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Bit Reactor furloughed "many of its workers" in the weeks before Star Wars Zero Company's launch
Sources claim 80% of the developer's staff were furloughed, and that a skeleton crew is left to address post-launch bugs
KFF’s ‘Bill of the Month’ highlights $1,200 out-of-pocket charge for a breast MRI
The news site first launched the crowdsourced investigations back in 2018, seeking to dissect and better explain medical bills to consumers.
LOVB announces CVS Pharmacy as an Official Health & Wellness Partner
CVS Pharmacy and League One Volleyball (LOVB) launch a multi-year partnership featuring health programs, community engagement and a league-wide jersey patch sponsorship.
Samsung launches new 14-inch MacBook Neo rival with 25-hour battery life
The Samsung Galaxy Book 6 has been officially unveiled, and it stands as a new rival to the MacBook Neo with its 14-inch display. It’s powered by the Intel Wildcat Lake processors and has a rated battery life of up to 25 hours. The starting price is $799.
ASUS unveils specs for its new ProArt P14 creator laptop powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark
ASUS's new ProArt P14 creator laptop will be one of the first RTX Spark devices to launch this year, with support for up to 128GB of unified memory.
‘Most’ of Star Wars Zero Company studio Bit Reactor was furloughed ahead of launch
Last week was meant to be a moment of triumph for Bit Reactor, the Maryland-based game studio founded in 2021 with ambitions to create a great new tactical combat game. On Thursday, August 27, Bit Reactor’s debut title, Star Wars Zero Company, released to stellar reviews. And, from the Gamescom show in Cologne, Germany, studio co-founder Greg Foertsch was giving interviews discussing what the studio’s next game may be. But for many developers on the game, launch has been bittersweet. Fans love it. Critics prefer it to most recent Star Wars games. Zero Company, which is out for PS5, Xbox Series consoles and PC, is the top-selling game on Steam. Much of the team that made it, however, is currently going without pay. They were furloughed, just weeks ahead of the game’s launch. A rep for Bit Reactor confirmed to Game File today that the studio had furloughed many of its workers prior to the game’s release. They said it was a difficult decision and one that had been made before it was clear how launch would go. The rep emphasized that the call to do this was Bit Reactor’s alone (meaning not from publisher EA nor Star Wars license holder Disney). While the rep declined to comment on the scale of the furloughs, a previously unreported lawsuit brought by studio co-founder Alison Kelly in 2024 noted in a filing from August 12 of this year that Bit Reactor “has furloughed most of its employees and terminated contractors…” One source told Game File the furloughs impacted 80% of the team; another referred to there only being a skeleton crew left on Bit Reactor’s active payroll, ready to address any of Zero Company’s post-launch bugs. The issue is that Bit Reactor, a studio formed in 2021, had run out of most of its money just ahead of the launch of its first game. Over the weekend, Zachariah Scott, a senior technical artist who worked at Bit Reactor from early 2023 until an acrimonious exit this past May, said on LinkedIn that the studio was “concealing the fact that the team was Furloughed weeks ago.” Reached by phone today, Scott told Game File that he spoke to nearly a dozen Bit Reactor workers over the weekend. “Everybody has essentially the same story, which is, ‘Yeah, I got furloughed three weeks ago.” The Bit Reactor rep told Game File that the studio hoped to bring furloughed workers back, suggesting that a successful launch of the game could be impactful. Scott told Game File that workers he spoke to were less confident that even if there were returns, that all who were furloughed would get their old jobs again. A heated dispute Bit Reactor’s mid-2026 was almost even more tumultuous. The lawsuit by co-founder Alison Kelly that first revealed the furloughs was initially slated to go to trial in June. The suit is a she-said/he-said about whether Kelly, until 2024 the chief operating officer of Bit Reactor, was a co-owner of the studio or whether it was solely owned by Greg Foertsch. In July 2024, Kelly sued, saying she was pushed out by Foertsch. She first sued in federal court and later refiled in Maryland’s Baltimore County, alleging breach of contract and that Foertsch had unjustly enriched himself. Kelly cited damages of over $20 million, on the basis of Bit Reactor allegedly being worth more than double that. Foertsch’s side has said Kelly was never a co-owner and has countered with claims about her job performance (which she has denied). The June trial was postponed until early 2027, as both sides have been deposing witnesses and filing more claims and denials along the way. Amid all of that, filings in the lawsuit reviewed by Game File paint a picture about Bit Reactor’s origins, early aspirations around tactics games, the team’s breakthrough in drawing the attention of Electronic Arts with the help of a pitch tied to one of EA’s non-Star Wars franchises, and early fractures among its co-founders. The real story about the company behind Zero Company
NM delegation urges House Oversight Committee to avoid partisan politics in DEA fentanyl probe
The House Oversight Committee has opened a new investigation into DEA fentanyl policies after whistleblowers said agents let hundreds of thousands of pills stay on the streets.
