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Sun Prairie considers new massage business regulations after police receive complaints
Sun Prairie leaders are considering new regulations for massage establishments following complaints to police about activity at certain businesses.
Glendale business owner sues federal government over 2025 raid
Mario Ayala said he is trying to keep the business running, but the uncertainty and damage from the raid has taken a toll.
Carolina Hurricanes Dealt Major Dylan Larkin Trade News Amid Rumors
Per reports from The Detroit Free Press, Dylam Larkin has extended his trade list to 10 NHL teams, expanding on what was a group of three teams. The Dylan Larkin trade saga has been in full swing since the Detroit Red Wings star requested a trade from the organization amid several different rumors. Now, it […] The post Carolina Hurricanes Dealt Major Dylan Larkin Trade News Amid Rumors appeared first on HEAVY.
SLR Business Credit Provides $9MM Senior Secured Factoring Facility to Bedding Company
SLR Business Credit (SLRBC) funded a $9 million recourse factoring facility, supported by accounts receivable and inventory, to Purecare, a 25-year-old,
Robert Pattinson agreed to star in “Primetime” after massive Zyn shipment from director Lance Oppenheim
Pattinson also produced the film about the “To Catch a Predator” star.
Duke-UNC children’s hospital receives $100 million award from The Duke Endowment
The project is a collaboration between Duke Health and UNC Health to develop North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, known as NC Children's Hospital. The $100 million grant marks one more step toward the planned facility’s $1 billion private fundraising goal.
Colorado movie theater reopens after health inspectors find dead mice, droppings
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Gets Another Bad Update On Yankees Return
The New York Yankees must decide if they have any desire to bring back Jazz Chisholm Jr back next season. Chisholm’s contract expires after his worst hitting season in the MLB lost any faith the Yankees fan base had in him. Multiple reports have confirmed that the Yankees will prioritize retaining and going after other […] The post Jazz Chisholm Jr. Gets Another Bad Update On Yankees Return appeared first on HEAVY.
LeBron optimistic after launching Sixers era with win
LeBron James said the Philadelphia 76ers still had plenty of room for improvement after launching their NBA season with an impressive opening night victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday.James, 41, launched his quest for a fifth NBA championship with 14 points and seven assists in a 106-100 defeat of the reigning NBA champions at Madison Square Garden.
A 1960 Science Paper Set Doomsday for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, and Its Population Math Held Up for Three Decades
A 1960 Science paper predicted doomsday on Nov. 13, 2026. There is no threat, but its population equation beat most forecasts until about 1993.
Ukrainian science part of European security architecture
Ukrainian scientists are already contributing to the development of a new security architecture, including by helping build a drone ecosystem. — Ukrinform.
A 'golden age' vs. 'we're working on it': Trump and Vance give different pitches on the economy
When Vice President JD Vance speaks on the campaign trail about the high costs Americans are facing, he often says he understands that people are hurting
Local runner, med student killed night before Detroit Free Press Marathon
Grace Nolan died in a car crash the night before she was to compete in the Detroit Free Press Marathon. She finished fourth in last year's competition.
Zero Republican political science professors found at 4 major Pennsylvania universities, research finds
ANALYSIS: Democrat professors outnumber Republican colleagues 28 to 1 in Pennsylvania political science departments Professors registered as Democrats outnumber colleagues registered as Republicans by…
Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for Oct. 21, 2026, puzzle No. 758
Welcome to Connections: Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
Honda Reaches 500 F1 Races at United States Grand Prix
The Japanese brand commemorates the milestone at the United States Grand Prix with a special logo on Alonso's and Stroll's cars, commemorative uniforms for its engineers and a group photo with the figures of the British team.
Painting meets mystery at fall-inspired Paint n' Sip events
Paint your way through a whodunnit with two Murder Mystery Paint Parties, which combine murder mystery stories with paint n’ sips. As you paint, clues will be revealed, suspects questioned,
Montana voters to decide limits on corporate political spending under I-194
Montana voters will be asked to weigh in on several ballot measures this November, including Initiative 194.The proposal would restrict how corporations and oth
Elon Musk says SpaceX and Tesla exploring largest merger in history
Tech mogul says tie-up has a 'lot of merit', given firms' complementary work on AI.
