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NFL Week 1 television maps: Commanders vs. Eagles
If you're located in the red area of the map, you'll see the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles Week 1 matchup on your local FOX station.
Museum of Science's new Science Stadium exhibit connects science, sports
The Buffalo Museum of Science will capitalize on the region’s love of our local professional sports teams, and will also use the opportunity to teach about science and engineering through
Lafferty, Highway Outlaws like to get the crowd moving
ELOY — Popular local musician Everett D. Lafferty and his Band the Highway Outlaws return to the Eloy Fiestas Patrias stage this year, promising a lineup of dance-worthy, sing-along songs.
Davie County based business, Grail Card Promotions specializes in sports and Pokémon card shows
A Davie County based business specializes in sports and Pokémon card shows. Grail Card Promotions is hosting several upcoming shows and giving back to local high schools.
Out & About: A weekly guide to live and local entertainment
Thursday, Sept. 10 Music
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Kicks Off 2026 NFL Season Across Eight NFL Stadiums with New Menu Items, Enhanced Premium Experiences, and Local Partnerships
With the 2026 NFL season just days away, Aramark Sports + Entertainment (NYSE: ARMK) announced a slate of new premium hospitality experiences, innovative food and beverage concepts, expanded local partnerships, and exclusive retail offerings across its eight NFL partner venues.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Kicks Off 2026 NFL Season Across Eight NFL Stadiums with New Menu Items, Enhanced Premium Experiences, and Local Partnerships
With the 2026 NFL season just days away, Aramark Sports + Entertainment (NYSE: ARMK) announced a slate of new premium hospitality experiences, innovative food and beverage concepts, expanded local partnerships, and exclusive retail offerings across its eight NFL partner venues.
What's happening in local business
Massimo’s Pizzeria in Towne Square Shopping Center has announced it will open Monday, Sept. 14. For more information, visit “Massimo’s Pizzeria” on Facebook.
Tampa drop-in center expands to add free healthcare, dental services for underserved community
Starting Thursday morning, a pair of local nonprofits are joining forces to offer free health and dental care to underserved Tampa residents at a local drop-in center.
Viewpoint: Unlocking Europe’s wildfire data
Europe is already investing in the science, technology and infrastructure needed to understand, prevent and fight wildfires. Copernicus provides satellite-based Earth observation and environmental information, while the European Forest Fire Information System provides information on fire danger and forest fires across Europe. Weather and climate systems add forecasts of heat, drought, wind and humidity; historical fire databases show where fires have occurred; and researchers generate increasingly detailed knowledge about fuels, fire behaviour, forecasting, modelling and risk management. Meanwhile, new European research projects are adding digital twins and other tools to this growing ecosystem.However, these data do not necessarily sit together, nor are they necessarily described, structured or governed in ways that allow them to be used together. Much of the information is public, but some is commercially held. Some is sensitive. Some is subject to legal, security or operational restrictions. Even when data can be legally accessed, different systems may use different formats, terminology and rules.Europe therefore faces an unusual paradox: we have vast amounts of relevant information to respond to the wildfire challenge, but not the means to bring it together. For example, a wildfire researcher or emergency service might need to ask whether a particular combination of vegetation, drought, wind and topography has historically been associated with rapid fire spread. The relevant information may exist in several institutions, using different systems and subject to different conditions of access.The challenge is to conduct an authorised analysis that interacts with these sources, combines the results and respects the rules imposed by each data custodian.An important part of the answer can be found in the Fair principles, the idea that data should be findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. Developed more than a decade ago, these principles have become a central reference point for modern data stewardship, making it easier for people and machines to find data, understand what it means and determine whether it can be reused.Readability by machines is essential, since AI systems will be key to meeting the data challenge. Bring analysis to the dataThe proposition is not to give an AI system unrestricted access to sensitive databases. Quite the opposite. The goal is to make it possible for approved algorithms to go to the data, rather than requiring sensitive data or large datasets to be copied to wherever the analysis happens.Imagine an analysis asking a series of questions of different data stations. At one station it might examine weather and climate data; at another, historical fire records; at another, experimental measurements of fire behaviour. The algorithm does not need to download everything. It can operate within the environment permitted by each data custodian and return only the results that the rules allow to leave.This is sometimes described as data visiting, and related approaches already exist in areas such as federated analysis and federated learning.Sensitive data should therefore not be treated as a free-for-all for machines. This requires appropriate governance at multiple levels. Access needs to be authenticated and authorised. The purpose of an analysis should be defined. The code or model being run should be controlled. Data custodians should be able to specify what can be queried and what results can leave their environment. Activities should be auditable and human oversight should remain where the consequences require it.In other words, the objective is not to trust AI with the data. It is to design systems in which AI never has more access than it needs.As open as possible, as closed as necessaryFair data should also not be confused with open data. Some wildfire data should be openly available. Other information may legitimately need to remain restricted because it concerns critical infrastructure, security, commercial interests, privacy or operational capabilities. The principle should be: as open as possible, as closed as necessary.The important point is that restricted data should not automatically become unusable data. If machines can discover what information exists, understand its meaning, establish where it came from and determine the conditions under which it can be used, authorised analyses can potentially be carried out without the underlying data ever leaving the environment in which it is protected.Restricted data can still be Fair and machine-actionable.This is also an important question of data sovereignty. European institutions should not have to surrender control of their data to a handful of technology platforms in order to benefit from AI. Nor does Europe need to start again by building one giant repository for every piece of