly set to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, is leaving less than two months after Michael Edwards exited as CEO of football for Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group. Liverpool said Saturday that Hughes wanted to “seek a fresh challenge.”
Comcast Completes Fiber Network Expansion in Allen County
Comcast’s Xfinity announced that more than 1,100 additional homes and businesses across Allen County, including communities in Churubusco, Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Huntertown, …
Rock star says homophobia took toll after coming out following 14-year marriage
Caleb Shomo said homophobic backlash after he came out left him struggling to perform and drove him offline.
Health officials issue strong warning to stay out of river water in Tri-Cities
Signs are being posted.
Former SC governor launching effort to mend political divide in U.S.
A former South Carolina governor says he is launching an effort to mend the political divide in the U.S.
US Football Hall of Fame revamps selection process
The American Pro Football Hall of Fame announced revisions to its selection process on Friday, including trimming the selection committee from 50 to 28, to combat "unintended biases."Porter said previous selection process bylaws left room for "unintended biases", including in the way individuals presented nominees, how selectors were assigned to each of the NFL's 32 clubs and issues related to players reaching the last year of eligibility in the Modern-Era Players category.
Chebolu to offer Arts and Sciences Lecture September 22
Dr. Sunil Chebolu, professor of Mathematics, will deliver the biannual Arts and Sciences Lecture on Tuesday, September 22, at 6 p.m., in the Bone Student Center’s Old Main Room.
How Juventus made history in the last transfer window
Juventus made several moves in the transfer market and improved their squad with some of the best players available, giving their manager a strong team to work with.However, while the Bianconeri added...
Q&A: How do statisticians contribute to research and policy on gun violence?
In this Q&A, Penn State researchers spoke about why they compiled a book about the latest gun violence research and how statisticians and data scientists can contribute their expertise in working with incomplete or biased data and advancing new analytical methods in this field.
Liverpool target Minteh can still get dream move
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says Yankuba Minteh can still "fulfil his dream" move in future after the Seagulls turned down Liverpool's offers for the winger.
Hurzeler on 'Baby Rodri', Minteh and transfer dreams
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Leeds United at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST). Deadline-day signings Chema Andres, a £15.5m arrival from Stuttgart, and Femi Azeez, who joined from Millwall in a deal worth up to £15m, are both "great characters".
Why Juventus rejected late offers for Teun Koopmeiners
Teun Koopmeiners was one of the players Juventus wanted to sell this summer, with the Bianconeri doing their best to find a new home for the Dutchman.Juve considered him one of the players earning too...
Milan Find a Solution for Almost All Their Outcasts
Milan parted ways with most of their castoffs on deadline day, but not Fikayo Tomori, who will be reinserted into their squad, also because Mattia Gabbia suffered an ankle injury.According to Fabrizio...
More Georgia jobs as business investment tops record for second year
Georgia reports a record $35.2 billion in business investments and thousands of new jobs for the past fiscal year.
Downtown Shop Closing Its Doors After 31 Years In Business
Nantucket Current is the island's leading online news source. We deliver the news, stories, and people of Nantucket, unbiased and unfiltered.
Monitoring One Health action against antimicrobial resistance in Indonesia
Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, convened a national multisectoral validation meeting for Indonesia’s 2026 TrACSS submission. Representatives from human health, animal health, fisheries, food and agriculture, environment, research institutions and development partners reviewed the country’s progress on AMR, and validated evidence supporting survey responses prior to submission. In the meeting, WHO presented Indonesia’s 2025 TrACSS results and facilitated technical sessions on the 2026 survey structure, rating principles and submission process.
Lavish private bath used by Roman emperor and 'high-status residents' discovered at imperial palace in Serbia
The ancient bath complex was tucked in a tower in the corner of the royal palace and reveals unique architecture.
Can Klint Kubiak Scheme the Raiders Out of the Basement
A flawed roster in Las Vegas will provide a massive test for Klint Kubiak in his first season as a head coach. Can he coach the Raiders out of last place?
