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Nashville summit connects Israeli healthtech startups with U.S. healthcare leaders
Sixteen Israeli companies showcased technologies ranging from clinical AI to patient monitoring and healthcare automation.
ICYMI: Hickenlooper, McCormick Celebrate Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus
In case you missed it, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Dave McCormick joined scientists, researchers, and legislative staff at a kickoff event last week at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the formation of their U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus. Watch the highlights of the kickoff event HERE. “If you were to look at […]
Proposed Changes to Demographic Data Collection in the Census Could Impact Efforts to Address Health and Health Care Disparities
This issue brief provides an overview of the decennial census and discusses potential implications of the changes outlined in a September 2026 proposed rule to prohibit the collection of race and ethnicity data on the census and exclude many noncitizen immigrants from the apportionment count.
Alabama is taking TikTok to trial over teen mental health claims in a U.S. first
The trial, beginning Monday in Montgomery, is the first case against TikTok to reach a jury in sweeping social media litigation
Paid Family and Sick Leave in the U.S.
This fact sheet summarizes federal, state, and local policies on paid family and medical leave and paid sick leave.
US core capital goods orders surge in August
New orders for key U.S.-manufactured capital goods increased more than expected in August and data for the prior month was revised sharply higher, pointing to another quarter of robust growth in business spending on equipment amid an artificial intelligence infrastructure buildout.
Pioneer of China NewCo model sued in US over trade secret misuse, double-dealing
A legal feud unfolding in New York is putting a spotlight on the work of a business development veteran who is credited for pioneering one of biopharma’s hottest dealmaking mechanism: the China “NewCo” model. In a lawsuit originally filed in New York state court and recently moved to federal court, China’s Lepu Medical Technology has alleged that biopharma business development consultant Su Zhang, who was hired to help shop its GLP-1 weight-loss candidates to Western partners, engaged in corporate double-dealing and trade secret leaks. According to the complaint, while acting as Lepu’s primary dealmaking liaison for a group of obesity and metabolic disease drug candidates, Zhang was secretly double-dipping as the acting chief business officer for a direct competitor, BrightGene Pharmaceutical. “She never adequately disclosed the role, never sought Lepu’s consent, and never proposed any safeguard,” Lepu alleged in its complaint, which was filed in July after Zhang’s consulting firm, CoDevCo, sought certain transaction-based success fees from its angry customer through an arbitration process in Singapore. Lepu, the parent company of Lepu Biopharma, has asked Zhang to pay back its $500,000 retainer and disgorge all benefits she received during the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, plus other damages and relief. The company has also requested the court grant injunctions to protect Lepu’s trade secrets. The ill-fated partnership officially kicked off in December 2024, when Lepu tapped CoDevCo as its “exclusive business development mechanism” to identify collaborators for the company’s drug candidates. According to Lepu’s complaint, Zhang personally negotiated and signed the agreement as managing director for CoDevCo, which used her home address. Before the Lepu deal, Zhang made a name following a short stint as the global head of business development for Hengrui Pharmaceuticals. It was during her tenure that Hengrui signed a landmark deal granting exclusive rights for a portfolio of GLP-1 assets to Hercules, which was at that time newly established by a group of private equity and venture capital firms. In addition to the regular upfront and milestone payments, Hengrui also gained an equity stake in Hercules, which later became Kailera Therapeutics. The Hengrui-Hercules deal opened a new paradigm, where a Chinese biopharma company spins off certain early-stage assets to investors for further development through the creation of a new company abroad. The “NewCo” model quickly came into vogue as it allows Western investors to access high-potential assets originating from China at an early stage while giving the Chinese licensors an opportunity to reap long-term benefits through equity stakes in the new firms. The NewCo model proved its value when Kailera staged a record-breaking $625 million IPO on Nasdaq this April, merely two years into the Hengrui deal. Related Kailera CEO 'knew we were in a good spot' before obesity biotech's record-breaking $625M IPO On her LinkedIn page, Zhang described her work at Hengrui as “[b]uilding team and capability from the ground up,” forming NewCo and major pharma partnerships worth billions of dollars. Lepu clearly wanted that kind of track record to help boost its own cardiometabolic portfolio, which includes a range of assets for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and muscle preservation during weight loss treatment. “Lepu’s pipeline is very valuable, but only if Lepu could secure the right international partner to expand into the overseas market during the available commercial window,” the company argued in its complaint. The Chinese biotech said it had little knowledge of U.S. laws, customs or business practices in the business development field, and therefore “needed to rely entirely” on the expertise of Zhang and her team as the firm’s first engagement of a U.S.