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Death of ‘Parasite’ Star Highlights South Korea’s Crackdown on Drugs (New York Times, December 2023) Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm (SSW & CISS Affiliate) comments on the crackdown on drugs in South Korea.
Neoliberalism and Education (The American Prospect, December 2023) Cathie Jo Martin (CAS, Political Science & CISS Affiliate) speaks with Robert Kuttner about the roots of a neoliberal versus a more social view of education.
Vermont’s Unwelcome Distinction: Residents known for Being ‘Green’ Spew Out More Greenhouse Gases (Boston Globe, December 2023) Benjamin Sovacool (CAS, Earth & Environment, director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, & CISS Affiliate) comments on “green” residents and greenhouse gas creation.
Presidential historian thinks Trump ballot ruling could also affect Biden (WCVB, December 2023) Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences) speaks about the significance of the Trump ruling and whether it could make any difference.
‘I Haven’t Slept in a Year’: Grieving Family Members Advocate for Medical Civil Rights Bill (MassLive, December 2023) Christopher Robertson (LAW & CISS affiliate) comments on the need for a medical civil rights bill.
China Turns to Households in Fight to Slash Carbon Emissions (Reuters, November 2023) Benjamin Sovacool (CAS, Earth & Environment, director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, & CISS Affiliate) comments on China’s efforts to slash carbon emissions.
China Offers Citizens Incentives to Slash Carbon Emissions (Business Day, November 2023) Benjamin Sovacool (CAS, Earth & Environment, director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, & CISS Affiliate) comments on China offering citizens incentives to slash carbon emissions.
After a Lifetime Together, Surviving Spouses Can Be Vulnerable in Grief (CNN, November 27, 2023). Professor Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) discusses spousal grief after very long-term marriages like Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter.
The Disability Care Crisis and Direct Care Jobs (Psychology Today, November 2023) Nazli Kibria (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) offers a personal perspective on the devaluation of direct care workers and how that is creating a care system crisis.
‘Rabies Is Nearly Fatal’: Many Local Dog Owners Hesitant About Mandatory Vaccine, Study Finds (Boston 25 News, November 2023) Matthew Motta (SPH & CISS Affiliate) comments on the increase of wildlife in urban areas, and the resultant potential of spreading diseases, such as rabies.
In California Schools, Palestinian History Is Off–Limits (The Nation, November 2023) “What does it mean if we’re not recognizing Palestine as a place?” Heba Gowayed (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) is quoted asking.
Why This Widespread Form of Homelessness Is Often Overlooked And Unsupported (PBS News Hour, November 2023) Molly Richard‘s (CISS Postdoctoral Fellow) research on “doubled-up homelessness”, those in a temporary housing situation such as with a friend or family member, quotes more than 1 percent of the entire U.S. population doubled-up homeless on any night in 2019.
Suddenly We’re Talking About ‘Deflation.’ Here’s What That Means for You (The Messenger, November 2023) According to Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) “…we may be stuck with an inflation rate in the 3s for too long.”
The Secret to Finding Love After 60. (Wall Street Journal, November 12, 2023). Professor Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) weighs in on older women’s goals for their new romantic relationships.
Five Oldster Rom Coms That Are Actually Sexy. (Oprah Daily, November 6, 2023). Professor Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) describes the unique attributes of older romantic couples.
When Did Humans Start Waging Wars? Organized warfare appears to have started in the Neolithic Age and then ramped up during the Bronze Age. (History.Com, November 2023) Luke Glowacki (CAS, Anthropology) is quoted about early humans efforts to engage in warfare.
New York City Is Enforcing A ‘de Facto Ban’ on Airbnb. Will Travelers Be Better Off Without It? (Insider, November 2023) Makarand Mody (SHA & CISS Affiliate) comments on New York City’s new regulations on Airbnb.
The Best Way to Convince Healthy People to Get Insurance Is Not ‘Because It’s in Your Financial Interest’ (STAT, November 2023) According to Christopher Robertson (LAW & CISS affiliate) and his co-author, individual responsibility and community messages were the most effective in getting people to enroll in an insurance policy.
Explainer: Can Solar Geoengineering Stop Global Warming? (Reuters, November 2023) Scientists are studying whether atmospheric geoengineering could help limit climate warming, such as marine cloud brightening which Benjamin Sovacool (CAS, Earth & Environment, director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, & CISS Affiliate) states would be less intrusive and less potentially damaging than stratospheric aerosol injection, but could be more expensive and too energy-intensive.
In East Texas, Living with Diabetes and No Health Insurance (Tyler Morning Telegraph, November 2023) Timothy Callaghan (SPH & CISS Affiliate) is quoted clarifying that health insurance encourages users to seek health care sooner than later.
Taylor Swift Headed to This Law School, In Theory (Reuters, November 2023) “…students tend to be more engaged when they study subjects such as sports, new technology and celebrities,” according to professor Jessica Silbey (LAW & CISS Affiliate), who covers the singer’s album rerecordings in her copyright class to teach about contract law in the music business.
Menstrual Care Product Companies’ Crusade Against ‘Tampon Tax’ Falls Short of Meaningful Progress (Ms. Magazine, October 2023) Graduate student Bahar Aldanmaz Fidan (GRS, Sociology) argues “If we want to make meaningful change, we must broaden the scope of menstrual activism beyond just the product and its taxation.”
Elvis? Madonna? Michael Jackson? What Makes Taylor Swift the Pop Icon She Is? (BU Today, November 2023) Attorney Jessica Silbey (LAW & CISS Affiliate) comments on the Taylor Swift’s “really impressive business maneuver”, the remaking of her earlier albums and the copyright laws that make that possible.
A Slow Killer: East Texans Are Diagnosed With Diabetes at a Higher Rate Than The National Average (Texas Tribune, November 2023) Timothy Callaghan (SPH & CISS Affiliate) speaks to the importance of health insurance.
Bariatric Surgery at 16 (New York Times, October 2023) The research of Andrew Stokes (SPH, Global Health & CISS Affiliate) in obesity and death rates is highlighted in the discussion of those under 18 years of age and bariatric surgery.
Only Newsom Can Go to China? California Governor Takes His Show on the Road (Washington Examiner, October 2023) California Governor Gavin Newson’s recent trip to China is an effort to elevate the governor’s political status, according to Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences), “building a foreign policy resume not unlike George W. Bush…” did.
Will Social Security Be There for Me when I Retire? Here’s How the Agency’s Chief Actuary answers that Common Question (CNBC, October 2023) Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) offers his expertise on social security and why its generally best to wait to claim retirement benefits.
States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring (Wallet Hub, October 2023) Laurence A. Bloom Professor of Economics Kevin Lang (CAS, Economics & CISS Affiliate) Lang comments on the current status of hiring and the labor market.
UHC Is the Right Goal, but Is Not the Same as the Right to Health (The Lancet Global Health, October 2023) Joseph Harris (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) offers his opinion on the difference between universal health coverage (UHC) and the right to health. “The two concepts are not the same thing, and they should not be conflated,” he says.
China’s Belt and Road Gets ‘Green’ Geboot and Spending Boost (Climate Change News, October 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) comments on the Green Investment and Finance Partnership (GIFP), a climate change effort, focused on “green energy pathways”.