Authority Acquisition Launches AI-Mediated Discovery System for Business Coaches
Authority Acquisition releases a multi-channel content marketing system to help experts and business coaches build a consistent presence across ...
NSF launches three new Science and Technology Centers with $90M investment in transformative research
The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $90 million over five years to support three new NSF Science and Technology Centers (NSF STC). These centers will advance American leadership in science and technology, strengthen the nation’s STEM workforce, and accelerate innovation in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to fusion energy and robotics., , , , The three centers will bring together researchers from universities, national laboratories, industry, and oth...
Digital Science's 2026 Catalyst Grant seeks agentic AI workflows you can trust
Digital Science today launches its Catalyst Grant round for 2026 to support innovative technology ideas. This year's theme is: Agentic Workflows You Can Trust.
Polis announces ‘Governor for a Day’ contest for Colorado students
Colorado seventh and eighth graders have the chance to experience a day in the life of the governor through a new contest launched by Gov. Jared Polis. The “Governor for a Day” competition will give one student the chance to see firsthand how state government works, shadowing Polis during a typical workday. It appears to […]
GTA 6 Gets Even More New Screenshots as Rockstar Locks in for November Launch
It seems the drought of Grand Theft Auto 6 news has finally come to an end, as Rockstar has published even more screenshots for fans to comb through.
Chiefs, Hunt Midwest to create entertainment districts for new stadium, headquarters
A new formed company launched by the Chiefs and Hunt Midwest is helping develop mixed-use districts in Kansas City, Kansas and Olathe
AMC Theatres Gets Into Distribution Business, Launches Leawood Films
AMC Theatres, the world's largest exhibitor, is getting into the distribution business launching Leawood Films, a label for small and mid-sized films.
AMC to Put Smaller Movies Into Theaters With New Venture
The major exhibitor is launching Leawood Films, a distribution company that will put indie movies in theaters that might otherwise be overlooked.
Columbus launches Nurse Health Care Navigation Line
The service will allow dispatchers to connect callers with a registered nurse who can assess the patient’s needs and help determine next steps.
Sheri Herman Dead: E! Entertainment Executive, Digital TV Pioneer
Sheri Herman, a cable and digital media pioneer who helped launch E! Entertainment TV, died of heart failure Aug. 6 in Florida.
MIT Quantum Initiative launches postdoctoral fellowship program
The MIT Quantum Initiative has launched a postdoctoral fellowship program supporting interdisciplinary research across quantum computing, sensing, materials, simulation, and networks while developing the next generation of quantum science leaders. ; quantum technology; quantum research; quantum computing; ; precision measurement; ; ; ; ; artificial intelligence; interdisciplinary research; postdoctoral fellowship; postdoctoral fellows; ; ; ; ; Research Laboratory of Electronics; MIT Lincoln Laboratory; MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms
Apple Might Add a Pencil to Its First Foldable, but Don’t Expect It at Launch
Steve Jobs said in 2007 that "nobody wants a stylus" for the iPhone. That could change.
How Vibe Coding Changed the Way I Run My Business (and Why Every Solopreneur Should Try It)
Vibe coding has changed how I run my business. Here’s how I use it to automate repetitive work, build useful tools, launch ideas faster and get more done without hiring a development team.
Exclusive: DHS plans to launch voter fraud investigation surge Tuesday
The Department of Homeland Security is planning a surge in its efforts to investigate voter fraud in select states starting Tuesday, according to internal federal guidance reviewed by CNN.
Florida State University Wertheim College of Business launches Business of Healthcare Initiative
Moving quickly to implement a top strategic priority, the Herbert Wertheim College of Business at Florida State University has announced the official
AirPods 5: Here’s what rumors say will launch next week
Rumors indicate AirPods 5 are launching next week alongside iPhone 18 Pro and more, here’s what we know so far about the new AirPods.
In the 608: Kindness Bank launching Kindness Alliance to promote community health and well-being
Kindness Bank is launching a new division focused on bringing organizations and community members together to address basic human needs and improve community health and well-being.
Sinclair Expands Oklahoma Sports Coverage with Launch of "Oklahoma Overtime"
New Weeknight Show on FOX 25 Oklahoma City and FOX 23 Tulsa Creates Statewide Destination for Oklahoma Sports Fans OKLAHOMA CITY and TULSA, OK – August 31, 2026 – Sinclair announced the launch of Oklahoma Overtime, a new live, statewide sports program premiering tonight on KOKH FOX 25 in Oklahoma City and NTUL (KTUL.2) FOX...
