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Trump administration cuts health care coverage for some transgender youth in California
Newsom’s 2026-27 budget already includes $10 million for “capacity grants to gender-affirming care services providers,” plus $8 million each in the next two budget years.
Bueckers, Wings handle business vs. Mercury to mark end of an era at College Park Center
ARLINGTON, Texas - The Dallas Wings have two more regular-season games remaining and a playoff run a...
6 Old-School Pony Cars That Aren't The Ford Mustang
Besides the Mustang, pony cars of the 1970s inclued the Mercury Cougar, Plymouth Barracuda / 'Cuda, Dodge Challenger, Chevy Camaro, and AMC Javelin.
San Mateo County sheriff’s deputy denied mental health diversion in child abuse case
A judge said at least some of the deputy’s mental conditions were fits for the program, but no clinician had reported to the court that he would respond positively to treatment while in the program, leaving unfilled a key requirement…
Mercury Isn’t What Scientists Thought: New Study Reveals a Surprisingly Different Surface
From tiny glass beads and a map of the Moon to Mercury, a new study uses an indirect method to determine the silicon dioxide content of Mercury’s surface. Mercury’s surface appears to contain substantially less silicon dioxide than researchers previously estimated. A new analysis puts the compound at about 37 percent by mass, up to
‘They might get’ – WNBA fans aren’t loving the Atlanta Dream signing DeWanna Bonner after buyout
Two-time WNBA champion and veteran star DeWanna Bonner has left the Phoenix Mercury after a buyout. She has since signed with the Atlanta Dream, and fans feel some type of way about it.
The best Nordic Naturals supplements to boost your health
Nordic Naturals is family-owned and prides itself on focusing on science-backed supplements that address the areas of health that impact all human beings.
Voters could move Congress to revisit H.R. 1 healthcare overhaul, Kaine and McClellan say
It would still be a long shot, he and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, noted. But since H.R. 1 passed, every member of Congress has spent time in their districts hearing from their constituents, as voters name healthcare a chief concern.
Today in History: September 6, Martina Navratilova requests political asylum in the US
18-year-old tennis star Martina Navratilova of Czechoslovakia, in New York for the U.S. Open, requested political asylum in the United States.
Paige Bueckers, Wings handle business vs. Mercury to mark end of an era at College Park Center
The Wings played their 181st and final regular-season home game at the venue located on UT-Arlington's campus.
San Jose launches pilot program for mobile healthcare unit on downtown streets
The program hopes to help most vulnerable residents “with complex needs who too often cycle between the street, 911, emergency rooms and back again”
Va. health dept. improves nursing home inspection backlog, reforms sanction criteria for facilities
With reform efforts underway, the Virginia Department of Health officials said they aim to adopt sanction criteria by the end of the year to rein in bad actors and get troubled facilities back on track.
Mercury may have shrunk much more than we thought, new study hints
Mercury may be shrinking much faster than we thought — and that could reveal new clues about its violent origins.
UC Riverside scientists develop tool to predict future earthquake sites
Researchers used GPS data to measure where energy was building up in faults, correctly predicting where an 8.8 magnitude earthquake later occurred in Russia last year.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected.
Silicon Valley startup bets on North Bay to pioneer lab-grown diamond tech
Can Petaluma become the next high-tech manufacturing hub? Mountain View startup Diamond Quanta bets on lab-grown diamonds for cell phone screens and computer chips for a “Telecom Valley” revival.
Virginia health leaders, lawmakers share enhanced healthcare resources for rural communities
Eastern Shore residents and healthcare providers on Friday told state leaders about the opportunities and challenges they face serving their communities, with Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa outlining how the state government can support them and other rural Virginians.
Virginia Democrats warn more healthcare strains loom after November election
Christina Rivera kept her health insurance this year because she needed major back surgery. But maintaining coverage meant absorbing a monthly premium that rose from $235 in 2025 to $1,336 in 2026 — with a higher deductible. “That’s just not reasonable for anybody who is relying on the ACA for healthcare,” said Riviera, a Charlottesville-area resident and founder of the nonprofit Called to Justice. “I don’t have that sitting around. It’s not in the cushions of the couch.” Small nonprofits often depend on the Affordable Care Act marketplace because reasonably priced group coverage is out of reach, Rivera said. After enhanced federal premium tax credits expired last December, her insurance bill became another financial burden alongside groceries, gasoline and utilities.
