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Congressional candidates discuss expanding executive power and need for political will
Congressional approval ratings are in the tank. By some measures this is one of the least productive sessions of Congress in living memory. WGLT's Charlie Schlenker reports those things may not change much any time soon.
Your Vote 2026 Maine Calling candidate interview: Bobby Charles, Republican for governor
Maine Calling host Jennifer Rooks interviews Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles ahead of the November election.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden cancels health coverage for striking employees
Striking employees of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden are being removed from the nonprofit's healthcare plan, according to a letter from the garden. Lewis Ginter wrote to CBS 6: "The law does not require employers to continue paying wages or unaccrued benefits to striking workers who are not actively
US services sector activity slows in September; price pressures mount
US services sector activity slowed in September as supply chain strains and rising input prices signal persistent inflation risks into next year.
New York and American Democracy: A Conversation with Christina Greer
Noted political scientist will unpack urban politics and public policy with Professor Mitchell Moss - Oct. 20 at NYU Wagner
Harris County judge candidates find common ground on flooding, Houston Health, at Sunday forum
Democratic candidate Letitia Plummer and Republican candidate Orlando Sanchez shared the stage at a forum organized by The Metropolitan Organization on Sunday, October 4.
ASU designs a statewide pipeline for Arizona's anesthesia workforce
Every surgery, C-section, trauma case and cancer operation in Arizona depends on a clinician administering anesthesia and keeping the patient safe while the surgeon works. The state needs more of these clinicians.As of September, the Arizona State Board of Nursing lists 1,759 certified registered nurse anesthetists, or CRNAs, in the state. In 2023, Arizona was short 732 nurse anesthetists, and the shortage is projected to reach 868 by 2033.
NBA 2K25 Is Getting Delisted After Just 2 Years, and Single Player Story Mode Will Become Unplayable
NBA 2K25 is being delisted after just two years, and players will soon no longer be able to play the game's single player story mode.
Trump health officials hold make announcement on healthcare price transparency
Watch as Trump health officials hold make announcement on healthcare price transparency.
'Here & Now' Highlights: Charles Franklin, Jason Stein
A month before the 2026 election, the Marquette Law School Poll shows candidates for governor neck-and-neck — poll director Charles Franklin explained where voters stand and why. Enrollment caps for ...
How will Florida's minimum wage increase to $15 affect workers and businesses?
A University of South Florida economics professor shares insight on concerns over the recently raised minimum wage in Florida on "The Florida Roundup."
US services sector activity slows in September; price pressures mount
US services sector activity slowed in September, with strong domestic demand stretching supply chains and raising prices paid by businesses for inputs, indicating that inflation could remain high into next year.
Nobel for medicine awarded to 3 scientists for work that helps map the brain
A method that controls nerve signals with light, developed by an American and two Germans, has provided greater understanding of Alzheimer’s and is used in efforts to restore sight.
Some mental health providers hoping to serve Lane County's Oregon Health Plan members say they’re facing barriers
Aspire is one of a few healthcare providers in Lane County that told KLCC they want to – but haven’t been able to – get a contract with Lane County's Medicaid insurer Trillium. That’s left Aspire without access to its target population, and other providers considering scaling back their services.
Eurozone business activity grows at fastest pace in 41 months in September
Private sector growth accelerates as demand improves, while input costs, selling prices rise at fastest rates since May | Anadolu
Why your health insurance problem might not be over when you turn 65
Couples with an age gap have an extra consideration: How to continue coverage for the younger spouse who’s not yet eligible for Medicare.
Health Brief: Exclusive | Inside the new health price transparency rules
Plus: Trump’s checks to Medicare enrollees could complicate year-end health care negotiations,
Fact check: Did Newsom’s mental health court hit his goal for helping Californians?
Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed a major victory for CARE Court, his mental health treatment program. Did it really help 10,000 people?”