China Marks Ten Years of Belt & Road Forum, Though Interest Is Waning (RFI, October 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) speaks about China’s efforts to fill a gap left by lenders shiftig to areas such as health and education and away from infrastructure after coming under criticism for the impact major building projects can have on the environment and local communities.
WATCH LIVE: Biden Discusses Economy, Unions and Clean Energy During Philadelphia Visit (PBS, September 2023) Cathal Nolan (CAS, History & Director of BU International History Institute) comments on the effects of President Joseph Biden’s recent speech in Pennsylvania.
Biden Is Talking about Green Energy and Jobs in Pennsylvania Again. Will His Message Break through? (The Boston Globe, September 2023) Cathal Nolan (CAS, History & Director of BU International History Institute) speaks about President Joseph Biden’s recent speech in Pennsylvania.
When the Turner Prize Came to ‘God’s Waiting Room’ (The New York Times, September 2023) Professor Loretta Lees (CAS, Sociology) speaks to British efforts to utilize culture to change the views, and economic outlook, of small England communities.
The World Bank Is Ignoring A Key Step In Fighting Climate Change (Yahoo News, September 2023) “This inconvenient truth isn’t getting the attention it deserves,” according to Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) in acknowledgement of debt issues around climate change.
Experts: How Will The Next Decade of China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ Impact Climate Action? (CarbonBrief, September 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) speaks about what China could do to move their efforts toward climate change.
RFK Jr. Is Running as an Independent, So Who Does That Hurt? An Expert Weighs In. (Boston.com, September 2023) According to Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences), “RFK Jr. potentially could have a huge impact in what surely is going to be a close presidential contest next fall.”
Kari Lake’s Arizona Senate Chances Dismissed: ‘One-Note Candidate’ (Newsweek, September 2023) Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences) argues that Kari Lake would be a poor candidate for Arizona Republicans.
Clergy Burnout Is A Growing Concern in Polarized Churches. A Summit Offers Coping Strategies (Independent, September 2023) Steven Sandage (STH & CISS affiliate) clarifies the importance of developing strategies to tackle mental health distress in the article.
Is Love After Loss Possible? (Psychology Today, October 7, 2023). Professor Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) shows how The Golden Bachelor can teach us five surprising facts about widowhood, grief, and moving forward.
Democrats May Have Already Picked Joe Biden’s Successor (Newsweek, September 2023) Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences) points out that there seems to be a growing alliance between Biden and Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, which could be Biden signaling he’d like to have Newsom as his 2024 running mate.
A First-Generation Tale of Strife and Success (The New Yorker, September 2023) Anthony Abraham Jack’s (SED & CISS Affiliate) work “The Privileged Poor” is quoted as finding that first-generation students’ experiences diverged depending on whether they went to under-resourced public high schools or to élite private schools.
Five Warning Signs Republicans Are Heading for Electoral Disappointment (Newsweek, September 2023) Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences) comments on Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown’s chances of reelection.
Opinion: ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Has a Lot to Teach Us (CNN, September 2023) In this article, Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) offers her thoughts about what “The Golden Bachelor” might teach us about finding love in one’s “golden years”.
There’s A Good Chance You’re Not Planning for Retirement Correctly. Here’s Why. (CBS News, September 2023) Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) notes that Americans “jinx themselves” by underestimating their lifespans, and claiming social security too early.
Care Work, Gender Equality, and Abortion: Lessons from Comparative Feminist Constitutionalism (Family Law The Journal of Things We Like (Lots), September 2023) Linda C. McClain (LAW, WGS) opines on Julie Suk’s ambitious book, After Misogyny: How the Law Fails Women and What to Do About It.
Africa Climate Summit Seeks Changes to Global Financial Architecture (France 24, September 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) discusses Africa’s ballooning debt and how that might affect their climate efforts.
Divorce Skyrocketing Among Aging Boomers (AARP, September 2023) Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) explains the effects of divorce on the emotional health of older adults.
Economist: ThisIs The No. 1 Best and Worst Money I Ever Spent (CNBC, September 2023) Economist Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) explains why not all money we spend has to produce an immediate return on investment. Some purchases are just meant to make you happy, and that’s okay.
‘Future-Ready’: Some Mass. Schools Embracing Artificial Intelligence to Transform Way Kids Learn (Boston 25 News, September 2023) “We have to figure out how to handle it, not by ignoring it or banning it because that doesn’t work,” says Wesley Wildman (CAS, Philosophy, Theology & Ethics & CISS Affiliate) as some schools ban the use of chatbots like ‘ChatGPT’, while others embrace the tool with the goal of preparing students for the future.
Since Their Foundings, HBCUs Have Been A White Supremacist Target (The Guardian, September 2023) According to Professor Saida Grundy (CAS, Sociology, African American & Black Diaspora Studies, and WGS), black colleges represent a threat that white supremacists seek to thwart: political, economic and social competition from people who emerged from 250 years of slavery as politicians, intellectuals, freedom fighters and self-sufficient community members.
Brookline’s Japonaise Bakery & Cafe Is Back, And Loyalists Are Lining Up (Boston Globe, August 2023) Merry White (CAS, Anthropology) comments on Brookline’s Japoinaise Bakery & Cafe’s return.
Airbnb’s Impact on NYC Hotels: Winners, Losers, and Dueling Forecasts of New Law (Skift, August 2023) Professor Makarand Mody (SHA & CISS Affiliate) comments on New York City’s short-term rental regulations and their potential affect on hotel bookings.
Opinion: Retirees just wanted a little sun and warmth. With climate change, they’re getting more than they bargained for (CNN, August 2023) Professors Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director), Ian Sue Wing (CAS, Earth & Environment and CISS Affiliate) and their co-author share their thoughts on heat exposure and retirees, sharing careful research and planning can help retirees find a home where they can live out their golden years in relative safety and comfort.
The World Is Going Bust: What Is the Sovereign Debt Crisis and Can We Solve It? (The Brink, August 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) speaks about what some are calling one of “the biggest threats to global peace and security.”
Pressley Condemns Ramaswamy Over KKK ‘Grand Wizards’ Comparison: ‘It Is Deeply Offensive’ (Boston Globe, August 2023) In this article, Ibram X. Kendi (Founder/Director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research) speaks out against political candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’ comments comparing him and congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to the “grand wizards in the KKK.”
How to Keep Saving for Retirement When Student Loan Payments Restart (CNBC, August 2023) “Paying down your debt is a form of saving”, says Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) as “it’ll free up more money for you down the road. So don’t worry excessively about saving less in the short term” for retirement. However, be sure to maximize your employers matching benefits, he points out, as you won’t be able to get that kind of return anywhere else.
Welcome to the Republic of Cows (WIRED, August 2023) Catherine West (CAS, Anthropology & CISS Affiliate) is quoted in this article about animals inhabiting Chirikof, an island in the Gulf of Alaska.
This Is What Happens When Feral Cows Take Over A Remote Alaskan Island (Popular Science, August 2023) Catherine West (CAS, Anthropology & CISS Affiliate) is quoted in this article about animals inhabiting Chirikof, an island in the Gulf of Alaska.
POV: Disinformation Researchers Are under Attack by Government Legislators (BU Today, August 2023) Michelle A. Amazeen (COM, Director of the Communication Research Center & CISS Affiliate) compares the current attacks on disinformation researchers to historical uses of governmental suppression.