Mercury may not need an ancient dynamo to explain its magnetic crust
New analyses of MESSENGER data find that present-day magnetic field can explain most of its crustal magnetism
Paige Bueckers, Wings handle business vs. Mercury to mark end of an era at College Park Center
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings have two more regular-season games remaining and a playoff run ahead, but Saturday afternoon at College Park Center marked the end of an era.
Chesapeake Regional may avoid criminal trial, but former OB-GYN Perwaiz's patients are still suing
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO Federal prosecutors said this week they have reached a tentative deferred prosecution agreement with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center for charges related to disgraced former OB-GYN Javaid Perwaiz. The deal would require the hospital to admit certain facts, accept an independent monitor, repay health care programs and create a $12.8 million fund for Perwaiz’s former […]
Meta updates business terms, sparking AI training fears among news outlets
Tech giant’s revised rules could allow automated scraping across entire websites, legal experts warn
Metroid Dread Dev MercurySteam Seemingly Confirms Work On Ravenous With Ninja And Love Heart Emojis
🥷❤️😊
Former Sunnyvale resident pleads guilty to health care fraud
Authorities say Sevindik Huseynov aided and abetted as scheme to submit thousands of bogus claims to Medicare Advantage programs.
As sports betting surges, Virginia weighs how to curb gambling harms
As college football season gets into full swing over Labor Day weekend, sports betting companies, public health experts and Virginia lawmakers are confronting a question that has grown more pressing since wagering moved into smartphones: How can the industry keep gambling from becoming an addiction?Representatives from those groups gathered Wednesday at the Hilton Richmond Downtown for a Responsible Gaming Roundtable hosted by the Sports Betting Alliance, an advocacy organization representing bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel — five of the nation’s largest online sports betting operators.
Chesapeake Bay gets a C+ in overall health, Va. and Md. leaders say work to protect it must continue
The Chesapeake Bay earned a C+ on the annual report card that calculates improvements or losses in key indicators of health and conditions in the estuary and surrounding areas. This is the highest the Bay has ever scored since the record-keeping began in 2006. At the announcement in Woodbridge on Tuesday, Virginia leaders said the […]
Endorsement: Reject Prop. 44. Politics don’t belong in California’s community health clinics.
If passed, the measure would push the majority of clinics across California into the red.
Southern faculty voice fears over political interference, academic freedom erosion in annual survey
Most faculty members from Virginia and Southern states say they would not recommend their state as a desirable place to work, citing concerns about political interference and academic freedom, according to a recent survey by state conferences of the American Association of University Professors. The responses come from AAUP’s annual Faculty in the South survey, […]
Workforce training program earns another No.1 ranking for Virginia
Virginia’s workforce training program has earned another No. 1 national ranking as the commonwealth competes for companies looking for workers trained for specialized jobs.Area Development, a major national trade publication, ranked Virginia first for workforce training programs in its 2026 Top States for Doing Business report. The recognition highlights the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which provides customized recruitment and training at no cost to qualifying companies opening or expanding operations in the commonwealth. a
Taylor aims to rein in private equity in healthcare, restore Medicaid funding and ACA subsidies
Taylor, who was first elected to her current role as Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2011 and who is vying to unseat longtime Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, would also explore ways to more tightly regulate private equity in healthcare, if she’s elected.
East Bay tech and life science hub is bought by New York City investors
Price for property is far below its assessed value and loan.
The Planet Mercury Has Been Shrinking—More Than Scientists Expected
The solar system's smallest planet has gotten smaller still, a new study reveals.
Sutter Health invests in healthcare education in Santa Clara County
Partnership with Silicon Valley Career Technical Education will support 250 students.
Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected, study reveals
A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected.
Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected, the cosmos’ version of a grape shriveling into a raisin under the sun.
Measles exposure warning issued after infected traveler passes through state
Public health officials say the person arrived in Emeryville via train and bus on Sept. 13.
Jelly Roll addresses speculation about his politics after Trump joke
Jelly Roll is finally letting fans know where he stands when it comes to politics.
Has dark matter been found? Bay Area scientists analyze signal deep underground
A single unexplained particle interaction has Bay Area scientists investigating a tantalizing possibility: a direct detection of dark matter, the mysterious substance thought to make up most of the universe’s matter.
