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Bladen Community College to host “So You Want to Start a Small Business” class and preview Pitch It Bladen 2027
The Small Business Center at Bladen Community College invites aspiring entrepreneurs to attend “So You Want to Start a Small Business” on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Building 14, Room 104. This class will help participants explore what it takes to become an entrepreneur and take the first steps toward turning a business idea into reality.Participants will explore the entrepreneurial mindset and consider whether they have the interests, characteristics, motivation and willingness to take on the challenges of business ownership. The class will encourage attendees to examine their personal goals, expectations, strengths and readiness to pursue entrepreneurship.Attendees will also gain insight into the realities of starting and operating a small business, including the commitment, planning, decision-making and perseverance required to build a successful venture. Whether participants are just beginning to consider business ownership or already have an idea they want to pursue, this class will provide a foundation for determining their next steps.In addition to the class instruction, attendees will receive advance information about the upcoming Pitch It Bladen 2027 Business Competition, including the application form and details about the program. Individuals who are ready to move forward may submit their applications early and have the opportunity to receive advance acceptance into the program.Pitch It Bladen helps aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs develop their business ideas through structured instruction in business planning, financial management, cash-flow projections, marketing and operations. Participants work toward completing a business plan and preparing a business pitch, with the opportunity to compete for cash prizes.Last year's Pitch It Bladen program demonstrated the value of investing in local entrepreneurs by helping participants strengthen their business knowledge, develop their business plans and prepare to present their ideas. The competition showcased the creativity and potential of Bladen County's small-business community and provided participants with practical tools to move their business goals forward.Building on that success, Pitch It Bladen 2027 will provide another opportunity for local entrepreneurs to gain knowledge, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward launching or growing a business.“The Small Business Center wants to help individuals make informed decisions about entrepreneurship before they take the leap into business ownership,” said Theresa Dennison, Small Business Center director, in a press release. “This class gives participants an opportunity to evaluate whether entrepreneurship is right for them while also introducing them to Pitch It Bladen 2027 and the resources available to help them succeed.”Registration: Visit www.ncsbc.net and search for the class by name, or contact the Small Business Center at 910-879-5572 for additional information.
Overwatch’s Latest China Exclusive Has Fans Ready To Crash Out: ‘I Still Don’t Know How People Defend Blizzard For This’
Shion, Kiriko, Reaper, and more are the latest heroes to reap the benefits of Blizzard and NetEase’s partnership, but only in China
Layla Zaidane: The politicians who can fix America’s polarization problem will win
Political predictions are notoriously unreliable, but here is one I am willing to stand behind: the elected officials who figure out how to govern across difference will dominate the next decade of American politics. With dysfunction and paralysis having become the status quo in Washington, elected officials who work together
Apple notifies Apple Cash users about two upcoming changes
Apple Cash’s terms and conditions have just been updated, and Apple is notifying users about two upcoming changes in particular.
Unfinished Business: Dean Rajan Appointed to Historic Third Term
Madhav Rajan reflects on nine years of leading Chicago Booth and what he wants to accomplish in the years ahead.
Astronomers discover possible planet born from a dead star’s ashes
A second-generation planet might be orbiting a white dwarf, in an astronomy first, according to new research.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Unraveled tour might be 2026’s best
WASHINGTON – For her third major tour, Olivia Rodrigo literally brought herself some well-deserved flowers.
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin announces this is his final NHL season
He broke Wayne Gretzky's career goal-scoring record in April 2025
Angels Offer A Blueprint For Bad Spending Decisions
The Los Angeles Angels make bad deals and throw away cash, which is how they lost 100 games this season.
Todd Promenade returns on Saturday, Nov. 7
TODD — The Todd CommUnity Dance organizers are pleased to announce the second Todd Promenade event, featuring an afternoon of square dance calling, flatfoot dance, and playing music for dances
A ‘phoenix’ planet was born from the ashes of its dead star
Finding the potential planet hints that our sun’s death could lead to the creation of new worlds.
