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Are Bank Lobbies Still Relevant?
Local banking leaders say technology is changing the way customers use their banks — and their lobbies By Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11109 align=alignright width=300] Steve Gorczynski is M&T Bank Central New York regional president.[/caption] When was the last time you entered the lobby of your bank? If it’s been a while, you’re part of a trend of eschewing the lobby in favor of ATMs, drive-thrus, online banking and remote deposit. A 2025 study performed by the American Bankers Association revealed that only 9% of consumers use bank branches as their preferred way to do banking and 76% prefer mobile banking. The trend away from the lobby reflects consumer behavior in other areas of doing business, including online shopping instead of perusing the mall, ordering fast food at a kiosk, not at the counter and selecting curbside pick-up rather than walking into the restaurant. Consumers want convenience and going in the lobby adds another layer to the task. It also places consumers face to face with one or more representatives of the business, something less favorable to people feeling burned out from interpersonal interactions. Nixing or at least minimizing the size of the lobby isn’t necessarily negative for banks. Fewer people passing through their doors reduces overhead for building maintenance, staffing and furnishing. Greater reliance on virtual banking can mean closing brick and mortar locations and hiring fewer staffers to cover roles like teller and lending officer. “Our focus is on meeting customers where they are and giving them flexibility in how they bank,” said Steve Gorczynski, M&T Bank Central New York regional president. “While many everyday transactions can be supported digitally and through ATMs, branches remain important for more complex financial needs, offering face-to-face guidance and a more personal banking experience.” Talking with a commercial lender or working on a home mortgage are two examples where meeting face-to-face is more desirable for many people. They can receive immediate feedback to questions and can possibly reach their goals more quickly. But there’s little need to have a large seating area, long counters and numerous tellers for routine banking that’s quicker to handle virtually. Online banking can also help people on the go more readily complete banking tasks such as depositing checks, transferring funds among accounts and checking balances. [caption id=attachment_11135 align=alignright width=300] Tina M. Stephens is the vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank.[/caption] “The traditional bank lobby is certainly being evaluated by most institutions today, as the typical large, open and cavernous spaces do not necessarily meet the needs of today’s customers,” said Tina M. Stephens, vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank. “Traditional lobbies often bisect traditional teller stations and customer service areas, which adds confusion, especially for the demographic who routinely use online banking and only access the lobby for customer service needs.” Despite the rollback in physical locations across the industry, Fulton Savings Bank began modernizing its six branch offices in Oswego and Onondaga counties about three years ago and have finished four offices so far in Baldwinsville, Fulton, Constantia, and Phoenix. “We made the decision to build a new branch across the street from our current office in Brewerton which will be completed by the end of 2026, and we will begin the retrofit of our Central Square office in early 2027,” Stephens said. “Our efforts specifically address where we think customers will be in the next three to five years and have greater flexibility to make changes out into the future.” The bank may be onto something, as numerous reports state that screen-weary Gen Z young adults crave more in-person interactions than virtual ones. If the pendulum continues to swing in that direction, it’s hard to see all physical bank areas disappear, even if they change somewhat. Fulton Savings Bank has also consolidated its teller and customer service representative areas to larger “universal banker” areas, where the bank representative can address all customer retail needs. A one-stop-shop experience appeals to busy banking customers who want to perform a few different banking tasks in one visit. Stephens also said that Fulton Savings Bank made additional technology and security enhancements and created flex spaces to accommodate bank meetings throughout the two-county branch footprint. At Solvay Bank, Elizabeth Lavier, vice president marketing and communications manager, lauded digital and online services as convenient and flexible for managing finances; however, “technology is not meant to replace what matters most: the relationships behind every account that have always been at the heart of community banking,” she said. “Even in today’s digital-first world, people of all ages still value the opportunity to sit down with a trusted banker for personalized guidance. We understand that some of life’s biggest moments call for more than a screen.” Lavier views digital banking as another way for the organization to serve customers rather than a replacement for branches, tellers and lenders, which tend to serve customers better for transactions like buying a first car, purchasing a home, saving for a child’s education, or planning for retirement. “Those conversations, built on understanding, experience and personal guidance, are what community banking is all about,” Lavier said. “At the end of the day, banking is about more than transactions. It’s about helping our customers achieve their goals and being there for them every step of the way. By combining the convenience of digital banking with the care, commitment, and personal service of a local community bank, Solvay Bank offers customers the best of both worlds.” Are Paper Checks Destined to Disappear? With the ubiquity of debit cards, online payments, virtual checks and peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo, Zelle and PayPal, will paper checks become passe? “In my view, paper checks are unlikely to disappear in the near future,” said Tina M. Stephens, vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank. “They continue to serve a practical purpose by providing a clear paper trail and tangible proof of payment.” According to the American Banker, a leading trade publication that covers the banking and financial industry, in 2024, checks accounted for 65% of all payment fraud losses. Paper checks should be phased out, according to the publication. “The phrase, ‘The check’s in the mail’ probably sounds strange to younger people because the era of paper checks is rapidly drawing to a close. Put bluntly, checks are an expensive, insecure legacy that is a drag on the U.S. economy. Rather than wait for them to vanish slowly, the pragmatic choice is to strategically accelerate the transition to paperless payments.”
