Sheldon H. Jacobson Ph.D.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 

In the News (2023)

(27 December 2023, Chicago Tribune, Editorial Board) “A look at immigration and the city’s migrant crisis through Tribune op-eds” features Jacobson’s Chicago Tribune op-ed (22 May 2023) on processing immigrants at borders.

(19 December 2023, Tallahassee Democrat, Douglas Soule) “Bills on artificial intelligence filed in lead-up to Florida legislative session” quotes Jacobson on the unexpected consequences when AI and law converge.

(19 December 2023) “Gerrymandering is an enemy to democracy – we need constitutional reform now.” Appeared in The Hill.

(18 December 2023) “An important holiday gift that everyone can consider giving.” Appeared in Chicago Tribune.

(14 December 2023) “Are weight loss drugs America’s solution?” Appeared (with J.A. Jokela) in The Messenger.

(13 December 2023, Detroit Free Press, Keith Owens) “The greatest threat to our democracy just isn’t Trump, but how he could get reelected” quotes Jacobson’s article in The Hill on risks to democracy.

(13 December 2023, CBS Philadelphia, Alexandra Simon and Liz Crawford) “TSA sets record for most guns confiscated at Philadelphia International Airport in year” provides commentary from Jacobson on the risks associated with firearms being brought to airport security checkpoints.

(8 December 2023) “The TSA is ramping up its use of biometrics for flyers.  Here’s why that’s important.” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in News Day (New York).

(7 December 2023) “During the holidays, soft targets require your attention – and vigilance.” Published in The Hill.

(7 December 2023) “Do patient surveys improve or hinder future health care?” Published in The Messenger.

(2 December 2023) “Loyalty programs are lucrative for airlines.  What about consumers?” Published in The Messenger.

(1 December 2023, The Register, Brandon Vigliarolo) “Senate bill aims to stop Uncle Sam using facial recognition at airports” quotes Jacobson’s article in The Hill on facial recognition.

(1 December 2023) “The Traveler Privacy Protection Act is a threat to our national security.” Published in The Hill.

(29 November 2023)  “Gerrymandering is a crucial litmus test for the presidency.” Published in The Hill.

(22 November 2023) “What’s it like to be an average American?” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Portland Press Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Pioneer Press, Virginian-Pilot, Daily Press (Newport News, VA).

(21 November 2023) “The hidden cost of technology transforming nearly all aspects of life.” Published in The Messenger.

(17 November 2023) “Why neither Biden nor Trump will the next president.” Appeared in The Hill.

(16 November 2023, The Agenda -- Dubai Eye 103.8, United Arab Emirate, Georgia Tolley) “Updating airport security” interviews Jacobson on how new technologies and procedures are transforming airport security (begins at 10:45).

(16 November 2023, CBS (News) Money Watch, Megan Cerullo) “Flights in 2023 are cheaper than last year.  Here’s how to get the best deals” quotes Jacobson on how to find the best airfares for holiday travel.

(16 November 2023) “Holding onto language by political force is a recipe for failure.” Published in The Messenger.

(9 November 2023) “The future of airport security is facial recognition.” Published in The Hill.

(8 November 2023) “Who will win the NCAA Men’s basketball National Championship?  Not who you might think.” Published in The Messenger.

(6 November 2023, FOX 25, Katie Arata, Oklahoma City, OK) “Health impacts of daylight saving time sparks debate on it necessity” interviews Jacobson discussing a simple solution to changing the clocks twice each year.

(6 November 2023, 94.9 WNZF, Flagler, FL) “Is Biannual clock adjustments still necessary?” features Jacobson as a guest discussing a simple solution to changing the clocks twice each year.

(5 November 2023, The Stuph File, Peter Anthony Holder) Jacobson is a guest discussing a simple solution to changing the clocks twice each year.

(3 November 2023, 102.3 KMRG, Tulsa, OK) “A proposal to end daylight saving time permanently, with a half-hour time change” features Jacobson as a guest discussing a simple solution to changing the clocks twice each year.

