Targeted News Service

PERKASIE, Pennsylvania, Sept. 6 -- The Pearl S. Buck International, an organization that says it bridges cultures and changes lives through humanitarian aid, intercultural education and historical tours of the Pearl S. Buck House, a National Historic Landmark museum, issued the following news on Sept. 5, 2024:

Pearl S. Buck International will once again be offering international cultural tours with a Mekong River Cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2026.

Serving Children in Need in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the overseas countries in which Pearl S. Buck International works, providing humanitarian ... Show Full Article PERKASIE, Pennsylvania, Sept. 6 -- The Pearl S. Buck International, an organization that says it bridges cultures and changes lives through humanitarian aid, intercultural education and historical tours of the Pearl S. Buck House, a National Historic Landmark museum, issued the following news on Sept. 5, 2024: Pearl S. Buck International will once again be offering international cultural tours with a Mekong River Cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2026. Serving Children in Need in Vietnam Vietnam is one of the overseas countries in which Pearl S. Buck International works, providing humanitarianaid to marginalized and impoverished children in the form of nutrition, education, health care, livelihood, and psycho-social support. This aid is provided through child sponsorship, project funding, and gift catalog opportunities. In Vietnam, Pearl S. Buck International works with children, many of whom have developmental disabilities or who are living with HIV/AIDS, living in six orphanages in the Hanoi region.

Enjoy Cultural, Natural, and Historical Experiences and Opportunity to Visit Sponsored Children

During the cruise, which will make stops at Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampong Cham among other places in the two countries, guests will enjoy cultural, natural, and historical experiences. The river cruise journey along the Mekong will include a Pearl S. Buck International host. There will also be a post-cruise opportunity to visit the children served by Pearl S. Buck International Vietnam whose lives have been impacted by the generosity of child sponsors.

Promotional Pricing Available Through September 30

This trip, which is being organized by Merge Travel, will be February 23-March 2, 2026. While this is a special opportunity for Pearl S. Buck International sponsors of Vietnamese children to visit their children and learn more about the country and the work being done there, this trip is open to the public. Special promotional pricing is available through September 30, 2024. For more information go to https://mergetravelco.com/mekong-river-cruise.

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Pearl S. Buck International(R) provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark Home.

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Original text here: https://pearlsbuck.org/cultural-tours-return-to-psbi-with-2026-mekong-river-cruise/

New surgical hubs could speed up efforts to tackle hospital waiting lists, research finds

LONDON, England, Sept. 5 -- The Health Foundation issued the following news release:

New research by the Health Foundation provides the first robust causal evidence that NHS surgical hubs increase treatment volumes and reduce the length of time patients spend in hospital. By delivering more operations in a shorter time, they could speed up efforts to tackle waiting lists.

Surgical hubs are dedicated units within NHS trusts that aim to improve productivity, reduce cancelled operations and enable people to be discharged from hospital more quickly by ring-fencing staff and resources for planned ... Show Full Article LONDON, England, Sept. 5 -- The Health Foundation issued the following news release: New research by the Health Foundation provides the first robust causal evidence that NHS surgical hubs increase treatment volumes and reduce the length of time patients spend in hospital. By delivering more operations in a shorter time, they could speed up efforts to tackle waiting lists. Surgical hubs are dedicated units within NHS trusts that aim to improve productivity, reduce cancelled operations and enable people to be discharged from hospital more quickly by ring-fencing staff and resources for plannedsurgery. There are currently 108 surgical hubs operating across the country, with a further 26 due to open by the end of 2025.

Our research found:

In their first year, the 31 trusts in England with newly opened hubs undertook 21.9% more high volume low complexity elective surgery (such as hip replacements and cataract removals) than they would have done without a hub. This amounts to around 29,000 more procedures than expected at these trusts during this time. In the year following the last COVID lockdown, the 23 trusts which had established a hub pre-pandemic undertook 11.2% more elective surgery (of all kinds) than they would have done without a hub. This amounts to around 51,000 more procedures than expected at these trusts between April 2021 and March 2022.

As well as higher treatment volumes, we found evidence of shorter stays in hospital, suggesting that hubs also have the potential to improve efficiency in elective care delivery.