-based BD consultant. “Zhang’s dominating influence on the business development strategy is further evidenced by the fact that she personally controlled the business-development communications on behalf of Lepu with potential partners,” Lepu said in its complaint. After entering the deal, Zhang introduced Lepu to her four associates. According to Lepu’s version of events, all of them were allegedly employed at different time points to perform similar jobs at other Chinese companies that Lepu described as its competitors, while having access to Lepu’s confidential information. As such, Lepu described Zhang’s team as “a roster of individuals whose primary professional loyalty, by virtue of their concurrent full-time employment, ran to Lepu’s competitors.” As well as the specific examples set out in the case, a look at Lepu’s deals over the period suggests Zhang may have been involved in at least one transaction. During their partnership, Lepu, through its subsidiary Shanghai Minwei Biotechnology, also out-licensed its GLP-1/GIP/FGF21 agonist MWN105 to a NewCo called Sidera Bio in the fall of 2025. The deal included an upfront and near-term payment of $35 million, up to $1.01 billion in milestones, and a 9.99% stake in the Danish startup. It seems likely that Zhang facilitated the Minwei deal given that Lepu is on record as having used CoDevCo as its “exclusive business development mechanism.” The big shock for Lepu came in the form of a news article on June 25, 2025. The article, reporting on phase 2 data for BrightGene’s GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist BGM0504, identified Zhang as acting chief business officer of the Lepu rival. Blindsided by her association with BrightGene, Lepu confronted Zhang in July 2025. “Lepu was given assurances that there was nothing to be concerned about and told that Zhang would explain the matter to Lepu,” Lepu alleged in its complaint. “Zhang never did.” Lepu claimed that Zhang had the motive and opportunity to steer potential prospective partners toward BrightGene or other competitors. Later, in February 2026, one of Zhang’s associates joined BrightGene as the vice president for global business development, according to the complaint. Around the same time, Lepu sent written demand letters asking Zhang to account for her BrightGene role, identify what confidential data were shared with the rival firm, and provide any conflict-of-interest or firewall policies during the engagement. According to Lepu, neither CoDevCo nor Zhang answered the questions in their responses. Related Novo vs. KBP: How a $1.3B deal turned into a fraud accusation and an international legal fight In a motion to dismiss filed with the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York on Sept. 4, Zhang’s legal team argued that Lepu’s agreement was signed with CoDevCo, and that an employee of the contractor does not owe fiduciary duties to the client. In its complaint, Lepu said: “That CoDevCo was the contracting entity does not insulate Zhang from personal liability for duties she personally undertook and personally breached.” Taking the argument one step further, the defending party argued that the consulting agreement “does not create a fiduciary relationship even between CoDevCo and Lepu; instead, it identifies CoDevCo as an independent contractor retained to market Lepu’s business to potential western partners.” Although CoDevCo was Lepu’s exclusive business-development contractor, there were no terms stipulating that the consulting firm should serve only Lepu, Zhang’s lawyer noted. As to Lepu’s claims that Zhang misappropriated trade secrets, the defendant argued that Lepu authorized the use of the information so Zhang’s team could perform their service per the agreement. In a rebuttal filed on Sept. 11, Lepu’s lawyer set out why they believe the Chinese biotech satisfied New York law’s misappropriation definition by alleging that the defendant used a trade secret “in breach of a duty or through improper means.” As an alternative to dismissing the suit, the defendant suggested the action should be stayed pending outcomes from the arbitration of a separate case in Singapore. While NewCo pioneer Zhang is defending her business arrangements, momentum behind the NewCo trend has continued unabated into 2026. Through August, Chinese biotech assets have spurred 15 NewCo deals this year, according to local trade publication PharmaDJ.
