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Ahead of America250, Villanova Historian Reveals How Independence Hall Almost Didn't Survive

Philadelphia’s Independence Hall has long occupied an outsized place in the American imagination. The space where the Continental Army was established, the Declaration of Independence adopted and the United States Constitution ratified, the site was once described by President Abraham Lincoln as the source “where were collected together the wisdom, the patriotism, the devotion to principle, from which sprang the institutions under which we live.” In July, these hallowed grounds will yet again take center stage, as the country observes its semiquincentennial, or America250, celebration. In due course, House lawmakers will gather at the landmark for a special commemorative event, mayors from across the U.S. will march to the gates in a show of civic pride and solidarity, and thousands of visitors will flock to the site daily in appreciation for its significance to the cause of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” However, while Independence Hall’s role in the national saga will go widely remarked and recognized, the building itself has a story that remains largely unknown. According to Whitney Martinko, PhD, associate professor of History and director of the Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University, the “cradle of American democracy” almost never survived the country’s infancy. “Early on, the challenge was about two things,” says Dr. Martinko, who specializes in public history, historic preservation and the early U.S. “One was about ownership of what was called the ‘Old State House,’ because it was the former statehouse in the colony of Pennsylvania. And the second was about the development of the city around it.” As Dr. Martinko explains, in the early 19th century, Independence Hall—then the Old State House—was under the control of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which had shifted its governmental seat from Philadelphia to Harrisburg in 1799. To fund the construction of a new capitol building in the wake of the move, Pennsylvania legislators seriously contemplated selling the site to private enterprise, with the surrounding area undergoing a development boom. “Today’s Independence Mall was built up entirely,” says Dr. Martinko. “In the 18th century, it was full of buildings, shops and houses, and by the 19th century, it had become a huge furniture district and a heart of commerce in many ways.” As plans were drawn up to deliver the hall to the highest bidder, local resistance quickly emerged. Opposed to the landmark’s loss, citizens of Philadelphia and municipal leaders rushed to the defense of the building and its lawn, arguing that their preservation entailed a necessary public good. “Everyone looked to this site as the heart of the new nation. It’s a historic site. It’s an important building. People thought of it as one of the great pieces of Georgian architecture at the time,” says Dr. Martinko. “It was also seen as a civic space, as people gathered there on Election Day. And its lawn was highly valued, with green, open space considered important even then, for air circulation. So, it was really seen as a political space, a civic space and a green space that was important for the well-being of Philadelphians and the health of Philadelphia.” Deliberations over the fate of Independence Hall would continue for a period of five years, up until 1818. After a spirited public campaign, a settlement was finally reached when the City of Philadelphia purchased the plot from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for $70,000 (roughly $1.85 million in today’s currency). In essence, the deal would forevermore secure Independence Hall’s place within the pantheon of great American shrines, parks and monuments. However, in a terrific irony, it would also eventually lead to the loss of a different piece of history: Between 1950 and 1967, the 19th-century development projects that once threatened Independence Hall became a casualty of the city’s efforts to make the “birthplace of America” an urban focal point, with the creation of Independence Mall. “Those buildings were all torn down in the mid-20th century, when Ed Bacon and the City Planning Commission decided to make Independence Hall a major attraction,” says Dr. Martinko. “There were debates surrounding this issue as well. The Jayne Building was one of the 19th-century buildings that was demolished and that is most well-known. So, there’s this sense of preserving 18th-century history through the demolition of 19th-century architecture.” As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the near loss of Independence Hall and the removal of its 19th-century neighbors stand as striking examples of the ways in which what we value, and how much we value it, evolves over time. What’s more, the historic threats to Philadelphia’s most famous site serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate nature of public memory and preservation—and the fact that the places we treasure today may not always be with us tomorrow. “Even though it seems absurd to us now, we’re still seeing debates over the line between redevelopment and connection with the past,” concludes Dr. Martinko. “It’s not that no one saw the value of Independence Hall, or that they didn’t see it as historic. It was just this debate that a lot of very reasonable people continue to have today: Is this what really needs to be preserved? And how should it be preserved?”