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
UTC doctoral student Zach Lloyd finds his path in cybersecurity
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga doctoral student Zach Lloyd spent the summer at the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific in San Diego, using cybersecurity skills he developed at UTC to support U.S. Department of Defense research.
2026 U.S. Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study
TROY, Mich.: 14 Oct. 2026 — Overall satisfaction among gas utility business customers rises 10 points (on a 1,000-point scale) to 655 in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction StudySM, released today. Business customer satisfaction improved across nearly all dimensions. Trust and information provided show the strongest gains, each up 24 […]
Strong Patient Outcomes Earns Holy Cross Health High Performing Recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals Rankings - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
Five High Performing ratings recognize care for heart failure, pacemaker implantation and orthopedic procedures October 13, 2026 – Cardiovascular and orthopedic issues are two of the most common reasons patients seek […]
Hospice, Home Health Moratoria: What Might Come Next
Many hospice providers are struggling to grow amid the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) temporary moratoria on hospice and home
Politics at ACL Fest: Which artists spoke out?
While many headliners stayed quiet, several artists used their ACL Fest sets to comment on the Israel-Hamas war, the tactics of ICE or the U.S. Senate race in Texas.
Samsung Health Makes Sleep Coaching Easier to Start and Tailors Weekly Guidance
Sleep Coaching starts with three days of data and adjusts weekly, while Running Coach introduces advanced training and Scan Meal debuts in U.S. beta alongside personalized nutrition guidance
Pennsylvania at the center of US measles outbreaks
Presented by Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare{beacon} Healthcare Healthcare PRESENTED BY The Big Story Pennsylvania at the center of U.S. measles outbreaks Pennsylvan…
WATCH LIVE: 2nd Congressional District Debate with Peter Crosby and Blake Moore
Democrat Peter Crosby and Republican Blake Moore are running to represent northern Utah in the U.S. House of Representatives. Watch their debate Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Live updates: U.S. Senate debates tonight in Maine and Georgia
See the latest updates as Maine Senate candidates Susan Collins and Troy Jackson debate for the third time in the 2026 midterm elections at 7 p.m., while Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins are set to follow at 8 p.m.
Trump's diesel deal with Putin draws bipartisan criticism from a frustrated Congress
The deal is being criticized by both Republicans and Democrats as fueling Russia's war against Ukraine, violating existing U.S. laws and drawing the U.S. closer to Russia.
60 Second Lectures Fall 2026 Roundup Video
This fall’s 60-Second Lectures included talks ranging from quantum materials to U.S. healthcare.
Cooper, Whatley run 'cautious campaigns' in critical Senate race
The candidates in the North Carolina U.S. Senate race are running on very different messages but following similar campaign strategies.
Cooper, Whatley run 'cautious campaigns' in critical Senate race
The candidates in the North Carolina U.S. Senate race are running on very different messages but following similar campaign strategies.