Costly Healthcare Mandates Need Greater Scrutiny » CBIA
Connecticut has earned a national reputation as one of the most healthcare mandate-heavy states in the country.
Cardinals rumors: Arizona making progress on Michael Wilson contract extension
The Arizona Cardinals are in for a rough 2026 campaign . After a tumultuous 2025 campaign, Arizona is still quite far from light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. While they have some intriguing pieces on their roster, it’s unfortunately not going to be enough to contend in the best division in the NFL this year. That being said, the best thing […] The post Cardinals rumors: Arizona making progress on Michael Wilson contract extension appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Sony and Microsoft say they’re not obligated to pass U.S. tariff refunds to consumers, echoing Nintendo
Back in July, Sony executives told investors that the company expected to receive $508 million in refunds from the U.S. government, after tariffs that the PlayStation-maker paid were ruled mostly in 2025 were found to be illegal. “Most” of the refund would by recouped by Sony’s gaming division, its chief financial officer said. This week, Sony’s lawyers are arguing that the company is not legally obligated to pass those proceeds on to consumers who paid for recently price-hiked PlayStation consoles. That’s in the face of a lawsuit from gamers calling on them to do exactly that. “Paying fair market price for voluntarily purchased consumer goods is not a legally cognizable injury in fact,” the lawyers wrote in a legal motion filed on Monday, as they asked a judge in California’s Northern District to dismiss a potential class action lawsuit over the tariff refunds. Microsoft made a similar argument two weeks ahead of Sony’s lawyers, in a similar lawsuit brought by a gamer in federal court in Washington State. As Microsoft’s legal team put it on August 21, in their request for a dismissal of that lawsuit: “There is nothing unjust about Plaintiff purchasing an Xbox at an advertised price and getting exactly what he paid for—regardless of whatever theory he devised months later about Microsoft’s cost structure.” Both legal fights are set to go on for some time. How things got to this point U.S. tariffs impacting a wide range of imported goods, including game consoles, had kicked off in early 2025. In May 2025, Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox consoles, citing “market conditions and the rising cost of development.” They raised them again that September. In August of that year, Sony raised the price of PlayStation 5 consoles, citing “a challenging economic environment.” Sony later told investors that its tariff fees for the fall quarter were nearly $200 million. in February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the 2025 tariffs illegal, prompting impacted companies to begin to request refunds. In turn, consumers began suing the likes of Sony and Microsoft to get what they said was their share. The gamers in the Microsoft and Sony lawsuits argue that the 2025 price hikes of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, which added $50 or more to their sticker price, were due to illegal tariffs and should now be returned to consumers. The Sony suit started in May, when a group of gamers sued in federal court in California, saying Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) would be unjustly enriching itself if it did not pass tariff refunds to its PS5 buyers. “Sony is poised to be paid twice for the same unlawful tariff burden: once by its customers (through elevated prices) and once by the U.S. government (through tariff refunds),” the gamers’ lawyers wrote at the time. They called for Sony to partially reimburse anyone who bought a PlayStation in the U.S. since August 1, 2025. The Microsoft suit, filed by gamer Trevor Hastings against the Xbox giant in July, made similar claims. The console makers push back In late July, Nintendo’s lawyers, facing a similar suit accusing them of double-dipping on tariffs and refunds, replied with arguments that previewed Microsoft’s and Sony’s: “Nintendo or one of its retailers set a price for each product, and consumers decided whether that price was worth paying,” they wrote. Sony has buttressed that Nintendo-style argument this week by saying that the gamers have failed to prove that tariffs were the reason for its August 2025 PS5 price hike. They call thatclaim “speculative and illogical.” Other factors, including “inflation, currency fluctuations, component costs, logistics, competitive dynamics, or demand,” could have played a role. (No, the Sony lawyers do not break down the costs and factors that officially triggered the price increases). Microsoft