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ChristianaCare Advances New Health Campus in Camden, Delaware to Close Care Gaps

ChristianaCare has taken another major step to expand access to high quality care across Delaware by submitting a Notice of Intent to the Delaware Health Resources Board to develop a new health campus in Camden. Like the Georgetown campus announced in February, the proposed campus will include a health center and a neighborhood hospital and is part of the $865 million statewide commitment announced last July. “For many people in central Delaware, getting timely emergency or specialty care can still mean long drives or long waits,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “We are investing in facilities that bring care closer to where people live. This campus reflects our commitment to ensuring every Delawarean, no matter their ZIP code, can count on timely, compassionate, high-quality care close to home.” Closing Care Gaps in Central and Southern Delaware The approximately 38,000‑square‑foot Camden campus will be located on the west side of Route 13, just south of Lochmeath Way. It is expected to open in late 2028 or early 2029 and will bring primary care, specialty care and outpatient services together in one location, supported by eight emergency department beds and eight inpatient beds. The project will create 83 new jobs for the community, including 60 positions at the neighborhood hospital and 23 at the health center. Kent and Sussex counties are both designated as Medically Underserved Areas by the Health Resources and Services Administration. At the same time, the region is growing quickly. By 2030, the population in central and southern Delaware is expected to increase by 8 percent, with residents aged 65 and older growing even faster, by 22 percent. Shortages in primary care, behavioral health and specialty services have forced many residents to travel long distances for care. The Camden campus will help change that by bringing essential services closer to home. Expanding Capacity on a Strong Foundation The Camden campus represents a $58.1 million investment and reflects ChristianaCare’s focus on access, coordination and community need. ChristianaCare already provides a broad range of services in Kent County, including primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, home health, hospice and virtual care. The Camden campus will build on this foundation by increasing capacity and making care more convenient as demand grows. Partnering to Deliver Care Close to Home ChristianaCare is partnering with Emerus Holdings, Inc. on the neighborhood hospital component. Emerus is the nation’s leading developer of this model, with 49 acute care facilities across the country. “Communities are stronger when people can depend on care close to home,” said Vic Schmerbeck, CEO of Emerus Holdings, Inc. “We are proud to partner with ChristianaCare to deliver a neighborhood hospital that provides high quality care in a setting designed around the needs of the community.” Growing Access Across the Region The ChristianaCare Georgetown campus is planned for 20769 DuPont Boulevard at an estimated cost of $65.1 million. ChristianaCare is also expanding this innovative care model beyond Delaware. In July 2025, the system opened a neighborhood hospital at its West Grove Campus in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Additional campuses are planned in Springfield and Aston in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

U.S. National Debt: How to Stop the Bleeding

The U.S. national debt exceeding the size of the American economy is a dubious milestone that has sparked alarm and confusion among policymakers who are asking how worried they should be and what can be done to stop the bleeding. David Primo, a political scientist and professor of business administration at the University of Rochester and a fiscal policy expert who has testified before Congress on the national debt, says Americans should be very concerned about the debt and, at the same time, know there is a solution. “The federal budget outlook is grim and threatens the economic future of the United States,” says Primo, the author of Rules and Restraint: Government Spending and the Design of Institution (University of Chicago Press). “If Congress waits to act, Americans will need to give up a bigger piece of the nation’s economic pie to stabilize the country’s finances.” Primo says a solution lies in a constitutional amendment restraining the federal budget. Specifically, such an amendment would clearly define spending and revenue, set spending limits based on a multiyear period, and allow for waiving the limit only with a large supermajority in Congress. “As it stands, Congress is constitutionally incapable of tying its own hands, making it difficult for legislators to implement durable changes to the federal budget,” Primo says. Recent data show the national debt has crossed 100% of the GDP threshold — roughly $31.27 trillion versus $31.22 trillion in economic output — marking the highest peacetime level in U.S. history. The Congressional Budget Office has projected that debt levels, if left unchecked, could reach 181% of GDP in the next 30 years. Primo says delaying implementing a solution raises the risk of increased interest rates, which would, in turn, reduce investment and, ultimately, economic growth. For journalists covering deficits, tax policy, and the long-term economic outlook, Primo offers key expertise and a clear lens on: • The implications of national debt exceeding GDP • Constitutional and institutional approaches to fiscal reform • Fiscal policy and political incentives “The United States is in precarious fiscal health,” Primo told Congress in 2023. “In the absence of a constitutional amendment, I fear it will take a fiscal crisis before Congress acts. Nobody wants that.” Connect with Primo by clicking on his profile.

