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Dan Cox and Wes Moore face off in a governor debate Tuesday. Here’s what to know.
The hourlong debate will be prerecorded and broadcast on local news channels and radio stations and streamed online at The Banner at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Newcastle goalkeeper emerges as option for Bayern Munich
With Manuel Neuer expected to retire from football next summer, Bayern Munich already have a successor in place for the veteran in the shape of Jonas Urbig.However, the Bavarians still want to bring i...
Science-backed guidance for healthy screen time
We’re all aware – and wary – of doomscrolling. Lots of screen time can be bad for us. But what if that’s not always the case? We spoke with the author of a study that found a positive relationship between screen time and brain development in young people. This episode, we sort through what to actually worry about when it comes to screen time – and what guidelines already exist that can empower you and the kids in your life.Interested in learning more about how screen time affects your brain? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Science-backed guidance for healthy screen time
We’re all aware – and wary – of doomscrolling. Lots of screen time can be bad for us. But what if that’s not always the case? We spoke with the author of a study that found a positive relationship between screen time and brain development in young people. This episode, we sort through what to actually worry about when it comes to screen time – and what guidelines already exist that can empower you and the kids in your life.Interested in learning more about how screen time affects your brain? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Cris Collinsworth Calls Lions’ Final Drive a ‘Disaster’
Cris Collinsworth called the Lions' four-play final drive a disaster on the NBC broadcast. #Lions
Legends Radio spotlights JB Berkow’s lifelong art passion
JB Berkow is the founder of Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts in Lake Worth Beach. LEGENDS RADIO / COURTESY PHOTO This week's Legends Radio Local Artist Spotlight shines on accomplished artist and passionate advocate for the arts, JB Berkow. For more than five decades, JB Berkow has dedicated her life not only to creating art but also to making sure art has a place to thrive. Her work has been exhibited throughout the country in galleries, museums, and universities, and is held in permanent collections, including the Vatican’s Contemporary Art Collection in Italy, Boston University, and Palm Beach International Airport. Her passion for supporting other artists began early. At age 26, Berkow founded Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C., which became a highly successful cooperative gallery. She later brought that same entrepreneurial spirit to South Florida, founding Frenchman’s Art Gallery and Studios in Juno Beach in 1995. She opened Rosetta Stone Fine Art Gallery in 2003. In 2015, JB took her commitment to arts education even further by founding the nonprofit Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts. The 15,000-square-foot facility in Lake Worth Beach is home to Florida’s largest publicly accessible glassblowing hot shop and offers instruction in glassblowing, fusing, flameworking, and glass casting. The center also provides free classes to approximately 1,000 underserved children and young adults with disabilities each year. Its “Fragments Reimagined” art therapy program for veterans with PTSD recently received a $100,000 Impact 100 grant. In addition to her work as an artist and advocate, Berkow has authored four books, including Shades of Love and What They Didn’t Teach You in Art School. For JB, art has always been about more than creating something beautiful. It’s about opening doors, inspiring others, and making creativity an important part of life.That is why JB Berkow is in this week’s Legends Radio Local Artist Spotlight.
Third-quarter results are scheduled after market close Oct. 29; First Business Bank takes questions next morning.
Q3 results will be released after market close Oct. 29. The Oct. 30 call starts at 8 a.m. Central, with a simultaneous webcast and investor questions.
Why I Don’t Think Ride Or Die Should Have Been Cancelled (And What Company Should Save It...)
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) So…I recently came across a Reddit thread, talking about films on streaming, wondering why there are no reliable sources out there for streaming ratings data. Sigh. Honestly, as annoyed as I am that so many still don’t realize that we have streaming ratings, I somewhat get it. Until now, there was such a long delay between when a show or film came to streaming and when we got its viewership data; I understand why people were confused. (But, as you know, this just changed.) Also, even back in the day, how many people knew how well films did on television? Luckily, as a reader, you’re in the know. Okay, on to this week’s issue. I want to take a look at Prime Video cancelling Ride or Die and whether I agree with that decision. Overall, we didn’t have any breakout hits (no TV shows landed over 20 million hours according to Nielsen) but we have a lot of steady performers on the streaming charts. Plus, we’ll look at where $50 million in missing box office dollars went. (Spoiler: straight-to-streaming.) All that, plus new episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Supergirl heads to streaming, a new YA show does well on Netflix, the viewership for the Daily Wire’s $50 million fantasy show, what TV show hit-maker can’t make streaming hits, CD sales, all the flops, bombs and misses, and a whole lot more. Let’s dive right in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of September 7th to September 13th, 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Television - Ride or Die Is a Hit…But It Got Cancelled? What The Data “Says” I hate the phrase “here’s what the data says”, even though sometimes I find myself using it. If data just told us everything, we data folks would be out of a job! Data is often messy, complicated and nuanced. When it comes to strategy, many of the best decisions can’t actually use “data”, since it’s vastly too complicated to model. Anyways, I’ve been singing the praises of