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Trump cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
Trump cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
DHS funding talks continue as Trump faces backlash over racist video - live updates
Follow for live updates on President Donald Trump’s administration.
Politics: Iowa senator speaks out against bill capping school funding
Iowa Sen. Tom Townsend, D-Dubuque, last week in a statement slammed Senate File 2201, which would further restrict the amount of funding for public school districts.
Following advocacy from Columbia affiliates, Trump reverses course on effort to ‘strangle’ science research funding
Following recent advocacy efforts by Columbia affiliates, President Donald Trump signed a spending deal Tuesday that includes billions more in funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention than his 2026 budget proposal. The increase marks a major break from the president’s previous efforts to gut science agencies that fund research at Columbia and universities across the nation.
Memorial Hermann offers voluntary buyouts amid industry-wide financial pressures
Houston’s largest health system says buyouts are part of a strategic plan to respond to industry-wide cost and funding challenges.
How fights over ICE funding are playing out on the Hill and in midterm races : The NPR Politics Podcast
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are running out of time to reach an agreement over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. We discuss the state of negotiations, plus how calls to “abolish ICE” are playing out in congressional races.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and political reporter Elena Moore.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Seven Organizations Awarded Sports Tourism Capital Investment Funding - State of Delaware News
Today the Delaware Tourism Office announced awards to seven Delaware sports facilities through the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund.
Exclusive: Vista Equity Partners and Intel to lead investment in AI chip startup Samba Nova, sources say
Private equity firm Vista Equity Partners is leading a new funding round of over $350 million in artificial intelligence chip startup SambaNova Systems, marking a rare departure from its traditional focus on enterprise software, according to people familiar with the matter.
US-South Africa funding: As American cash dries up the fight to stop Aids gets harder
Health experts fear that as testing and monitoring drops the risk of the further spread of HIV rises.
Physicists warn of 'catastrophic' impact from UK science cuts
Science funding cuts in the UK are expected to be a "devastasting blow" for physics research, affecting international projects such as particle detection experiments at CERN
Congress rebuffs Trump’s $33B in cuts to health, human services
Congress approved the first public health funding bill in Trump's second term. In it, lawmakers largely rejected his proposed spending cuts.
Arkansas receives $13.3M federal boost to modernize health data and expand telehealth
The Arkansas Department of Health has been given $13.3 million in federal funding to expand and modernize the state’s health data infrastructure.
Grant Guidelines for Libraries and Museums Take “Chilling” Political Turn Under Trump
Former Institute of Museum and Library Services leaders from both political parties expressed concern that the new funding guidelines could encourage a more constrained or distorted view of American history.
UK could ‘lose generation of scientists’ with cuts to projects and research facilities
UK’s research funding body warned best scientists taking posts oversees due to lack of job stability at home
Yemen’s crumbling health system leaves patients without treatment options
Outdated medical equipment, airport closures, and funding cuts combine to jeopardise patient outcomes in Yemen.
Live updates: The latest on the Trump administration as US-Iran talks are underway in Oman
Nuclear talks between the US and Iran are underway in Oman. Meanwhile, lawmakers remain sharply divided over DHS and ICE funding. Follow for live news updates.
Y Combinator startup Orange Slice secures $5.3M seed funding
Michigan grads Vihaar Nandigala and Kishan Sripada's startup Orange Slice raises $5.3M for AI-driven sales tools, backed by Y Combinator.
Legislation would establish endowment funds to support women's collegiate sports
Overall, the act aims to shield collegiate women’s sports from market volatility and shifting funding priorities through a blend of private investment and whatever might be available through administrative savings.
WATCH LIVE: White House briefing may address DHS funding negotiations, National Prayer Breakfast
New York advocates press for more funding for supportive housing in state budget
They pointed to instability coming out of Washington as well as the threat of potential cuts and eligibility changes as just part of what is fueling the need for more funding
New York advocates press for more funding for supportive housing in state budget
They pointed to instability coming out of Washington as well as the threat of potential cuts and eligibility changes as just part of what is fueling the need for more funding
He Built a Server to Protect Indigenous Health Data
Joseph Yracheta was in charge of a repository that compiled and protected tribal health data. Then its funding was cut.