Berkeley’s trailblazing adaptive sports nonprofit BORP turns 50
Long the “only game in town” for physically disabled athletes, it launched the country’s first power soccer program in the ’80s.
Kroll Introduces APEX to Drive Measurable Business Outcomes from AI Investment
/PRNewswire/ -- Fal.Con 2026 – Kroll, the leading independent provider of global financial and risk advisory solutions, today announced the launch of Kroll AI...
From Netflix to Building Malaysia’s Sports Media
From Netflix and ESPN to launching a sports media company in Malaysia, Cedarville alumni Ernest Toh and Ian Chan are using human-centered storytelling to inspire...
Governor announces outdoor essay contest
In an effort to encourage more young people to enjoy outdoor recreation, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday, Aug. 26, announced the launch of the My Natural State Story...
SB Nation Launches App Home for Its 200 Fan Communities
SB Nation and Sportico are both part of Penske Media Corporation’s PMX Global division. SB Nation is launching an app to pull together content and chats from its network of close to 200 team- and league-focused sports communities. The launch comes as artificial intelligence impacts the amount of web search traffic media publishers receive and …
OpenClaw that Sam Altman spent billions on and claims to have beaten GTA 6 gets 'largest update in its history'
OpenClaw has rolled out OpenClaw 2.0, marking the most extensive software upgrade in the open-source artificial intelligence (AI) agent platform’s history since its debut last year. Announcing the release, the development team playfully referenced Rockstar Games’ upcoming November title launch with the social post, “HA!
$30M grant will fund turbulence research center at Michigan State
A 30 million federal grant will help Michigan State University launch a center to study and control turbulence, not just in the air but also in water.
Pro-AI group jumps into the data center fight with new ads aimed at reshaping public opinion
The nonprofit group Build American AI is launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign in Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin to promote its data center agenda.
NASA launches Roman Space Telescope to explore dark energy and distant worlds
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is on a mission to probe dark energy, hunt for distant worlds and transform our view of the universe
House Democrat to launch challenge to Trump’s ‘Lake America’ order
Debbie Dingell plans to introduce her ‘Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act’ today following president’s latest escalation in US-Canada trade war
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope launches to reveal the Universe’s darkest secrets
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope has launched on a million mile journey to L2, where it will scan huge portions of the cosmos for clues about dark matter, dark energy, and distant worlds. With survey speeds roughly 1,000 times faster than Hubble and a torrent of 1.4 terabytes of data per day, Roman could uncover cosmic surprises astronomers have never seen before.
Launch family fun center bringing arcade, trampoline park to Davis Hwy soon
A new 31,000-square-foot family entertainment center will offer Pensacola food, a trampoline park, dodgeball, a ninja course and much more this fall.
Huawei shows Watch D3’s smarter BP monitoring before September 2
Huawei Watch D3‘s features have started emerging ahead of the September 2 launch event, and one such is a smarter BP monitoring capability. The firm has showcased the new medical smartwatch at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026. ESC Congress is one of the world’s top academic gatherings in cardiovascular medicine. The meeting […]
Rhode Island Commits $250,000 To Cover Lab Costs For Up To 8 Life Science Startups
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub has launched the Founders Compass Program, committing $250,000 to provide up to eight early-stage life science companies with free laboratory and office space for one year.
Japan-South Korea business panel launched to address low birth rate
The group aims to enable the two countries to share knowledge and experiences in seeking solutions to their demographic challenges through private-sector cooperation.
U.S. strikes Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz
Iran swiftly vowed to retaliate for what it called a deadly attack
U.S. strikes Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz
Iran swiftly vowed to retaliate for what it called a deadly attack
The 19 most exciting video game releases of September 2026
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to new video games launching in September, including new exclusives from Sony and Nintendo, a Capcom revival, and, of course, football.
GTA VI Extended Gameplay Preview Attracted Over 4 Million Live Viewers
It's been known since Rockstar released the first trailer for GTA VI that the upcoming action game would have a massive impact on the gaming industry, and analysts have predicted week-one sales of $4.5 billion when the game launches in November. Following Rockstar's GTA VI showcase at Gamescom,...
US strikes Iranian island where forces were preparing to launch mines, official says
The US military on Sunday struck Iran’s Larak Island, where forces were observed preparing to launch mines into the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official, marking the first strikes in the war in over a month.
NASA launches $4.3bn Roman Telescope to uncover universe’s hidden secrets
SpaceX Falcon Heavy propels telescope on cosmic quest to investigate dark energy and matter.