Prime Video’s Ride Or Die this summer, a show that did very well for them. And yet…it got cancelled. Now, usually when a show gets cancelled, a bunch of websites say “a hit show got cancelled”... Here’s the thing, though: in this case, they’re right! The data “says” that this show was a hit. Specifically, out of 522 first seasons to make a week on the Nielsen charts since 2020, it’s the 75th biggest. On Amazon, Ride or Die is eighth out of 41 first seasons: That’s top 15th percentile all time, almost exactly, which is my definition of a “hit”! I mean, outside of Reacher, Amazon needed a hit this summer! (Admittedly, Off Campus did well for Amazon in the spring, but Ride or Die performed even better.) So what happened? Why did Amazon cancel one of their rare 2026 bright spots? Well, Deadline reported a reason—which I’ll get to—but I’d break it down into three relevant questions: What is a given streamer’s reasoning? Is that reasoning sound? Could the stated reason not be the real reason? According to Deadline, Amazon felt the show “over-indexed” in middle-aged women. (This was based on leaks from within Amazon.) The logic is this: Amazon already reaches this demographic because of unlimited two-day shipping bundled with Prime, so they don’t really need more shows like this. Now, it’s my job to ask if that’s a good reason, and I’ll be honest, in this case, I don’t think it is. Sure, this show may “over-index” in middle-aged women—I’ll just assume that’s the case here—but I think folks often oversell how important over-indexing actually is. When a show is a “hit”, it isn’t a bit bigger than its rivals; it’s usually multiples bigger. For example, Elle only made the charts for two weeks at 8.3 million hours each. So Ride or Die was 80% bigger in its first two weeks, and likely had a much stronger hold, with its terrific 13 million hours in week three. Ride or Die was nearly three times bigger than Sterling Point through three weeks too. And that means that _Elle, Sterling Point a_nd other Amazon YA shows need to not just over-index a little with younger women (assuming that’s who Amazon prefers over middle-aged women), but massively over-index. Otherwise, more people in that demo (and a bunch more besides) likely watched Ride or Die. (I’ll try to explore this concept more in a future article.) And don’t get me started on how Ride or Die did compared to a certain (very, very popular, possibly the world’s most popular) YouTuber’s reality show…which didn’t make the charts after its first week and likely cost much, much more than Ride or Die. All to say, Amazon-MGM Studios/Prime Video can tell reporters that this show didn’t reach the right audience, but that excuse feels weak to me. So this leads to the third question: could other reasons have come into play? Yes! Renewal or cancellation decisions rarely (I’m tempted to say “never”) boil down to one variable. At its simplest, it’s two things: budget versus viewership. But often factors like critical acclaim, ownership and, yes, personal opinion come into play. In this case, Amazon has a new executive running things, and this show isn’t owned by Amazon-MGM Studios (unlike Elle). And yes, it may not have indexed with the right target viewers, too. Likely all of those factors came into play.1 My guess is ownership ended up mattering most. Amazon doesn’t own Ride or Die. It’s actually produced by another major studio. Fortunately/allegedly, this show is being shopped around. I can think of one brand new CEO who should consider it for one of his two major streamers…especially if he wants to rebuild goodwill in Hollywood. His name is on this list of exec producers of Ride or Die… If David Ellison needs some goodwill—and he does—rescue this female-led show tomorrow and grab some good headlines for a day. The data justifies it. Quick Notes on TV We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… How The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives latest season did on Hulu, post-controversy... Whether Supergirl soared on HBO Max... Why the box office is losing money due to the streamers... The viewership for the Daily Wire’s $50 million fantasy show... Updates on The Gentlemen, Lanterns, Outer Banks, King of the Hill and more... What former hit-maker has three streaming flops in a row... Whether The Mandalorian and Grogu popped in week two... All the flops, bombs and misses... And a whole lot more... ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support. If you want an idea of just how much content you’d get in a full issue, check out this older issue. Coming Soon! Oh man, we’re almost caught up! We just have two more issues, then the streaming Ratings Report will be coming out just two weeks after a TV show premieres! Next issue, I’ll be looking at the first two weeks of the NFL Thursday night games on streaming, a huge new spinoff, Reacher’s Neagly on Prime Video, and the latest edition of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story on Netflix, the return of Slow Horses on Apple and MobLand (quietly one of their biggest shows) on Paramount+, and Dancing with the Stars on both ABC and Disney+. Plus I’ll take a look at animation for adults in 2026. The week after, a ton of movies are coming to streaming: Toy Story 5 on Disney+, Backrooms on HBO Max, Jackass: Best and Last on Paramount+ and The Breadwinner on Netflix, plus a Unabomber film on Netflix and a romcom on Prime Video. Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey have a show on Apple, along with a game show inspired by Willy Wonka that everyone seems to hate. Long term, some crazy (but hopefully crazy like a fox) IP news. FX ordered a new Sons of Anarchy show from Charlie Hunnam, but it’s not about the biker gang. No, it features the show’s cast playing themselves in a new “meta-thriller”. Huh. And a lot of the cast is coming back. Next, Ryan Gosling is producing a Flintstones movie about a “grown-up Bamm-Bamm Rubble”. Also, huh. This one is in “early development” so we’ll see what happens. Both projects are based on IP, but also seem to have crazy takes on the IP, which I like.
James Gunn dispels Wonder Woman casting rumors while roasting Frank Grillo
James Gunn addressed the Adria Arjona-Wonder Woman casting rumors by roasting DC star Frank Grillo. ‘You don’t believe he doesn’t know anything? Exhibit A.’
