Latest news with #Irvine
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Study Undercuts Idea That Cash Payments to Poor Families Help Child Development
If the government wants poor children to thrive, it should give their parents money. That simple idea has propelled an avid movement to send low-income families regular payments with no strings attached. Significant but indirect evidence has suggested that unconditional cash aid would help children flourish. But now a rigorous experiment, in a more direct test, found that years of monthly payments did nothing to boost children's well-being, a result that defied researchers' predictions and could weaken the case for income guarantees. After four years of payments, children whose parents received $333 a month from the experiment fared no better than similar children without that help, the study found. They were no more likely to develop language skills, avoid behavioral problems or developmental delays, demonstrate executive function or exhibit brain activity associated with cognitive development. 'I was very surprised — we were all very surprised,' said Greg J. Duncan, an economist at the University of California, Irvine and one of six researchers who led the study, called Baby's First Years. 'The money did not make a difference.' The findings could weaken the case for turning the child tax credit into an income guarantee, as the Democrats did briefly four years ago in a pandemic-era effort to fight child poverty. That effort, in 2021, provided most families with children monthly checks of up to $300 per child and helped push child poverty to a record low, though it did not receive the kind of rigorous evaluation of its developmental impacts the new study offers. It lapsed after a year, and Democratic efforts to extend it failed amid unified Republican opposition. Many Democrats are pushing to bring it back. While the new research may shape the debate over income guarantees, the leaders of the new study disagree among themselves about the relevance of the experiment's results. Some think the pandemic, which erupted soon after the research began, may have skewed outcomes, both because it disrupted lives and triggered large government aid programs that diluted the impact of the stipends provided by the study. The payments from Baby's First Years were also much smaller, on a per-family basis, than those the Democrats propose. Larger payments might have beneficial effects. Since the test was unusual in targeting children in their earliest years, it is also possible that benefits will appear later, after they start school. Still, the test was unusually comprehensive, and the lack of results provides conservative critics of cash guarantees an empirical talking point. 'It shows that money alone won't lead to better outcomes for children,' said Robert Doar, president of the conservative American Enterprise Institute, who supports imposing work rules on aid on the theory that working parents offer children role models. The study did not test noncash programs like food stamps or Medicaid or subsidies tied to work. The results were reported earlier by NPR. It has long been clear that children from affluent families exhibit stronger cognitive development and fewer behavioral problems, on average, than their low-income counterparts. The question is whether their advantage comes from money itself or from related forces like parental health and education, neighborhood influences or the likelihood of having two parents in the home. A landmark study in 2019 from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine found that 'poverty itself causes negative child outcomes' and aid programs often help. But most of the evidence came from studies of noncash benefits, like food stamps or Medicaid, or the earned-income tax credit, a subsidy for parents with jobs. Some of the studies were decades old, when the safety net was smaller and expansions might have had larger effects. For a more precise test of cash guarantees, Baby's First Years raised about $22 million from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations and recruited 1,000 poor mothers with newborns in New York, New Orleans, greater Omaha and Minneapolis-St. Paul. More than 80 percent were Black or Latino, and most were unmarried. After randomly dividing the parents, researchers gave one group $333 a month while the other got a nominal $20. Random-control testing is considered an especially rigorous form of evaluation. The researchers specified in advance seven measures on which they thought children in high-cash families would outperform the others. But after four years they found no group differences on any of the yardsticks, which aimed for a comprehensive look at child development. Children in the families getting the higher cash payments did no better on tests of vocabulary, executive function, pre-literacy skills or spatial perception. Their mothers did not rank them more highly on assessments of social and emotional behavior. And they were no more likely than the children in the low-cash group to avoid chronic health conditions like asthma. Mothers in the high-cash group did spend about 5 percent more time on learning and enrichment activities, such as reading or playing with their children. They also spent about $68 a month more than