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Guest Commentary: Affordability without access isn’t sound health policy
Byron Donalds’ record of politicizing his health policy is harmful, writes a former healthcare CEO.
The most pressing midterm issues for rural voters
Affordability matters most for rural voters heading into the midterms.
Who will rural voters blame for harmful healthcare changes, policies this election?
Inflation and affordability, immigration and international conflicts may be dominating much of the news—and voters' attention—but healthcare, as always, still matters at the ballot box—perhaps even more so for rural voters.
Opinion: Chicago’s housing crisis demands more solutions and fewer debates
Chicago's housing affordability crisis calls for more construction, less confrontation and better cooperation among those seeking solutions.
Husted's data center bill collides with campaign season politics
Senate Republicans are making a last-minute push on affordability—holding a vote on legislation to rein in costs associated with data centers—that could be a win for Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, ahead of November’s elections.
Oz touts new price transparency rule amid voters' affordability concerns
Officials said the new rule will give patients access to clearer cost information before receiving hospital care.
Chris Murray challenges Palumbo with affordability, health care focus
Democrat Chris Murray has placed affordability, health care and environmental protection at the center of his campaign as he tries to unseat incumbent Republican state Sen. Anthony Palumbo. Mr. Murray — an attorney who was elected chairman of the Suffolk County Community College Board of Trustees in 2019 and has also chaired the Citizens Campaign...
Affordability is on voters’ minds in Pa. swing districts as the cost of gas and groceries skyrockets
The cost of living is the rise as the war in Iran continues. That could hurt Trump-aligned incumbents in key Pennsylvania swing districts.
100+ Manufacturing, Business Groups Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Permitting Deal
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers, joined by members of its Council of Manufacturing Associations, Conference of State Manufacturers Associations and other leading manufacturing and business organizations, sent a coalition letter urging Congress to swiftly pass the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. Representing businesses across the country and industries throughout the manufacturing …
Senate GOP eyes last-ditch push on affordability as fears deepen over midterm map
Inside the Senate GOP’s campaign headquarters on Wednesday, dozens of Republicans gathered for a strategy session during what was expected to be their final days in Washington before the November midterms.
Will Florida’s Amendment 3 property tax reduction pass? Polls differ widely
The most recent round of public, preelection polls show Florida voters are stressed about affordability and the cost of living. But it’s unclear if they’ll approve a plan that would
Buttigieg joins Ford at Las Vegas business to talk affordability
Nevadans are preparing to vote this fall as campaign activity increases among candidates.
Clark County voters weigh affordability, health care, education and wars ahead of November
Clark County voters cite affordability, health care, education and global conflicts as top election issues. Ballots are now being mailed, and officials are adding ballot box cameras after a 2024 vandalism.
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.
Judge rejects NC State Health Plan's request to block Atrium affordability program
Atrium Health scored an early courtroom win on Tuesday when a judge rejected the state of North Carolina’s request for a temporary restraining order on an affordability program the health system pl | The state's treasurer has said the large health system's Affordability Protection Program, a response to being left out of a preferred provider program, would bankrupt the public health plan.
Health affordability task force considers utility model
CHEYENNE — The Health Insurance Affordability Task Force discussed models Tuesday that could reduce the cost of health insurance in Wyoming, in addition to unanimously agreeing that the task force
Young voters struggle to afford housing. But they don't expect help from political candidates
Pennsylvania's competitive U.S. House districts showcase how housing affordability challenges for young voters may play into control of the next Congress.
Belgrade road producer to Flint: Competition, permitting delays, affordability hinder business
Knife River in Belgrade, a local sand, gravel and asphalt producer, pointed to outside competition, permitting delays and affordability challenges as main hurdles affecting its business during a tour and
Political Pulse: Nikki Gronli on running for U.S. House as a Democrat
South Dakota congressional candidate Nikki Gronli discusses her campaign as a Democrat, the economy, affordability and meeting voters across the state.
Congressional District 4
Republican Lauren Boebert and Democrat Eileen Laubacher are competing in Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Read where the candidates stand on healthcare, immigration, affordability and rural communities.
Where Colorado's gubernatorial candidates stand on business issues
The three main gubernatorial candidates discuss economic competitiveness, data centers, affordability, technology regulation and more.