In June this year, the waiting list stood at 7.6 million cases (6.4 million people), with 1.2 million cases waiting for elective surgery. Progress in reducing that number had stalled under the previous government. The new Labour government has made putting the NHS 'back on its feet' a priority and previously pledged within the first parliament most patients will start treatment within 18 weeks.

The Health Foundation's research examined the impact of surgical hubs on the rate of operations carried out by NHS trusts, comparing those that had recently established a hub and those that had had a hub set up since before the pandemic, with what would have happened without hubs in place.

Charles Tallack, Director of Data Analytics at the Health Foundation said:

'With the waiting list in England standing at 7.6 million, 1 in 9 people are waiting for care they need often with worry, pain or discomfort. It is therefore vital that we understand and implement the most effective ways of reducing the backlog of care. The NHS has sought to decrease waiting times by setting up surgical hubs to increase access to operations.

'Our research provides the first robust causal evidence that elective surgical hubs can significantly increase the number of patients treated and reduce the length of time they spend in hospital. With the new government having staked its credibility on tackling the NHS waiting list, our research suggests that surgical hubs could play an important role in helping to deliver on this.'

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Original text here: https://www.health.org.uk/news-and-comment/news/new-surgical-hubs-could-speed-up-efforts-to-tackle-hospital-waiting-lists

New grants boost OMRF, early-career scientists

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 5 -- The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation issued the following news:

Four postdoctoral researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation recently received grants to continue their paths toward establishing independent research programs.

Postdoctoral researchers, or postdocs, are early-career scientists who have earned their doctorates but have not yet established their own laboratories. These grants, from public and private funding entities, are crucial for the postdocs and for OMRF alike, said Vice President of Research Courtney Griffin, Ph.D.

"For the ... Show Full Article OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 5 -- The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation issued the following news: Four postdoctoral researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation recently received grants to continue their paths toward establishing independent research programs. Postdoctoral researchers, or postdocs, are early-career scientists who have earned their doctorates but have not yet established their own laboratories. These grants, from public and private funding entities, are crucial for the postdocs and for OMRF alike, said Vice President of Research Courtney Griffin, Ph.D. "For thepostdoc, simply applying for these grants provides invaluable experience in grant writing, which is something they'll do frequently when they get their own lab," Griffin said. "Funding begets funding, and the earlier you can establish yourself as a bankable commodity, the better."

For OMRF, postdoc grants pay for vital research that otherwise might remain unfunded ideas. These grants also serve as a recruiting tool, Griffin said. "It's in our DNA to train the next generation of scientists, but on top of that, their success builds our brand as a place where postdocs get funded."

Sunhye Jeong, Ph.D., received a three-year, $238,932 grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. Jeong's research aims to better understand myofibroblasts, which can generate excessive scar tissue as wounds heal. Her grant is No. 1F32AR083823-01A1.

Eric Ma, Ph.D., will study a main cause of diabetes-related vision disorders, thanks to a two-year, $144,500 grant from the American Heart Association. Ma hopes to discover a path toward new preventive therapies for these vision disorders.

Paulo Mesquita, Ph.D., has received a $100,000 Catalyst Award from the American Lung Association. He hopes to better understand muscle atrophy in the diaphragm, a sometimes-deadly side effect of hospital ventilator use, particularly in older people. He will investigate whether an existing drug called rapamycin effectively treats or prevents this condition.

With a two-year, $126,000 grant, Colleen O'Reilly, Ph.D., will investigate metformin, the world's most popular diabetes drug. Metformin is recognized for extending the period diabetics remain free of chronic disease, but the effect on healthy people is less clear. O'Reilly will investigate the interaction of metformin and aerobic exercise to understand who will benefit from the drug and who won't.

O'Reilly's grant, No. 1F32AG087622-01, was awarded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

In addition to funding, O'Reilly said the grant provided confirmation that her work is on the right scientific trajectory. "You're always wondering whether your ideas are good enough to continue a path in science," she said. "So, when a review committee says that not only is my idea is good enough, but that they're going to fund it, wow!"

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Original text here: https://omrf.org/2024/09/05/new-grants-boost-omrf-early-career-scientists/

Massive Baltimore Harbor Fish Kill Highlights Need for Further Pollution Reduction

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 5 -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation issued the following news release:

Seasonal temperature changes combined with polluted water, algal blooms, and dead zones, created deadly conditions for fish in the Baltimore Harbor on Wednesday, September 4. State officials identified roughly 24,000 dead fish in the Harbor, mostly menhaden. Menhaden are a key species in Chesapeake Bay food chains, but concerns are mounting over their numbers in the Bay.