(3 November 2023) “Court rulings will fuel more gerrymandering – here’s how.” Published in The Hill.

(3 November 2023) “To address mass shootings, first take the fear out of firearms.” Published in The Messenger.

(3 November 2023, Need to Know with Jeff Angelo, IHeart Podcasts) Jacobson is a guest discussing a simple solution to changing the clocks twice each year (starts at 30:59).   

(1 November 2023, Chicago Sun Times) “TSA finds a record 43 firearms in baggage at Midway airport this year” quotes Jacobson on firearms found at airport security checkpoints.  See also (2 November 2023, NBC 5 Chicago).

(30 October 2023, WGN Radio 720, John Williams) “U of I professor explains why we should stop changing clocks twice a year” features Jacobson as a guest discussing a simple solution to changing the clocks twice each year.

(30 October 2023) “It’s time to say goodbye to changing clocks twice a year.” Published in Chicago Tribune.  Also appeared in Minneapolis Star Tribune, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Portland Press Herald, Press Democrat.

(29 October 2023, Voice of America, Dora Mekouar) “How old is too old to lead?” quotes Jacobson on the risks associated with older elected officials.

(25 October 2023) “Don’t wait until the next mass shooting event to make gun safety a priority.” Published in The Hill.  

(22 October 2023) “Rite-Aid bankruptcy highlights the dark side of opioid lawsuits.” Published in The Messenger.

(20 October 2023) “When deadlines fail.” Published in The Hill. 

(16 October 2023, Voice of America, Dora Mekouar) “America keeps getting fatter --- These are the heaviest states of all” quotes Jacobson on how the built environment may contribute to the obesity epidemic. See also Alaska Native News.

(16 October 2023) “In sports, is a culture of excellence an antidote for mediocrity?” Published in The Messenger.

(12 October 2023) “Here’s how to change the NHL salary cap for the better.” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(10 October 2023) “What is the Democrats’ Plan B for Biden?” Published in The Hill. 

(10 October 2023) “What makes for an effective NHL general manager?  Try Kent Hughes’ playbook.” Published in The Messenger. 

(6 October 2023, The Epoch Times, Mark Gilman) “Who wins in a labor strike?” quotes Jacobson and his article on the United Auto Worker strike that appeared in The Hill.

(5 October 2023) “A House (GOP) divided against itself cannot stand.” Published in The Hill. 

(28 September 2023, Daily Dot, Phil West) “What is the Powerball jackpot? And how does Powerball work?” references Jacobson’s article on lotteries that appeared in The Hill.

(28 September 2023) “What happens if the federal government shuts down?” Published in The Messenger. 

(27 September 2023) “The term ‘tripledemic’ is misleading.” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(26 September 2023) “AI data grab: How private is your personal information.” Published in The Messenger.

(26 September 2023) “Who wins when union workers strike?” Published in The Hill.

(21 September 2023) “No company is immune from cyberattacks.” Published in The Hill. 

(19 September 2023) “Saving money (and our health) by paying for prevention.” Published in The Messenger. 

(15 September 2023, Free for all Friday with David Ayres and Brian McMillan, WNZ News Radio) Jacobson is a guest discussing “deep fakes” in elections and the impact of AI on society.

(14 September 2023) “The TSA has a problem.” Published in The Hill.

(12 September 2023, Need to Know with Jeff Angelo, IHeart Podcasts) Jacobson is a guest discussing the concerns over “deep fakes” in the next election.   

(11 September 2023) “Watch out for these issues before planning holiday travel.” Published in The Messenger. 

(7 September 2023) “How old is too old when it comes to our elected officials?” Published in The Hill.  

(6 September 2023) “What’s in your backpack?  The weird way we make spending decisions.” Published in The Messenger. 

(5 September2023, The 21st Show, Illinois Public Media) “How is AI Affecting Jobs in Illinois” featured Jacobson as a guest discussing the impact of AI on society.

(1 September 2023) “What can be done to limit risks posed by sports betting at colleges?” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(31 August 2023, WLS 890 AM, Chicago, IL, The Steve Cochran Show)Navigating tomorrow’s workplace: The advantages of returning to the office interviews Jacobson on the value of in-person work, based on his Chicago Tribune op-ed.