Weaner Pig Breakeven at $22.46, Up $12.25 From Last Week
When you consider that today’s purchased weaner would be sold in March 2027 using April 2027 futures, the weaner breakeven was $22.46, up $12.25 for the week, and $0.57 below the average cash price for the week of $23.03.
Davids Fights Washington Healthcare Cuts with Plan to Lower Costs, Protect Kansas Hospitals
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced a comprehensive package of healthcare legislation that directly counters Washington’s recent healthcare rollbacks, which are increasing monthly costs and closing rural hospitals. Davids’ efforts would protect Kansas families from rising medical costs, block new federal red tape, and keep local hospitals and health clinics open.
Windows 11 26H2 brings a hidden performance boost — and may slash RAM usage
Windows 11 26H2 quietly brings several performance improvements, including a Low Latency Profile that makes common tasks feel faster. Some users are also reporting lower RAM usage after the update, although Microsoft has not confirmed that 26H2 itself is responsible.
Nobel for medicine awarded to 3 scientists for work that helps map the brain
A method that controls nerve signals with light, developed by an American and two Germans, has provided greater understanding of Alzheimer’s and is used in efforts to restore sight.
USA vs. Canada: How to watch, stream international friendly
Two of Concacaf's elite teams clash Tuesday evening when the United States host Canada at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United FC.How to watch & streamUSA: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Universo, PeacockCan...
Top crypto group to pour millions into bipartisan slate of House races after key legislation stalls
WASHINGTON (AP) — A top cryptocurrency campaign organization is unveiling a bipartisan list of House members that it will support in the November midterms, as o
Neighborhood Intelligence Provides Business Update and Announces $45.5 Million Equity Financing with Participation from Management and a Single Institutional Investor
NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 05, 2026--Neighborhood Intelligence (NASDAQ: NXH) ("Neighborhood" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 16,485,508 shares of its common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $2.76 per share (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) in a registered direct offering. In addition, the Company will issue warrants to purchase up to 16,123,189 shares of common
GE HealthCare to buy Sofie Biosciences for $945 million to strengthen radiopharma business
Medical device maker GE HealthCare said on Monday it would buy privately held Sofie Biosciences for $945 million in cash, in a move that strengthens its ability to manufacture and distribute PET imaging drugs.
Bluevine and Coverdash Partner to Bring Embedded Business Insurance to Small Businesses
/PRNewswire/ -- Bluevine, the largest small business banking platform in the US* and Coverdash, a leading embedded business insurance provider powering...
Seattle-area businesses feel sting of ‘obscene diesel prices’
In Washington, the average cost for a gallon of diesel was around $7.37 Friday, according to the American Automobile Association, almost $2.50 more than a year ago.
Why your health insurance problem might not be over when you turn 65
Couples with an age gap have an extra consideration: How to continue coverage for the younger spouse who’s not yet eligible for Medicare.
Kim Kardashian Says She Has to ‘Hold Back’ North West, but the 13-Year-Old Calls Waiting the ‘Worst’ Advice
Kim Kardashian supports North West’s entertainment ambitions while trying to control how quickly her 13-year-old daughter takes on new opportunities. In a new Sunday Times ... Read More
Health Brief: Exclusive | Inside the new health price transparency rules
Plus: Trump’s checks to Medicare enrollees could complicate year-end health care negotiations,
Asia-Pacific survey to employers and business membership organizations on labour, trade and responsible business conduct
This ILO Brief presents the results of a survey of employer and business membership organizations (EBMOs) in Asia and the Pacific highlights growing business demand for support in navigating labour, trade and responsible business requirements. The findings point to the need for stronger technical expertise, practical tools and sustained support to help businesses maintain competitiveness and meet evolving market expectations.
Colorado influencers cash in on campaign season
Paid political messaging is increasingly showing up in Colorado social media feeds, sometimes without voters knowing who paid for it.