Trump, in North Carolina, says Republicans will defy midterm odds
By Jacob Bogage GREENVILLE, North Carolina, Oct 20 (Reuters) - With his approval rating at record lows, President Donald Trump attempted to defy political gravity in a pep rally in
TWICE’s Jihyo Departs JYP Entertainment After 21 Years + Launches New Agency EMITHAUS
Jihyo is beginning a journey with a new company! On October 21, the TWICE member took to her Instagram to share the following handwritten letter: Hello, this is Jihyo. I’m writing today because there’s something I’d like to share with you. After 21 years, my journey with JYP Entertainment, which began when I was just a child, has come to an end. Trying to put 21 years into just a few words is harder than I thought it would be.From childhood through my teenage years and into adulthood, I’ve spent most of my life at JYP.There were good days and difficult ones, but one thing I know for certain is that every one of those moments has shaped who I am today.I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at JYP who has been by my side and helped me grow over the years.I will always cherish the time we shared and the memories we made together. To me, independence is not so much a conclusion about the time that has passed, but a choice about how I want to live going forward.As the first step in this new chapter, I have established my own company, EMITHAUS.Just as “EMIT” means to “express or release,” I hope this will be a place where I can freely explore and bring to life even the possibilities within me that I have yet to discover.As I step away from a familiar environment and begin working in new ways, I will approach every decision and every endeavor with even greater thoughtfulness and responsibility. I also want to make it clear that this decision does not mean saying goodbye to the team I’ve been part of for so long.TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life.Just as I cherish all the years we’ve shared, I look forward to all the moments still ahead of us.I will continue to stand on stage with my members and keep building more memories together for many years to come. Above all, I want to thank ONCE for believing in me and standing by my side for the past 11 years.I know that watching someone grow and change through so many stages of life and continuing to support them along the way is never something to be taken for granted.Thank you for giving me the courage to keep moving forward through your unwavering trust, love, and support.I will continue to fill the years ahead with choices and efforts that stay true to who I am and keep growing as an artist who lives up to all the love and support you’ve given me. Thank you. https://www.instagram.com/p/DevZGTkmTD2/ Jihyo is the third TWICE member to officially leave JYP Entertainment following Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung. Wishing Jihyo all the best on her new start!
Talks on Montgomery health care authority care authority continue
A recently proposed health care authority was the topic of discussion at Tuesday night's city council meeting.
Ken Paxton hits campaign trail as political expert weighs in on strategy of avoiding debate
Paxton's Richmond appearance was part of a two-week bus tour across Texas, giving supporters an opportunity to hear directly from the state's attorney general.
Polling places open for General Election, but some voter confusion remains
While the polls for the General Election are open, what is not so clear are some ballot items. For those voting in District 43 for the state representative seat, there
Virginia Tech football: Hokies open as slight underdogs at Clemson
Clemson is a slight favorite over the Hokies.
Analyst predicts when the Browns may bench Deshaun Watson
Could the Browns bench Deshaun Watson at some point despite early season success.
Australian democracy is usually peaceful. But there’s a homegrown history of political violence
Like other features of our public landscape, both good and bad, political violence has a history in Australia – one from which we may learn
Suspects wanted for string of business burglaries in Fairfax County
Police are searching for suspects accused in a string of Fairfax County business burglaries.
Alyson Hannigan uses real ‘Buffy’ set pieces as Halloween decorations, including iconic Spike prop
‘Buffy’ star Alyson Hannigan decorates her house for Halloween with set pieces from the show, including iconic Spike prop.
Haitian migrants changed this town - Trump's deportation drive is reshaping it again
The president thrust Springfield, Ohio, into the spotlight with a false pet-eating claim - years later, it remains at the heart of the immigration debate.
Eagles' Saquon Barkley Trade Proposal Might Make Too Much Sense
It wouldn't be easy, but it could be smart.
Tyler Cameron fiancée Tate Madden reveals pregnancy on 'DWTS' Dedication Night
Tyler Cameron and fiancée Tate Madden are expecting their first child together!
Bills Have Made Their Feelings on Rookie Davison Igbinosun Clear
Jim Leonhard says Bills rookie Davison Igbinosun has earned a bigger role at cornerback, but penalties and technique remain areas to improve.
