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Local Business Spotlight: Borderland Lodge
When guests arrive at Borderland Lodge, owners Dave and Stephanie Shea say they want visitors to experience what many find along the Gunflint Trail, a “sense of magic and wonder.” For the past five years, they have been doing just that. When guests call to book a room or cabin, Dave, Stephanie, and their staff...
New emails show New York Giants owner asked Epstein to connect him with women
New York Giants owner and American filmmaker Steve Tisch sought out Jeffrey Epstein’s help connecting him with women more than a decade ago, according to emails released Friday by the Justice Department.
North Seattle business owners sounding alarm after string of burglaries
Robin Dreisbach is the co-owner of Ravenna Refills, a body and home goods store. They just had their first anniversary – and first break-in.
Let ABC15 Know helps local business stuck in 'Google jail' after 40 days.
A Surprise small business owner says his company was shut out of Google's platform for over a month, and he couldn't get a clear explanation why.
Local business owners use one-day boycott to protest federal immigration actions
At least 15 Phoenix-area businesses and several student groups joined a national "ICE Out" boycott to protest Trump administration immigration enforcement.
Owner of Wichita accounting business charged with 50 counts in federal court
She is accused of using client money for personal expenses, including more than $11,000 to the Plastic Surgery Center, court documents say.
Philly business owners, residents take part in nationwide protest against ICE
Business owners and residents in Philadelphia participated in a nationwide protest against ICE on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
These New Orleans businesses and restaurants are participating in national ICE Out protest
“We're excited about the possibility of not only bringing attention to what we don't want to happen in our communities, and then hopefully, you know, raise some good money to give voice and enable those who are defending people who are our neighbors,” the owner of Flour Moon said.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Announces Health Care Fraud Conviction and Settlement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, January 30, 2026 Contact: comms@ncdoj.gov RALEIGH – Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Kathy Briggs, co-owner of Neveah & Company, operating as Restorative Medical, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, which includes 13 months of home confinement, and ordered to pay $2,483,855.72 in […]
Local business owners seem pleased by Richmond’s upgraded portal, doubled BPOL tax threshold
Richmond announced upgrades to its RVA Business portal in early January and doubled the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax threshold. Here’s how a few local businesses…
Smoke BBQ + Skybar owner faces allegations he 'looted' bankrupt business
The allegations, which San Antonio restaurateur Adrian Martinez denies, were leveled by WellMed Medical Management Inc.'s former president.
Stellantis orders US staff back to the office 5 days a week
The Jeep and Ram owner has told all US employees they must come into the office five days a week from March 30.
Local Small Business Owner Opens Pak Mail Inside of His Existing Accounting Business in Springville, Alabama--Offering Shipping and Office Services
Annex Brands, Inc., one of the leading franchisors in the packing, shipping and office services industries, is excited to announce the opening of its newest Pak Mail location inside of Chapman Accounting Solutions in Springville, AL to new owner, Edward Chapman. This new Pak Mail is set to offer a wide range of essential shipping and office services to the local community, making it easier to provide more service to more people in more places.
Google releases Project Genie AI tool for creating "playable worlds" that can feature copyrighted IP
But legal expert Pete Lewin from Wiggin argues that the companies behind this kind of tech can expect to face "greater scrutiny and pushback from IP owners"
Indy business owners say winter storm is freezing profits
Beloved Central Indiana shops and restaurants say the recent snowfall has made a difficult month of business even harder.
Minneapolis business owner working 16-hr shifts, help staff avoid ICE
Michael Knox runs a restaurant near Minneapolis. He said employees are afraid to come in, and even his regular customers have been absent.
Portland businesses closing Friday for 'National Shutdown' strike amid federal immigration concerns
Multiple businesses and restaurants across Portland are expected to close Friday, Jan. 30, in solidarity with a “National Shutdown” strike responding to growing concerns over federal immigration enforcement nationwide. The […]
Phoenix business owners join nationwide ‘Ice Out of Everywhere’ strike
Business owners in the Phoenix metro area are closing their doors Friday to support the “Ice Out of Everywhere” movement that began in Minnesota.
Businesses in the Triangle feeling the effects of winter weather
Local businesses are feeling the effects of the winter weather, especially when they have to close their doors. Many business owners told WRAL News that weekends are the busiest time, so having their doors closed and with no customers two weekends in a row is hurting their margins.