Capcom reveals new Mega Man and Monster Hunter expansion details at TGS
At the Tokyo Game Show, fans had a chance to play demos of “Mega Man: Dual Override” and “Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance”
Va. lawmakers, Spanberger grapple with loss of federal healthcare funds for trans youth
Federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program money can no longer be used for certain gender-affirming care to young people in Virginia and other states, after a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule took effect on Oct. 13.
Nigeria records first Ebola case, health authorities say
The patient arrived from Uganda.
How California Latina, Latino voters differ on politics
A new study shows a gender gap on immigration, Donald Trump and protecting democracy.
Photos: Oakland’s 52nd annual Black cowboy parade kicks off at DeFremery Park
The 52nd annual Black Cowboy parade kicked off at West Oakland’s DeFremery Park on Saturday.
Opinion: Prop. 40 will make California’s health care challenges even worse
A one-time tax on top earners creates a funding cliff, leaving the safety net with deep fiscal holes.
Letters: Supreme Court’s decision on voting by mail is clearly political
Also: Usurping control | Environmental laws | Fiscal responsibility | USS Lincoln | Costly disaster. Mercury News reader letters to the editor for Aug. 30, 2026.
3 Arts Entertainment Hires Karen Bonck As Head Of Brand Partnerships
EXCLUSIVE: Karen Bonck is joining 3 Arts Entertainment as their Head of Brand Partnerships. Bonck arrives at 3 Arts from Lionsgate owned Debmar-Mercury, where she most recently served as EVP of Partne...
The closest planet to our sun is shrinking. Here’s what that means
Mercury may be shrinking even more than previously believed, according to new research.
49ers report card from win over Seahawks: A+ for entertainment in latest entry of division rivalry
The 49ers’ defense stood out, forcing four turnovers to set up the offense well. The offense then came through in the clutch.
Mercury shrinking much more than scientists previously thought
A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters suggests that Mercury may have contracted more than previously believed.
Bay Area Science Festival set for Saturday; free event to feature games, robots, animals and experiments
13th annual gathering at UC San Francisco Mission Bay Campus showcases innovation and research, with a focus on kids
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
This composite image provided by NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington on Oct. 22, 2013, shows Mercury as it appeared to the Messenger spacecraft following a flyby of the planet. (NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington via AP)By MARCIA DUNN CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster...
Valkyries set tremendous entertainment offerings for Finals Games 1 and 2
Alanis Morissette, Goapele, Rita Moreno, Too $hort, Larry June, LaRussell set for Golden State Valkyries Finals games in San Francisco.
Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
The solar system’s smallest and innermost planet has been shrinking ever since its formation, but a new study shows that shrinkage may be greater than previously known.
Is Kelsey Plum playing tonight? Mercury vs. Dream injury report
The Phoenix Mercury will be playing the Atlanta Dream, and they may be getting one of their key players back on the court. Kelsey Plum has been sidelined for the past two games after suffering a left lower-leg injury against the Washington Mystics, and she’s on the injury report again ahead of their matchup with the Dream. Plum has only played in […] The post Is Kelsey Plum playing tonight? Mercury vs. Dream injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.
UTD political science professor Robert Lowry dies after battle with cancer
Robert C. Lowry, a professor of political science in UTD’s School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, died Tuesday night after battling cancer since last spring, according to professor Thomas Brunell. Lowry joined UTD in 2006 and previously served as associate head and head of the Political Science Program and director of graduate studies. He...
Pair of linked spacecraft draw closer to Mercury after nearly decadelong voyage
A linked pair of Mercury-bound spacecraft are in the homestretch of their nearly decadelong voyage to the tiny planet nearest the sun.
Steph Curry encouraged by early results of sports drink collaboration with former First Lady
The Currys are in the sports drink market with a brand focused around health
Seven rural community colleges receive $5.93 million for healthcare training
Because community colleges can serve as an entry point for aspiring medical professionals, the RHTF funding for rural colleges is intended to help grow the healthcare workforce in areas of the state that have experienced shortages.
Opinion: Prop. 40 is the key to preserving health care access and saving lives
Passing this ballot measure forces the super-rich to fund emergency rooms, preventing disastrous statewide closures.
Mercury shrinking much more than scientists previously thought
A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters suggests that Mercury may have contracted more than previously believed.