Bulldog Business: Preseason AP Poll, Javon Bennett’s Eligibility, NBA Predictions
Bulldog Business Podcast: Episode 3
Student-produced film captures Ireland sports experience | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
The documentary created by a UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media team premieres on campus Oct. 22 and Oct. 23. — This story, written by UNC Hussman alumnus Michael Lananna ’14, was originally published at unc.edu. — Carolina senior Anna Laible came up with the idea about a year ago. At the annual UNC Sports and Entertainment Summit, the journalism student walked up to then-athletic director Bubba Cunningham and took a chance. “Hi, Bubba, I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m part of the student broadcast team from the Olympics,” Laible told him. “I have this idea to do an Ireland documentary on the football team.” Encouraged by the enthusiastic response to the proposal, Laible and a team of students from the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media worked diligently to turn that vision into reality. In August, Laible and seven peers traveled to Dublin, Ireland, with the Carolina football team and women’s soccer team. Equipped with video cameras, the student journalists covered both teams during their international games — both wins — and filmed scenes throughout Dublin, interviewing Irish locals, Tar Heel fans and key Carolina figures who helped make the trip possible. Back home, Laible’s team put the finishing touches on the documentary, with its first screening at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22-23 in Carroll Hall room 111. The project is the latest in a long line of sports documentaries produced under the guidance of C.A. Tuggle, John H. Stembler Jr. Distinguished Professor. Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Tuggle and the Hussman school have sent journalism students to cover each of the Summer Games, and Tuggle’s students have also produced documentaries on Carolina teams that win national championships. But this Ireland excursion presented a new kind of opportunity. “This trip is really unique,” Tuggle said. “Bubba liked the idea, so we started working on it, and it’s all because Anna was forward-thinking and assertive.” Laible’s team worked to create a holistic depiction of the Dublin trip, billed as “Much More Than a Game.” The documentary’s 12 chapters cover Irish culture, music, trips to the Guiness Storehouse and the myriad connections between Tar Heels and Ireland. “Our main focus was to make sure we gave a whole encompassing idea of what this experience was like,” Laible said. “We wanted to show not just the student-athletes, but other students, other Carolina fans, Carolina alumni, the music and really incorporate that all in the documentary.” Joining Laible in Dublin were juniors Emily Brietz, Cooper Hall, Eliza Jennings and Katherine McCullough and seniors Molly Malek, May Proctor and Merrily Tew. Those students also traveled to Milan for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February. Those kinds of opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the support of UNC Hussman and, in the case of the Ireland trip, the Carolina athletic department. UNC Hussman students create Ireland trip documentary. (Submitted photo) “Never in a million years did I think I would have the opportunity to go to the Olympics or to the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, and now I’m even being presented with potential opportunities go to the Super Bowl,” said Malek, who served in a leadership role with Laible in Dublin. “I think that Carolina does a terrific job of connecting us to these opportunities that almost no other university does. This is a university where you have the opportunity to have an interdisciplinary education and to learn and experience a lot of things all at once.” With the support of UNC Hussman, Tuggle and fellow students like Malek, Laible turned a spur-of-the-moment idea into a documentary. When the film screens, Laible said she’s not quite sure what emotions to expect. “I’m a little worried that I might cry — not that crying is a bad thing,” Laible said, laughing. “But I’m really grateful for so many people helping, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.”
💪 Chivas beat Necaxa and snap at América's heels
Chivas de Guadalajara earned a valuable 1-0 win over Necaxa on Matchday 13 of the Liga MX Apertura 2026 tournament, a result that lifts them into second place in the overall standings. An own goal bre...
Supreme Court’s conservatives have let down democracy, Justice Kagan says
Two weeks before the midterm elections, liberal Justice Elena Kagan bluntly sized up the Supreme Court handling of election and voting-related cases, saying, “The court has kind of blinded itself to the very deleterious effects of their rulings on how the political system works.”
PHP maintainers tell Web devs to prepare themselves for critical security patches
Unconfirmed report claims PHP2Shell exploit remotely executes code on PHP sites.
Tyler Cameron reveals fiancée Tate Madden is pregnant during 'DWTS' dance
Tyler Cameron and fiancée Tate Madden are expecting their first child together!