“It was insane to see”: Owner reacts after car crashes into Kansas City, Kansas, business
A car crashed into a Kansas City, Kansas, business Thursday morning, sending debris across the block and leaving the storefront boarded up.
Minneapolis business owners create ‘community of kindness’
From fundraising for immigrant families to offering free food, local business owners in Minneapolis are doing what they can to help their community during increased federal immigration enforcement.
Eugene business owners grapple with decision to open or close for Friday’s general strike
The general strike protesting federal law enforcement crackdowns leave business owners contemplating what action is best: close in solidarity or stay open to be of service.
'Very unfortunate': Fort Pierce Downtown business owners upgrade security after recent burglaries
Two Downtown Fort Pierce businesses were burglarized early Tuesday morning, prompting police to search for suspects and business owners to upgrade security.
Winter weather hits local businesses hard as snow forces closures
Local business owners are grappling with the financial strain of consecutive winter weather weekends, with closures significantly impacting service industry employees and small retailers.
Chicago small business owner says she lost over $8K to fraud, bank held her responsible
A small business owner in Chicago says thousands of dollars were stolen from her bank account.
Back to business: Local shops, restaurants come back to life after snowstorm
Small business owners say they’ve weathered a storm that left 10 or more inches of snow on downtown streets this week. It took a mix of snow shovel handiwork, municipal plow trucks and private contractors with backhoes and tri-axle dump trucks to bring business districts back to life. “This storm
Minnesota shooting blurs political lines around guns : The NPR Politics Podcast
Alex Pretti was carrying a permitted gun when he had a confrontation with federal agents who ultimately shot and killed him. While the Trump administration pointed to his gun as a reason for agents to fear for their safety, pro-gun groups argued Pretti had a right to carry. We discuss the rhetoric around guns and how marginalized communities in Minneapolis have been increasingly turning toward gun ownership.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, domestic extremism correspondent Odette Yousef, and senior political editor and correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Lexie Schapitl and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
East Derry business owners add to their collection
An East Derry couple has added one more local business venture to their list.
A Business Owner Is Getting Divorced, Asks Dave Ramsey If He'll Lose The Business. 'She's Actually 98% Owner Of The Business And I'm 2% Owner'
A Texas business owner is facing a painful split, not just from his wife, but potentially from the company he helped build. He says he’s done almost all the work since 2021, but legally owns just 2% of the business. His wife holds the other 98%, a structure their accountant recommended for tax reasons. Divorce And Ownership Don't Match Up Manny, who shared his story on the “EntreLeadership” podcast recently with personal finance expert Dave Ramsey, said, “She’s actually 98% owner of the business
More KC businesses train workers on ICE protocols
Kansas City business owners are prepping staff for rising ICE activity in workplaces.
Driving Habits Provide Window Into Seniors' Brain Health
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTHURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Larry Duncan valued driving as part of his independence. But Duncan — a retired business owner from Pinehurst, North Carolina — started to become more nervous behind the wheel prior to his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s ...
Small businesses in Portland, Maine, navigate ICE protest challenges
Some small-business owners in Portland, Maine, are debating how best to support staff and customers amid a federal immigration crackdown.
Hampton Town Meeting preview: Voters to weigh ICE pact, business trash
Should the town budget and proposed money articles gain approval, a homeowner with a $600,000 property will see a $301.24 increase in their tax bill.
Minneapolis small business supports strike against ICE, raises money
ICE activity and tariffs are making for an especially tough month for Perennial Cycle in Minneapolis. The owner is focusing on the community.
Business owner speaks out after Ypsilanti parents detained by ICE
Highway 21 Dairy Queen closure sparks conversation amongst local business owners
some local business owners say despite the roadwork, they say the project is good for the community.
Accountant stole more than $1M from N.J. business owner to fund sports betting, mortgage, state says
He is accused of using the funds for sports betting, credit card bills and mortgage payments, authorities said.
Trump's response to Pretti killing upends Second Amendment politics : Here & Now Anytime
Alex Pretti was legally carrying a gun when a federal agent shot and killed him in Minneapolis last weekend. President Trump and other federal officials blamed his death on the fact that he had a gun, but Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus chair Bryan Strawser explains why he disagrees.And, after leading immigration operations in Minneapolis, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has returned to his previous job in California. CalMatters investigative reporter Sergio Olmos talks about Bovino’s record in California.