Chihuly’s Glass Abloom at Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens is hosting Chihuly at Meijer Gardens through Nov. 1, 2026 - the only temporary Chihuly exhibit in the country and one of only two in the world this year. Most creative passions have their roots in childhood—and such is the case with Dale Chihuly’s great love of flowers. The artist fondly recalls his mother’s large and exuberant garden in Tacoma, Washington, known as one of the most beautiful in the neighborhood. Memories of his mother’s garden have influenced much of Chihuly’s work, with the bursting colors and blooming forms matching the fecundity of flora. Another inspiration for Chihuly’s flowering glass forms is the famed Blaschka Collection of glass flowers at Harvard University’s Museum of Natural History, which he encountered while studying sculpture on the East Coast. His avowed love of Vincent van Gogh’s vibrant flower paintings provides another source for Chihuly’s expressive floral artworks. Michigan’s largest‑ever Chihuly exhibition marks long-awaited return to Meijer Garden MLive/Grand Rapids Press April 30, 2026 “The exhibition offers an unprecedented opportunity to lose yourself in Chihuly’s career and in individual pieces,” said Suzanne Ramljak. “It’s hard to describe how experiential it is.” Chihuly’s many exhibitions in conservatories and botanical gardens—including repeatedly at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park—further testifies to the ways his art speaks directly to nature. Meijer Gardens’ 2026 presentation of CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens features a number of the artist’s floral-based series, including his Venetians, Ikebana and Fiori. Below are images of a few of the blooming glass pieces visitors encounter inside the Chihuly: Radiant Forms indoor gallery exhibition, while his outdoor installations revel in the company of flowers. VENETIANS Chihuly’s opulent Venetians series, begun in the late 1980s, is both a celebration of the Italian city that fueled his glass art and of nature’s endless bounty. Several of these baroque vessels are adorned with vegetative forms and stylized flowers in colors that rival that of a garden palette. IKEBANA In 1989, Chihuly began his Ikebana series inspired by Japan’s traditional art of flower arranging. Chihuly’s bold variations on this tradition features sculptural vases of every imaginative shape, containing expressive flowers not to be found in any handbook of botanical species. Chihuly continued his exploration of Japanese flower arranging in a number of innovative glass-on-glass paintings, which are also on view in the Radiant Forms exhibition. FIORI AND MILLE FIORI Chihuly’s profusion of floral forms continues in his Fiori (Italian for “flowers”) and Mille Fiori (“a thousand flowers”) series. Whether shown as singular stalks or amassed on a platform as a riotous glass garden, the artist’s Fiori both celebrate the vitality of nature and the endless creative possibilities of glass. Massive, fantastic Chihuly exhibition opens in Grand Rapids Detroit Metro Times May 1, 2026 “It’s a different piece every day, when the sun hits it and flashes out from its tips, or when it’s darker and deeper in color,” Suzanne Ramljak says. “And that, I must say, is really the pleasure and the power of an outdoor sculpture park that we have. It is an outdoor museum, and it’s alive … when you put art outdoors, nature adds a whole other dimension of life and color.” When Chihuly’s ongoing series of Fiori are set outdoors—in the landscape as with Mottled Trumpet Flowers or gathered within a floating Fiori Boat—his opulent floral forms gain dynamism through the interplay with living organisms. CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank runs through Nov. 1. General admission tickets include access to all outdoor Chihuly installations across the campus. The indoor CHIHULY: Radiant Forms requires a separate timed-entry ticket ($9 adults, $5 children ages 3–13 and members receive a 10% discount). For exhibition tickets and a schedule of related events and programs, visit MeijerGardens.org/Chihuly. Suzanne Ramljak is Director of Curatorial Affairs at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where she has worked since 2022. Ramljak previously was curator at the American Federation of Arts, New York, overseeing the development of traveling museum exhibitions and scholarly publications. View her profile. If you are looking to cover CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens, connect with Suzanne below.

Announcing Major AIQ Enhancements to Improve Inquiry Quality, Relevance and Routing