UN Global Compact Network USA Annual Summit Convenes U.S. Business Leaders to Cultivate Innovation & Resiliency
/PRNewswire/ -- More than 140 leaders from U.S. companies and the United Nations gathered in New York City for the UN Global Compact Network USA Annual Summit,...
A Megadrought Has Been Plaguing the U.S. for 27 Years—And Scientists Say It May Never End
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) historically drove a regular wet-dry cycle, but climate change might’ve hijacked this once-predictable climate pattern.
Why the U.S. Chamber Shows Up at UNGA: Connecting American Business to the World
Motorcades, boardrooms, and billion-dollar conversations: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Chief International Affairs Officer reflects on what the UN General Assembly really means for American business and global growth.
Muslim Americans push back as Republican politicians stoke anti-Sharia rhetoric ahead of election
Senator Ted Cruz targeted Muslim Americans at the recent Republican midterm convention, declaring that Sharia law “has no place in America.” It was part of a broader surge of GOP rhetoric condemning the religious code followed by Muslims in the U.S. and around the world. Muslim American leaders a...
Welcome to the home stretch
💰 And a first look at an unusual new spending effort on behalf of U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
SC will elect ‘outsider’ to U.S. Senate. Whose bid for Congress does it help more?
Neither Democratic nominee Annie Andrews nor Republican candidate U.S. Sen. Darline Graham has been elected to political office.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
Why Germany Is Building an Ark for U.S. Climate Data
As researchers around the world begin work on the next U.N. climate assessment, fears are growing that the Trump administration could meddle with critical U.S. climate data.
Pope Leo XIV affirms need for media when asked about Trump ban at White House
Pope Leo XIV told reporters they were welcome to cover him as he responded a question about the Trump administration’s attempt to bar U.S. media from the White House by affirming the importance of...
Pope Leo XIV affirms need for media when asked about Trump ban at White House
Pope Leo XIV told reporters they were welcome to cover him as he responded a question about the Trump administration’s attempt to bar U.S. media from the White House by affirming the importance of...
Allison Schrager: We’re all AI investors now, and that’s risky
Like it or not, we are all betting on AI taking over the economy. In the last 40 years, the U.S. has become a nation of stock investors. On the
Political science professors weigh in on U.S. House recess
On Sept. 16, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson recessed the House of Representatives a day earlier than scheduled. He sent members of Congress home to their districts before the midterm elections. This decision came following Rep. Thomas Massie’s introduction of articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, primarily related to military action...
How one Oregon politician plans to use his power to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland
Oregon's senior U.S. senator is calling on other NBA owners to make sure Tom Dundon doesn't relocate Portland's franchise.
Texas Republicans splinter as MAGA candidates test party limits
GOP leaders are voicing doubts about U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who's trailing Democrat James Talarico in polls with less than six weeks until Election Day.
Trump Is Hosting Xi for a State Dinner. It’s a Rarity for the U.S. President.
The state dinner for President Xi on Thursday will be only the fourth hosted by President Trump, far fewer than past U.S. presidents.
Huntsville Hospital Health Security Team named 2026 Outstanding Security Team
Huntsville Hospital Health’s security team has been named the 2026 Outstanding Security Team, earning the top prize from the U.S. Outstanding Security Performance Awards.
Students try health care careers at Finley Hospital amid worker shortage
Dubuque students got a hands-on look at their potential future in health care on Thursday as the U.S. faces a projected 250,000 worker shortfall in the industry by 2038.
POLITICS Christian Mitchell talks about Gov. Pritzker, Ulysses S. Grant and the fight for marriage equality
Christian Mitchell—a former Illinois state representative and deputy governor—is on the statewide election ticket alongside Gov. JB Pritzker in a bid for lieutenant governor, as his running mate seeks a third term. (Outgoing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is running for the U.S. Senate.) Mitchell graduated from the University of Chicago in 2008, and planned on […]
Lennar model homes expected to open in October
Lennar Corp., the second largest homebuilder in the U.S., announced today that in October model homes will be open for tours in five Central Iowa residential communities. In May, the Miami, Fla.-based company confirmed to the Business Record that it was entering the Des Moines market. At the time, company officials declined to say in…
Veteran carries golf clubs across Iowa to start conversations about mental health
For the retired U.S. Army Ranger, the clubs are a way to connect with fellow veterans along the route.