Claiming Social Security Retirement Benefits Is a High-Stakes Decision. Don’t Let These 5 Myths Get in Your Way (CNBC, August 2023) Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) offers advice on avoiding Social Security mistakes by falling for false myths.
Inside the Pro-DeSantis Debate Strategy (The Hill, Augusta 2023) “Trump’s special treatment in the courts highlights failings in our legal system”attests Russell Gold, an associate professor at the University of Alabama School of Law, and Christopher Robertson (LAW & CISS affiliate).
Ghana’s Plans for a National Cathedral Are Mired in Controversy and Delays − But Also Reflect Religion’s Strong Role in the Nation’s Identity (The Conversation, August 2023) Nicolette Manglos-Weber (STH & CISS Affiliate) Manglos-Weber writes about how Ghana’s political and cultural leaders are using Christianity to try to unify their ethnically diverse nation.
After Hottest Summer on Record, Heat-Related Illnesses Are Now Being Tracked Nationwide (The 19th, August 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) explains why older women are so vulnerable to extreme weather, and resources to help them.
Deciding Where to Retire as the Planet Heats Up (WCBS Radio, August 14, 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) discusses why and how older adults should factor climate change into their retirement relocation plans.
Well-Meaning Parents Kill Thousands of Kids Each Year Due to Mistakes. What Can Be Done? (USA Today, August 9, 2023). Professor Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) comments on the guilt and stigmatization that parents may experience after their children die of accidents or violent causes.
Who Gets to Decide Who Receives Experimental Medical Treatments? (MIT Technology Review, August 2023) Christopher Robertson (LAW & CISS affiliate) comments on the legalities behind access to experimental treatments and the concept of safety and efficacy of such.
Donald Trump’s Right – He Is Getting Special Treatment, Far Better Than Most Other Criminal Defendants (The Conversation, August 2023) In this article, attorney and professor Christopher Robertson (LAW and CISS affiliate) and his co-author assert that Donald Trump is, as he attests, being treated differently than other defendants. In fact, prosecutors are treating Mr. Trump considerably better than the average criminal defendant, they state.
Just 10% Plan to Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security, Survey Finds. Why Experts Say It’s Often Best to Delay (CNBC, August 2023) “Retirement benefits taken at age 70 are 76% higher, adjusted for inflation, than retirement benefits taken at 62”, according to Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics), only about 10% wait until age 70 to claim benefits according to research.
Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Celebrates Black Queer Joy. O’Shae Sibley’s Killer Tried to Strip That Away. (The 19th, August 2023) Daniel Jacobson López (SSW & CISS Affiliate) acknowledges the violence, including childhood abuse and sexual abuse, that black queer men face due to the country’s current political climate.
Still Dreaming of Retirement in the Sun Belt? (New York Times, August 2023) Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) comments on the migration of older Americans to warmer climates, which can be dangerous for older bodies, while acknowledging the increase in temperatures happening even in typically moderate areas such as New England. The article features Carr’s collaborative research with Ian Sue Wing (CAS, Earth & Environment and CISS Affiliate).
BU Historians Weigh In on Ron DeSantis’ Slavery Remarks and His Defense of Florida’s Controversial Social Studies Curriculum (BU Today, July 2023) Paula Austin (CAS, History and African American Studies), John Thornton (CAS, History and African American & Black Diaspora Studies), and Takeo Rivera (CAS, English) comment on Ron DeSantis’ comments and what they represent within a broader context in the country.
Archaeology Is Flipping the Script on What We Know About Ancient Mesoamerica (Sri Lanka Guardian, June 2023) David Carballo (CAS, Archaeology & CISS Affiliate) and his co-author are flipping the script of public understanding about the people and institutions that inhabited precolonial Mesoamerica.
Summer plans? Queer Adults Are Heading to Camp and Finding Community (July 2023) According to Japonica Brown-Saracino (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate), alternatives to bars like cafés and bookstores have existed for the LGBTQ+ community for decades, alternatives such as Camp Camp, which started in 1997 and is among the first adult camps of its kind.
Is This the Earliest Known Phallic Art? (Smithsonian Magazine, July 2023) Professor Curtis Runnels (CAS, Archaeology) raises question as to whether a pendant from northern Mongolia may be the earliest known example of phallic art, stating it is a “small and rather shapeless object.”
Without a Plan to Fight Superbugs, The Cancer Moonshot Will Never Achieve Liftoff (STAT, July 2023) Kevin Outterson (LAW & CISS Affiliate) and his co-author suggest that new antibiotics are needed to fight “superbugs”, the second leading cause of death for cancer patients, in order to meet the lofty goals of President Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative.
Gave the World a Gift’: Henrietta Lacks’ Family Gets Justice 70 Years After Cells Taken Without Consent (CBS Boston, August 2, 2023). Christopher Robertson (LAW and CISS affiliate) discusses the Lacks’ case, a landmark decision in bioethics and law.
As Churches Shrink and Pastors Retire, Creative Workarounds are Redefining Ministry (Washington Post, July 31, 2023). Steven Sandage (STH & CISS affiliate) suggests ways to support pastoral leaders once they graduate.
Opinion: Watch Our for Factors That Make Older Adults Extremely Vulnerable to Deadly Heat. (Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2023). Professors Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) and Ian Sue Wing (CAS, Earth & Environment & CISS Affiliate) and their colleague Giacomo Falchetta show how older adults are especially at risk during heatwaves.
Can Campus Diversity Counter The Myth Of Meritocracy? (Futurity, July 2023) Jonathan Mijs (CAS, Sociology professor & CISS affiliate) describes his recent study, published in Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, on how people’s understandings of meritocracy evolve during college, finding that having a roommate from a different racial or ethnic group is associated with students developing a less meritocratic understanding of America.
‘Excess Deaths’ Tied to COVID Have Plummeted in America — What Does That Mean? (Live Science, July 2023) Andrew Stokes (SPH, Global Health & CISS Affiliate) comments on individuals who are still COVID unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
BU Economist Ray Fisman Finds Insurance Fascinating. Really. (The Brink, July 2023) Ray Fisman (CAS, Economics & CISS Affiliate) talks with The Brink staff to discuss his new book Risky Business: Why Insurance Markets Fail and What to Do About It, which focuses on the ever-present, existential threat to insurers: the problem of selection.
Extreme Heat Is Particularly Hard on Older Adults – An Aging Population and Climate Change Are Putting Ever More People at Risk (The Conversation, July 2023) Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) and Ian Sue Wing (CAS, Earth & Environment & CISS Affiliate) and their colleague discuss how increasing temperatures can be for deadly older adults.
The Pandemic Changed How We Eat, Travel, Tip. Now Things Are Changing Again (BU Today, July 2023) Makarand Mody (SHA & CISS Affiliate) comments on the status of home-sharing vs. hotel use since the pandemic officially ended and the future of business travel.
After Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling, Renewed Focus on First-Generation Students (Aol., July 2023) Abraham Anthony Jack (SED, Education & Human Development & Faculty Director Newbury Center) comments on the limits of utilizing first generation status as an alternative to affirmative action in college admissions decisions.