Poor leaders can tank employees’ mental health (and the company); his business summit puts workplace culture
“I’m a big believer in human to human connection because there’s so much loneliness and isolation happening,” explained Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay, host of the You Gotta No! Podcast (YGN) and its annual YGN Summit. “That’s because we’re getting further away from what we are meant to do as humans.”
Your ballot, your move: Early voting starts Oct. 6
By Kevin Hendricks, nm.news — New Mexico voters can start casting ballots Oct. 6 for the Nov. 3 general election. There’s no reason to wait in line on Election Day, or to walk into the booth guessing. Early voting opens Oct. 6 at county clerk offices. On Oct. 17 it expands to more locations across […]
Newcastle gets $25M refinancing for West Loop apartments
Refinancing can be a challenge in today’s elevated interest rate environment, but Northmarq said the process was competitive because of strong lender appetite for apartment buildings.
Whole Hog Politics: Audience capture and the GOP’s #content trap
You did not, I hope, have to take any notice of an empty online furor over Arkansas’s Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s campaign ad that cast a young, white male as a welfare freeloader redeemed from sloth by...
Spurs employ three-guard lineup during Silver & Black Scrimmage
De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper played together in what coach Mitch Johnson called "on-the-job training."
Businesses Finding It Harder to Predict AI Spending
Companies are reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to forecast their AI spending. That’s according to a report Monday (Oct. 5) by The Wall Street
Anyone can listen to PENN Entertainment's Q3 call on Nov. 5.
PENN will post results at 7 a.m. ET, then hold a 9 a.m. ET call and simultaneous webcast; a replay will be available for 30 days on its website.
Comcast Business 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report: 79.3 Billion Events Show AI Pressurizing the Threat Landscape
Comcast Business has released its 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report, an analysis of 79.3 billion cybersecurity events detected across its cybersecurity custom...
Health Agency says now is the time to update raspatory virus Vaccinations
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - As fall arrives and respiratory virus season gets underway, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Jo...
'Chicago Fire' Season 15 cast – Who's back, exiting amid premiere
Prepare to see some changes when "Chicago Fire" returns this week. The NBC series will see multiple exits amid its 15th season, set to premiere Oct. 7.
Business Beat : Halloween activities planned at the Branch County Fairgrounds
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - The Branch County Fairgrounds will host a pair of family-friendly Halloween events this...
Northwest Arkansas growing pains, national concerns top issues at Springdale political gathering
Rain and overcast skies didn’t dampen the mood at the annual Chickin, Peelin’ & Politickin’ event Thursday at Springdale’s Shiloh Square as residents, business owners and elected officials networked over plates of fried chicken and shrimp.
Predicting Everton's October as Tough Schedule Incoming
Everton have a difficult month approaching, facing Hull, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
Engelbert Humperdinck says he ‘went through hell’ rejecting 'casting couch' advances early in career
Malick Thiaw’s Clean Sheet Double For Germany Under Klopp
The Newcastle defender solidified his place in Jurgen Klopp’s new-look backline, showcasing elite composure and tactical growth while anchoring two dominant shutouts on the international stage.
The genetic secret helping bats survive a deadly epidemic
We’re easing you into Halloween season with an episode about bats. There’s a silent serial killer decimating little brown bats as they hibernate. White nose syndrome has driven populations across the U.S. to almost the brink of extinction over the last decade. But recently, conservation biologist Giorgia Auteri and her team noticed several genetic mutations in the survivors. These mutations could explain how natural selection has shifted the existing population – and inform conservation efforts in the future.Interested in more animal science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Congressman: Report Shows More Needed To Help Veteran Mental Health
The Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus released a report capturing responses to a 20...
Rodri Studied Business by Day, Played for Villarreal by Night
Rodri combined morning training at Villarreal with afternoon business administration lectures in Castellon, cycling between the two without his flatmates knowing he played professional football. They found out only when he appeared on television wearing Villarreal’s number six shirt, a moment Rodri has called the best period of his life. The 30-year-old turned down a…
Having a fine country time at WIOV-105\'s FallFest 2026 [photos]
In Lancaster County, the beginning of fall means country music. A lot of country music, with fans gathered in lawn chairs and on blankets in the open field of a
Tom Brady owns up to awkward FOX Sports mistake during Eagles-Rams broadcast
During a FOX Sports NFL broadcast, Tom Brady accidentally muted his own headset by dropping a research board on his talkback button, causing a brief communication disruption in the booth.
Panthers prepare for Sunday Night Football with numerous pregame festivities
The Carolina Panthers is hosting the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, marking the franchise’s first appearance in the league’s marquee primetime broadcast slot since 2016.
Julie Bowen reveals what “Modern Family” cast talks about in group chat
Bowen starred as the high-strung mom and businesswoman Claire Dunphy on 11 seasons of the classic sitcom.
Julie Bowen reveals what ‘Modern Family’ cast talks about in group chat
Julie Bowen is giving ‘Modern Family’ fans an inside look at what the cast of the beloved sitcom talk about in their hyperactive group chat: ‘We’re always chatting.’