‘Love Me’: White House airs government-funded ad praising Trump
With the midterm elections approaching, the White House is airing a new TV ad promoting President Donald Trump and his policies that says it is “Paid for by the U.S. Government.”
Maryland businesses impacted by drought can apply for federal disaster loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering federal disaster loans to eligible Maryland businesses and private nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by drought.
Google Photos Wardrobe Feature Comes to iOS
Google today said its digital wardrobe option is available in the Google Photos iOS app in the U.S., India, and Brazil. Google first announced the feature back in April, but it was limited to Android users until now. The wardrobe option uses AI to pull images of clothing from the Google Photos library, organizing them into a digital closet. Users can put items together to create outfits and virtually try them on. The app shows clothing items in a new Wardrobe section in the Collections tab.
Concerns about misuse of flock cameras cross Alabama’s political aisle
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, joined colleague Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, in asking the Department of Justice to give guidance on flock cameras.
Presidents Cup live leaderboard, updates: Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns lead U.S. team early Thursday at Medinah
Macklemore sets Free Palestine tour after firing from Ed Sheeran tour
Macklemore reveals his Free Palestine tour, a week after he was dismissed from Ed Sheeran's tour. The tour currently consists of three stops in Europe but will later include U.S. shows, he said.
Health Insurance Coverage of the Urban Population
State level data on Health Insurance Coverage of the Urban Population from KFF, the leading health policy organization in the U.S.
US government foots bill for television advertisement featuring Trump's midterm messaging
An ad running on Fox News and Newsmax showing images of President Donald Trump and calling for the defeat of communism was paid for by the U.S. government. The 30-second
Unionized doctors reach tentative deal with Allina Health after four-day strike
The agreement follows a four-day strike, believed to be the first by inpatient doctors at a private-sector hospital in U.S. history.
From Congress to County Commissioner: Kentucky State Council Urges Multilevel Political Power
A packed room of IAM delegates attended the fall session of the Kentucky State Council in Calvert City, Ky. Local political candidates, who are running for positions like local commissioner to U.S. Congress, courted coveted labor votes in the IAM. The keynote speaker was retired IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger who talked about the importance
Melania Trump hosts China’s first lady
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan on Thursday toured one of the largest Asian art museums in the United States, celebrating cultural ties between the U.S. and China during a high-profile diplomatic visit to Washington. Leaving their husbands behind at the White House, the first ladies visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian […]
Axios House: Politics complicates U.S. ambitions in energy race
Politics is an obstacle to the country's competitive energy and climate efforts at a critical time, industry leaders say.
U.S. business groups warned Trump that a diesel export ban would backfire on prices
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, API, and dozens of other groups sent Trump a joint letter Wednesday opposing the measure
Memories for profit: Is influencer marketing becoming too much?
Wimbledon removes accreditation for influencers to attend the U.S. Open.
Fact check: What are U.S. Senate candidates’ stances on data centers in KS race?
As some communities seek to leverage projects to offset local taxes, others are preparing to vote on proposals to ban data center developments outright.
Google tests letting Gemini call businesses for you
Google says the AI-calling feature will first be available to Pixel 11 owners in the U.S. who pay for a Gemini subscription.
Google tests letting Gemini call businesses for you
Google says the AI-calling feature will first be available to Pixel 11 owners in the U.S. who pay for a Gemini subscription.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 arrives three years after the Ultra 2. Across those two generations, Apple added satellite connectivity, a larger display, new health sensors, and longer battery life. Are those changes enough to justify replacing an Ultra 2 or paying more for the newest model? Both watches retain a 49mm titanium case, an Action button, a siren, a 3,000-nit display, dual-frequency GPS, and support for recreational diving to 40 meters. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 in the U.S.