ExpertFile is announcing major enhancements to AIQ Intelligent Inquiry Qualification, our AI-powered inquiry management feature that helps organizations evaluate, prioritize and route inbound requests from journalists, event organizers, prospective customers, donors, prospective students, research partners, policymakers and other key audiences. These enhancements significantly expand AIQ well beyond its original quarantine capabilities, helping organizations do more than filter unwanted messages. We've designed the new AIQ to provides a more intelligent way to understand the intent behind each inquiry, assess its relevance and ensure valuable opportunities are routed to the right person or team. “We are helping organizations better understand the intent behind each request, protect expert time and ensure valuable opportunities are recognized, prioritized and routed to the right people. Robert Carter - Co-Founder & VP Product Our experience has shown us that as organizations invest more in making their experts, research and knowledge more discoverable across websites, search engines and AI-driven channels, inbound inquiry volume continues to grow. That visibility creates real opportunity, but it also brings more noise from unwanted or unaligned inquiries. While some inquiries are highly valuable. Others are vague, promotional, misdirected, abusive or unrelated to the organization’s expertise. And too often, all of these messages arrive through the same expert-facing channels. We've learned that without a smarter intake layer, important opportunities can be delayed, misrouted or missed entirely. That is the problem these AIQ enhancements are designed to solve. A Shift from Strictly Quarantine to Quality AIQ was first developed to help organizations protect experts from unwanted, irrelevant or inappropriate inquiries. That remains important, and does a great job, but the challenge has grown. Today, organizations need more than a filter. They need a way to evaluate inquiry quality, understand intent and route legitimate opportunities with greater confidence. These latest AIQ enhancements move the feature from a quarantine-focused workflow to a more complete inquiry qualification system. AIQ now evaluates the full context of each inquiry, including the message content, tone, specificity, intent and alignment with accepted inquiry types. The goal is not simply to determine whether a message should be blocked. The goal is to understand whether it represents a legitimate opportunity and where it should go. For organizations that simply display and expert's email this is a level of judgment traditional email spam filters are not designed to provide. While Spam filters can help identify suspicious or malicious messages. They cannot reliably determine whether a journalist submitted through the wrong form, whether a donor inquiry should be routed to advancement, whether a prospective partner is describing a real opportunity, or whether a request aligns with the organization’s expertise and workflow. AIQ is designed for that more nuanced work. Here is a Breakdown of What’s New in AIQ Two significant enhancements are now part of the new AIQ workflow: Inquiry Relevance Evaluation assesses whether a message meets the professional standards of the organization’s inquiry workflow. It helps distinguish meaningful requests from those that are vague, promotional, abusive, unrelated or outside the scope of the organization’s expertise. Inquiry Type Evaluation reviews the actual content of the message, independent of the category selected by the sender. This is important because people often choose the wrong form option. A journalist may submit through a general inquiry form. A donor may select the wrong category. A prospective partner may describe an opportunity that should be routed somewhere else. AIQ helps recognize the true nature of the request so it can be reclassified and directed appropriately. Together, these enhancements help organizations identify valuable inquiries more accurately, reduce unnecessary manual triage and protect expert time. Why This Matters High-value inquiries often do not arrive perfectly packaged. A media opportunity may look like a general question. A speaking request may come through the wrong channel. A customer or partner inquiry may be sent to media relations when it is really a business development opportunity. When these requests are misdirected, they can sit in the wrong inbox, create extra work for staff or disappear entirely. AIQ helps close that gap. “AIQ is not just about blocking bad messages,” said Robert Carter, Co-Founder & VP Product at ExpertFile. “We are helping organizations better understand the intent behind each request, protect expert time and ensure valuable opportunities are recognized, prioritized and routed to the right people. A misdirected inquiry can represent a media opportunity, speaking engagement, partnership or business opportunity that an organization cannot afford to miss.” For communications, marketing, advancement, research, enrollment and administrative teams, this creates a smarter front door for inbound demand. Fully Deployed and Operating at Scale The latest AIQ enhancements are now fully deployed across the ExpertFile platform. They are not beta features or future roadmap items. AIQ is actively processing inquiries today and has achieved a 99.9% success rate in accurately evaluating and routing inbound requests. “We spent considerable time stress-testing this before full deployment,” said Dan Stanhope, Head of Software Development at ExpertFile. “The goal was never just to block bad messages — it was to make sure legitimate, high-value inquiries couldn’t slip through unrecognized. When you combine deep semantic analysis with a trained human review layer, you get a level of accuracy that no standalone spam filter can come close to matching.” Helping Organizations Capture More Value From Expert Discovery Expert discovery does not end when someone finds an expert profile, research page or Expert Center. The next step is making sure the right inquiry reaches the right person. That is where AIQ plays an important role. By expanding AIQ’s ability to qualify, classify and route inbound requests, ExpertFile helps organizations move from visibility to action. AIQ helps ensure that legitimate opportunities are recognized, prioritized and routed efficiently, while low-quality or irrelevant messages are filtered out of the process. For universities, healthcare systems, corporations and associations, this means less noise, better routing and more confidence that valuable opportunities are not being missed. The enhanced AIQ feature is available now as part of the ExpertFile platform. Read the full announcement here: https://exprt.co/AIQ Already a customer...talk to your dedicated Customer Success Team member who can tell you more about this great feature.  Looking to implement something like this for your organization.  Learn more about ExpertFile at expertfile.com/getstarted and request a demo or FREE trial.