ExpertSpotlight: From Revolution to Ritual: The Enduring Power of May Day Parades in Russia

Each year on May 1, images of grand parades, waving flags, and tightly choreographed displays evoke a powerful legacy rooted in ideology, identity, and statecraft. In Russia, May Day—known as International Workers’ Day—has evolved from a revolutionary rallying point into a symbolic expression of national unity, political messaging, and historical continuity. Origins in Revolution and Worker Solidarity May Day celebrations in Russia trace their roots to the late 19th century, inspired by international labour movements advocating for workers’ rights—particularly the push for the eight-hour workday. Following the Russian Revolution, the holiday was institutionalized by the Bolsheviks as a cornerstone of socialist identity. Under leaders like Vladimir Lenin, May 1 became more than a labour holiday—it was a stage for demonstrating the strength and unity of the working class under communist rule. Early celebrations blended grassroots enthusiasm with emerging state control, reinforcing the ideological foundations of the new Soviet state. The Soviet Spectacle: Power on Display During the era of the Soviet Union, May Day parades transformed into highly orchestrated spectacles. Held prominently in Red Square, these events showcased military hardware, industrial achievements, and mass participation from workers, students, and state organizations. Under Joseph Stalin, the parades took on an increasingly propagandistic tone, emphasizing Soviet strength both domestically and to the outside world. Precision choreography, symbolic imagery, and sheer scale reinforced narratives of unity, productivity, and ideological superiority during the Cold War. Post-Soviet Transition: From Ideology to Identity Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the meaning of May Day in Russia shifted significantly. While it remains a public holiday, its overt ideological messaging has softened. Today, events often blend labour advocacy, political expression, and seasonal celebration. Modern observances frequently include rallies organized by trade unions such as the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia, alongside state-supported demonstrations that emphasize national unity and economic stability under leaders like Vladimir Putin. Why May Day Still Matters May Day parades in Russia continue to serve as a barometer of the country’s political and social climate. While the overt revolutionary fervor of the early 20th century has faded, the event remains deeply symbolic: Historical Continuity: A living link to the Soviet past and its defining narratives Political Messaging: A platform for governments to project stability and cohesion Labour Identity: An enduring reminder of workers’ rights and collective action Cultural Tradition: A widely recognized public celebration marking the arrival of spring Expert Insight What makes May Day in Russia particularly compelling is its adaptability. Across more than a century, it has shifted from protest to propaganda to public ritual, each iteration reflecting the priorities of the state and the sentiments of its people. Connect with more experts here: www.expertfile.com

TCU Nutritional Sciences Expert Discusses New US Dietary Guidelines

As updated federal recommendations roll out, Samantha Davis highlights gaps between science and messaging. When the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released, the message seemed straightforward: Eat more whole foods and reduce processed ingredients and sugar intake. But for Samantha Davis, professor of professional practice in nutritional sciences in TCU’s Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering, a closer look reveals a more complicated picture. “These guidelines influence far more than individual choices,” she said. “They shape what’s served in schools, child care programs and federal nutrition programs nationwide. That’s why it’s so important to ensure the recommendations and the messaging are aligned with the science.” A Growing Public Health Challenge The conversation comes amid rising concerns about chronic disease in the United States. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly one in three adolescents has prediabetes. At the same time, almost 90% of health care spending is tied to chronic disease. “These are not small trends,” she said. “Nutrition guidance plays a significant role in how we respond.” When the Math Doesn’t Match the Message While the guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of daily calories, following the suggested servings, particularly for animal proteins and full-fat dairy, the numbers do not add up. “When you actually break it down, those recommendations can push intake closer to 20%,” Davis said. “The math is not mathing.” That gap raises concerns for heart health, as higher saturated fat intake is associated with elevated LDL cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk. Rethinking Protein in the American Diet The updated guidelines increase protein recommendations, in some cases significantly. However, protein deficiency is not a widespread issue in the United States. “The idea that more protein automatically leads to more muscle is a misconception,” she said. “Exercise builds muscle. Protein supports maintenance and repair.” Davis also notes that protein is found across a variety of foods, including grains and vegetables, reinforcing the importance of balance ahead of overemphasis. Not All Fats Function the Same The guidelines encourage incorporating “healthy fats,” but distinctions between fat types may not always be clear. “There’s important nuance here. Some fats support heart health, while others are linked to increased risk. That difference matters,” she said. “If we’re trying to address obesity at a population level, we need to consider where calories are coming from.” For most people, nutrition guidance is distilled into quick takeaways and simplified messaging. “People remember what they see and hear in an instant,” she said. “If those messages aren’t clear or consistent, it can lead to confusion.” Her advice remains grounded in fundamentals: Focus on whole, minimally processed foods and look beyond trends for long-term health. Davis’ expert perspective was also featured in Fort Worth Weekly, contributing to the broader conversation about how national nutrition guidance shapes everyday life.

