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In Concord, RFK Jr. renews attack on hep B vaccine that inspired state anti-vaccine bill
In a visit to Concord Friday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cast doubt on the safety of the hepatitis B vaccine but wouldn’t comment on state legislation in New Hampshire that his agency inspired.
Research suggests women living in states with abortion bans bear higher health insurance costs
Ten states with near-total abortion bans were compared with five states that did not implement bans, including Pennsylvania.
Anacortes Food Coop celebrates 10 years in business
ANACORTES — About 10 local food producers offered free samples Oct. 9 in the parking lot behind the Anacortes Food Coop in celebration of the nonprofit grocery store’s 10th anniversary.
Politics chat: Zelenskyy on Trump, Democrats bring in the money for midterms
From Russia to AI to Iran, President Trump has taken political stances that put him at odds with much of the electorate.
Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business
EMS Academy grads honored A new group of 24 Emergency Medical Technicians has officially graduated from Acadian’s National EMS Academy’s Lake Charles campus, ready to step onto the frontlines of […]
Question 3 on November ballot is about RI’s future jobs
Rhode Island relies on too few industries. The CEO of the R.I. Life Science Hub explains why investing in life sciences is key to future growth.
Shaving away the stigma: OURHAIR initiative adds mental health tools to hair professionals’ toolbox, including in Kingston
The OurHAIR initiative, started by Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, trains hair professionals on the basics of mental health, including where to send clients for help when they need it beyond the listening ear of their braider or barber.
Thousands rally with Bernie Sanders and Angie Nixon in rainy Ybor City
Their message was helping the working class deal with rising inflation, a lack of health care and unlimited campaign financing by "the oligarchy."
Trump holds election rally in NKY as protesters encourage voting
Trump holds election rally in KY as protesters encourage voting
Meta denies political bias in Brazil after court ruling
Company rejects allegations of favoring Flavio Bolsonaro over President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva | Anadolu
Appeals court blocks part of Arizona prison healthcare order
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in the unsigned order, said that the state is raising "serious questions" about the ability of a federal judge to take over health care in a prison system.
Meet the RI YouTuber exploring the creepiest abandoned landmarks
From ghost towns to shipwrecks, a Rhode Island filmmaker is preserving the stories behind some of the state's most fascinating forgotten places.
How a cruise ship navigates Greenland's icebergs and extreme Arctic conditions
Inside a Greenland cruise ship, where crews navigate shifting icebergs, unpredictable weather, and emergencies far from help.
Kathy Castor, Mike Beltran square off in a rare debate for Congress
Also, Congressional Democratic candidates Kimberly Overman and Robert People appeared at the debate, held by Tampa Tiger Bay at the Cuban Club in Ybor City.
SEC’s Greg Sankey warns of conference-only rules if Congress fails on college sports
Speaking at SEC basketball media days, Sankey emphasized the need for federal help but noted the conference might take a more active role if Congress falls short.
Journalist Ronan Farrow on Elon Musk's trillion-dollar political influence
Elon Musk, the world's first trillionaire, has influence across the economy and politics. NPR's Scott Simon talks to reporter Ronan Farrow of The New Yorker about Musk's campaign spending and more.
Saturday Sports: Brewers advance, Guardians lead in MLB; WNBA finals tip off
NPR's Scott Simon and sportswriter Howard Bryant talk MLB playoffs and the WNBA Finals tip off.
Week in Politics: Trump's Russian diesel deal update; why the DOJ is suing California
We look at where things are in the deal President Trump says he made to import Russian diesel, plus the reason why the Justice Department is suing California.
Decades after apartheid, South Africans seek justice for crimes of the past
More than three decades after the end of apartheid, families of victims of some of the worst crimes of South Africa's pastare still fighting for justice. As survivors and perpetrators grow older, a new wave of legal efforts is seeking truth, accountability and reparations before it's too late.
‘Marva to a T:’ Craft prepares for final show at WYO Theater
The upcoming Fall Premiere production, “Anything Goes” will be Marva Craft’s last before she retires from directing the WYO Theater stage.
Column: The Great Outdoors (Indoors Edition)
After a lifetime lived in the Montana/Wyoming area, I like to fancy myself a great outdoorsman — somebody who could, if necessary, go full Leonardo-DiCaprio-in-The-Revenant in order to survive.
Ketchikan nonprofit launches initiative to strengthen health advocacy for local Filipino families
The Ketchikan Wellness Coalition has been awarded a grant to expand health advocacy for Filipino families in Ketchikan and on Prince of Wales Island. The initiative is called Malasakit Matters. Malasakit is a Tagalog concept that means to have deep compassion and ownership for someone else’s wellbeing. The program is aimed at training Filipino youth […]
Health insurers balk at paying for newborns' RSV immunization in the hospital
Many infants are leaving the hospital without getting immunized against RSV. Why? Because many insurance companies won't pay for the shots while the newborn is in the hospital.
6th annual Mental Health Awareness Walk in North Charleston Sat.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – On Solid Grounds, a local nonprofit counseling practice, will host its 6th annual Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 17, at Park Circle in North…
Small but Mighty: The Path to Prosperity Starts With America’s Small Businesses
Join the Center for American Progress for a discussion on the challenges facing America’s small businesses and the policy solutions that can promote entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.
SBA Offers Relief to Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by Grand Canyon Flooding
Congressman Eli Crane
Kendall A. Schnurpel: The line between nonprofit advocacy and political activity
The executive director has already shared both items on her personal Facebook page, which lists her title.
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct 16, 2026
A closer than expected governor’s race between Foulkes and Block
RFK Jr. proposes FDA look the other way on unproven peptides, report says
FDA scientists said none of the popular drugs have been proven safe or effective.