Apple Health Age test: What to expect
Bridget Carey puts Apple's new Health Age test to the test, from squats to walking, and finds out how she measures up.
Can Washington Nationals Bounce Back Into Playoff Team in 2027?
Can the Washington Nationals flip the script to become a playoff contender in 2027?
AkzoNobel is selling its Southeast Asia decorative paints business to Nippon Paint for $1.35 billion
The deal covers seven countries and is expected to generate about $1 billion in net cash proceeds after taxes and minority partners
Spooky season watchlist
In October 2024, I drove into Gambrill State Park after dusk and joined others carrying blankets and lawn chairs — flashlight streams lighting the road and parking lot — as
AI game mashup videos on social media spark debate and backlash among players and modders
The Claude-created videos overlay one game on top of another to make a rudimentary ‘mashup’…
THIS WEEK: “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now” Bus Tour Kicks Off With Stops in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), PA Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Will Headline “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now” Events in Five States Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here. Washington,...
Medicare-for-all is back. Now comes the hard part.
Democrats are reviving an old idea. Now they have to define it and pay for it.
Game Preview: Winnipeg Jets @ Pittsburgh Penguins 10/5/2026
Who: Winnipeg Jets (1-0-1, 4th place Central Division) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0-0, 1st place Metropolitan Division) When: 7:30 p.m. eastern How to Watch: Locally televised game on Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Sportsnet+ up in Canada, out-of-market streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: Up next for the Penguins will be two road games against division opponent, Washington on Wednesday […]
'Basher attack': Rovelyn Baterbonia finally meets Angelica Yulo
Rovelyn Baterbonia and Angelica Yulo finally met in person, sharing a meal and photos of their unexpected meeting.
Top Links 1245 Jobs in health care. Jobs for women. The US labour market is segmenting. Chernobyl’s radiation and Lenin’s love of literature.
Thank you for your support of Chartbook. Your generosity keeps this show on the road. Elmer Bischoff, Two Figures at the Seashore, 1957 The only really dynamic job-creator in the US economy is health care:
Jobs in health care. Jobs for women. The US labour market is segmenting. Chernobyl’s radiation and Lenin’s love of literature.
Thank you for opening your Chartbook email. Elmer Bischoff, Two Figures at the Seashore, 1957 The only really dynamic job-creator in the US economy is health care: The largest crunch has come in Federal government, which has shed 2.7 m jobs. Source: tchouvkov on Twitter Tech is struggling. [ Joey Politano 🏳️🌈@JosephPolitano The US tech sector continues bleeding jobs in official data released today—overall, employment decreased by 17k last month and is down 69k over the last year That's nearly as bad as the worst of the 2024 tech-cession, and much worse than the 2022 boom or even pre-2020 norms 12:42 PM · Oct 2, 2026 · 15.2K Views 15 Replies · 47 Reposts · 390 Likes ](https://x.com/JosephPolitano/status/2106001807847940232?s=20) The new jobs are all for women. [ Justin Wolfers@JustinWolfers I'm not sure who saw this coming, but so far nearly all the jobs created during the second Trump administration have gone to women. 1:09 PM · Oct 2, 2026 · 33K Views 70 Replies · 146 Reposts · 644 Likes ](https://x.com/JustinWolfers/status/2106008723533533601?s=20) Meanwhile, real wages are being eaten up by modest over-target inflation. [ Heather Long@byHeatherLong The financial pain is real: Wage growth fell to 3% (y/y) in September. That's the lowest in 5 years. Wage growth: 3% Inflation: ~3.4% Inflation has eaten up all wage gains for the average worker since April. Many people are having to make hard choices about what to buy and what … 1:24 PM · Oct 2, 2026 · 37K Views 24 Replies · 275 Reposts · 533 Likes ](https://x.com/byHeatherLong/status/2106012367712620728?s=20) HEY READERS, THANK YOU for opening the Chartbook email. I hope it brightens your day. I enjoy putting out the newsletter, but