wildfire information. The better approach is to connect what already exists.This is the principle behind emerging approaches such as Tryangle, developed through the Leiden Initiative for Fair and Equitable Science. Rather than creating another centralised data warehouse, the approach seeks to provide an interoperable layer through which approved algorithms can visit distributed data sources while respecting the rules of their custodians.In this way, a data station can remain where it is. Its custodians can retain control. Existing databases and applications do not have to be abandoned. What changes is their ability to communicate with other systems through common, machine-readable descriptions, access rules and interoperability mechanisms.But approaches like this need data that meets the Fair principles. Only then can an interoperable ecosystem safely begin to turn fragmented information into collective intelligence.Data infrastructure is wildfire infrastructureThe implications of this approach are entirely practical. Firefighters could gain better intelligence about local and evolving risks. Land managers could test prevention strategies using more comprehensive information about fuels, weather and past fires. Researchers could compare evidence across ecosystems without repeatedly moving huge datasets between institutions. Smaller regions and resource-constrained teams could access analytical capabilities without having to build large data infrastructures themselves.Europe is already investing heavily in satellites, databases, research programmes, forecasting systems and scientific expertise. The question is whether we will connect those investments well enough to turn them into actionable intelligence.That requires policymakers and funders to treat data infrastructure as seriously as physical infrastructure. Data generated or supported through European public funding should be Fair, verifiable and machine actionable by design, wherever legally and ethically possible.Related articlesData Corner: Europe’s burning need for wildfire mitigation researchClimate monitoring must remain a global enterprise, experts sayIn practice, that means funding not only the production of data, but also the infrastructure that makes data usable across systems: metadata, provenance, interoperability, access mechanisms and governance. Where data must remain restricted, we should ensure that it can still be securely discovered, verified and used for authorised analysis.Initiatives such as the European Open Science Cloud offer an existing framework through which these principles can be put into practice. What is needed now is to accelerate implementation and make them a standard part of how Europe funds and builds research and innovation systems.We do not need another generation of disconnected databases. The data is already there. The opportunity is to make it work together, securely, responsibly and quickly enough to help prevent the next fire, rather than simply document the last one.Jean-Claude Burgelman is professor emeritus at the Free University of Brussels (VUB) and editor-in-chief at Frontiers Policy Lab. For more than 20 years he held leading roles in research and innovation policy at the European Commission.
Director of Philanthropy for Maui Health Foundation to speak at Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset welcomes Leana Taylor, Director of Philanthropy for Maui Health Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The topic of her presentation will be “Food Is Medicine: Locally Grown, Physician Prescribed.”
Local politics limits China’s rare earth leverage
China’s rare earth dominance rests on a fragmented system of ministries, provinces and firms, each pursuing their own interests.
Eye on Scams: Fake invoices sent to local business
Acadiana's Local News Leader -- bringing Lafayette the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment
$30,000 grant will strengthen dental education and community oral health efforts in El Paso
Hunt School of Dental Medicine students will work with local organizations to address oral health needs through service, education and research
Bald Head Island Conservancy lands $424K grant for coastal science training
A Brunswick County conservation group is getting nearly half a million dollars in federal funding to expand hands-on coastal conservation training for dozens of local students.
Vendor applications open for Downtown Winter Farmers' Market
Vendor applications are open for the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, which will return to Capital Square in downtown Des Moines Nov. 20-22. Farmers, producers, makers and small businesses can apply to participate through Sept. 25. The three-day market, produced by the Downtown Farmers’ Market, will feature local food and gifts, live entertainment and food trucks…
NBC 5 Chicago To Launch A Local Sports & Entertainment Show | Radio & Television Business Report
The NBCUniversal Local property known as "NBC 5 Chicago" is preparing for the September 14 debut of a live, half-hour weeknight program devoted to Windy City sports, entertainment, pop culture, and special guests. Toyota has been brought on as the title sponsor of the offering, which will take the 6:30pm Central time slot.
Tyler reduces NET Health funding to $50K, citing agency’s reserves
The Tyler City Council approved a $287 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year in a 4-2 vote, cementing a 75% funding cut to the region’s local public health department.
JLF Seattle, microcosm of Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to town
JLF Seattle, based on the Jaipur Literature Festival, offers a lineup of local and international award-winning authors.
Inside look: Bonaire Park, Summerville’s first-of-its-kind entertainment development
DOWNTOWN SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Construction is underway on a major new venue in Summerville that local leaders say could transform the town’s entertainment and business landscape. The project, lo...
Inside look: Bonaire Park, Summerville’s first-of-its-kind entertainment development
DOWNTOWN SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Construction is underway on a major new venue in Summerville that local leaders say could transform the town’s entertainment and business landscape. The pr…
Election Officials Grapple With Uncertainty as Supreme Court Considers Mail Ballot Plan
As they wait for word on whether the Trump administration’s new system to screen ballots can move forward, local officials say they are running out of time.
Cincinnati Children’s launches service bringing healthcare directly to students
The Cincinnati Children’s Mobile Care Center offers on-site health care at local schools,
Business of the Month, September 2026 – The Lily
SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Throughout the year, MIX 106.5, SylacaugaNews.com, and the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce are recognizing a local business of the month – a business that is “tuned in” to the Sylacauga area. As the Business of the Month for September 2026, the Chamber […]
Trump’s Convention Offers an Unusual Fund-Raising Opportunity for Republicans
Republicans are hoping to use the Dallas extravaganza as a fund-raising opportunity, with some local parties charging as much as $20,000 to be an “honorary delegate.”