From Tariffs to Broken Supply Chains, Small Business Owners under Siege
Punishing U.S. tariff policies have fractured once-reliable supply chains, pushing vulnerable small businesses to retrench in an increasingly complex economic environment, entrepreneurs and advocates told the National Press Foundation’s Local Business Fellowship program. The widespread uncertainty has shriveled profit margins, forced layoffs and has small business owners seeking new manufacturers in remote corners of the...Read More
U.S. House Speaker Johnson returns to New Mexico for GOP congressional hopeful's fundraiser
By Patrick Lohmann, Source New Mexico — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) made his second New Mexico visit Monday evening in support of Republican Greg Cunningham, where he led a fundraiser in Las Cruces in the final stretch of the closely watched 2nd Congressional District race. Johnson last visited New Mexico in late August […]
Dean of St. Joe’s business school, its biggest college, is retiring
With 27 years at the Erivan K. Haub School of Business and 13 at Widener University, Joseph DiAngelo says he is the longest-serving business school dean in the U.S.
Joe Manchin endorses independent in Iowa’s 1st District race
Independent Michael Bridgford, endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, is working to connect with voters in Iowa’s 1st congressional district race against Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat Christina Bohannan.
'Discovery compact' proposal calls for new social contract to sustain U.S. science
In a perspective article, Sergio Carbajo and colleagues call for a "Discovery Compact" in the face of the recent destabilization of the postwar compact for science, which reliably supported basic research ...
Poll: Majority of Americans say Trump prioritizes his personal financial interests over U.S. as a whole
Most Americans think Donald Trump is profiting off the presidency in unethical or illegal ways and is focused more on his wealth than helping people like them, a new AP-NORC poll finds.
Rory McIlroy Announces Career News After Recent ESPN Deal
Rory McIlroy has new career news less than two weeks after TMRW Sports renewed its deal with ESPN. McIlroy co-founded TMRW Sports with Tiger Woods and sports executive Mike McCarley. The company created TGL, the indoor team golf league. ESPN and TMRW Sports announced a multi-year extension of their U.S. media rights agreement on Oct. […] The post Rory McIlroy Announces Career News After Recent ESPN Deal appeared first on HEAVY.
Healthcare industry trend watch: Week of Oct. 12, 2026
In this week’s trend watch, what the 2026 U.S. midterm elections could mean for healthcare organizations.
Trump has asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. ambassador to Greece, to resign amid misconduct allegations
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality, was a top Trump campaign surrogate.
Mental Health Support for Cyber Operators Is Critical to U.S. National Security
Many Americans can picture the movie Top Gun’s dogfights, but cyber battlefields and their stresses are harder to envision. The majority of personnel work long shifts in front of computer monitors in...
New online courses help Catholics comfort those struggling with mental health
A U.S.-based Catholic association dedicated to mental health ministry released two new online resources to help lay Catholics understand the signs of mental health struggles and how to better accompany those seeking help.
Entertainment Software Association Requests U.S. Trade Investigate Anbernic's 'Superfake' Handheld Emulator Market
Pocket-sized Politics
Piles permit issued for Advocate Health Care new Trinity Hospital
A foundation piles permit has been issued for Advocate Health Care’s new $300 million Trinity Hospital at the former U.S. Steel South Works site near the lakefront. Located at 8000 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the hospital will be built on 23 acres between Brandon Ave to the west, DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the north and east, and 81st Street to the south.
Sixty years later, Missouri's bold investment in nuclear science continues to save and improve lives
Mizzou is harnessing the power of MURR and NextGen MURR to fight cancer, strengthen U.S. supply chains, support national defense and drive breakthroughs in health, energy and technology.
Scinai Expands CDMO Business with $5.1 Million Development and Clinical Manufacturing Agreement
Committed Customer Orders¹ reach approximately $7.6 million, up approximately 300% from $1.9 million at year-end 2025 Agreement with a U.S. based,...
Medicare for All Is the Big Policy Fight Splitting Democrats | WSJ Politics Newsletter for Oct. 13
Plus, Ken Paxton partied in Dubai with two fugitives from U.S. justice, and federal agents searched Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home
USTR Seeks Business Input on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The USTR is seeking comments from stakeholders on the current and potential effects of the EU’s CBAM on U.S. producers, workers, exports and overall U.S.-EU trade. USTR is specifically requesting information on costs, regulatory burdens, EU market access, competitive effects and the possible impact of proposals to extend CBAM to additional downstream products
How Elon Musk Learned to Love Political Spending Again
The SpaceX CEO has spent roughly $366 million in the 2026 U.S. midterm election cycle so far, $276 million of it since July.
