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Analysis: Why the Minnesota deportation impasse will be so hard to solve
What happens now that the tough Minnesota deportation crackdown has turned tragic depends on whether President Donald Trump concludes he simply has an optics problem or whether he’s ready to make genuine changes to unpopular hardline policies that are central to his political identity.
Calif. politicians introduce Minneapolis-inspired bill
The bill is the most recent from California lawmakers responding to ICE raids.
America at a Boiling Point: From ICE Protests to an Attack on Rep. Omar
An attack at a town hall in Minneapolis, amid a surge in threats against lawmakers, was the latest sign of the fraying of the nation’s political fabric.
Tiny mammals are sending warning signs scientists can finally read
Small mammals are early warning systems for environmental damage, but many species look almost identical, making them hard to track. Scientists have developed a new footprint-based method that can tell apart nearly indistinguishable species with remarkable accuracy. Tested on two types of sengi, the system correctly identified them up to 96% of the time. It offers a simple, ethical way to monitor ecosystems before they quietly unravel.
Decatur seeking input on Oakwood Business District
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Decatur is asking its residents to fill out a survey on changes they would like to see to the Oakwood Business District before they make a plan to revamp it. Councilman David Horn said the survey is part of a step that will be taken before the city […]
VA reorganization aims to shift health care workforce to hubs with growing veteran population
Congress directed the VA to make similar changes under the first Trump administration, but blocked it from implementing them under the Biden administration.
New York lawmakers join in calling for ICE’s removal from Minnesota
Dozens of New York state senators and assemblymembers released a joint statement Wednesday at the State Capitol.
Virginia Tech visits coveted in-state LB Noah Glover
It’s a new era for Virginia Tech football and new head coach James Franklin is looking to make an impact on the recruiting trail for the Hokies. Virginia itself has been on the rise when it comes to producing blue-chip talent at the high school level. The 2026 cycle had multiple top-100 prospects in the […]
Tesla
Telsa’s revenue and profits tumbled in the fourth quarter, capping off the most difficult year for the electric automaker since it became profitable six years ago.
Fed holds interest rates steady, pausing rate cuts amid economic uncertainty
Federal Reserve policymakers left interest rates unchanged at its January meeting after cutting rates at its three prior meetings amid uncertainty over the labor market and inflation.
Google brings its Nano Banana image generator to Chrome
Following its recent AI makeover of Gmail, Google is bringing more Gemini-powered tools to Chrome. Starting today, a host of new features are rolling for the browser, with more to come over the next few months.
Review: AMD's Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a little faster and a lot more power-hungry
The tradeoffs for the $499 9850X3D make it hard to get excited about.
Manu Ginobili among backers of new planned sports performance project in South Florida
Manu Ginobili is investing in South Florida’s potential with a new venture. The former San Antonio Spurs star is part of a group building the Sports Performance Hub in Homestead, Florida. It’ll be a next-generation sports, education and community development project. It will feature a 10,000-seat stadium for Miami FC, sports training facilities, a basketball facility, a boarding school and more. Groundbreaking is set for March, with plans to open in 2028. Ginobili, along with partners like Riccardo Silva and Juan Sebastian Veron, aims to connect sports training with academics. They believe Miami’s multicultural environment makes it an ideal location.
Record-breaking South Carolina measles outbreak nearing 800 cases
The record-breaking measles outbreak in South Carolina has reached nearly 800 cases, making it the largest spread of the disease in the U.S. since it was first declared eliminated at the start of t…
Sergi López on 'Sirāt': A journey that makes you look inward
The movie “Sirāt” follows Luis as he treks through the North African desert with his son and dog to find his missing daughter.
Our Darwinian Approach to Health Care Costs
In his latest column, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman presents his Venn diagram of health care cost problems and shows how, in our fragmented health system, reducing one health cost problem often makes another worse.
After D.C. clears homeless encampments, health workers warn of growing risks
While Trump administration officials say that sweeps of homeless encampments make public spaces safer, health workers say they are disrupting care for people with serious medical needs and increasing the risk of illness and death.