has also argued that there’s no proof in these lawsuits that tariffs drove all or some of the price increase, as it seeks to dismiss the tariff refund suit it’s facing: “Plaintiff provides no specific allegations that would establish any pricing differential attributable to tariffs or suggest any possibility that Microsoft applied then or could recreate now any dollar-for-dollar calculation of tariff-related pricing—any more than it could any other market factor that affects pricing.” To further skewer the gamer side’s argument in its case, Sony’s lawyers have pointed to what might be a surprising defense: yet another PlayStation 5 price hike from this past spring, after the tariffs were ruled illegal. “If the original price increase were attributable to tariffs, SIE [Sony Interactive Entertainment, aka PlayStation] would have had no reason to raise prices again after the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs.” … “If tariffs were the cause of the price increases, one would expect SIE to lower prices once the tariffs were eliminated—not raise them again. Instead, the timeline confirms that the pricing of PlayStation consoles includes a diverse and dynamic set of input costs.” Judges have not yet ruled on the arguments made by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. Last week, Panic, the company behind the small, yellow Playdate handheld said it would be passing its tariff refunds on to consumers. It is the only gaming hardware maker to have made such a pledge. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: A reporter’s second Second Life Wagner James Au, who from 2003-2006 was paid by San Francisco-based tech company Linden Lab to be a full-time journalist embedded in their virtual world Second Life, is returning to the company. This time, he’ll be an editorial advisor and business development specialist, he tells Game File. The new role will involve trying to share the stories of people inhabiting Second Life’s ongoing online world with reporters and by extension the public. Au plans to continue to also chronicle some of that through his long-running blog New World Notes. I’ve known Au since the mid-2000s and featured him in a 2007 article for the Columbia Journalism Review about reporters like him opening up virtual news outlets within Second Life. As I wrote at the time: On April 22, 2003, writing as Hamlet Linden for the New World Notes blog on Second Life’s Web site, Au introduced himself. “For the next few months, Linden Lab has invited me to set aside my journalist cap, and instead, don the digital beanie of their in-house virtual correspondent.” He wasn’t paid to keep it positive. He wrote about builders and eccentrics, but then in August of that year, he reported on a tax revolt against Linden Lab (a complaint about the fees it charges users who build stuff) led by a resident whose avatar was a big cat. Second Life has always been less of a video game and more of a virtual world where people can live, hang out, make art, sell virtual items and flirt. Back in 2007, Au described touring it as “sort of like underwater lucid dreaming.” For the past two decades, Au has maintained New World Notes as an independent publication. But he said he’s been drawn back to Second Life and Linden Lab as a place to directly work. The virtual world has around 650,000 monthly active users, he said, “which is actually about what it was during the hype wave.” Au says he’s still finding rich stories in Second Life, the kind that keep him interested 20 years into the beat: “Over the last few months for instance, I wrote about an SL creator in Venezuela whose apartment was destroyed by the earthquakes, so the global SL community rallied to get him back on his feet,” he told me. “Then there’s the woman from a Middle Eastern country who explored her lesbian sexuality in SL, then earned enough from her virtual jewelry to escape her abusive family situation and country.” Au wants to beckon more reporters to give Second Life another look. He argues that it is often ahead of internet trends, noting, for example, an early backlash in the community against AI-made art. Now the platform is drawing curiosity from more of the user-generated content community who’ve grown up with the likes of Roblox, according to Au. “Second Life was too early during its hype wave in 2005-2010, but it now feels right for a new wave of interest,” he told me.
Repression of political opposition surges in post-election Zambia
Following Zambia’s contested presidential and parliamentary elections almost three weeks ago, the crackdown on political opposition has intensified, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country, according to a UN Human Rights Council-appointed expert.