COURTHOUSE NEWS: Feds find Tijuana River pollution poses public health hazard in San Diego
“Polluted water becomes polluted air, and air reaches everyone who breathes it, far beyond anyone who touches the water,” one UC San Diego researcher said. By Quinn Welsch, Courthouse News Service A report on the Tijuana River pollution crisis from the U.S. Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed what many people living in San Diego County have long suspected: Air pollution from the river has reached levels capable of harming their health. The federal health assessment from the department’s Agency […]
Trump ad airing with government funding despite law against ‘propaganda’
A TV ad boosting President Trump and saying that it was paid for by the U.S. government is airing in two major markets despite a federal law against using tax funds for "propaganda."
Concrete captain recalls hummable `Sail with the Pilot’ commercial
Pilot Financial is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an independent company, with a staff of about 15 that provides back-office, compliance, sales and other support to 120 financial advisors nationwide. Six are based in Greensboro, the others elsewhere in the U.S.
Provident Bank Goes Live with MANTL Business and Retail Account Opening Across its 135-Branch Network
/PRNewswire/ -- Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT), a digital sales and service platform provider for financial institutions in the U.S., today announced...
Jenga and the U.S. census: Way more than just counting people
A new book, “Data Are Made, Not Found,” from danah boyd, professor of communication, is an insider’s account of the 2020 census and how the pandemic and political forces from left, right and center threatened to take it down like a Jenga tower.
South Carolina Research Authority Receives Grant From SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it awarded more than $8 million in grants to 50 organizations, including the South Carolina Research Authority, through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership...
SFHHA Newsline September 2026 – Healthcare Is Becoming a Consumer Business—Whether Hospitals Like It or Not
I recently read an article in Becker’s Hospital Review that purported to identify the top ten geriatric hospitals based on a report from U.S. News & World Report. Despite having our fair share of geriatric patients here in South Florida, somehow we didn’t make the list. That got me thinking. For generations, healthcare operated under […]
Israel’s Netanyahu takes the U.N. stage facing global isolation and a fight for his political future
Netanyahu is not scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump or any other any other U.S. officials and is expected to return to Israel shortly after his speech.
One of the most contagious diseases on the planet is having its worst U.S. outbreak since 1991
The CDC has added a single measles death to its online counter. In the last few weeks, four unvaccinated people have died from measles in Pennsylvania, according to state officials. But RFK Jr. has publicly questioned what caused the deaths.
Inside Neko's U.S. expansion: Co-founder Daniel Ek on the future of preventative health
Daniel Ek, Neko co-founder joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's expansion in the U.S., future of preventative health, and more.
Prudential renames U.S. advice business as Prudential Wealth Advisors
Newark-based Prudential renamed its U.S. financial advice business Prudential Wealth Advisors after assets under management grew to $44 billion.
What to know about Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi and the economic stakes
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. and China have agreed to extend a trade truce. Here’s a guide to what else is happening behind the scenes.
Under Trump, NIH funding disruptions have evolved. Here's what the numbers show
Stories of science funding being cut, labs shutting down and scientists losing jobs have flooded the media under Trump's administration. These six graphics show how those changes have affected U.S. biomedical research.
Tucker Carlson has a new enemy: the politics he helped build
Tucker Carlson is talking about what happened behind closed doors in his very public break with President Trump over the war with Iran.He recounts an Oval Office meeting, before the conflict began, when Carlson says he warned Trump that he was allowing the U.S. to be led to war by Israel. “Yes, you’re right,” Carlson claims Trump admitted. “But in the end we all die anyway, so it doesn’t matter.” "And I was shocked by that, because it's nihilism,” he says. “That's the last thing any leader should display.”In response to a request for comment from NPR, the White House did not address that point specifically, instead sending along a social media post by the president that describes Carlson and others as “stupid people” who want Iran to have a nuclear weapon.In this episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, Carlson and host Steve Inskeep unpack the conservative commentator’s split with Trump and the MAGA movement. They also get into faith, money, political power, and why Carlson believes both major parties have failed Americans.Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Passing the torch: Who will own the business next?