Op-ed: Utility bills are rising for the sake of scoring political points
When the cheaper option is also the cleaner one and some leaders still fight for the expensive one, affordability clearly isn't their priority.
How AI is adding to health care affordability concerns
AI was touted as a way to improve efficiency in health care. But in the short run, it's adding to cost pressures.
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Issues in the Lead-Up to the 2026 Midterm Election
Affordability worries continue to top the public’s list of midterm election issues, with health care and gas costs tying as the top economic concern, finds KFF’s new Health Tracking Poll conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel. Overall, voters trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle health care costs and the cost of living. A quarter...
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson explains her plans for Michigan
In an exclusive interview with Spectrum News, Jocelyn Benson talks about her plan for affordability and more
Older voters prioritize Social Security, Medicare and afford...
A new AARP poll finds New Hampshire voters over 50 are highly motivated, focused on affordability and Social Security, and key to the outcome of the state’s top...
How worried are Republicans about the midterms? GOP Senators demand Congress stay in town for a vote on affordability
State Fair of Texas brings lower prices, new attractions, more value options
From cheaper rides and games to over 200 food and drink options priced at $10 or less, the fair is putting a bigger focus on affordability.
Key Moments from the Wiener-Chan Debate
The two Democrats campaigning to represent District 11 in Congress debated AI safety, housing affordability and foreign policy.
NC treasurer: Atrium affordability program could bankrupt state employees’ health plan
State Health Plan officials say Atrium's new affordability program is "trickery" that will drive up costs for plan members and taxpayers
Parents, young athletes concerned about sports affordability
Every parent wants their kids make the most of their talents when they find a sport they love, but prices for youth sports continue to increase.
Governor, health advocates push bill to lower drug prices for 23 medications
Under the proposed legislation, the state's Prescription Drug Affordability Board would have the authority to match the maximum fair price for prescriptions negotiated by the federal Medicare program.
Derzypolski, Perez debate Tallahassee economy, party politics
P.J. Perez and Tom Derzypolski, the candidates vying for City Seat 3, debated affordability, Amendment 3 and other issues at a Sept. 25 forum.
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran talks AI guardrails, affordability and reelection bid
U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler, joins Blake Holland on this week’s edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now.
HealthPartners, Essentia Health announce combination focused on improving access, quality and affordability
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. & DULUTH, Minn., September 29, 2026--Agreement reflects a shared commitment to improving health and well-being across Minnesota and the upper Midwest
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.
NH's Business: Addressing the trade job shortage across the state
Fred Kocher sits down with Heather McCann with NH Housing to talk about housing availability and affordability across the state.
Computer Science Program Ranks High For Quality And Affordability
CNU's programs in computer science, social work, and finance are ranked 3rd, 6th, and 9th best in Virginia, in Research.com’s 2027 rankings.
Parkview Health announces agreement to acquire Ovation Healthcare to strengthen community healthcare nationwide, advance local affordability
/PRNewswire/ -- Parkview Health has signed an agreement to acquire Ovation Healthcare, a leading provider of shared services that strengthen the operational...
3 takeaways from the MAHA Summit
Trump administration officials mingled with insurers, corporate executives and wellness influencers at the second Make America Healthy Again Summit. They discussed issues ranging from affordability…
Gov. Sherrill launches working group to examine NJ public employee health benefits
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill has launched a working group bringing together state officials, unions, health care organizations and other stakeholders to develop recommendations aimed at improving the affordability …
Health care affordability tops survey of Michigan small business owners ahead of midterm elections
Taxes and workforce availability were also high on the list.
Debate stays civil: disagreement over war, health care, affordability
Health care and the war with Iran separated the two candidates running for Iowa's 4th Congressional District during a debate Wednesday night that featured extended civility between the two candidates.
Rob Bonta explains why he should be reelected Attorney General
As California Attorney General Rob Bonta seeks reelection, he emphasized his effort to protecting Californians’ rights, address affordability, and improve public safety during his time in office in an interview on California Politics 360.
Crowley, Tiffany Offer Opposing Health Care Plans in Race for Governor
Affordability is an issue. Wisconsin's hospital prices among highest in the nation.