He Built a Server to Protect Indigenous Health Data
Joseph Yracheta was in charge of a repository that compiled and protected tribal health data. Then its funding was cut.
Live updates on the Trump presidency: DHS faces funding cliff as Congress remains divided over ICE reform
Democrats and Republicans are divided over proposed changes to ICE as funding for the Department of Homeland Security hangs in the balance. Follow for live updates.
International science cooperation must go on, say research leaders
Science leaders in Europe and Canada say international cooperation must go on amid geopolitical turmoil. At the same time, Europe and like-minded countries should continue to enhance and diversify international partnerships, a Science|Business conference hears. Hugh Brady, president of Imperial College London, told delegates that Europe’s response to the current geopolitical climate should be to “diversify in terms of research partnerships and build resilience and scale into our own system.”A first priority should be for the EU to sort out the scope of the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund and ensure that, together with the next iteration of Horizon Europe, it can drive the development and scale up of new technologies. The EU and the countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme represent “the world's most successful research innovation ecosystem,” Brady said. In order to mitigate the negative effects of shifting geopolitics, the EU together with the UK, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea and others should talk about “building resilience” and address their own “regional needs,” he added. Responding to TrumpUnder Donald Trump’s leadership, the US government has slashed science budgets and shut down international research programmes. Nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. While Europe may persuade a few thousand disgruntled scientists to move across the ocean to work on topics that have been de-funded in the US, it’s unclear what should happen next with transatlantic scientific cooperation more broadly.“Now is the time for us to show [US researchers] our support as much as we can,” Brady said.The European Research Council (ERC), the EU’s basic science funder, has seen a surge in applicants from the US. According its latest data, US-based researchers submitted 347 proposals to the last three big funding rounds, up from 158 in the previous set of calls. The European Commission has also launched a €22.5 million pilot call in 2025 for the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions, the EU’s researcher training scheme. It plans to extend this support with a €51.25 million call in 2027 as part of the Choose Europe initiative, which is intended to make the continent a more attractive place to pursue a career in research. Related articlesData corner: US researchers are choosing EuropeEU-India deal highlights growing alignment on technology policyMeanwhile, in the private non-profit sector, the Volkswagen Foundation is experimenting with a new type of grant that would allow US researchers to split their time between the US and Germany. While these schemes are useful, Europe should not bet on an exodus of scientists from the US. “The idea that we might all see them flocking over to Europe is naïve and counterproductive,” said Maria Leptin, president of the ERC, also speaking at the Science|Business conference on February 5. “We need research in the US to be as healthy as possible. I really admire those who are staying there with a will to fight and an optimism that the world will turn into a better place again,” Leptin said. Preserving dataDespite political disruption, academics have found ways to continue cooperating and sharing research data. Leslie Weir, president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and Canada’s national librarian, said the US cuts have raised concerns about research data security, after ideologically sensitive databases were limited or deleted by the Trump administration. But international organisations teamed up to ensure that the data is not lost. “It's interesting to see that researchers and libraries across North America are collaborating to make sure that data at risk is duplicated elsewhere outside [the US],” Weir said.
Trump cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
9/11 health program finally wins permanent funding as Trump signs bill
The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act was included in a new round of government funding signed Feb. 3 by President Trump.
NYC, NJ Business Groups Urge Trump to Restore Gateway Funds
Business leaders, labor groups and transit advocates are calling on the Trump administration to restore funding to a $16 billion rail tunnel that links New Jersey and Manhattan as work on the project is set to shut down on Friday absent federal dollars.
SAMHSA Distributes Nearly $800 Million in Block Grants Nationwide for Community-Based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs
SAMHSA, recently distributed $794 million in block grant funding across the United States and territories for community mental health services and substance abuse treatment and prevention.
Ten teams of student innovators awarded impact funding
The program provides an opportunity for students to advance community health while building skills in social entrepreneurship and community partnership.
Millions may drop ACA coverage — and raise health insurance costs for everyone else
Some experts warn of a potential "death spiral" in the Affordable Care Act marketplace if young, healthy consumers drop coverage amid soaring costs.
Trump tried to gut science research funding. Courts and Congress have rebuffed him.
