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RSU and USAO partner to create Accelerated Master's Program for computer science students
Rogers State University (RSU) and the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) have partnered together to create an Accelerated Master's Program for comp
Justin Bibb’s new Blue Cities/Red States coalition seeks the ‘radical center’
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb is launching Blue Cities/Red States, a 15-mayor coalition aimed at showing Democrats can govern effectively even when Republicans control their statehouses.
Googlebooks with Intel chipsets might have trouble with ‘complex’ Android apps
According to a statement from Google, Intel-based Googlebooks will apparently still struggle with some Android apps. When Android apps made...
N.J. film commission executive director ousted amid state’s film and TV boom
N.J. film commission director ousted as state's Hollywood boom rolls on.
ASU designs a statewide pipeline for Arizona's anesthesia workforce
Every surgery, C-section, trauma case and cancer operation in Arizona depends on a clinician administering anesthesia and keeping the patient safe while the surgeon works. The state needs more of these clinicians.As of September, the Arizona State Board of Nursing lists 1,759 certified registered nurse anesthetists, or CRNAs, in the state. In 2023, Arizona was short 732 nurse anesthetists, and the shortage is projected to reach 868 by 2033.
After a legal battle, Marylanders will vote on future redist...
Marylanders will vote on Question 3 in November after the state’s highest court cleared a revised redistricting amendment for the ballot.
Health care aide charged in assault of disabled resident at Halfmoon facility
A Schenectady woman working as a health care aide has been charged after State Police said a disabled resident was assaulted at a Halfmoon care facility.
Black voters of Baton Rouge’s Scotlandville community face new political reality after Louisiana redistricting
The Baton Rouge community’s Black voting-age population has fallen from 53% to 25% under the state’s new congressional map. A
FSU data scientist receives NSF CAREER Award to develop AI model to analyze complex numerical data at scale
A Florida State University artificial intelligence and data scientist has earned one of the most prestigious early career faculty awards to develop a new
Opportunities to advance precision kidney medicine for women: Vanderbilt Health-led scientific statement
The statement suggests improving women’s kidney care by recognizing how women’s unique biology and social factors affect kidney health.
‘A five-alarm fire’ confronts President Trump in red-state October blitz
The midterm elections were just two days away the last time a sitting president visited Grand Island, the fourth-largest city in the middle of one of the nation’s most reliably Republican states.
Luke Fickell's 'vision' starting to show, Joe Thomas says
After the Wisconsin Badgers dominated Michigan State on Saturday, Hall of Famer Joe Thomas broke down the team's progress.
50th annual Arkansas Rice Festival slated
It was 1976 and the United States was turning 200 years old. Festivities were planned in nearly every city and town across the country and one of the celebrations was...
Offensive Line Looks Offensive: Spartans Rank Last in Sacks Allowed
From personnel shifts to coaching failures, a crumbling front wall has left the Spartans reeling as record-breaking sack numbers threaten to derail the Pat Fitzgerald era.
Governor Ivey Proclaims Alabama Girls in Sports Day -
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday proclaimed Saturday, October 10, 2026, as Alabama Girls in Sports Day, recognizing the female athletes throughout the state and reaffirming Alabama’s commitment to ensuring women and girls have the right to participate, compete … Continued
What does Spain's snap election mean for the EU?
Spain's snap election on 29 November could cost progressive European forces their last government in a large member state, tilting EU power towards the right and pushing socialists into opposition mode.
Anti-trans ballot measures are a political test run for the 2028 presidential election
LGBTQ+ movement leaders warn that anti-trans ballot measures in five states could become a testing ground for a broader political strategy in the 2028 presidential election.
Top Workplaces 2026: Wemert Group named top workplace for small businesses
Orlando-based real estate brokerage Wemert Group Realty has been named one of the Orlando Sentinel’s top workplaces in Central Florida among small businesses, meaning it has 100 or fewer employees.