Husted's data center bill collides with campaign season politics
Senate Republicans are making a last-minute push on affordability—holding a vote on legislation to rein in costs associated with data centers—that could be a win for Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, ahead of November’s elections.
Healey asks Trump administration to speed up review of planned gas expansion in latest sign of shifting energy politics
As Healey hunts for ways to bring down soaring costs and campaigns for reelection in a race defined by the affordability crisis gripping the state, the governor sees an opportunity to appeal to the Trump administration to bring more gas into the state.
Health care affordability tops survey of Michigan small business owners ahead of midterm elections
Taxes and workforce availability were also high on the list.
Dunlap, LePage clash over health care, costs in final CD2 debate
Hosted by WABI in partnership with WAGM, the candidates for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District went head-to-head on affordability, energy, health care and immigration.
Collins, Jackson spar over energy costs, health care in third Maine Senate debate
Hosted by WABI and WAGM, the incumbent Republican and her Democratic challenger went head-to-head on affordability, energy, health care and tariffs.
Global Health & WASH: October 2026 Funding Opportunities (26 new opportunities)
41 opportunities on the Global Health & WASH page this cycle, 26 of them new. The health money on this page is mostly research money, and much of it is aimed at people early in their careers. Funder after funder, from the TANGO2 Research Foundation’s Research Pathways grants to the South African Medical Research Council’s Early Investigators Programme to the National Ataxia Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, is funding early-career investigators and the institutions that host them, with a clear tilt toward researchers based in or from the Global South, from AMBSO in Uganda to Kenya’s CONNECT-VAX network to Ersilia’s AI Incubator for African drug discovery. The money is organized by disease as much as by need: narrow foundations, the Parkinson’s Foundation, NTAP for neurofibromatosis, the RUNX1 Research Program for an inherited blood disorder, each run their own grant, so the question for an applicant is less which health problem you work on than which foundation owns your disease. The largest European cheques go to consortia only, with the European Innovation Council putting up to EUR €4 million behind a single healthy-ageing project and UNITE up to EUR €1 million behind each cross-border digital health team. Water sits apart, almost entirely in applied utility research: the Water Research Foundation’s cluster of USD $250,000 to $500,000 projects, each built around a utility problem from sewer laterals to reuse treatment. And the biggest single pot is public: HRSA is renewing community health center service areas with awards of up to USD $10 million each. This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities. Subscribe To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer pay what you can rates. You can find more details here. Open Opportunities 2027 Building the Field of Health Advocacy Grant, Georgia Health Initiative. *New!* *Closing soon!* Georgia Health Initiative, a nonprofit private foundation focused on health equity, is opening its 2027 Building the Field of Health Advocacy Grant to strengthen the organizations that push for healthier systems across the state. The Initiative treats advocacy as infrastructure, backing one-year projects that range from urgent responses to shifting federal policy to longer arc campaigns on housing, behavioral health, care access, and food security. It wants coalitions that elevate community voice, apply an equity lens, and arrive ready to deploy concrete strategies, and it deliberately seeks variety in issues, communities, and organizational size. The optional webinar and required lobbying training signal a funder investing in a durable field, not one grant cycle. The strongest fits are Georgia nonprofits and public agencies ready to turn advocacy readiness into systems change. Geographies: United States. Who can apply: Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities, state or local government agencies, or coalitions/collaboratives using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, that work in Georgia on behalf of Georgians and align with the mission, vision, and values of Georgia Health Initiative. Only one application per organization, though an organization may be listed as a partner or subcontractor on multiple applications. Funding amount: Organizations can apply for up to USD $80,000 per project; the Initiative anticipates investing a total of USD $1.36 million. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Governance, Policy & Advocacy · SDG3; SDG10. Deadline: October 2, 2026. Learn more and apply here. TDD Research Pathways Grant, TANGO2 Research Foundation. *New!* *Closing soon!