Recognize Data Privacy Day by protecting your small business from cybercriminals
Your small business likely has had many milestones. Hiring your first employee. Opening your doors for the first time. Making your first sale. But some milestones you’d probably rather avoid — like experiencing your first cyberattack. Think you’re too small to target? Think again. Cybercriminals target companies big and small, so this Data Privacy Day keep your business’s data (and your customers’ data) safe by reviewing the FTC’s updated resources at ftc.gov/cybersecurity.
Getting yelled at comes with the job. Why Sacramento youth sports officials still show up
Youth sports officials in the Sacramento region face unsportsmanlike fans that make them sometimes question the work.
How to Communicate About Quantum Technology — Science-Backed Tips For Talking Quantum
Research shows that most people know little about quantum technology, making clear, balanced communication essential.
National Institutes of Health Need Agencywide Strategy to Prioritize and Fund Pediatric Research, Says New Report
Childhood health is foundational to lifelong well-being. A new National Academies report makes recommendations on how NIH and Congress can best support pediatric health research and improve health outcomes through childhood and beyond.
Leaker makes unlikely claim about improved iPhone 18 telephoto lens
A leaker better known for posting about Android smartphones has made a claim potentially pointing to improved telephoto performance in...
Why it’s so hard to uncover the truth about a president’s health
Bruises on Trump’s hands and other apparent ailments have invited speculation. But secrecy, politics, and the vagaries of aging make drawing conclusions difficult.
The surprising science behind how certain foods can make you smell more attractive
Beneath fancy perfumes and deodorants, our food choices may be quietly shaping our natural scent in unexpected ways
Why comedian Katherine Ryan won't make fun of her kids on stage: 'I don't wanna get Brooklyn Beckhamed'
The British-Canadian comedian says she steers clear of making any of her five children the punchline for fearing of stirring up Beckham-style family drama.
What to Know About Skimo, the 2026 Olympics' Only New Sport
Ski mountaineering makes its debut at the Milano Cortina Winter Games
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
How has your local high street changed since 2019? Check your postcode
The makeup of Great Britain’s high streets has changed dramatically. See what the data says about where you live
Why some hospitals are making their own ChatGPTs for patient records
Some large health systems are building their own AI-powered chatbots to make it easier for their clinicians to query patients' health records.
Bernard Arnault started LVMH's earnings call with some dark humor
The LVMH CEO started an earnings call with, "I think we'll make it through the winter."
Illinois faces its toughest challenge yet in No. 2 UCLA
Wallace, Parchment, and the Illini look to make a splash in conference play
It's the foundation of psychiatric diagnosis. And it's about to get a makeover
The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is known as the DSM-5. What will the next version be called? That's one of several open questions as the "Bible of psychiatry" goes online.
Ethan Hawke says Tom Cruise makes him 'angry' because he's 'changed what’s expected for actors'
Ethan Hawke says that over the years, a certain aspect of Tom Cruise's star persona has gotten him 'angry,' because now, the star has 'changed what's expected for actors.'
What should the 49ers do with Kendrick Bourne this offseason?
The San Francisco 49ers have several decision to make this offseason, including whether or not to re-sign Kendrick Bourne in free agency.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake Switch 2 Demo And Silent Hill f DLC Collab Announced
Launching this March
Who Decides When a Home Is Safe? A California Bill Says Science, Not Insurers.
Following a Times investigation, a state lawmaker is proposing the first health-based standards for assessing smoke contamination after wildfires.
Oklahoma education department seeks $23M budget increase to address rising health benefit costs
Oklahoma's new state superintendent, Lindel Fields, has requested an additional $23 million from lawmakers to address rising health benefit costs in the education budget.
Broncos' Sean Payton makes stunning revelation on Bo Nix injury
This could be a worry long-term for Bo.
Microsoft vows to make "behind-the-scenes platform changes" as it begins testing next phase of Windows 11
After a rough few weeks, Microsoft has promised to make behind-the-scenes platform changes to Windows 11 as it begins testing the next wave of features.
Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi
According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Denver Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. This comes as a bit of a surprise, as Lombardi has been one of Sean Payton’s most trusted coaches in recent seasons. Could this mean that the Broncos are making a play to keep offensive pass […]
Detroit's top carmaker just wrote down $7.6 billion on its EV business—and grew its market cap by the same amount. Here's how GM did it
"We continue to believe in EVs," CEO Mary Barra told the Street. But GM also believes in free cash flow.
Minnesota companies fund $3.5M in grants to help small businesses during ICE surge
The nonprofit Minneapolis Foundation will distribute money to help local businesses make payroll, pay rent and cover other costs. Companies like Target, General Mills and Ecolab contributed.
A closer look at what Congress protected in the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill—and how lawmakers plan to hold agencies accountable
"What we're trying to do here is make sure that the Congress's powers under the Constitution are upheld and can be enforced," Sen. Van Hollen (D-Md.) said.
Make Aviation Great Again: Donald Trump airport flies through first Senate stop
POTUS could provide the portal to the friendly skies in South Florida if this preemption bill passes.
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo, Doc Rivers making better health decisions
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo still tries to play through pain and injury, but is doing better at accepting when he has to sit.
Business Notes: Jamestown Pie to return under new name, wine bar to open soon
Jamestown Pie Company will reopen next month as Pie & Dine, plus more business news from the Historic Triangle.
Google now lets users jump from AI Overviews into AI Mode conversations
The tech giant also announced that it's making Gemini 3 the new default model for AI Overviews globally.
Sen. John Fetterman asks Trump to fire DHS chief Kristi Noem
The Democratic lawmaker known for his independent voting record and willingness to work with the GOP slammed Noem as "betraying" the agency.
Champions League Matchday: Who will advance, who makes playoffs, odds
Three burning questions for Matchday 8: How will everything shake out in chaotic Champions League table
Erin Jackson Made Olympic History. Now She Wants to Make Her Sport More Accessible
Find out why Erin Jackson is on TIME’s 2026 Closers list
How Climate Superfund Bills Use Science to Make Polluters Pay
This week, communities across the country are asking their state legislators for a common-sense solution—using a practice that's been around for decades—to make polluters pay. In 1980, following decades of high-profile disasters from toxic pollution, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmenta
Boxes of tissues, binge-watching and DoorDash: How you’re making it through a record-breaking flu season
When CNN asked for your flu stories, we received hundreds of written responses from people stuck in bed, binge-watching TV, working from home and trying to keep their kids under control — all while feeling terrible.
Lancaster University's £11m boost for mental health research
The plan aims to make mental health research more local and more "accessible and effective".
Food policy vs. vaccine politics at the polls
Republicans are betting on an electoral boost from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement — especially around his healthy-food agenda.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn deserves praise for his offseason hires
Commanders coach Dan Quinn is entering a make-or-break year, yet he's taking some big risks. He deserves praise for those moves.
EU car sales grow 1.8% in 2025 with electric cars surging but Tesla loses market share
Sales at Elon Musk’s carmaker plummet nearly 38% in 2025 as it loses ground to China’s BYD; gold continues to rise
China's Anta Sports buys 29% Puma stake for $1.8 billion, rules out full takeover
China's biggest sportswear brand Anta Sports Products said on Tuesday it would buy a 29.06% stake in Puma from the Pinault family for 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion), making it the biggest shareholder in the German sportswear maker.
Why Pat McGrath Labs Filed for Bankruptcy
Once valued at $1 billion, the makeup brand has struggled to balance its creative point of view with commercial viability.
Canucks make decision on trading Evander Kane
Vancouver is heading for a rebuild.
CALIFORNIA'S UNFINISHED BUSINESS | Lawmakers ignore most state audit warnings, costing billions
Apple updates iOS 12 to extend support on older devices
Apple has released iOS 12.5.8 for a small group of older devices, to make sure they can continue using FaceTime and iMessage.
