Trump's Tariffs: The Breaking Point for Small Business Owners

The economic landscape continues to tremble under the weight of President Trump's controversial tariff policies, with small business owners bearing the brunt of the financial strain. In a stark illustration of these challenges, Henrik Svendsen, owner of My Home Contemporary Furniture in Merriam, Kansas, has made the heart-wrenching decision to shut down his business.

Svendsen recently shared his painful journey with journalist Chris Jansing, revealing the final straw that pushed him to close his doors. His story is a poignant reminder of how trade policies can devastate local entrepreneurs and their dreams.

Adding depth to the unfolding economic narrative, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Jason Furman has provided critical insights into the broader implications of these tariff-driven disruptions. His expert analysis offers a comprehensive view of the potential long-term economic consequences facing businesses and consumers alike.

As uncertainty looms, Svendsen's experience serves as a powerful testament to the real-world impact of international trade tensions, highlighting the human cost behind economic policy decisions.

Our epic journey from Dallas to Melbourne transformed into an extraordinary experience aboard Qantas business class, where luxury and comfort redefined long-haul travel. The moment we settled into our private pod-like seats, we knew this wasn't going to be just another flight—it was going to be a premium travel adventure. The meticulously designed seats resembled a high-end hotel room, offering unprecedented privacy and comfort. Each pod was a personal sanctuary, complete with lie-flat capabilities that made the 17-hour journey feel more like a relaxing retreat than a grueling international flight. The attention to detail was remarkable, from the plush bedding to the intuitive seat controls. Culinary excellence was another standout feature of our Qantas experience. The gourmet meals were crafted with precision, featuring fresh, locally-inspired ingredients that tantalized our taste buds at 35,000 feet. Each course was thoughtfully paired with premium Australian wines, elevating the dining experience far beyond typical airline fare. The cabin crew's exceptional service truly set Qantas apart. Attentive, professional, and genuinely warm, they anticipated our needs before we even realized them. Their commitment to passenger comfort was evident in every interaction, making our long journey not just bearable, but genuinely enjoyable. By the time we landed in Melbourne, we were refreshed, well-fed, and impressed by how a business class experience could so dramatically transform a lengthy international flight. MORE...

Breaking new ground in academic excellence, the University has achieved remarkable recognition across two prestigious schools. The School of Law has secured an impressive fourth-place ranking nationally, showcasing its commitment to legal education and professional development. In an equally exciting milestone, the Darden School of Business has made history by tying for the top spot among public business schools, marking a significant achievement that highlights the institution's world-class business education. This dual recognition underscores the university's dedication to providing exceptional academic programs and preparing students for leadership roles in their respective fields. The simultaneous success of both the Law and Business schools demonstrates the institution's comprehensive strength and innovative approach to higher education. MORE...

Illuminating Excellence: The LMU Community's Inspiring Journey

At Loyola Marymount University, nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, our newsroom is more than just a platform for reporting—it's a celebration of the remarkable individuals who breathe life into our campus community.

Every day, our students, faculty, and staff demonstrate extraordinary passion, creativity, and commitment that transform LMU into a beacon of inspiration and academic excellence. Through their groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and dedicated service, they not only enhance our university's reputation but also create meaningful impact far beyond our campus boundaries.

From pioneering research projects to transformative community initiatives, the stories we share reflect the dynamic spirit of LMU—a place where intellectual curiosity meets compassionate action, and where every individual has the potential to make a significant difference.

Join us as we shine a spotlight on the remarkable journeys, achievements, and contributions that make Loyola Marymount University a truly exceptional institution.

Economic Uncertainty Weighs Heavily on Small Business Confidence Small business owners across the United States are experiencing a significant dip in optimism as challenging economic conditions and new federal tariff policies create a climate of uncertainty. The latest economic indicators reveal a sharp decline in small business confidence, marking the most substantial drop in recent months. Entrepreneurs and small business leaders are grappling with mounting pressures, including complex trade regulations, potential increased costs, and a volatile market landscape. The March economic outlook reflects growing concerns about the potential long-term impacts of recent policy changes on small business growth and sustainability. Experts suggest that the combination of federal tariffs, economic volatility, and ongoing market challenges are contributing to a more cautious and conservative approach among small business owners. This shift in sentiment could potentially slow down investment, hiring, and expansion plans across various sectors. As businesses continue to navigate these turbulent economic waters, adaptability and strategic planning will be crucial in maintaining resilience and finding opportunities for growth despite the current challenging environment. MORE...