Duren: Detroit Pistons Comeback Vs. Celtics Embodies Motor City Culture
The Detroit Pistons engineered a huge second half comeback to take down the Boston Celtics on Opening Day
Critical PHP Security Release Coming Tomorrow (October 21)
The PHP security team will ship a release on October 21, 2026 at 14:00 UTC that fixes two critical vulnerabilities, both rated CVSS 9.2. Plan your upgrade now.
New Orleans Pelicans Decide on Options of Four Young Players
The New Orleans Pelicans are keeping their young talent around as they exercised three options on Tuesday.
Justice Kagan warns Supreme Court rulings are fueling polarization and undermining democracy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Elena Kagan on Tuesday said voting and elections decisions from her conservative Supreme Court colleagues have helped make the country more politically polarized and less democratic.
Michigan benching Bryce Underwood for Tommy Carr in $12 million QB shakeup
Michigan is handing the keys over to Carr.
Justice Kagan warns Supreme Court rulings are fueling polarization and undermining democracy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Elena Kagan on Tuesday said voting and elections decisions from her conservative Supreme Court colleagues have helped make the country
Buccaneers Again a Bottom-5 Team in NFL Power Rankings
Tampa Bay is once again a bottom-5 team in NFL power rankings after its latest loss.
Walker Kessler Embracing Lofty Laker Expectations
Walker Kessler understands. He knows what the standard is as a Los Angeles Laker. He knows what the team gave up—then committed on the books—to pair him with Luka Dončić. “It’s just depending on how you look at it,” Walker said after Tuesday’s practice. “You can look at it from two perspectives and I think […] The post Walker Kessler Embracing Lofty Laker Expectations appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Could Prediction Markets Be a New Hedge Against Business Risk?
Could prediction markets become a new tool for managing business risk? Event-based contracts may help firms hedge revenue uncertainty, but success depends on accurately measuring exposure, matching risks and avoiding conflicts of interest.
How a photo of a person’s face could help predict whether they’ll survive cancer treatment
A simple selfie could hold surprising clues to your overall health and longevity, especially among people with cancer.
Dusty May Says Dwight Powell ‘Exemplified Everything’ Mavericks Want
Dusty May says Dwight Powell exemplified what the Mavericks want and believes the veteran still has “some miles in the tank.”
Will Bruce Thornton See Any Minutes Early on?
With newfound depth at the point guard position, Thornton might struggle to see minutes on the court.
Popular supplement combinations may carry unexpected risks, health expert warns
Clinical pharmacist Jim LaValle discusses why taking excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals can pose health risks, and how identifying nutritional deficiencies can help guide safer supplementation.
Lombardo check rejected as evidence during Fiore hearing
A Nevada judicial discipline panel rejected Gov. Joe Lombardo’s $5,000 check as evidence in proceedings against suspended Pahrump Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore.
“Happy Days” star Ron Howard reveals how he disguised himself to avoid rabid fans: ‘I tried to look tough’
His look was so not Richie Cunningham.
Jaguars Urged to Trade for $12M CB at Deadline
One of the biggest takeaways from the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ loss to the Houston Texans in Week 6 is that the team has a serious need at cornerback. As the Jaguars sit at 4-2 during the bye week, they will likely be considering trades to make them buyers. Perhaps the best name the Jaguars could add […] The post Jaguars Urged to Trade for $12M CB at Deadline appeared first on HEAVY.
Green Bay Packers: 3 takeaways as Packers beat Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys did not score against the Green Bay Packers until 9:19 remained in the third quarter Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-13 for its third straight victory and moved to 4-2. Jordan Love threw for 276 yards and a touchdown and ran for another. 1. Two interceptions became 10 Green [...]
Rare solar radiation storm gives scientists clearest picture yet of flight risks
The most comprehensive data set ever collected from Earth's atmosphere during a solar radiation event has highlighted the importance of better-coordinated radiation monitoring for aviation safety, according ...
Justice Kagan says Supreme Court has damaged democracy with recent rulings
The liberal justice took aim at the conservative majority’s rulings on the Voting Rights Act, campaign finance and partisan gerrymandering.