KUNC's 2026 midterm election voter guide for Northern Colorado
Everything Northern Colorado voters need to know about the state’s midterm election, including major races, ballot measures, voting deadlines, how to return your ballot, and where to find trusted election resources.
Arkansas will receive $10 million for maternal health
Olivia Walton announced her nonprofit will give $10M to Arkansas and $10M to Kentucky.
Medicare-for-all is back. Now comes the hard part.
Democrats are reviving an old idea. Now they have to define it and pay for it.
Nobel medicine prize goes to 3 scientists for research into brain activity
The Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded Monday to three scientists working on the mechanisms the brain uses to switch on, or off, the activity of individual nerve cells.
Ruth Tucker joins the Bulletin
The Bulletin is excited to welcome Ruth Tucker as the nonprofit's Advancement Services Coordinator. As Advancement Services Coordinator, Tucker will support the daily operations of the Advancement team, including gift entry, event registration entry, acknowledgements, and administrative support in the implementation of the department's fundraising tasks.
Study finds a whole grain sweet spot for heart health
You know that whole grains are good for your heart. New research identifies how much it takes to notice improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure and more.
Weathering uncertainty: Construction’s mid-year assessment
2026 has been unpredictable for U.S. contractors, but the market continues to strengthen
The Democratic Party is fighting itself, even in Cleveland
A local look at the national divide between progressives and moderates in the Democratic Party.
Rethinking discovery: how powerful screening tools are redefining the search for new medicines
In medicine discovery, identifying the right biological target has always been a critical and complex step. Today, the rise of powerful screening tools is fundamentally reshaping this process, creating a step-change in how we move from scientific hypotheses to transformative medicines. Advances in high-throughput screening, genomics and AI-driven analytics are enabling scientists to interrogate disease biology at unprecedented scale, bringing forward opportunities that were previously beyond reach.
Are Babies Conscious?
By pinpointing when it begins in young humans, scientists hope to better understand what consciousness is, and how it arises, in all of us.
What the science of memory tells us about sexual assault cases
Amid accusations of rape at Cornell University, a growing body of research is challenging assumptions about how victims remember details of their assaults.
Scientists uncover a clue that could hint at why we regain weight after diets
A chemical mechanism may cause weight regain by creating a “memory” of obesity in fat cells, a study suggests.
As flu season approaches, here’s why you should you get your vaccine now
While flu activity is still relatively low, officials say now is the time to get vaccinated before cases begin to rise later this year.
From floating saunas to clinical trials: How heat might help mental health
While scientists have a decent understanding of how sauna and other forms of heat exposure exercises our cardiovascular system, they know relatively little about its impact on mental health.
From floating saunas to clinical trials: How heat might help mental health
While scientists have a decent understanding of how sauna and other forms of heat exposure exercises our cardiovascular system, they know relatively little about its impact on mental health.
Republicans and Democrats find a unifying target: Pharmacy benefit managers
Republicans and Democrats, both patients and politicians, seem united in their disdain for the healthcare companies known as pharmacy benefit managers. Tennessee and Arkansas are regulating them now.
How will Florida's minimum wage increase to $15 affect workers and businesses?
A University of South Florida economics professor shares insight on concerns over the recently raised minimum wage in Florida on "The Florida Roundup."
Voters are increasingly using AI chatbots to fact-check and compare candidates
Voters are already voting in the midterms. This year, some voters are trying something new to get ready for the election: asking AI to help research their ballot and even decide who to vote for.
Voters are increasingly using AI chatbots to fact-check and compare candidates
Voters are already voting in the midterms. This year, some voters are trying something new to get ready for the election: asking AI to help research their ballot and even decide who to vote for.
Four ways the midterm elections could go, one month away
Democrats have polls and history on their side. Republicans have money.
Norman celebrates local music during annual Porchfest
Attendees braved the drizzly weather to attend Norman’s annual Porchfest this weekend.
