Beyond bad luck, could there be a reason why recent weekends have been more rainy than the rest of the week? From the start of spring to the end of May, it rained on half, or 10, of 20 weekend days. By comparison, it rained one-third of the 46 workweek days.
Newsday interviewed Jase Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, to see if there is a scientific explanation for the frequently soggy Saturdays and Sundays. According to the National Weather Service, data collected over five, 10 and 40 years found that rain was not any more frequent on weekends than weekdays. It also found no statistically significant change in the overall occurrence of rain events.
“You try to slice up these data sets in all these different ways, and inevitably, you will find random patterns that at first seem like something meaningful.” But often, he said, “when you peel back the data, look at an appropriate sample size, you realize it goes away, there wasn’t anything actually meaningful here.”
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off this month across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, global attention will focus on the action on the field. But some of the most important stories surrounding the tournament may happen beyond the final score.
A recent Hofstra University article 'Hofstra History Professor Plays Key Role in 2026 World Cup Antidiscrimination Efforts' highlighted the work of historian and soccer scholar Brenda Elsey, who has been involved in efforts to address discrimination, inclusion, and fan culture issues connected to major international football events. Her work examines how race, gender, politics, identity, and social change intersect with the world's most popular sport.
Dr. Brenda Elsey is a leading soccer scholar whose research explores the intersection of football, politics, gender, and society in Latin America. She has written extensively on the history and cultural impact of the sport, including its role in shaping identity, social movements, and international events. View her profile here For journalists, the 2026 World Cup presents opportunities to explore topics ranging from fan behaviour and inclusivity to the social and cultural impacts of hosting one of the largest sporting events on the planet. Questions around accessibility, equity, nationalism, gender representation, and the evolving role of sport in public life are expected to be part of the broader conversation surrounding the tournament.
Brenda Elsey is a leading expert on the history, politics, and culture of soccer, with particular expertise in issues of gender, discrimination, and social justice in sport. Her research has examined how major international tournaments reflect broader societal trends and challenges, making her a valuable source for media looking to provide deeper context beyond match results and standings.
Whether covering host cities, fan experiences, emerging controversies, or the legacy of the tournament, journalists seeking expert insight into the broader cultural significance of FIFA World Cup 2026 should consider connecting with Brenda Elsey.
Dr. Herman A. Berliner, Hofstra University provost emeritus and professor of economics, will be honored at the 60th annual commencement of CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Dr. Berliner, who earned a PhD in economics from CUNY Graduate Center and a bachelor’s degree from CUNY’s City College, will receive the President’s Distinguished Alumni Medal. He served as Hofstra University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for 28 years and multiple terms as dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business.
The CUNY Graduate Center commencement ceremony will be held at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.