David Jolly: Governor’s race likely comes down to undecided Black Floridians
About 10% of Black voters are undecided, Jolly said, with about 80% of siding with him. An NBC 6 poll shows Jolly with 76% of Black voters’ support and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Black Republican, with 10%.
Tencent Music Entertainment Group to Report Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results on November 17, 2026
Tencent Music Entertainment Group ("TME," or the "Company") (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698), the leading all-in-one music and audio entertainment platform in China, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026 before the U.S. market opens on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Republican US Rep. Glenn Grothman faces Democrat Brad Smith in race for Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District
Democrat Brad Smith of Mequon, a National Guard veteran and political newcomer, is trying to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman of Glenbeulah, who has represented Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District for more than a decade.
Tom Tiffany's conservative record dates back years in state and federal politics
As he runs for governor, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has introduced himself to voters as a get-along kind of conservative, but his lengthy record in the state Legislature and Congress tells a different story.
Visa wins approval to prepare a bank card clearing business in China
BEIJING (AP) — U.S. payments giant Visa said Tuesday that it received approval to prepare to set up a bank card clearing business in China, a move that could allow
Visa gets Beijing's green light for bank card business after 40 years of working with China
The incremental approval comes as the U.S. and Chinese presidents are due to meet for a third time this year next month.
After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio Grande
The U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.
After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio Grande
The U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.
After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio Grande
The U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.
'We don't do business with Russia' - Heinrich denounces Trump's Russian diesel deal
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich is denouncing President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will purchase diesel from Russia in an effort to lower fuel prices.
Trump Says He Is ‘Looking at’ Firing Kimberly Guilfoyle
President Trump made the remark in response to a question about the U.S. ambassador to Greece, who faces accusations that she asked a G.O.P. donor to pay off her credit card.
Independent candidate Bill Hill outlines priorities in Alaska U.S. House race
Independent U.S. House candidate Bill Hill outlines plans for affordability, energy, education and fisheries, drawing on his experience as an Alaska fisherman, educator and business owner.
US-Russia diesel deal ‘may be illegal’ under sanctions, political analyst says
Fox News political analyst Guy Benson discusses President Donald Trump's announcement of a Russia-Ukraine 'energy ceasefire' and a U.S.-Russia diesel deal on ‘Special Report.’
Takeaways from probe into Roger Marshall's medical billing
A Kansas City Star analysis found that as a rural Kansas doctor before voters sent him to Washington, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall charged an unusually high interest rate on patients’
Canadian business owner says trade tensions forced closure of all U.S. shops
A Canadian small business owner is sounding the alarm over the cost of doing business across the border amid trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Trump’s Russia diesel deal aids Putin’s war, Europe warns
European officials warned that President Donald Trump’s deal to increase Russia’s diesel sales will boost Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, pressing for more U.S. sanctions instead. “We would call on
Trump says he's "looking at" firing Kimberly Guilfoyle: "We're not happy"
"Well, we're looking at it," President Trump said when asked if he's considering firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.
GOP-linked group behind ads for socialist candidate in Ohio Senate race
A super PAC with ties to Republicans is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote a third-party candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, in an apparent attempt to siphon voters from the Democratic candidate, former Sen. Sherrod Brown.
The Supply Side: Walmart execs bullish despite high fuel prices
Consumers face higher energy prices and other challenges, but Walmart U.S. CEO David Guggina said at a recent Goldman Sachs investor conference that the consumer is resilient. And Walmart is...
Miami knows the value of Hispanic leadership. The rest of America should too
Miami’s Hispanic leadership and bilingual workforce give U.S. companies a strategic edge for nearshoring, trade and expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean.
Judge tears into Trump administration for felling trees in D.C. golf course redesign without advance notice
“I’m furious,” U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes told a Justice Department lawyer. “I trusted you all not to do precisely what you have done.”