Baltimore Harbor educators with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) observed the dense algal bloom on Tuesday, noticing the water's ... Show Full Article ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 5 -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation issued the following news release: Seasonal temperature changes combined with polluted water, algal blooms, and dead zones, created deadly conditions for fish in the Baltimore Harbor on Wednesday, September 4. State officials identified roughly 24,000 dead fish in the Harbor, mostly menhaden. Menhaden are a key species in Chesapeake Bay food chains, but concerns are mounting over their numbers in the Bay. Baltimore Harbor educators with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) observed the dense algal bloom on Tuesday, noticing the water'sstark change in color and sulfur-like smell. On Wednesday, mounds of floating dead fish followed.

While small fish kills are a natural occurrence during seasonal changes--when days are warm and nights are cold--this magnitude is alarming. To compare, in late August a similar algal bloom killed approximately 1,700 fish.

Thermal inversion in the water column, which contributed to this fish kill, occurs when cooler, denser water sinks to the Harbor bottom, and lifts up warmer water and sulfur bacteria. These bacteria photosynthesize like plants, but consume oxygen rather than producing it, and release the "rotten-egg" smell currently permeating the Harbor.

At the same time, algae have been thriving on a diet of nutrient-rich stormwater runoff and pollution, and enjoying waters warmed by climate change. A recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that, despite improvements in many clean water metrics, Maryland is failing to make progress on stormwater remediation, holding back progress on overall Bay health and contributing to the possibility of additional fish kill events.

Though thermal inversions, sulfur bacteria, and algae occur naturally, their impact on Harbor life is greatly exacerbated by pollution and climate change. Having to combat stressors from all angles, both natural and man-made, makes fish highly vulnerable. Climate change and pollution only make these conditions worse.

Gussie Maguire, CBF Maryland Staff Scientist, issued the following statement:

"It's crucial that we limit further stressors on our beloved aquatic species. Menhaden are the bedrock of the Bay ecosystem, supporting many other species' diets. They already face immense pressure from industrial fishing lower in the Chesapeake Bay. Reducing nutrient pollution from stormwater runoff in Maryland would help expand habitat for these critically important fish. Right now, the Bay's menhaden are pinched between industrial fishing and dead zones.

"Earlier this year, an EPA progress report showed that Maryland has made zero progress on reducing polluted stormwater runoff from entering our waterways. Pollution from stormwater has outpaced any management improvements due to increased development pressure and more intense rainfall from climate change. If our regulations remain par for the course, wildlife and people will continue to suffer."

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Original text here: http://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2024/maryland/massive-baltimore-harbor-fish-kill-highlights-need-for-further-pollution-reduction.html

Federalism is the answer

ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Public Policy Foundation issued the following news release:

"Our federal government simply tries to do too much and does most of it poorly."

This critique was given by former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey at the State Policy Network's recent Annual Meeting. (SPN is a national alliance of state-based think tanks, such as the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, which promotes free-market solutions and limited government.)

With this direct criticism, Ducey set the stage for a discussion on the importance of federalism the distribution of government power between ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Public Policy Foundation issued the following news release: "Our federal government simply tries to do too much and does most of it poorly." This critique was given by former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey at the State Policy Network's recent Annual Meeting. (SPN is a national alliance of state-based think tanks, such as the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, which promotes free-market solutions and limited government.) With this direct criticism, Ducey set the stage for a discussion on the importance of federalism the distribution of government power betweenthe federal government and the states. This was a central concern for the Founding Fathers as they sought to balance power between the states and the national government, and it remains a crucial issue today.Throughout the discussion, Ducey emphasized that states should take charge of their own policies, fostering innovation and better results.

His success in Arizona provides a strong example of how federalism can drive significant improvements at the state level.

First, Ducey highlighted Arizona's success with universal school choice. "This is the biggest opportunity across the country. This is the biggest game that there is." Ducey said, pointing out that education often takes up the largest chunk of state budgets. He explained how, after years of effort, Arizona became the first state to pass universal school choice in 2022, giving families more control over their children's education.