(29 August 2023) “Our political process is failing us – and it’s the parties’ fault.” Published in The Hill.

(29 August 2023) “Is the FAA missing the mark to reduce airplane near-misses?” Published in The Messenger. 

(23 August 2023) “UFOs from outer space -- science or science fiction?” Published in The Hill.

(23 August 2023) “Sick of junk fees? Sneaky hotel charges could be the first to fall.” Published in The Messenger. 

(22 August 2023, NBC 5 Chicago) “Here’s when daylight saving time ends in the U.S., and when it will return” quotes Jacobson on alternatives to changing clocks twice per year. See also “Here’s when daylight savings time ends in Florida, and when it will return” (17 September 2023, NBC 6 South Florida).

(21 August 2023) “The price American industry may pay for remote work.” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(18 August 2023, Play USA, JR Duren) “Mega Millions and Powerball are harder than ever to win, Here’s why” quotes Jacobson on why lotteries are not a good way to make money.

(16 August 2023) “Will Covid-19 impact college campuses this fall?” Published (with J.A. Jokela) in The Messenger.

(15 August 2023) “Hawaii wildfires are a reminder: Natural disaster risks are everywhere.” Published in The Hill.

(15 August 2023) “Our Turn: With return of students comes a certain rise in Covid-19.” Published (with J.A. Jokela) in Champaign News Gazette.

(11 August 2023) “Blockbuster trade shines bright light on what’s wrong with the NHL salary cap.” Published in Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

(10 August 2023) “PGA Tour playoffs: Championships are only as meaningful as the competition.” Published in The Messenger.

(7 August 2023) “Powerball or Mega Million: Which is better for you?” Published in The Hill.

(7 August 2023) “Tech is saving time, money at airports.” Published in Dallas Morning News.

(7 August 2023) “Travel doesn’t always go as planned: Lessons learned from a night at O’Hare.” Published in The Messenger.

(1 August 2023) “Biometrics are the new face of airport security.” Published in The Hill.

(1 August 2023) “Decision Analysis: Is the grass really greener elsewhere?” Published in The Messenger.

(28 July 2023) “Can our power grid weather the heat?” Pubished in The Hill.

(24 July 2023) “How to shorten lines and make time fly at airport security checkpoints.” Published in The Messenger.

(21 July 2023) “Can the US Pull off a Women’s World Cup ‘Three-Peat’?” Published in The Messenger.

(20 July 2023) “The price-cutting loophole that the airlines hate.” Published in The Hill.

(18 July 20203) “Will post-COVID healthcare finally focus on preventing diseases?” Published in The Messenger.

(18 July 2023) “An AI Bill of Rights would be unenforceable,” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(17 July 2023, The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Mirano, 77 WABC, New York, NY) Frank Morano interviews Jacobson on why buying a  lottery ticket when the jackpot is large is not a good idea.

(12 July 2023) “The jackpot is more than $500 million --- so here’s why you should not buy a lottery ticket.” Published in The Hill.

(10 July 2023) “How to seek solutions to America’s future problems.” Published in The Messenger. 

(9 July 2023) “Media engagement drives must begin with academics themselves.” Published in Times Higher Education.

(6 July 2023) “Why should public sector funds pay for private sector risks?” Published in The Hill.

(5 July 2023) “Will the Supreme Court’s Redistricting Ruling Push More States to Use Independent Commissions?” Published in The Messenger.

(5 July 2023) “Should TSA end 3-ounce restriction?” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in News Day (New York), Pittsburgh Tribune Review, South Florida Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, Orlando Sentinel.

(5 July 2023) “End chaos that airport security causes.” Published in Dallas Morning News.

(4 July 2023, CNN Business, Jon Sarlin) “When will the US lift the liquid ban in airports?” interviews Jacobson on when the TSA liquid ban will be relaxed.

(30 June 2023) “Air travel is a mess --- here’s how it can be improved.” Published in The Hill.