MO nonprofit launches campaign focused on abortion options before vote
A new campaign helps Missourians navigate abortion access and medication options ahead of the November vote on Amendment 3.
From floating saunas to clinical trials: How heat might help mental health
Many people are turning to sauna because of its benefits for their mental health. While scientists have a decent understanding of how sauna — and other forms of heat exposure — exercises our cardiovascular system, they know relatively little about its impact on depression, anxiety and mood. But more studies are being done to understand this connection and why heat appears to act as a powerful antidepressant. NPR's Will Stone visits a "floating sauna village" in Oslo where a husband-wife team are conducting one of the first trials on the link between sauna and mental health — and talks to one of the leading researchers in the U.S about her efforts to study this. Morning Edition consumer health segment for October 5
Digbi Health Study of Nearly 16,000 Members Finds Precision Biology GI Care Delivers IBS Relief at Scale
Combining Gut microbiome, genetic, and glucose signals delivers unprecedented personalized care to bring clinically meaningful relief to more than half of symptomatic membersMOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digbi Health today released a real-world study of nearly 16,000 members of its precision biology program, which personalizes nutrition and lifestyle care to each person's gut microbiome, genetics, and glucose response. Among members followed for 12 weeks, i more than h
Kathleen Turner Has An Iconic Response As Michael Douglas Admits To Past Affair
“What a fuss...”
Budget 'unicorn' Brian Clark leaves Florida House for PinPoint Results
Clark spent eight years as the House's health care Budget Chief.
The Nobel Prize week is kicking off in Stockholm with the medicine award
This year’s Nobel Prizes kick off with the awarding of the medicine prize at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
The genetic secret helping bats survive a deadly epidemic
We’re easing you into Halloween season with an episode about bats. There’s a silent serial killer decimating little brown bats as they hibernate. White nose syndrome has driven populations across the U.S. to almost the brink of extinction over the last decade. But recently, conservation biologist Giorgia Auteri and her team noticed several genetic mutations in the survivors. These mutations could explain how natural selection has shifted the existing population – and inform conservation efforts in the future.Interested in more animal science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Key to Medicare home health reform is determining program's objective: report
Three possible reforms to Medicare home health are cost-sharing, home health eligibility requirements and optional cash payments, according to a September report from Brookings, a nonpartisan think tank. Which track to choose depends on what the overriding purpose of the program is, the four economist authors say.
Sisters in Birth launches vocational school to improve Mississippi’s maternal health numbers
As Mississippi ranks last in the nation for infant and maternal health, a nonprofit is launching a vocational school to train the birth workers it says can help change that.
The New Denpa Men to end service on December 6
Free-to-play RPG The New Denpa Men will end service on December 6 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET / December 7 at 11:00 JST, developer Genius Sonority announced.
Brazil's presidential race heads to Lula–Bolsonaro run-off as right gains ground
Now there are two: Brazil heads into a runoff after a first round that failed to fully energize voters, setting the stage for a more polarized contest that Washington is watching very closely.
CaSE calls for government and science sector to ensure R&D ...
Science policy organisation says a long-term vision and stable funding base is needed as public support for R&D is not a given
Scientists must be trained to work without AI, as well as working ...
As AI and autonomous labs become more capable, human reasoning must be preserved
It’s Nearly Impossible to Budget for AI Spending
Artificial-intelligence use is measured in tokens, but the models’ use of tokens at any given task can be unpredictable.
Car crashes into two Sioux City businesses on Northside
A car crashed into J-C Wholesale and Kung Fu Tea on Sioux City's Northside Sunday morning
Mid-Atlantic Farmers Seek Early Fertilizer Price Protection Now
Mid-Atlantic farmers are locking in 2027 fertilizer contracts now, as nitrogen imports and market uncertainty make input-cost planning a key risk-management concern.