Apple Caught Off Guard by AI Demand for Mac Mini and Mac Studio
Apple's unusually timed announcement of new Mac mini and Mac Studio models this week was driven by unexpectedly strong enterprise appetite for AI hardware, according to The Information. Apple normally releases new Mac models in the autumn, closer to October or November, making this week's announcement unusually early, falling just before the anticipated arrival of new iPhone models. The Information says that the AI-driven boom in Mac Studio and Mac mini sales is behind the early launch.
NASA's newest space telescope launches on a quest to explore the hidden universe
The bus-sized telescope — named after the late Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer — will take more than three months to reach its destination.
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launches with JPL tech aboard
The $4.3-billion observatory will aid the search for "Earth twins" and explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
Apple reportedly considered launching a new Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra
Apple’s first foldable iPhone should be making its debut in just over a week. In the development process, Apple was...
Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra Was Tested
Apple has internally prototyped, tested, and considered launching an Apple Pencil for the upcoming foldable iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. However, he said it is unlikely that the accessory will be released. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the Apple Pencil tested for the foldable iPhone is stubbier than the versions for iPads. He said the Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone was designed to magnetically attach and charge on the side of the device.
Colorado Sues EarnIn For “Immoral, Unethical, Oppressive and Unscrupulous” Business Practices
Hey all, Jason here. When this hits your inbox, I should be en route to the airport — not to go anywhere myself, just to pick up my better half. I must admit, it’s been strange to be home alone (well, with two dogs) for two weeks! Really lets me “optimize” to spending more time on reading/writing/working, whether that’s healthy or not! Looking forward to getting back into a (somewhat) more balance routine. Subscribe or Support by Upgrading Compare Notes With the People Who Built Modern Fintech Partner content: Remitly CEO Sebastian Gunningham. Increase founder Darragh Buckley. Linda Du, Co-founder & President at Valon. They’ll unpack the decisions behind building and scaling major financial products: what they got right, what broke, what they would do differently, and how AI and new infrastructure are changing the operator playbook. Most events tell you where fintech is going. NerdCon puts the people who built the present in the room and asks them what comes next. Expect an operator-led conversation grounded in real products, real trade-offs and lessons earned the hard way. Fintech Business Weekly readers save 20% on Regular tickets with code FBW20 before standard pricing ends September 11. Meet the Builders Things To Know & Other Good Reads Advent and Stripe Abandon $50 Billion Pursuit of PayPal (Bloomberg) Trump Family’s New Crypto Bank Is Backed by Abu Dhabi Sheikh (Wall Street Journal) The multiplying risks of financing data centres (FT) Let the Bond Market Speak (Wall Street Journal) Did we waste a crisis? Modest proposals to reform deposit insurance. (Fintech Takes Banking) Untangling Guggenheim: How Private Credit Built Its Own Universe (Net Interest) The Hater’s Guide To Circular Financing — Part One (Ed Zitron) Fiat Ventures Rebrands to FGV Capital, Announces $35M Oversubscribed Fund II (BusinessWire) Socure Announces Strategic Growth Investment at $5.2B Valuation and Acquires Agentic Operations Platform Fravity (Socure) Listen: When Consumer Protection Disclosures Work Too Well (Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast) Colorado Sues EarnIn For “Immoral, Unethical, Oppressive and Unscrupulous” Business Practices When Andreessen Horowitz led EarnIn’s $39 million Series B in 2017, Alex Rampell, a partner at the storied venture capital firm, described EarnIn’s small-dollar advance product as “free,” relying on “entirely on voluntary contributions instead of fees.” Rampell favorably compared EarnIn’s approach to typical payday loans, writing, “Payday loans historically have had the potential to be a slippery slope for consumers into financial distress: opaque systems and steep fees that are hard to repay and set individuals back further than where they started. For many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, that kind of slide into debt can be extremely difficult to recover from.” But EarnIn’s product — which, the company says, isn’t a “loan,” legally speaking — ends up being anything but free for most users. While it is technically possible to take a no-fee advance from the company, most users incur “Lightning Speed” (instant funding) fees and/or ostensibly optional tips that combined can equate to annualized percent rates that can reach over 1,000%. With an average term of 9.77 days, even fees and tips that are small on an absolute dollar basis are equivalent to high APRs on an annualized basis. A lawsuit filed last week by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser against EarnIn describes the company and its product and business practices quite differently than Andreessen’s Rampell; “EarnIn’s business practices are unfair because they are immoral, unethical, oppressive and unscrupulous,” the complaint, filed