"It took all of eight years to get this done," Ducey shared, reflecting on the difficult road to success. The initiative was first rejected in 2017 when it was put to voters and "crushed 65 to 35." Instead of throwing in the towel, Ducey and his team doubled down, improving their messaging. "If there was a silver lining to COVID-19, it was universal school choice. Because the parents saw what their children were learning and being taught--and not being taught--via these remote screens," he explained.

Ducey's eventual success caught like wildfire. "Arizona passed universal school choice in 2022; eleven other states have passed it today," he said. Like breaking the four-minute mile, Ducey suggested, once one state does it, others realize it's possible too.

But innovation doesn't stop here, it should be a whole governing method. The former governor explained that letting states try out new policies allows them to find the best solutions. "Let the states innovate. Let them try new things. If it's a bad idea, it will be obvious to all and will not spread," he argued. This type of quick trial and error simply can't be done as effectively at the federal level.

During his time as governor, Ducey additionally focused on making Arizona's government smaller and more effective. Instead of cutting jobs outright, he used attrition to reduce the size of government while reallocating resources where they were needed most, like public safety and child services. This approach shows that it's possible to streamline and reduce governmental power without sacrificing quality.

The former governor also spoke about the long-term importance of appointing judges who understand the Constitution. "Judicial selection is one of the most important things that any governor can do," he said. "I wanted to know if they understood the separation of powers and limited government... What I really was trying to get to the bottom of is: did they want to be a legislator? Did they want to be a governor? Did they want to be a congressman? Did they want to be a senator, or did they want to be a justice?" he explained."Federalism is so much the answer forward for what troubles us in this country," Ducey argued. He also pointed out that both Republican and Democratic governors are frustrated with federal overreach. "I do think it would be for the conservatives to lead this charge," Ducey said, but he also noted that many Democratic governors share concerns about Washington's overreach.Policy innovation may be even more possible today, because according to Ducey, public opinion on the government is changing. There was a stark contrast in governing approaches that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ducey explained, particularly in how states handled lockdowns and mandates. "I think the country now understands conservative leadership versus Democratic leadership," Ducey said, noting that Democratic states were defined by top-down, one-size-fits-all restrictions. He added, "Democratic leadership was defined by lockdown, by top-down, one-size-fits-all dictates from either the state house or from D.C." In contrast, he emphasized that conservative states focused on empowering individuals and local communities, allowing for more tailored and flexible responses that prioritized freedom and personal responsibility.

Ducey's message is clear: by allowing states to act as "laboratories of democracy," the entire country can benefit from the policies that work--and learn from those that don't.

Georgia has a tremendous opportunity to achieve the same success that Arizona has seen under Ducey's leadership. By embracing federalism and putting power back in the hands of local communities, Georgia can further innovate in areas like education reform, government efficiency and judicial integrity. If Georgia prioritizes policies that limit federal overreach and focuses on empowering families, cutting waste, and fostering innovation, Georgians can experience even greater freedom, growth and prosperity. But this all will come with a government that is closer to the people--smaller, smarter and more accountable. The path to success is clear. Georgia just needs to seize it.

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Original text here: https://www.georgiapolicy.org/news/federalism-is-the-answer/

AT&T Employees Nationwide Continue Winning Efforts to Remove Unwanted CWA Union Bosses Imposed Through 'Card Check'

SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Sept. 5 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued the following news release:

Mississippi & Louisiana In-Home Experts from AT&T Mobility locations across Mississippi and Louisiana have joined together to file petitions seeking elections to remove Communications Workers of America (CWA) union officials from power in their workplaces. The two groups of AT&T employees seek to join with hundreds of other AT&T workers in California, Tennessee and Texas who have already won their efforts to remove the CWA. All five groups of employees received free legal aid ... Show Full Article

2025 College Free Speech Rankings expose threats to First Amendment rights on campus

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Sept. 5 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression issued the following news release:

Sept. 5, 2024 This year's College Free Speech Rankings released today by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and College Pulse offer comprehensive insights into the state of free speech on America's college campuses.

The largest report of its kind, the rankings draw from more than 58,000 student responses representing more than 250 colleges and universities nationwide. The report arrives at a time when protest over the Israel-Hamas war has put campus speech ... Show Full Article

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