Get Over It: Pluto Isn't A Planet!

Put down the protest signs already. Retire the “Save Pluto” pins. Step away from the planetary outrage. Seriously. So says University of Rochester astrophysicist Adam Frank in his latest column in Forbes. Frank explains that the real story behind Pluto being stripped of its planetary status in 2006 isn’t about what Pluto lost, but what scientists found. Pluto made news recently when NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman replied to a Florida girl’s handwritten plea to restore Pluto’s designation as a planet, saying he supported such a move. Frank has one word for Isaacman: Stop! “Now Isaacman seems like a good guy and I sure don’t want to make little kids cry,” Frank writes. “Still, there’s an amazing science reason why Pluto got kicked out of the planet club.” For decades, Frank explains, we thought the solar system ended with the nine familiar planets, with Pluto being the most distant. But beyond Neptune lies the Kuiper Belt, a vast expanse filled with icy remnants from the birth of the solar system. These objects are essentially the leftover building blocks of planets. Pluto, it turns out, is one of them. That matters because this cosmic debris holds crucial clues about how planets form. Studying Pluto and its neighbors helps scientists understand the origins of Earth and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. So, Pluto isn’t an outcast; it’s a key witness to our cosmic history. It belongs to a newly understood class of worlds that are central to modern astronomy. Rather than mourn Pluto’s status and push for restoring its former title, Frank suggests we celebrate its reclassification as the moment astronomers realized the solar system is far richer than they had ever imagined. If you’re a journalist looking for an expert to talk about Pluto — or planets and worlds formerly known as planets — Frank is your scholar. He is a frequent contributor to the likes of CNN, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and MSNBC, and can help your audience make sense of our vast universe.

TCU Chemistry Researcher Named a Big 12 Faculty of the Year

Kayla Green has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists at Texas Christian University, and her efforts are getting noticed. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering represents TCU among this year’s Big 12 Faculty of the Year honorees. The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award honors outstanding faculty who excel in innovation and research at each of the athletic conference’s 16 universities. Honorees represent and reflect the best attributes that make a Big 12 college campus a bastion for learning and growth. “In my view, Professor Green exemplifies the fact that student success cannot happen without research, and world-leading research cannot happen without authentic, student-centered experiences,” wrote a nominator when Green was named the 2025 winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. “Professor Green has maintained a vibrant, externally funded research program throughout the past 15 years, a distinction shared by very few TCU faculty.”  Green was chosen in part for her international reputation in the field of inorganic chemistry as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, as well as her leadership in a growing research program that has brought in more than $2.5 million in external support. This includes work with Ben Janesko, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry, and biology professors Giri Akkaraju and Michael Chumley on a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Green’s collaborative work with students highlights her ability to weave together research and mentorship. “Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of Davis College. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.”  One of her most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class.  The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award is intended to showcase the diversity of research breakthroughs and educational opportunities afforded to students attending Big 12 institutions and helps attract future students. This year’s award recipients stretch across a vast array of departments. “We are constantly looking for ways to highlight how Big 12 faculty continue to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Jenn Hunter, Big 12 chief impact officer said. “From the arts and filmmaking to business and engineering, this year’s cohort showcases the vast opportunities available to students pursuing an education on Big 12 campuses.” Faculty members were nominated by their institutions in conjunction with conference faculty athletic representatives, provosts and other university leaders. “I’m very honored to represent TCU as a Big 12 Faculty of the Year,” Green said. “I hope that I am not expected to exhibit any athletic skill sets but am happy to cheer on the Frogs in all they do in our classrooms and competitions! Congratulations to the honorees from across our great conference. TCU has the best faculty, and I am happy to represent them in this capacity.”