Reconstruction Reconsidered: Manisha Sinha Brings Historical Context to New Obama Podcast Series

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, a major new podcast series is drawing renewed attention to the Reconstruction era and its lasting impact on American democracy. Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise, hosted by Malcolm Gladwell and featuring former President Barack Obama, examines the turbulent decades following the Civil War and the ongoing struggle to define citizenship, equality, and political participation in the United States. Among the historians featured in the series is Manisha Sinha, a leading scholar of the Civil War, abolition, and Reconstruction. Her participation brings decades of research and scholarship to a national audience at a time when Americans are revisiting the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation. Manisha Sinha is the James L. and Shirley A. Draper Chair in American History at UConn and past president of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic. She is an expert in American political history, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. View her profile Sinha is the author of The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860–1920, a widely acclaimed examination of Reconstruction that challenges conventional timelines and interpretations of the era. Her work argues that Reconstruction was not confined to the years immediately following the Civil War, but instead represented a broader struggle over democracy, citizenship, civil rights, and political inclusion that continued well into the twentieth century. In interviews discussing her research, Sinha has emphasized the transformative nature of Reconstruction and its importance in understanding the development of modern America. Her scholarship explores how debates over voting rights, constitutional protections, racial equality, and citizenship during Reconstruction continue to influence public life today. As interest in Reconstruction grows through America 250 programming and broader public discussions about democracy and civil rights, Sinha's expertise offers valuable historical context for understanding the era's enduring significance. Connect with an Expert Manisha Sinha is available to discuss: The history and legacy of Reconstruction Why Reconstruction remains relevant today The concept of America's "Second Republic" The evolution of citizenship and voting rights in the United States The relationship between Reconstruction, civil rights, and democratic reform Historical perspectives connected to America 250 commemorations How historians are rethinking the traditional timeline of Reconstruction For journalists and audiences seeking deeper insight into one of the most important periods in American history, Sinha offers expert analysis on the debates, achievements, and unresolved questions that continue to shape the nation more than 150 years later.

ExpertSpotlight: No Joke: The Curious Origins and Enduring Traditions of April Fools’ Day

Every April 1, the world collectively loosens up. Friends prank friends, brands try to outdo each other with outrageous announcements, and even the most serious newsrooms occasionally get in on the joke. But behind the laughter and “gotcha” moments, the origins of April Fools’ Day are anything but straightforward - and that’s part of what makes it so fascinating. One of the most widely accepted origin stories dates back to 1582 and the Gregorian calendar reform. When France shifted New Year’s celebrations from late March (around April 1) to January 1, not everyone got the memo, or chose to follow it. Those who continued celebrating in spring became the subject of ridicule, often tricked with fake gifts or sent on pointless errands. They were dubbed “April fools,” a label that stuck. Other theories reach even further back, connecting the day to ancient seasonal festivals like Hilaria, where people donned disguises, mocked authority, and celebrated the unpredictable shift into spring. Across cultures, the common thread is clear: a moment in the calendar where normal rules are bent, and mischief is not just accepted - it’s expected. What started as localized traditions has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Media outlets, corporations, and public figures now participate in April Fools’ Day with increasingly elaborate hoaxes. Perhaps the most famous example came from the BBC in 1957, when it aired a segment about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees, complete with convincing visuals. Viewers were fooled, and a legendary prank was born. Today, in an era of viral content and misinformation, April Fools’ Day walks a fine line between humor and credibility, forcing audiences to question what they see and hear. Beyond the pranks, the day reveals something deeper about human nature. It’s a rare, socially sanctioned opportunity to challenge authority, play with truth, and share in collective amusement. For journalists, it also offers a unique angle: how stories spread, why people believe them, and what it says about trust in media. In a world often dominated by serious headlines, April Fools’ Day reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful connection comes not from facts alone, but from the shared experience of being delightfully fooled. Our experts can help! Connect with more experts here: www.expertfile.com

Inside the Italian art heist: Experts explain the global fight to protect cultural heritage

