Following the implementation of a new NSF policy mandating grant alignment with agency priorities, a funding freeze affecting all new and existing grants was enacted. This freeze, coupled with the recent termination of approximately 1,040 grants totaling $739 million, has caused widespread concern and uncertainty within the scientific community. The policy, described as potentially detrimental to the established merit review process, has prompted at least one program officer to resign. Scientists fear the long-term consequences of this funding disruption, particularly given proposed drastic budget cuts in future years.
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A 12-year-old cat, miraculously surviving a 380-foot fall at Bryce Canyon National Park, was discovered alongside the bodies of Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, who perished in the incident. The cat, named Mirage, was found in a damaged carrier near Inspiration Point, where the couple had fallen after crossing safety railings. Currently at Best Friends Animal Society, Mirage is recovering from minor injuries, showing no major abnormalities in initial bloodwork. The circumstances surrounding the couple’s fall remain under investigation.
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Mexico City’s legislature overwhelmingly approved a new law banning violent bullfighting, prohibiting the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects. The 61-1 vote, celebrated by animal rights activists, sparked protests from bullfighting supporters who argue the tradition is integral to their culture and economy. This compromise legislation aims to preserve the spectacle while eliminating animal cruelty, a move praised by Mayor Clara Brugada as promoting animal rights. The new law follows previous legal battles and aims to find common ground between opposing factions.
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Following his loss in the recent federal election, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will run in a by-election for the Alberta seat of Battle River-Crowfoot. Incumbent MP Damien Kurek is temporarily resigning his seat to facilitate this, intending to run again in the next federal election. Poilievre accepted Kurek’s offer, expressing gratitude for his support. This move allows Poilievre to regain his seat in Parliament and continue his role as Opposition leader despite the Conservatives’ overall election loss.
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This flu season has witnessed a tragically high number of pediatric deaths, surpassing all years since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic with 216 fatalities reported thus far. This alarming figure is likely an undercount, with the final tally expected to rise further. A significant contributing factor is the decreased flu vaccination rate among children, falling from 64% five years ago to 49% this season. While the season has been severe overall, impacting millions with illness and thousands with death, indicators suggest a decline in flu activity since February.
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Following a significant earthquake in the Drake Passage, Chilean President Gabriel Boric ordered a coastal evacuation in the Magallanes region. Over 1,700 residents, including those from Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales, have already been relocated to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Authorities have issued the highest disaster alert level, mobilizing all available resources. While no major damage or injuries have been reported, residents are urged to remain in designated safe zones at least 30 meters above sea level. The earthquake was also felt in Ushuaia, Argentina, though with minimal impact reported.
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King Charles III will open the 45th Canadian Parliament on May 27th, marking his first such visit as sovereign and the first time a monarch has opened a new Parliament since 1957. This event, including the Speech from the Throne outlining government priorities, will be attended by Queen Camilla. The visit coincides with ongoing U.S. threats to Canadian sovereignty, prompting calls for a stronger assertion of Canadian independence. The King’s presence is viewed as symbolically significant, reaffirming Canada’s constitutional monarchy and national identity.
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The HHS’s proposal to require placebo-controlled trials for all vaccine modifications is unclear, raising ethical concerns and potentially hindering access to life-saving vaccines. While the HHS spokesperson cites a need for “radical transparency” and claims a lack of data on childhood vaccine risk profiles, this assertion is misleading as many childhood vaccines have undergone placebo-controlled trials. Experts argue that requiring such trials for minor vaccine updates would be unnecessarily costly and could stifle vaccine development. This initiative coincides with Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s promotion of misinformation regarding vaccine safety, including the measles vaccine, potentially contributing to the current measles outbreak.
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Award-winning singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, known for her poignant and witty songs addressing social issues, died Thursday at age 66 in a house fire. Her career spanned over three decades, marked by hits like “Supermodel” and “I Kissed a Girl,” and encompassed twelve albums tackling complex themes such as LGBTQ+ rights and the death penalty. Sobule was celebrated for her independent spirit, notably fundraising to produce her own albums after experiencing setbacks with major labels. A memorial will be held later this summer to honor her life and impactful career.
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The expiration of the de minimis exemption, which allowed duty-free import of goods under $800, significantly impacts American consumers. This change eliminates a loophole heavily utilized by Chinese e-commerce sites, leading to substantially increased prices on imported goods due to tariffs as high as 145%. The impact disproportionately affects lower-income households, who relied more heavily on these cheaper imports. While shipping carriers claim preparedness, the long-term effect on consumer spending remains uncertain, especially as prices on sites like Shein and Temu have already begun to rise.
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John Q. Hosedrinker