Tampa Bay Business and Wealth under new ownership, and the transaction is made-for-TV drama
Bridgette Bello’s departure from the magazine turns out to be more than what it seemed.
ICE presence threatens small business in Minneapolis and Minnesota, some owners say: 'I can hardly do my normal job'
Some Minneapolis small-business owners say they fear for their personal safety, their community's safety and their businesses' survival amid ICE's presence in the city.
Schaumburg Boomers officially purchased by REV Entertainment, owner of the Kane County Cougars
REV Entertainment announced Wednesday that the group has acquired the Schaumberg Boomers from the Salvi family.
Wheeling police to host crime watch meetings for businesses
For the first time, the Wheeling Police Department will host crime watch meetings specifically for local businesses, starting Feb. 4.Business owners from downt
Owners of Twin Peaks restaurant file for bankruptcy
Officials with TWNP said in a news release that they will use the filings to strengthen their capital structure through reducing their debt to keep the corporation successful for years to come.
FreshBooks 2025 Ontario Small Business Snapshot: Owners More Reserved Than U.S. Peers, but Most Say Their Businesses Are Stable
Ontario survey data shows lower optimism and higher interest-rate sensitivity than U.S. counterparts, while operating conditions stay steady for most businessesTORONTO, Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ontario small business owners are entering 2026 with a more reserved outlook than their U.S. counterparts, reflected in lower economic optimism, softer financial sentiment, and greater sensitivity to interest rates, according to a new Ontario snapshot from FreshBooks’ 2025 State of Small Business
Frederick zoning amendment could change rules for home businesses
Frederick business owners who operate out of their homes could have new rules under a zoning amendment being considered by the city's Planning Commission.
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
Business owners moving forward as probe ongoing in Millcreek fire
As the investigation continues into a large fire that leveled a multi-tenant business building in Millcreek, firms seek new homes.
Historic $300-billion wave of business acquisitions set to reshape Canada’s economy: BDC study
Key findings: 61% of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are led by owners aged 50+; nearly one in five plan to exit within five yearsCompanies that acquire other businesses earn four times the profits of non-acquirersFor every 10 buyers, only seven are sellers—competition for strong businesses is fierce MONTREAL, Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada’s business landscape is on the brink of a major transformation. A new study by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) reveals thou
Kirkland boutique owner warns other businesses of group ‘distraction’ tactics for theft
KIRKLAND, Wash. — A Kirkland business owner is sounding the alarm over recent shoplifting incidents.
Vacant Houston properties burn four times, threatening established business next door
Four fires in two years. 50% of customers gone. And the city-cited buildings just burned again. This Westheimer restaurant owner says enough is enough.
Norfolk’s Pagoda is a “gem.” Local entrepreneurs say doing business there was a nightmare.
The crux of tensions between business owners and the foundation that runs the Pagoda is the question of what the property is, and should be, to the city of Norfolk.
Middletown business damaged after snow pushed by plow breaks window
A Connecticut spa is dealing with tens of thousands of dollars in damage after snow shattered its front window during this week’s storm. Middletown Police said the damage happened when snow pushed by a plow hit the storefront. The owners of The Bare Collection by Bareskin Beauty Bar said they woke up to find their window shattered and snow pouring…
Hinsdale business owner facing thousands in damage after water pipe burst
A suburban business owner is still trying to wrap her head around the damage done to her store after a pipe burst causing major flooding.
‘It’s a hospitality-wide problem‘: night-time traders react to business rates relief plan
Gyms, pharmacies, restaurants and cafes and convenience store owners question why only pubs and live music venues should get help
Range Sports Acquires Live Experiences Company Superfly
Range will launch a new live division with experiential opportunities across sports, entertainment, music and more. The deal does not include the company's ownership interest in Outside Lands.
What every new business needs to know about compliance
Hiring your first employee can feel like stepping into a whole new world, especially when taxes, worker classification and payroll feel unfamiliar. In this episode of Small Business Smarts, we explore what new business owners need to know to stay compliant from day one. For more information, visit ADP.com/SPARK
How Tennessee’s Speaker of the House Helped Keep a Payday Lender’s Struggling Sports Gambling Company Alive
Cameron Sexton took steps that allowed the owners of a payday lending company, Advance Financial, to keep using their stores to boost a now-defunct online sports betting enterprise.