MNPD: Mental health team not on scene before North Nashville officer-involved shooting
Fox 17 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for Nashville and nearby towns and communities in Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Fairview, Dickson, Clarksville, White House, Greenbrier, Springfield, Gallatin, Hartsville, Lebanon, Mt Juliet, Smyrna, College Grove, Thompson’s Station, Centerville, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Manchester, McMinnville, Smithville, Sparta, Cookeville, Hohenwald, Waverly, Camden, Paris, Lafayette, Portland, and in Kentucky, Russelville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Alvaton, Scottsville, Hopkinsville, Glasgow.
Dozens of Nashville businesses appeal property value as state leaders prioritize tax cap
Fox 17 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for Nashville and nearby towns and communities in Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Fairview, Dickson, Clarksville, White House, Greenbrier, Springfield, Gallatin, Hartsville, Lebanon, Mt Juliet, Smyrna, College Grove, Thompson’s Station, Centerville, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Manchester, McMinnville, Smithville, Sparta, Cookeville, Hohenwald, Waverly, Camden, Paris, Lafayette, Portland, and in Kentucky, Russelville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Alvaton, Scottsville, Hopkinsville, Glasgow.
Trump admin revives ‘Apprentice’-era energy with $1M business battle in DC
Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, and Joe Gebbia will judge the SBA's Patriot Pitch as five entrepreneur finalists compete for $1 million in cash.
Daily Thread: 31 August 2026
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. 3 games, 3 wins It’s a very good start for Mourinho. As I […]
Politicians paying influencers for support — some without disclosing: Report
Unbiased Politics News
Sacoa powers cashless payments at new Saudi entertainment venue
Sacoa Cashless System has supplied the technology infrastructure for BOLTS, a new social entertainment venue in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. The installation includes 38 Spark RFID readers, three point-of-sale stations with readers, RFID cards, customer relationship management and online sales modules, and the Sacoa Mobile App. The integrated platform enables guests to access attractions and make cashless transactions while providing the venue with tools to manage payments and track customer activity.
Philippines’ richest billionaire agrees to buy African port operator spanning three countries
Enrique Razon-controlled ICTSI has agreed to acquire an African port operator with businesses in South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia
Syria continues to normalize with international business fair as credit card payments are back
More than 60 countries attended the fair, including key regional allies Saudi Arabia and Iraq, while Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed that credit cards are available again.
Another one: New Chick-fil-A planned for growing Columbia neighborhood
The new restaurant would join nearly two dozen locations of the ubiquitous fast food chain in the Columbia area.
Digital safety, mental health and communication key themes in this year's Resilient Teens summit
Resilient Communities of East Georgia (RCEG), the youth-focused organization behind teen mental health initiative Resilient Teens, hosted its third annual Resilient Teens Summit, Saturday, at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown. The nearly eight-hour event, beginning at 9:30 a.m., drew some 200 attendees including vendors and volunteers. Like each year, the day-long series of […]
Seven new frog species were hiding beneath Madagascar’s forest floor
Scientists have discovered seven new species of Madagascar’s elusive diamond frogs, using DNA from modern and century-old museum specimens to solve a long-running biological puzzle. The findings reveal surprising hidden diversity and could help protect these little-known amphibians as their forest habitats disappear.
Business roundup: New stores and restaurants land in Columbia
Four businesses have plans to open new locations in Downtown Columbia.
Business Roundup: New stores and restaurants arrive in downtown Columbia
Three new dining options and one decor store are planning to open soon in downtown Columbia.
Residents discuss the next steps for Columbia's Black business district
With the Shops at Sharp End closing next month, Columbia community members discuss how to best move forward in the area.
Mat Ishbia Drops Savage Message About Devin Booker Joining Pistons
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia made his feelings crystal clear when asked about the possibility of Devin Booker ever playing for the Detroit Pistons.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to open original south entrance from 1893 World's Columbian Exposition
A new poll suggests Republicans could flip New Hampshire, but is it reliable?
Unbiased Politics News
Canada recruits dozens of foreign scientists and researchers, many from U.S.
The researchers are being hired by universities across the country, including the University of British Columbia, McGill and the University of Toronto.