USA vs. Canada: How to watch, stream international friendly
Two of Concacaf's elite teams clash Tuesday evening when the United States host Canada at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United FC.How to watch & streamUSA: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Universo, PeacockCan...
First Glance: Missouri Tigers
Aggies seeking a statement win to get the season back on track
2026 Outstanding Women in Business
The 18th annual Outstanding Women in Business awards recognize a dozen well-accomplished professionals from across the region and in many industries who go above and beyond. The committee selected the winners from more than 80 nominations, all of whom were worthy. The criteria evaluated each nominee’s professional achievements, community impact, ability to break the glass ceiling and mentorship of other professionals, particularly women. In addition to profiling these women in the following pages, the Worcester Business Journal will celebrate this year’s Outstanding Women in Business at a special luncheon on Oct. 28 at the College of the Holy Cross. To join the celebration of these exceptional women, visit WBJournal.com and register. – Mark Conti, editor This Year’s Judges Worcester Business Journal considered 54 Central Massachusetts professionals for the 2026 Outstanding Women in Business awards, based on 83 nominations. These nominees were independently evaluated by two volunteer judges, who scored each on their professional achievements, community contribution and mentorship of young professionals. Samantha P. McDonald is a partner at Bowditch. She is an experienced, client-focused real estate lawyer, concentrating on business and real estate property law. She has been recognized as a WBJ Power 100 in the Class of 2026 and a “Top Women of Law” in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Dr. Kavita Babu is chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs at Heywood Healthcare, where she provides strategic and clinical leadership to advance high-quality, patient-centered care across the organization. She is also a member of the WBJ Outstanding Women in Business Class of 2025.
HOMETOWN HEALTH: Are you protected against measles? fifth U.S. death reported
One of the largest national medical organizations in the United States has a message it wants people to hear.
Jeffries says House Democrats aiming to repeat 2018 sweep by flipping Trump districts
The Democratic Party is working to expand the map by going on offense in Republican-held districts, while President Donald Trump hits the trail in a red-state sprint to boost voter enthusiasm and shore up support from his base.
DeSean Bishop Is the X-Factor Arkansas Must Contain
Arkansas knows exactly where Tennessee’s offensive plan begins. It begins with DeSean Bishop. The Volunteers running back enters Fayetteville after one of the best performances in the country this season. Bishop rushed 34 times for 220 yards and three touchdowns in Tennessee’s 24-14 win over Auburn, turning a game with quarterback uncertainty into a statement …
Google Admits Some 'Complex' Android Apps Run Poorly On Intel Googlebooks
Android app compatibility on Googlebooks may not be as smooth as previously stated.
You should care about politics
Ever since America’s founding, the United States has been extremely politically charged. From the civil war in the 1860s, to the civil rights movements of the 1950s, America has always had politics at the root of economic, social and institutional change. So then why do Americans care so little about it? In 2024, about 63.9...
Northwestern Projected to Make College Football Playoff in Early Prediction
Northwestern is projected as the No. 10 seed in an early College Football Playoff bracket after the Wildcats’ dominant 34-13 win over Penn State.
Scientists uncover recurrent patterns within chaotic quantum behavior
Many complex quantum systems rapidly lose the recognizable patterns of their initial states as their components interact. To describe patterns of regular and chaotic motion in specific systems, physicists ...
Delta Health Center Receives Funding
Delta Health Center, Inc. has received four awards totaling $4,660,331.59 through the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program, a state initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Governor Tate Reeves announced the four RHTP awards on September 14, as part of 167 awards totaling more than $104 million statewide. The awards announced will […]
Delta Health Center Receives Funding
Delta Health Center, Inc. has received four awards totaling $4,660,331.59 through the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program, a state initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Governor Tate Reeves announced the four RHTP awards on September 14, as part of 167 awards totaling more than $104 million statewide. The awards announced will […]
Business Ingenuity Gives Birth to Edgy, an AI Agent Educated in the Theory Behind Natural Synergy™ to Show Leaders Where Their Organizations Are Headed
SAN FRANCISCO, October 05, 2026--Business Ingenuity, Inc. today announced the availability of Edgy, an AI agent educated using Natural Synergy: From Natural Mystery to Mastery, co-authored by co-founder Charles Follett and Ray Scott and available on Amazon. Edgy analyzes an organization through its public footprint and its own people, then tells executives which Operating State the organization occupies, which direction it is being driven, and what adjustments would improve its performance.