‘It was like a nightmare’: Owner of destroyed tire store grapples with future of his business
Giovanni Pena worked two jobs for years to invest in his tire shop, which burned down Tuesday morning.
Election 2026: Richmond mayoral race pits veteran against political scion
Claudia Jimenez, Ahmad Anderson will face off in November
Virginia considers calls for mandatory school nurses as healthcare gaps persist
Legislators and experts are exploring updating the state’s Standards of Quality, the school funding baseline requirements for the state and local governments, to include mandatory full-time licensed nurse positions.
Clean Virginia: NextEra’s utility takeover attempts, alleged political moves relevant to merger case
Advocacy group argues NextEra’s past political ties and attempts to acquire utilities deserve scrutiny in the $67 billion merger case.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
The shrinkage represents a loss in diameter of as much as 14 miles.
Va. officials announce disbursement of $122 million in Rural Health Transformation Fund awards
The money is meant to hire and retain rural healthcare providers, invest in healthcare technologies and strengthen the industry’s workforce in rural areas.
Mercury Is Shrinking, and Faster Than We Thought
New estimates using the planet’s surface wrinkles show that our smallest planet is growing even smaller, at a faster clip than expected.
East Bay man pleads guilty to robbing business with AR-style paintball gun
Prosecutors say the defendant also admitted to possessing a fully automatic handgun and ammunition in a separate incident.
Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis out “indefinitely” with health issue on eve of training camp
Kristaps Porzingis played in only 15 games for the Warriors last season
Endorsement: Reject Prop. 44. Politics don’t belong in California’s community health clinics.
If passed, the measure would push the majority of clinics across California into the red.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected.
Curry’s health, Kerr’s tweaks and the center dilemma: Biggest questions facing Warriors
The Warriors have plenty of questions entering the 2026-27 season
Wake Forest-CINCIA researchers brief pope on Amazon mercury pollution
"We put more than a decade of Wake Forest and CINCIA-led scientific evidence on mercury contamination in the Amazon directly into the hands of the pope."
Is your phone being flooded with political text messages? Here’s what you need to know
Political text messages are becoming an increasingly popular way for campaigns to connect with voters.
‘Politics for profit’ or ‘pure fiction’: Opening statements aired in corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
Ex-Mayor Sheng Thao betrayed Oakland by making herself “open for business” to illegal bribes before stepping foot into the mayor’s office, federal prosecutors declared Wednesday at the start of a federal corruption trial…
New coalition aims to keep Virginians covered as Medicaid rules tighten
Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa on Monday announced the Virginia United Coalition, formalizing a partnership that builds on a series of roundtable meetings with him and Gov. Abigail Spanberger throughout the summer, as well as an executive order she signed.
Why is Venus hotter than Mercury, when Mercury is closer to the sun?
Despite being farther from the sun, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and the reason has little to do with proximity to a star.
UC Global Health Institute to move headquarters from UC San Francisco at UC Irvine
After more than 17 years at UCSF, the UC Global Health Institute is moving its headquarters locally to UC Irvine‘s Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
The shrinkage represents a loss in diameter of as much as 14 miles.
Which objects have approached the Sun closer than Mercury
The Great Southern Comet of 1887 came within 718,070 km of the Sun's center. The Parker Solar Probe reached 7.3 million km, while hypothetical vulcanoids have not been detected.
Nobel medicine prize goes to 3 scientists for research into brain activity
The Nobel Assembly praised their method, noting its global use in revealing brain mysteries.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected.