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
Dolly’s generosity to Vanderbilt Health highlighted; reading test results before your doctor has a chance; staying healthy this fall; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
Dolly Parton’s generosity to Vanderbilt Health was mentioned in many of her obituaries. A sampling: The New York Times, the BBC, NPR, NBC News, The Guardian, and Scripps News. Vanderbilt Health News posted a tribute to her, as well, and Mark Denison, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and former director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, spoke to NewsNation for a story about her impact on his research. Everyday Health interviewed Trent Rosenbloom, MD, MPH, Professor of Biomedical Informatics, for a story about a new JAMA study that found two-thirds of patients read test results before connecting with a doctor. Comprehension of test results varied: 6.6 percent said they had a poor understanding, 26.8 percent understood the results fairly well, 31.7 percent understood them well, and 34.9 percent understood the results very well. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted by several news outlets about public health issues, including: Healthline (cyclosporiasis cases now in 47 states); “The Naked Scientists” podcast (salmonella outbreak sickens hundreds); Medscape (the lighter-than-usual just-completed Australian flu season); and People (how to stay healthy this fall). Scripps News interviewed Jessica Young, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, about Vanderbilt researchers launching a study to determine if GLP-1 drugs can help people with opioid use disorder. WSMV Channel 4 News reporter Diana Rocco interviewed Kashish Goel, MBBS, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Transcatheter Heart Valve Interventions, for a story about patient Dixie Watt and her minimally invasive valve replacement with the M3 device, the first Food and Drug Administration-approved transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Fogarty International Center writer/editor Susan Scutti interviewed John Koethe, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, for a profile article for their newsletter, Global Health Matters. The article presents him as an example of a Fogarty Fellow success story and focus on his past and present research, including the HIV/AIDS research he conducted for his Fogarty project at the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia in 2008 and 2009.
When AI takes over coding, everyone gets promoted to manager
Leaders no longer need a team to ship software — but they still have to manage one.
From foot-and-mouth disease to One Health: 75 years of regional cooperation for veterinary public health in the Americas
Established in 1951 to help countries combat foot-and-mouth disease, PAHO's Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA) has spent more than seven decades advancing regional cooperation. Its work has helped drive progress toward the eradication of the disease while strengthening the Americas' response to zoonotic diseases, food safety threats, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging health risks.
2026 Flathead Valley Fall Sports Preview
After a 2025 fall season filled with individual and team state championships, several Flathead Valley athletes will be on the title defense, while others will make a push to reach the mountain top of Montana high school sports after falling one win short a season ago. The Glacier Wolfpack and Columbia Falls Wildkats saw their […]
The obscure documentary fueling Islamophobia in Texas
A documentary warns about a coming cultural conflict with Muslims in the US. It’s had surprising political influence.
The Science of Sex Differences Comes into Focus
From molecular differences in the brain to distinct responses to anesthesia and pain, sex-inclusive research fills gaps left by decades of male-biased studies.
Midlands business leaders gather for first Columbia Area Development Partnership Breakfast
The first annual Columbia Area Development Partnership Breakfast was held on Wednesday.
Sen. Baldwin talks small business, tariffs during La Crosse visit
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is taking her statewide “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” tour to La Crosse.
Leverkusen veteran receives "lucrative offer" from Saudi Arabian club
According to sources at BILD, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonas Hofmann has received a new offer from Saudi Arabia.Al Shabab has reportedly made the 34-year-old a “concrete, lucrative offer” in a bid to ...
Luis Schiumerini Receives the 2026 Robert A. Dahl Award for "Incumbency Bias: Why Political Office is a Blessing and a Curse in Latin America" -
The Robert A. Dahl Award is presented annually by the American Political Science Association (APSA) to honor an untenured scholar who has produced scholarship of the highest quality on the subject of democracy. Citation from the Award Committee: [...]
Canadian premier has 2 ideas to hit back at Trump: F-35s and coal
British Columbia Premier David Eby wants Canada to target US fighter jets and coal as it looks beyond tariffs in its trade war with Trump.