Local scientists air concerns about federal funding losses in Arlington town hall
Researchers at a Massachusetts science town hall said funding instability is pushing scientists out of academia and threatening the pipeline that feeds the state’s research and technological economy
ICE’s ‘Midway Blitz’ operation cost Chicago businesses $1.2 billion: Study
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Chicago-area operation cost local businesses more than $1.2 billion last year, according to a new study. The study, conducted by researchers at the Unive…
Maid 4 Time Forms Strategic Partnership with Local Business Rockstar to Elevate Cleaning Services
New York, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maid 4 Time, a leading house cleaning company, renowned for its top-rated cleaning services and exc...
Board Approves Investments to Support Business Growth and Community Development
News - Board Approves Investments to Support Business Growth and Community Development - The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved funding for four projects through the SD Works, Economic Development Partnership, and Local Infrastructure Improvement programs. The projects su
Quinn receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science
Quinn receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science: Quinn has mentored more than 80 Furman and high school students. They have partnered with conservation groups and local businesses
Commanders stadium expo in DC draws local businesses seeking construction work
Local contractors and suppliers gathered at an expo in D.C. Wednesday to explore opportunities on the Commanders stadium construction project.
16 Seattle-area author events happening this fall
From national book tours to conversations with local authors, take note of these upcoming bibliophile events in the Seattle area.
Seneca adds new women's health service
Seneca Healthcare District announces the addition of endometrial ablation to its women's health service line at the Lake Almanor Clinic, providing local
Vermilion Farm Market announces indefinite closure after nearly 50 years in business
Vermilion Farm Market, a locally owned and operated fixture in the community since 1979, has announced that it is closing indefinitely. The market did not explain the decision in its announcement.
NVIDIA Brings Real-Time AI to Broadcast, Sports and Global Streaming at IBC
At IBC, NVIDIA is announcing a major expansion to NVIDIA AI for Media to unlock new ways to understand motion, verify and enhance video, localize programming and build AI-powered media applications.
Increasing the Lead-Safe Certified Workforce in North Dakota
Learn how North Dakota is working to improve lead safety by providing trainings for the local contractor workforce.
Gem and Mineral Show returns to Hanford
The 11th annual Hanford Gem and Mineral Show, presented by the WonderVision Wellness and Emporium, a local metaphysical store in Tulare, was held at the Hanford Civic Auditorium on Sept.
Museum of Discovery and Science, Broward libraries bring hands-on learning to communities
The Museum of Discovery and Science and Broward County Library are bringing hands-on learning and character development to communities across Broward County through Character Corners, an initiative inspired by MODS’ Build a Better World: The Future Begins with You exhibit.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Visit SEWing-FUN
The following is an interview with Nancy E. Easterbrooks, owner of SEWing-FUN at 24 Bessom St. #1, conducted by Discover Marblehead. SEWing-FUN is a creative local gem bringing the joy of sewing to Marblehead. Led by a passionate sewing coach, it’s all about learning, creating and having fun — whether you’re stitching your first project
Mercy Health announces free flu vaccine dates
As the flu virus becomes more prevalent over the fall and winter months, Mercy Health is seeking to make vaccinations accessible to the community.
New report highlights six major mental health concerns for students
Orlando nonprofit Breaking Thru unveiled a report detailing six major mental health concerns facing local students this year.
Small Business Spotlight: Guitar shop aims to strike a chord
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO OPEN STRING THEORY GUITARS INC.? ALLISON & LEE WILLIAMS: “We are lifelong musicians with a passion for playing. We love Wilmington and the live music scene here, and we wanted a way to be a part of the music community without having to start work at 9 p.m. We also want to be a destination for residents and musicians performing in and around the downtown area.” WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS PROVIDE, AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT HELPS CUSTOMERS? We love Wilmington and the live music scene here, and we wanted a way to be a part of the music community without having to start work at 9 p.m. We also want to be a destination for residents and musicians performing in and around the downtown areaTHE WILLIAMSES: “We’re a true basics-to-boutique destination. If you’re someone who’s just starting out, we can set you up with high-quality, brand-new equipment at a great entry-level price point. When you’re ready for your dream guitar, we can help you design and create a fully custom electric or acoustic guitar to your specifications. We have a broad selection of both guitars and amplifiers for players of every level. We also have a community board in the store to connect bands, students, instructors, repair technicians, and anyone providing a service to the local music community.” WHAT PAST EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE THAT LED YOU TO CREATE STRING THEORY GUITARS? THE WILLIAMSES: “Lee has played guitar for almost 40 years, from middle school band to gigging rock bands. Allison has a background in orchestra and musical theater, as well as retail management. We worked together as a husband-and-wife team in manufacturing for many years prior to moving to Wilmington. Having shopped in countless music stores over the years, we set up our shop with the goal of being welcoming and inviting. Our philosophy is ‘if it’s on display, it’s for play.’ No instrument or amplifier is out of reach in our store.” WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR GROWTH? THE WILLIAMSES: “We would love to grow the bluegrass and folk instrument segment of our business. We carry banjos, mandolins, resonator guitars, ukuleles and related accessories. We’ve seen and heard plenty of talented bluegrass and folk musicians around Wilmington, and we look forward to expanding our selections to support this growing segment of the local music scene.” WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING RIGHT NOW IN YOUR BUSINESS? THE WILLIAMSES: “Getting the word out about our brand and some of the unique brands we represent is a challenge for any new business. Online exposure through the Cargo District, Wilmington Downtown Inc. … and our online following is steadily growing. Our other challenge is the logistics of our streets. Our neighborhood is amazing, and you could spend the entire day walking around the Cargo District. As the District continues to grow, we’re seeing more pedestrian traffic, particularly in crossing 16th and 17th streets. We’ve seen some improvements in traffic calming, but the sooner we can improve safety with crosswalks and pedestrian signals, the more welcoming our neighborhood will be.”
