Targeted News Service

ST. PAUL, Minnesota, May 5 -- The National Council on Family Relations issued the following news on May 4, 2026:

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Online Now: New NCFR Journal Research

Read 19 New Early-View Articles Published April 26-May 2

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Keep up with the latest research from NCFR's three scholarly journals -- Journal of Marriage and Family (JMF), Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Science (FR), and Journal of Family Theory & Review (JFTR).

Most Recent Journal Issues:

JMF April 2026 issue (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/17413737/2026/88/2): Includes articles on financial and childcare ... Show Full Article

Feinstein Institutes Research Unlocks Two Distinct Paths to Severe Fetal Anemia, Revealing New Therapeutic Targets

NEW HYDE PARK, New York, May 5 -- Northwell Health issued the following news release:

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Feinstein Institutes research unlocks two distinct paths to severe fetal anemia, revealing new therapeutic targets

The study, published in Nature Communications, unravels mysteries of rare blood disorder

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A new study led by scientists at Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has revealed that defects in different ribosomal proteins lead to a rare blood disorder called Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBAS) through surprisingly different pathways. This discovery helps explain ... Show Full Article NEW HYDE PARK, New York, May 5 -- Northwell Health issued the following news release: * * * Feinstein Institutes research unlocks two distinct paths to severe fetal anemia, revealing new therapeutic targets The study, published in Nature Communications, unravels mysteries of rare blood disorder * A new study led by scientists at Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has revealed that defects in different ribosomal proteins lead to a rare blood disorder called Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBAS) through surprisingly different pathways. This discovery helps explainwhy patients with DBAS can experience varied symptoms and could lead to more personalized treatments.

DBAS is a serious congenital disorder where the body struggles to produce enough red blood cells, causing severe anemia. It's often linked to problems with ribosomal proteins (RPs), which are essential for making new proteins in every cell. However, issues with specific RPs may lead to such severe blood cell problems and why the disorder varies among patients has been a long-standing puzzle for doctors and scientists.

Published in Nature Communications and led by Lionel Blanc, PhD, professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and Les Nelkin Professor of Pediatric Oncology, the research team used advanced mouse models to study two different ribosomal proteins often implicated in DBAS: RPS19 and RPL5. While both problems resulted in severe anemia in the animal models, they affected developing blood cells in very different ways:

* RPS19 problems: Caused a drastic reduction in early blood-forming stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These vital starter cells for all blood production died off through a process called apoptosis, which is like a cell's programmed self-destruct sequence. This was also linked to an increase in a gene called RUNX1.

* RPL5 problems: Did not harm the early blood-forming cells as much. Instead, the issues arose later in the development of red blood cells. These more mature red blood cell precursors died off through a different, more chaotic process called ferroptosis, which involves excessive iron and oxidative stress.

Unlocking tailored treatments for Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBAS)

Both types of RP problems activated p53, a critical guardian gene in cells that can stop growth or trigger cell death if something is wrong. Interestingly, the researchers found that simply removing p53 could rescue the blood production in both mouse models, but through different mechanisms. This suggests that p53 acts as a key player, but the specific RP defect steers the p53 response towards either apoptosis or ferroptosis, depending on the cell type and stage of development.

"This study provides crucial insights into the complex biology of DBAS," said Dr. Blanc. "By understanding these distinct pathways of cell death and the roles of genes like RUNX1, we can begin to think about developing more precise and effective treatments tailored to the specific genetic defect in each patient."

The findings, which also confirmed similar elevated RUNX1 levels in human DBAS patients with RPS gene mutations, mark a significant step forward in understanding how ribosomal proteins regulate blood cell development and contribute to disease pathogenesis. This detailed mechanistic understanding could pave the way for future therapies that target these specific pathways.

"Dr. Blanc and his colleague's research is an example of how understanding fundamental biology can unlock mysteries in complex diseases," said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes, Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. "By showing that different ribosomal protein defects lead to distinct cellular death pathways in Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, they are building a roadmap to develop precise, personalized treatments for patients suffering from this rare blood disorder."