* The TANGO2 Research Foundation, working with a founding gift from Tango2UK, is opening its TDD Research Pathways Grant to fund early-career investigators anywhere in the world who study TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. The foundation is using this money to seed pilot work and to build a research community around a rare disorder that few labs currently study. It wants to back emerging scientists, clinicians, and trainees who will stay with this field, not one-off projects, which is why it requires a committed mentor and real institutional support and asks each applicant for a plan for future contributions. The design rewards promise and persistence over track record. The strongest fits are students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators ready to commit to TANGO2 research. Geographies: Global. Who can apply: Early-career investigators worldwide, including undergraduate, graduate, and medical trainees, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and clinical or research fellows. Early-career investigators must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree and be within 10 years of that degree or within 5 years of initiating rare disease research, engaged in postdoctoral research at an academic institution, teaching hospital, or nonprofit research institute. Currently enrolled trainees and transitional PhD candidates beginning a postdoctoral appointment at a nonprofit institution by July 1, 2026 are also eligible. All applicants must identify a qualified mentor with relevant TDD or rare disease research experience and demonstrate institutional support. Funding amount: Up to USD $15,000. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation, Science & Technology. Deadline: October 2, 2026. Learn more and apply here. Call for Expression of Interest (EOI): AMBSO Impact Research Initiative, Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO). *Closing soon!* The Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization is inviting expressions of interest for its Impact Research Initiative, which funds early-stage pilot studies and proof of concept work on priority health challenges. AMBSO is a Ugandan research organization backing bold ideas that can grow into larger studies, and its tracks span antimicrobial resistance, epidemic preparedness, artificial intelligence for diagnostics, HIV prevention, climate and health, cancer, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. The small award size and direct-cost-only rule point to a funder that wants evidence rather than overhead, and that favors projects able to attract follow-on money or use AMBSO’s own research infrastructure. Eligibility runs worldwide, welcoming researchers and institutions inside and outside Africa. The strongest fits are researchers with a feasible pilot that generates policy-ready evidence. Geographies: Global. Who can apply: Open worldwide to researchers, academic institutions, and research organizations whose work aligns with generating high-impact health evidence. Independent researchers are eligible if affiliated with an academic or research institution. Doctoral students are encouraged to apply as part of a research team led by a faculty Principal Investigator. Community-based organizations and other eligible entities may apply. Projects may be implemented inside or outside Uganda. Funding amount: Up to USD $10,000 per project, with no minimum funding threshold. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: SDG3. Deadline: October 2, 2026. Learn more and apply here. Entrepreneurs for Resilience 2027 (E4R27), Swiss Re Foundation. *Closing soon!* Swiss Re Foundation is opening the tenth edition of Entrepreneurs for Resilience, which backs healthcare social enterprises expanding affordable, quality primary care for low-income communities across low- and middle-income countries. The Foundation is using catalytic, blended funding plus multi-year advisory to take risk out of scaling, helping proven models reach more people sustainably rather than stay stuck at pilot size. It looks to back brick-and-click enterprises that pair physical care with digital tools and build affordability through savings, payments, or microinsurance, ideally integrated with public health systems. Requiring earned revenue, real customer scale, and gender-inclusive teams signals that this is growth capital for commercially serious ventures, not seed money. The strongest fits are established, revenue-generating healthcare enterprises ready to scale access for underserved populations. Geographies: Global. Who can apply: For-profit and hybrid healthcare social enterprises serving low-income and underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries, using combined physical and digital (brick-and-click) healthcare delivery models. Applicants must demonstrate measurable social impact, generate at least 50% of income through earned revenue, have been established no later than December 2023, already serve at least 50,000 people with potential to scale, and have at least 30% low-income customers. Preference for gender-inclusive enterprises with at least one female founder or at least 30% women in management. Funding amount: Pilot funding of up to USD $45,000 for the 6-8 shortlisted social enterprises; up to USD $1 million in blended funding (up to USD $600,000 unconditional plus up to USD $400,000 conditional) shared among 3-4 finalists over a two-year implementation period; total programme funding approximately USD $1.3 million. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation, Science & Technology · SDG3; SDG5. Deadline: October 4, 2026. Learn more and apply here. Horizon HealthTech 2026, IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center. *Closing soon!