Across our region, businesses are changing hands. While 350,000 U.S. baby boomers attempt to sell their businesses annually, the Inland Northwest alone holds a pool of 49,000 baby boomer-owned businesses facing transition. However, local and national success rates hover between 20% and 30%. When…
Time for the Supreme Court to finally end Boulder’s climate shakedown
The first case the U.S. Supreme Court hears in its new term won’t come from Washington or Wall Street. It will come from Boulder. And if you drive to work, heat a house or buy groceries in this state, you have a stake in how it comes out. On Oct. 5, the court will hear […]
Unionized hospital doctors reach deal with Allina Health after historic 4-day strike
The union representing about 150 Allina hospital doctors announced on Wednesday a tentative agreement on a first labor contract covering wages and benefits. The agreement follows a four-day strike last week, believed to be the first by private-sector hospital doctors in U.S. history. It came after three years and more than 66 contentious negotiation sessions […]
U.S. and China Agree to Extend Trade Truce by 2 Months, Bessent Says
The Treasury secretary, who is leading talks with China, said the countries had agreed to extend a trade truce until January.
Trump SBA to Extend Comment Period After Ranking Member Markey Leads Effort to Rescind SBA Policy that Reclassifies Billion-Dollar Businesses as “Small Businesses”
Trump admin policy would reclassify 114,000 larger businesses as “small” to access small business resources and win federal contracts meant for small businesses Letter (PDF) (Washington, September 23) – This week, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its plans to extend the deadline to submit comments on its controversial proposed rule regarding small business size standards until November 20. The Trump SBA’s announcement came shortly after Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), alongside 12 of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Administrator Kelly Loeffler demanding that the Trump SBA rescind a harmful policy that would dramatically redefine what a small business is. The Administration’s proposed policy would change the small business size standard to designate 114,000 larger companies some with annual revenue above $1 billion—as small businesses, giving these businesses access to small business resources and federal contracts typically set aside for actual small businesses. In the letter, Ranking Member Markey and the lawmakers emphasized that small businesses will be shut out of the federal contracting space as government agencies award contracts to larger businesses, causing small businesses to lose revenue, lay off workers, or close their businesses entirely. “For more than 70 years, SBA’s mission has been clear: promote and protect the interests and viability of small businesses. By proceeding with this proposed methodology and rule, SBA moves further away from its mission of facilitating healthy small business participation in the U.S. economy. We urge SBA to rescind these proposals, meet in earnest with small businesses across the country, and discuss the proposal and methodology with congressional committees of jurisdiction. SBA must be committed to developing measured increases to the size standards that do not reward large, billion-dollar companies but instead helps our small businesses survive, grow, and thrive.” The lawmakers highlighted the following points in their letter: Under the Trump SBA’s new size standards, the highest receipts-based standard would exceed $1 billion in annual revenue—more than 20 times the current $47 million maximum—and the highest employee-based standard would reach 3,600 employees—more than twice the current 1,500 employee maximum. Specific increases include an increase in size of nearly 492% for banks, 1,500% for law firms, and more than 2,051% for private equity firms. Of the 114,000 businesses that would be newly classified as small, more than 37,000 of these businesses have collectively won more than 100,000 federal contracts worth approximately $71 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 alone without a small business designation. If SBA included the awards won by these 37,000 businesses in its Fiscal Year 2025 analysis, small business contracts would have accounted for 38% of all federal contracts, instead of the 27% that SBA announced this summer. The letter was co-signed by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Christopher Coons (D-Dela.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). Ranking Member Markey is fighting to protect small businesses in Massachusetts and across the country from the Trump SBA’s harmful policies that put big businesses and billionaires over American small businesses, workers, and families. In August, Ranking Member Markey slammed the Trump SBA’s proposal to overhaul its small business size standards to benefit big businesses over small businesses. In July, Ranking Member Markey and House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-7) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind the Trump administration’s policy that bans green card holders from accessing essential Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to start and grow their businesses. Also in July, Ranking Member Markey and Senator Hirono submitted a comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) opposing a proposed rule change by Trump’s SBA to the 8(a) Business Development Program that would harm underserved small business owners and entrepreneurs. In June, Ranking Member Markey released a new report highlighting Trump’s drastic reduction in federal contracting dollars awarded to American small businesses. ###
Maine Dems hammer Collins over report of pay-to-play probe. GOP senator calls it 'completely false'
Maine Democrats on Wednesday assailed U.S. Sen. Susan Collins over a news report that the FBI investigated how much she knew about illegal campaign contributions that sent one of her donors to prison.
