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More than half of U.S. states allow the sale of raw milk directly from farms to consumers, a number that would likely increase if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – a raw milk advocate – is confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Kali Kniel, a professor of microbial food safety at the University of Delaware, can discuss the dangers and potential benefits of drinking raw milk. Some have celebrated the legalization of raw milk around the country, claiming it tastes better and has some nutritional benefits. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, one of the DHHS agencies Kennedy would lead, cautions against drinking raw milk, which comes directly from cows, sheep or goats and has been banned from being sold across state lines since the 1980s. Concerns regarding raw milk have been elevated as a deadly strain of bird flu is infecting dairy farms around the country. In the following Q&A, Kniel talks about the pathogens that may be present in raw milk, ways to communicate food safety to the public and other topics. Milk and other dairy products that sit on shelves at the grocery store are pasteurized. What does this process involve and why is it important for dairy products? Pasteurization of milk is a process of heating milk and passing it between heated stainless steel plates until it reaches 161 degrees Fahrenheit. It is held at that temperature for around 15 seconds before it is quickly cooled to 39 degrees Fahrenheit. This process is intended to kill the pathogenic bacteria that could make a person sick. How does this process affect milk’s quality and nutritional value? Scientific studies have shown that pasteurization does not significantly change the nutritional value of milk. Unpasteurized milk may have more vitamin C, which does not survive the pasteurization process, but milk is not considered a good source of vitamin C, as it contains less than 10% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the average amount of nutrients it takes to meet a healthy person’s needs. There are no beneficial bacteria in raw milk. Milk (pasteurized or raw) is not a good source of probiotic or potentially beneficial bacteria, so for that consumers should choose yogurt and other fermented dairy products as well as other fermented products. Scientific studies using animal models have shown no difference in how calcium in raw milk and pasteurized milk is absorbed by the human body. Popularity in drinking raw milk is increasing, despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advising that it’s not safe to drink. What are the health risks that come with drinking raw milk? Raw milk may contain pathogenic bacteria, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, pathogenic types of E. coli, Listeria and Brucella, as well as the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium. These are all zoonotic microbes, which means they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Often the animal does not appear ill, so it is not possible to determine if an ill animal is shedding these pathogens in its feces that can contaminate milk. Microbial testing of the finished product and environmental monitoring programs may be helpful, but do not guarantee that the raw milk is absent of these pathogens. Milk can be contaminated with these pathogens from direct contamination with feces or from environmental conditions. Cross-contamination from dairy workers can also happen, even when people are trying their best to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The likelihood of a disease outbreak occurring associated with a person consuming raw milk is relatively high given that others may also be exposed. Unpasteurized milk will have a relatively short shelf life and may not be available for testing. Following good hygiene practices on the farm and during milking such as biosecurity around the farm, appropriately sanitizing equipment and monitoring the health of animals can reduce the chance of milk contamination, but not eliminate it. There have been numerous outbreaks of illness associated with raw milk as well as cheese made from raw milk. Persons most at risk of illness associated with drinking raw milk include children, in particular 5 years of age and under, individuals aged 65 and over, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. It should be noted that all outbreaks of illness associated with raw milk have included individuals under 19 years of age. Children may be most vulnerable, as they cannot voice an opinion on consumption and risk of raw milk if it is in their household. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collects data on foodborne disease outbreaks voluntarily reported by state, local or territorial health departments. According to the CDC from 2013 to 2018 there were 75 outbreaks of illness linked to raw milk consumption. These outbreaks include 675 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations. Most of these illnesses were caused by Campylobacter, shiga-toxigenic E. coli, or Salmonella. An increase in outbreaks has been correlated with changes in the availability of raw milk. For example, between 2009 and 2023, there were 25 documented outbreaks in the state of Utah, which has 16 raw milk retailers licensed by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. In all of these outbreaks, the raw milk was contaminated with the bacteria Campylobacter, which typically causes gastroenteritis symptoms like diarrhea and nausea, but may also cause chronic illness, including Guillain-Barré syndrome which can cause paralysis. How likely are these illnesses to happen from drinking raw milk? It is difficult to say. Foodborne illness is