A lightning-fast art heist in Italy has reignited global concerns about museum security and the protection of cultural heritage. As investigators search for stolen works by some of history’s most celebrated artists, University of Delaware experts are available to help journalists unpack the broader implications. Earlier this month, thieves executed a highly coordinated robbery at the Magnani-Rocca Foundation, stealing paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse in a matter of minutes. Authorities say the operation was swift, targeted and likely premeditated – highlighting the evolving sophistication of art crime. The theft adds to a growing pattern of high-value art crimes across Europe, raising urgent questions about how institutions safeguard collections and what happens when culturally significant works disappear into illicit markets. UD experts are available to provide context, analysis and on-the-record commentary: Debra Hess Norris Chair, Department of Art Conservation A globally recognized leader in art conservation, Norris specializes in the protection, preservation and recovery of cultural heritage. She can speak to: How museums assess and mitigate security risks What happens after a major art theft The challenges of recovering stolen works in international markets How conservation science supports authentication and repatriation Jessica Horton Associate Professor of Art History Horton’s research examines global art histories and the movement of cultural objects across borders. She can discuss: Why stolen artworks matter beyond their monetary value Cultural ownership, repatriation and ethical considerations How art theft disrupts historical narratives and public access The broader cultural consequences of illicit art trafficking While headlines focus on the dramatic nature of art heists, the deeper story is about the fragility of cultural heritage – and the global effort required to protect it. To speak with Norris or Horton, email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Villanova Tax Experts Break Down Legislative Changes, Best Practices Before Filing Deadline

It's time to collect your W-2s, 1098s and 1099s: On April 15, Americans are required to submit their annual tax returns—recapping earnings, income and life events from the past calendar year. Yet, as filers prepare their records and statements for 2025, they should anticipate some substantial departures from the 2024 season. According to Stephen Olsen, JD, faculty director of the Graduate Tax Program at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and Luke Watson, PhD, associate professor of Accounting in the Villanova School of Business, one of the most significant drivers of change is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025. A sweeping piece of legislation, OBBBA has instituted a number of new tax rules and regulations, including a deduction of $6,000 for taxpayers over 65 years of age, a deduction for certain overtime payments up to $12,500, a deduction for certain tips up to $25,000 and an increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000. Given these policies, most taxpayers should expect a modest decrease in taxes owed this season, and refunds on average should trend higher than in 2025—something borne out by early data from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Of course, the full extent and range of the windfalls have yet to be discovered. "It is unclear if the average refund will be as high as estimated by the administration or what the actual distribution of those tax benefits will be," says Professor Olsen. "Not every taxpayer will receive a significant benefit, and there are so many factors that could cause someone's tax bill to increase, including increased taxable income, the loss of other deductions, changes in filing status and claimed dependents." "There are also many restrictions and phaseouts that changed with OBBBA," adds Dr. Watson. "For example, many seniors and tipped workers paid little to no income tax even under prior law, so they would not necessarily see much benefit with the new legislation." As Dr. Watson's remarks reflect, the question of who exactly qualifies for and benefits from OBBBA's provisions has preoccupied the general public for quite some time. In particular, the deduction-related measure tied to tips, or the "no tax on tips" policy, has sparked curiosity. "Like many things in the Internal Revenue Code, 'no tax on tips' sounds simple, but the actual law is a bit more nuanced," says Professor Olsen. "Only workers who are in an occupation that 'customarily and regularly' receives tips qualify for this deduction. This includes lots of people in transportation, personal services and the food, beverage and hospitality industries—even some in entertainment. "Certain professions, including those in healthcare, law, accounting, financial services and consulting, will likely be prohibited from taking the deduction… Importantly, qualifying workers will need to be able to prove their tip income to take the deduction." "It is also worth noting that, due to the generally lower-wage nature of tipped jobs and the historical underreporting of tips on returns, many taxpayers earning tips paid little to no tax on tips in prior years," says Dr. Watson. "So, they would not experience much of a change under OBBBA." Navigating new provisions like this one, during a process and time already known for provoking anxiety, can be a daunting prospect for many taxpayers. What's more, administrative adjustments at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could potentially exacerbate levels of stress. "IRS staffing remains lower than in past years, which could impact customer service and processing of returns," says Professor Olsen. "In addition, the current administration has elected to eliminate the IRS Direct File tool for income taxes that was available last year. Taxpayers who used the tool last year will need to find other options for the preparation of their income tax returns." For those concerned about filing and worried about abiding by the new rules and regulations, Professor Olsen and Dr. Watson highlight the importance of remaining organized, maintaining a game plan and, if necessary, seeking assistance. "First, taxpayers should be proactive," says Professor Olsen. "Start gathering information as soon as possible and start the process of preparing your returns as early as possible. That will provide you with more time to troubleshoot issues or find other information you may not have initially gathered." "Free resources are also available for taxpayers," says Dr. Watson. "There is a federal volunteer-run program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) that operates throughout communities to prepare tax returns for free, and many of the big tax prep companies do offer a free version of their software, despite trying very hard to sell a paid version. "That said, the best advice is to keep thorough tax and financial records throughout the year. Then, seek help—such as through VITA—when you need it. The better your records, the easier it will be for VITA or others to assist you."