A year ago, federal support for scientific research appeared to be crumbling. But thanks to Congress and several lawsuits, scientists’ worst fears haven’t come to pass.
WATCH: Trump calls PBS and NPR 'a waste of money' at funding bill signing
Congress passes spending bill amid DHS funding debate, Minnesota deaths
Congress narrowly passed the final spending package, averting a prolonged shutdown amid fierce debate over homeland security funding following fatal Minnesota shootings.
House passes budget bill to end partial government shutdown
The measure funds most of the federal government through Sept. 30, while providing the Department of Homeland Security with short-term funding for two weeks. Lawmakers will return to negotiate potential changes for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as Democrats demand more restrictions on its operations.
House passes funding bill to reopen government and sends it to Trump for his signature
The House on Tuesday passed a sprawling spending package that will end the partial government shutdown — but created another funding cliff for the Department of Homeland Security in two weeks.
Which House GOP lawmaker voted against ending shutdown?
Only one Republican ultimately voted against advancing a government funding bill, which moved ahead on a 217-215 vote.
‘Biblical Diseases’ Could Resurge in Africa, Health Officials Fear
Parasites and infections that cause blindness and other disabilities were nearly eliminated in some countries, but drug distribution to prevent and treat them was derailed in many places in 2025 after the U.S. cut aid.
Anna Paulina Luna will support funding package after Senate promise to consider election bill
The Representative previously said she would whip votes to stop House business absent including the SAVE Act in any deal.
Holland & Knight Health Dose: February 3, 2026 | Insights
The U.S. House of Representatives will consider a funding agreement that would fund nearly all remaining federal agencies through fiscal year 2026 and avoid a shutdown.
Government shutdown could end today. Live updates
The House of Representatives is readying a vote on a government funding package to end the partial shutdown over DHS reforms.
In the face of aid cuts, Gates Foundation narrows its priorities and defends global health funding
The CEO of the Gates Foundation said it will not change course in the face of the collapse of the foreign aid system but instead continue focusing on its main priorities.
Driver license offices to return to normal business hours
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCT) — Due to the exhaustion of federal funding, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles said they will end the extended early-morning hours at 90 driver license offices. Officials said these offices have opened at 7am instead of the standard 8am to provide additional customer service time, but can no longer […]
Shutdown Politics Will Give Way to Election Campaign Pressures
There’s friction in both parties over the funding bill, but the midterms loom large.
Global health systems ‘at risk’ as funding cuts bite, warns WHO
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that cuts to international aid and persistent funding gaps are undermining the global health system.
Here’s What to Know About the Partial Government Shutdown
A bipartisan spending deal couldn’t clear Congress in time to prevent a lapse in federal funding for some departments. The House must pass it to fully reopen the government.
All eyes on Johnson as House returns amid partial government shutdown
The speaker faces tough days ahead trying to pass a federal funding package and prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown
Speaker Johnson must sell conservatives on funding deal Democrats pushed for — or risk lengthy government shutdown
House Speaker Mike Johnson is back in Washington this week with a tough ask for his fellow Republicans: accept a funding deal that Democrats pushed for or risk another painful, prolonged government shutdown.
Hundreds attend South Bend mental health event urging funding for crisis platform
Hundreds from the St. Joseph County community gathered at the Islamic Society of Michiana's Community Hall in South Bend on Sunday to celebrate the community's
Partial US government shutdown likely to continue amid funding standoff
Speaker Mike Johnson is ‘convinced’ the impasse over homeland security funding will be resolved by Tuesday
House minority leader says Republicans can’t rely on Democrats to pass funding bill, raising fears of longer shutdown
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday that Democrats won’t help Republicans pass a funding bill to reopen the government if they attempt to fast-track the measure Monday, according to two sources familiar with a call between the leaders.
Senate passes Trump-backed government funding deal, sending to House
An important step.
‘Food is medicine’ and the $800M shortfall: How WV hopes to change rural health care
With West Virginia now poised to lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal health care funding, Gov. Patrick Morrisey plans to embrace a “food-is-medicine” movement to bridge the gap and make the state’s residents healthier so they’re less reliant on the health care system.