Moment of Science: New electric current test measures coffee quality without tasting
Getting a clue about the perfect brew! Here's how new research could make sure your morning pick-me-up is "not your average Joe". ☕
25% Of Middle Schoolers Proficient In ELA, Science; 18% In Math
According to a recent presentation by district leaders, who described those numbers as “steady progress” and a small improvement from previous years.
Collin Sexton is QUESTIONABLE for the Lakers tomorrow …
Collin Sexton is QUESTIONABLE for the Lakers tomorrow …
Nashville renters, business tenants could get rezoning notices for first time under Metro Council proposal
Council member said the current system leaves nearly half of Nashville unaware of nearby developments.
Wild Insider Agrees: Dylan Larkin Trade Feels Imminent
Michael Russo has heard about some movement behind the scenes in Detroit, and he thinks a decision on Dylan Larkin is close.
Ahead of Midterms, Justice Kagan Says Rulings Have Intensified Polarization
The justice said during a discussion that recent Supreme Court decisions on voting rights, gerrymandering and campaign finance have deepened America’s divides.
Insider Reveals Michigan’s Starting QB vs. Indiana
Michigan is reportedly expected to start Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood against Indiana after the freshman sparked a comeback win over Penn State.
The Brownsville City Commission has approved updates to the City's...
The Brownsville City Commission has approved updates to the City's Entertainment District regulations, adopting an ordinance that repeals and replaces previous ordinances.
Ohio State faces a major test without Julian Sayin
Who will be the Buckeyes' next signal caller in Sayin's absence?
November ballot includes five government efficiency questions
There are five questions for city voters aimed at making government more efficient.
Sanae Takaichi took on Japan’s male-dominated politics and won – can she survive a second year in power?
The straight-talking PM’s ability to manage Trump and stand up to China have endeared her to the public, but she may need friends closer to home to survive
NFLPA calls for NFL to conduct full investigation into medical care provided to Jalen Hurts
Powder mailed to Arizona officials reflects surge in political threats
Suspicious letters containing white powder have targeted Arizona lawmakers and the state’s elections chief, as experts warn that threats and intimidation against public officials are rising.
Bickerstaff Gives the Pistons Crowd Credit for the Comeback
Detroit's 3 p.m. crowd packed the building, and J.B. Bickerstaff felt it in the second half. #Pistons
Michigan set to start Tommy Carr vs. Indiana after he took over for Bryce Underwood in second half of win over Penn State
Dodgers Should Jump on Proposed Trade for Abrams, Wood
After a disappointing postseason exit, the Los Angeles Dodgers could secure a dynasty by trading for the Washington Nationals' young stars.
Hospitals: Federal changes will worsen Minnesota healthcare crisis
Minnesota hospitals had a record high of over 2 million emergency department visits in 2024. That year, more than a quarter of hospitals lost money on operations. The Minnesota Hospital Association painted a bleak picture of Minnesota healthcare Tuesday in a new report titled “A Statewide Crisis of Care.” The hospitals are gearing up for […]
Prince Harry says return to U.K. was to be 'closer to my family'
Prince Harry spoke out in a recent interview about his return to the United Kingdom months after he and wife Meghan Markle departed Montecito.
Famous Dems campaign for Pappas as NH's crucial Senate race hits final stretch
Two weeks until Election Day and New Hampshire's U.S. Senate race is at a boiling point.
Former 49ers RB Joins Philadelphia Eagles as Saquon Barkley Insurance
Former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell is getting another opportunity in Philadelphia amid injuries to Saquon Barkley and several Eagles backups. The post Former 49ers RB Joins Philadelphia Eagles as Saquon Barkley Insurance appeared first on HEAVY.
Researchers warn of growing threats to sleep health across Europe
A new paper from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Early Career Network of the European Sleep Research Society warns that sleep health is becoming a growing public health challenge ...
A massive asteroid slammed into the North Sea and unleashed a 330-foot tsunami
A decades-long mystery beneath the North Sea has finally been solved. Scientists have confirmed that the Silverpit Crater, buried 700 meters below the seabed, was created when a 160-meter-wide asteroid struck Earth roughly 43 to 46 million years ago. The violent collision blasted a towering curtain of rock and water 1.5 kilometers into the air and triggered a tsunami more than 100 meters high.