Broadcast details for Florida's homecoming game vs South Carolina
Broadcast details for Florida's football's homecoming game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Week 6 were released on Sunday.
How Americans’ Financial Health Is Faring In The “K-Shaped” Economy
Hey all, Jason here. Money20/20 is still two weeks away, but I’ve already started packing (not procrastinating for once!). My calendar is already filling up with various sessions I want to catch, meetings, and of course happy hours, dinners, and other side events. If you’ll be in Vegas and want to catch up, let me know by replying to this email, and we can try to find a time amidst the chaos of the Venetian. A big if not totally unexpected piece of news dropped on Friday: the Independent Community Bankers of America, a trade group that represents smaller U.S. banks, filed a lawsuit against the OCC and Comptroller Jonathan Gould, arguing that the regulator’s move to grant trust bank charters to firms seeking to use them to conduct substantial non-fiduciary activities exceeds the authorities granted to the OCC by Congress. I haven’t had time to fully digest the legal filing or speak to folks in my network about it, but you can expect to see coverage and analysis on it in next week’s newsletter. Subscribe or Support by Upgrading The NerdCon agenda just dropped. It’s stacked. Partner content: Nubank built an AI-first bank. Chime built its own banking core. Figure and Valon are rebuilding the mortgage stack. At NerdCon, you’ll hear from the people behind those bets: what they chose, what they learned, and what they’re still figuring out. The agenda is live, with leaders from Nubank, Chime, OpenAI, Remitly, Mercury, Figure, Valon and more. Follow the mainstage conversations, bring the problem your team is wrestling with to a hands-on workshop, or pull up a chair at a roundtable. Pick your quests. Meet us in San Diego, November 18–20. Fintech Business Weekly readers save 20% with code FBW20. Explore the Agenda Things To Know & Other Good Reads Federal Reserve Board finalizes changes to enhance the transparency and public accountability of its stress test and reduce volatility in its stress test-related capital requirements (Federal Reserve Board of Governors) FDIC Announces Conclusion of Independent Monitorship (FDIC) Modernizing Financial Regulation: Initial Observations from eSLR (Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman) The Data Version of Godzilla versus Kong: FRED Takes on AI (Fed Governor Christopher Waller) Financing the AI buildout (Brookings) Q3’26: Rules for Banks but Not for Crypto (Fintech Takes Banking) The Inevitability of Local Stablecoins (Lombard Notes) Delusions of AI Governance: The Human-in-the-Loop Comfort Blanket (Fintech Snark Tank) Stripe agrees to acquire Parafin to expand revenue opportunities for platforms and help small businesses grow (Stripe) Listen: Fighting Fraud in the Age of AI, with SEON’s Tamas Kadar (Fintech Business Weekly) How Americans’ Financial Health Is Faring In The “K-Shaped” Economy If there is one overarching theme across the economy and politics in the U.S. at the moment, it’s “affordability.” The term is vague enough to encompass a panoply of factors shaping Americans’ day-to-day lives: rising costs for the hallmarks of being “middle class,” including healthcare, housing, childcare, and education, inflation and rising interest rates, and a job market with the specter of AI hovering over it. At the same time, policy shifts under the Trump administration have resulted in reduced subsidies to those who get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and new restrictions on qualifying for Medicaid and SNAP, the impacts of which have yet to be fully felt. These factors are contributing to declining consumer confidence and general dissatisfaction with the economy, despite continuing GDP growth and stock market records. This divergence is encapsulated in the idea of the “K-shaped” economy, in which a small proportion of Americans have seen their wealth balloon, while the majority of American households struggle to preserve the lifestyle they have. Perhaps the greatest determinant of which branch of the “K” a household is on is whether their wealth and income are primarily derived from employment vs. from assets. Nearly two decades of low interest rates and, more recently, elevated rates of inflation have benefited asset owners, while those whose income is primarily or solely derived from labor have largely seen real purchasing power stagnate or decline. This is reflected in recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that labor share of U.S. GDP — the fraction of economic output that accrues to workers as compensation in exchange for their labor — dropped to just 52.8% in Q2 2026, the lowest since the BLS began keeping records. In 1947, approximately 2/3rds of economic output accrued to workers; even as recently as 2001, labor’s share of GDP was 64.1%. Against this backdrop, we’ve seen the rise of more credit and credit-like products: cash advance apps, “no-fee” overdraft, earned wage access, and buy now pay later, which are often used as small-dollar short-term borrowing mechanisms to meet immediate consumption needs or pay other bills (eg utilities, cell phone, other debt payments). With the markers of a middle class existence and, increasingly, basic financial stability seemingly out of reach for many, it should be no surprise there’s been an increase in “financial nihilism,” something industry peers like Alex Johnson and Frank Rotman have discussed and analyzed the roots of. The explosion of gambling and gambling-adjacent products and services — often marketed under the guise of being an “investment” — is inextricably intertwined with the rise of financial nihilism. Crypto, sports betting, and, more recently, prediction markets offer an escape or even hope of sorts, like a contemporary, digital version of a scratch-off lottery ticket, while leaving the overwhelming number of people who use such products worse off. Share of Households That Are Financially “Vulnerable” Ticks Up The Financial Health Network’s 2026 Financial Health Pulse® report adds context on how American households are faring. (I linked to this report in last week’s newsletter, but wanted to take time to further unpack the data in the report this week.) The Financial Health Network publishes the report annually, providing insight into how Americans’ financial circumstances are changing over time. The 2026 report is derived from a survey fielded in April and May 2026. The report leverages survey responses to assess indicators of financial health across spending, saving, borrowing, and planning/protecting and to determine a zero to 100 “FinHealth” score. Those with scores between 0 and 39 are considered “Financially Vulnerable,” consumers with scores ranging between 40 and 79 are defined as “Financially Coping,” and those with scores of 80 to 100 are “Financially Healthy.” The report found that moderate improvements in 2025 were reversed, with the share of respondents considered financially “vulnerable” rebounding to 17%. The longitudinal data reflect the impact of pandemic-era programs, like expanded unemployment, cash stimulus