* IIITD Innovation and Incubation Center is opening Horizon HealthTech 2026, a nine-month MedTech incubation cohort run under the aegis of BIRAC EDGE for founders building medical devices, diagnostics, surgical and interventional tools, or remote monitoring. The center is backing teams that already hold a validated proof of concept and want to reach a tested prototype, pairing each founder with a named expert and clinical validation through a hospital partner. What they seek to back is Indian health technology that can survive real clinical scrutiny and regulatory review, not slideware. The structure, with lab access, CDSCO guidance, IP support, and investor connects, signals a program built to make startups ready for follow-on capital. The strongest fits are early-stage MedTech teams with defensible IP and a working path from bench to bedside. Geographies: India. Who can apply: Early-stage teams/startups with a validated idea/proof of concept (TRL 3 onwards) working on medical devices, diagnostics, surgical/interventional technologies, or remote monitoring, holding IP or with potential to generate IP. Funding amount: No cash award amount is stated on the official program page. Benefits are in-kind: prototyping lab and equipment access, clinical/hospital validation (Max Healthcare), expert mentorship, CDSCO regulatory guidance, IP filing support, workspace, cloud credits and tools, and investor connects. Run under the aegis of BIRAC EDGE and builds a path to follow-on Government/VC/Angel funding. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation, Science & Technology · SDG3; SDG9. Deadline: October 5, 2026. Learn more and apply here. OpenAI AI and Teen Development Research Grant Program, OpenAI. *New!* *Closing soon!* OpenAI is opening its AI and Teen Development Research Grant Program to fund independent studies of how generative AI shapes the lives of young people ages 13 to 17. OpenAI wants a stronger evidence base on how teens actually use these tools and what that use does to their social and emotional development, so that product teams, policymakers, and regulators can act on findings rather than assumptions. It seeks work on emotion regulation, relationships, belonging, and the safeguards that keep teens safer, welcoming interdisciplinary teams and any methodology. That it will fund research whose conclusions may not favor AI providers, and prioritizes studies touching ChatGPT, signals a genuine appetite for credible outside scrutiny. The strongest fits are research groups grounded in adolescent development, well-being, and AI safety. Geographies: Global. Who can apply: Researchers aged 18 or older who are affiliated with a research institution or organization, and/or have significant experience relevant to child or adolescent development, well-being, human-computer interaction, AI impacts, or a closely related field. Multiple institutions may collaborate. OpenAI is seeking to fund research rather than for-profit initiatives and will not prioritize for-profit organizations. Funding amount: Individual research grants up to USD $1 million, totaling up to USD $5 million; maximum 10% of each grant for overhead or indirect costs. Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Inclusion & Community Wellbeing; Innovation, Science & Technology. Deadline: October 6, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
Buttigieg joins Ford at Las Vegas business to talk affordability
Buttigieg joins Ford at Las Vegas business to talk affordability
Debate stays civil: disagreement over war, health care, affordability
Health care and the war with Iran separated the two candidates running for Iowa's 4th Congressional District during a debate Wednesday night that featured extended civility between the two candidates.
Findings from the EHF Texas Health Tracking Poll 2025
The annual EHF Texas Health Tracking Poll 2025 also shows how health care affordability, food insecurity, and health are closely connected. Food-insecure Texans are more than 4.5 times as likely to have medical bill problems as those who are food secure, and health outcomes steadily worsen as food security decreases. Texans who regularly run short...
Task force ditches Wyoming-run health insurance plan idea, mulls unorthodox service models
by Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile A legislative task force studying health insurance affordability in Wyoming has declined to advance a proposal to create a
Task force ditches Wyoming-run health insurance plan idea, mulls unorthodox service models
Legislature-assigned panel studying healthcare affordability in Wyoming examines several alternative pricing structures. The task force hopes to continue work next year.
Health spending at state’s top insurer surged 12%, led by GLP-1s
Healthcare spending growth at the state’s largest commercial insurer surged by nearly 12% in fiscal 2025, according to a new study that offers a jarring account of healthcare affordability wo…
Governor Sherrill Launches State Health Benefits Program Reform Working Group
State, labor, and healthcare stakeholders begin structured process to develop recommendations for improving affordability and long-term sustainability TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill today announced the launch of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Reform Working Group, fulfilling a commitment made last month as part of the Administration’s agreement with 17 unions representing State[...]
State Fair of Texas brings lower prices, new attractions, more value options
From cheaper rides and games to over 200 food and drink options priced at $10 or less, the fair is putting a bigger focus on affordability.
Opinion | Why Is No One Doing Anything About Affordability?
Can 1990s-style politics make a comeback?