Madison nonprofit celebrates 25 years providing free health care to uninsured residents
MADISON, (WKOW) — The Madison Specialty Care Free Clinic, a local nonprofit, is celebrating 25 years of providing free health care to uninsured patients across South Central Wisconsin on Sunday.
Anti-Woke Sports Bro Cut From College Football Fan Favorite
The Barstool Sports founder blamed his rival team for Fox Sports’ decision.
Kate Mulgrew says being “Star Trek”’s ‘unprecedented’ first female captain ‘reshaped my life’
“I think what she allowed women in STEM to do as a result of her command was absolutely, deeply significant,” Mulgrew said.
Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds speaks to FAMU for first townhall
The FAMU community gathered at Lee Hall to ask questions and hear from Byron Donalds, republican candidate for governor.
'Dancing with the Stars' Week 5 theme revealed: It's Super Bowl Night
The Week 5 theme for "Dancing with the Stars" has been revealed. Here's what to know about Super Bowl Night and what viewers can expect from the remaining celebrity contestants.
Kevin O'Connell Speaks With FOX Sports' Allison Williams
Hear from Head Coach Kevin O'Connell after the first quarter of Sunday's game vs. Miami...
Trump economic advisor says 'it's time' for Powell to leave Fed, calls extended tenure 'unprecedented'
Kevin Hassett says Jerome Powell should leave the Federal Reserve Board, calling his continued presence "completely unprecedented" after his term ended.
Julie Bowen reveals what “Modern Family” cast talks about in group chat
Bowen starred as the high-strung mom and businesswoman Claire Dunphy on 11 seasons of the classic sitcom.
On cusp of merger, ‘Digger bombs for Warner Bros., ‘Verity’ takes No. 1 at box office
On the cusp of the studio’s merger with Paramount, Warner Bros.
Mission in motion unites palm beach nonprofits for impact
One afternoon. Forty nonprofits. Countless lives will be touched across Palm Beach County, as Extraordinary Charities brings fashion and philanthropy together for “Model Your Mission,” its signature luncheon and runway
More healthcare workers needed in Hampton Roads
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Claude Moore Opportunities (CMO), a Virginia healthcare workforce nonprofit, released data in Sept. about the need for more healthcare workers across Hampton Roads and E…
Seacoast Science Center experts to speak
NEWBURYPORT — Storm Surge, Newburyport’s all-volunteer climate education nonprofit, kicks off its fall 2026 Speaker Series on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. with “Climate Impacts on Marine Mammals: Stories
For Unhoused Seniors in LA, Housing Becomes a Critical Health Intervention
For older adults living on the streets, housing can mean more than shelter, it can become a critical part of medical recovery.
Paly students combine science, compassion in children’s book
A group of Palo Alto High School students recently published a picture book — “The Brave Fuzzy” — that is geared toward getting young children excited for science.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Is Advocating For Stricter Online Harassment Laws After Fiancé's Death
Ken Urker was found dead on his 34th birthday at his home in Louisiana.
Mental health courts help divert people from jail. Why don’t more NY counties have them?
This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for their newsletter here (https://nysfocus.com/newsletter).
Mental health courts help divert people from jail. Why don’t more NY counties have them?
This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for their newsletter here (https://nysfocus.com/newsletter).
Editorial: Public input should come before approval
A recent Reno town hall revealed tensions between developer Jacobs Entertainment and residents regarding urban design and public engagement.
Trump launches ‘Super Intelligence Force’ after calls for AI slowdown
Leaders from the intelligence community, the Pentagon, the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of Personnel Management will serve on the task force.
Sunday Puzzle: 'In' at the Finish
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle along with Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz and WVIA listener Mary Ann Paulukonis of Pittston, Pennsylvania.
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.
Politics chat: Midterm polls, Senate races, Trump in Texas
As polls come out with increasing frequency closer to the midterm election, how much credence should voters give them? Meanwhile, President Trump continues campaigning for GOP candidates.
Florida's dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental US in decades
Information from state health departments and medical journals suggests the Florida outbreak marks the most cases in a calendar year for any state since at least the 1940s.