S&P Global Data Shows Fastest US Business Growth Since Post-COVID Reopening
U.S. business activity grew in September at the fastest rate for over five years, according to the S&P Global US Flash PMI released Wednesday (Sept.
Betsy Devos, education advocate, business leader, philanthropist
DeVos is a longtime education advocate and one-time U.S. Secretary of Education under President Donald J. Trump.
U.S. News 2027 Best Undergrad Business Schools Ranking: Wharton Reclaims The Solo Crown
Undergraduate students walk through a corridor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, which stands alone at No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 ranking of undergraduate business prog...
U.S. News 2027 Best Undergrad Business Schools Ranking: Wharton Reclaims The Solo Crown
U.S. News’ 2027 undergraduate business ranking puts Wharton alone at No. 1. Plus specialty leaders and the ranking's biggest movers.
As Xi Visits Washington, Trump Plays Down China’s Actions Against U.S. Interests
Despite the rivalry between the United States and China, President Trump has repeatedly found ways to give President Xi Jinping of China a pass, portraying him more as a personal friend than a competitor.
Drugmaker Astellas looks to sell U.S. headquarters in Northbrook
The 431,792-square-foot property will provide a rare data point on whether buyers will still pay up for well-located, high-quality suburban office buildings.
Photos: Ashley Hinson visits Crescent Health Center
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, visited the Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque, Iowa on Wednesday morning. Hinson is campaigning against Iowa Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, for the open U.S. Senate seat, with just six weeks until the midterm elections. Staff at the center gave a tour to Hinson and a few of her...
ICYMI: Protect College Sports Act Earns Support from Students, Coaches, ADs, Professors, University Presidents - U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Student athletes, coaches, professors, and presidents from universities and colleges from across the country have rallied behind the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and FBS Athletics Directors Association have all offered their support. Ruben Rojas Betanzos, a student athlete […]
HHS Invests $51 Million to Expand Dental Care for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , announced $51 million in awards to 28 HRSA-funded health centers to improve access to dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Video: Jane Fonda Criticizes Both U.S. Political Parties for Climate Inaction
The actor and activist Jane Fonda said the U.S. is facing “two existential crises — climate and democracy.”
St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center receives $2.2M grant for expansion
The grant is awarded from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
Behind closed doors, the politics of solar geoengineering are shifting
More politicians in the U.S. and around the globe are taking a look at sunlight-reflecting technologies, two experts said Friday.
Behind closed doors, the politics of solar geoengineering are shifting
More politicians in the U.S. and around the globe are taking a look at sunlight-reflecting technologies, two experts said.
Trump-backed Missouri congressional map returns to the Supreme Court
The new map was drawn to help Republicans gain a U.S. House seat in the pivotal midterm elections
Trump-backed Missouri congressional map returns to the Supreme Court
The new map was drawn to help Republicans gain a U.S. House seat in the pivotal midterm elections
Iran downplays indirect talks with U.S.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly Wednesday
Spotify's is giving you the keys to its recommendation algorithm with US launch of 'Taste Profile'
Spotify is rolling out Taste Profile to Premium users in the U.S., letting listeners see how the streamer understands their tastes and use natural language to reshape their recommendations
Quanome Advances Its AI Cloud Business XDT with US$18.8 Million Infrastructure Purchase Agreement
Company Advances Development of First U.S. AI Infrastructure Hub, Executes Its Quantum & AI Systems Strategy ITASCA, Ill., Sept. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quanome Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNME) (“Quanome” or the “Company”) is advancing its Quantum and AI Systems business through an approximately US$18.8 million purchase agreement for computing infrastructure powered by NVIDIA GPU technology to build its AI cloud business through its subsidiary, XDT Infrastructure I, LLC (“XDT”). The Compan
Lonely? Socially isolated? It may cost you 6 healthy years of life
The numbers paint a grim picture. Roughly half of all U.S. adults are lonely, according to a 2023 report, and nearly as many feel socially isolated. Though just as serious as other health risks, loneliness ...