MYB This Weekend: Bucco Talks His 4-Point Affordability Plan for NJ Residents, Businesses
On this weekend’s Minding Your Business on News 12+, Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco joins Bob Considine to discuss his 4-point affordability plan
Atrium Health’s plan contested by state treasurer for legality
(The Center Square) – Nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, lawmakers active and retired, and members of higher education on Tuesday learned Atrium Health’s Affordability Protection Program would help provide
NC's State Health Plan moves to block Atrium program it calls an 'unlawful pricing scheme'
North Carolina's State Health Plan announced Friday it had requested a temporary restraining order in Wake County Superior Court to halt Atrium Health’s new “affordability program.”
Arkansas governor hopefuls focus on health, education, prisons
Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Democratic state Sen. Fred Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby said they would address affordability, healthcare, education and the state’s prison system if elected governor, but differ in their strategies.
Corporate site selection experts raise a warning flag on Colorado
Business site-selection experts had some concerns about Denver's affordability and regulations, they told the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce audience
In north Alabama congressional race, a Democrat pitches affordability and political reform
Throughout all of the 20th century, Alabama's 5th Congressional District, anchored in north Alabama, was represented by a Democrat. But in 2010, after the two parties had evolved and ideologically solidified into what they are today, voters sent Republican Mo Brooks to Congress, upending that longstanding electoral stasis.
Candidates for Congressional District 2 talk political parties, affordability
Incumbent Maggie Goodlander and challenger Lily Tang Williams face off in NH's 2nd District race, focusing on affordability and energy.
Democrats block data centers bill, derailing Senate GOP bid to act on affordability ahead of midterms
Senate Democrats on Wednesday blocked a GOP-led bill to combat rising energy costs driven by the data center boom, thwarting a last-ditch effort by Republicans to show they are taking voter concerns about affordability seriously.
Gen Z women want politicians who can make the 'American dream' feel attainable
Affordability is the top issue for Gen Z women. But few candidates are appealing to them with a message strong enough to cut through the noise.
ETX Politics: U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran talks AI guardrails, affordability and reelection bid
U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler, who represents Texas’ 1st Congressional District, joins Blake Holland on this week’s edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now. Moran discusses artificial intelligence guardrails, shipbuilding, his bid for reelection and the issue of affordability.
The New Affordability Fight in the Midterms: Home Insurance Prices
Extreme weather is driving up insurance rates, impacting races from California to the nation’s central Tornado Alley.
Democrats weigh how to handle data center vote that could benefit a GOP foe
“They say they’re for more affordability,” embattled GOP Sen. Jon Husted said. “This is a chance for everybody to prove it.”
Commentary: Politicians continue campaign of dehumanizing trans people as affordability crisis crushes families
Forget about the disastrous war nobody wanted, or your wallet drained by crippling expenses. Instead, be afraid of a small, defenseless community the GOP has scapegoated and reject as extremist any candidate who dares acknowledge their humanity.
Health affordability task force considers utility model
CHEYENNE — The Health Insurance Affordability Task Force discussed models Tuesday that could reduce the cost of health insurance in Wyoming, in addition to unanimously agreeing that the task force
Sen. Kennedy urges Trump to focus on affordability, address nation on Iran ahead of midterm elections
Moore, Crosby spar over economy and growth at Congressional District 2 debate
Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby discussed where they stand on Utah's economy, tariffs, and housing affordability during Congressional District 2 debate
Georgia Sen. Ben Watson highlights health care, affordability and public safety ahead of midterms
By day, Ben Watson is a medical doctor. For more than a decade, he has also served as a Republican state senator representing Georgia’s District 1.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson explains her plans for Michigan
In an exclusive interview with Spectrum News, Jocelyn Benson talks about her plan for affordability and more
LG candidates split on working with Trump as ICE, affordability dominate
Attention stayed on President Donald Trump during the first and only lieutenant governor debate Tuesday, closely following the contours of the showdown between Gov. Maura Healey and Republican challenger Mike
Women's Health Care Affordability Challenges
As health care costs dominate the national political conversation, our 2026 KFF Women’s Health Survey shows the toll those costs are taking on women. Our new nationally representative survey of women and men ages 18–64 finds costs remain a major barrier for women, specifically — causing everything from delayed care to rationed medications to cuts in spending on basic needs.