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Original text here: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/news/the-latest/feinstein-institutes-research-unlocks-two-distinct-paths-to-severe-fetal-anemia

[Category: Health Care]

Environmental Defense Fund: Midwestern Families on the Hook for $180 Million to Keep Michigan Coal Plant Open Under Trump Administration's Mandates

NEW YORK, May 5 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on May 4, 2026:

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Midwestern families on the hook for $180 million to keep Michigan coal plant open under Trump administration's mandates

EDF Statement from Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel for U.S. Clean Energy

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(WASHINGTON, D.C.) New filings from Consumers Energy show that consumers will be on the hook for $180 million in additional costs (and counting) as a result of the Trump administration's mandates to continue operating the J.H. Campbell coal plant past its May 2025 retirement. Consumers Energy ... Show Full Article

Civil Rights Groups File Emergency Federal Challenge to Louisiana Officials' Attempt to Suspend Election Already Underway

WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Political] -- The League of Women Voters issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:

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Civil Rights Groups File Emergency Federal Challenge to Louisiana Officials' Attempt to Suspend Election Already Underway

BATON ROUGE, LA -- A group of individual voters, the League of Women Voters of Louisiana, and the League of Women Voters of Louisiana Education Fund today filed an emergency lawsuit in federal court seeking to block Secretary of State Nancy Landry's implementation of Governor Jeff Landry's unlawful executive order that attempts to suspend Louisiana's ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Political] -- The League of Women Voters issued the following news release on May 4, 2026: * * * Civil Rights Groups File Emergency Federal Challenge to Louisiana Officials' Attempt to Suspend Election Already Underway BATON ROUGE, LA -- A group of individual voters, the League of Women Voters of Louisiana, and the League of Women Voters of Louisiana Education Fund today filed an emergency lawsuit in federal court seeking to block Secretary of State Nancy Landry's implementation of Governor Jeff Landry's unlawful executive order that attempts to suspend Louisiana'scongressional House primary elections after voting had already begun.

Secretary Landry's action seeks to discard Louisiana's congressional map in a manner that disenfranchises tens of thousands of Louisiana voters who have already voted. Plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Louisiana, Legal Defense Fund, and the Harvard Law School Race and Law Clinic.

Plaintiffs and counsel released the following joint statement:

"This illegal executive order threatens the integrity of our democratic system and disregards the voices of voters who have already participated in the May primary election in good faith. By attempting to suspend an ongoing election, state officials are creating confusion, undermining public trust, and placing partisan interests above the constitutional rights of Louisiana voters. Black voters and communities that have long fought for equal political representation should not be forced to bear the burden of unlawful power grabs designed to silence their voices. Elections belong to the people -- not to politicians seeking to manipulate the rules."

The executive order follows the US Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which eviscerated federal protections for voters of color and struck down Louisiana's congressional map that had provided Black voters a meaningful opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

The complaint is here (https://www.lwv.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/5.4.26%20Bernard-v.-Landry-Complaint-.pdf).

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Original text here: https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/civil-rights-groups-file-emergency-federal-challenge-louisiana-officials

Americans for Tax Reform: Governor McKee Seeks to Reinstate Costly and Wasteful Truck-Only Toll Program

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on May 4, 2026, by Jack Guidi:

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Governor McKee Seeks to Reinstate Costly and Wasteful Truck-Only Toll Program

Despite claiming "affordability" as a key theme of his reelection campaign, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee's legislative proposals in the 2026 session tell a far different story.

As part of the Governor's budget proposal, he's calling for a one-time reduction in the 2-cent motor fuel hike enacted by the General Assembly last year. While this move on its own may seem like an opportunity to let Rhode Islanders ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 5 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on May 4, 2026, by Jack Guidi: * * * Governor McKee Seeks to Reinstate Costly and Wasteful Truck-Only Toll Program Despite claiming "affordability" as a key theme of his reelection campaign, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee's legislative proposals in the 2026 session tell a far different story. As part of the Governor's budget proposal, he's calling for a one-time reduction in the 2-cent motor fuel hike enacted by the General Assembly last year. While this move on its own may seem like an opportunity to let Rhode Islanderspay less at the pump, the impact is dwarfed by other aspects of his proposal.