Analysis – Two Kennedys On Covid (The Washington Post, July 2023) “It is impossible to reconcile the exceptionally strong inverse relationship between vaccination and excess mortality with the possibility that the Covid-19 vaccines [have] contributed to the large toll of excess mortality in the second year of the pandemic,” according to Andrew Stokes (SPH, Global Health & CISS Affiliate), comments prompted by alternative outlooks on Covid vaccines and “excess deaths”.
In 2021, Excess Deaths Rose in Rural America (www.futurity.org, July 2023) Andrew Stokes (SPH, Global Health & CISS Affiliate) sits down to discuss his research which shows that the actual pandemic death toll could be 20% higher than the formal count due to excess deaths, “the difference between what was observed versus what we would have expected”, in rural areas due to vaccine being harder to obtain, increased vaccine skepticism, and more limited access to health care.
Seniors Are Migrating to States that Face America’s Most Extreme Heat (The Washington Post, July 2023) The migration of seniors to southern states, with their milder winters and lower costs of living, continues to grow despite an increase in heat exposure “which could more than double by 2050”, according to a study published by Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) and Ian Sue Wing (CAS, Earth & Environment & CISS Affiliate). Additionally, an aging population, increasing temperatures due to climate change, and preexisting health conditions add to the struggle.
The Rise of the Maccabees (Biblical Archeology Review, July 2023) In this article, Andrea M. Berlin (CAS, Archeology) tells the story of their rise, using archaeology to place the story within a larger historical and political context.
How Clarence Thomas Orchestrated a New Obstacle for Black Students (The Guardian, July 2023) In her op-ed, Saida Grundy (CAS, Sociology, African American Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies) comments on the Supreme Court’s ruling ending race-conscious admissions
Affirmatively Unjust (with Saida Grundy) (Stuck With Damon Young Podcast, July 2023) Saida Grundy (CAS, Sociology, African American Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies) joins host Damon Young to discuss the historical context and future implications of the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action decision.
How Universities Are Addressing Ongoing Collegiate Mental Health Difficulties (The Boston Globe, July 2023) Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm (SSW & CISS Affiliate) comments on mental health issues in the collegiate world and how universities are working to address those concerns.
For a President and a King, the View From the Top Is Curiously Similar (The New York Times, July 2023) Arianne Chernock (CAS, History & CISS Affiliate) Chernock discusses the similarities in the experiences of country’s leaders.
Social Security: 4 Ways To Bulletproof Your Retirement Against Potential Benefit Cuts (Nasdaq, July 2023) Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) speaks to the benefits of delaying your Social Security benefits.
Ashley Mears, Sociologue Dans La Jet-Set (Translated: Ashley Mears, A Sociologist in The Jet-Set) (Le Monde, June 2023) Ashley Mears (CAS, Sociology) is interviewed by Le Monde about the September 14, 2023 release of a translation of her 2020 publication Very Important People, in which she “strives to decipher the formation of gender inequalities and the circulation of stereotypes“. The publication will be released by La Découverte.
The Battle for I-95 (The Atlantic, June 2023) In this article, Katherine Levine Einstein (CAS, Political Science & CISS Affiliate) comments on issues around the care and repair of route I-95.
US Talks Sanctions Against Uganda After A Harsh Anti-Gay Law – But Criminalizing Same-Sex Activities Has Become A Political Tactic Globally (The Conversation, June 2023) Nicolette Manglos-Weber (STH & CISS Affiliate) discusses the increase in anti-gay laws globally, which she agues are merely “moral panics”, or manipulations by political leaders to “distract from material problems and failures of governance”.
Harvard Morgue Case: Why the Interest in Body Parts? Experts Explain (Boston.com, June 2023) “If proven true, the sale of body parts is not only illegal, but most importantly, truly horrific for those who trusted the school to properly handle their remains,” states Michel Anteby (Questrom & CISS Affiliate) in this article, and clarifies there are more secure ways for institutions to handle donated cadavers.
Analysis: Common Framework, Familiar Problems: Hopes of Debt Breakthrough Fade (Reuters, June 2023) “There was a bit of misreporting about a breakthrough,” says Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center), about China’s indication of willingness to work with all parties on the Common Framework, indicating there is question about how much concessional lending multilateral development banks can give.
Lesbian Bars Have Endured — With Community, Grit and A Little Reinvention (The 19th, June 2023) Japonica Brown-Saracino (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) comments on the struggles of sustaining a business that is supported by a constituency with limited income due to pay gaps, as found in a 2022 report from the Human Rights Campaign.
Boston University Professor Discusses Historical Significance of Trump Indictment (NECN, June 2023) Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences) says we have to look all the way back to 19th century at VP Aaron Burr, who was acquitted of treason, to find a comparison.
BU Today: Question of the Week: How Will Inflation Affect the Economy in 2023? (BU Today, June 2023) In this episode Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) sits down with Doug Most (BU Today) to discuss inflation and the changing economic landscape, domestically and globally.
Where Does Trump’s Case Fall against Past Presidential Scandals Involving Sex, Power, Profit? (BU Today, June 2023) Despite former president Donald J. Trump’s arraignment on 37 charges this week, he remains the leading Republican contender to become president again. According to Thomas Whalen (CGS, Social Sciences) , “The other presidential scandals were due to personal corruption, lack of character. This is about betraying one’s country.”
Zillennials: Don’t Underestimate This Overlooked Generation (The Future of Commerce.com, June 2023) According to Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director), while attaching generational labels is limited in its reliability, they do create a sense of community among groups with similar experiences in their lifetimes. Therefore, “brands and employers would be wise to understand” how generations, such as Zillenials, tick.
NPR’s ‘Planet Money’ creates an episode using artificial intelligence (NHPR, June 2023) James Feigenbaum (CAS, Economics) takes part in an experiment with using AI to generate a ‘Planet Money’ podcast.
How New York State Could Unlock Billions for Climate Finance (The New Republic, June 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) comments on a pending bill which could “change the rules for private creditors—and stop them from milking poorer countries for money” for fiscal relief from climate-fueled disasters. According to Gallagher, the bill is “a great attempt to try to get the creditors to be responsible for this period of debt distress that they have a big hand in causing.”
How the Mixed Messaging of Vaccine Skeptics Sows Seeds of Doubt (WFMZ, May 2023) Matthew Motta (SPH & CISS Affiliate) speaks to the concerns around how vaccine skepticism can spread distrust beyond vaccine skeptics.
As Republican Contenders Start to Line Up for the White House in 2024, Social Security May Be Key Issue (CNBC, May 2023) Laurence Kotlikoff’s (CAS, Economics) plan to replace the current Social Security system is discussed in light of the current systems financial woes. Supported by a 2024 presidential hopeful, Steve Laffey, the plan gradually phases out the FICA tax and replaces it with new Personal Security System accounts, to which workers would contribute 10% of their pay. Those balances would be invested in a weighted index of global stocks, bonds and other securities.
‘Stamped From The Beginning’: History of Racism in America Gets Graphic Novel Adaptation (Screen Rant, May 2023) Ibram X. Kendi (Founder/Director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research) and Joel Christian Gill (CFA’04) have adapted Kendi’s 2016 book of the same name with the goal making information about race and racism accessible to all readers, some who may have little exposure to this topic.
Can the West Keep Supplying Ukraine With Enough Artillery? (Vox, May 2023) Kaija Schilde (Pardee) comments on the United States’ supply of ammunition to Ukraine and what it will take to continue doing so.