Lawmakers expect ICE tensions to punctuate N.Y. budget debate
Many things in the next two months will determine what makes the final deal.
Anta Sports Set to Become Puma’s Largest Shareholder in $1.8 Billion Deal
The Chinese sportswear company has agreed to acquire a 29.06% stake in Puma, which will make it the German company’s largest shareholder.
China's Anta Sports muscles in with $1.8 billion move for 29.1% Puma stake
China's Anta Sports Products said on Tuesday it had agreed to buy a 29.06% stake in German sportswear maker Puma from the Pinault family's Artémis holding company for 1.51 billion euros ($1.79 billion).
UFC's first Paramount+ fight card averages nearly 5 million views
UFC's first fight card on Paramount+ averaged nearly 5 million views, making it the streaming platform's largest exclusive live event since it launched in March 2021. UFC 324 from Las Vegas on Saturday averaged 4.96 million for the main card and saw a global household average of 7.18 million, according to Adobe Analytics and Channel Partner Data. Adobe Analytics and Nielsen also said Saturday's card reached more homes than any other live UFC event in nearly a decade across linear, broadcast and streaming.
UFC Makes Paramount+ Debut Averaging 4.96M Live Streaming Views
The UFC’s heavily promoted debut on Paramount+ delivered an average minute audience of 4.96M viewers on Saturday night, per data from parent company Paramount Global on Monday. The company says that UFC 324, which saw Justin Gaethje defeat a bloody Paddy Pimblett in the main event, marked the biggest exclusive live event on Paramount+ to-date. According …
An overlooked way to close Africa’s health gaps
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli and Ekhosuehi Iyahen discuss a new social model to make better use of the remittances from the African diaspora.
Galaxy Buds 4 series makes an appearance in an unexpected place
It appears that Samsung accidentally confirmed the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in its own Members app.
Immigrant-owned and staffed businesses frightened by ICE activity in Maine
Some are temporarily closing their doors or making contingency plans.
Another shutdown appears likely after Minnesota shooting prompts revolt by Democrats
The standoff has also revealed fractures among GOP lawmakers, who have called for a federal and state investigation into the shooting and congressional hearings.
LMU Celebrates 15 Years of THR’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program - Loyola Marymount University Newsroom
News from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Our Newsroom highlights students, faculty, and staff who make LMU a brighter community.
GOP candidate makes stunning exit from Minnesota gubernatorial race
Republican Chris Madel made a stunning exit from the Minnesota governor’s race, saying he cannot support the national GOP’s “stated retribution on the citizens of our state."
ICE Shootings Are Freaking Out the GOP. They’re Afraid to Tell Trump.
Some lawmakers see the administration as squandering their strongest issues.
In downtown Wilmington, Live Oak shutting down inclusive small business center
Live Oak Bank is turning Channel off. Described by Live Oak as an inclusive small business center, Channel opened in November 2021 to serve as a free resource for small business owners, helping numerous minority-owned and other small businesses from its headquarters downtown at 106 Market St. "After careful consideration, we’ve decided to bring Channel ... to a close at the end of this month. Live Oak determined that the needs of Wilmington’s small business community have evolved. Since Channel opened, the local small business ecosystem has grown significantly, with many strong organizations now offering education, technical assistance and community programming for entrepreneurs," stated Claire Parker, managing director of corporate communications for Live Oak Bank, in an email Monday. "With those resources firmly in place, Live Oak is refocusing on what we do best – providing banking and financing solutions that help small businesses grow and thrive." Channel's demise also resulted in the elimination of two positions – those of Channel's director, Chakema Clinton-Quintana, and Atiba Johnson, the certified professional business advisor (CPBA) at Channel. On Monday, Clinton-Quintana, who was elected to the Wilmington City Council in November, said of her immediate plans after Channel: "I will continue my work serving the public while I look for other full-time opportunities." She said Channel "served over 1,000 small business owners in the greater Wilmington area, as well as some of the surrounding areas, such as Brunswick and Pender. A lot of folks had reached out to us needing those resources because they were free, and we were able to assist them in that capacity." Johnson said he will be devoting his time to the Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce, which is not affiliated with the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The minority chamber is celebrating its launch