Yale researchers recommend ways to cut nationwide health care costs by billions a year
A new Yale project argues the U.S. could save $450 billion a year on health care without overhauling the system. Economist Zach Cooper explains the proposed changes.
Heinrich eyes New Mexico jobs in bi-partisan permitting reform push
By Pat Davis, New Mexico Political Report — For most government workers and union members, Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day is the Monday cap to a three-day weekend. But that is not true for the U.S. Senate staff and local building trades members working to keep up with Sen. Martin Heinrich’s push to pass […]
Senator Baldwin is urging federal officials to dismantle a newly introduced 25 percent matching funds requirement that targets regional Dairy Business Innovation Initiative centers.
A major policy shift by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is creating friction for local agriculture, prompting quick action from lawmakers.
Rashida Tlaib condemns 'fascist' DHS raid on Ilhan Omar's home
Other House Democrats also condemned the Trump administration's raiding the home of Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar.
'If You Can Keep It': The Purpose Of The Polls
Polls play a major role in U.S. politics. And in the months leading up to an election, they’re everywhere.Polling doesn’t just indicate which party has a competitive advantage in a race. They also tell us about the issues that are most concerning to voters. And how these concerns break down by race, gender, education, age, and political affiliation. They also tell us the level of trust people have in the institutions tasked with carrying out our democratic processes.In this installment of our weekly series, “If You Can Keep It,” we break down the purpose of polls and their place in our elections, politics, and democracy.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Sixth person who had measles has died in Pennsylvania, local coroner says
The state is experiencing the nation’s worst ongoing measles outbreak, the first in the U.S. to top more than 1,000 cases since 1991.
2026 Voter Insight Panel: Elections, Immigration, and Family
Central Floridians with different political views discuss the U.S. Senate race, democracy, immigration enforcement, and how they navigate political differences with family and friends.
Democrats pour millions into ad buys in Ohio, Iowa U.S. Senate races
the party will spend $7 million in Ohio and $2.5 million in Iowa, two states President Donald Trump carried by double digits just two years ago.
'Peaky Blinders' Maker Banijay Plots U.S. Expansion
The combined Banijay Entertainment and All3Media business is not "jealous" of the major U.S. studios and will plot its own path in the market.
Banijay Eyes Expansion Into U.S. Scripted Space
Banijay chair Jeff Zucker and CEO Marco Bassetti discussed the strategy post-merger, ramping up scripted, live entertainment, digital and sports.
Banijay Eyes Expansion Into U.S. Scripted Space: ‘The U.S. Is a New Opportunity’
Banijay Entertainment, the production and distribution behemoth that now encompasses All3Media, is considering an expansion into the highly competitive U.S. scripted space, having gained major financi...
AP report: Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar's home as part of a criminal investigation
Federal agents on Monday searched the home of Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a frequent target of Trump administration criticism, as part of a criminal investigation, according to two people familiar with the matter.
AP source: Trump, Rubio weigh firing U.S. envoy to Greece over conduct reports
In a series of stories, The Wall Street Journal has reported questionable conduct by Guilfoyle, including accepting improper gifts and services
3.2K views · 23 reactions | Violent threats have become a new normal...
Violent threats have become a new normal among public officials in the U.S., reshaping private lives, costing millions in security and pushing people out of office. Our reporter Nick Corasaniti...
Latin Businesses and Organization Fighting Against ICE
These small businesses and organizations are using their platforms to support the Latin community as ICE raids continue in the U.S.
McDonald’s Tried Discounts to Boost Sales. Here’s Why the Strategy Fell Short
To spur growth, McDonald's used discounts to sway budget-conscious customers. However, this strategy hasn't reversed the slowing U.S. growth.
NAMIWalks to meet in Virginia Beach for mental health walk
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (WAVY) – NAMIWalks will meet in Virginia Beach for its annual mental health walk on Saturday. With roughly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. living with a mental health condition e…
Buying a business with an SBA loan is more complicated. Here’s what to know.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has implemented a host of new rules impacting borrowers seeking SBA capital to finance a business acquisition or change in control.