Poll: Cost of Health Care and Gas Top Voters' Midterm Concerns; Democrats Hold Significant Advantage on Health Care Costs and Cost of Living
Just a month away from the midterm elections, affordability worries continue to top the public’s list of midterm election issues, with health care costs and gas costs tying as the top economic concern, KFF’s new Health Tracking Poll finds. Voters overall trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle the cost of health care and the cost of living.
Corey Foreman says Georgia needs better health care access, affordability and government transparency
Corey Foreman came to Georgia from Maryland while serving in the military and was stationed at Fort Stewart. He is now a small-business owner in facility maintenance, a husband and the Democratic candidate for Georgia Senate District 1.
Amid Soaring Costs, Health Benefits Brokers Seek New Strategies
Affordability challenges are transforming the health benefits market, requiring brokers, carriers, and employers to make difficult decisions. In 2000,
In this deep-red city, rising costs test Trump’s affordability message
Trump campaigned on a promise to cut energy bills and attack inflation, but many voters say their expenses are rising faster than their paychecks.
When paychecks fall short: America's affordability squeeze
Three US families share how rising housing, health care and everyday costs are straining household budgets and turning affordability into a major political issue ahead of the midterm elections.
Fazio Shares Healthcare Affordability Plan » CBIA
Connecticut gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio outlined a healthcare affordability plan targeting high costs and workforce challenges.
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.
Medicare Beneficiaries with Multiple and Complex Health Needs Face Challenges
New KFF polling focuses on the health care access and affordability challenges among adults with multiple or complex health conditions, including older Medicare beneficiaries. The results suggest important opportunities for policymakers to strengthen Medicare access and affordability. Medicare Beneficiaries Often Have High Health Needs Many Medicare enrollees have multiple or serious health conditions. More than […]
Gen Z women want politicians who can make the ‘American dream’ feel attainable
Affordability is the top issue for Gen Z women. But few candidates are appealing to them with a message strong enough to cut through the noise.
Bucco Discusses 4-Point Affordability Plan on ‘Minding Your Business’
On this past weekend’s “Minding Your Business” on News 12+, Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco discussed his 4-point affordability plan to help New
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson explains her plans for Michigan
In an exclusive interview with Spectrum News, Jocelyn Benson talks about her plan for affordability and more
Forced Eviction of 87-Year-Old Woman Spurs Outrage in Spain
Demonstrations broke out across the country over the woman’s eviction in Madrid, putting rising rents and affordability at the top of the political conversation.
Gen Z women want politicians who can make the ‘American dream’ feel attainable
This story is part of Gen Z at the Ballot Box, a collaboration between States Newsroom and The 19th. Strike up a conversation with a Gen Z woman about politics, and affordability will likely come up within the first 30 seconds. The cost of doing anything, whether it’s renting a home, staying in college or getting […]
Atrium Health's new Affordability Protection Program lowers costs for state employees
Atrium Health's new Affordability Protection Program, effective January 1, 2027, will reduce outpatient surgical care copays and lower inpatient hospital copays.
Johnson Meets With Veterans in Austin to Discuss Health Care, Affordability
Johnson Meets With Veterans in Austin to Discuss Health Care, Affordability
Op-ed: Healthcare affordability debate misses insurers’ bad behavior
Premiums for small groups and individuals continue to skyrocket.
Treasurer criticizes new Atrium affordability program ahead of State Health Plan open enrollment period
State Treasurer Brad Briner criticized a new Atrium affordability plan, announced less than a week before the State Health Plan's open enrollment period.
Trump can't stop America's shift to clean energy. And we can accelerate it.
The cost of clean energy just keeps falling as the price of coal ramps up. Politicians promising affordability will follow those savings no matter who is in the White House. And in the meantime, there are ways to speed up the transition.
Cigna Healthcare Introduces Health Sense To Connect Guidance, Benefits and Clinical Support Around Each Person, Improving Affordability and Outcomes
/PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Healthcare, the health benefits division of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), today introduced Health Sense℠, a personalized customer and...
Independent candidate Bill Hill outlines priorities in Alaska U.S. House race
Independent U.S. House candidate Bill Hill outlines plans for affordability, energy, education and fisheries, drawing on his experience as an Alaska fisherman, educator and business owner.