SellYourWay.org Publishes a New White Paper on the Role of Seller Financing in Closing Small Business Sales
Today, SellYourWay.org, a website dedicated to the education of small business owners, is pleased to announce the release of a new, in-depth white paper titled, The Role of Seller Financing in Closing Deals. Lauren Drummond Dale, MCBI, shares expert insights on what seller financing is, how frequently it is used and what small business owners should know before selling their businesses. Ms. Dale is Principal and M&A Advisor at Coastal Consultants, LLC. SellYourWay.org is powered by the Internati
Richmond wedding planning business changes hands in sale to employee
It’s a match made in heaven between the founder of The Hive Wedding Collective Richmond and one of its employees-turned-owner.
Latest Google Pixel update causing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues for some
A number of Google Pixel owners have reported over the past few days that, following the latest update, their devices...
Downtown Chico events boost local business visibility and community spirit
As Downtown Chico gears up for another year of signature community events, longtime business owners highlight the lasting impact these gatherings have on the lo
New program offers rebates for home and business owners who install heat pumps
James Webb’s Business Philosophy and Franchise Leadership at Scenthound: Educating and Empowering Pet Owners Nationwide
In his role as a franchisee of Scenthound, Webb has used his business experience to not only expand the footprint of a company focused on canine health and wellness but also to amplify the brand’s educational mission for pet owners.
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.
First Brands Group Commences Wind Down of North American Brake Parts Inc., Cardone, and Autolite Business Units
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., January 26, 2026--First Brands Group, LLC ("First Brands" or the "Company"), a leading global supplier of automotive parts, announced that it has commenced a wind down of certain of its North American business operations, including its Brake Parts Inc., Cardone, and Autolite brands. First Brands’ remaining business units continue to operate while the Company assesses pathways to transition these operations to new ownership.
Longtime Columbus small business owners talk modern-day challenges
See owners of The Loft Violin Shop, Flower Child Vintage and The Lamp Shade in their element.
Souhan: What good are sports in times like these?
Local owners should be making a statement. Better yet, they should be taking action.
NH's Business: The impact of tariffs on the timber industry
Fred Kocher sits down with Jasen Stock, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, about the state of the industry and the potential impact of tariffs.
Beloved Waterfront Restaurant Closing, Owners Announce With 'Heavy Hearts': CT Business News
Movie Theater Closes For Good/ Pizzeria Closing/ Celebrity's Highly Anticipated Restaurant Sets Opening Date/ Bank Building Sold & More...
Minneapolis business owners react to another deadly shooting by federal agents: "A neighbor was murdered"
Why employee ownership is good business for California
In Santa Paula, construction workers are building more than infrastructure, they’re building company ownership.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:INSE) is favoured by institutional owners who hold 78% of the company
Key Insights Significantly high institutional ownership implies Inspired Entertainment's stock price is sensitive to...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta 'feels part' of Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl challenge as he praises 'special' Sean McVay
Stan Kroenke is the owner of both Mike Artetas Arsenal and Sean McVays Los Angeles Rams; watch the Rams face the Seattle Seahawks for a place at Super Bowl LX in Sundays NFC Championship Game, live on Sky Sports NFL at 11.30pm on Sunday.
Downtown Albany businesses see fresh momentum for 2026
Despite a decrease in foot traffic since the coronavirus pandemic, downtown Albany business owners remain hopeful.
Texas barbecue business to close original location, launch new idea
Said its co-owner: "You gotta stay fresh to stay alive."
Pinellas Park business owner says he had check stolen from mail, caught it before he lost money
Alan Sayler, the owner of Sayler's Suncoast Water, said he mailed a check from the USPS mailbox outside his business last summer — but it was stolen and used to commit fraud against him.
Biloxi PD, business owner share thoughts on outcome of 19-hour standoff
After a 19-hour standoff with a man holding a pregnant woman hostage, it only took 5 minutes for officers to rescue the woman and put Joshua Drake Ervin in handcuffs.