in District Court in Denver, Colorado, says. EarnIn’s marquee product, Cash Out, isn’t a loan, the company says, as Cash Out is not “[f]orward [l]ooking” because “[t]he money is transferred based on earnings to date,” does not carry a mandatory fee to access funds, and is “non-recourse,” meaning EarnIn cannot pursue recovery from users who don’t repay advanced funds. EarnIn is sometimes referred to as an “Earned Wage Advance” service. Though, unlike some others in the broader category, EarnIn does not integrate with employers’ payroll or time and attendance systems. Rather, EarnIn attempts to verify a user’s income and employment, by examining direct deposit transaction data in their linked external bank account, by using GPS location and Bluetooth data to estimate a user’s time spent at work, if they work in a fixed location, and/or by having a user provided a work email address. While repayment is theoretically optional, as EarnIn would have no recourse, such as reporting non-payment to the credit bureaus or a collections agency, this is anything but clear to users of the EarnIn app, Colorado’s complaint argues. During the process of taking a Cash Out, users must agree to a preauthorized debit of the amount advanced, plus any expedited funding fee and/or tips. Though users technically can revoke this ACH authorization, the fact that they have this right isn’t presented to users during the Cash Out process, but rather is included in linked terms and conditions few users are likely to actually read. And users who do wish to revoke their ACH authorization must do so three or more days before the scheduled transaction date by emailing EarnIn’s customer support. Similarly, EarnIn’s marketing claims that it carries “no interest” and “no mandatory fees” is technically true, but is not the reality for many of the app’s users, the Colorado complaint argues. Further, EarnIn has extensively marketed to users the ability to “access your pay today,” to get “instant” funds, and to get funds “the same day you work” — when, in reality, this speed of access was only possible by paying the additional, undisclosed Lightning Speed fee. The Colorado complaint highlights this contradiction specifically, noting: EarnIn tells consumers that they can ‘Make any day payday with EarnIn’ and that there no ‘hidden’ or ‘mandatory fees.’ For a consumer to access their pay on the same day requested, they would have to pay the Lightning Speed fee. In the fine print of the advertisement EarnIn discloses that ‘[f]ees apply to use Lightning Speed,’ a direct contradiction to the larger text of the advertisement, and a fact that would not be immediately understood by a consumer as ‘Lightning Speed’ is not defined nor explained. Like other small-dollar lending services, rather than explicitly charge interest, EarnIn collects a markup on the optional Lighting Speed fee, which, given the nature of the transactions, many users opt for, as well as offering users the option to leave “tips.” EarnIn leverages either Real-Time Payments (RTP) rails or push-to-card via debit rails if a user opts for the optional Lightning Speed. But while these capabilities cost EarnIn, on average, $0.075 or $0.20 per transaction, respectively, EarnIn charges users significantly more. Initially, EarnIn charged as little as $1.99 for Cash Outs up to $24. But EarnIn has hiked these fees multiple times, and now charges $4.99 for Cash Outs up to $75 and $6.99 for those over $75. According to the Colorado complaint, EarnIn leverages “dark patterns” to manipulate users and to make it more difficult to avoid tipping. Examples of these “road blocks” highlighted in the complaint include: As of 2023, in the EarnIn app, a consumer attempting to get a loan under the default settings had to make at least eighteen separate taps to complete the transaction and reduce the tip to $0. There is an alternative method to leave a $0 tip, via the “Custom tip” feature, but EarnIn made this option difficult to access by visually deemphasizing it and positioning it near devices’ “home” button. Using language and imagery such as “Tip to pay it forward,” “Your generosity supports the service + helps,” “Your tips make a difference,” and “[t]he APR for this cash out is 0%. Your tips help support us.” While Lightning Speed and tipping are, in theory, both optional, in practice, users nearly always ended up paying something. According to the Colorado suit, users were charged either a tip or an expedite fee for more than 92% of transactions, with an average APR of nearly 388%. And, although the advances are “non-recourse,” EarnIn successfully collects on nearly all transactions — 99.18%, according to the complaint, which, Colorado argues, “demonstrat[es] that EarnIn’s advances function as high cost loans, not voluntary payments.” The share of EarnIn users incurring fees — despite the product being marketed as 0% APR — is hard to reconcile with Andreessen investor Rampell’s favorable description of EarnIn vs. “opaque systems and steep fees” associated with payday loans, which, Rampell says, can be “extremely difficult” for borrowers to extricate themselves from. According to Colorado’s suit, EarnIn’s Cash Out product “trapped many consumers in extreme cycles of high-cost reborrowing.” The suit gives an example of one consumer in the state, who took out a whopping 1,151 loans, paying a total of $4,038.50 in Lightning Speed expedited funding fees on loans that averaged the equivalent of 1,421% APR. Another Colorado user, the suit says, took out 1,033 loans, paying $8,561.22 in tips and fees at an average APR of 1,539% . These types