The Cost of Cutting American Science: How Federal Cuts Diminish Public Health Capacity
Among the federal government’s many responsibilities is the work it does to protect public health. Federal agencies monitor our food supply to ensure safety, conduct research to better understand emerging health threats, provide funding for public health programs in communities and work to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Americans rely on these efforts every day—in a 2024 online survey, 74% of respondents said that “if the federal government issued safety guidance about food you eat regularly,” they would follow it. Changes to Federal Public Health Capacity The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have resulted in significant impacts on our nation’s public health capacity over the past 20 months, affecting the response to health concerns such as measles, Ebola and cyclosporiasis. Agencies with core public health, food safety and disease prevention responsibilities experienced large workforce decreases during the first year of the administration. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, the workforce in February 2026 was 26.7% smaller than in September 2024 before the start of the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration saw a similarly steep decline of 21.6%. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service also experienced large workforce decreases. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Changes can also be seen in crucial public health occupations. The number of federal food inspectors, for example, decreased by more than half between September 2024 and February 2026, going from 1,035 to 473. This is the lowest number of food inspectors employed by the federal government since at least 2005. By February 2026, there were also 33.3% fewer federal public health program specialists, whose work includes advising federal funding recipients on public health activities and analyzing the effectiveness of public health programs. Government’s capacity is diminished as employees with specialized knowledge and experience in protecting the public and responding to health risks depart, leaving agencies less prepared to carry out their public health missions. There also have been vacancies in critical high-level leadership positions at public health agencies, most notably at the CDC, which had a permanent Senate-confirmed director for less than a month between January 2025 and early August 2026. Although the CDC has previously been led by acting directors at the start of an administration, the nearly yearlong gap since the departure of the administration’s first permanent director in August 2025 is without precedent. As of August 2026, the FDA is also currently without a Senate-confirmed commissioner following the previous commissioner’s resignation in May 2026. Additionally, public health agencies are experiencing increased politicization of their leadership ranks. In agencies such as the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service, the number of individuals in the Senior Executive Service—the most senior career leaders in government—has declined significantly, while at the same time the number of political appointees has reached record levels. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); At the CDC, for example, the number of career SES decreased 42.9% between December 2024 and February 2026, while the number of non-Senate confirmed political appointees at the agency was six times larger than the agency’s historical average from 2009 and 2024. Knowledgeable career leaders are integral to the ability of public health agencies to carry out their work with scientific integrity and professional judgment, and rapid leadership turnover and increased politicization threaten agencies’ ability to make evidence-based decisions to protect our health. The upheaval and politicization in public health agencies have also negatively affected employee engagement. Strong employee engagement is crucial to the ability of agencies to carry out their mission and successfully provide essential services to the public. In the 2025 Public Service Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, the Department of Health and Human Services—which encompasses major public health agencies such as the CDC and FDA—had an employee engagement and satisfaction score of 20.4 out of 100, one of the lowest among large agencies. Only 2.8% of HHS employees indicated trust in their political leaders and only 8.7% reported confidence that they could report a suspected violation of law or regulation without retaliation. Employees at HHS also reported that the agency’s ability to provide services to the public had suffered. Nearly half of employees at HHS, 47.5%, said their work unit was worse at delivering quality services compared to its performance in 2024. In addition, 57.8% said their work unit was performing worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs. In addition to the work done within federal agencies, the federal government also distributes significant funding for public health and disease prevention work to state and local governments, nonprofits and small businesses—funding which has been significantly disrupted. At the CDC, for example, there was a 71.9% decrease in the amount of project grant funding issued in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024. The FDA also issued far less funding in fiscal year 2025—a 21.3% decrease from its fiscal year 2024 funding. Changes in federal funding include the ending of grants to community organizations that worked on HIV prevention and the cancellation of funding for research into improvements to patient safety and healthcare quality. These changes go beyond federal agencies to impact the broader public health ecosystem, including the state and local health departments responsible for much of the on-the-ground public health work in their communities. About 80% of the CDC’s domestic funding is directed towards state and local partners—meaning that cuts to CDC funding can ultimately result in cuts to state and local public health capacity. Federal agencies also provide expertise and assistance to state and local health agencies as they deal with particular health challenges, but workforce cuts have resulted in fewer federal employees available to help. The Impact of Changes to Public Health Capacity These changes to federal public health capacity are not abstract concerns. Disrupted programs, reduced funding and lost expertise at public health agencies across all levels of government threaten the public’s physical well-being and safety. In some cases, this has already led to harm. The most immediate impacts of federal cuts were seen in interruptions to ongoing public health programs and crisis responses. In one instance, when CDC grants were canceled during the 2025 Texas measles outbreak—the most severe measles outbreak in 25 years—public health officials in Lubbock, Texas were forced to pause parts of their measles response work supported by the frozen funding. Lubbock’s director of public health further said that a lack of available CDC experts to reach out to for advice “definitely” impacted the department’s response to the measles crisis. Cuts to federal funding also forced Dallas County Health and Human Services to cut staff and cancel 50 community vaccination clinics during the outbreak. Public health work outside of major outbreak responses was also disrupted. For example, in April 2025, the Milwaukee