Seeing Green: Chemistry Professor Transforming Undergraduate Research at TCU

When it comes to advancing both student success and world-class research, Kayla Green embodies how the two can go hand in hand. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists and reshaping how chemistry is taught at Texas Christian University. Her leadership weaves together research and mentorship in ways that have elevated the department’s impact. With more than $2.5 million in external funding and a track record of collaboration around the globe, Green’s work has not only advanced the field of inorganic chemistry, particularly as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, but also strengthened TCU’s standing as a hub for undergraduate research excellence. “In the summer heading into my junior year, I began working on what would be my research project in Dr. Green’s lab … that would use iron as a catalyst in molecules. I would end up presenting that research in my senior year,” said Jack Bonnell ’24, a John V. Roach Honors College laureate. Iron is more affordable, more available and less societally problematic than preexisting palladium- or platinum-based molecules. “By the end of my senior year, I was able to achieve comparable results with my iron catalyst as you could achieve with palladium or platinum,” said Bonnell, now a second-year medical student at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU. “That was a pretty cool moment in my research, to be able to put it up there in comparison to those.” Since joining TCU in 2010, Green has mentored more than 50 undergraduate students in her lab, many of whom have gone on to publish their work, present at national conferences and pursue medical or doctoral degrees. She has also been instrumental in creating programs that prepare students to succeed in challenging classes and stay the course in scientific disciplines. “Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of the Davis College of Science & Engineering. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.” Lifting Them Up One of Green’s most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Ben Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class. “The boot camp helps lift them up, and it’s really helped with retention of students in pre-health and science fields,” said Timothy Barth, psychology professor and associate dean of graduate affairs in Davis College. “She didn’t have to do this; she created it because of her commitment and dedication to the students.” Green’s innovative use of grant funding has expanded laboratory resources, supported student travel to conferences and strengthened research collaborations. The result is a department that rivals larger institutions in both output and opportunity. “Davis College does a fantastic job on undergraduate research training,” Green said. “We are a powerhouse.” For Green, teaching and research are inseparable. Her classroom and laboratory experiences are deliberately interconnected, allowing students to see how chemistry concepts play out in the real world. “Going into a lot of these complicated diagnoses and being able to break them down into digestible pieces of information for patients is a skill that I definitely can see as useful in my future as a physician,” Bonnell said. As much as the material itself, he credits Green’s mentorship and the opportunities she provided for his preparation for medical school. “I had only taken Dr. Green’s general chemistry course in my first semester as a freshman at TCU. I joined her lab in the spring semester of my freshman year, and I knew only the bare minimum about chemistry. I was in meetings with graduate students who had been working on projects for years,” Bonnell said. “At the beginning, she bounced me around, and I worked with different graduate students to learn all the different things they were doing to find my best fit.” That blend of rigor and encouragement has become a hallmark of her approach and a model for other departments seeking to integrate research more deeply into the undergraduate experience. Building on Success Green’s excellence has earned her wide recognition, including honors from the American Chemical Society (Emerging Investigator and Women Chemists Rising Star awards), TCU’s Deans’ Award for Research and Creative Activity and, most recently, the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. She now brings that same analytical insight and collaborative spirit to her position as the college’s assistant dean of undergraduate affairs, a role she began this academic year. “We’ve already begun to experience her decision-making and analysis as part of the dean’s team,” Barth said. “In a short period of time, she’s proving to be an amazing and remarkable administrator.” Looking ahead, Green continues to build on her success through a National Institutes of Health R15 AREA grant, which supports undergraduate research and provides students with opportunities to contribute to federally funded science. “TCU Chemistry has an incredible record of placing students in medical school, Ph.D. programs and research labs across the country,” Green said. “It’s rewarding to see our students thrive in environments that started with their hands-on experiences here.”

Remembering the Ludlow Massacre of 1914

Mary Anne Trasciatti, Hofstra University’s director of the Labor Studies Program and professor of rhetoric, is referenced in an article on the website Counter Punch about how a dispute for fair wages and safer working conditions led to the 1914 massacre of 25 miners and family members in Ludlow, Colorado. The author, Robert Forrant, notes that he and Dr. Trasciatti co-edited “Where Are the Workers,” a collection of essays written by labor historians and archivists that explore nationwide efforts to bring the history of labor and working people into mainstream narratives of U.S. history. The Ludlow Massacre, he says, is one of the most dramatic and deadly of those stories.