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Havlicek Stole the Pod: Why each East team won't have home court at the end of the season

Havlicek Stole the Pod: Why each East team won't have home court at the end of the season

"Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with the Ringer's Howard Beck to pour some cold water on Eastern Conference ball clubs ahead of Media Day.

Arizona Cardinals Week 2 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations

Arizona Cardinals Week 2 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations

The Cardinals played 70 defensive snaps on Sunday against the Seahawks. See how the playing time was divided up.

'70s Icon Jaclyn Smith Mastered Mother-Of-The-Groom Style At Her Son's Wedding

'70s Icon Jaclyn Smith Mastered Mother-Of-The-Groom Style At Her Son's Wedding

"Charlie's Angels" star Jaclyn Smith looked stunning in an ethereal feathered gown for her son's wedding, and years later, she took it out for another spin.

Monday Stat Party: Put him in the books

Monday Stat Party: Put him in the books

The Polar Bear returns, but Benge melts one of his Mets records.

Florida Reports First Dengue Fever Death Amid Rising Cases

Florida Reports First Dengue Fever Death Amid Rising Cases

Florida has confirmed its first dengue fever-related death this year, an 80-year-old Tampa woman who died on September 4. This comes as the state experiences a significant increase in locally acquired dengue cases, reaching 152 for the week ending September 12. This figure surpasses the total number of cases reported in 2023, which was 189 for the entire year. Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, has reported the highest number of cases with 134. Other counties with confirmed cases include Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, and Pinellas. Dengue viruses are transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which are also known to spread Zika and chikungunya viruses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that about one in four people infected with dengue develop symptoms, which typically last two to seven days and are usually mild, including fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain. However, about one in 20 infected individuals can develop severe de...

Kansas State University Unveils Western Star Global Grain and Food Center with Federal Support

Kansas State University Unveils Western Star Global Grain and Food Center with Federal Support

Kansas State University has officially unveiled its new Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, a $130 million, 178,000-square-foot facility. The center, which held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 18, houses various science studies including milling, baking, food, animal feed, and pet food science. It features state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and interdisciplinary industry spaces. The facility's name honors the Western Star Mill, acquired by the philanthropic Vanier family in 1925. During the opening remarks, Dan Moser, dean of the College of Agriculture, acknowledged the advocacy of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, who secured $5.5 million in congressionally directed spending for the center's development. This center is the final component of the College of Agriculture’s $210 million Agricultural Innovation Initiative, which also included the construction of the L. Eldon Gideon Agronomy Research and Innovation Complex and the Bilbrey Family Event Center.

Cornell Researchers Develop Portable Diagnostic Test for Ebola and Lassa Viruses

Cornell Researchers Develop Portable Diagnostic Test for Ebola and Lassa Viruses

Cornell researchers have developed a portable diagnostic test capable of simultaneously detecting and distinguishing between Ebola and Lassa viruses. These two serious viruses share similar early symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, and general weakness, but require distinct medical responses. The new test utilizes a test strip that identifies proteins produced by the viruses from a single pinprick blood sample. This strip is then analyzed by a Portable Rapid Onsite Versatile Image-based Detection System (PROVIDS), which uses a camera to photograph the strip and, within five seconds, provides an objective, quantitative result through automated software analysis. This innovation aims to move diagnostic capabilities from centralized laboratories to portable devices usable by health workers in the field, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and minimal refrigeration.

U.S. State Department Maintains Level 3 Travel Advisory for Colombia Amid Varied Regional Risks

U.S. State Department Maintains Level 3 Travel Advisory for Colombia Amid Varied Regional Risks

The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Colombia, with specific Level 4 'Do Not Travel' zones identified within the country. These Level 4 areas include the departments of Arauca, Cauca (outside Popayan), Valle del Cauca (outside Cali), Norte de Santander, and the 10-kilometer area near the Venezuela border, primarily due to active armed group operations by the ELN, FARC dissidents, or related organizations. The advisory highlights that Colombia's risk profile is geographically concentrated and structurally explainable, rather than uniformly distributed. Corporate travelers face four distinct risk categories: urban crime, armed group activity, kidnapping, and civil unrest, each requiring specific mitigation strategies. Urban crime, including express kidnapping and scopolamine attacks, is concentrated in major cities like Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena, often driven by economic inequality.

Minnesota Farm Integrates Solar Power and Agriculture in Agrivoltaics Project

Minnesota Farm Integrates Solar Power and Agriculture in Agrivoltaics Project

A new agrivoltaics project in Big Lake, Minnesota, is demonstrating the successful integration of farming and solar power generation. Winifred Sylvah, one of three farmers involved, has harvested significant amounts of produce, including 140 pounds of cucumbers, from land situated between rows of solar panels. This initiative, a partnership between The Food Group, U.S. Solar, and Conexus Energy, allows farmers to lease land affordably while utilizing space that would otherwise be solely dedicated to solar arrays. The project, which began as a pilot in 2023, has now been made permanent, with farmers like Sylvah entering 10-year leases. This model addresses the challenge of land access for emerging farmers, many of whom are immigrants, by providing long-term stability and necessary infrastructure like irrigation systems and walk-in coolers. The success of the Big Lake Farm challenges the traditional view of solar and agriculture as competing interests, showing that both can thrive simultaneously on the same ...