payments, and pauses of federal student loan payments. The positive impacts of those programs, as reflected in the Financial Health Pulse reports, had largely disappeared by 2023. While pandemic-era inflation — to be fair, in part caused by the various support and stimulus measures — had come down from as high as 9% in 2022, it has rebounded since the start of Trump’s second term, with tariffs and energy market disruptions owing to the war in Iran pushing prices back up. Specific indicators in the survey that deteriorated from 2025 to 2026 include the share of respondents spending less than their income over the past 12 months, the share paying all bills on time over the past 12 months, the share that have a manageable amount or no debt, the share that are “moderately” or “very” confident their insurance is adequate to cover them in an emergency, and the share that “somewhat” or “strongly” agree that their household plans ahead financially. Unsurprisingly, lower- and moderate-income households are more likely to struggle to pay their bills on time and have any funds leftover to save. The share of low-income households whose income exceeded their spending dropped from 35% in 2025 to 31% in 2026, while the share of upper-income households whose income exceeded expenses remained unchanged at 63%. Households with student loans or revolving credit card debt reported having “a bit more” or “far more” debt than was manageable at rates far higher than those not carrying these types of debts. The share of those with student loan debt indicating their debt load was too high to manage increased from 50% in 2025 to 55% in 2026, while the share of those with revolving credit card debt saying the same ticked up from 51% in 2025 to 54% in 2026. Households that had student loans were markedly more likely to be financially “coping” or “vulnerable” vs. those without student loans. In 2026, 27% of households with student loans were considered financially vulnerable, a jump of 6% points vs. 2025. Households without student loans saw just a 1% point increase (not statistically significant) in those considered financially vulnerable. Households’ perception of the affordability of categories of goods and services paints a stark picture, with less than one-fourth considering higher education affordable, about a third deeming childcare affordable, and less than half viewing healthcare as affordable. Fintech Business Weekly is made possible by the generous support of paying subscribers — bringing you independent analysis of banking, fintech, and crypto without fear or favor. You can support my work by becoming a paying subscriber if you aren’t already. Paying subscribers enjoy: access to the entire archive of nearly six years of newsletters extended versions of the weekly newsletter, with additional content and analysis and (for founding member tier) quarterly personal 1:1 fintech Q&A / strategy calls with me, tapping into my unparalleled knowledge of the intersection of banking and fintech and experience working in the sector, including helping to launch Goldman Sachs’ retail bank Marcus Support Fintech Business Weekly You can also support Fintech Business Weekly by sponsoring a newsletter or podcast, putting you in front of 93,000+ of the most influential decision makers in banking, fintech, and crypto. Learn more about sponsor opportunities or request a media kit by dropping me an email. Democratic Senate Report Highlights How Iran Uses Tether to Evade U.S. Sanctions Iran uses stablecoins, specifically Tether, to evade sanctions, fund regional proxies, and to purchase military drones, a report released last week by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations says. The report was authored by committee ranking member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and the minority staff. Crypto and stablecoin proponents will often push back on criticism that criminals make use of these assets by arguing that, on an absolute dollar basis, far more illicit funds flow through traditional banking systems and payment rails than via crypto and stablecoins. And while that is likely true, it elides the reality presented in news story after news story: whether state actors — Russia, Iran, North Korea — or criminal groups, those looking to engage in illicit transactions increasingly favor stablecoins and, specifically, Tether (USDT). The report from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released last week adds context to how Iran uses Tether has a lynchpin in its shadow banking system. The report analyzed 846 wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure, finding that 84% of them transacted exclusively or primarily in Tether. The ability to create near limitless, anonymous wallets and to move funds effectively instantaneously and irreversibly have made crypto a favored financial mechanism for bad actors. Stablecoins solved key drawbacks of bitcoin, namely, the original cryptocurrency’s highly volatile value in dollars. And while Tether (the company) has the technical ability to “freeze” or destroy funds, the company is often limited and reactive in its approach to doing so, the Senate report argues. Tether, which is nominally based in crypto-friendly El Salvador, “has stated that its compliance with OFAC sanctions is ‘voluntary’ and that it follows ‘OFAC guidelines,’” the Senate report says. Owing to these favorable attributes, Tether “became a primary cryptocurrency for Iran, Hamas, Hizballah, and the Houthis beginning in 2023 and has expanded in scale since,” according to the report. Tether’s role in Iran’s shadow banking system, the report says, is enhanced by crypto exchanges like Bybit, Kyrrex, OKX, Gate, and Binance, and through “over the counter” exchanges and hawala networks. The consequences of these financial flows aren’t hypothetical. The Senate report links Tether as a funds transfer mechanism to Iranian proxies in the region, including Hizballah, the Houthis, and Hamas. Tether has also been used to make payments to secure components necessary to manufacture drones, the report says. The report concludes by arguing that “[s]tablecoin issuers with a significant nexus to the United States, particularly those that offer dollar-denominated stablecoins, should be subject to American sanctions law rather than being allowed to hide behind foreign jurisdictions.” Stablecoin issuers like Tether must be held accountable for repeated failures to prevent illicit finance and sanctions violations by law enforcement, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and OFAC, the report argues. [Paying Subscriber Exclusive] OUSD Goes Live, Make Your Own Neobank, U.S. Sanctions Russia’s A7 Network As “Transnational Criminal Organization” OpenUSD, the stablecoin issued by the Open Standard consortium that includes Stripe, Visa, Mastercard, core providers, crypto firms, and numerous banks, went live last week. Social commerce platform Whop raised eyebrows in fintech by offering creators on its platform the ability to launch their own neobanks, which the company describes as “great businesses that are easy to run,” in just 15 minutes. And OFAC and FinCEN target Russia’s “shadow banking” A7 Network — more on these stories after the paywall.