Specifically, his budget proposal calls for reinstating truck-only tolls, a program that was put on hold in 2022 after being struck down by a District Court judge. Fiscal estimates show that reinstatement of these tolls will cost $10 million in the 2027 fiscal year and would be even higher at $40 million annually thereafter.

The foundation of the US economy is trucking. Daily restocking of grocery stores, next-day delivery services, manufacturing, hospital equipment, etc. Our modern economy is built on the backs of tractor trailers. Increasing the costs they pay, at a time when Americans are already struggling with higher prices no less, will only lead to higher prices and increased costs for consumers.

These tolls were meant to serve as a means to fund infrastructure yet results from the years in which the program was active show the program is costly and inefficient. According to recent analysis from Anchor Rising, between 2018 and 2022 the toll program cost the state nearly $74 million to operate. It brought in an estimated $96 million, netting the state roughly $22 million in revenue. However, roughly 77% of this money went right back into paying for the program's operating expenses. The state was left with a measly $5 million for infrastructure projects, what was said to be the primary purpose of implementing the program in the first place.

This is to say nothing of the legal fees and continued operating expenses the state took on as the program was on hold.

The truck toll program has been a costly boondoggle for Rhode Island. Governor McKee is trying to soften the blow of higher costs through a one-time reduction of the gas tax. This token reduction in fuel tax is inconsequential when compared to the increased costs that all Rhode Islanders will feel if uncapped, truck-tolls are reinstated.

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Original text here: https://atr.org/governor-mckee-seeks-to-reinstate-costly-and-wasteful-truck-only-toll-program/

[Category: Political]

Whitehead AI Fellow Na Sun Receives a National Institutes of Health Director's Early Independence Award

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 5 -- The Whitehead Institute issued the following news:

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Whitehead AI Fellow Na Sun receives a National Institutes of Health Director's Early Independence Award

Whitehead Institute AI Fellow Na Sun has received a 2026 NIH Director's Early Independence Award, which will support her research using artificial intelligence to study how cells communicate across tissues and organs in health and disease.

At Whitehead Institute, Sun develops advanced computational methods to analyze large-scale biological datasets and decode how cells interact in living tissues. Her ... Show Full Article CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 5 -- The Whitehead Institute issued the following news: * * * Whitehead AI Fellow Na Sun receives a National Institutes of Health Director's Early Independence Award Whitehead Institute AI Fellow Na Sun has received a 2026 NIH Director's Early Independence Award, which will support her research using artificial intelligence to study how cells communicate across tissues and organs in health and disease. At Whitehead Institute, Sun develops advanced computational methods to analyze large-scale biological datasets and decode how cells interact in living tissues. Herwork integrates machine-learning models with targeted genetic experiments to identify key communication pathways between cells and test how specific genetic changes alter gene activity, molecular and cell behaviors, particularly in brain disorders.

The Early Independence Award will support the continued development of Sun's computational frameworks, as well as experiments designed to connect cell-cell communication to tissue organization and disease-associated genetic variation.

A component of the National Institutes of Health's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, the Early Independence Award is granted to a small number of exceptionally promising early-career scientists, providing $250,000 per year in direct research funding for five years to launch fully independent research programs at an early stage of their careers.

"This funding and support will give our lab more flexibility to pursue ambitious ideas that we are genuinely excited about," Sun says. "Receiving this award gave me confidence to develop new directions while continuing to build on our existing projects with renewed energy."

Sun earned a bachelor's degree in life science and a master's degree in bioinformatics and developmental biology before completing her PhD in computer science at MIT, where she focused on computational biology. She established her lab at Whitehead Institute in 2024 as its inaugural AI Fellow.

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The Sun Lab is developing advanced machine learning models to study communication between cells.

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Original text here: https://wi.mit.edu/news/whitehead-ai-fellow-na-sun-receives-national-institutes-health-director-s-early-independence

[Category: Healthcare]

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