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12 Star Wars: Galactic Racer Tips To Help You Avoid Crashing And Burning
You'll be the next Sebulba, yet, kid, if you these tips
David Ellison backs CNN’s Trump lawsuit, pledges editorial independence
CNN’s new owner, David Ellison, says he supports CNN’s legal action against the Trump administration over White House access, and will not interfere in the news organization’s coverage.
WGAL to host 36th District debate with candidates Malone, Jones
Democrat James Malone and Republican Tom Jones will meet for a televised debate next week on WGAL, less than a month before their highly anticipated showdown in Lancaster County’s 36th
Samsung starts rolling out Android 17 for Galaxy S24 and older foldables
As its rollout expands, Samsung is now bringing its Android 17-based One UI 9 update to the Galaxy S24 series...
Monica Byington featured at Local Artists Gallery
Monica Byington, a long-time member of the Local Artist Gallery, has been chosen as Artist of the Month for October.
Land sale for 324-unit downtown Sarasota apartment project called off
The cancellation of the sale of the 1800 block of Fruitville Road to an apartment developer isn't stopping plans for the Breakfast House-led move to a property 1 mile east of the current bungalow village location.
The 2026 Bluebird Banter Haiku Contest: Voting
Time to vote. I took all the haiku that had five or more recs. I had to put them into two polls because of an arbitrary limit that we have on Feed polls. 1: TCasserole Perfection and grace Gallant strides and vapour trails When Kirk steals second 2: Tom__M Walk, single, single Double play, strike […]
STAR WARS: Galactic Racer — Crashing with Consequence in Runs-Based Racing
Why wrecking out in STAR WARS: Galactic Racer, available today on XBOX Series X|S, is an essential part of the experience.
US Congresswoman Joins Fight to Keep Cannabis Legal in Massachusetts
Rep. Ayanna Pressley is urging Massachusetts voters to reject a ballot measure that aims to repeal the state’s adult-use cannabis laws.
Democrat Hickenlooper takes aim at Iran war in 1st general election ad
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper ties soaring fertilizer and fuel costs to what the Colorado Democrat calls President Donald Trump’s “illegal war” with Iran in the first general election TV ad, released on Tuesday by his campaign. In the 30-second spot, made available first to Colorado Politics, Hickenlooper links costs stemming from of the 31-week-old conflict […]
What Nathan Gallagher said in final 'Below Deck' episode before arrest
"Below Deck Mediterranean" cast member Nathan Gallagher talked about his young family's future and overcoming challenges in his final episode before he was arrested and convicted on domestic violence-
Star Wars: Galactic Racers Is Free to Play on Amazon Luna, Which Comes Free with Every Prime Membership
Star Wars: Galactic Racers is free to play on Amazon Luna, the game streaming service that comes free with every Prime membership.
Paramount-WBD deal closes; here are top quant-rated entertainment stocks
Paramount Skydance–WBD merger reshapes entertainment—see 20 top quant-rated movies & broadcasting stocks (AMC, DIS, NFLX, ROKU).
Waterbury Police Department
Earlier today, a neighborhood assessment was completed alongside the Waterbury Health Department, Public Works, Waterbury Police Department’s Community Relations Division and the Mayor’s Office to...
Googlebook’s Android-integrated features won’t work with Samsung phones at launch
Googlebook is here with Android integration as its main pitch, but Samsung users are left out at launch as Galaxy devices aren't supported yet
Pence Gallery: Moving in circles at the Pence
October at the Pence brings three new art exhibits, following our hugely successful Art Auction event.
Sphere Entertainment: Don't Let The Selloff Spook You
Sphere Entertainment stock pullback may be a buying chance: Sphere segment growth, new venues pipeline, and undervalued valuation.
Xbox Elite Controller 3 Specs Leak Via Xbox's Own Design Lab
Xbox's long awaited Elite Controller 3 may finally offer drift-free joysticks.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches on Amazon Luna as part of Prime subscription
"Luna players can jump into the single-player campaign the moment it launches without needing to own a console or wait for a lengthy download"
From ‘feel-good’ to urgent: NC lawmakers move to act on gas taxes
If the legislature suspends the state gas tax, it would save North Carolinians 41 cents per gallon.
Missouri’s 6th Congressional district: What to know about the candidates running in November
A Democrat, a Republican and a Libertarian are running to fill the seat vacated by the retiring Sam Graves, which covers most of the upper portion of Missouri.
Global Heat Forum seeks to galvanize action and investment
BANGKOK – The first Global Heat Forum opened today to unlock finance and supercharge solutions on extreme heat, amid record-breaking temperatures and an intensifying El Niño. The four-day event in Bangkok takes place as the Thai capital recovers from devastating rainfall and deadly floods.
Second October 'event' possible with new Macs as the focus
Apple already has an unannounced product reveal expected on October 13 and rumors suggest a second round of releases could occur by the end of the month.