A familiar figure, a new voice: Meryl Streep’s Aslan stirs gender debate over Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’
Director Greta Gerwig's film adaptation from "The Chronicles of Narnia" is sparking controversy over casting of Meryl Streep to voice Aslan the divine lion in "Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.".
A familiar figure, a new voice: Meryl Streep's Aslan stirs gender debate over Gerwig's ‘Narnia’
Director Greta Gerwig's film adaptation from "The Chronicles of Narnia" is sparking controversy over casting of Meryl Streep to voice Aslan the divine lion in "Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew." Some...
A familiar figure, a new voice: Meryl Streep's Aslan stirs gender debate over Gerwig's ‘Narnia’
Director Greta Gerwig's film adaptation from "The Chronicles of Narnia" is sparking controversy over casting of Meryl Streep to voice Aslan the divine lion in "Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew." | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Veteran political forecasters see midterm losses for GOP
Two of the country's top political prognosticators see Democrats likely seizing the House and possibly the Senate. The guardrails Republicans were counting on to stem their losses don't seem to be holding.
Some Democrats, Scarred by 2024, Take a Harder Line on Trans Athletes
Democrats competing in historically conservative territory in the midterms are more aggressively responding to Republican attacks casting them as extreme.
New York Jets vs Chicago Bears Game Day Forecast
Near perfect conditions are on tap in the Windy City today
Castro makes Argentina debut: “Unforgettable moment.”
It was a night to remember for Santaigo Castro, making his debut for Argentina. The Roma striker played his first match for the Seleccion in Argentina’s 7-0 win over Burkina Faso. The Roma striker w...
The Newcastle United heroes and villains of the 2020s
Here at The Mag we invited a number of regular/irregular contributors to give us their Newcastle United heroes and villains. Our thanks to David Hutchinson (you can hear Hutch every week on The Mag Podcast, along with Simon and Jamie, discussing all things NUFC) for taking up the challenge.
Interactive Health Fest brings residents to Flinthills Mall
If you wanted information about just about anything health-related, the annual Interactive Health Fest was the...
WQAD News 8
WQAD (Quad Cities) is your source for breaking news, weather, traffic, and live coverage in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities. Get the latest updates from the WQAD team — from major local headlines and investigations to severe weather, community stories, and the moments everyone’s talking about. Watch live newscasts, stream breaking coverage, and catch up on the top stories shaping Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, Bettendorf, and nearby areas. Subscribe for: • Quad Cities breaking news + live updates • Weather forecasts and severe weather alerts • Investigations and accountability reporting • Community stories across the region • Major events, sports, and local explainers WQAD — Quad Cities news and weather, live and on demand. 🔗 More: https://www.wqad.com
Trump defends data centers in Ohio as he rallies to boost Jon Husted in a tight Senate race
President Donald Trump is defending data centers powering AI projects during a campaign rally in Ohio. He insists they benefit local communities and warns against losing them to China. The
Trump advocates for mail and early voting despite historically opposing both
President Donald Trump said Americans should cast their ballot using “every appropriate tool,” in a pre-recorded video imploring Republicans to vote in the midterm elections, including using methods that he has historically opposed like early and mail voting.
Reporting on the science of saunas
For centuries people have sought out saunas and hot springs for their supposed healing properties. But the science behind those claims can be quite vague. So NPR science correspondent Will Stone headed to the International Sauna Congress in Norway to find out just what we know about the health benefits of saunas. This episode was produced by Gabriel Sanchez, with engineering by Eowyn Fain. Our director is Elena Burnett.It was edited by Adam Raney.Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
The midterm maps changed. So could Black political power
Roughly one in 10 voters will cast ballots in newly configured congressional districts. For Black communities, the changes could determine whether their politic...