tbh, what keeps this flow going is the generosity of those readers who clicked the subscription button. If you are persuaded to click, please consider the annual subscription of $60. It is both better value for you and a much better deal for me, as it involves only one credit card charge. Why feed the payments companies if we don’t have to. Subscribe Elmer Bischoff, Bathers, 1960 Americans are disillusioned with higher ed. For contributing subscribers only. Subscribe Where the Chernobyl radiation went. h/t Simon Kuestenmacher aka simongerman600 How Lenin’s love of literature shaped the Russian Revolution - Tariq Ali This, then, was the intellectual atmosphere in which Lenin came of age. His father, a highly cultured conservative, was the chief inspector of schools in his region and much respected as an educationalist. At home, Shakespeare, Goethe and Pushkin, among others, were read aloud on Sunday afternoons. It was impossible for the Ulyanov family – “Lenin” was a pseudonym adopted to outwit the tsarist secret police – to escape high culture. At high school, Lenin fell in love with Latin. His headteacher had high hopes that he might become a philologist and Latin scholar. History willed otherwise, but Lenin’s passion for Latin, and taste for the classics, never left him. He read Virgil, Ovid, Horace and Juvenal in the original, as well as Roman senatorial orations. He devoured Goethe during his two decades in exile, reading and rereading Faust many times. Lenin put his knowledge of the classics to good use in the time leading up to the October revolution of 1917. In April of that year, he broke with Russian social-democratic orthodoxy and, in a set of radical theses, called for a socialist revolution in Russia. A number of his own close comrades denounced him. In a sharp riposte, Lenin quoted Mephistopheles from Goethe’s masterwork: “Theory, my friend, is grey, but green is the eternal tree of life.” Source: The Guardian Elmer Bischoff, The River, 1953 If you’ve scrolled this far, you know you want to click: Subscribe
Study finds a whole grain sweet spot for heart health
You know that whole grains are good for your heart. New research identifies how much it takes to notice improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure and more.
Central Asia's growing commitment to university sport on full display in Tashkent and Samarkand
The 1st Central Asia Student Sports Federations Forum, held from 29 September to 2 October 2026, brought together FISU leadership, FISU Central Asia and national university sports federations from across the region, confirming the growing political and institutional commitment to student sport in Central Asia. National delegations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan attended […]
Backlash to Trump hasn’t bolstered Florida Democrats’ voter registrations
More than twice as many Democrats switched their party to Republican since September 2024 than the other way around.
Commanders' Dan Quinn provides update on Marcus Mariota's knee injury
What's the latest on quarterback Marcus Mariota?
NC House 115 candidates split on taxes, school vouchers
Rep. Lindsey Prather and Anthony Penland differ on property taxes, school vouchers and Raleigh's role in local decisions.
'I Play Rocky' review: Can this crowd-pleaser be an Oscar contender?
"Green Book" director Peter Farrelly offers Oscar bait. But can it topple "The Odyssey"?
What the science of memory tells us about sexual assault cases
Amid accusations of rape at Cornell University, a growing body of research is challenging assumptions about how victims remember details of their assaults.
Scientists uncover a clue that could hint at why we regain weight after diets
A chemical mechanism may cause weight regain by creating a “memory” of obesity in fat cells, a study suggests.
Four ways the midterm elections could go, one month away
Democrats have polls and history on their side. Republicans have money.
3 veteran quarterbacks Commanders could pursue after Marcus Mariota's injury
Even if Jayden Daniels returns next week, the Commanders could need another veteran, especially if Marcus Mariota is out for a while.
UConn Men's Basketball Commitment: A Giant Splash in 2027 Pool
A second five-star prospect has given his pledge to the Huskies.