Penguins giveaways galore, grounded by Jets
The first period was scoreless, but not for a lack of action, mostly in the Penguins’ defensive zone.
Legends Radio spotlights JB Berkow’s lifelong art passion
JB Berkow is the founder of Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts in Lake Worth Beach. LEGENDS RADIO / COURTESY PHOTO This week's Legends Radio Local Artist Spotlight shines on accomplished artist and passionate advocate for the arts, JB Berkow. For more than five decades, JB Berkow has dedicated her life not only to creating art but also to making sure art has a place to thrive. Her work has been exhibited throughout the country in galleries, museums, and universities, and is held in permanent collections, including the Vatican’s Contemporary Art Collection in Italy, Boston University, and Palm Beach International Airport. Her passion for supporting other artists began early. At age 26, Berkow founded Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C., which became a highly successful cooperative gallery. She later brought that same entrepreneurial spirit to South Florida, founding Frenchman’s Art Gallery and Studios in Juno Beach in 1995. She opened Rosetta Stone Fine Art Gallery in 2003. In 2015, JB took her commitment to arts education even further by founding the nonprofit Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts. The 15,000-square-foot facility in Lake Worth Beach is home to Florida’s largest publicly accessible glassblowing hot shop and offers instruction in glassblowing, fusing, flameworking, and glass casting. The center also provides free classes to approximately 1,000 underserved children and young adults with disabilities each year. Its “Fragments Reimagined” art therapy program for veterans with PTSD recently received a $100,000 Impact 100 grant. In addition to her work as an artist and advocate, Berkow has authored four books, including Shades of Love and What They Didn’t Teach You in Art School. For JB, art has always been about more than creating something beautiful. It’s about opening doors, inspiring others, and making creativity an important part of life.That is why JB Berkow is in this week’s Legends Radio Local Artist Spotlight.
Sphere Entertainment declines 14%, hits multi-month low
SPHR stock plunged 14% to a 6-month low as short interest stays high and ticketing trends blur.
Samsung rolling out Android 17 for more Galaxy devices in the US
Samsung’s Android 17 rollout is speeding up, with more last-gen Galaxy devices now getting One UI 9 updates in the...
Instagram Is Toying With A Read-Only Mode For Plus Subscribers
That’s a nicer name than ‘stalker mode.’
Joe Burrow Bengals Passing Records Watch: Week 5
Heading into the 2026 season, Joe Burrow has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Can he carry the Bengals back to the playoffs after missing in each of the last three seasons? In 2023, his season was shortened due to a freak wrist injury. That injury was so severe that "experts" on Twitter …
Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag 3 works with way more Android phones than anyone realized
No longer exclusive to Galaxy and iOS devices.
Tee Higgins considered day-to-day
Bengals WR Tee Higgins uncertain for Week 5 because of injury
Ja'Marr Chase in concussion protocol
Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase in concussion protocol after leaving the Week 4 game early
Supreme Court weighs local governments' climate lawsuits against oil, gas firms
Key justices appeared wary about the potential sweep of litigation, but torn over the complex legal interplay of federal and state laws raised by the case
Supreme Court weighs local governments' climate lawsuits against oil, gas firms
Key justices appeared wary about the potential sweep of litigation, but torn over the complex legal interplay of federal and state laws raised by the case
Massachusetts Governor Urges No Vote on Cannabis Prohibition Measure
Gov. Maura Healey said she opposes Question 8, a ballot measure that aims to wipe out the state’s adult-use legalization laws.
Police urge Pennsylvania businesses to remove skill games as legal deadline approaches
Months after a justice ruled that skill games are legally slot machines, a deadline is fast approaching for the machines to be removed.
Supreme Court kicks off new term with major climate case
The Supreme Court returns for its new term on Monday, and oral arguments in a major case over the fate of a costly climate change lawsuit brought by Boulder County, Colorado, will kick off a term set to feature several blockbuster legal battles. Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County will decide whether a […]
St. Louis County issues political sign placement reminders
St. Louis County Public Works staff will remove any signs that are illegally placed.
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.
Pennsylvania lawmakers, advocates to introduce universal health care legislation
Pa. lawmakers, advocates to introduce universal health care legislation
NAMI Central Florida highlights mental health resources during Mental Illness Awareness Week
Freddy Morello Jr., CEO of NAMI Central Florida, discusses free resources, new programs, and an upcoming gala during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Boomers, Science Has Good News About Your Farting Habits
Based on self-reported results, millennials and Gen Xers fart more often than baby boomers. But there are reasons why seniors may have increased flatulence.
Seattle-area businesses feel sting of ‘obscene diesel prices’
In Washington, the average cost for a gallon of diesel was around $7.37 Friday, according to the American Automobile Association, almost $2.50 more than a year ago.