often underreported, depending on how severe people’s symptoms are. According to one study, only about 3.2% of the U.S. population drinks raw milk, while about 1.6% eats cheese made from raw milk. But compared with consumers of pasteurized dairy products, they are 840 times more likely to experience an illness and 45 times more likely to be hospitalized. The authors of this work used the CDC’s national reporting system to analyze data from 2009 to 2014. Despite health risks, why do some people still drink raw milk? Some people feel a nostalgic connection to raw milk, and others may feel that foods that are not treated with heat retain certain nutrients and enzymatic activity. I am not aware of any peer-reviewed rigorous scientific studies that indicate the nutritional benefits of consuming raw milk over time, given the risks of potential for illness, combined with a well balanced diet full of healthful food choices. It remains that raw milk is particularly risky for children to consume, as children can get sick from consuming fewer bacterial cells compared to adults. More than 900 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza — the disease commonly known as bird flu — have been detected in dairy cattle across 16 states, and at least 40 people have been infected with the disease from close contact with dairy cows. Raw milk is being tested for the virus. With raw milk gaining interest among consumers, what are the possible consequences? Does it elevate the risk of bird flu spreading further to people? There remain clear risks of transmission of pathogenic bacteria through consumption of raw milk, and now with the potential for contamination of raw milk with avian influenza, it is even more important that consumers protect themselves by drinking pasteurized milk. The people most at risk right now are those involved with the milking process and in the handling of dairy cattle. So it is important that those individuals be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions, including hand washing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment like protective clothing, gloves, face shields and eye protection. As of December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is requiring 13 states to share raw milk samples so the agency can test for bird flu viruses. How could this testing better help us understand the virus? I think it is very smart that USDA is leading the National Milk Testing Strategy, which will help us understand the extent of infected herds. Surveillance of microorganisms is an important way to assess risk so we can develop appropriate strategies to reduce and control these risks.
President-Elect Trump Receives Unconditional Discharge in Hush Money Case
Professor of Constitutional Law James Sample was interviewed by Courthouse News Service and WCBS-TV about President-elect Donald Trump receiving an unconditional discharge as a symbolic sentence in his “hush money” case in New York City.
Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Summary: In a previous post, I wrote about the need for more creative solutions to the cost of housing. I also spoke to the housing shortage and the steep downpayment rules we continue to face. At the same time, the need for retirement income and an increased focus on "aging in place" has more and more property owners looking for solutions. Here, we explore why adding secondary living spaces to their properties, commonly referred to as Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), is something you may want to consider. What Are ADUs? ADUs are fully equipped residential units situated on the same lot as a single-family home. They offer a distinct and private living arrangement while maintaining proximity to the main house. These living spaces may be integrated into the primary residence—such as a transformed garage or basement—or exist as independent structures, including small cottages or apartments. Why ADUs Are Gaining in Popularity ADUs can fulfill a broad range of needs, from accommodating aging relatives or adult children to creating a valuable source of rental income for homeowners. This income could assist seniors with cash flow and substantially boost their property's overall value. But is an ADU right for you? Before answering this, let's first take a brief look at their advantages and the rules and regulations governing the conversion or construction of such structures. Types of ADUs ADUs encompass a variety of secondary suites or dwelling units, primarily categorized as attached, detached, and semi-detached structures. Attached ADUs arise when homeowners convert existing spaces, such as basements, into livable areas. In contrast, detached ADUs consist of separate structures built apart from the principal residence. Laneway Houses / Laneway Suites: These small, detached units are constructed in the backyard or along the laneways of existing properties, maximizing the use of available space. Garden Suites: Similar to laneway houses, garden suites are secondary residences in the primary home's backyard. They offer self-sufficient living environments and are increasingly favoured for boosting housing density in urban settings while preserving the character of residential neighbourhoods. Basement Apartments: Self-contained living spaces in the basement of a residential property. These usually have a distinct entrance. In-law Units (In-law Suites, In-law Flats) are separate living sections within a single-family home that cater to relatives, providing a comfortable space for parents or in-laws. Detached Garages: These standalone structures are separate from the main house and traditionally store vehicles. They can also serve as storage areas or workshops. Adding a second-story apartment above garages