Owner of La Popular money service business sentenced to over 3 years for laundering drug money
The owner of La Popular, a money-service business with multiple locations, including in Woodburn, Hillsboro and Beaverton, has been sentenced to prison for laundering drug trafficking funds. On Wednesday, Jan. […]
You Must Leave! Binghamton Plaza Shop Owners Have Been Warned
The husband and wife who've operated Leather Corner Shoe Repair in Binghamton for nearly 54 years have been officially advised to leave the building.
Eye On Business
Local Assistant Helps Seniors Stay Independent Kathy Bass, owner of Helping Hands Assistant LLC, is a personal assistant dedicated to helping individuals an
Offshore drilling proposal draws strong opposition from politicians, business owners, environmental activists
Politicians, business owners and environmental activists are finding common ground in opposition to an offshore drilling proposal.
Naples business owners seek solutions amid low tourist turnout
NAPLES, Fla.—Naples is bustling with snowbird season, and the return of the St. Patrick's Day Parade is expected to bring a boost to local tourism.
A dozen 2026 tax-planning moves to help your business owner clients
The OBBBA reshaped several baseline assumptions for 2026 planning around state and local tax, above-the-line deductions and updated inflation adjustments.
5 arrested in burglary ring that targeted area business owners, police say
Officers said that they gathered information that a home was a potential target.
Downtown owners couch surf, house staff to stay open in Knoxville snow
Multiple downtown Knoxville bars and restaurants are prepping for a possible weekend snowstorm the same way they did in January 2024 − by staying open.
‘Enough Is Enough’: Hundreds of Minnesota Businesses Take Stand Against ICE
After protesters called for a pause on economic activity and work to strike against the federal immigration crackdown, many business owners won’t open their doors on Friday.
TikTok closes deal to split US app from global business: What to know
The app was due to be banned in the US a year ago if its Chinese owner hadn't sold its business in America.
Jackson residents, business owners raise concerns over grocery access at special council meeting
Residents, advocates and owners warn closures are worsening food deserts and health outcomes
White House and China finalize deal to sell control of U.S. TikTok business to investors backed by Trump administration
The popular short-form video platform has been subject to years of scrutiny across the political aisle in the U.S. over its Chinese ownership.
BIZNOTE: Meet the new owners of longtime West Seattle business O’Neill Plumbing
Tyler and Katie Blanchard wanted to ensure that O’Neill Plumbing - founded in 1917 - would remain a family-owned business. So they bought it. Tyler worked for the Morgan Junction-based plumbing company (a WSB sponsor) for 15 years before becoming co-owner wirh Katie, whose previous career was in health care, with a focus on nursing. ...
ICE chaos, boycott plan turn Minnesota retailers into community spaces
"Retail feels totally different right now," one business owner said. "We've got to do what we can," said another.
Oregon business owner gets prison for laundering drug money to Mexico
Mother of three children, all U.S. citizens, now faces deportation after using her La Popular stores to transfer millions in drug proceeds.
Portland businesses post anti-ICE signs
Owners said many businesses in the city are displaying the signs.
Business builds community through decade-long support of Kennesaw State athletics
For Jay Cunningham, owner of Superior Plumbing in Kennesaw, providing sponsorship of school athletics programs is a fundamental part of building the community. The way he sees it, the gifts he and Superior Plumbing have given to Kennesaw State University for more than a decade are a key part of his business.
East Carson Street business owners say South Side is on the rise
Conversations about South Side often revolve around party animals or relentless crime. In reality, the area is much different.
Little Tokyo residents, businesses oppose new development
The residents and small business owners in Little Tokyo are sounding the alarm after a $2 billion project to build apartments and a so-called mega mall passed the planning department.
Local business owner’s death ruled homicide
The death of a local businessman has been ruled a homicide.
Business owner says Amazon is listing their products via AI without permission
Concerns over Amazon’s AI implementation are not limited to Montgomery. They have been reported on nationwide by outlets like CNBC and Bloomberg.
New owners of Crozer-Chester Medical Center plan to restore essential health care services in Delaware County
Minneapolis businesses struggle during Trump's immigration enforcement surge
At Taste of East African in Minneapolis, the manager and owner are the only employees who come to work now, serving new customers who aren’t familiar with the food but are trying to support a restaurant challenged by a federal immigration enforcement surge.