Google Admits Some 'Complex' Android Apps Run Poorly On Intel Googlebooks
Android app compatibility on Googlebooks may not be as smooth as previously stated.
Is it legal? Trump promises Medicare and ACA checks without Congress ahead of midterm elections
President Trump is promising $90 payments to more than 20 million Medicare seniors and $500 refunds to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees, bypassing Congress and raising legal questions from Democrats.
Samsung One UI 9 Rollout: These Galaxy Phones Are Getting Android 17
Samsung’s One UI 9 rollout is expanding. See which Galaxy phones are getting Android 17, which devices are next, and how to check for the update.
Qalo SL-1 review: A barebones smart band that's priced like a flagship
Qalo’s first screenless tracker is too expensive for what it is.
Galaxy S27 Ultra colors leak, and Samsung could be breaking up with purple
Leaked Galaxy S27 Ultra colors suggest Samsung is retiring Deep Purple for another, surprising shade of color.
Gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste - 2
Image 2 of 15 from gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste. Fresh Kills Park. Image © USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency - December 6, 2012 via Wikipedia under Public Domain
Gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste - 3
Image 3 of 15 from gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste. Alsergrund, Viena. Image © C.Stadler/Bwag, via Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0
Gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste - 4
Image 4 of 15 from gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste. Agbogbloshie. Image © Muntaka Chasant, via Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0
Gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste - 1
Image 1 of 15 from gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste. Incineration Line in Roskilde / Erick van Egeraat. Image © Tim Van de Velde
Gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste - 5
Image 5 of 15 from gallery of Unearthing the Ground: Architecture and the Politics of Waste. Fresh Kills Park. Image © erial View Courtesy of NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Galaxy S25’s stable One UI 9.0 update reaches the USA
Last week, Samsung released the stable version of One UI 9.0 (Android 17) to the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the brand made it a
Bengals vs. Dolphins odds: Opening lines for Week 5 matchup
The Bengals are favored by more than a touchdown in Week 5.
Pony Cars Don't Always Have To Be American-Made
Jensen, Holden, and even Toyota have made automobiles that could easily be considered pony cars if you're willing to stretch the definition a bit.
Jesus: Cristiano Ronaldo will decide his Portugal future
Portugal boss Jorge Jesus has opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to resume his international career. Ronaldo left the national team squad after he was an unused substitute for a 2-1 win away to Norway in the Nations League on September 27.
Pape Gueye describes situation of former club Marseille as ‘sad’
Pape Gueye (27) has described the situation at his former club, Olympique de Marseille, as “sad”. The Villarreal midfielder returned to the Vélodrome on Sunday.Gueye featured in Senegal’s 1-0 w...
Euro zone business growth hits over 3-1/2-year high despite inflation worries, PMI shows
BENGALURU, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Euro zone business activity expanded at its fastest pace in nearly 3-1/2 years in September as demand remained strong despite inflation worries stemming from the Middle East war, according to a private survey which also showed resurgent price pressures.
Euro zone business growth hits over 3-1/2-year high despite inflation worries, PMI shows
By Indradip Ghosh BENGALURU, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Euro zone business activity expanded at its fastest pace in nearly 3-1/2 years in September as demand remained strong despite inflation worries stemming from the Middle East war, according to a private su...
'After the holidays' has arrived: The expert's recommendations for a proper return to routine
The holiday period has ended. Dr. Sigal Mazor, director of the Department of Health Education and Promotion at Clalit, provides a series of recommendations on returning to routine.
Jorge Jesus says Ronaldo will decide his Portugal future
Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome in the Portugal squad, with manager Jorge Jesus leaving the decision over his international future in the 41-year-old’s hands.Ronaldo left Portugal’s Nations Leag...
Euro drops to 17-month low as political and fiscal risks rise
Euro hits 17-month low as French politics and fiscal worries shake markets.
“I’m in the Hospital”: Chad Ochocinco Announces Health Update After Sudden Illness Amid Bengals’ Loss to Jaguars
As a former wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Chad Ochocinco had no choice but to root for his team as they battled against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Week 4 game. Unfortunately for him, the Bengals lost the game by 22-17.
Naeem Khan Propels His Artistic Vision Into Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala
The gala, hosted by Carson Daly, takes place Oct. 8 at Spring Studios
Seven receptions for Dohnte Meyers
Bengals WR Dohnte Meyers receives bigger role and posts seven catches and 82 yards
The reason the Mac mini is cheaper than a MacBook
Is it better to buy a Mac mini or a MacBook? If you already have a display, mouse and keyboard, the mini makes sense. If you don't, a MacBook might be smarter.
Chase Brown more involved in pass game in Week 4
Bengals RB Chase Brown finishes with 71 receiving yards in Week 4
You should avoid using a screen protector on your MacBook
Screen protectors can do more harm than good.