Poole College Broadens Access to Graduate Business Leadership Certificate
Graduate students from any discipline, as well as prospective learners from outside NC State, may now pursue the certificate.
KUNC's 2026 midterm election voter guide for Northern Colorado
Everything Northern Colorado voters need to know about the state’s midterm election, including major races, ballot measures, voting deadlines, how to return your ballot, and where to find trusted election resources.
The Economics of Delta Healthcare
How well is the system? Experts weigh in on status While agriculture rightfully gains most of the headlines when it comes to the Delta’s economy, the role of healthcare in the region cannot be underestimated. Many challenges face healthcare providers in the region and the state recently stepped in to assist. Nonetheless, healthcare leaders in […]
Wisconsin health officials warn of lead risk in antique dishes at rummage sales
State health department urges shoppers to be careful of items that could contain lead.
Spooky season watchlist
In October 2024, I drove into Gambrill State Park after dusk and joined others carrying blankets and lawn chairs — flashlight streams lighting the road and parking lot — as
Reclaiming 'Health Sovereignty': EU Gastein Forum Confronts A Fragmenting Global Order
Health, long treated as a sanctuary of diplomatic consensus, has entered an era of high politics and ideological division. Leading the closing panel of the EU Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) on Friday (2 October), session chair Ilona Kickbusch, founder of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, highlighted how recent votes at the UN General Assembly demonstrate that nation-states increasingly split and vote instead of searching for consensus.
PFF ranks Michigan State's top five offensive players vs. Wisconsin
Check out who PFF ranked as Michigan State's top five offensive players against Wisconsin.
Business confidence held in negative territory in September
Business confidence ticked upwards among Massachusetts employers in September but sentiment remained in negative territory and torn between the impacts of growth and rising costs.
THIS WEEK: “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now” Bus Tour Kicks Off With Stops in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), PA Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Will Headline “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now” Events in Five States Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here. Washington,...
Walworth County dairy farmer specializing in raw milk says state is unfairly fining his business
Chaz Self said his dairy farm is producing grade A milk under Wisconsin's state standards, but was still ordered to pay a hefty fine. An online fundraiser has been created to cover those fines.
Florida commissioner’s social media on science standards aims for attention
A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
The Optimist: A statement win and a much needed rest
The Panthers head into a much needed bye week with head held high
Three sheriff’s offices sign up for jail mental health hold reimbursements under new Wyoming law
The law allows the health department to pay jails for holding and treating people with mental illnesses while they await a bed at the state hospital.
$100 million Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announces grants to Arkansas, Kentucky
Olivia Walton says maternal health is a solvable problem, with state governments "in the driver's seat."
Business Starts for Oct. 5, 2026
In June, 1,412 new businesses filed InCorporation paperwork with the Massachusetts Secretary of the State in order to do business in the state.
Commentary: What I learned from reading over 200 Alabama political campaign sites
Amid the posed photos, posturing and ceaseless quests for the center, at least five trends in state elections emerged.
Who’s Winning the Battle for Congress?
It’s Oct. 5 — 29 days away from the midterms. Here’s the state of play.
The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2026
Nearly four weeks out from Election Day, the Senate battleground map is growing after signs of improvement for Democrats in several red-leaning states.
How affordability will impact the midterm elections in swing states
It's almost election time in America, and voters in swing states are looking at their wallets — and gas prices — at the ballot box.
Louisiana is capturing carbon emissions with Exxon's help -- but shipping them to other states
Louisiana's petrochemical plants that export products are under increasing pressure in overseas markets to reduce their carbon footprint.