Celebrating AAPI Business Owners: Local Entrepreneurs Making Their Mark This May, we're shining a spotlight on the vibrant and innovative Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business community in our local area. These remarkable entrepreneurs represent the heart of creativity, resilience, and economic empowerment within our community. From family-owned restaurants and boutique shops to cutting-edge tech startups and creative services, AAPI business owners are transforming our local landscape with their unique perspectives, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their stories of hard work, determination, and success inspire us all and showcase the incredible contributions of the AAPI community to our local economy. Join us this month as we honor and support these incredible local business owners who are not just building successful enterprises, but also enriching our community's cultural tapestry and economic diversity. MORE...

Georgia-Pacific Elevates Julie Howard to Leadership Role In a strategic leadership move, Georgia-Pacific has announced the promotion of Julie Howard to a prominent executive position. Howard, previously serving as vice president and general manager of GP PRO Towels and Napkins, has been selected to lead the organization in a new presidential role. This appointment underscores Georgia-Pacific's commitment to nurturing internal talent and recognizing exceptional leadership within the company. Howard's extensive experience in the towel and napkins division positions her as a strong candidate to drive the company's future growth and strategic initiatives. With her proven track record of innovation and operational excellence, Howard is expected to bring fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership to her new role. Her promotion reflects the company's confidence in her ability to guide Georgia-Pacific through evolving market challenges and opportunities. MORE...

Connect with Arlington's Most Engaged Local Audience

Imagine reaching the pulse of Arlington's most active community right at their fingertips. ARLnow isn't just a news site—it's the digital heartbeat of local connection, attracting over half a million monthly readers who are passionate about supporting neighborhood businesses.

Our readers aren't passive scrollers; they're local decision-makers, savvy shoppers, and discerning diners actively seeking Arlington's best offerings. By choosing targeted digital advertising on ARLnow, your business gains instant visibility to the most relevant local audience—whether they're casually browsing from home or on-the-go.

Don't just advertise. Make meaningful local connections that transform casual readers into loyal customers. With ARLnow, your message reaches the right people at precisely the right moment.

McCoy College Achieves Prestigious Tier One Status in Global MBA Rankings In a significant milestone for academic excellence, McCoy College's MBA programs have been honored with a top-tier ranking by CEO Magazine. The prestigious 2025 Global MBA Rankings, released on March 24, 2024, have recognized the college's graduate business programs in their highest category. This remarkable achievement underscores McCoy College's commitment to delivering exceptional business education and preparing future business leaders with cutting-edge skills and strategic insights. The Tier One designation highlights the program's outstanding curriculum, faculty expertise, and proven track record of student success. The recognition from CEO Magazine serves as a testament to the college's innovative approach to business education and its ability to consistently meet and exceed the rigorous standards of professional business training. MORE...

Flooding Continues to Challenge Styx River Community: Roadways Submerged, Residents Adapt The Styx River area remains in crisis as persistent flooding continues to disrupt daily life for local business owners and residents. Water levels have risen dramatically, completely covering roadways and creating significant challenges for transportation and commerce. Local community members are facing unprecedented difficulties as they navigate the waterlogged landscape. Streets that once served as vital transportation arteries are now transformed into temporary rivers, forcing residents to find alternative routes and adapt to the challenging conditions. Business owners along the river corridor are particularly impacted, with many struggling to maintain operations and protect their properties from the rising waters. The flooding has created a sense of uncertainty and resilience among local community members, who are working together to overcome these challenging circumstances. Emergency services remain on high alert, monitoring water levels and providing support to affected residents. Local authorities continue to assess the situation and develop strategies for managing the ongoing flooding crisis. As the community watches and waits, the Styx River serves as a powerful reminder of nature's unpredictability and the importance of community solidarity during challenging times. MORE...