When is it worth getting a sound card for your PC?
Does a sound card really improve audio quality on a PC? For most uses, the improvement won't be noticeable. But those who require high-precision audio need it.
Portugal reach quarters with comeback win over Norway
Portugal maintained their perfect start to the Nations League with a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway at the Estádio do Dragão.Jorge Jesus’ side fell behind despite controlling much of the early p...
Portugal move into Nations League knockout stage, Germany held
Portugal became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Nations League when they beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday, but Jurgen Klopp's Germany were frustrated by Greece.
KFF: U.S. poised to boot thousands of legal immigrants from Medicaid
The Upcoming Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro Is Reportedly 'Significantly Lighter'
The high-end laptop is still expected to make its debut by next month.
Ja'Marr Chase out with concussion
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase left the Week 4 game, and he has been ruled out for the rest of the game due to concussion
Five iPhone 18 Pro features you’ll want to try the second you unbox it
If you get an iPhone 18 Pro, this is what you need to try first to see what's new and put your new device through its paces.
7 Four-Cylinder Sports Cars That, Dare We Say, Could Be Called Super
Four-cylinder supercars include the ASA 1000 GT, Lotus Esprit and Emira, Porsche 924 Carrera GT and 968 Turbo S, BAC Mono, and Alfa Romeo 4C.
C.J. Uzomah tailgates with Bengals fans before Jaguars game
C.J. Uzomah tailgated with Bengals fans before the game against the Jaguars on Oct. 4.
Sony Digital Camera Model Numbers Explained: Bigger Isn't Always Better
Everything you need to know about Sony's alphanumeric naming schemes.
Bad Bengals injury updates impact inactives vs. Jaguars
The Bengals have some big injured names on the inactives list vs. Jaguars.
The pros and cons of enabling Wi-Fi calling
If you're often in areas with a poor mobile connection, try Wi-Fi calling to run calls over local networks instead. Just know about the cons first.
Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: (Slightly) faster charging and potentially fewer camera artifacts
While industry insiders are currently focused on the starting mass production of some Galaxy S27 series components like the Exynos 2700, leakers are sharing more details about battery and camera improvements that could matter to end users.
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.
Customizing your Samsung Galaxy phone is a bit easier with One UI 9
One UI 9 is rolling out to newer Samsung Galaxy devices, and it unlocks lots of new customization features, particularly in Good Lock and Home Up.
Steelers LB fined for play vs. Bengals
Holcomb is the second Steelers player to be fined this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals: How to watch, start time, where to stream and more
Find out how to watch the Bengals vs. Jaguars NFL game this week.
Your Samsung Gallery app finally syncs with Google Photos — how to set it up right now
Samsung Gallery has moved on from OneDrive to Google Photos. Here's how to set it up to keep your photos backed up.
‘We cannot divide ourselves’
Bruno Fernandes has urged Portugal not to become divided following Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave the national team camp.Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons behind his decision “in ti...
After a month with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, every other Android phone feels wrong
I've used the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for a month, and switching to any other Android phone now feels wrong.
Rare police raid of Taipei gay bar sparks angry protest
Around 100 members of Taipei's LGBTQ+ community protested on Sunday after police raided a gay bar the day before and detained its customers, a highly unusual move given that Taiwan prides itself on its liberal image and legal support for sexual minorities.
Our take on Colorado’s 2026 ballot measures
Constitutional Amendment 81: Law enforcement reporting requirements to federal authorities Changes the state constitution. All such amendments need 55% to be enacted. Amendment 81 would amend the state constitution to require law enforcement to notify U.S. government immigration officials when they charge a person who is in the country illegally and the alleged offense is […]
Portugal vs Norway – Predicted lineup and team news
Portugal and Norway are set to meet again on Sunday in their fourth UEFA Nations League group-stage clash, which also marks the final fixture for both sides during this international window.Portugal a...
Search warrant served at another Butler County business in ongoing illegal gambling investigation
An illegal gambling investigation in Butler County, Missouri continues.
Trey Hendrickson updates: Former Bengals star missing game with Ravens
Former Bengals star Trey Hendrickson is already missing at least one game with the Ravens.
iPhone Owners Turn Off This Setting To Save Battery Life
The Background App Refresh on iPhone keeps your apps updated with the latest information before they are opened, which is nice, but it drains the battery.
Illinois catering business ordered to shut down after high school football team got sick before homecoming
The unlicensed caterer served a taco bar with fajita chicken, seasoned taco beef, cheese, flour taco shells, cheesy pepper beans, cilantro corn rice and pico de gallo or salsa
Bengals News: Joe Burrow on Pace for Career Year
The Bengals’ star quarterback is off to a great statistical start in 2026.
Search warrant served at another Butler County business in ongoing illegal gambling investigation
An illegal gambling investigation in Butler County, Missouri continues.