Healthcare and Life Sciences Leaders Build on NVIDIA to Advance Drug Discovery and Expand Patient Care
NVIDIA today announced collaborations with leading global healthcare and research organizations to advance protein design — including through a newly released open model, RFD4-Proteina — accelerate drug discovery and bring greater precision to cancer care.
Union Colony Prep vs. Aurora Science & Tech: Colorado High School Girls Volleyball, Oct. 21, 2026
Union Colony Prep at Aurora Science & Tech, Colorado high school girls volleyball, Oct. 21, 2026, 4:30 PM. Records, rankings, rosters and head-to-head.
Area school business managers recognized
BISMARCK – The North Dakota School Boards Association (NDSBA) recognized Velva School District Business Manager Skyler Helseth and Powers Lake School District Business Manager Shayna Johnson as graduates of the North Dakota School Business Managers Certification Program (NDSBMCP) during its annual convention on Oct. 8 in Bismarck. The certification program offers 20 college level courses […]
White House officials fear a post-midterms Trump rampage
President Donald Trump still has two weeks to salvage his Republican congressional majorities and defy expectations of a midterm wipeout. But all around him, aides and allies are bracing for what happens if he fails. CNN’s Kristen Holmes reports.
Officials Work to Improve Boardman River Health
The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and City of TC are working on multiple fronts to improve the Lower Boardman River – including habitat and shoreline improvements, repairs to a deteriorating retaining wall, and public placemaking projects. However, one of the main challenges to the urban river’s health – its proximity to so many …
UCLA experts give warnings about declining vaccination rates
Amid the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul childhood immunization policy, UCLA experts cautioned that declining vaccination rates could increase the risk of disease outbreaks on campus.
Man charged with stealing barbecue grill from nephew’s business
A St. Louis judge signed an arrest warrant for a man accused of stealing a large custom grill from his nephew’s event hosting business.
Bryce Young sets franchise record, champions mental health through Young 9 Foundation event
‘Immature’ Ex-Dallas Cowboys RB Released by Eagles
Former Dallas Cowboys RB & 2025 NFL Draft pick released by Philadelphia Eagles. The post ‘Immature’ Ex-Dallas Cowboys RB Released by Eagles appeared first on HEAVY.
Justice Elena Kagan accuses Supreme Court’s conservative majority of undermining democracy
The liberal justice took aim at various recent rulings, including one that paved the way for rampant partisan gerrymandering of legislative districts.
Florida health department issues water quality advisory for Palm Beach County parks
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has issued a water quality advisory for several parks due to high levels of Enterococcus bacteria found in recent water tests.
Colts face Jonathan Taylor question after Chris Ballard firing
The Colts recently committed to Jonathan Taylor with a lucrative extension, but one analyst believes Indianapolis could trade the RB.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur on the safety trio and Evan Williams’ interception
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Monday he would put safeties Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams “up against anybody in the league” after the trio helped hold the Dallas Cowboys to 13 points. Williams intercepted Dak Prescott in the second quarter of Green Bay’s 23-13 win Sunday night. Bullard broke up three [...]