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Survey Reveals Canadians Remain Eager to Travel, but Rising Costs, Global Instability, and Shifting U.S. Attitudes Are Reshaping How and Where They Travel

Canadians remain passionate about exploring new destinations, but changing global dynamics are reshaping how and where they travel. According to CAA’s Travel Wise survey, more than half of Canadians (51 per cent) now say geopolitical and economic factors, such as instability abroad, a perception of the U.S. as being less welcoming, and rising travel costs, are influencing where Canadians choose to travel.  Shifting Destinations and Attitudes Travel patterns are evolving. The survey conducted in 2025 shows that only 22 per cent of Canadians planned to visit the U.S., an 11 per cent drop from 2024. Instead, many are opting to stay within Canada (40 per cent) or explore international destinations. The perception of the U.S. as less welcoming, coupled with rising travel costs and global instability, is prompting Canadians to reconsider their travel plans.  "Canadians are adventurous by nature, but today’s travellers are having to make thoughtful decisions," says Kaitlynn Furse, Director of Corporate Communications. "We’re seeing a clear trend toward exploring closer to home and seeking out new international experiences, all while keeping an eye on safety and value." Travel Insurance: A Critical, Yet Overlooked, Safeguard While Canadians feel confident travelling within their own country, many assume “home turf” means low risk. This misconception leaves millions exposed to unexpected costs when trips don’t go as planned. The survey found that 64 per cent did not have travel insurance on their most recent trip when travelling within Canada.  “Recent stories have highlighted Canadians facing unexpected medical bills, trip interruptions, and emergency expenses while travelling within Canada, often because they didn’t realize their regular provincial health coverage or credit card benefits had limits,” says Furse. “If something were to happen, provincial healthcare only partially covers you outside of your home, and sometimes, not at all, covering only basic emergency medical services when travelling in another province.”   Among those who travelled uninsured, 44 per cent believed coverage wasn’t needed, and 29 per cent thought their provincial government’s health plan would suffice. However, provincial healthcare only partially covers emergency medical services in other provinces, and sometimes not at all.  “One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the idea that travelling within Canada comes with less risk,” says Furse. “Unexpected medical costs, trip interruptions and emergencies can happen anywhere, and many travellers are surprised to learn they’re not fully covered.” With recent geopolitical incidents in Cuba, Mexico and the Middle East, Travel Wise is focused on helping Canadians understand risk, avoid misinformation, and make decisions grounded in facts rather than fear or speculation. Here are some tips:  Understand what an “avoid non-essential travel” advisory really means: Travel advisories reflect real-time safety risks, and an “avoid non-essential travel” signal indicates rapidly changing conditions that may change quickly, and support may be limited.  Know that advisories can affect your insurance and your exit options: Travelling against government advice can limit your travel insurance, including medical care or emergency evacuation. Coverage must be in place before conditions deteriorate.  Flexibility is essential; review cancellation and change policies now: Travellers should proactively confirm cancellation deadlines, refund eligibility, rebooking options for all reservations and understand the limits of credit card protections, employee benefits, and pension coverage benefits.   Stay connected to Canada while abroad: Canadians should monitor official updates from Global Affairs Canada and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure or while on location if something arises.  Rely on reputable sources and be cautious of misinformation online: Canadians should rely on official government sources, established travel organizations, and verified news outlets for travel guidance.  For many travellers, cancelled or delayed flights remain a top concern. CAA’s Air Passenger Help Guide offers a straightforward resource for travellers facing disruptions. The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from September 29 – October 8, 2025, with 2,0210 Canadian travellers aged 25 to 64 who have travelled outside their province of residence in the past three years and plan to travel again in the next five years. Based on the sample size of n=2,021 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)

What the World Needs Now: How Art, Culture, and Nature Can Help Heal Communities in Difficult Times