Why did Dave Portnoy leave 'Big Noon Kickoff'? Barstool founder's deal with Fox Sports comes to abrupt end
The news came less than 24 hours before the show was set to broadcast from Michigan-Minnesota.
Flick’s Barcelona and the value of entertainment
What makes a TV show or movie ‘entertaining’?An exciting and dynamic cast roster? Some compelling writing? A creative head pulling all these strings together in one direction? What about a hooked ...
Flick’s Barcelona and the value of entertainment
What makes a TV show or movie ‘entertaining’?An exciting and dynamic cast roster? Some compelling writing? A creative head pulling all these strings together in one direction? What about a hooked ...
Flick’s Barcelona and the value of entertainment
What makes a TV show or movie ‘entertaining’? An exciting and dynamic cast roster? Some compelling writing? A creative head pulling all these strings together in one direction? What about a hooked audience? Take one look at FC Barcelona 2026/27, and how is the season so far any different? Or if it is lacking any […]
Phil Castellini Sends Message About Reds' Future After Rough Season
The Reds' new control person spoke for the first time since taking over, and he had firm answers about the front office and the team's ownership.
Seattle and San Francisco: Big tech, political backlash and the AI boom
In a live joint recording of the GeekWire and Blue City Blues podcasts, GeekWire's John Cook, historian Margaret O'Mara and journalist Jonathan Weber join Blue City Blues hosts David Hyde and Sandeep Kaushik to discuss the tech industry's tensions with Seattle and San Francisco, and what the AI boom means for the future of both cities.
Lewis Hall Allowed To Shine Under Matthias Jaissle’s New System
The England international is thriving as a dynamic playmaker, trading rigid defensive duties for a versatile role that maximizes his technical composure and aggressive attacking instincts.
How elections forecasters rank Florida races for governor, Congress
Tampa Bay is home to two of the country’s most competitive U.S. House races.
Iran knows US 'is winning' as Operation Economic Outcast inflicts damage, Treasury official says
A top Treasury official told FOX Business that the "absolute isolation" campaign the Treasury is imposing on the Iranian regime has been "really effective."
Is the ‘Verity’ cast Team Letter or Team Manuscript? Anne Hathaway weighs in on debate
Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett explain to EW where they stand on the shocking ending of their new movie ‘Verity.’
Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson were ’gnawing’ on wood for ‘Verity’ sex scene
The ‘Verity’ cast and crew broke down for Entertainment Weekly how they brought the ‘kinky’ bed frame bite marks to life for the film.
Sports on TV/radio listings: Oct. 3
Where to watch and/or listen to today's sporting events that will be televised or broadcast on the radio.
Bills vs. Patriots weather looks nearly perfect Sunday
Sunny skies, temperatures in the 60s and light winds are forecast when the Bills host the Patriots Sunday in Orchard Park.
Al Roker suddenly exits ‘Today’ during live broadcast, later explains why
Al Roker left “Today” early as Dylan Dreyer stepped in before the veteran weatherman later explained his absence.
Getting a taste of stage-door magic at \'Oh, Mary!\' on Broadway [column]
Before this year, the last time I set foot in a Broadway theater was 2007.
Newcastle Have A Generational Talent In Sean Steur
The Dutch prodigy combines Ajax-bred technicality with remarkable poise, offering Matthias Jaissle a press-resistant engine capable of anchoring the Magpies’ ambitious new era for years to come.
Konami teases that Belmont's Curse won't be the end for Castlevania
Konami has been a bit quiet with Castlevania until recently, but the publisher has teased more to come for the franchise in the future. Castlevania stepped back into the spotlight with the special DLC made for Dead Cells back in 2023. Now in just a few days, we’ll be getting Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse – the series’ first new, major release...
Blitz on 2: Week 7
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (WCBD): Hanahan 21 – Oceanside 31 Fort Dorchester 0 – James Island 56 Wando 3 – Berkeley 52 Socastee 19 – Cane Bay 14 Hilton Head 14 – Lucy Beckham 0 Stratford 3 – West Ashley 16 Stall 0 – Ashley Ridge 73 Goose Creek 6 – Carolina Forst 41 Bishop […]
South Korean official says Trump announcement on Alaska LNG went ‘far beyond what was agreed’
The governor and Republican incumbents in competitive U.S. Senate and House races said they expect South Korea to ultimately invest $54 billion. Some industry observers cast doubt on that prospect.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Breaking down the Arizona Governor’s race with Howie Fischer
The dean of the Arizona capitol press corps, Howie Fischer, comes in to break down the Governor’s race. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the “redemption” of Deshaun Watson.
Hempfield falls to Penn Manor | Friday Night Football Week 6
(WHTM) — It was a clash of two good Lancaster County teams in week six as Hempfield hosted Penn Manor. It was Penn Manor coming away with the victory with a score of 28-23. Penn Manor’s record is now 5-1, while Hempfield falls to 3-3.