from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Wilmington Sportsman Club, 1111 Castle St., Wilmington. Johnson, the founder and executive director of the new chamber, said about 50 businesses are on board to join the Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce. According to a news release, the new chamber "was established to foster growth, networking, and advocacy for underrepresented business owners. By providing essential resources and community engagement, the chamber aims to build a more inclusive and prosperous local economy." Johnson said the creation of the new chamber is in response to "lapses in funding, education, advocacy for minority businesses...Some of the things that are going on now just don't reach all the way down to those businesses." For Lynne Jones, owner of LJ Design Studio LLC, the loss of Channel also means a reduction in income. She had contracted with Channel to run the center's social media and to provide some marketing for small business owners. "It's pretty disappointing to hear that it is closing...it was a place to connect with other small business owners and collaborate. It was like a family for those of us who were there. If you had issues or things that you needed to talk through concerning your business, there was always someone there that you could sit down with and talk things through, recalibrate, and they set you off on your way to make that pivot and move in a different direction," Jones said Monday. She said she worked with many Channel participants creating their websites and will miss seeing the joy on their faces when those websites were up and running. Dawn McDowell, owner of Creatively Covered Co. LLC, credits Channel with helping her business grow and regrow after her social media pages were hacked and shut down in 2023. "Channel was a great resource for small businesses, for women-owned businesses, for minority-owned businesses; they provided a lot of assistance, especially when you needed it," McDowell said. "If it wasn't for Channel, I don't know if I'd be where I am now, in my business, and regrowing my business and even finding out about some of the certifications and things that were out there for small businesses that I just didn't know about ... because there was no one really sharing that information for small businesses, for minority- and women-owned businesses in particular." Parker said shutting down Channel was not part of an overall cost-cutting plan. She stated in the email, "Live Oak’s commitment to Wilmington remains strong. We are continuing to support entrepreneurs by focusing our efforts where we deliver the greatest value – through specialized banking and financing solutions aligned with our mission to be America’s small business bank." As for Channel's downtown office, Live Oak had leased the 5,000-square-foot space above Seabird restaurant in 2021. The bank’s lease for the office is up in March, Parker said.
Alex Pretti remembered by health care workers at a Minneapolis vigil as a ‘standup guy’
Health care workers brought flowers and wreaths, lit candles, and draped stethoscopes over a wooden cross as a makeshift memorial to nurse Alex Pretti
Lawmakers exploring options for DHS bill in critical week for government funding talks
Senate Democrats and Republicans are weighing how to move forward on funding the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies after another deadly shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Europa Science Experience
Discover how the JRC supports EU policymaking and impacts our daily lives at the Europa Science Experience.
Inclusive Health Data Hub
The Inclusive Health Data Hub brings together key health data that reflects Special Olympics Health work and impact from the past 30 years. This page was created to make Special Olympics Health data easier to find, understand, share, and use over time.
Introducing BU's New Online MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business
BU Questrom School of Business has launched a new Online MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business, designed for working professionals responsible for improving performance, scaling change, and making artificial intelligence work in real organizations.
In service to state, WVU, WVU Health System pump more than $14B into West Virginia economy, landmark study finds
Conducted by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach, what is the most comprehensive study to date quantifies the combined annual statewide impact of West Virginia University and WVU Health System — under the WVU Medicine brand — at $14.3 billion, making up 17% of West Virginia’s total gross domestic product and contributing $890 million in state and local taxes.
Komoot's Apple Watch App Gets Offline Maps & Routing: Hand-on!
Everything you need to know about using your Apple Watch for offline maps and navigation/routing with Komoot, and how it really works!
Mars Could Turn Green… And It’s No Longer Just Science Fiction
New research suggests making Mars green could be a real, testable goal, if we're ready to take the ethical leap.