NJ Business, Labor Groups Maintain Fierce Opposition to Climate Superfund Act
In separate op-eds posted in the recent days, both New Jersey business and labor groups said they remain staunchly opposed to the Climate Superfund/ Polluters Pay Act and offered dire warnings of their impact on affordability, jobs and the state’s business climate. In an op-ed published by the USA TODAY/Gannett NJ Network, NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor said many New Jersey[...]
California justices seem skeptical of Sheriff Chad Bianco’s defense in ballot seizure case
California’s Supreme Court questioned whether Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco was within his legal rights when he seized the ballots
Mizzou Meat Market opens at new meat science lab, expands retail offerings
The Mizzou Meat Market on the University of Missouri campus opened in mid-August. Bryon Weigand, the director of the Michael L. Parson Meat Science Education and Training Lab, tells Brownfield the new market is larger than the previous location in Columbia. “It’s located South of the Trowbridge Livestock Center, a pretty big footprint, but it […]
Maryland Zoo's remaining male cheetah euthanized following health complications
WBFF Fox45 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Baltimore and nearby towns and communities in Maryland, including Annapolis, Crofton, Glen Burnie, Linthicum, Pasadena, Severn, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Essex, Parkville, Owings Mills, Towson, White Marsh, Woodlawn, Hampstead, Sykesville, Taneytown, Westminster, Elkton, Perryville, Pt. Deposit, Rising Sun, Aberdeen, Abingdon, Bel Air, Edgewood, Fallston, Havre De Grace, Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, and Ocean City.
Discerning film fans flock to The Beacon’s tiny Seattle theater
A Columbia City cinema's offerings range from heady art-house pieces to obscure cult favorites to independent gems. You can even rent the theater for a screening.
Sudan’s conflict worsening, UN political and peacebuilding chief warns
On 24 August, the Security Council held a briefing on Sudan at the request by Denmark to discuss the protection of civilians and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict. “The consequences of this conflict will be long-lasting and should shock us all,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.Civilians face one of the worst humanitarian crises, she said, as they deal with frequent drone attacks against markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure, and the rainy season. Some 13 million people have fled their homes, but access challenges have made it impossible to confirm the true death toll, "it is likely to be in the hundreds of thousands", she said. “Brutal mass killings and atrocities, abductions of women and girls and mass rapes are recurring patterns,” she warned.In North Kordofan, drone attacks continue as both parties compete for control of strategically important towns, she said, reiterating deep concern at the imminent risk of large-scale atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces in and around El abdede. Drone strikes near Tina, on Sudan’s border with Chad, where the refugee influx has intensified pressure on already scarce land, have led to violent disputes over resources. Plus numerous armed movements are pursuing their own territorial and political interests. The UN continues to support efforts of the QUAD - United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates – for a humanitarian truce. And it is working with the Quintet partners, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the European Union to help advance a viable political path. “Our goal is to build confidence in the political path and pave the way for an inclusive Sudanese-led dialogue for a shared vision for the country’s future,” she said. Sudanese authorities have also bolstered efforts to support civilian dialogue. “Their desire for an inclusive and durable peace is clear,” she said. Both parties must now make concrete commitments on releasing of prisioners, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. “The Personal Envoy will travel to Sudan shortly to advance these conversations," she said.
Common medications may change your gut for years
Common medications may reshape the gut microbiome long after the last dose is taken. In a study of more than 2,500 people, researchers found lasting microbial changes linked not only to antibiotics, but also to antidepressants, beta-blockers, acid-reducing drugs, and benzodiazepines. Some effects were still detectable years later, suggesting past medication use may strongly influence the gut bacteria people carry today.
Mizzou soccer falls to Missouri State on the road
Mizzou dropped its second game of the year in a 1-0 loss to Missouri State on Sunday.