is popular. Parking is premium in cities, and these structures provide the best of both worlds: keeping parking, storage, and adding living quarters above. Carriage Houses and Coach Houses: Originally designed as outbuildings on larger estates to store horse-drawn carriages, carriage houses, and coach houses have often been repurposed as living accommodations, guest houses, or rental units while maintaining their historic architecture. The Benefits of ADUs Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are indispensable in alleviating housing shortages and addressing affordability challenges within various communities. They also offer a wide range of personal and economic advantages for homeowners and tenants searching for budget-friendly rental options. Some key benefits include: An Aging-in-Place Option for Seniors: ADUs can allow elderly relatives to stay in their community and maintain an important sense of connection with neighbours, friends, and family. Rental Income: Homeowners can establish a dependable revenue stream with an ADU. These units represent a highly appealing affordable housing alternative. Accommodation for Adult Children: An ADU can provide temporary living arrangements to adult children who may not be able to buy into the housing market or who want to be closer to their aging parents. Dedicated Office/Creative Space: With more people working from home part-time or going entirely virtual, ADU can provide a more professional and comfortable work environment But There's Another Payoff for ADUs Beyond these apparent benefits, I'm also struck by how ADUs can help us cultivate a stronger sense of community and intergenerational connection. Let me unpack this more and list some unique attributes of ADUs that make them so vital to our housing strategy: Affordability: ADUs can also be more affordable than standalone houses, making them increasingly attractive for individuals or small families looking for budget-conscious living options. Connection: ADUs are much closer to the primary residence. This allows younger renters to forge more meaningful relationships and interactions with their homeowners (many of whom are seniors). Equity: For renters who want to move beyond an apartment or condo but lack the financial means, ADUs could present a great alternative. They also provide a unique way to give renters access to neighbourhoods where housing availability is a challenge. For young families, renting an ADU could allow them to place their children in better schools that require residency in the school district. Support: As we age, we are more likely to need help maintaining our homes. For example, help with yard work and snow removal could be traded for reduced rent. There is much to be said about the comfort and safety of having someone live a few steps away for our older generation. ADUs are a Key Part of the Government's Housing Strategy The Federal Government just announced the expansion of the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program. Here's what you need to know: The loan amount has been increased to $80,000, and it has a 2% interest rate and a 15-year repayment term. In addition to the Secondary Suite Loan Program, homeowners can refinance with insured mortgages to help cover the cost of adding a secondary suite, starting January 15, 2025. Lenders and insurers will begin allowing mortgage refinancing of up to 90 percent of the post-renovation value of their home up to $2 million, amortized for up to 30 years. Homeowners can use this loan program and mortgage financing to help cover the cost of adding a secondary suite. These developments should get us all thinking more about the possibilities of ADUs. The benefits for many people and the clear intergenerational win-win exchanges are compelling. Given the impact they could yield for seniors in unlocking the value of their home equity and the compelling social benefits they offer for communities, I'll be exploring ADUs in much more detail over the coming year. Stay tuned. Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue
Dropping Federal Charges Against Trump “A Loss for the Rule of Law”
The CNN story, “Trump’s evasion of January 6 accountability will echo for next four years and generations to come,” features an interview with Professor of Constitutional Law James Sample. The piece focuses on special counsel Jack Smith’s motions to drop federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump for mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The dropping of the charges reinforces Trump’s belief that he will have almost unchecked authority when he is sworn in to office in January. “For Donald Trump, his strategy of delay, delay, delay and then win the election to do away with the litigation, proves to be one of the ultimate success stories,” said Professor Sample. “It’s certainly a win in terms of avoiding accountability, which means it is a loss for the rule of law that it took so long to bring these cases to trial that they never in fact got to trial before the election.”
What’s Next in the Trump Hush Money Case?
Professor of Constitutional Law James Sample talked to WCBS-TV regarding the matter of President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case. Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg told the court that his office would be open to a four-year freeze on Trump’s sentencing while maintaining that it would continue to back the jury’s guilty verdict in the case. “If Judge [Juan] Merchan delays sentencing until after Mr. Trump’s term of office, that would be prudent and sensible under the indisputably extraordinary circumstances. But a delay in sentencing is not, nor should it be perceived to be, a prelude to a dismissal,” Professor Sample said.