7 extraordinary Indigenous sites in the US, from Chaco Canyon to Chimney Rock
The Native Americans built impressive sites across what is now the U.S., including Walnut Canyon and Cahokia.
Commentary: Debates have changed the course of U.S. history. They could change Tennessee’s.
The Tennessee Press Association will hold a gubernatorial debate with Democrat Jerri Green and two independent candidates.
Candidates for U.S. Senate clash over data centers, debt and healthcare
SCETV hosted the first U.S. Senate general election debate, bringing Darline Graham, Annie Andrews and Kasie Whitener to the debate stage.
U.S. doctors are aging, raising concerns about patient safety
Proposals to assess older physicians have collided with fierce professional resistance, legal challenges and debate about the value of cognitive screening.
Beef import surge more about supply and demand than politics
U.S. beef imports have nearly doubled from normal amounts this year, but that's due largely to market factors, not trade policy.
Results from the Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism
Read the U.S. State Department's ministerial results on the resurgence of political terrorism and international security cooperation.
Talarico returns to campaign trail after flu, challenges Paxton to debate
James Talarico returns to campaigning, dismisses health speculation and presses Ken Paxton to debate in the U.S. Senate race.
As Va. voters continue early voting, Warner, Mizusawa highlight differences in forum
With early voting underway in Virginia, Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa are highlighting key differences on issues.
Judge orders the Trump administration to cancel taxpayer-funded promotional TV ads
A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to cancel any remaining television commercials paid for with millions of dollars in taxpayer money to promote his political message. The administration said the ad campaign was already coming to an end. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in N...
AP source: Trump, Rubio weigh firing US envoy to Greece after mounting reports of improper conduct
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle after a series of reports alleging she has engaged in improper and
Trump considering firing Kimberly Guilfoyle after embarrassing revelations, source says
President Trump is weighing whether to dismiss Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece after a string of embarrassing revelations about her conduct.
Montana U.S. Senate race: Alme, Bankhead, Bodnar and Austin debate issues impacting Montanans
For the first time this campaign season, the four candidates on the ballot for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat appeared on stage together Sunday morning.
New online courses help Catholics comfort those struggling with mental health
A U.S.-based Catholic ministry has new online resources to help lay Catholics understand mental health struggles and how to better accompany those seeking help.
Readers Write: Health care reform, U.S. defense, road funding fight
We need to research and weigh all the trade-offs of reform. Then act.
Study finds positive parenting teaches children how to experience joy—and could lead to better mental health
More than one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, according to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. And more than one in seven young people ages 6–17 experience ...
Theatrical Is Alive: YTD Domestic B.O. Surges Past $8 Billion, Two Months Sooner Than 2025
The motion picture studios can easily sing that 42nd Street song “We’re in the Money” as the U.S. and Canada box office clicked past the $8 billion mark on Friday. Why is this a big deal? Because in p...
Dual tropical storms hit both US coasts with floods and outages
More than 440,000 homes and businesses from Pennsylvania to Florida are without power and flood threats are rising at both ends of the country as the U.S. deals with a
The Watch: U.S. Pharmacy Closures Are Deepening Inequities
Millions of Americans are left without access to prescription medications … Military and outdoor workers face the highest rates of death from heat … and more.
Politics chat: Trump announces fuel deal with Russia. What does it mean for sanctions?