of usage patterns demonstrate “the severe and repeated financial harm caused by EarnIn’s illegal lending model,” the Colorado complaint argues. In aggregate, from January 2023 through July 2025, EarnIn extended 3.1 million loans to 56,778 users in Colorado — an average of nearly 55 transactions per person during the time period. EarnIn lent more than $300 million and collected more than $16 million from Colorado users in Lightning Speed fees and in tips. Ultimately, the Colorado complaint argues that “EarnIn’s Cash Outs are loans under Colorado law, and EarnIn’s contention that its product is not a loan based on its disclaimer of any legal repayment obligation lacks any real-world significance given how the Cash Out transactions actually operate in practice.” Colorado further argues that “EarnIn was not working with companies here in providing consumers with funds but acted as a third-party lender and charged illegally high rates, used deceptive design strategies to extract some charges, and trapped consumers in repeat borrowing. Colorado will continue to stand up for consumers and hold companies accountable when they violate our credit laws or attempt to evade them through misleading practices.” Colorado’s suit alleges EarnIn assesses finance charge in excess of that permitted by Colorado law, that EarnIn failed to make legally required disclosures to Colorado borrowers, that EarnIn made supervised loans to consumers without obtaining the requisite license, that EarnIn violated the state’s Deferred Deposit Loan Act, that EarnIn engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices, and that EarnIn made false or misleading statements concerning price. The suit seeks a court order enjoining EarnIn from violating relevant Colorado laws, for EarnIn to refund amounts charged in excess of state law, fees, costs, and penalties, and other relief the court deems to be just. Fintech Business Weekly is made possible by the generous support of paying subscribers — bringing you independent analysis of banking, fintech, and crypto without fear or favor. You can support my work by becoming a paying subscriber if you aren’t already. Paying subscribers enjoy: access to the entire archive of nearly six years of newsletters extended versions of the weekly newsletter, with additional content and analysis and (for founding member tier) quarterly personal 1:1 fintech Q&A / strategy calls with me, tapping into my unparalleled knowledge of the intersection of banking and fintech and experience working in the sector, including helping to launch Goldman Sachs’ retail bank Marcus Support Fintech Business Weekly You can also support Fintech Business Weekly by sponsoring a newsletter or podcast, putting you in front of 93,000+ of the most influential decision makers in banking, fintech, and crypto. Learn more about sponsor opportunities or request a media kit by dropping me an email. Q2 Quarterly Banking Profile: Five Quick Takeaways The FDIC released its quarterly banking profile, which is always worth a read, for the second quarter. The profile provides an aggregate snapshot about the overall health of the 4,238 institutions whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, who, collectively, hold more than $26 trillion in assets and saw a total net income of more than $90 billion in the second quarter. Net income was up 12% vs. Q1 2026, with lower provisions and realized gains on securities helping to drive the improvement, somewhat offset by increases in non-interest expense and applicable income taxes. Overall net interest margin was basically flat quarter over quarter (up 1 basis point vs. Q1 2026), though community banks saw NIM grow by 10 basis points, to 3.81%. Unsurprisingly, given that interest rates haven’t changed, unrealized losses on securities changed little, edging up slightly to $326.7 billion vs. $325.1 billion in Q1 2026. Aggregate credit quality has remained benign, with asset quality actually improving slightly in Q2. Overall, institutions reported a 9 basis point decline in their past-due and non-accrual rate, to 1.44%. Net charge off rate also declined by 2 basis points, to 0.57%. And finally, the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund stands at $161.1 billion, making the DIF reserve ratio 1.48% — above the statutory minimum of 1.35%, but still below the designated target reserve ratio of 2%. [Paid Subscriber Exclusive] Nissan Withdraws ILC App, State Associations Plan BankChain Alliance, FDIC Defines “Unsafe or Unsound Practice” For First Time Automaker Nissan withdrew its application to charter a Utah industrial loan company and its corresponding application to the FDIC for deposit insurance last week, on August 19th. Nissan’s application had been outstanding for more than a year, as it originally applied in June 2025. Recent applications to the OCC to form national banks have been decisioned, one way or the other, substantially more quickly than has historically been the case.
Chess.com launched a poker site and is planning even more classic games
Chess’s expanding to backgammon, go, mahjong next.
Ready to Roman: Caltech Teams Celebrate Telescope Launch, Look Ahead to Future
After over a decade of development with mission partners, Caltech, IPAC, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are excited to support and pursue new areas of research and discovery following Sunday's launch of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman space telescope launches
During its five-year primary mission, Roman is expected to observe billions of stars and galaxies, 100,000 exoplanets, and more.