Human Health Is Suffering Because of Climate Change (The Brink, May 2023) Benjamin Sovacool (CAS, Earth & Environment, director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, & CISS Affiliate), along with Jonathan Levy (SPH, Environmental Health) and Pamela Templer (CAS, Biology), will be conducting research and providing support to the new BUSPH-HSPH CAFÉ Research Coordinating Center (RCC), a new collaboration between Boston University’s School of Public Health and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health which aims to “confront the massive health threats posed by climate change by spurring global research cooperation, action, and knowledge sharing. focusing on climate change”.
Ibram Kendi, Joel Christian Gill Team Up for New Graphic Version of Kendi’sStamped From the Beginning (BU Today, May 2023) Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) and BU colleague Joel Christian Gill (CFA’04) have collaborated on a new, graphic version (which comes out June 6 from Ten Speed Press) of Kendi’s Stamped From the Beginning, a National Book Award-winning history of US racism.
Are Lesbian Bars Making a Comeback? As Iconic Haunts Close Doors, New Spaces Take Root (Aol., May 2023) Japonica Brown-Saracino (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) comments on the post-pandemic resurgence of lesbian bars.
Because Social Scientists Must Have a Seat at the Table: Reflections from COSSA’s 2023 Social Science Advocacy Day (Why Social Science?, COSSA, May 2023) Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) speaks to her experience as part of COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day.
World Bank’s New Chief Asks Staff to ‘Double Down’ on Development, Climate Efforts (Reuters, May 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) comments on the challenges faced by Ajay Bang, the World Bank’s new president.
Tree Rings Hint at the Fall of the Hittite Empire (Discover Magazine, May 2023) John M. Marston (CAS, Archaeology and Anthropology & CISS Affiliate) was quoted in this article about the Hittite Empire decline and potential evidence from juniper trees.
Tweets, Ads, and Lies: Researchers Are Fighting against Climate Misinformation (BU Today, May 2023) Benjamin Sovacool (CAS, Earth & Environment & CISS Affiliate) was quoted speaking about misinformation in media and the Boston University Data and Misinformation in an Era of Sustainability and Climate Change Crises project.
Who Does Inflation Hit Hardest? Experts Weigh In on How Higher Prices Impact Households (CNBC, May 2023). Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) weighs in on the effects of inflation on low-income households.
The Painful Secret That Gen X Women Need to Talk About (Psychology Today, May 26, 2023) Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) discusses arthritis and its challenges for Gen X women.
writes that women in their 40s and 50s are at increasing risk of osteoarthritis and offers tips for managing and adapting to this painful degenerative condition.
‘It’s Not Their Money’: Older Americans Worried Debt Default Means No Social Security (ABC News, May 2023) Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) expresses concerns about the debt ceiling crisis, Social Security shortfalls, and how these fiscal issues present U.S. Treasuries to investors and the rest of the world.
A Decade Later, A Murder Charge in the Jeremiah Oliver Case (The Boston Globe, May 2023) Mary Elizabeth Collins (SSW & CISS Affiliate) says “more robust societal supports” are needed for vulnerable families and comments on the effects of tragedies on child welfare policy.
Bar for Lesbian and Non-Binary Communities Set to Open in Boston Later This Summer (WBUR, May 2023). Japonica Brown-Saracino (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) discusses why there are so few bars in the Boston area catering to the LGBTQ community and how local groups are filling that void.
Advocates Push for Medical Civil Rights (The Bay State Banner, May 2023). Christopher Robertson (LAW & CISS Affiliate) discusses a new bill pending before Massachusetts Legislature which requires police officers to request EMS at the first sign, or indication of need, when interacting with constituents.
Talkin’ with Teachers: Boston University’s Makarand Mody (Marketing Brew, May 2023). Makarand Mody (SHA & CISS Affiliate) sits down with Marketing Brew to talk about teaching marketing and his AirBnB research.
Raising the Social Security Retirement Age Would ‘Haunt Young People,’ Says Expert. Here’s Why (CNBC, May 2023). Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) comments on the importance of younger generations addressing proposed changes to Social Security due to the likelihood that they will ultimately bear the burden of those changes.
Here’s What to Know About ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (The New York Times, May 2023). Arianne Chernock (CAS, History & CISS Affiliate) speaks to the controversy around Queen Charlotte and the possibility that she was biracial. According to Chernock, however, the controversy misses “the point that Britishness, whatever the color, is not a fixed thing”.
Zillennials: The Newest Micro-Generation Has a Name (CNN, May 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) explains the term “zillennial” and what makes them a unique and valuable generation.
America Has Decided That Homeless People Aren’t People (VICE, May 2023). In this article, Boston University’s Initiative on Cities’ 2021 Menino Survey: Mayors and America’s Homelessness Crisis is quoted in regard to mayoral responses to homelessness and transiency.
Tree Rings Hint at the Fall of the Hittite Empire (Discover Magazine, May 2023). John M. Marston (CAS, Archeology & Anthropology & CISS Affiliate) weighs in on the work of Cornell University scientists who analyzed samples from juniper trunks used to construct the outer wall of the oldest standing wooden building in the world which showed a sustained period of drought, potentially leading to the collapse of the Hittite empire.
Donald Trump Called Joe Biden ‘Very Disrespectful’ for Skipping King Charles’ Coronation, But No U.S. President Has Ever Attended One (Insider, April 2023). Arianne Chernock’s (CAS, History & CISS Affiliate) May 2023 The Conversation article is referenced in discussion of Donald Trump’s comments about President Biden’s decision to send First Lady Jill Biden to King Charles’ coronation, rather than attend himself.
A Conversation with Author Ibram X. Kendi (WBUR Radio Boston, May 2023). Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) speaks with Radio Boston about about his life and work and why he sees himself as a scholar, rather than an activist.
The Coronation of King Charles III: 5 Essential Reads on the Big Royal Bash – And What It All Means (The Conversation, May 2023). Arianne Chernock (CAS, History & CISS Affiliate) weighs in on the importance of the American delegate being sent to attend King Charles’ coronation and why President Biden’s pass may not be that big of a surprise.
Historians Tell the Story of Boston’s Little Syria, Which Was Home to a Thriving Arab American Community (The Boston Globe, April 2023). Chloe Bordewich (CAS, Center for Antiracist Research) and Lydia Harrington (MIT) strive to share stories of the Arab American experience in Boston and their contributions to the American experience.
Months After ChatGPT’s Noisy Debut, Colleges Take Differing Approaches to Dealing with AI (The Boston Globe, April 2023). Wesley Wildman (CAS, Philosophy, Theology & Ethics & CISS Affiliate) comments on using embracing AI as a tool to help students learn.
Ask Larry: What Rate Determines My Wife’s Social Security Spousal Benefit? (Forbes, April 2023). Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) explains the importance of the primary insurance amount (PIA),which is used to calculate spousal benefits.
Update on China’s Role in the Burgeoning Global South Debt Crisis (China Global South, April 2023). Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center), economist and director of the Global Development Policy Center, comments on China’s role in the global south debt concerns.
Biden’s Coronation No-Show Is No Snub – More Telling Is Whom He Sends to King Charles’ Big Day (The Conversation, April 2023). In this article, professor Arianne J. Chernock (CAS, History & CISS Affiliate), points out the importance of First Lady Jill Biden’s leading of the American delegation to King Charles’ coronation, rather than a presidential visit, and how that decision might be clarifying “American ideas and aspirations”.