Public Health Department was unexpectedly unable to reach experts on lead poisoning due to firings at the CDC when responding to concerns about lead contamination in Milwaukee public schools. Due to federal workforce cuts, several programs at the CDC, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy programs, have also become trapped in limbo—existing on paper, but without the staff necessary to operate. More recent crises reveal how federal cuts have weakened the public health infrastructure needed to prevent and respond to dangerous new outbreaks. Internationally, cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development eliminated funding for disease testing and contact tracing abroad, which delayed detection of and responses to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While international outbreaks may seem far removed, the unchecked spread of disease in any country can quickly pose a danger to economic well-being, security and health around the world. Within the United States, public health cuts inhibited responses to the summer 2026 outbreak of the food-borne parasite cyclospora. At the federal level, cuts to funding for lab equipment and for CDC staff with expertise in parasitic infections—including 9 out of 11 staff members at the lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks in 2025— contributed to the largest reporting delay in outbreak cases at the CDC in 15 years. Conflicting communications from the FDA about the source of the outbreak, which followed cuts to the agency’s communications department, additionally led to confusion among the public about how to best avoid infection. At the same time, cuts to HHS funding and support for local and state public health slowed some health departments’ responses to the crisis. The exact costs of these delays, constraints and confusion in public health responses are difficult to estimate. However, their message is clear: federal cuts have already made containing threats to public health even more of a challenge. Conclusion Protecting public health—from food safety to disease prevention—is one of the federal government’s most important missions. Dramatic and haphazard cuts to federal agencies and funding have already disrupted the public health system, impacting the response to challenges such as measles, lead poisoning and cyclosporiasis. The U.S. public health system needed improvement before these disruptions. Since 2022, federal leadership and coordination in response to public health outbreaks has been on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List of areas in need of attention to improve government effectiveness and efficiency. Recent cuts only compound these concerns. The chaotic dismantling of government and resulting disruptions to crucial functions like public health and disease prevention highlight the need for meaningful reform and concrete policy proposals to reimagine how government can better serve the public and be more effective, responsive and accountable. To learn more about the impact of federal cuts to public health and science more broadly, visit The Cost of Cutting American Science. Learn more For more information on the Partnership for Public Service’s government reform initiative, visit Government for a New Era. View here In line with The Cost of Cutting American Science, federal workforce data in this brief is as of February 2026
The Cost of Cutting American Science: How Federal Cuts Diminish Public Health Capacity
Among the federal government’s many responsibilities is the work it does to protect public health. Federal agencies monitor our food supply to ensure safety, conduct research to better understand emerging health threats, provide funding for public health programs in communities and work to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Americans rely on these efforts every day—in a 2024 online survey, 74% of respondents said that “if the federal government issued safety guidance about food you eat regularly,” they would follow it. Changes to Federal Public Health Capacity The Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have resulted in significant impacts on our nation’s public health capacity over the past 20 months, affecting the response to health concerns such as measles, Ebola and cyclosporiasis. Agencies with core public health, food safety and disease prevention responsibilities experienced large workforce decreases during the first year of the administration. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, the workforce in February 2026 was 26.7% smaller than in September 2024 before the start of the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration saw a similarly steep decline of 21.6%. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service also experienced large workforce decreases. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Changes can also be seen in crucial public health occupations. The number of federal food inspectors, for example, decreased by more than half between September 2024 and February 2026, going from 1,035 to 473. This is the lowest number of food inspectors employed by the federal government since at least 2005. By February 2026, there were also 33.3% fewer federal public health program specialists, whose work includes advising federal funding recipients on public health activities and analyzing the effectiveness of public health programs. Government’s capacity is diminished as employees with specialized knowledge and experience in protecting the public and responding to health risks depart, leaving agencies less prepared to carry out their public health missions. There also have been vacancies in critical high-level leadership positions at public health agencies, most notably at the CDC, which had a permanent Senate-confirmed director for less than a month between January 2025 and early August 2026. Although the CDC has previously been led by acting directors at the start of an administration, the nearly yearlong gap since the departure of the administration’s first permanent director in August 2025 is without precedent. As of August 2026, the FDA is also currently without a Senate-confirmed commissioner following the previous commissioner’s resignation in May 2026. Additionally, public health agencies are experiencing increased politicization of their leadership ranks. In agencies such as the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service, the number of individuals in the Senior Executive Service—the most senior career leaders in government—has declined significantly, while at the same time the number of political appointees has reached record levels. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); At the CDC, for example, the number of career SES decreased 42.9% between December 2024 and February 2026, while the number of non-Senate confirmed political appointees at the agency was six times larger than the agency’s historical average from 2009 and 2024. Knowledgeable career leaders are integral to the ability of public health agencies to carry out their work with scientific integrity and professional judgment, and rapid leadership turnover and increased politicization threaten agencies’ ability to make evidence-based decisions to protect our health. The upheaval and politicization in public health agencies have also negatively affected employee engagement. Strong employee engagement is crucial to the ability of agencies to carry out their mission and successfully provide essential services to the public. In the 2025 Public Service Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, the Department of Health and Human Services—which encompasses major public health agencies such as the CDC and FDA—had an employee engagement and satisfaction score of 20.4 out of 100, one of the lowest among large agencies. Only 2.8% of HHS employees indicated trust in their political leaders and only 8.7% reported confidence that they could report a suspected violation of law or regulation without retaliation. Employees at HHS also reported that the agency’s ability to provide services to the public had suffered. Nearly half of employees at HHS, 47.5%, said their work unit was worse at delivering quality services compared to its performance in 2024. In addition, 57.8% said their work unit was performing worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs. In addition to the work done within federal agencies, the federal government also distributes significant funding for public health and disease prevention work to state and local governments, nonprofits and small businesses—funding which has been significantly disrupted. At the CDC, for example, there was a 71.9% decrease in the amount of project grant funding issued in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024. The FDA also issued far less funding in fiscal year 2025—a 21.3% decrease from its fiscal year 2024 funding. Changes in federal funding include the ending of grants to community organizations that worked on HIV prevention and the cancellation of funding for research into improvements to patient safety and healthcare quality. These changes go beyond federal agencies to impact the broader public health ecosystem, including the state and local health departments responsible for much of the on-the-ground public health work in their communities. About 80% of the CDC’s domestic funding is directed towards state and local partners—meaning that cuts to CDC funding can ultimately result in cuts to state and local public health capacity. Federal agencies also provide expertise and assistance to state and local health agencies as they deal with particular health challenges, but workforce cuts have resulted in fewer federal employees available to help. The Impact of Changes to Public Health Capacity These changes to federal public health capacity are not abstract concerns. Disrupted programs, reduced funding and lost expertise at public health agencies across all levels of government threaten the public’s physical well-being and safety. In some cases, this has already led to harm. The most immediate impacts of federal cuts were seen in interruptions to ongoing public health programs and crisis responses. In one instance, when CDC grants were canceled during the 2025 Texas measles outbreak—the most severe measles outbreak in 25 years—public health officials in Lubbock, Texas were forced to pause parts of their measles response work supported by the frozen funding. Lubbock’s director of public health further said that a lack of available CDC experts to reach out to for advice “definitely” impacted the department’s response to the measles crisis. Cuts to federal funding also forced Dallas County Health and Human Services to cut staff and cancel 50 community vaccination clinics during the outbreak. Public health work outside of major outbreak responses was also disrupted. For example, in April 2025, the Milwaukee Public Health Department was unexpectedly unable to reach experts on lead poisoning due to firings at the CDC when responding to concerns about lead contamination in Milwaukee public schools. Due to federal workforce cuts, several programs at the CDC, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy programs, have also become trapped in limbo—existing on paper, but without the staff necessary to operate. More recent crises reveal how federal cuts have weakened the public health infrastructure needed to prevent and respond to dangerous new outbreaks. Internationally, cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development eliminated funding for disease testing and contact tracing abroad, which delayed detection of and responses to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While international outbreaks may seem far removed, the unchecked spread of disease in any country can quickly pose a danger to economic well-being, security and health around the world. Within the United States, public health cuts inhibited responses to the summer 2026 outbreak of the food-borne parasite cyclospora. At the federal level, cuts to funding for lab equipment and for CDC staff with expertise in parasitic infections—including 9 out of 11 staff members at the lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks in 2025— contributed to the largest reporting delay in outbreak cases at the CDC in 15 years. Conflicting communications from the FDA about the source of the outbreak, which followed cuts to the agency’s communications department, additionally led to confusion among the public about how to best avoid infection. At the same time, cuts to HHS funding and support for local and state public health slowed some health departments’ responses to the crisis. The exact costs of these delays, constraints and confusion in public health responses are difficult to estimate. However, their message is clear: federal cuts have already made containing threats to public health even more of a challenge. Conclusion Protecting public health—from food safety to disease prevention—is one of the federal government’s most important missions. Dramatic and haphazard cuts to federal agencies and funding have already disrupted the public health system, impacting the response to challenges such as measles, lead poisoning and cyclosporiasis. The U.S. public health system needed improvement before these disruptions. Since 2022, federal leadership and coordination in response to public health outbreaks has been on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List of areas in need of attention to improve government effectiveness and efficiency. Recent cuts only compound these concerns. The chaotic dismantling of government and resulting disruptions to crucial functions like public health and disease prevention highlight the need for meaningful reform and concrete policy proposals to reimagine how government can better serve the public and be more effective, responsive and accountable. To learn more about the impact of federal cuts to public health and science more broadly, visit The Cost of Cutting American Science. Learn more For more information on the Partnership for Public Service’s government reform initiative, visit Government for a New Era. View here In line with The Cost of Cutting American Science, federal workforce data in this brief is as of February 2026
Local Business Owners Start New Chapter with Opening of New PostalAnnex Location in Concord, California
Annex Brands, Inc., one of the leading franchisors in the packing, shipping and office services industries, is excited to announce the opening of its newest PostalAnnex location in Concord, CA to new owners, Rebeccah and Konstantin Rybalsky. This new PostalAnnex is set to offer a wide range of essential shipping and office services to the local community, making it easier to provide more service to more people in more places.
PWHL lands its first season-long U.S. TV deal with Scripps Sports
While the PWHL has had national rights deals in Canada, its TV distribution in the U.S. has largely been through local and regional outlets.