US government shuts down partially over homeland security funding
Democratic senators refuse to vote for bill authorizing continued DHS spending after killings of two US citizens
Funding deadline passes, triggering partial government shutdown
Just a few months after the last government shutdown, another partial one began after Congress failed to pass a funding package by a Jan. 30 deadline.
Planned Parenthood, reproductive healthcare could receive $90 million in new state funding
California will bolster funding for Planned Parenthood and other providers of reproductive health with a one-time infusion of $90 million, leaders of the state Legislature announced Friday.
Anchorage School District proposes major cuts to positions, programs, sports and more
In a letter to families, Anchorage Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt said maintaining the status quo is no longer sustainable given current state and local funding levels.
Government shutdown or ICE accountability? Senator says that's 'bottom line'
On the verge of another government shutdown, California Sen. Alex Padilla wants more accountability for ICE and less funding for Homeland Security.
Senate passes government funding deal despite GOP backlash
President Donald Trump made a deal with Democrats to carve out Homeland Security funding and allow Congress to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.
Another government shutdown looms -- what you need to know : The NPR Politics Podcast
After immigration officials killed two people in Minneapolis this month, congressional Democrats demanded funding for immigration action be separated from other government funding. That's leading to a potential, partial, government shutdown. We unpack the latest from Capitol Hill.Then, why did the FBI raid Fulton County, Ga.'s election center this week, and what does it have to do with President Trump's continued false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen?And, we bid a fond farewell to one of our podcast stalwarts.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, political reporter Stephen Fowler, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and political correspondent Sarah McCammon.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
4 of the best crowdfunding platforms for businesses
Crowdfunding platforms let large pools of people pledge small amounts of money to help you reach a fundraising goal.
What time would a government shutdown begin? Deadline looms over Congress
A potential government shutdown comes as DHS funding grows contentious.
US Senate scrambles to reach funding deal as partial shutdown deadline looms
Killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good prompted Democrats to block passage of a measure funding DHS
Schumer says both parties ‘working to get it done’ as Senate GOP works to resolve funding holdup ahead of midnight deadline
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said as he entered the US Capitol on Friday that Democrats are pushing ahead on a funding deal to avert a prolonged government shutdown.
Gavin Newsom says he's 'burdened by the facts' as he criticizes California billionaire wealth tax proposal
California Gov. Gavin Newsom doubled down on his criticism of the proposed billionaire wealth tax, warning it could cut school and safety funding rather than solve budget issues.
CA groups seek local taxes to offset federal health care cuts
An L.A. health care coalition is trying to qualify a measure for the June ballot in order to head off impending health care funding problems.
As ACA subsidies expire, voters cite health costs as top economic worry, survey finds
Health costs are top of mind for voters as the 2026 midterm elections loom in November.
Coalition seeks LA County sales tax vote to offset federal healthcare funding cuts
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider whether to place a half-cent sales tax measure in front of voters. Revenues would be used to create a coverage program for people who lose their Medi-Cal.
Government shutdown looms as Senate deal stalls amid heated political rhetoric
Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin reports on Capitol Hill efforts to avoid another government shutdown amid tense debates over new DHS funding. Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen reacts on ‘Fox & Friends.’
Dallas County grapples with mixed signals on federal mental health funding
The White House administration notified mental health and substance abuse and addiction provider organizations nationwide that by executive order, $2 billion in already awarded federal funding would be taken back.
Johnson says government will 'inevitably' shut down despite Senate deal
House Speaker Mike Johnson said that "logistics" for House members may force the federal government into a brief shutdown, despite a funding deal made in the Senate.
Democrats, White House strike deal that would avert shutdown
The two sides agreed to separate homeland security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund it for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for curbs on ICE.
Senate blocks federal funding bills as deadline to avert shutdown looms
The funding package failed 55 to 45, with a handful of Republicans joining Democrats to block the bills
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries provides an update on the latest government funding negotiations
Science Community Weighs in on Federal Plans to Accelerate US Innovation
Science groups call for stable funding and streamlined regulations.
Democrats Block Spending Package as D.H.S. Talks Continue
With about 36 hours to go before a shutdown deadline, the funding legislation stalled while Democrats sought a deal with President Trump to rein in his immigration crackdown.