Roman Telescope Begins Quest to Reveal Evolving Universe
A new era of space exploration began today with the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope: Engine Chill Begins as Launch Nears
SpaceX confirms Falcon Heavy has begun engine chill, flowing a small amount of supercold propellant through its engines to condition them for ignition.
Donald Driver named ambassador for statewide health initiative by Network Health
GREEN BAY — Network Health launched a statewide health initiative, From Teeth to Toes, at the Packers Hall of Fame on Thursday, Aug. 20, with Donald Driver as an ambassador, signing on to take the …
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Launch Broadcast Begins
NASA’s live broadcast begins for the launch of the agency’s Grace Roman Space Telescope. Liftoff aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket is targeted for 7:26 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA Roman Space Telescope: Key Milestones for 7:26 a.m. EDT Launch
There are several key milestones during launch coverage of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope: Launch Updates
NASA's live online coverage of the launch of the agency's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is underway. NASA and SpaceX are targeting 7:26 a.m. EDT Sunday for liftoff aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Medicare's pilot GLP-1 discount program has a catch. Some sick patients don't qualify
Medicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month. But many people with the most serious illnesses won't get that discount.
NASA’s new ‘discovery machine’ is launching to unravel the invisible universe
NASA’s new observatory, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, is ready to lift off and solve the universe’s enduring mysteries.
Xbox CEO says next-gen Project Helix will be a “family of devices,” hinting at another Xbox Series S|X-style lineup
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says the next-generation Project Helix will launch as a “family of devices,” suggesting a tiered lineup similar to the Xbox Series S and X. Microsoft has confirmed AMD-powered hardware supporting Xbox and PC games but has yet to disclose pricing, release timing, or disc-drive options.
Sonic Team head talks possibility of Sonic Mania 2
There’s no sign of Sonic Mania 2 happening anytime soon, but Sonic Team head Takazhi Iizuka has left the door open to the possibility. Believe it or not, Sonic Mania is coming close to its tenth anniversary. The title launched in 2017 and many fans had hoped that we’d get a sequel. Sonic Mania was definitely a success for SEGA,...
How Investors Are Reacting To Tencent Music (TME) Partnering With SM Entertainment On New China JV
In August 2026, SM Entertainment announced a new joint venture with Tencent Music Entertainment Group called STE, which will focus on launching a Chinese idol group within two to three years and managing promotions for SM’s Greater China artists. This partnership links Tencent Music’s local market reach with SM’s artist IP, potentially strengthening Tencent Music’s role in China’s evolving fan-centric music ecosystem. Next, we’ll examine how this SM-Tencent Music joint venture, especially...
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Takes Fifth No. 1 As 'Coyote vs. Acme' Takes $14 Million Opening
Ketchup Entertainment nearly quintuples its opening weekend record while 20th Century's "The Dog Stars" bombs with $7 million launch
First look at Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay released on Netflix ahead of November launch
A 25-minute teaser previewing GTA 6 dropped on Netflix, offering the first look at the game ahead of its planned November release.
Apple will be launching its first pair of smart glasses next year: Here's what's coming
As soon as next year, Apple will be debuting its first pair of AI-powered smart glasses. They’ll integrate Visual Intelligence...
Amazon Offers Early Savings on 2026 Mac Mini, Plus Record Low on AirTag 2
Apple introduced the M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini this week, and Amazon currently has the first pre-order discounts on these models ahead of their September launch. Below, we're also tracking a new record low price on the AirTag 2 during Amazon's Labor Day event. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple Might Skip the iPhone 18 This Year. Is the iPhone 17 Still Worth It?
Ahead of Apple's Sept. 9 launch event, I retested the iPhone 17 to see if it can retain the “best iPhone for most people” title for another six months.
NASA's Roman Telescope and the Search for Alien Worlds
The latest telescope launch will be a major step toward finding extraterrestrial life.
NASA Roman Arrives at Launch Pad, Mission Briefings Scheduled
NASA Roman Arrives at Launch Pad, Mission Briefings Scheduled
Nasa space telescope set to launch after surviving Trump budget cuts
Searching for exoplanets and clues on planet formation, the Roman telescope will lift off Sunday morning in Florida
She was told women couldn't be scientists. Now a NASA space telescope bears her name
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch on Sunday at 7:26 a.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA is launching the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Here are just a few of the wonders it will reveal
If all goes to plan, at 7:26 a.m. Sunday morning, a new space telescope will blast off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on top of a Falcon Heavy rocket, ready to reveal new wonders about our universe. Here are some things scientists hope to unravel with this new telescope.