Congressional Budget Office Projects Social Security Retirement Fund Insolvency by Mid-2032

Congressional Budget Office Projects Social Security Retirement Fund Insolvency by Mid-2032

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that Social Security's retirement trust fund will become insolvent by mid-2032. This projection aligns with the Social Security Trustees' own estimates. Upon insolvency, the CBO anticipates a significant 26% cut in benefits for retirees, a reduction that is expected to increase to 40% by the end of the century. The CBO also estimates a long-term shortfall of 1.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or 4.6% of taxable payroll over the next 75 years. This looming insolvency is attributed to a fundamental imbalance between the program's growing costs and stagnant revenues. Social Security's costs have risen from 10.7% of taxable payroll in 1990 to 15.0% today, and are projected to reach 21.0% by the end of the century, while revenues have only marginally increased from 12.7% to 12.9% of payroll in the same period.

Florida International University Researchers Discover New Compound for Antibiotic Development

Florida International University Researchers Discover New Compound for Antibiotic Development

Researchers at Florida International University (FIU), led by biochemistry professor Fenfei Leng, have developed a new high-throughput screening method to identify compounds that can target bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme essential for bacterial survival. While testing this method, they discovered Pyr-AMC, a previously unrecognized compound. This discovery, published in Nucleic Acids Research, offers a potential starting point for developing new antibiotics to combat growing antibiotic resistance. Pyr-AMC works by trapping DNA gyrase while it cuts DNA strands, preventing the bacteria from repairing the damage and ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. This mechanism is similar to that of fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics that also target DNA gyrase but to which bacteria have increasingly developed resistance. The new screening method allows for the rapid identification of rare gyrase poisons from large libraries of compounds.

Illinois Special Prosecution Unit Faces Misconduct Allegations from Lawyers and Researchers

Illinois Special Prosecution Unit Faces Misconduct Allegations from Lawyers and Researchers

Two individuals, attorney Julie Ajster and court researcher Bradley VanHoose, who were separately charged by Illinois' Special Prosecution Unit, have independently uncovered alleged misconduct within the unit. Ajster, charged with felony perjury, and VanHoose, charged with harassing a public official, were both acquitted of the felony charges. Following their acquittals, they utilized their legal research skills to gather extensive records on the special prosecutors involved in their cases. Their findings, independently verified by Injustice Watch, reveal previously unreported misconduct and conflicts of interest within the Special Prosecution Unit. The Injustice Watch investigation further indicates that the unit has faced accusations of ethical breaches, including withholding evidence and favoring political insiders, while operating with limited public oversight. Brian Towne and David Rands, two veteran special prosecutors who indicted Ajster and VanHoose, are noted to handle some of the unit’s heaviest ...

C.R. Neal Academy Receives Zoning Approval for Nation's First HBCU-Authorized Charter School in Columbia, SC

C.R. Neal Academy Receives Zoning Approval for Nation's First HBCU-Authorized Charter School in Columbia, SC

C.R. Neal Academy in Columbia, South Carolina, has secured a significant regulatory approval from the city's Board of Zoning Appeals. This approval grants a special exception for the establishment of the charter school across two zoning districts, RM-1 and RSF-3. The project involves combining 26 separate parcels into a single 7.83-acre site on Atlas Road. Developers plan to demolish an existing 3,240-square-foot community center to construct a new 41,000-square-foot facility. The school is set to open in phases, beginning in fall 2027 with an initial enrollment of 260 students across sixth to ninth grades. Within four years, the academy aims to reach its full capacity of approximately 910 students, covering all middle and high school grade levels. C.R. Neal Academy is notable as the first public charter school in the United States authorized by a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), with Voorhees University serving as its authorizer. Student enrollment applications are scheduled to open on Wed...

Polk State College Graduate Invents 'Clean Box' Self-Bathing Machine After Grandmother's Death

Polk State College Graduate Invents 'Clean Box' Self-Bathing Machine After Grandmother's Death

Terrance A. King, a graduate of Polk State College's Engineering Technology Program, has invented an autonomous self-bathing machine called 'Clean Box.' This enclosed bathing capsule is designed to revolutionize the cleaning process in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The 'Clean Box' covers a user's entire body, excluding their head, and features 10 scrubbers on the back, six on the front, and 30 water jets. Users can select from various wash cycles (quick, normal, luxury), adjust water temperature and pressure, and utilize a built-in drying system that also dries the floor to prevent slips. King's inspiration for this invention stemmed from the tragic loss of his grandmother, Betty Ball, in 2021. She developed severe bedsores while in an assisted living facility and subsequently died from an infection. King aims for the 'Clean Box' to prevent similar incidents and enhance the dignity and independence of residents in care facilities.