(29 June 2023, Axios, Michael Mooney) “TSA protocols create security risks, experts say” quotes Jacobson on how people are at risk when terminals must be evacuated due to a security breach. 

(27 June 2023) “Will generative AI transform political campaigns?” Published in The Messenger.

(22 June 2023) “Missing Titan submersible begs the question: Are the risks worth the rewards?” Published in The Hill.

(21 June 2023) “The hidden economics of obesity.” Published in The Hill

(20 June 2023) “How hot is it? Pay attention to dewpoints not relative humidity.” Published in The Messenger.

(18 June 2023) “Dad, you were right,” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(15 June 2023) “How the Supreme Court’s ruling on voting rights could actually help Republicans.” Published in The Hill.

(14 June 2023, Republic-Times, Andrew Unverferth) “Fact or AI Fiction?” quotes Jacobson on the uses of generative AI and it possible impact on the 2024 presidential election. 

(14 June 2023, New York Post, Thomas Barrabi) “’AI ‘deepfakes’ poised to wreak havoc on 2024 presidential election: experts” quotes Jacobson on the use of generative AI in the leadup to the 2024 presidential election. 

(12 June 2023, USA Today Network, Douglas Soule) “’Wild West’ of AI campaign warfare: DeSantis launches attack ad with fake Fauci images” quotes Jacobson on the use of generative AI in election ads. 

(12 June 2023) “The unintended consequences of the PGA Tour-LIV merger.” Published in The Messenger.

(10 June 2023) “Are Engineering and Medicine Good Bedfellows? Published (with J.A. Jokela) in MedPage Today (Second Opinion).

(10 June 2023, Associated Press, David Lieb) “’Analysis: What makes a fair election? Recent redistricting the most balanced in years” quotes Jacobson on the gerrymandered Illinois House map. 

(8 June 2023) “How do we navigate the growing gig economy?” Published in The Hill.

(7 June 2023, KHOU-11 CBS, Houston, TX, Gerald Harris) “’It is concerning’ | Mayor Turner calls for full assessment after multiple security breaches at IAH” quotes Jacobson on the airport perimeter breach at Houston International Airport. 

(7 June 2023, The Points Guy, Caroline Tanner) “Are new TSA scanners slowing down the screening process for travelers?” quotes Jacobson on CT scanners being installed at airport security checkpoints for carry-on bags.

(5 June 2023) “Facility fees are raising out-of-pocket costs for patients,” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(5 June 2023) “Dollars and Death: Demographic trends show that we need immigration reform.” Published in The Messenger.

(1 June 2023) “Does Ron DeSantis actually champion Republican values?” Published in The Hill.

(31 May 2023) “Playoff Season by the Numbers: Something Magic in South Florida?” Published in The Messenger.

(24 May 2023) “Congress and the debt ceiling circus.” Published in The Hill.

(22 May 2023, The 21st Show, Illinois Public Media) “REAL ID requirements get further delayed” featured Jacobson as a guest discussing the REAL ID and ongoing delays in having the requirement enacted. Aired again on 18 October 2023.

(22 May 2023) “Here’s how the government can improve processing immigrants,” Published in Chicago Tribune. 

(21 May 2023) “Why High Airfares are Here to Stay.” Published in The Messenger.

(16 May 2023) “My Turn: Honor can be painful, but its has its rewards,” Published in Champaign News Gazette.

(16 May 2023) “America’s health care system benefits the insurance industry, not patients or doctors,” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(16 May 2023) “Can we really predict who will win the PGA Championship?” Published in The Messenger.

(15 May 2023) “We need better protections for air travel.” Published in The Hill,

(11 May 2023) “The COVID-19 emergency is over. Let’s strengthen public health to avert the next crisis.” Published (with J.A. Jokela) in Chicago Sun Times.

(10 May 2023, PIX-11, New York, NY, Henry Rosoff) “AI may be the future of preventing school shootings” interviewed Jacobson on the limitations of using AI to prevent shootings in schools.

(9 May 2023) “How much restraint is needed with AI?”” Published in The Hill.