A Black community in Louisiana faces a future without a champion in Congress after redistricting
Scotlandville is a predominantly Black community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that’s facing challenges in its political representation
A familiar figure, a new voice: Meryl Streep’s Aslan stirs gender debate over Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’
Director Greta Gerwig's film adaptation from "The Chronicles of Narnia" is sparking controversy over casting of Meryl Streep to voice Aslan the divine lion in "Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.".
This Sneaky App Is Probably Sucking Up Your iPhone Storage. Here's How To Free Up Space.
This easy fix will give you more data on your device so you can go back to screenshotting every meme you see.
Local nonprofit is gifted a coffee business. They hope it will support human trafficking survivors.
Bloom for Women received Grounds for Restoration, a faith-based coffee business, as a gift to fund programs and create jobs for human trafficking survivors in the Lehigh Valley.
How Democrats hope to reverse Trump’s changes to the presidency
As the midterms approach, some of the president’s foes are working to ensure his aggressive approach to executive power doesn’t outlast him.
Election skeptics took over this county. They still don’t trust results.
In Shasta County, California, the election chief lost his job — then locked up the ballots and called the FBI.
In Austin and beyond, nonprofit groups help musicians pay for health insurance
AUSTIN, Texas — Musician Zack Morgan jokes that when he lost his corporate job in 2015, it was like being pushed off a cliff. For years, he said, he’d been
Latter-day Saints women turn away from scandal-plagued Republican candidate in Arizona
Arizona Republican candidate for Congress Mark Lamb has been accused of sexual misconduct while sheriff. His controversy is turning many voters away as Democrats see an opportunity in the red seat.
Why you should think about getting your flu shot right now
Flu is surging unusually early in some parts of the western United States, catching doctors by surprise.
How a patient advocate could help you navigate your family's next health crisis
Here’s what you need to know to work with one most effectively.
Latter-day Saints women turn away from scandal-plagued Republican candidate in Arizona
Arizona Republican candidate for Congress Mark Lamb has been accused of sexual misconduct while sheriff. His controversy is turning many voters away as Democrats see an opportunity in the red seat.
How Roy Cooper became Democrats’ best chance to flip a Senate seat
The former North Carolina governor is running in a state that for decades has more often preferred Republicans for federal office.
Bosnia votes as pro-Russian politician looms large over the race and ethnic tensions simmer
Bosnia is holding a general election with citizens of all ethnicities focused on everyday problems
Nonprofit transporting residents to healthcare receives pivotal partnership
Quest Inc. is a nonprofit in Central Florida that provides transportation services to people with developmental disabilities. (COURTESY OF QUEST INC.) A Central Florida nonprofit assisting residents with development disabilities to access healthcare appointments was selected for a pivotal partnership with a local hospital that will help expand services. Quest Inc. is a nonprofit that provides
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As midterms near, Justice Alito shares his feelings about retirement
Speaking to CBS News, Alito described the calculation as a natural one that comes with age. At 76, Alito is the second-oldest justice on the court.
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Sadie Strong hosts annual health and wellness expo
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo-based nonprofit breast cancer support organization Sadie Strong hosted its eighth annual Community Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday at the Northland Workfor…
Reporting on the science of saunas
For centuries people have sought out saunas and hot springs for their supposed healing properties. But the science behind those claims can be quite vague. So NPR science correspondent Will Stone headed to the International Sauna Congress in Norway to find out just what we know about the health benefits of saunas. This episode was produced by Gabriel Sanchez, with engineering by Eowyn Fain. Our director is Elena Burnett.It was edited by Adam Raney.Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
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From saunas to psychedelics, how a health reporter sorts science from hype
A reporting trip to a sauna conference in Oslo found NPR's Will Stone in a sauna with his clothes and recording gear. In this reporter's notebook, he explains how he investigates the science behind wellness claims.