The Electric: Idle Chinese Plants Are Inviting Business With U.S. Battery Startups
A free-for-all of factory expansion among China’s battery manufacturers has left more than 40% of the country’s battery plants idle. That has presented a prime opportunity for a nascent wave of Western startups to capitalize on the Chinese battery makers’ misery.
The magnetic secret inside steel finally explained
For years, scientists noticed that magnetic fields could improve steel, but no one knew exactly why. New simulations reveal that magnetism changes how iron atoms behave, making it harder for carbon atoms to slip through the metal. This slows diffusion at the atomic level and alters steel’s internal structure. The insight could lead to more efficient, lower-energy ways to make stronger steel.
Blame for Rams' loss to Seahawks begins with Sean McVay
Sean McVay failed to live up to his reputation as one of the NFL's top coaches, making flawed strategic decisions in the Rams' NFC championship game loss.
The health care hiring boom is losing steam
Cuts to federal health programs, AI automation and rising costs are making health systems and other employers level off hiring.
What happened in Iowa politics the week of Jan. 19-23
Listen to IPR's Katarina Sostaric and Meghan McKinney review the latest from the Iowa Capitol. In week two of the legislative session, lawmakers considered bills related to property tax relief, eminent domain and higher education.
Shared decision-making on vaccines is not the enemy
“In its urge to say what Kennedy gets wrong, the public health and medical community is actively resisting something he gets right.”
America’s health care crisis isn’t inevitable. It’s misdiagnosed.
Washington keeps arguing over who should pay the bill while ignoring what’s driving costs in the first place — a policy failure decades in the making.
Business Information Market to Hit USD 306.59 Billion by 2033, Driven by Rising Demand for Data-Driven Decision Making
The business information market is growing steadily as enterprises adopt AI-driven analytics, real-time intelligence, and cloud platforms, with the U.S. market expanding from USD 61.28 billion in 2025E to USD 96.59 billion by 2033.Austin, Jan. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Business Information Market size is valued at USD 191.63 billion in 2025E and is expected to reach USD 306.59 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.08% from 2026-2033. The market for business information is expandi
New Mexico law has triggered review of two health care mergers since 2024
Lawmakers and advocates argue the law still has loopholes allowing some private equity transactions to avoid scrutiny.
Two display features that will supercharge the Galaxy S26 Ultra viewing experience
Samsung makes some of the best smartphone displays, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to offer two features not seen on other devices.
Political fallout grows after Minnesota shooting
With lawmakers in Congress divided after Saturday’s fatal shooting involving federal officers in Minneapolis, Democrats are now threatening to vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security, as a deadline to fund the government looms, threatening a potential shutdown. NBC News’ Monica Alba reports.
At the end of Sundance's first weekend, still no major deals but plenty of tension
In this special Sundance edition, filmmakers in Park City react to the incidents in Minneapolis, Amy Nicholson has her first critic's diary and Tamra Davis debuts "The Best Summer."
Souhan: What good are sports in times like these?
Local owners should be making a statement. Better yet, they should be taking action.
GOP lawmakers demand investigations, suggest agents leave Minneapolis
A growing number of Republican lawmakers are breaking ranks and expressing criticism, and anger, over the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents.
16 Best Trader Joe's Sides And Snacks For The Ultimate Super Bowl Party
You need not worry about planning a Super Bowl party if you have a Trader Joe's nearby, as these 16 snacks and sides all make great additions to your spread.
Maine lawmaker proposes bill to ban credit card use in online sports betting
At the state house, a lawmaker has introduced a bill to prevent Mainers from being able to use their credit cards in online sports betting.
Apple reportedly plans to reveal its Gemini-powered Siri in February
The new Siri will make its debut in February before a full reveal at this year's WWDC, according to Bloomberg.
Kim Vo Dies: ‘Extreme Makeover’ & ‘Shear Genius’ Star Was 55
The celebrity stylist was a colorist for Gwyneth Paltrow, Britney Spears, Goldie Hawn, Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, and more.