Among the upcoming cases to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court will be Arizona v. Navajo Nation, No. 21-1484. The case focuses on two issues: Whether the opinion of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, allowing the…
Tag: Policy
Analysis finds most countries are failing to report on and evaluate their AI Initiatives
WASHINGTON (March 13, 2023) – As countries around the world expand their use of artificial intelligence, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has developed the most comprehensive website on AI policy, the OECD.AI Policy Observatory. However, a new paper by…

Louis B. Sohn: An international legal scholar dedicated to human rights
This story is part of a series, called Georgia Groundbreakers, that celebrates innovative and visionary faculty, students, alumni and leaders throughout the history of the University of Georgia – and their profound, enduring impact on our state, our nation and the world. Louis B. Sohn spent his life promoting international law and peace.
American College of Rheumatology: Proposed Rule Will Bring Great Transparency to Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization
The American College of Rheumatology said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Proposed Rule will bring greater transparency, reduce administrative burden, & make turnaround on prior authorization more predictable for payers.
APEC University Leaders’ Forum 2022 Successfully Concludes with High-level Discussions on Preparing for the Next Pandemic
Business leaders, policy makers, and university presidents from APRU, a network of 60 leading research universities from 19 economies around the APEC region, convened at the Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, on 16 November for the APEC University Leaders’ Forum (AULF) 2022, under the theme: “Preventing the Next Pandemic.”
FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Executive Director Receives Prestigious National Science Educator Award
Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute executive director, recently received the Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN) 2022 Science Educator Award at the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego.
Surf’s up (and don’t mind the sharks)
In a new study from the University of South Australia, researchers found that 60 per cent of surfers are not afraid of sharks when surfing, despite more than half of them spotting a shark when out in the water.
English Professor’s Book Probes How Cold War Policies Helped Create Post-Colonial Literature
A new book by Peter Kalliney, William J. and Nina B. Tuggle chair in English in the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts & Sciences, looks at ways in which rival superpowers used cultural diplomacy and the political police to influence writers.
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Launches New Program to Prepare Nurses for Policy Engagement
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) announces a newly created Policy Honors Program for students to gain experience and foundational skills in policy analysis and advocacy to address the nation and world’s most critical health challenges.
Young Americans Cite Respect, Dignity, Tolerance as Core Values, New Poll Reveals
A new poll by the Sine Institute for Policy & Politics at American University offers a positive outlook for the future of American democracy, public policy, and political discourse.
American College of Rheumatology Comments on 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule & Quality Payment Program Rules
In comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the CY 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program proposed rule, the ACR applauded proposals that would provide more flexibility and improve care coordination.
City-based soda pop taxes don’t effectively reduce sugar consumption
As taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages continue to pop up across the U.S. and abroad, public health experts laud their effect on lowering purchases of the calorie-heavy drinks and encouraging healthier habits. But new research from the University of Georgia suggests many soda taxes might actually not be making much of an impact at all when it comes to improving diets and reducing sugar intake.
DOD’s overhaul of U.S. combat operations “fails” to acknowledge role of collateral damage
The Department of Defense released an action plan to help reduce civilian casualties during war. The 36-page plan directs broad changes at every level of military planning, doctrine, training and policy. Paul Lushenko is a doctoral student at Cornell University and co-editor of…
What’s changed in Cuba in the year since the protests?
University of Miami experts versed about the Caribbean nation address what has transpired since the July 11, 2021, anti-government protests.
Study Examines Data Transparency, Health Equity in U.S. COVID-19 Response
State governments varied widely in COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures and how they addressed immediate and long-standing health disparities and associated inequities.
Police Training Needs Urgent Reforms, New Report from American University Reveals
The instructional models that are used to train police officers across the U.S. are in many cases antiquated, inadequate, and in critical need of immediate transformation, according to a new report by American University’s School of Public Affairs.
The George Washington University Partners with Student Defense, Columbia University to Launch Higher Education Research Initiative
Today the George Washington University, along with Student Defense and Columbia University, launched the Postsecondary Equity & Economics Research (PEER) Project.
Rush University Medical Center Mandates COVID-19 Vaccine for Workers
Rush University Medical Center will require all staff, contractors and volunteers to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 1.
Suiting Up to Ensure Safe Environments for All Youth Athletes
The National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute, a joint initiative between the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Sanford Health, launches policy agenda to protect kids participating in sports. The institute to work with state legislators to act on seven critical areas of athlete health.
NCCN Policy Summit Explores How COVID-19 Pandemic Can Lead to Improvements in Cancer Care
NCCN Policy Summit examines the impact of the past year on oncology policy in the U.S., such as resuming recommended screening and clinical trials, applying health innovations from the COVID-19 pandemic to cancer treatment, and addressing systemic inequalities that lead to disparities in outcomes.
People prefer ‘natural’ strategies to reduce atmospheric carbon
A cross-disciplinary collaboration led by Jonathon Schuldt, associate professor of communication at Cornell University, found that a majority of the U.S. public is supportive of soil carbon storage as a climate change mitigation strategy, particularly when that and similar approaches are seen as “natural” strategies.
Grocery taxes put low-income families at risk for food insecurity
Approximately one-third of all U.S. counties do not exempt grocery foods from the general sales tax, which means the lowest-income families living in those areas are most susceptible to food insecurity. New research from Cornell University finds that even a slight grocery tax-rate increase could be problematic for many.
WhatsApp has ‘strong argument’ in India privacy lawsuit
Facebook’s messaging app, WhatsApp, has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government in the Delhi High Court, alleging that the government is forcing the app to violate Indian privacy rights in identifying “first originator of information” at the demand of…
University of Kentucky Study Suggests School Reopenings ‘Substantially’ Increased COVID-19 Spread in Texas
A new study by University of Kentucky researchers estimates the return to in-person learning in Texas last fall led to at least 43,000 additional COVID-19 cases and 800 deaths within the first two months.
Policing Expert Available to Discuss Derek Chauvin Verdict, Police Policy and Californians’ Views on Police Reform
Christine Gardiner, professor of criminal justice at California State University, Fullerton, is available to discuss the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial, policing policy, and results from a California public opinion poll conducted in August of 2020, within months of…