the low-cash mothers on child-related goods, like toys, books and clothing. At the same time, the study found no support for two main criticisms of unconditional payments. While critics have warned that parents might abuse the money, high-cash mothers spent negligible sums on alcohol and no more than low-cash mothers, according to self-reporting. They spent less on cigarettes. Nor did they work less. While opponents say income guarantees could erode the work ethic, mothers in the two groups showed no differences across four years in hours worked, wages earned or the likelihood of having jobs. The high-cash mothers did prove less likely to work full time during the pandemic, which researchers considered positive — evidence that aid helps parents manage emergencies. One puzzling outcome is that the payments failed to reduce mothers' stress, as researchers predicted. On the contrary, mothers in the high-cash group reported higher levels of anxiety than their low-cash counterparts. It is possible they felt more pressure to excel as parents. Contrary to predictions by the researchers, children in both groups showed similar patterns of brain activity on the study's main neurological yardstick, an index of high-frequency brain activity, as measured by an electroencephalogram. High-frequency brain activity is often associated with cognitive development. Though an earlier paper showed promising activity on a related neurological measure in the high-cash infants, that trend did not endure. The new study detected 'some evidence' of other differences in neurological activity between the two groups of children, but its significance was unclear. While researchers publicized the earlier, more promising results, the follow-up study was released quietly and has received little attention. Several co-authors declined to comment on the results, saying that it was unclear why the payments had no effect and that the pattern could change as the children age. 'Anyone who tries to tell you they know what the data mean is just speculating,' Katherine A. Magnuson, a professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, wrote in an email. The payments continued for more than six years, and future analyses will examine the longer-range effect. Arloc Sherman of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a supporter of income guarantees, said the results were affected by the pandemic and should be weighed against conflicting evidence. 'I don't think these results undermine the conclusion, from a large volume of studies, that income is important for children's health, education and development,' he said. Jane Waldfogel, a professor at Columbia University whose book 'Child Benefits: The Smart Investment for America's Future' supports child-rearing subsidies, said the experimental payments were too small to have the predicted effect. Because the aid was capped at $333 per family, not per child, she said, households received an average subsidy less than half of what Democrats offered in 2021 and typically propose. 'It just wasn't enough to reduce financial hardship and strain,' Ms. Waldfogel said. The payments initially increased household income by 18 percent, but high inflation eroded their value. Virtually all parents in both groups remained low-income throughout the four years, and they reported similar levels of hardships like evictions or utility cutoffs. Robert Rector, an opponent of income guarantees at the Heritage Foundation, praised the rigor of the study and said it 'blows the arguments for unconditional cash aid out of the water.' The results are unsurprising, he said, because the safety net already provides what he called large food, health care, and wage subsidies, meaning few families face dire conditions and the extra stipends did little to differentiate the groups. While the aid did not boost child development in measurable ways, it may still have enriched family life. Some parents told researchers it let them buy children special gifts or share meaningful experiences, like dining out or visiting a zoo. One proudly photographed the winter coat she bought her child. 'The mothers are certainly not saying this money doesn't matter,' said Sarah Halpern-Meekin, a sociologist at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, who oversaw parent interviews. Michael R. Strain of the American Enterprise Institute said the study reinforced his doubts about cash aid, but he encouraged fellow conservatives not to make too much of it. 'It seems completely plausible to me that the pandemic overwhelmed an effect from the income,' he said. Still, he noted that poor families faced problems as varied as bad schools, violent neighborhoods and a shortage of role models. 'Can $300 a month address that?' he said. 'I don't know why it would.' A single study may alter few minds, but it has changed one expert's thinking. Mr. Duncan, a leading child poverty researcher, had been persuaded by studies of Medicaid, food stamps and the earned-income tax credit that unconditional cash aid would improve children's outcomes. But the uniform new results have made him reconsider. 'There is strong evidence that these other safety net programs reduce intergenerational poverty,' Mr. Duncan said. 'Our cash payments appear unlikely to follow suit. We've got to come to grips with that.'
