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The new boss ... same as the old boss?

A new study assesses the case for mayoral control of urban school systems, finding that a clear mission is crucial but flexibility to address changing societal issues is essential. The research suggests that high-profile success stories are often exceptions rather than the rule, and that appointed boards can repeat past mistakes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateApr 22, 2008

Supermarkets' power desertifies our diets

Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics found that supermarkets are building in newer suburbs, leaving smaller shops and food deserts in their wake. Residents living in food deserts face poor access to supermarkets, leading to higher prices for basic supplies and devastating health effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Health Geographics·DateApr 17, 2008

City ants take the heat

Researchers discovered that ants in São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, have adapted to higher temperatures. The findings suggest a link between urban heat islands and the physiological adjustments of species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2007

Be warned

A recent study conducted by Dr. Scott Sheridan at Kent State University found that almost 90% of residents aware of heat warnings took no action to avoid health issues. The study suggests that heat warning systems may need to be revised to better target vulnerable populations.

Counties in northeast, midwest continue to offer best access to U.S. population, study shows

A new study examines how much of the nation's population lives within a certain distance of each county's center, revealing that areas in the South and West are making inroads. The leading edge of top-tier accessibility has inched southward from the Midwest and Northeast to include significant portions of North Carolina and Tennessee.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Geographical Systems·DateMay 28, 2003