FIGHTING MATERNAL MORTALITY WITH BETTER DATA AND A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP
MITRE’s Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Interactive Dashboard—expanded in both capacity and reach—unleashes new opportunities to address the inequities in maternal health. Our collaboration with the March of Dimes promises even more impact.

A real-life superhero, powered by social work
Social work student Matthew Witt knew early in his college career that he wanted to dedicate his life to helping people navigate through challenges. As an intern with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, Witt has tracked proposed bills during the 2021 session of the West Virginia State Legislature.

Special Ed Suit Against CA, Newsom Settled, Acknowledging Federal and State Law Requires In-Person Services for Students with Special Needs
After the settlement, Governor Newsom unveiled California’s Safe Schools for All Plan, setting the record straight and setting precedent for other states.
Scientists call for migratory bird protections, end of Trump rule
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reaching the end of a public debate on migratory bird protections — a debate that has focused on a Trump administration-imposed restriction to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Trump rule, which the…

The 20 best places to tackle U.S. farm nitrogen pollution
A pioneering study of U.S nitrogen use in agriculture has identified 20 places across the country where farmers, government, and citizens should target nitrogen reduction efforts.
The 20 nitrogen “hotspots of opportunity”–which appear on a striking map–represent a whopping 63% of the total surplus nitrogen balance in U.S. croplands, but only 24% of U.S. cropland area.
Nitrogen inputs are so high in these areas that farmers can most likely reduce nitrogen use without hurting crop yields.
Paid maternity leave has long-term health benefits
A study of women who were new mothers in the late 1970s found that those who were given longer, paid maternity leave lived healthier lives as they entered middle age.