Court To Table offers fun outlet through Trivia Tuesdays, bringing community together
Coming off a football high and returning to a week filled with studying and competing for parking can be a bit of a mood-killer for any LSU student. Court To Table, a local pickle ball themed entertainment venue and restaurant, likes to keep students occupied with Trivia Tuesdays. Beginning with a “Friends” themed trivia night...
Mental health survey finds Yampa Valley residents struggle with loneliness, substance use disorders
The Steamboat Springs City Council heard a sobering assessment of behavioral health in the Yampa Valley on Tuesday: Despite strong awareness of local resources and a reputation for community support, many residents still face loneliness,...
Great Vibes festival returns to Port Leyden
The Great Vibes Wellness Festival returns to Port Leyden with six wellness classes, local vendors and raffles to benefit youth in Lewis County.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Paystand branches into AI agents; court hearing for former Scotts Valley executive; Barilla snaps up Goodles
In this week's survey of local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on the rollout of a new AI tool for Santa Cruz-based fintech company Paystand, notes a court date for a former executive of Scotts Valley's Ambient Photonics and runs down other numbers, names and dates to know.
Nonprofits Are Helping Musicians Pay for Insurance in Austin, Texas, and Beyond
A nonprofit and a local public health agency are subsidizing marketplace health insurance for Austin music artists, even as shifting marketplace conditions make the program a more expensive proposition. It’s becoming a model for other cities and sectors.
Orlando-area Week 4 high school football scoreboard
Here is the schedule and scoreboard for Week 4 games for Orlando area high school football teams. Home teams are on the bottom line. Rankings are from the Sentinel Super 16. Check back often, as scores will be updated as games progress. Super 16 Coaches Poll: DeLand football returns to unanimous No. 1 status Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at ...
A little stardust, a little magic: Hyla senior takes science to the stage
There are plenty of reasons to spend a Saturday night looking up. On Sept. 12, Bainbridge Island has another one: a local high school senior who thinks quantum mechanics might go down a little easier with a dose of magic.
La Porte County Business Expo Brings Local Business Together September 17
Michigan City, IN – Businesses and community members from throughout La Porte County are invited to connect, discover local products and services, and build new contacts at the La Porte County Business Expo on Thursday, September 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Purdue Northwest – Westville campus. The collaborative event is hosted by the Michigan City Chamber, Westville Area Chamber, and La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) and will showcase businesses from across La Porte County and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the people behind local businesses, learn about the products and services available and make
Jammin’ with Jamstar
Local band Jamstar performed for the crowd at the historic Winchester Speedway on Saturday night as a part of the World Stock Car Festival.
Business After Hours Sponsored by Earnest Consulting
Local professionals can connect during One SouthCoast Chamber’s September Business After Hours, Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Cisco Kitchen & Bar, 1482 E. Rodney French Blvd., […]
Kaweah Health Special: Advancing Cardiac Care in the Valley
CBS47’s Kathryn Herr presented a Kaweah Health special titled “Advancing Cardiac Care in the Valley,” which featured local health experts discussing groundbreaking cardiac procedu…
SMARTIES Philippines 2026 Finalists Revealed: Celebrating Hyper-Local Innovation and Business Impact
Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) has officially announced the SMARTIES Philippines 2026 Finalists. This year's shortlist recognizes campaigns blending cultural insights with emerging technologies to navigate evolving consumer behaviors and deliver measurable business impact.
COVID-19 cases on the rise across all age groups, local healthcare expert says
Dr. Jason Bowling, the chief epidemiologist at University Health, said there is an increase in COVID-19 cases across all age groups.
The burden of the badge: local firefighter talks mental health, Suicide Awareness Month
Firefighters risk their lives to protect their communities. For many, the trauma lingers long after the uniform comes off.
State Department of Health to conduct emergency preparedness survey this month
The survey helped guide Hurricane Lala recovery efforts in Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū and this year it will seek vital insights to enhance local emergency response strategies in Kona, Kohala and Hāmākua.
Injuries force local high school to cancel 2 football games
Catholic Central has canceled its next two football games due to injuries.
September 8 Locker Room with Dexter McNabb
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The first episode of Local 5’s “Locker Room” aired live on Tuesday, kicking off the start to the 2026 NFL season. This week’s guest was former Green Bay Packers fullback Dexter McNabb, who played for the team during the 1992 and 1993 season. He then took a gap year and […]
“Parachute science” is failing the tropics, home to more than 80% of insect species
Insects quietly hold much of the natural world together, yet conservation efforts are overlooking the tropical regions where more than 80 percent of insect species live. Monash University researchers have developed a global framework to close this gap by combining scientific studies with museum collections, local expertise, citizen science, social media records, and new technologies.
Data center backlash reveals bugs in the political system - or are they features?
Local officials have more power than they're letting on in the fights over data centers.
Protesters rally against Academy of Natural Sciences closure
Protesters rallied outside the Academy of Natural Sciences Tuesday as the 198-year-old Philly museum prepares to close at the end of September.
Local businesses brace for gigantic cargo moves starting next week
Locals anxiously waiting for superloads of heavy equipment — weighing up to 380 tons — to travel through their towns will have to hold on until next week. The first trip, on a giant, specialized truck, is expected to leave a dock in Gilpin’s Schenley section on Monday morning. Officials
Savannah Square Pops celebrates 10 years with community event
Ten years, one local business: Savannah Square Pops is inviting the community to celebrate Thursday
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Local metro, state keep grip on lowest unemployment rates
In July, the Sioux Falls metro area jobless rate was 1.9 percent and South Dakota's was 2 percent.