Brenda Lucas: Community news for Monday, Oct. 5
Click for community news in the Huntington, West Virginia, and Tri-State area.
Can the Seminoles Men’s Basketball Take the Next Step?
After coming within one shot of being on the March Madness bubble last season, Florida State enters Year 2 under Luke Loucks, looking to take the next step and get to the Big Dance for the first time since 2021.
IRGC General Warns Regional States against Letting US Use Their Territory
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Brigadier General Ali Fadavi warned regional countries against allowing the US to employ their territories for operations against Iran, stressing that any location used as a launch point for attacks on Iran will be targeted.
Yale New Haven Hospital designed new center to calm mental health crises
Amid rising pediatric mental health emergencies, Yale New Haven Hospital opened the state’s only hospital-based center for children experiencing mental health crises this July. The center prides itself on therapeutic services and patient autonomy.
Penn State students win award for connecting health and environment through play
A series of games developed by a team of interdisciplinary Penn State students to help children in Iquitos, Peru, learn about the connections between human, animal and environmental health was recognized with a national American Society of Landscape Architects award.
First-year food science students compete in product development
UNIVERSITY PARK — “Yam Bam” and “Boocha Boost” may not be household food names, but they represent the kind of innovation students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are
Martin aims to help turn ideas into businesses, bring new life to properties
For John Ross Martin, commercial real estate is about more than finding someone a building. It is about helping turn an idea into something real.
Ivy Summer in Rome offers five weeks of business courses and culture
For five weeks during the summer, Iowa State business students trade lecture halls in Ames for classrooms in Rome as part of the Ivy Summer in Rome program. Designed for Ivy College of Business students, the program offers four classes that students can choose from. All classes are required for business majors, minors and certificates,...
Dubay named ETSU College of Business and Technology Eastman Chair of Leadership
Dr. Chelsie Dubay has been named the East Tennessee State University College of Business and Technology’s Eastman Chair of Leadership, where she will help guide AI initiatives and strengthen relationships
Tennessee business leaders remain optimistic about state’s economy
More than half of Tennessee business leaders absorbed higher fuel costs rather than passing them on to customers, according to a new survey by the Boyd Center for Business and
Concord mental health awareness walk draws around 2,000 people, organizers say
The state's largest mental health awareness and suicide prevention event drew roughly 2,000 people to Concord, according to organizers.
Mental health matters: here are campus resources available for students
The first full week of October recognizes Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10. With students back on campus for the fall term, Wayne State
President awards state scholarships to distinguished figures in education and science
President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded state scholarships to 16 distinguished figures in education. — Ukrinform.
Mobile area health systems receive grants from state rural health program
34 grants total nearly $55 million
Northwestern’s Top PFF Grades Highlight Dominant Win Over Penn State
Northwestern received impressive PFF grades on both sides of the ball after its 34-13 win over Penn State, led by Joseph Himon II, Caleb Komolafe and several defensive standouts
US removes all Air Force bombers from Fairford base amid terrorism concerns
The United States has moved long-range bombers back to their American home stations days after the British government arrested a number of individuals in connection with an alleged Iranian plot to target the UK airbase where the planes had been stationed.
FSU May Be Finding the Consistency Norvell Has Been Chasing
Florida State may finally be finding consistency, responding to adversity with dominant stretches and showing growth on both sides of the ball.
Valkyries' Natalie Nakase takes steps to monitor her health after on-court scare
Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase addressed the causes of her on-court collapse late in the Valkyries' series-clinching win Friday, and measures she's taking for her health.
Statesboro teacher elected to lead state business education group
Statesboro teacher elected to lead state business education group
NH state retirees face 85% health premium hike
New Hampshire retirees in the state health plan will see premiums rise 85% in January under a one-year Anthem extension, while the state prepares to seek compet...
State Senator Chedrick Greene hosts Saginaw gun violence conversation
State Senator Chedrick Greene brought together survivors, parents, and advocates in Saginaw Saturday to address the impact of gun violence in Michigan's 35th Senate District.