Virginia health committee considers mandating licensed nurses in every school
Virginia schools could be required to have a licensed nurse in every building starting in 2028, under a legislative proposal introduced Wednesday. The measure is designed to close healthcare gaps by placing experts in schools to manage complex medical conditions. Virginia permits school divisions to employ nurses, but state law doesn’t require it. About 8% […]
Kristaps Porzingis still not around Warriors as he deals with “concerning” health condition
Kristaps Porzingis did not travel with the Warriors to Hawaii for training camp, was not at Tuesday’s preseason game at Chase Center
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected, the cosmos’ version of a grape shriveling into a raisin under the sun. Scientists f…
How Americans’ Financial Health Is Faring In The “K-Shaped” Economy
Hey all, Jason here. Money20/20 is still two weeks away, but I’ve already started packing (not procrastinating for once!). My calendar is already filling up with various sessions I want to catch, meetings, and of course happy hours, dinners, and other side events. If you’ll be in Vegas and want to catch up, let me know by replying to this email, and we can try to find a time amidst the chaos of the Venetian. A big if not totally unexpected piece of news dropped on Friday: the Independent Community Bankers of America, a trade group that represents smaller U.S. banks, filed a lawsuit against the OCC and Comptroller Jonathan Gould, arguing that the regulator’s move to grant trust bank charters to firms seeking to use them to conduct substantial non-fiduciary activities exceeds the authorities granted to the OCC by Congress. I haven’t had time to fully digest the legal filing or speak to folks in my network about it, but you can expect to see coverage and analysis on it in next week’s newsletter. Subscribe or Support by Upgrading The NerdCon agenda just dropped. It’s stacked. Partner content: Nubank built an AI-first bank. Chime built its own banking core. Figure and Valon are rebuilding the mortgage stack. At NerdCon, you’ll hear from the people behind those bets: what they chose, what they learned, and what they’re still figuring out. The agenda is live, with leaders from Nubank, Chime, OpenAI, Remitly, Mercury, Figure, Valon and more. Follow the mainstage conversations, bring the problem your team is wrestling with to a hands-on workshop, or pull up a chair at a roundtable. Pick your quests. Meet us in San Diego, November 18–20. Fintech Business Weekly readers save 20% with code FBW20. Explore the Agenda Things To Know & Other Good Reads Federal Reserve Board finalizes changes to enhance the transparency and public accountability of its stress test and reduce volatility in its stress test-related capital requirements (Federal Reserve Board of Governors) FDIC Announces Conclusion of Independent Monitorship (FDIC) Modernizing Financial Regulation: Initial Observations from eSLR (Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman) The Data Version of Godzilla versus Kong: FRED Takes on AI (Fed Governor Christopher Waller) Financing the AI buildout (Brookings) Q3’26: Rules for Banks but Not for Crypto (Fintech Takes Banking) The Inevitability of Local Stablecoins (Lombard Notes) Delusions of AI Governance: The Human-in-the-Loop Comfort Blanket (Fintech Snark Tank) Stripe agrees to acquire Parafin to expand revenue opportunities for platforms and help small businesses grow (Stripe) Listen: Fighting Fraud in the Age of AI, with SEON’s Tamas Kadar (Fintech Business Weekly) How Americans’ Financial Health Is Faring In The “K-Shaped” Economy If there is one overarching theme across the economy and politics in the U.S. at the moment, it’s “affordability.” The term is vague enough to encompass a panoply of factors shaping Americans’ day-to-day lives: rising costs for the hallmarks of being “middle class,” including healthcare, housing, childcare, and education, inflation and rising interest rates, and a job market with the specter of AI hovering over it. At the same time, policy shifts under the Trump administration have resulted in reduced subsidies to those who get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and new restrictions on qualifying for Medicaid and SNAP, the impacts of which have yet to be fully felt. These factors are contributing to declining consumer confidence and general dissatisfaction with the economy, despite continuing GDP growth and stock market records. This divergence is encapsulated in the idea of the “K-shaped” economy, in which a small proportion of Americans have seen their wealth balloon, while the majority of American households struggle to preserve the lifestyle they have. Perhaps the greatest determinant of which branch of the “K” a household is on is whether their wealth and income are primarily derived from employment vs. from assets. Nearly two decades of low interest rates and, more recently, elevated rates of inflation have benefited asset owners, while those whose income is primarily or solely derived from labor have largely seen real purchasing power stagnate or decline. This is reflected in recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that labor share of U.S. GDP — the fraction of economic output that accrues to workers as compensation in exchange for their labor — dropped to just 52.8% in Q2 2026, the lowest since the BLS began keeping records. In 1947, approximately 2/3rds of economic output accrued to workers; even as recently as 2001, labor’s share of GDP was 64.1%. Against this backdrop, we’ve