At rally to save Academy of Natural Sciences museum, protesters urge Drexel to 'act like it's an emergency'
Local lawmakers and scientists outlined several options to preserve the museum, which is due to close Sept. 30.
Santa Cruz to build a new type of mental health care center for youth
Serenity Smith, who lived at a residential treatment facility in Santa Cruz in 2024, drives to work in Aptos on Monday, Aug. 31. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local) Located at: 5300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Call (831)540-4141. Behavioral Health Resources
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Sept. 8
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Wisconsin alum, rapper Yung Gravy supports local business during Badgers vs Notre Dame game
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Matthew Hauri, better known by his stage and rapper name Yung Gravy, made an appearance in Green Bay over the weekend to support Wisconsin, his alma mater, in their g…
Baptist Health Paducah to offer 'Monday Night Mammograms' during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Baptist Health Paducah will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by providing Monday Night Mammograms throughout the month of October.
National politics roundup
We’re digging into all the top headlines with local commentators on either side of the .
ABC11 Local Spotlight: NC Department of Health and Human Services
ABC11 Local Spotlight: NC Department of Health and Human Services
WKRC-TV adding 3 p.m. newscast, Sunday politics show
Former WXIX-TV anchor Rebecca Smith also returns to TV as Local 12’s new health reporter, filling the vacancy from the death of Liz Bonis in April.
Best Bets: A quick guide to La Jolla entertainment and experiences
Local events and activities
7 Local Alumni-Owned Businesses to Support
Let the College of Charleston community help you decide: Choose to shop and eat at one of these seven businesses owned by CofC alumni.
Joliet Chamber: The value of being connected and why business relationships still matter
With busy schedules and countless demands competing for their attention, simply putting a networking event on the calendar isn’t always enough. People want to know that their time will be well spent.
Tour industry protests over Taiwan’s new mainland China travel registration rules
KMT politicians accuse ruling DPP of turning cross-strait exchanges into an election issue ahead of year-end local polls.
Clark Mills Historical Society plans open house, history program
The Clark Mills Historical Society will participate in a community open house Sept. 13 and host a local history presentation Sept. 16.
Dodgers Owner’s MAGA Stance Leaves Los Angeles Advocate ‘Very’ Disappointed
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ owner is under local scrutiny for “sending money to Trump’s administration” following ICE crackdowns.
Two well-known local political figures join the 2027 race for Knoxville mayor
The candidacies of Beau Hawk and Amelia Parker introduce an interesting dynamic to the race because both have emphasized progressive priorities.
Swing FORE Women's Health tournament raises more than $16,000 for Hahne Cancer Center patients
DuBOIS — The Treasure Lake Women’s Golf Association’s annual Swing FORE Women’s Health golf tournament raised more than $16,000 to support local cancer patients and their families.
Swedish results in maths, reading and science plummet to historic low in new Pisa poll
Swedish pupils have never before been as poor in mathematics, reading comprehension and science in any Pisa survey in 25 years, in shock results that present a stark wake-up call.
Two key details emerge on Arsenal's recall clause for Nwaneri
It was recently reported that Arsenal have an option to recall Ethan Nwaneri from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window.However, local outlet Ruhr Nachrichten has now ...
Nearly 8 years after liquor vote, Winnebago sees new business growth
Nearly eight years after Winnebago voters opened the door to liquor sales village-wide, residents and local businesses say the decision helped change where people eat, drink and spend time in the community.
Aaron Donald pleased with how return to field is going, mum on status for Rams' season opener
After two seasons out of football, Aaron Donald has been pleasantly surprised by how his body has reacted since rejoining the Los Angeles Rams last month. Whether it means the three-time Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year will be ready to play in the Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday morning local time is still unclear. “We going day by day,” Donald said.
Grand Canyon businesses face post-flood cancellations
Grand Canyon businesses face financial strain after severe flash flooding. FOX 10's Megan Spector hears from a local owner feeling the impacts.
McHenry County Mental Health Board: Conversations that Matter Mental Health Summit is Sept. 11
The public is invited to attend a day of deep connection to move beyond surface-level interaction to engage in transformative communication at the McHenry County Mental Health Board Community Connections Summit on Sept. 11.
Leading Public Health Through Uncertainty: Insights from the PH WINS Pulse Check
State and local public health workers report growing strain amid recent sociopolitical changes that affect their day-to-day. At de Beaumont’s recent webinar, speakers shared and discussed data from the PH WINS Pulse Check, a 2026 survey designed to gather the perspectives of individual public health workers, including how workforce conditions have shifted since the Public […]
Shreveport BBQ business sees Labor Day boost despite rising food costs, heat
Local BBQ restaurant sees increase in customers this Labor Day.
Georgia Southern football prepares for Clemson in week two
STATESBORO, GA (WJBF)- Week two of the college football season features one local matchup in Georgia Southern and Clemson. Both teams coming into the game with something to prove. The Eagles are coming off a 31-0 victory over Charleston Southern, making it their first shutout win at home since 2023. They’ll now face a bigger […]
Labor Day marks end of tourist season for local businesses
While crowds filled the Carolina Beach boardwalk for Labor Day, the holiday unofficially marks the end of the coastal tourist season, prompting local business owners to reflect on their summer success.
Labor Day marks end of tourist season for local businesses
While crowds filled the Carolina Beach boardwalk for Labor Day, the holiday unofficially marks the end of the coastal tourist season, prompting local business owners to reflect on their summer success.