In an era marked by political division, cultural fatigue, and rapid technological change, communities are increasingly searching for places that offer connection, restoration, and shared experience. Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, brings a leadership perspective shaped by decades across the arts, civic engagement, and nonprofit strategy — focused on how cultural institutions can serve as stabilizing forces in uncertain times. Through the lens of Meijer Gardens, Burke examines how art, culture, and nature can work together to restore, unite, and inspire communities, offering spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and engage with one another beyond polarization or distraction. Charles Burke is President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Under his direction, the organization has been recognized as Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and consecutively named one of the Best Places to Work in West Michigan, solidifying its reputation as a cultural landmark of international acclaim. View his profile Why This Matters Now In an era marked by political division, cultural fatigue, and rapid technological change, communities are increasingly searching for places that offer connection, restoration, and shared experience. Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, brings a leadership perspective shaped by decades across the arts, civic engagement, and nonprofit strategy — focused on how cultural institutions can serve as stabilizing forces in uncertain times. Through the lens of Meijer Gardens, Burke examines how art, culture, and nature can work together to restore, unite, and inspire communities, offering spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and engage with one another beyond polarization or distraction. An Expert Perspective on Healing Through Experience From Burke’s leadership vantage point, institutions like Meijer Gardens demonstrate how intentional design and programming can support community well-being. Examples include: Environments that encourage mental restoration, such as forested landscapes and immersive outdoor spaces Experiences that invite reflection and emotional engagement, rather than passive consumption Programming that brings together diverse audiences around shared encounters with beauty and creativity These experiences do not attempt to solve complex societal challenges directly. Instead, they create conditions for connection, empathy, and resilience, key foundations that healthy communities depend on. Civic Spaces as “Experiential Engines” A central concept in Burke’s work is the idea of cultural institutions as experiential engines — places designed not just to display art or plants, but to generate meaning, joy, and shared memory. When thoughtfully integrated, sculpture, horticulture, architecture, and programming can transform public spaces into environments that foster belonging and inclusion. This approach positions cultural institutions as active participants in civic life, contributing to community health and cohesion rather than operating at the margins of public discourse. Technology, Humanity, and the Future of Cultural Spaces As technology continues to shape how people interact with the world, Burke’s perspective emphasizes balance. Emerging tools — including artificial intelligence — can enhance accessibility, storytelling, and personalization when used intentionally. The challenge, and opportunity, lies in ensuring that technology deepens human connection rather than distracting from it. And while AI is ideal for aggregating information and should be integrated into , it isn't inherently creative. Burke believes that cultural institutions can uniquely unlock the power of human potential in creativity. And cultural institutions that integrate innovation thoughtfully can remain relevant while staying grounded in human experience. Meijer Gardens as a Living Model Over three decades, Meijer Gardens has evolved into a nationally recognized destination where beauty, experience, and mission align. Its integration of art, nature, education, and seasonal programming offers a real-world example of how cultural institutions can grow while remaining inclusive, restorative, and community-centered. Why Journalists and Conference Organizers Should Connect Charles Burke brings informed perspective on: The role of art and nature in public healing and mental wellness Cultural responsibility during periods of division and uncertainty Designing inclusive, joyful, and interactive civic spaces Balancing technology and humanity in cultural institutions How Meijer Gardens functions as a model for innovative integration and creativity Audience fit: museum and cultural leadership forums, civic innovation conferences, mental health and wellness discussions, placemaking initiatives, higher education leadership forums, philanthropic leadership events, sustainability and design summits.

National Academy of Inventors welcomes five VCU College of Engineering researchers