seen the rise of more credit and credit-like products: cash advance apps, “no-fee” overdraft, earned wage access, and buy now pay later, which are often used as small-dollar short-term borrowing mechanisms to meet immediate consumption needs or pay other bills (eg utilities, cell phone, other debt payments). With the markers of a middle class existence and, increasingly, basic financial stability seemingly out of reach for many, it should be no surprise there’s been an increase in “financial nihilism,” something industry peers like Alex Johnson and Frank Rotman have discussed and analyzed the roots of. The explosion of gambling and gambling-adjacent products and services — often marketed under the guise of being an “investment” — is inextricably intertwined with the rise of financial nihilism. Crypto, sports betting, and, more recently, prediction markets offer an escape or even hope of sorts, like a contemporary, digital version of a scratch-off lottery ticket, while leaving the overwhelming number of people who use such products worse off. Share of Households That Are Financially “Vulnerable” Ticks Up The Financial Health Network’s 2026 Financial Health Pulse® report adds context on how American households are faring. (I linked to this report in last week’s newsletter, but wanted to take time to further unpack the data in the report this week.) The Financial Health Network publishes the report annually, providing insight into how Americans’ financial circumstances are changing over time. The 2026 report is derived from a survey fielded in April and May 2026. The report leverages survey responses to assess indicators of financial health across spending, saving, borrowing, and planning/protecting and to determine a zero to 100 “FinHealth” score. Those with scores between 0 and 39 are considered “Financially Vulnerable,” consumers with scores ranging between 40 and 79 are defined as “Financially Coping,” and those with scores of 80 to 100 are “Financially Healthy.” The report found that moderate improvements in 2025 were reversed, with the share of respondents considered financially “vulnerable” rebounding to 17%. The longitudinal data reflect the impact of pandemic-era programs, like expanded unemployment, cash stimulus payments, and pauses of federal student loan payments. The positive impacts of those programs, as reflected in the Financial Health Pulse reports, had largely disappeared by 2023. While pandemic-era inflation — to be fair, in part caused by the various support and stimulus measures — had come down from as high as 9% in 2022, it has rebounded since the start of Trump’s second term, with tariffs and energy market disruptions owing to the war in Iran pushing prices back up. Specific indicators in the survey that deteriorated from 2025 to 2026 include the share of respondents spending less than their income over the past 12 months, the share paying all bills on time over the past 12 months, the share that have a manageable amount or no debt, the share that are “moderately” or “very” confident their insurance is adequate to cover them in an emergency, and the share that “somewhat” or “strongly” agree that their household plans ahead financially. Unsurprisingly, lower- and moderate-income households are more likely to struggle to pay their bills on time and have any funds leftover to save. The share of low-income households whose income exceeded their spending dropped from 35% in 2025 to 31% in 2026, while the share of upper-income households whose income exceeded expenses remained unchanged at 63%. Households with student loans or revolving credit card debt reported having “a bit more” or “far more” debt than was manageable at rates far higher than those not carrying these types of debts. The share of those with student loan debt indicating their debt load was too high to manage increased from 50% in 2025 to 55% in 2026, while the share of those with revolving credit card debt saying the same ticked up from 51% in 2025 to 54% in 2026. Households that had student loans were markedly more likely to be financially “coping” or “vulnerable” vs. those without student loans. In 2026, 27% of households with student loans were considered financially vulnerable, a jump of 6% points vs. 2025. Households without student loans saw just a 1% point increase (not statistically significant) in those considered financially vulnerable. Households’ perception of the affordability of categories of goods and services paints a stark picture, with less than one-fourth considering higher education affordable, about a third deeming childcare affordable, and less than half viewing healthcare as affordable. 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. Democratic Senate Report Highlights How Iran Uses Tether to Evade U.S. Sanctions Iran uses stablecoins, specifically Tether, to evade sanctions, fund regional proxies, and to purchase military drones, a report released last week by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations says. The report was authored by committee ranking member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and the minority staff. Crypto and stablecoin proponents will often push back on criticism that criminals make use of these assets by arguing that, on an absolute dollar basis, far more illicit funds flow through traditional banking systems and payment rails than via crypto and stablecoins. And while that is likely true, it elides the reality presented in news story after news story: whether state actors — Russia, Iran, North Korea — or criminal groups, those looking to