Mark Cuban offers to help Sherrill fix state health benefits program
Gov. Mikie Sherrill is noncommittal on an offer from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban to help New Jersey rein in the soaring cost of its troubled
Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase takes steps to monitor health after scare
Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase addressed the causes of her on-court collapse late in the Valkyries’ series-clinching win Friday, and measures she’s taking for her health.
Penn State Demolished by Northwestern: Post-Game Link Dump
Rocco Becht needs to play better if Penn State is going to turn its season around. The Nittany Lions are searching for answers after its second consecutive loss to open Big Ten play. Northwestern didn’t just beat Penn State – they piled on as they racked up over 400 rushing yards. Penn State was out-physicaled […]
How Kansas Suddenly Became a Battleground State for Senate Control
The state hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly a century. Economic challenges during President Trump’s second term, as well as other factors, have put it in play.
Duren started with a long, written statement accepting …
Duren started with a long, written statement accepting …
FSU’s Pass Rush Turns In Dominant Performance Against Virginia
FSU’s struggling pass rush finally erupted against Virginia, producing 10 sacks as Tony White’s defense overwhelmed Beau Pribula.
Science Festival, Visit Beloit, Wisconsin road trips
John Mercure travels around Wisconsin to bring you what makes Wisconsin a great state.
Anticipation builds for Shocker basketball season
Wichita State hosted Shocker Madness at Koch Arena Saturday night ahead of the 2026-27 basketball season.
Election office says there’s enough evidence to investigate Weiser
The Colorado Secretary of State's Office says there's enough evidence to warrant an investigation into Attorney General Phil Weiser's compliance with campaign finance laws.
Kalen DeBoer Has Bold Comments After Alabama Dominates Mississippi State
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer had some strong comments after his team dominated Mississippi State.
Scientists find a simple size rule that predicts magnetic ground states
Researchers found three distinct magnetic behaviors that appear at specific crystal sizes across several unusual materials.
Penn State Opens as Underdog Against USC
Penn State has opened as an underdog for the first time in the 2026 season. Following back-to-back loses to begin Big Ten play, the Nittany Lions will be a 1.5-point home underdog when they face USC on Saturday. Despite the game being the annual White Out, the oddsmakers are still not confident in Penn State’s […]
California agencies use confidentiality agreements to keep some Bay-Delta science secret
California state agencies have quietly been using confidentiality agreements to keep some scientific data and discussions behind the Newsom administration's updated Bay-Delta plan a secret, raising concerns about transparency in the rule-making process.
California voters to decide Prop 45 to change how environmental laws impact key construction
California voters this November will decide Proposition 45, a measure that could change the state’s environmental laws to speed up construction projects such as housing, bridges, and clean energy infrastructure.
Don Wagner explains why he should be California's next Secretary of State
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, a candidate for California secretary of state, outlined his qualifications, election reform priorities, and vision for the office during an interview on California Politics 360.
Jets fan confidence rises despite loss to Lions
The Jets might have lost in Week 3 to the Detroit Lions, but fans took real positives from the game. That statement is true if you believe our latest SB Nation Reacts poll. Fan confidence in the team fell to 48 percent a week ago in the aftermath of the Jets’ crushing Week 2 overtime […]
Lamont, Fazio make pitches to Connecticut business leaders as Election Day nears
With just over five weeks until Election Day, Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio make their case to Connecticut business leaders. Plus, the sentencing of former state official Kosta Diamantis, more departures from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) and bipartisan calls to suspend Connecticut's gas and diesel taxes.
NH's Business: Homeownership affordability across the state
Fred Kocher sits down with Heather McCann with NH Housing to talk about housing availability and affordability across the state.
Blue surge could breach Cascades in this Washington race
For more than 50 years, every Washington state lawmaker chosen to represent Chelan County has been a Republican. That might change in this November's election.
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.
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Despair over future fuels political anxiety for college students on the cusp of adulthood
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Frankie Llerandi, 21, has been unable to land a single internship in his three years at Michigan State University.He will