Jim Harbaugh raves about new Chargers starting center Jake Slaughter
Following the loss of Tyler Biadasz, Jim Harbaugh reveals why he has full confidence in Jake Slaughter as the Chargers' new starting center.
Las Vegas Raiders' Ashton Jeanty suffers apparent injury during practice
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty had to be helped off the field after apparently being injured late in Sunday's practice and was unable to put pressure on his right leg. The Raiders did not provide a statement on Jeanty's status and there was no indication of when an update would come. Coach Klint Kubiak is not scheduled to speak with reporters until Tuesday.
A gut microbial health index as a composite biomarker for evaluating overall health
Each person has a unique gut microbial population, with variation shaped by diet, lifestyle and disease. We are seeing a rapid rise in metabolic disorders, obesity and inflammatory diseases that cannot ...
Expert says Illinois politics are to blame for failure to secure stadium for Chicago Bears in state
‘We’ll be OK’: Business owner optimistic after tornado damages her shop
Columbia residents continue to pick up the pieces after an EF-1 tornado tore through the borough’s downtown on Thursday.
Arsenal transfer news: Al-Hilal open talks to sign Gabriel Martinelli
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal open negotiations with Arsenal over a move for Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli.
Chargers place Tyler Biadasz on season-ending injured reserve
Chargers center Tyler Biadasz will not play at all this season.
Colombian Entertainment Unites in Solidarity to Raise Funds After Earthquake
Colombian entertainment figures are joining other celebrities in a fundraising campaign for affected by the earthquake that struck Colombia
Why “Conservative Research” Is Confirmation Bias Disguised as Science
◆ Emerald Pages ◆ Science & Politics Why “Conservative Research” Is Confirmation Bias Disguised as Science Emerald Book Publication August 22, 2026 8 min read The White House's new initiative to fund "conservative research" bypasses peer review and works backward from political conclusions, violating the fundamental principles of the scientific method. Photo: Anna Moneymaker |
Klint Kubiak calls out Raiders’ underperforming wide receivers
Malik Benson and the Raiders wide receivers were unable to convert opportunities against the Houston Texans defense.
Colombia’s de la Espriella has to rebuild the earthquake’s ruptures — and the political ones too
A large swath of the destruction was in cities and states that overwhelmingly opposed the right-wing leader and Trump ally.
Raiders HC Klint Kubiak calls out players for penalties 'unacceptable'
Klint Kubiak was fuming the next day after the Raiders again had way too many penalties.
The clean energy transition's missing metric: Human health
Earlier this year, the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia, convened representatives from 57 countries to advance a just, orderly and equitable transition ...
NJBIA to Honor 6 Rising Stars at NJ Women Business Leaders Forum
NJBIA will honor six standout students with “Rising Star” awards when more than 400 business leaders, entrepreneurs and students gather for the 12th
NJBIA to Honor 6 Rising Stars at NJ Women Business Leaders Forum
The winners of the NJBIA 2026 Rising Star awards are (L-R) Olivia Ivy Altidor, Erin Bolger Elizabeth, Melissa “Mel” Josephson, Jocelyn Kranicka, Zack Metzger and Monserrat Miranda. NJBIA will honor six standout students with “Rising Star” awards when more than 400 business leaders, entrepreneurs and students gather for the 12th Annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum at Bally’s in Atlantic City on Sept. 23-24. “NJBIA’s[...]
Ear to the Ground: What's your dream business combination in Columbia?
Semi-regularly, Free Times will ask a question of you, dear readers, about an important facet of life in the Columbia area. Then we’ll share your anonymous responses, as well as the next question for ...
Zambian Police Summon Opposition Leader After Disputed Election
Zambian police summoned the nation’s opposition leader after he pledged to challenge the outcome of last week’s presidential election, over which observers have raised concerns.
Schmitt feels optimistic on upcoming vote for Protect College Sports Act
U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., spoke to reporters at Memorial Stadium on Thursday regarding the Protect College Sports Act, which he is a co-sponsor of. He met with Missouri coach