(3 May 2023) “Along partisan lines: Our two-party split is tearing the nation apart.” Published in The Hill.

(26 April 2023) “Unintended consequences of pitch clock in baseball.” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

(24 April 2023) “The debt ceiling is the least of our nation’s fiscal concerns.” Published in The Hill.

(18 April 2023) “How does AI impact the price you pay for air travel? Published in Air Guide Business.

(17 April 2023) “Can AI solve the air traffic control problem?” Published in The Hill.

(17 April 2023) “Why do progressive governors support lotteries?” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(11 April 2023, SportsHandle, Jeff Edelstein) “American Gaming Association hits wrong note in response to hit piece” critiques Jacobson’s opinion essay on sports gambling that appeared in The Hill.

(11 April 2023) “Confessions of a Conference Chair.” Published in Inside Higher Education. 

(10 April 2023) “How sports data can guide transgender athlete eligibility.” Published in The Hill,

(6 April 2023, WCIA TV3, Amanda Brennan, Champaign, IL) “AI preventing school shootings? UI professor explains how technology can help with strategy” interviews Jacobson on how artificial intelligence can help keep schools safer.

(5 April 2023) “Until TikTok’s fate is decided, we should take responsibility for protecting our data online” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(3 April 2023) “Public transit demands more attention” Published in The Hill.

(3 April 2023, KOA 850AM, Denver, CO, Marty Lenz & Jeana Gondek) “UIUC Comp Sci Prof Sheldon Jacobson on the NCAA Tournament bracket odds” had Jacobson as a guest on their morning talk show, discussing March Madness and the odds associated with this year’s tournament.

(31 March 2023) “Why has this year’s men’s basketball tournament been so mad?” Published in Pittsburgh Tribune Review

(31 March 2023, KOA 850AM, Denver, CO, Marty Lenz & Jeana Gondek) “UIUC Comp Sci Prof Sheldon Jacobson on AI helping stop mass shootings” had Jacobson as a guest on their morning talk show, discussing AI and how it can reduce mass shooting at schools.

(30 March 2023, Fox 31 Morning News KDVR, Denver, CO, Carly Moore) “Could AI help find trends in mass shootings?” quotes Jacobson on how AI can help reduce mass shootings.   

(29 March 2023) “The right time for productive dialogue over gun deaths is not after a mass killing” Published in The Hill.

(27 March 2023) “Would a Jet Blue and Spirit merger be all that bad for travelers?” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(27 March 2023) “Will online sports gambling kill America?” Published in The Hill.

(21 March 2023) “Aviation security does not end at airports” Published in Dallas Morning News.

(20 March 2023) “More proof that air travel needs to change,” Published in The Hill.

(17 March 2023, Associated Press, Mark Anderson) “Analytics expert says portal hurting major programs” quotes Jacobson on the analytics of March Madness.

(17 March 2023, Louisville Public Radio, In Conversation) has Jacobson as a guest on March Madness 2023.

(16 March 2023) “The transfer portal will disrupt March Madness,” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(15 March 2023, WLS 890 AM, Chicago, IL, The Steve Cochran Show)Want a bust-proof bracket? A University of Illinois professor uses computer science to master March Madness interviews Jacobson on March Madness and his bracketodds analytics in putting together a bracket.

(13 March 2023) “The folly of men’s college basketball preseason polls,” Published in The Hill.

(13 March 2023, Cleveland Plains Dealer, Marc Bona) “Not a basketball expert? Here’s how to approach NCAA Tournament bracket pick” features commentary by Jacobson on how to contruct a tournament bracket, based on his research reported on Bracketodds website.

(11 March 2023) “America’s rite of spring: why we need March Madness,” Published in Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

(10 March 2023, NBC 5, Chicago Il, Lauren Petty) “We should ‘split the difference when it comes to time changes, professor says,” interviews Jacobson on his recent essay in The Hill, on using a permanent 30 minute time change in the Spring.

(9 March 2023) “’Split the difference’ on daylight saving time change,” Published in The Hill.