engage in illicit transactions increasingly favor stablecoins and, specifically, Tether (USDT). The report from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released last week adds context to how Iran uses Tether has a lynchpin in its shadow banking system. The report analyzed 846 wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure, finding that 84% of them transacted exclusively or primarily in Tether. The ability to create near limitless, anonymous wallets and to move funds effectively instantaneously and irreversibly have made crypto a favored financial mechanism for bad actors. Stablecoins solved key drawbacks of bitcoin, namely, the original cryptocurrency’s highly volatile value in dollars. And while Tether (the company) has the technical ability to “freeze” or destroy funds, the company is often limited and reactive in its approach to doing so, the Senate report argues. Tether, which is nominally based in crypto-friendly El Salvador, “has stated that its compliance with OFAC sanctions is ‘voluntary’ and that it follows ‘OFAC guidelines,’” the Senate report says. Owing to these favorable attributes, Tether “became a primary cryptocurrency for Iran, Hamas, Hizballah, and the Houthis beginning in 2023 and has expanded in scale since,” according to the report. Tether’s role in Iran’s shadow banking system, the report says, is enhanced by crypto exchanges like Bybit, Kyrrex, OKX, Gate, and Binance, and through “over the counter” exchanges and hawala networks. The consequences of these financial flows aren’t hypothetical. The Senate report links Tether as a funds transfer mechanism to Iranian proxies in the region, including Hizballah, the Houthis, and Hamas. Tether has also been used to make payments to secure components necessary to manufacture drones, the report says. The report concludes by arguing that “[s]tablecoin issuers with a significant nexus to the United States, particularly those that offer dollar-denominated stablecoins, should be subject to American sanctions law rather than being allowed to hide behind foreign jurisdictions.” Stablecoin issuers like Tether must be held accountable for repeated failures to prevent illicit finance and sanctions violations by law enforcement, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and OFAC, the report argues. [Paying Subscriber Exclusive] OUSD Goes Live, Make Your Own Neobank, U.S. Sanctions Russia’s A7 Network As “Transnational Criminal Organization” OpenUSD, the stablecoin issued by the Open Standard consortium that includes Stripe, Visa, Mastercard, core providers, crypto firms, and numerous banks, went live last week. Social commerce platform Whop raised eyebrows in fintech by offering creators on its platform the ability to launch their own neobanks, which the company describes as “great businesses that are easy to run,” in just 15 minutes. And OFAC and FinCEN target Russia’s “shadow banking” A7 Network — more on these stories after the paywall.
BepiColombo sheds its ride and starts the final glide to Mercury
Eight year after launch, Mercury probe and its Mercury Transfer Module consciously uncouple as orbit approaches
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected. Scientists from the German Aerospace Center reported Thursday that Mercury's shrinkage may be 30% greater than
Bay Area bands address suicide awareness and mental health with lyrics
San Jose band Suicide Heaven was formed with the twin goals of releasing new-wave inspired music and advocating for suicide prevention.
Richmond officer shot while responding to mental health crisis call
On opposite sides of Contra Costa, two police officers were shot and wounded in unrelated incidents Thursday.
Trump’s backing for a united Ireland has reignited a divisive political issue. Here’s what to know
The comments touched a live rail in the histories of Britain and Ireland.
Mercury is shrinking faster than anyone thought
Wrinkles on the surface are clues as to the planet’s previous size
Metroid Dread studio MercurySteam appears to confirm it's making Metroid Ravenous, addressing a lingering question from yesterday's Nintendo Direct
For a moment there, we weren't sure which studio was making the new Switch 2 Metroid game, but MercurySteam appears to be back at the helm.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected, the cosmos’ version of a grape shriveling into a raisin under the sun.
At least 18 Pleasanton businesses hit in morning burglary spree
Officers pursued the suspects but called off the chase due to safety concerns.
Va. health dept. updates food allergen list, food establishment guidance
Businesses are not required to reprint existing menus and can offer a standalone handout or a QR code so customers can access the information. The protocols stem from the most recent food code update from the United States Food and Drug Administration — a mandate last revised in 2022.
Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected, the cosmos’ version of a grape shriveling into
How a Bay Area healthcare system is navigating AI by balancing tech upgrades and patient trust
Sutter Health’s inaugural Chief AI Officer, Ashley Beecy, spoke with this news organization about some of the ways Sutter Health is using artificial intelligence to support physicians, improve patient care and transform the healthcare…
After 45 years in business, this West Menlo Park institution is slated to shutter
Lutticken’s Deli and After 5 Restaurant, a sandwich shop and restaurant that has operated in unincorporated West Menlo Park since 1981, is set to close at the end of September.