Sky News
a day ago
- Sky News
Shona Stevens: Man in court charged with murder of Irvine woman in 1994
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman more than 30 years ago. Shona Stevens, 31, suffered serious injuries after being attacked near her home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in November 1994. She died in hospital three days later. The mother-of-one's family has never given up their campaign for justice, and in November last year a £20,000 reward was offered by Crimestoppers for information that could help catch and convict her killer. On Friday, Police Scotland announced its Major Investigation Team had arrested a man in connection with the case. Suspect Fraser Kilpatrick, 67, was charged the following day and appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday. Kilpatrick, of Glasgow, made no plea to the single charge of murder. He is due back in the dock within the next eight days. "I am grateful for their information and input which greatly contributed to our investigation." Ms Stevens was attacked on 10 November 1994. After leaving Bourtreehill shopping centre, she was last seen walking alone on Towerlands Road at about 1.10pm. Ten minutes later, she was discovered seriously injured in a wooded area to the rear of Alder Green, just 200 yards from her home. Ms Stevens died in hospital on 13 November 1994. Appealing for fresh information last year, her daughter Candice and mother Mhairi Smith said: "There is not a day that goes by that she is not in our thoughts and in our hearts."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Boundless Devices announces the launch of the Motorola MQ20 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router with 6 GHz Coverage for Homes
IRVINE, Calif., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boundless Devices Inc. (BDI), a global leader in telecommunications, smart networking and emerging mobile ecosystems is pleased to announce the launch of the new Motorola MQ20 Mesh Wi-Fi 6E Home and SMB Router. The product is now available for sale in the US. Powered by the new MotoSync+ application on both iOS and Android, the MQ20 delivers advanced features and cybersecurity, along with impressive coverage and performance. Tri-Band Wi-Fi with 8.4 Gbps Speeds and Up to 3,000 sq. ft. Coverage Powered by Qualcomm's IPQ8072A chipset, the MQ20 offers cutting edge features such as 8 powerful internal antennas, triband technology and 4x4 Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) for reliable coverage and performance. A triband device that offers three bands 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz and 6Ghz for maximized performance and reduced latency. A powerful 2 GHz quad-core processor ensures seamless multitasking and handling up to 128 devices per unit. Wi-Fi speeds of up to 8.4Gbps are supported, with a single unit providing coverage of up to 3,000 in the home or office ultimately delivering a cleaner and more reliable connection. Add Additional MQ20s to boost Coverage with Easy Mesh Supports Carrier Service Plans of up to 2.5Gbps Through its 2.5Gbps Wide Area Network (WAN) port to connect to your modem, the MQ20 maintains high levels of performance and speed throughout your home, ensuring fewer dead zones and uninterrupted streaming and browsing. Connect more than 128 devices to each network over Wi-Fi or using the three 1Gbps Local Area Network (LAN) ports on the device. Advanced Cybersecurity Features and Parental Controls with MotoSync+ MotoSync+ is the new all in one application, available for both iOS and Android devices, that manages the Motorola Q20, and will be an integral part of future products, providing value-added advanced Cybersecurity and Parental controls to keep your network and those on it protected. MotoSync+ Premium Features Advanced Cybersecurity Block ads, adware, malware, spyware, and ransomware Active monitoring of network weaknesses that hackers can exploit AI technology detects any infected devices on your network Real-time updates to ensure you are protected against new threats Advanced Parental Controls User & Device Management – Set policies and rules for each device, person in the household or groups of people Content Filtering – Filter and allow content based on app or website Manage Screen Time & Requests – Limit daily usage of devices, apps, games and websites Daily Internet Schedules – Limit access to specific apps/sites during homework time, bedtime or set your own internet breaks Browsing History – View web browsing history even when deleted from the device Daily Internet Schedules – Limit access to specific apps/sites during homework time, bedtime or set your own internet breaks Browsing History – View web browsing history even when deleted from the device Live Support Dedicated Technical Support, available in app, via email (support@ on live chat at and also toll free in the United States at +1 (833) 411-1397 (live agents available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Central Time). The MotoSync+ premium features are available for a monthly fee of $9.99, or $90 per year with a full annual subscription. MQ20 Launch Promotion Enjoy MotoSync+ FREE for a whole year, saving up to $119.98! Free with every new purchase and activation of an MQ20 Mesh Router system or MG8702 Gateway. Full details, terms and conditions visit The MQ20 is available on with a MSRP of $329.99 for a single unit, $629.99 for a two pack. The