(8 March 2023, WGN Radio 720, Chicago, IL, The John Williams Show)Should TSA PreCheck be free?” interviews Jacobson on his recent commentary in the Chicago Tribune on offering TSA PreCheck at no cost to make the air system more secure.

(6 March 2023) “Covid-19 vaccines won’t be free for long.  What will they cost?” Published in The Hill.

(5 March 2023) “Offering PreCheck for free to boost the number of vetted flyers would optimize TSA security,” Published in Chicago Tribune.  Also appeared in News Day (New York), Minneapolis Star Tribune, Boston Herald.

(27 February 2023) “Business-as-usual response in the aftermath of the Michigan State mass shooting,” Published in The Hill.

(23 February 2023) “It’s time for the NHL to put an end to fights on the ice,” Published in Chicago Tribune.

(20 February 2023) “Have balloons launched a new era of espionage,” Published in The Hill. Published 20 February 2023.

(13 February 2023) “Data say: Democrats need Biden to run for a second term,” Published in The Hill.

(12 February 2023) “Colleges are embracing sports gambling.  Are they setting themselves up for liability?” Published in  Chicago Tribune.

(10 February 2023) “Earthquakes in  Turkey and Syria reveal important lessons for America,” Published in The Hill.

(9 February 2023, USA Today, Josh Peter) “What are the odds of brothers meeting in the Super Bowl?  Not as high as you might think” quotes Jacobson’s statistics on this event occurring.

(6 February 2023) “All-or-nothing approaches to firearm safety have gotten us nowhere,” Published in The Hill.

(2 February 2023, Champaign News Gazette, Scott Richey) “Illini trending upward in Bracketology” gives the Bracketodds March Madness forecast for the University of Ilinois men’s basketball team.

(30 January 2023) “Do classified document revelations highlight problems at the National Archives?” Published in The Hill.

(26 January 2023) “Packing a gun in carry-on will cost you nearly $15K. But TSA’s fines won’t change things.” Published in USA Today.  Also appeared in Indianapolis Star.

(26 January 2023) “Is ChatGPT exposing problems with college education?” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in Detroit News.

(24 January 2023) “What the data reveal about the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay mass killings.” Published in The Hill.

(20 January 2023) “Could AI help decide Baseball Hall of Fame inductees?” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in LNP.

(18 January 2023, NBC 5, Dallas, TX, Larry Collins) “Southwest Airline CEO Addresses Customers about Holiday Cancellations, Changes” features Jacobson responding to how Southwest Airlines plans to upgrade their computer systems.

(17 January 2023) “The AI advantage in decision-making.” Published in The Hill.

(13 January 2023) “FAA’s air traffic control system failure highlights importance of infrastructure investment.” Published in Dallas Morning News.

(12 January 2023) “Facial recognition will transform airport security checkpoints.” Published in Chicago Tribune. Also appeared in Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun Sentinel, Morning Call, Pioneer Press, Mercury News, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Richmond Times Dispatch, Omaha World Herald, Wisconsin State Journal.

(11 January 2023, FOX 35, Orlando, FL, Randi Hildreth) “Any system is vulnerable at any given time: Airline security expert on nationwide ground stoppage” quotes Jacobson on computer system that resulted in a ground stop.

(11 January 2023, WFTS ABC Action News, Tampa, FL, Mary McConnell) “Experts break down what’s behind FAA system outage, flight delays” quotes Jacobson on computer system that resulted in a ground stop.

(11 January 2023) “Data dictates who will win the Mega Millions lottery.” Published in The Hill.

(9 January 2023) “The American people deserve better.” Published in The Hill.

(7 January 2023, Travel Weekly, Andrea Zelinski) “Supply chain woes delay cruise ship debuts” quotes Jacobson on how supply chain challenges are impacting the cruise ship industry. 

(6 January 2023) “What the data say about the House Speaker vote.” Published in The Hill.

(4 January 2023) “China Covid flight testing makes no sense.” Published in The Hill.

(1 January 2023) “Positive change needs simple steps, not New Year’s resolutions.” Published in Chicago Tribune.

 

 

Last Updated: 29 December 2023