Where Black Americans Will Travel Farther than Whites for COVID-19 Vaccination
Similar to the idea of “food deserts,” many urban Black neighborhoods lack pharmacies, clinics, hospitals or health centers that can administer COVID-19 vaccines. The analysis, including a detailed facility map, points to the places where there is a need for temporary mass vaccination sites.
Food export restrictions by a few countries could skyrocket global food crop prices
Recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, locust infestations, drought and labour shortages have disrupted food supply chains, endangering food security in the process. A study published in Nature Food shows that trade restrictions and stockpiling of supplies by a few key countries could create global food price spikes and severe local food shortages during times of threat.
Rutgers Legal Expert Available to Discuss Environmental, Climate Change Priorities
New Brunswick, N.J. (Jan. 21, 2021) – Rutgers University Professor Cymie R. Payne, an expert on United States and international environmental laws, is available for interviews on how the administration of President Biden can strengthen laws and regulations and efforts to…
Endocrine Society recommends government negotiation and other policies to lower out-of-pocket costs for people with diabetes
The Endocrine Society is calling on policymakers to include government negotiation as part of an overall strategy to reduce insulin prices in its updated position statement published today in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Policing Expert’s Studies Show Proposed Bill to Change Required Age, Education for California Cops has Merit
National and California studies by Christine Gardiner, professor of criminal justice at Cal State Fullerton, show college-educated officers are better at documenting investigation, more technology efficient, and may be less resistant to organizational change.

Scientists Set a Path for Field Trials of Gene Drive Organisms
A broad coalition that includes UC San Diego scientists sets commitments for field trials of powerful gene drive technology. The multidisciplinary group encourages trials that are safe, transparent and ethical.
Discriminatory policies threaten care for transgender, gender diverse individuals
The Endocrine Society and the Pediatric Endocrine Society oppose legislative efforts to block transgender and gender diverse individuals from accessing gender-affirming medical and surgical care, the two medical societies said in a joint policy perspective published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Vilsack to ‘hit the ground running’ on USDA pandemic priorities
President-elect Joseph Biden has selected Tom Vilsack to serve as Agriculture Secretary, which would return Vilsack to a role he held for eight years in the Obama administration. Andrew Novaković is a Cornell University emeritus professor of agricultural economics and an agriculture and…
Rutgers Institute for Health Receives $10M to Study Health and Well-Being in New Jersey
The Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research has received $10 million in funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Rutgers University to support the New Jersey Population Health Cohort study – the largest study to date to explore factors that influence health and well-being in New Jersey.
The Future of Internet Freedom: Policy, Technology, and Emerging Threats
A virtual panel at American University will discuss the future of Internet freedom.
Ultraprocessed Food: Addictive, Toxic, and Ready for Regulation
Abstract Past public health crises (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, opioids, cholera, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lead, pollution, venereal disease, even coronavirus (COVID-19) have been met with interventions targeted both at the individual and all of society. While the healthcare community is…
Bringing U.S. health spending in line with other nations an ‘unprecedented’ challenge
When it comes to how much Americans spend on health care, the U.S. would have to achieve “unprecedented” spending declines to come into parity with other wealthy nations, finds a study in the December issue of AJPH. To conduct the study,…
U.S. support for safety net policies up during the pandemic
Public support for social safety net policies went up during the early days of the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak, finds a study published in December in AJPH. From April 7-13, researchers fielded a representative online survey of nearly 1,500 U.S. adults, asking…
The GovLab launches collective intelligence to solve public problems
A new report from The Governance Lab at NYU Tandon has found organizations that tap the wisdom of the crowd are better at solving many of the problems that trouble governments, including those exacerbated by COVID-19, to sustainable development, climate change and disaster response.
The report, entitled Using Collective Intelligence to Solve Public Problems, examined global examples of how public institutions are using new technology to take advantage of the collective action and collective wisdom of people in their communities and around the world to address problems like climate change, loneliness and natural disaster response. The GovLab has also published 30 case studies

Women’s Incomes Improve When Democrats Hold Public Office, Study Finds
New research from the University of California San Diego reveals that Democratic control of state houses leads to substantial improvement in women’s incomes, wages and unemployment relative to men.

Gardner Institute releases 2020 Report to the Community, marks five years of service
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute today released its 2020 Report to the Community, a collection of research highlights, testimonials, student experiences, and community events that celebrate the five-year history of the Institute.
The GovLab and the IDB bring innovative ideas to Latin American government officials
The Governance Lab at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) share the results of the first two “Smarter Crowdsourcing in the Age of Coronavirus” online sessions

Statement: Science Must Drive Clinical Practice, Public Health Policy
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has released a position statement calling for all healthcare decision-making to be anchored in the best scientific evidence available. The statement reinforces nursing professionals’ commitment to following the best evidence possible to provide care for patients and families.
Achieving clean air for all is possible
A new study shows that it is possible to achieve clean air worldwide with fundamental transformations of today’s practices in many sectors, supported by strong political will.