product is available in White and Black and will be available in additional retail outlets in the United States and Canada later this year. About Boundless Devices, Inc. Boundless Devices, Inc. (BDI) is a global product development, sales, and distribution company specializing in cutting-edge consumer electronics and connected solutions. From concept to customer, the company delivers high-quality technology across telecommunications, smart networking, and mobile ecosystems. BDI partners with industry leaders to bring innovative products to markets worldwide. Boundless Devices is a Tide Rock portfolio company, backed by permanent capital and a track record of scaling visionary businesses for long-term success. Learn more at MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo, MOTO and the MOTO family of marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. and are used under license by Premier LogiTech. Android is a trademark of Google, LLC. Wi-Fi is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2025 Motorola Mobility LLC. All rights reserved. Media Contacts:Boundless Devices, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Boundless Devices Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Post
Burnley pay tribute after former striker Willie Irvine passes away
PREMIER LEAGUE club Burnley have paid tribute to their former striker Willie Irvine, who has passed away at the age of 82. A statement from the club this morning said they were 'deeply saddened' to learn of the passing of Irvine, who scored 97 goals for Burnley in 148 appearances and is the club's ninth all-time scorer. Born in Carrickfergus, Irvine also made 23 appearances for Northern Ireland, scoring eight goals. "Willie Irvine will always hold a special place here at Turf Moor," read a statement from the Clarets. "A centre-forward who not only mesmerised defences but also enthralled the fans who came to witness one of the greatest goalscorers the club has ever had. "Our thoughts are with his wife Rita and their sons Darren, Stephen, Jonathon and all the family." Scoring prowess Irvine joined Burnley in 1958 as an amateur before signing a professional contract with the club in July 1960. He made his senior debut in May 1963 at Arsenal, scoring in a 3-2 win before hitting a hat-trick in the following game, a 3-1 victory at home to Birmingham City. He would go on to form a formidable partnership with Andy Lochhead, the pair scoring 43 league goals between them in the 1964/65 season, with Irvine contributing 22. The following term he scored 37 goals in all competitions, with his 29 league goals making him the First Division's top scorer that season. During the 1966/67 campaign, he continued to find the back of the net until he broke his leg in an FA Cup tie against Everton at Goodison Park. Irvine joined Preston North End in March 1968, going on to score 27 times in 81 games for the club. He joined Brighton permanently in July 1971 after a loan spell and scored 27 goals in 69 league games for the Seagulls. He ended his career after spells at Halifax Town and Great Harwood. Irvine later worked in the engineering sector but continued to conduct tours and entertain guests at Turf Moor on match days. 'A gentleman' Preston also paid tribute to their former player on social media, posting: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Willie Irvine, who made 81 appearances for North End between 1968 and 1971. "Our thoughts are with Willie's friends and family at this difficult time." Meanwhile, the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs posted: "Willie was capped 23 times between 1963 and 1972, scoring eight goals. A brilliant goals to games tally in anyone's book. "We've also heard some great stories from fans about their experiences of meeting Willie through the years, a gentleman by all accounts. "The Chairman, Committee and membership of the AONISC extend our condolences to the Irvine family. At Rest." See More: Burnley, Preston North End, Willie Irvine
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland and Burnley goalscoring hero dies aged 82
The former Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley and Preston North End striker won 23 caps for his country between 1963 and 1972, scoring eight goals. His most famous night in a Northern Ireland jersey arrived in May 1963 when he scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Span in Bilbao during qualifying for the 1964 European Championship. He also scored at Wembley in a 2-1 loss to England during the 1965 Home Championship. The Carrickfergus native was on Linfield's books as a teenager before earning a move to Burnley in 1960. He spent eight seasons at Turf Moor playing 126 league games, registering 78 goals. He moved to Preston in 1968, where he scored 27 times in 81 league appearances. He also scored 27 times in 69 games for Brighton, before helping Halifax Town avoid relegation to the Fourth Division in 1973. He wound down his playing career with a stint at non-league side Great Harwood. After football, Irvine held a number of jobs which included working as a window cleaner, managing a DIY store and providing guided tours of Turf Moor for Burnley supporters. A statement from Preston North End read: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Willie Irvine, who made 81 appearances for North End between 1968 and 1971. Our thoughts are with Willie's friends and family at this difficult time.'