First look: Metallica opens Sphere Las Vegas residency in epic fashion
LAS VEGAS — James Hetfield had one question for fans:
Key to Medicare home health reform is determining program's objective: report
Three possible reforms to Medicare home health are cost-sharing, home health eligibility requirements and optional cash payments, according to a September report from Brookings, a nonpartisan think tank. Which track to choose depends on what the overriding purpose of the program is, the four economist authors say.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Mental Health Alliance to Host "Building Your Bank of Resilience" on 11/17
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Rochester Mental Health Alliance will be hosting “Building Your Bank of Resilience”, a community discussion featuring Dr. Naomi Hall and Recovery Friendly Workplace, on November 17, 2026, from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. Read the flyer below for additional details.
Around the Big Ten: PJ Fleck continues to row
After the second week of conference play, Big Ten teams are battling for a chance for the championship. USC, Northwestern and Minnesota all took home big wins, while Iowa, Washington, Michigan are looking to recover.
The Growing Business of Getting Ready
Beauty brands have long paid to be featured in ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos. Now, they’re designing their products and tools for maximum screentime.
Trump fights on home turf as Democratic midterm hopes rise
Republicans are defending territory they never expected to be at risk four weeks before Election Day, as President Donald Trump implores voters not to desert his party with the promise of more cash giveaways.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides Rashee Rice injury update
The Kansas City Chiefs got a hard fought 30-27 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.However, it came at a cost with a pair of wide receiver injuries. Late in the game, Tyquan Thornton sustained a gruesome ankle injury in which he had to be carted off the field for. On the opening drive, […] The post Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides Rashee Rice injury update appeared first on HEAVY.
76ers' Scrimmage Shows Fans There’s Plenty To Be Excited About
The Philadelphia 76ers had a scrimmage that showed some flashy highlights. But, there's some important things that happened that should keep everyone in high spirits.
Brazils presidential race heads to Lula–Bolsonaro run-off as right gains ground
Now there are two: Brazil heads into a runoff after a first round that failed to fully energize voters, setting the stage for a more polarized contest that Washington is watching very closely.
Ashton Jeanty tallies 126 total yards
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty busy against Kansas City
Ashton Jeanty Injury Update: Will Raiders RB Return Against Chiefs?
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was knocked out of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The post Ashton Jeanty Injury Update: Will Raiders RB Return Against Chiefs? appeared first on HEAVY.
FBI Director Kash Patel gets engaged to longtime girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins
FBI Director Kash Patel and longtime girlfriend Alexis Wilkins are announcing their engagement on social media | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
FBI Director Kash Patel gets engaged to longtime girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins
FBI Director Kash Patel and longtime girlfriend Alexis Wilkins are announcing their engagement on social media | WWJ Newsradio 950
FBI Director Kash Patel gets engaged to longtime girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins
FBI Director Kash Patel and longtime girlfriend Alexis Wilkins are announcing their engagement on social media.
FBI Director Kash Patel gets engaged to longtime girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins
FBI Director Kash Patel and longtime girlfriend Alexis Wilkins are announcing their engagement on social media | WWL
Rashod Bateman goes for 46 yards
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman absorbed both of his targets for 46 receiving yards in Week 4
Brazil's presidential race heads to Lula–Bolsonaro run-off as right gains ground
Now there are two: Brazil heads into a runoff after a first round that failed to fully energize voters, setting the stage for a more polarized contest that Washington is watching very closely.
Car crashes into two Sioux City businesses on Northside
A car crashed into J-C Wholesale and Kung Fu Tea on Sioux City's Northside Sunday morning
Parker Washington quiet in Week 4
Jaguars WR Parker Washington finishes with only one catch in Week 4
Jalon Daniels Makes Plays, Mistakes and Loses First NFL Start
The undrafted rookie flashed his ability, but also made some mistakes as Tampa comes up just short in Daniels’ first NFL start.
Rashee Rice suffers hamstring injury in Week 4
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice doubtful to return in Week 4 because of injury
Curiosity Blog, Sols 5022-5028: Cashing in at Cache Creek
Written by Lucy Thompson, Senior Research Scientist, University of New Brunswick, Canada
Rashee Rice injury update as Chiefs WR leaves game with apparent leg injury
Latest updates after Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice suffered an apparent leg injury forcing him out of the Week 4 game .
Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve Smashes Series Steam Record With Over 52,000 Concurrent Players
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is off to the series' best PC launch by a wide margin. The game came out on October 2 and peaked at over 52,000 concurrent Steam players a day later, according to SteamDB. That is nearly four times the 13,758 that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown managed in 2019, while...
Science 4 Everyone: What is the difference between a nor'easter and a hurricane?
What’s the difference between a nor’easter and hurricane? Storm Team4 Meteorologist and science teacher breaks it down on Science 4 Everyone.
Will Washington’s ‘millionaire tax’ drive people away? Business owners and lawmakers disagree
Supporters say the tax is needed to help fund education, tax credits for businesses and families, and other public programs. Opponents argue it could drive entrepreneurs, investors, and employers out of Washington.
Jayden Daniels to return to practice this week
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will be a full participant in practice ahead of the Week 5 game
Why Fun Is Serious Business: Boston’s Push To Build a More Vibrant, Competitive City
Boston public policy leaders and business advocates argued that a dynamic, cultural nighttime economy will help the city attract and retain talent while supporting local businesses.
Colts top Commanders in NFL London game
Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor ran for two touchdowns as the Colts defeated the injury-hit Washington Commanders 30-13 on Sunday in the NFL's latest foray in London.
'Digger's box office bomb is Tom Cruise's worst opening in 19 years
Tom Cruise's latest is on track to be this year's biggest box office bomb.
Colts Rock Commanders in London After Slow Start
The Indianapolis Colts got a decisive win over the Washington Commanders in London, 30-13.
Modders are furious as Claude-powered mashup mods flood social media
A wave of AI-decompiled mashup mods has taken over X/Twitter this week.
Mission in motion unites palm beach nonprofits for impact
One afternoon. Forty nonprofits. Countless lives will be touched across Palm Beach County, as Extraordinary Charities brings fashion and philanthropy together for “Model Your Mission,” its signature luncheon and runway
Florida appears set to tumble while Bama hopes to rise
A week after a huge promotion in the poll, Florida is bound to come down in the newest AP Top 25 after a lopsided loss. 25 Missouri on a Saturday while other ranked teams generally won in workmanlike fashion.
This Is Where Colts-Commanders Game Is Being Played Today
The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders are a long way from home on Sunday. It’s Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season, but the Colts and Commanders aren’t playing in Indy or in the nation’s capital. Instead, they’ve crossed the Atlantic Ocean for a game that kicks off in the middle of the morning back […] The post This Is Where Colts-Commanders Game Is Being Played Today appeared first on HEAVY.
California Politics 360 full episode
In Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump gathered leaders of major tech companies this week to talk about AI rules moving forward.
The pill: from symbol of women's liberation to subject of growing mistrust
Initially a symbol of liberation, the pill went on to become an almost inevitable part of a woman’s contraceptive journey. But today its use in France is in decline, the drop in popularity fuelled by…
Nvidia’s $235 Billion Buyback Offers a Powerful Lesson for Founders
Founders should bet on themselves by using strong cash flow to strategically reinvest in their business and fuel sustainable growth.
Trump launches ‘Super Intelligence Force’ after calls for AI slowdown
Leaders from the intelligence community, the Pentagon, the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of Personnel Management will serve on the task force.
Is Political Polling Broken?
Veteran pollster Stefan Hankin reveals the industry secrets that help explain why polls seem so unreliable.
Trauma Farming: the New Politics of Public Suffering | Ash Sarkar meets Catherine Liu
The new politics of public suffering.
Patriots vs Bills live updates: Score, highlights, analysis
The Patriots play the Bills in a pivotal Week 4 AFC clash. Follow live score updates, highlights, injury news, key plays and instant analysis.
Blue surge could breach Cascades in this Washington race
For more than 50 years, every Washington state lawmaker chosen to represent Chelan County has been a Republican. That might change in this November's election.
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.
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