Study: Intuitive introverts lead the most successful teams
An unwritten law of leadership states the loudest voices in the room are not always the wisest. Some of history’s most notable and successful leaders were known introverts who wrangled loads of information for sizable teams: Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, to name a few. New research from the University of Delaware found introverted leaders who rely on intuition to handle this large bundle of information lead the most successful teams. The research, co-authored by professor Dustin Sleesman, explored the concept of intuition and when it's helpful for leaders who are in charge of large teams. Sleesman and his co-authors from Michigan State University studied more than 3,000 U.S. Air Force captains at a military base in Alabama. As part of their leadership training, the captains participated in a team-based battlefield simulation, which gave the researchers an opportunity to observe and analyze their behavior. Sleesman and his co-authors accurately predicted that teams performed better when their leaders were armed with high amounts of information. But they made two interesting findings they didn't expect: • Introverted leaders led more successful teams when intuitively handling large amounts of information. • Intuitive leaders, in general, led more successful teams when they had to handle a lot of information. "Introverted people tend to be more reflective, more introspective, they tend to be more observational than extroverted leaders," Sleesman said. "So pairing intuition with introversion tended to be very effective for team performance." Sleesman, an associate professor of management in UD's Lerner College of Business & Economics, studies the psychology of decision-making, negotiation and conflict resolution, as well as team effectiveness. To set up an interview, click on the link below.
Covering the new Trump Administration - We can Help
With each day seems to come an new appointee to cabinet or significant role, a new policy twist and even the occasional walk back or withdrawal. The steps leading up to January 20, 2025 when Donald Trump resumes office as President of the United States will be getting a lot of coverage - and UC Irvine has it's own team of experts ready to lend their experience, perspective and expert opinion on what is happening. Louis DeSipio examines how democratic nations incorporate new members, including policymaking in the areas of immigration. Topics of Expertise: Foreign Affairs / NATO Immigration and Deportation Department of Education, EPA, Homeland Security, Department of Interior, NOAA, HHS and FDA Jeffrey Wasserstrom specializes in modern Chinese cultural history & world history, who has written on many contemporary as well as historical issues. Topics of Expertise: Foreign Affairs / NATO Free Speech Department of Education, EPA, Homeland Security, Department of Interior, NOAA, HHS and FDA Eric Swanson is an expert on inflation, recessions and what changes in interest rates mean for the economy. Topics of Expertise: Foreign Affairs / NATO Tariffs Impact of Downsized Government Senior's Health and Social Security Heidi Hardt is an expert on NATO, defense, security, foreign policy, organizations, the EU, UN, operations, gender, climate and change. Topics of Expertise: Foreign Affairs / NATO Climate Change Gender and LGBTQ+ Rights Tony Smith’s knowledge of politics includes Constitutional Law, the U.S. Supreme Court and election law. Topics of Expertise: Free Speech Department of Education, EPA, Homeland Security, Department of Interior, NOAA, HHS and FDA Jon Gould is a distinguished scholar in justice policy, social change and government reform. Topics of Expertise: Deregulation Gender and LGBTQ+ Rights All of these experts are available to speak with media - simply click on a profile now to arrange an interview time today.
ExpertSpotlight: The History of Presidential Pardons in America
Presidential pardons have long been a cornerstone of executive power in the United States, granting the president the ability to forgive federal offenses. Rooted in the Constitution and modeled after the British royal prerogative, this authority has sparked significant legal and ethical debates since the nation’s founding. Understanding the history and implications of presidential pardons provides insights into American governance, justice, and the balance of power. This topic presents compelling opportunities for journalists to delve into its historical and contemporary significance. Key story angles include: Origins of the Presidential Pardon: Exploring how and why the pardon power was enshrined in the Constitution, including influences from English law and debates among the Founding Fathers. The First Presidential Pardon: Detailing the story of George Washington’s 1795 pardon of participants in the Whiskey Rebellion and its impact on shaping the use of executive clemency. Controversial Pardons in History: Investigating high-profile pardons, such as those granted by Presidents Andrew Johnson, Gerald Ford, and Donald Trump, and their political and social ramifications. Legal and Ethical Perspectives: Examining what legal scholars and historians say about the scope of pardon power, including debates over its limits and potential for misuse. Pardons and Social Justice: Highlighting cases where pardons were used to address systemic injustices, such as civil rights-era convictions or drug-related offenses. Comparing Global Practices: Analyzing how the U.S. approach to executive clemency compares to pardon systems in other democracies and the broader implications for justice. The history and evolution of presidential pardons open the door to meaningful discussions about justice, accountability, and the executive branch’s influence, offering journalists a wealth of perspectives to explore. Connect with an expert about the History of Presidential Pardons in America: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
Will There Be Legal Challenges to the 2024 Election Certification Process?
James Sample, professor of Constitutional Law, appeared on CBS News to discuss the 2024 presidential election results questions that remain about potential legal challenges.
James Sample, professor of Constitutional Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, appeared on WNYW Fox 5 to discuss the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed in 2022. He also appeared on News 12 Long Island to discuss the election results.