‘Love You Brother, But Despite Your Politics’: How Families Can Teach Us to Get Along (The Boston Globe, April 2023). Nazli Kibria (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) speaks on how our differences, particularly in politics, can teach families about acceptance.
Major Shakeups in American Media (CVT News, April 2023). In this video, Michelle A. Amazeen (COM, Director of the Communication Research Center & CISS Affiliate) comments on recent changes in media staffing.
Carlson’s Departure from Fox Is ‘Earth-Shaking,’ Comes at Critical Time for the Network, Experts Say (The Boston Globe, April 2023). Michelle A. Amazeen (COM, Director of the Communication Research Center & CISS Affiliate) comments on Tucker Carlson’s departure from the Fox network and the changes ramifications.
Could Helicopter Parenting Jeopardize Kids’ Success – And Fuel Inequality? (The Boston Globe, April 2023). In this article, Nazli Kibria (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate), observes that struggling parents often pressure themselves to keep up with families with greater means in order to give their children an equal footing. As well, she says, this may put the parents in the place of needing to decide which child might be given opportunities based on limited finances.
Dignity Therapy: Making the Last Words Count (Freethink, April 2023). According to Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director), end-of-life conversations are important to enable those passing to ensure “that their loved ones are able to say goodbye without regret.”
Distrusted in America: Small Mistakes, Deep Fear – And Gunfire (Associated Press, April 2023) Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) speaks with the Associated Press about the need for Americans to unlearn fears based on skin color or race. “The more we unlearn that idea and realize that we can’t attach danger to skin color in any way,” he said, “the less likely people are going to be to use lethal force against a 16-year-old child who is ringing their doorbell.”
CDC didn’t say it gave out deadly COVID-19 shots in red states (Associated Press, April 2023). Professor Matthew Motta (SPH & CISS Affiliate) helps debunk false claims about the dangerousness of Covid vaccines by clarifying the use of the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) database.
Green Brady Bonds FTW (Financial Times, April 2023) In this article, Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) at Boston University, speaks on getting the IMF and World Bank to “get down to earth” to avoid a climate catastrophe as “costs of inaction are mounting”.
How to Avoid Another Global Debt Crisis (The New York Times, April 2023) Economist Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) weighs in on the global debt crisis.
Covid Is Still A Leading Cause of Death As the Virus Recedes (The Washington Post, April 2023). Boston University’s Andrew Stokes (SPH, Global Health & CISS Affiliate) comments on the current state of the Covid pandemic, despite public perception and media coverage.
Kinlessness: Older Adults without Relatives (To the Contrary, April 14, 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) discusses with host Bonnie Erbe the challenges and opportunities facing those growing old alone.
IMF, World Bank Meet as Calls for Reform Grow Louder (E&E News, April 2023). Kevin Gallagher (Pardee & director of the Global Development Policy Center), reflects on experts’ efforts to revamp an almost 80-year-old mission to support the financial challenges of the 21st century.
The IMF Needs Reforming As A Matter of Urgency (Le Monde, April 2023). As the IMF faces an inability to deal with the debt problem of poor countries, director of the Global Development Policy Center at Boston University, Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center), comments on the need for change.
BU Creates Standards for Chatbots in the Classroom (The Boston Globe, April 2023) Professor Wesley Wildman (CAS, Philosophy, Theology & Ethics & CISS Affiliate), comments on BU’s efforts in the creation of standards for artificial intelligence systems use.
The New York Times Why Are Taxpayers Propping Up the Fossil Fuel Industry? (The New York Times, April 2023) Kevin Gallagher (Pardee, director of the Global Development Policy Center) shares insights into the fossil fuel industry.
‘Abortionists.’ ‘Unborn human.’ Legal experts blast ‘incendiary’ rhetoric of Texas ruling on abortion pill. (The Boston Globe, April 2023). Professor Christopher Robertson (LAW & CISS Affiliate) weighs in on the abortion pill ruling in Texas.
Aging in America (New Books Network, April 2, 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director), discussed her new book Aging in America with host Rachel Pagones on the New Books Network podcast.
Club Med Aims to Shift Upmarket With New Resorts and Ad Campaign (Skift, April 2023). Makarand Mody (SHA & CISS Affiliate) comments on brands capitalizing on the current interest in and appetite for luxury and ponders the extent to which some brand evolution decisions are research-based.
Parents and Kids Disagree on the Right Age to Become Financially Independent, Report Finds (CNBC, April 2023) With the challenges of inflation, lower wages, and increased student loan debt and housing costs, it can be harder for young adults to become financially independent these days. Professor Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics), points out that continued parental support is often a quid pro quo in that young adults are ultimately expected to care of their parents later in life in exchange for additional support in their early adult years. He suggests starting, and maintaining, the conversation early.
A Pop Culture Pop Quiz on Antiracism (WCVB, April 2023). Phillipe Copeland (SSW & CISS Affiliate) provides criteria for evaluating racism in tv and movies and discusses his test that can help you identify antiracism in popular culture.
Ask Larry: How Will Lower Income Affect My Social Security Benefit Amount? (Forbes, April 2023). Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) explains reducing one’s annual may, or may not, effect Social Security calculations.
Harvard Professor Lobbied SEC on Behalf of Oil Firm That Pays Her Lavishly, Emails Show (The Guardian, April 2023). Nathan Phillips (CAS, Earth and Environment) comments on revelations that a Harvard environmental law professor may have lobbied on behalf of an oil and gas company to which she has financial ties.
8 Bold Agenda Items for the World Health Organization As It Turns 75 (NPR, April 2023). Ensure that WHO staff understand the local language and culture of countries in which they are working, suggests Muhammad Zaman, director of Center on Forced Displacement, to ensure their ability to serve the community.
Up to $520 Billion in Debt Write-offs Needed for Emerging Nations’ Climate Goals (Reuters, April 2023). Research by Global Development Policy Center at Boston University, and the Debt Relief for a Green and Inclusive Recovery (DRGR) Project, has discovered that up to $520 billion in debt needs to be written off to help developing nations meet climate goals. Delays to those efforts, according to Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center and DRGR project co-chair, could be disastrous.
A Look Into How AP African-American Studies Is Taught at a Cambridge School (The Boston Globe, April 2023). Two pilot high schools in Massachusetts have opted to teach an unaltered version of an AP African-American studies course. John Thornton (CAS, History), a consultant in the development of the course, believes that the course could inspire other history teachers to expand their teachings to include more discussion of people of African descent.
Video Shows Holbrook Selectman Slinging Racial Slurs. (NBC10 Boston, April 2023). Spencer Piston (CAS, Political Science & CISS Affiliate) comments on a disturbing video which surfaced showing a Massachusetts leader using racial slurs.
Experts Warn World Bank Reforms Might Leave the Poor Behind. (Devex, March 2023). The Director of the Global Development Policy Center, Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, weighs in on the World Bank’s reform efforts pointing out that countries borrowing from the Bank “need a voice” in the coming reform.
Rupert Murdoch is Tying the Knot (Again). Why the Blowback is Misplaced. (CNN, March 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) explains why so many Americans are finding new love in old age, and what problems late-life newlyweds need to confront.