5 small-business ideas that let you work from home
Make your home office your main office and bring more flexibility into your workday.
NASA Holds Science Briefing Ahead of Roman Space Telescope Launch
NASA holds a pre-launch science briefing ahead of its Roman Space Telescope launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Local rescue holding online sports memorabilia auction
Finding Eden Rescue is holding its first sports memorabilia auction, with more than 25 items up for bid through Sept. 9. The online auction launched Aug. 28 and runs through Sept. 9 at 5 p.m., according to Peyton Olsen, founder and CEO of Finding Eden Rescue.
Op-ed: West Virginia recognized as national leader in small business development, entrepreneurship
For generations, West Virginians have been known for their hard work, determination, and willingness to build something from the ground up. Today, those qualities are matched by an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is helping new businesses not only launch, but succeed in the long term. A recently released business longevity study found that West Virginia leads […]
NASA is preparing to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Here's what to know
NASA plans to soon launch a new space telescope that will survey a billion galaxies to trace how the universe evolved over time, all courtesy of America’s spy program and decades of research into detector technology. Once in position, it will take data that astronomers hope will help answer some of the field’s most puzzling questions.
West Melbourne sixth graders learn science behind NASA telescope mission
Brevard County students are studying NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope ahead of its Kennedy Space Center launch, connecting science lessons to space history.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is free to play for the weekend though only on one platform, Standard Edition on sale for just $10
Duck King just launched as the second DLC character of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Season 3, and there's a few special offers going around for the game right now.Players who've never hopped on to the ...
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 rolling out with many Pixel bug fixes
Following the big release two weeks ago, Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 for Pixel devices...
Google didn’t kick Pixel 11 trade-in values off a cliff this year – here’s what you can get
While the US Google Store’s pre-order and launch period deals have ended, Google has started a new round of boosted trade-in values...
Melissa Hirschenson Exits Innovative, Launches The Hirschenson Group
EXCLUSIVE: We have learned that senior talent agent Melissa Hirschenson is launching The Hirschenson Group, a new management and entertainment consulting company. The Hirschenson Group will work acros...
Business Formations Are at Record Highs — and the Fastest-Growing States Aren't the Ones You'd Guess
AI and remote work just killed the case for building in a legacy startup hub — and the data on where founders are actually launching proves it.
Pixel 11 Trade-in Values See Big Changes
If you didn't buy a Pixel 11 series phone before today, you missed out on the higher trade-in values that Google was offering through the Google Store. We're now a full week out from launch day...
New Official Nintendo 64 Game Launches to Strong 4.9/5 Reviews
A new game officially releases on original Nintendo 64 hardware and also receives strong reviews from players.
Amazon launches first M6 Mac mini deals, grab prices from $879
Preorder deals are in effect on the just-announced M6 Mac mini at Amazon. Pick up the 2026 desktop for as low as $879.99.
Poulsbo feeling growing pains as city adapts to paid parking downtown
A confusing launch of paid parking in downtown Poulsbo in August is leading business owners to offer solutions to ease some angst on Front Street.
IAFF launches new Resource Library for health and safety
The IAFF has launched a new Resource Library, a single online hub for nearly 300 – and counting – health and safety resources for fire fighters and emergency
KPEX: New Korean pop culture expo to bring K-Pop, K-Dramas, K-Food and more to NYC
KPEX: Korean Pop Culture Expo will launch May 29-31 at the Javits Center, bringing K-Pop, K-Dramas, K-Comics, K-Games, K-Food, K-Beauty, and more under one
Norton King’s Daughters’ Health breaks ground on new EMS Transport Hub
Norton King’s Daughters’ Health officially launched the construction of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Hub with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the hospital’s main campus,…
Apple's M6 Mac Mini Gets First Pre-Order Discounts at Amazon
Amazon today has introduced the first cash discounts on Apple's brand new Mac mini, with discounts including two of the M6 models as well as the M5 Pro model. All of these deals are pre-order discounts on the 2026 Mac mini, which officially launches on September 22. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Omnicom Media Launches Hearts United, Merging Hearts & Science and Mediahub
Little Black Book, Omnicom Media merges Hearts & Science and Mediahub to form Hearts United, a $9.1B global agency focused on AI-driven growth and modern media strategies
Rochester to inspect 14,500 homes and business properties
Rochester is launching a five-year property review program. Here is what owners need to know about upcoming inspections.
Slidell pickle company grows from personal hardship into small business
Big Mike Brennan launched BraveLyttle Pickle Company in Slidell, turning his culinary knowledge and determination into a growing pickle business.
New RCC entertainment production degree
The program is launching this fall, starting with an "Intro to podcasting" course.