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) recently inducted five Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering researchers as senior members. Chosen for their innovative engineering contributions, the honorees are recognized as visionary inventors whose groundbreaking research and patented technologies are driving meaningful societal and economic advancements across the national innovation landscape. “Invention represents the practical application of knowledge and stands as one of the many ways engineers can make a positive impact on their communities and the world,” said Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc, the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of the VCU College of Engineering. “This year’s honorees exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of our field, leveraging advanced concepts from mechanical, biomedical, chemical and pharmaceutical engineering to address today’s most pressing challenges. We are immensely proud that our dedicated researchers have earned recognition as members of the esteemed National Academy of Inventors.” The VCU College of Engineering NAI inductees are: Jayasimha Atulasimha, Ph.D. Engineering Foundation Professor Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering An internationally recognized pioneer of straintronics, an approach to electrically control magnetism for ultra-low-energy computing, Atulasimha has made significant research contributions to next-generation memory, neuromorphic hardware and emerging quantum computing technologies. He holds four U.S. patents spanning energy-efficient magnetic memory, nanoscale computing architectures and medical tools. Atulasimha’s commercially viable inventions are funded by organizations like the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and he leads multi-institutional collaborations that drive innovation in computing hardware, AI and quantum technologies with more than $10 million in funded research. Casey Grey, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Bridging engineering and medicine, Grey’s work spans life‑saving stroke technologies, breakthrough respiratory and neurological care, and sustainable packaging. As a lead R&D scientist at WestRock, he helped create and commercialize the CanCollar® portfolio, a recyclable paperboard replacement for plastic beverage rings now used on five continents, eliminating thousands of tons of single‑use plastic annually. In medical device innovation, Grey’s patent and development work on a novel cyclic aspiration thrombectomy platform, currently in clinical trials, is advancing stroke treatment by enhancing clot removal efficiency and reducing long‑term disability. At the VCU College of engineering, Grey built a research and commercialization pipeline around neurological and respiratory technologies, securing eight provisional patents and leading multidisciplinary teams in neurology, neurosurgery, surgery, pharmacology and toxicology, internal medicine, and respiratory medicine. His work includes developing dry powder inhaler strategies for delivering life‑saving drugs to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a pediatric bubble CPAP system designed to protect brain development in premature infants, and non‑invasive, non‑pharmacological 40 Hz neuromodulation therapies to treat neurodegeneration and conditions with significant central nervous system complications, like sickle cell disease. In collaborations with the VCU Children’s Hospital and VCU Critical Care Hospital, Grey is leading two clinical studies that are translating these innovations to improve patient care. Ravi Hadimani, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Director of Biomagnetics Laboratory Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Hadimani founded RAM Phantoms LLC, a VCU startup company, commercializing anatomically accurate, MRI-derived brain phantoms for neuromodulation and neuroimaging applications. These brain phantoms help test and tune transcranial magnetic and deep brain stimulation technologies, improving clinical safety and enabling personalized therapy for patients. RAM Phantoms is also developing a highly-skilled workforce for employment in Virginia’s growing biomedical device industry. Beyond commercialization, Hadimani maintains a productive research program with more than $4.5 million in funding resulting in 125 original peer-reviewed publications, 17 current and pending patents, a book, and several book chapters. His biomagnetics lab serves as a training ground for undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students to hone their skills in innovation management, intellectual property strategy and startup development. Several students from Hadimani’s lab have engaged in translational research, patent co-authorship and start-up formation, cultivating a new generation of engineer-entrepreneurs equipped to drive future technological advances. Before joining VCU, Hadimani led the development of hybrid piezoelectric–photovoltaic materials that established FiberLec Inc., which commercialized multifunctional energy-harvesting fibers capable of converting solar, wind and vibrational energy into usable electricity. Worth Longest, Ph.D. Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Distinguished Chair Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Uniting aerosol science, biomedical engineering and computational modeling, Longest is revolutionizing inhaled drug delivery. Working with collaborators, his lab has developed novel devices, formulations and delivery platforms that precisely target medications to the lungs, addressing conditions like cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. These innovations have resulted in multiple patents. Some of them have been licensed through commercial partnerships like Quench Medical, an organization advancing inhaled therapies for applications like lung cancer. Collaborating with the Gates Foundation and the lab of Michael Hindle, Ph.D., from the VCU Department of Pharmaceutics, Longest’s team developed a low-cost, high-efficacy aerosol surfactant therapy for pre-term infants based entirely on technology developed at VCU. The invention eliminates intubation, reduces dosage by a factor of 10, and cuts treatment costs. Over 9 million infant lives are projected to be saved by this technology between 2030 and 2050. Through a long-term collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Longest’s in vitro and computational methods provide federal regulatory guidance for generic inhaled medications. The VCU mouth-throat airway models developed under his leadership are used globally across the pharmaceutical industry and in government laboratories. Hong Zhao, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Zhao holds 40 patents with innovations spanning additive manufacturing, stretchable electronics, inkjet printing technologies and superoleophobic materials that repel oils, greases, and low-surface-tension liquids. Her research has applications across health care, sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing. Prior to joining the College of Engineering, Zhao served as a senior research scientist and project leader at the Xerox Research Center, where she developed high-performance materials and printing technologies for commercial deployment. Her industry experience makes Zhao’s lab a hub for innovation and mentorship, with students engaging in innovative research and co-authoring publications. Zhao is an invited reviewer for more than 50 premier journals and grant agencies. “Working with distinguished researchers and innovators like those inducted into the National Academy of Inventors is a great honor for me,” said Arvind Agarwal, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering and NAI fellow. “They are an inspiration and showcase the kind of impact engineers can make. Having all five of these innovators as part of our department amplifies the scientific richness of our college and its societal impact. They advance the college’s mission of Engineering for Humanity, with research that brings a positive change to our world.” The 2026 NAI class of senior members, composed of 231 emerging inventors from NAI’s member institutions, is the largest to date. Hailing from 82 NAI member institutions across the globe, they hold over 2,000 U.S. patents.