President Trump announced a deal to import Russian fuel to the U.S. We look at what this means for the sanctions he recently signed off on against Russia, as well as the U.S.'s support for Ukraine.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Recommends Science-Based Thresholds to Target Dangerous Enhanced Kratom Products
Kratom products credit: CDPH DEA takes action based on updated recommendation from HHS October 11, 2026 - WASHINGTON - On Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services relesed the following: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided a new recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that establishes science-based thresholds for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), potent opioid compounds associated with products marketed as kratom. The Department of Justice today announced that DEA issued new Notices of Intent reflecting HHS’ updated scientific analysis and recommendations, including a new Notice of Intent for 7-OH and MGPI incorporating HHS’ recommended concentration and ratio thresholds. Following a review of available scientific data and comments, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine, M.D., recommended that DEA use concentration or ratio-based thresholds to determine which products containing 7-OH and MGPI are subject to Schedule I control for purposes of temporary scheduling of these substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The recommendation is designed to target concentrated or chemically altered products while distinguishing them from natural botanical kratom products, which may contain trace amounts of 7-OH and MGPI. “We are drawing a clear line between natural kratom and dangerous, enhanced opioid products,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We listened to the public, followed the science, and developed a clear recommended threshold for temporary scheduling that targets concentrated 7-OH and MGPI without sweeping natural botanical kratom into Schedule I. The Trump Administration will continue taking decisive action against dangerous products that fuel addiction while making sure our policies are grounded in rigorous science.” Under the recommendation, 7-OH and MGPI would be controlled in Schedule I for purposes of temporary scheduling when either substance alone, or their combined amount when both are present: Exceeds 1 milligram per gram in solid powders, encapsulated material, or other solid forms, or exceeds 1 milligram per milliliter in liquid preparations; or When the mass of mitragynine present divided by the mass of 7-OH, or MGPI, or the combined amount of 7-OH and MGPI if both present, is less than 100. The ratio-based approach reflects the alkaloid composition of natural kratom products and provides a way to identify products intentionally enhanced or concentrated with 7-OH or MGPI. Available scientific data indicate that 7-OH occurs naturally in botanical kratom at relatively low or trace levels, while some evidence reviewed by FDA suggests MGPI may also occur at trace levels in some natural or kratom-derived products. FDA's scientific review found that 7-OH is substantially more potent than morphine in preclinical studies, with available data indicating approximately two to nine times greater potency depending on the study. FDA also identified evidence supporting a meaningful risk of opioid-like physical dependence and withdrawal from MGPI. “Our recommendation gives DEA a scientifically supportable framework to distinguish natural botanical kratom from products that have been concentrated or manipulated to deliver dangerous levels of potent opioid compounds,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine, M.D. “This approach allows us to focus on the products that pose the greatest threat to public health.” In July 2025, following an FDA scientific and medical evaluation, HHS recommended that 7-OH above a specified threshold be placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. In July 2026, DEA announced its intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH above a specified threshold, and HHS simultaneously sought public comment on the proposed threshold. DEA subsequently temporarily placed MGPI and two synthetic 7-OH derivatives, MGM-15 and MGM-16, in Schedule I. Since then, questions have emerged about how scheduling could affect natural botanical kratom products potentially containing trace amounts of MGPI. The new HHS recommendation responds to those concerns by providing DEA with a more precise threshold based on both the concentration of 7-OH and MGPI and their relationship to mitragynine, the predominant alkaloid in kratom. HHS and FDA will continue working with DEA to protect Americans from dangerous concentrated and synthetic opioid products while ensuring federal policy is grounded in the best available science. Source: HHS
In the race for AI dominance, the U.S. relies on a surprising ally: China
The Trump administration paints AI development as a winner-take-all contest, but U.S. data centers are full of made-in-China equipment and many U.S. companies rely on Chinese AI.
U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy's plan to study vaccine injuries comes under fire from Maine physicians
Dr. Laura Blaisdell says the U.S. already has systems that monitor and track vaccine safety. She said Kennedy should work with medical experts and pediatricians to restore, not dismantle public trust.
How the GOP weaponized trans issues and left Democrats searching for a strategy
For the second election cycle in a row, the rights of transgender people have taken center stage politically, despite their accounting for only about 1% of the U.S. population and many voters identifying other issues as far more important.
Pols & Politics: Fox News’ Martha MacCallum to host speaker series in Boston
Fox News’ Martha MacCallum will headline a speaker series featuring two U.S. Senators in Boston this month, as this weekend marked ten years since Trump-Clinton debate attendee Ken Bone went viral.
Supreme Court recusals in spotlight as Alito drops from oil case
Justice Samuel Alito’s decision not to take part in a major climate change case because of his wife’s stock holdings is putting renewed focus on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recusal
After Callais ruling, plaintiffs now raise questions over Louisiana's 2nd District
The winners of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that led Louisiana to eliminate one of its two majority-Black congressional districts now have their eyes on the state’s remaining seat held by a Black lawmaker.