Wearable Technology Advances in Parkinson's Disease Treatment for Freezing of Gait

Wearable Technology Advances in Parkinson's Disease Treatment for Freezing of Gait

Advances in wearable technology and computational classification are significantly improving the evaluation and treatment of Freezing of Gait (FoG) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Wearable inertial measurement units (wIMUs), which combine accelerometers, magnetometers, and gyroscopes, are now extensively used for real-world detection of FoG. These devices can be worn on various body parts, including the ankle, thigh, torso, lumbar area, and waist, to characterize movements and identify FoG episodes using pre-defined thresholds or algorithmic classifiers. Publicly available datasets from gait laboratories are being utilized to train these classifiers. Beyond wIMUs, other devices like ambulatory EEGs and ECGs are being explored to detect physiological markers preceding FoG episodes. Augmented and mixed reality devices are also collecting contextual information to identify triggers, while virtual reality paradigms simulate FoG triggers for systematic assessments. These technological advancements aim to provide m...

House Passes Legislation Mandating AM Radio in New Vehicles for Emergency Preparedness

House Passes Legislation Mandating AM Radio in New Vehicles for Emergency Preparedness

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which mandates that all new passenger vehicles manufactured in or imported into the U.S. must include AM radio capabilities as standard equipment. This legislation requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule ensuring that these vehicles have devices capable of receiving and playing content from AM stations or digital audio AM stations without an additional fee. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), a sponsor of the bill, emphasized that AM broadcast radio is a critical public safety resource, especially during national or natural disasters when electricity and cell service may be unavailable. The bill aims to prevent car manufacturers from removing AM radio as a feature, a trend observed in some electric vehicles and potentially other new models. U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) highlighted that AM broadcast stations are specifically designed to withstand major weather events and act as primary entry points for t...

Senator Roger Wicker Anticipates Further Breakthroughs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research

Senator Roger Wicker Anticipates Further Breakthroughs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research

Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) has expressed optimism about continued advancements in the treatment and potential cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD CARE) Act, legislation Senator Wicker co-authored in 2001. This act was instrumental in unlocking research funding for DMD. Over the past 25 years, significant progress has been made, transforming the prognosis for many DMD patients, who now often live into adulthood, a stark contrast to the limited life expectancy in the early 2000s. Recent efforts include updating the MD CARE Act in 2014 to include adult patient research and successfully advocating for the inclusion of Duchenne on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last December, which encourages states to test newborns for the condition.

NC State's CHASS Explores 'Preserving Human Stories' with Jesse Eisenberg

NC State's CHASS Explores 'Preserving Human Stories' with Jesse Eisenberg

NC State's College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) hosted the second installment of its Human Factor Speakers Series, titled 'Preserving Human Stories,' featuring Academy Award-nominated actor, writer, and director Jesse Eisenberg. The sold-out event explored how stories connect people, shape identities, and sustain humanity. The series also highlighted the importance of humanities and social sciences in a world increasingly influenced by technology, addressing challenges such as AI's impact on creativity and identity, and methods for chronicling and protecting shared histories. The event, funded by private donations, included conversations, music, film, and contributions from the NC State community, with Eisenberg also holding a dedicated session with students.

Rockford Police Department Launches Fall Recruitment Drive for Entry-Level Officers

Rockford Police Department Launches Fall Recruitment Drive for Entry-Level Officers

The Rockford Police Department has initiated its fall hiring period for entry-level police officers, with applications being accepted from September 11 through October 31. This recruitment campaign aims to attract individuals interested in community service, public safety, and long-term career opportunities within the department. According to a community announcement, successful applicants can anticipate a starting salary of $70,958, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, pension options, and paid time off. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd emphasized the department's search for candidates dedicated to serving others and making a positive impact in the community. The department also highlighted potential career development opportunities, such as assignments in K-9 operations, investigations, and community engagement, available after initial patrol service. Interested individuals can apply online through rpdwantsyou.com or text JOINRPD to 815-473-8383 for recruitment information.

Urban Homeowners Face Higher Insurance Premiums and Nonrenewal Rates Compared to Suburban Counterparts

Urban Homeowners Face Higher Insurance Premiums and Nonrenewal Rates Compared to Suburban Counterparts

A study by the Brookings Institution reveals that homeowners in urban areas across the United States are experiencing significantly higher insurance premiums and nonrenewal rates compared to those in suburban areas. Specifically, homeowners in ZIP codes near central business districts face nonrenewal rates approximately 20% higher and average homeowners insurance premiums 39% higher than those in suburban ZIP codes located more than five miles from downtown. These disparities are not attributed to unusually high profits for insurers in city neighborhoods; rather, higher urban premiums correlate with higher losses. The study indicates that the increased costs are primarily driven by non-environmental risks such as higher rates of theft and burglary in dense environments, older housing stock leading to more claims related to plumbing and building systems, and elevated labor and material costs for repairs in urban settings. Unlike some disaster-prone areas that benefit from government-supported programs for e...