Senate blocks massive funding bill, with critical talks underway to avoid government shutdown
Bipartisan senators blocked a massive spending bill Thursday, as eleventh-hour talks continue to avoid a costly partial government shutdown that looms at the week’s end.
Will the government shut down this weekend? Latest updates
The country is facing a partial shutdown this weekend if lawmakers can't find a deal over a DHS funding measure.
Opinion: Colorado’s plan to cut sexual health education funding would erase real gains for rural students
The statewide program is a key element in Colorado’s commitment to support the mental health and well-being of our young people.
Teen Mental Health and School-Based Services in California
About 3 in 10 California teens report serious psychological distress, yet significant gaps exist between the need for mental health care and receipt of services. This report examines teen mental health and access to care across demographic groups and describes how state and district funding have expanded school-based solutions.
Democrats demand major overhaul to ICE, as government shutdown risk skyrockets
Democrats in Congress are digging in against any funding deal with President Donald Trump this week that doesn’t include major changes to federal immigration enforcement – dramatically increasing the odds of a shutdown at week’s end.
Pa. county commissioners call for $40M increase to support mental health services
HARRISBURG — County leaders from across Pennsylvania on Wednesday called on legislators and Gov. Josh Shapiro to provide an additional $40 million in funding for county mental health services in
Where Congress stands on the DHS funding fight
The killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has sparked anger and dominated political thought since it happened Saturday.
Congress is poised to take this big step intended to lower drug costs
A deal attached to the Senate government funding package would "delink" PBM compensation from drug prices in Medicare Part D.
Investing in high performance sports
Germany’s athletes have received increasing funding and support since the Olympic Games Munich 1972, support that has translated into greater success at the highest level.
Sword Buys Kaia Health, Plans Fresh $500 Million Funding Round
Sword Health agreed to acquire rival Kaia Health for $285 million in its biggest deal to date, expanding the AI health startup’s footprint in the US and marking its entry into Germany.
Feds OK New Mexico's $382 million broadband expansion plan for homes, businesses
The funding is slated to serve more than 42,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses across the state.
In Wyoming, campus politics sparks a push for deep budget cuts
It’s a familiar scenario: Republican legislators in a cash-rich Western state are looking to slash higher education funding. In this case, though, Idaho is not the battleground.
Senate Dems demand immigration enforcement reforms before funding DHS : The NPR Politics Podcast
Congress may be headed toward a partial government shutdown. After a federal immigration officer fatally shot Alex Pretti last weekend in Minneapolis, Senate Democrats say they won’t vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to how the federal government enforces immigration laws. We discuss what Democrats want, what Republicans are offering, and the political risks of another government shutdown. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Asheville City Council approves $15.5M in funding for Small Business Support Program - The City of Asheville
In an important next step for small business recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, the Asheville City Council approved a $15.5 million funding recommendation on Tuesday, January 27, to support the City’s Small Business Support Program (SBSP), funded through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program.
Autism Science Foundation Releases Request for Applications for 2026 Undergraduate Summer Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
New York, NY — January 27, 2026 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, has released its 2026 Request for Applications for Undergraduate Summer Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support undergraduate students pursuing basic or clinical autism research during
Cuts to science and research in the U.S. over the past year
The administration cut science funding, withheld grants, and eliminated jobs in research areas that did not align. Nature, with visualization by Kim Albrecht, show the total impact so far. A treema…
Wisconsin superintendents ask Legislature to put politics aside and provide more funding
Wisconsin’s five largest public school districts are asking the state Legislature for more funding.