When the War in Ukraine Comes to Classrooms in New England. (The Boston Globe, March 2023). As is becoming more common in higher education, Timothy Longman (CAS, Political Science & CISS Affiliate) often includes literature about genocide in his seminars because it reinforces the human element behind such atrocities. “It can be easy to get numbed by the numbers,” he says.
Capitalizing on Market Crashes Is Key to Retiring on Time. Many Millennials Are Still Looking For Their First Chance (Insider, March 2023). At least 60% of Boomers could enter retirement without sufficient savings, Boston University economist Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) previously told Insider, based on his research of the generation’s retirement challenges. And he said there’s “every reason to think the situation will get worse’” for younger generations.
Why Ethiopia Is Taking Its Debt Relief Case Directly to China, Bypassing the G20 (South China Morning Post, March 2023). Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, comments on Ethiopia’s application for help under the Group of 20’s Common Framework, and how there has been no progress so far.
Cash-Strapped Countries Face IMF Bailout Delays as Debt Talks Drag On (Business Recorder, March 2023). Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, comments on the unprecedented delays of financial help for countries in debt distress as China and Western economies clash over how to provide debt relief.
Analysis: Cash-Strapped Countries Face IMF Bailout Delays as Debt Talks Drag On (Reuters, March 2023). China and Western economies clash over how to provide debt relief to countries in debt distress such as Zambia and Sri Lanka. “They are part of the reason why these negotiations are so painfully slow,” said Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of the Boston University Global Development Policy Center. “It’s not just the Paris Club and a few New York banks anymore.”
Florida Lawmakers Need to Answer Important Questions About Permitless Gun Carry | Column (Tampa Bay Times, March 2023). This article mentions “The impact of state firearm laws on homicide and suicide deaths in the U.S.A?” written by Dr. Michael Siegel, professor (SPH), and his colleagues.
Sibling Aggression and Abuse Go Beyond Rivalry – Bullying Within a Family Can Have Lifelong Repercussions (The Conversation, March 2023). Tanya Whitworth (CISS Postdoctoral Affiliate) coauthors this article focusing on how hurting a sibling is not the same thing as healthy rivalry.
Celebrating Black and African American Cuisine Means Eating Around the World (GBH, February 2023). Throughout the African American and African diaspora, food takes on as many different forms and traditions as the people who make it up. Paula Austin (CAS, History and African American and Black Diaspora Studies) described Black food as diverse, and a “cultural explosion” that varies from region to region. Mac and cheese in one state might not be the same recipe in another state, or another part of the world even.
Ask Larry: Is There Really an Age Limit on Social Security’s Child-In-Care Spousal Benefit? (Forbes, February 2023). Larry Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) addresses questions about whether child-in-care spousal benefits time out, taking retirement benefits before spousal benefits and what effects living and working outside the US might have on Social Security benefits.
How Russia’s War Shattered Global Energy Routes (E&E News, February 2023). The economic crisis means Pakistan lacks the creditworthiness to attract private investment in renewable energy infrastructure, said Rishikesh Ram Bhandary, assistant director of the Global Economic Governance Initiative at Boston University. That speaks to the need for international financing to help address the country’s energy and climate challenges, he said. “If you’re Pakistan and you’re actually in debt distress, you’re not going to be able to borrow to build these gigantic things,” Ram Bhandary said.
Biden Gets Chance to Redefine World Bank Role (Politico, February 2023). Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, comments on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who in recent months repeatedly and publicly pressured the bank to deliver on reforms.
Exclusive: World Bank May Loosen Loan Ratio to Free Up $4 Billion a Year (Reuters, February 2023). Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, comments on lowering the equity-to-lending ratio. “It’s an important step in the right direction, but it’s only $4 billion of the hundreds of billions of dollars that G20 says can be stretched to meet our shared climate goals,” he said. “If this is all they do, then it’s a failure.”
Race Relations Expert Explains Why It’s Important to Understand the History of American Racism (MSNBC, February 12, 2023). Nearly three years after George Floyd’s death sparked a nationwide movement for social change, America has yet to come to a true racial reckoning. Just last month another unarmed Black man, Tyre Nichols, was fatally beaten by police officers. Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) recently released a book entitled How To Be A (Young) Antiracist). He joined American Voices to discuss what it will take for the U.S. to have a true racial reckoning that prompts systemic change.
Green Subsidies: What About the Global South? (Social Europe, February 2023). Rachel Thrasher (Global Development Policy Center Researcher) is the author of this article on the new green race between the United States and the European Union threatens to leave developing countries behind.
China Continues to Shrink Overseas Development Finance (Global Trade Review, February 2023). Rebecca Ray (Boston University Global Development Policy Center Senior Academic Researcher), the author of the GDP Center’s report on the China Development Bank (CDB) and the Export-Import Bank of China (Chexim), provides insight into the trends and meaning of the report in this article.
‘It Is Important for the EU to Be Among the First to Lead on Climate Change’ (Le Monde, February 2023). Three members of the Task Force on Climate, Development and the International Monetary Fund – Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of the Global Development Policy Center, Xiaobei He and Ma Jun – explain why it is essential to make the carbon adjustment mechanism at the European Union’s borders an element of just transition on a global scale.
The Triple Assault (The Tribune, January 2023). Muhammad Hamid Zaman (SPH) published this article in The Tribune about how there is little empathy towards those who are addicted and a lack of understanding. “A just society cannot be imagined if we are unwilling to even acknowledge the existence of the most vulnerable among our midst.”
China Hasn’t Given Up on the Belt and Road (Foreign Affairs, February 2023).This article mentions Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center and its database that focuses on BRI investment in Africa.
Airbnb Regulations Will Make Your Next New York City Trip Even More Expensive (The Points Guy, February 2023). This article discusses Airbnb’s latest regulation in New York City, which requires hosts to register with the city or run the risk of not having listing platforms process their payment. Boston University’s Makarand Mody (SHA & CISS Affiliate) thinks the enforcement of this law is a real challenge, saying “For that reason, I don’t think it’s going to have as big an impact as a fourth of the inventory going off the market.”
Why Aren’t College-Educated Black Women Meeting Their Match? (Insider, February 2023). “Black women often face a double standard when they date outside their race because sexuality and intimate decisions are more policed among other Black community members, Black men for example. Whereas Black men might not face the same type of gendered policing that Black women do,” says Celeste Currington (CAS, Sociology & CISS Affiliate) in this article that discusses the challenges Black women face in dating environments.
Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone Discuss Their New Book, ‘How to Be a (Young) Antiracist’ (The Boston Globe, February 2023). The Boston Globe sits down with Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) and Nic Stone to discuss their new teenager-friendly book which leapfrogs from Kendi’s seminal How to Be an Antiracist.
Is Partisan Conflict Over COVID-19 Vaccination Eroding Support for Childhood Vaccine Mandates? (Nature, February 2023). Boston University’s Matt Motta (SPH, Health Law, Policy & Management & CISS Affiliate) discusses how politicized COVID-19 vaccine spillover could challenge evidence-based vaccine policy, and a research strategy for assessing politicized COVID-19 vaccine spillover in this article.
Ibram X. Kendi: ‘Racist’ Is an Adjective, Not a Noun. Understanding Why Is Important (TIME, February 2023). This TIME Magazine article features an interview with Boston University’s Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) where he discusses his new book “How To Be A (Young) Antiracist.”
Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security: ‘the Return on Being Patient Is Huge,’ Says Economist (CNBC, February 2023). Estimates from Larry Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) are mentioned in this article. “The rich have the most to lose by screwing this decision up,” Kotlikoff says. “But the poor have relatively more to lose because they’re more dependent on Social Security.”
Few Mayors Connect the Dots Between Zoning and Homelessness (Governing, January 2023). This article draws on a report by the Boston University Initiative on Cities made in January 2023 and expresses that only 1 in 5 mayors felt they had more than “moderate” control over homelessness in their cities.
Impact of Race in the Case of Tyre Nichols’ Death (CBS News, January 2023). Another Memphis police officer was suspended over the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols. CBS News racial justice contributor and Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) joins CBS News to discuss the issue of race in the case, and his new book “How To Be A (Young) Antiracist.”
Why We Are Heading Back to Hotels (The Age, January 2023). Hotels are making a strong comeback now that vaccination rates have increased and with COVID restrictions removed. Boston University’s Makarand Mody (SHA, & CISS Affiliate) says hotel occupancy levels and rates are back to, or higher than, pre-COVID levels.
Fairtax, the GOP Plan for a 30 Percent National Sales Tax, Explained (Vox, January 2023). This article references a working paper written by Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics) and co-authors responding to William Gale and the Bush tax reform panel.
10 Tips to Stop Elder Fraud Before It Happens. (Psychology Today, January 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) explains why some older adults are especially vulnerable to the “grandparent scam” and how we can stop this cruel victimization.
China’s Lending Debacle: Development Loans Hit 13-Year Low (ANI, January 2023). A study from Boston University Global Development Policy Center is mentioned to explain how loans committed by China to 100 developing nations fell to a 13-year low of USD 3.7 billion in 2021 due to Beijing curtailing funding for large-scale oil projects.
COVID-19 Deaths in the US Continue to Be Undercounted, Research Shows, Despite Claims of ‘Overcounts’ (The Conversation, January 2023). In this article, professors Andrew Stokes (SPH, Global Health & CISS Affiliate) and Dielle Lundberg (SPH) assess whether the undercounting of COVID-19 deaths has occurred, and if so in which parts of the country.
China’s Exim Bank Gives Sri Lanka Debt Extension (Reuters, January 2023). A study from Boston University Global Development Policy Center is mentioned to explain why commitments made to 100 developing nations by China’s two main policy lenders fell to a 13-year low of $3.7 billion in 2021.
Tanks, Chips and Infrastructure: Democracies Get Their Act Together (Politico, January 2023). The Boston University Global Development Policy Center’s new China’s Overseas Development Finance Database looks at the likelihood of Beijing returning to large scale lending levels, and a new policy brief puts those insights and trends into the broader context of what’s changed in China’s aid financing since 2008.
China Cites Us Debt Issue to Deflect Pressure on Africa Debt (Associated Press, January 2023). This article mentions information from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center about Chinese development banks.
China Development Loans to Emerging Economies Hit 13-Year Low in 2021 – Study (Reuters, January 2023). Loans committed by China’s two main trade policy banks fell to a 13-year low of $3.7 billion in 2021 due to Beijing curtailing funding for large-scale oil projects, a study from Boston University Global Development Policy Center showed.
China Loans to Emerging Nations Hit 13-Year Low in 2021: Study (Asia Financial, January 2023). Research from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center is mentioned to explain how lending by the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China was cut back even before the COVID pandemic. “We expect an overall shift toward lower volume, higher quality investment from China,” Kevin Gallagher (Pardee), director of the Global Development Policy Center, said.
Most U.S. Mayors Don’t Want to Ban Gas Stoves, Leaf Blowers Over Climate Change Impact, Survey Finds (Yahoo! News, January 2023). This article mentions a survey of mayors conducted by the Boston University Initiative on Cities that was released last week, and quotes David Glick (CAS, Political Science).
China Overseas Loan Commitments Dwindle as Firms Adapt “Small Is Beautiful” Approach (Asian Banking & Finance, January 2023). The China Overseas Development Finance (CODF) database is managed by Boston University Global Development Policy Center. In a late study, the research center noted a change in Chinese economic engagement in recent years, which it touted as the “small is beautiful” approach.
China’s Overseas Development Finance Totaled $10.5 Billion in 2020-21, Lowest in Recent Years (China Global South, January 2023). In this article, research by the Boston University Global Development Policy Center and their Senior Academic Researcher Rebecca Ray demonstrates that China’s Overseas Development Finance (CODF) Database recorded 28 new loan commitments in 2020 and 2021 worth a combined value of $10.5 billion, the lowest in recent years.
When Lyndon B. Johnson Chose the Middle Ground on Civil Rights—and Disappointed Everyone (Smithsonian Magazine, January 2023). Bruce Schulman (CAS, History) comments on the actions of Lyndon B. Johnson and the effects of the Civil RIghts Act of 1957 on his presidency.
Here is Why Hawaii has the Longest Life Expectancy in the Country (The Hill, January 2023). Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology & CISS Director) provides reasons why residents of Hawaii live longer lives than others in the U.S.
Ask Larry: Will Filing Early Lower My Wife’s Social Security Spousal Benefit? (Forbes, January 2023). In this column of Ask Larry, Laurence Kotlikoff (CAS, Economics), addresses questions about possible effects of taking retirement benefits early on a spouse’s benefits, making sure benefits begin the month you turn 70 and accounting for continued income after filing.
Report: Regardless of Party, Mayors Are United in Concern About Climate Change — And What’s Causing It (American City & County, January 2023). This article references a new report published by the Boston University Initiative on Cities, that demonstrates mayors are universally clear about what’s driving climate change and are unanimous in their concern about its detrimental impact on American cities.
The Best — And Worst — Social Media Reactions to ‘the Embrace’ (Boston.com, January 2023). Thoughts from Boston University’s Ibram X. Kendi (CAS, History and Founder/Director of the Center for Antiracist Research) are mentioned in this article.
China Denies Creating ‘Debt Trap’ for African Countries (South China Morning Post, January 2023). This article references data from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Centre focused on Chinese Loans to Africa.
Twitter Has Always Been a Hotspot for Climate Change Misinformation. On Musk’s Watch, It’s Heating Up (USA Today, January 2023). Dr. Michelle A. Amazeen (CAS, director of the Communication Research Center & CISS Affiliate) comments on the actions of Musk and critics on Twitter that have affected the distribution of accurate information on climate change.
This 1 Move Could Boost Your Social Security Benefits by 76% (The Motley Fool, January 2023). This article highlights analyses done by Laurence Kotlikoff, (CAS, Economics) David Altig, and Victor Yifan Ye related to how much money Americans sacrifice by claiming Social Security benefits early.
The Art of the Denial (The Emancipator, January 2023). Phillipe Copeland (SSW & CISS Affiliate) focuses this article on how racism deniers obscure the reality of racism, minimizing its significance.
How Michelle Wu Can Become a Global Mayor on Climate (The Boston Globe, January 2023). In this article, Loretta Lees, BU Initiative on Cities’ Director, urges Michelle Wu to now become a global mayor on the world stage, learning from other mayors and showcasing the great work she is doing in Boston.