US must protect chip technology from China, expert warns
Rep. John Moolenaar warns that the U.S. must win the AI arms race against China. The House China Select Committee chair urges the U.S. to restrict Chinese access to advanced chip-making technology to protect national security.
AI CEO on China's space threat, AI development
Vanter CEO Dan Smoot joins the show to discuss China's impact on space satellites and technology. He analyzes President Donald Trump's comments on artificial intelligence and the importance of maintaining the U.S. tech lead.
Elizabeth Pipko reacts to President Trump's UN warnings to Iran
Elizabeth Pipko joins Cheryl Casone to discuss President Donald Trump's UN General Assembly speech warning Iran and the signing of the U.S.-Denmark-Greenland security deal.
Talarico works to reach Black voters in his bid to win a US Senate seat as a Democrat in Texas
Democratic Texas U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is working to reach Black voters, a key demographic in his race against Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton
I’m a Republican senator. The U.S. needs a stronger NIH.
America should invest in medical research, not retreat from it.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is finally getting One UI 9 in the US, but there's a catch
Samsung has started rolling out the Android 17-based One UI 9 update to some Galaxy S26 Ultra owners in the U.S.
Voters don’t like data centers. They really don’t like them close to home
Fifty-eight percent of U.S. voters say the construction of new data centers by tech will mostly have a negative effect on the country. And 65% of voters oppose construction in their communities.
A look at the legacy and influence Nancy Pelosi will leave behind when she retires
Rep. Nancy Pelosi will retire following the 2026 midterm elections, ending her almost 40-year career in Congress, but leaving a lasting influence on U.S. politics.
CDC survey finds mental health and suicide risk among U.S. teens has improved
The CDC's latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey highlights students' diets, sleep and nutrition, which are priorities for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Stony Brook Hosts Congressional Briefing on Quantum Technology
A Stony Brook congressional briefing examined U.S. quantum networking, workforce development and federal investment priorities.
Britain's JD Sports says Nike turnaround is only a matter of time
Nike is taking the right steps to revive its business and a turnaround is only a matter of time, said the finance chief of British sports and fashion retailer JD Sports , one of the U.S. group's largest customers.
Britain's JD Sports says Nike turnaround is only a matter of time
Nike is taking the right steps to revive its business and a turnaround is only a matter of time, said the finance chief of British sports and fashion retailer JD Sports , one of the U.S. group's largest customers.
Will P&G’s (PG) New Science-Led Head & Shoulders and Oral-B iO Push Change Its Narrative?
In recent months, Procter & Gamble has rolled out new Head & Shoulders formulations featuring the HydraZinc Complex and expanded its Oral-B iO line, emphasizing clinically tested scalp and oral care technologies now available across multiple product collections in the U.S. market. These launches highlight how Procter & Gamble is leaning on science-led product innovation to reinforce its brands and support its broader shift from pricing-driven growth toward offering more tangible consumer...
AI-generated political ads warp reality ahead of U.S. midterms
The largely unregulated form of political communication is increasingly being adopted despite a broader backlash against AI-generated content.
Trump-backed Missouri congressional map returns to the Supreme Court for the third time
WASHINGTON (AP) — The fight over Missouri's congressional map returned to the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time late Tuesday, after an appeals court ordered t
Pete Buttigieg Slams ‘Corruption’ in US Politics: ‘Corporate Money Is Flooding the Election’ and Big Pharma Will ‘Get Their Way’
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized what he described as corruption in U.S. politics, arguing that corporate money and political incentives have left Americans without a system t...