NYC Health + Hospitals Secures 75 Medicare-Funded Residency Positions to Grow and Strengthen Its Clinical Workforce - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced a major expansion of its Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs, securing federal funding for 75 new, permanent
In downtown Wilmington, Live Oak shutting down inclusive small business center
Live Oak Bank is turning Channel off. Described by Live Oak as an inclusive small business center, Channel opened in November 2021 to serve as a free resource for small business owners, helping numerous minority-owned and other small businesses from its headquarters downtown at 106 Market St. "After careful consideration, we’ve decided to bring Channel ... to a close at the end of this month. Live Oak determined that the needs of Wilmington’s small business community have evolved. Since Channel opened, the local small business ecosystem has grown significantly, with many strong organizations now offering education, technical assistance and community programming for entrepreneurs," stated Claire Parker, managing director of corporate communications for Live Oak Bank, in an email Monday. "With those resources firmly in place, Live Oak is refocusing on what we do best – providing banking and financing solutions that help small businesses grow and thrive." Channel's demise also resulted in the elimination of two positions – those of Channel's director, Chakema Clinton-Quintana, and Atiba Johnson, the certified professional business advisor (CPBA) at Channel. On Monday, Clinton-Quintana, who was elected to the Wilmington City Council in November, said of her immediate plans after Channel: "I will continue my work serving the public while I look for other full-time opportunities." She said Channel "served over 1,000 small business owners in the greater Wilmington area, as well as some of the surrounding areas, such as Brunswick and Pender. A lot of folks had reached out to us needing those resources because they were free, and we were able to assist them in that capacity." Johnson said he will be devoting his time to the Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce, which is not affiliated with the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The minority chamber is celebrating its launch from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Wilmington Sportsman Club, 1111 Castle St., Wilmington. Johnson, the founder and executive director of the new chamber, said about 50 businesses are on board to join the Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce. According to a news release, the new chamber "was established to foster growth, networking, and advocacy for underrepresented business owners. By providing essential resources and community engagement, the chamber aims to build a more inclusive and prosperous local economy." Johnson said the creation of the new chamber is in response to "lapses in funding, education, advocacy for minority businesses...Some of the things that are going on now just don't reach all the way down to those businesses." For Lynne Jones, owner of LJ Design Studio LLC, the loss of Channel also means a reduction in income. She had contracted with Channel to run the center's social media and to provide some marketing for small business owners. "It's pretty disappointing to hear that it is closing...it was a place to connect with other small business owners and collaborate. It was like a family for those of us who were there. If you had issues or things that you needed to talk through concerning your business, there was always someone there that you could sit down with and talk things through, recalibrate, and they set you off on your way to make that pivot and move in a different direction," Jones said Monday. She said she worked with many Channel participants creating their websites and will miss seeing the joy on their faces when those websites were up and running. Dawn McDowell, owner of Creatively Covered Co. LLC, credits Channel with helping her business grow and regrow after her social media pages were hacked and shut down in 2023. "Channel was a great resource for small businesses, for women-owned businesses, for minority-owned businesses; they provided a lot of assistance, especially when you needed it," McDowell said. "If it wasn't for Channel, I don't know if I'd be where I am now, in my business, and regrowing my business and even finding out about some of the certifications and things that were out there for small businesses that I just didn't know about ... because there was no one really sharing that information for small businesses, for minority- and women-owned businesses in particular." Parker said shutting down Channel was not part of an overall cost-cutting plan. She stated in the email, "Live Oak’s commitment to Wilmington remains strong. We are continuing to support entrepreneurs by focusing our efforts where we deliver the greatest value – through specialized banking and financing solutions aligned with our mission to be America’s small business bank." As for Channel's downtown office, Live Oak had leased the 5,000-square-foot space above Seabird restaurant in 2021. The bank’s lease for the office is up in March, Parker said.
Lawmakers exploring options for DHS bill in critical week for government funding talks
Senate Democrats and Republicans are weighing how to move forward on funding the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies after another deadly shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis, according to sources familiar with the matter.
CDC Restores $5 Billion in Public Health Grants After 24-Hour Pause
By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, Jan. 26, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Federal officials have lifted a short pause on more than 100 public health grants worth over $5 billion, allowing states to continue work aimed at strengthening health systems. The funding, provided through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ...
Will the government shut down again? What we know before Jan. 30 deadline
After the most recent fatal shooting by federal agents, Democrats are rejecting a DHS funding provision. It could shut the government down.
Political fallout grows after Minnesota shooting
With lawmakers in Congress divided after Saturday’s fatal shooting involving federal officers in Minneapolis, Democrats are now threatening to vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security, as a deadline to fund the government looms, threatening a potential shutdown. NBC News’ Monica Alba reports.