New Richland Lab Could Transform How Scientists Study Microbes and Boost Regional Jobs
The BriefGroundbreaking held Tuesday: PNNL officially began construction on the M2PC lab, a 30,800-square-foot facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science that will study soil microbes to improve crop productivity and develop new biotechnology applications. The facility will be open to researchers from around the nation and the world.Research timelines could shrink dramatically: The facility's automation and AI capabilities could reduce experiments that currently take six months to just 72 hours, allowing scientists to explore more possibilities faster than ever before.New jobs coming to the Tri-Cities: The project is expected to create positions for automation engineers, AI experts, roboticists, technicians, and skilled craftspeople, with the facility opening in 2029.RICHLAND, Wash. — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory broke ground Tuesday on a first-of-its-kind facility that could accelerate scientific discoveries about the microscopic organisms living in soil—organisms that may hold the key to growing more food and developing new energy technologies.The Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability, or M2PC, represents a significant investment in automation and artificial intelligence to speed up research that traditionally takes years to complete. The 30,800-square-foot facility will house more than 100 connected automated instruments designed to study microbes at a pace and scale never before possible.Reshaping Agriculture's FutureThe M2PC facility will not put a new tool directly into a farmer's hands tomorrow morning, but it is actively reshaping the commercial pipeline to solve agriculture's biggest headache with biologicals: inconsistent field performance. For years, PNNL researchers have explored how microbes work and how they might help produce useful materials, advance energy technologies, and address challenges involving critical materials and minerals. But those experiments have been limited by what researchers could accomplish by hand."They can be used to provide nutrients to a plant so that the plant would grow more. So, like increasing your crop productivity, for example," said Douglas Mans, PNNL's Associate Laboratory Director for Integrated Discovery Sciences.PNNL's own research shows soil microbes can help plants access nutrients and withstand drought—benefits that could prove crucial as farmers face growing environmental pressures. The M2PC facility will allow scientists to identify and optimize useful microbes faster than ever before, accelerating the development of biological solutions that actually work consistently in the field.What Makes M2PC UniqueThe Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability differs from traditional research labs because it operates as a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled autonomous laboratory designed to shrink experimental timelines from years down to months or weeks. The M2PC lab will connect more than 100 automated instruments to grow microbes, prepare samples, measure their behavior, and link observations to the molecular processes behind them. Artificial intelligence will help analyze results and guide the next experiments, allowing scientists to explore more questions faster.Deb Gracio, PNNL Director, emphasized the transformative potential during Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony: "Research that has taken years will become possible in months and hopefully in weeks."That acceleration is already being demonstrated. PNNL's smaller automated lab, called the Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform or AMP2, completed three experimental cycles in just 72 hours—a process that normally would have taken about six months."That normally would have taken us about six months … and we were able to do that in 72 hours," Mans said.The AMP2 laboratory is not being closed or replaced. Instead, the current 1,800-square-foot laboratory serves as an active prototype and precursor for the much larger M2PC facility. AMP2 will continue operating as a separate lab designed to run anaerobic experiments—those conducted in the absence of oxygen—while M2PC will focus on aerobic research.Broader Applications Beyond AgricultureWhile improving crop productivity is one important application, the M2PC facility is designed to support research into multiple areas critical to national priorities. The lab will advance research into biofuels, manufacturing materials, and energy technologies. It will also help researchers understand how microbes respond to environmental changes and how to design biological systems for biotechnology applications.As a flagship component of the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, M2PC represents a significant investment in using artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate U.S. scientific discovery. Dorothy Koch, Associate Director of the DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research program, highlighted the facility's importance during the groundbreaking."M2PC will accelerate biological discovery and design," Koch said, noting that the facility is expected to conduct a minimum of 500 strain experiments per week, 100 microbiome experiments per week, and take a million measurements per month.Economic Opportunity for the RegionBeyond the scientific breakthroughs, the M2PC project represents significant economic opportunity for the Tri-Cities region. The facility will require hiring automation engineers, AI experts, technicians skilled in operating robotics, and specialized craftspeople to build and maintain the sophisticated equipment."We're anticipating that type of hiring," Mans said when asked about job creation.PNNL has already begun recruiting talent nationally and internationally for positions related to the smaller AMP2 lab, bringing automation engineers from cities like Boston and San Francisco to work in the region. The M2PC facility is expected to accelerate that trend."This capability won't really exist anywhere else in the world," Mans said, suggesting the facility could become a draw for scientific talent seeking to work on cutting-edge biotechnology research.Timeline and Next StepsThe M2PC facility is expected to open in 2029. Between now and then, construction crews will level and prepare the ground, while the building takes shape. Simultaneously, Ginkgo Bio Works, the automation contractor, will build the facility's automation components off-site so they can be installed as the building is completed.In the interim, PNNL researchers and the broader scientific community will begin planning the first experiments to be conducted in the facility, ensuring research is lined up and ready to begin as soon as the doors open.The groundbreaking ceremony included representatives from the Department of Energy, PNNL leadership, and elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, underscoring the project's significance to the region and the nation's biotechnology future. News The U.S. Department of Energy Secretary tours Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News Beyond DNA: Scientists Explore New Frontiers in Biology Research Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News TRIDEC optimistic that Hanford, PNNL will see funding in national budget Robert Desaulniers News Big picture science: monitoring the Yakima River Basin News PNNL research could shape the future of fighting fentanyl COPYRIGHT 2026 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.