G2E: South Putnam 45, Northview 7
GREENCASTLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — South Putnam 45, Northview 7
Smaller walnut crop may be good news
USDA announced Oct. 1 that 2026 California walnut production is forecast at 680,000 tons, down 16% from the 2025 production of 809,000 tons. The preliminary estimate of producing bearing acres
Trump makes rare presidential visit to tribal land for rally
President Donald Trump's campaign rally on the Choctaw Nation puts him in rare company. He's among a handful of presidents who have visited Native American reservations while in office. Trump's
Judge temporarily blocks border wall construction in Texas’ Big Bend region
A federal court in Texas has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from building a border wall in the Big Bend region. This decision is a win for landowners, businesses and
The shifting Senate map: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Trump broadcasts his midterm anxieties.
Hispanic business leaders gather in Lancaster County to celebrate growth and community
Lancaster Hispanic business leaders gathered to celebrate growth, pride and new partnerships at Tec Centro.
Kentucky Wesleyan to present Ellie Magnuson Lecture in Literature and Science: “The Power of Still Becoming: Using Reflection and Writing to Evolve”
OWENSBORO, Ky. -- Stacy Hawkins Adams will present the Ellie Magnuson Lecture in Literature and Science on Sat...
'This Morning' show host hospitalized after on-air health scare
Alison Hammond, host of the British morning show "This Morning," was hospitalized after she appeared to have a health scare during a live broadcast.
'This Morning' show host hospitalized after on-air health scare
Alison Hammond was hospitalized after a health scare during the live broadcast of the morning show "This Morning" on Oct. 2.
Amid bleak financial forecast, Brown Health announces buyouts, executive layoffs
Brown University Health announced a series of cost-cutting measures Thursday on the first day of its fiscal year, including executive layoffs and non-clinical buyouts. The hospital operator projects a $64 million deficit due mostly to federal budget cuts.
How to Watch the ALDS: White Sox at Guardians
Your broadcast guide for the coming playoff series!
"Focus On My Health": Tony Romo Breaks Silence After CBS Pull the Plug on 9-Year Partnership
Tony Romo’s life hasn’t been the same ever since the former Dallas Cowboys star turned broadcaster was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) on July 23, 2026. His employer, CBS Sports, put him on indefinite leave eight days later, after which he pleaded no contest to a civil OWI offense.
FBI releases classified ‘Patel Report’ examining past failures at the bureau
The FBI has released a classified report to the workforce examining what it says are chapters from the bureau’s history when it "fell short." That's according to an internal message
OG ‘Hocus Pocus’ cast reunites in Salem, recreates iconic scene 33 years later
Original ‘Hocus Pocus’ stars Omri Katz, Larry Bagby, and ‘Monster’ actor Tobias Jelinek reunited in Salem to recreate an iconic scene in a cemetery: ‘Did we get most of the lines?’
Tony Romo parting ways with CBS Sports following DWI arrest
Broadcaster and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is no longer employed at CBS Sports following his DWI arrest in July.
Tony Romo parting ways with CBS Sports following DWI arrest
Broadcaster and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is no longer employed at CBS Sports following his DWI arrest in July.
Tony Romo parting ways with CBS Sports following DWI arrest
Broadcaster and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is no longer employed at CBS Sports following his DWI arrest in July.
CBS Sports and Tony Romo ‘Mutually’ Part Ways After His July OWI Arrest in Wisconsin
Tony Romo and CBS Sports are officially parting ways after nine years together. The network announced the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s departure on Friday, October 2, and confirmed that J.J. Watt will remain in his place on its lead NFL broadcast team. “CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank […]
Tony Romo out as NFL broadcaster amid CBS leave
The Tony Romo era at CBS Sports has ended. What we know.
Tony Romo, CBS Sports part ways after July OWI arrest
Romo was placed on indefinite leave shortly after the arrest, and his place on CBS' No. 1 NFL broadcast team was taken by J.J. Watt.
Flurry of Lawsuits Shows Both Parties Preparing for Post-Election Challenges
Republicans are using the courts to hunt for noncitizen voters. Democrats worry the G.O.P. is trying make it harder for eligible voters to cast ballots — and paving the way to try to toss valid election results.
iOS 27.2 gives Apple Podcasts the big fix I’ve wanted for years
I’ve long had major issues with Apple Podcasts’ central Up Next queue feature, but I’m happy to report that iOS 27.2 has the solution.
Embraer Soars with 41 Business Jet Deliveries in Q3
Manufacturer is on track to meet its forecast total
Phantom Blade Zero, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Final Fantasy Resonance, and 5 More Big October Games We've Already Played and Can Tell You About
October is here, which means the Fall is in full swing, which means some of the biggest games of the year drop this month. We've already played some of the biggest ones, so check out our previews of Phantom Blade Zero, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Final Fantasy Resonance, and more below.
What’s the best sleep position? It depends.
Also, should you really be using an electronic sleep tracker?
Made in Iowa recap: Sukup Manufacturing innovating for the next generation
For Sukup Manufacturing Co., innovation has never been limited to the products rolling off the manufacturing floor. It can mean a robot installed decades before automation became a manufacturing buzzword. It can mean building a childcare center across the street from the plant, opening an on-site health clinic or establishing an engineering presence in Ames…
Patriots vs. Bills weather forecast for NFL Week 4
Up-to-date weather forecast for this Sunday’s game between the Patriots and Bills.
Newcastle 'working on' deal to sign Tyler Morton
Tyler Morton in action for England U21s, with Matthias Jaissle in a circular inset