Moore, Crosby spar over economy and growth at Congressional District 2 debate
Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby discussed where they stand on Utah's economy, tariffs, and housing affordability during Congressional District 2 debate
Duke Health debuts three autonomous delivery robots to help healthcare providers
Duke Health’s autonomous robots are transporting supplies throughout the university's hospital in Durham.
Your Financial Health on Another View
Practical Advice on Managing Your Money During Stressful Financial Times
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
TN Politics: As early voting commences, what are these state amendments all about?
Three amendments touching on crime and taxes top the ballot. What are people voting for?
Regenerative Growers in Florida aim to improve soil for health of food, environment, consumers and workers
The broad set of practices is becoming more popular at a time when climate change is stressing the state’s land—and the people who work on it.
OKC Public Safety Partnership to fund mental health coordinator using human services grant
Oklahoma City is using a $293,250 human services grant from the Inasmuch Foundation to fund a mental health project coordinator, aiming to improve the city’s mental health systems.
BayCare opens proton therapy center at Tampa's St. Joseph’s Hospital
Florida's west coast gets another option for the radiation option, which uses charged particles called protons to target tumors while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
A St. Louis plant scientist discovers a trail first blazed by his grandma’s cooking
Antonio Brazelton used to think of himself as a trailblazer in the plant science field, following in the footsteps of George Washington Carver. But years ago, the St. Louisan realized he was overlooking his own lineage of Black plant scientists.
Immigrant advocates say federal cuts to Medicaid are creating a 'health care crisis'
The federal government cut off access to healthcare benefits for some immigrants and refugees under the H.R. 1 bill on Oct. 1. Dozens of refugees, asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees have complained to St. Louis organizations that they are suffering without healthcare services.
Pelosi, Sewell join Alabama health care advocates to discuss rising costs and coverage cuts
James and Andrea Phillips say the cost of coverage puts doctor visits out of reach as they manage serious health problems. Their story was at the center of roundtable on health care access.
Why some Gen Z voters who backed Trump now regret their decision
A focus group of eight Gen Z Trump voters reported feeling unhappy or disappointed with the state of politics, with some going as far as to say they regret supporting him in 2024.
Why some Gen Z voters who backed Trump now regret their decision
A focus group of eight Gen Z Trump voters reported feeling unhappy or disappointed with the state of politics, with some going as far as to say they regret supporting him in 2024.
Public health nurse talks about the moment she learned to ask for help
For StoryCorps, a public health nurse in Minnesota speaks with her college mentor about a moment when she almost gave up on her career aspirations.
Executive Profile: Cactus Sam Harris
Cactus Sam Harris House Organist, Board Member Warnors Theatre What we do: Warnors Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving one of Fresno's great historic landmarks while providing a place for entertainment, the
Rx for Virginians’ health, one grocery bag at a time
The Trump administration’s cuts to SNAP are sending an estimated 130,000 vulnerable Virginians off the food subsidy program. A network of nearly 100 food pharmacies in Virginia is struggling to fill the gap – and provide families with healthy produce and food.
An Amazon 'science fair' and quashed legislation: A busy day for debate on Trenton data centers
On Thursday, Amazon hosted an open house about its potential 600-acre data center in St. Clair and Madison Townships. Trenton City Council also voted to withdraw several pieces of legislation proposing financial benefits for residents that would only take effect if voters reject Issue 17.
AI study of 101,000 patients links brown fat to heart and mental health
In a retrospective analysis of PET-CT records from 101,243 patients, researchers found that detectable brown fat was associated with lower prevalence of cardiometabolic and psychiatric conditions, while greater activity, particularly in the axillary region, was linked to more favourable metabolic outcomes. Medication screening identified losartan, which increased brown fat thermogenic activity in laboratory experiments and energy expenditure in mice, although its effects on human brown fat remain unproven.
Grand Canyon flash flood relief: SBA opens disaster loans for small businesses
Small businesses and nonprofits affected by flash flooding at the Grand Canyon can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans up to $2 million.
Small Business Administration offering loans to small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire
The Small Business Administration will be offering low-interest loans to those impacted by the Aspen Acres fire this summer.
New mental health leadership certificate looks to support Tarrant professionals
Local nonprofit Mental Health Connection launched its pilot program last month.
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis: 'I don't think crime is top of mind' in race for NC seat
Republican candidate Michael Whatley and Republican-aligned PACs have largely focused on former Gov. Roy Cooper's record on criminal justice issues.
WATCH: 2nd Congressional District candidate forum with Goodlander and Williams
Tune into a livestream of our candidate forum with Republican Lily Tang Williams and Democrat Maggie Goodlander, starting at 6 p.m. on Oct. 15.
Iowa health agencies step up as refugees lose Medicaid coverage
The Trump administration’s wide-ranging One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes several changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements. One change that took effect on Oct. 1 bars anyone without a green card from being eligible for coverage.
Duke Health, CaroMont Health seek to jointly build, operate 2 Charlotte-area hospitals
Duke Health and CaroMont Health are partnering to build a pair of new hospitals in North Carolina’s fast-growing Mecklenburg County, the nonprofits shared Wednesday. | The pair filed Certificate of Needs with the state to build two hospitals comprising 200 beds in fast-growing North Carolina's Mecklenburg County.
Ahead of the midterms, Alaskans’ phones are blowing up with political calls and texts
The messages are a cheap, easy way to fundraise, get out the vote and collect data, but some people are exhausted by the constant messaging.
Fired deputy behavioral health commissioner charged with felony theft in tuition scheme
A former deputy commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration is accused of stealing from her previous employer, a nonprofit that helps foster children
Trump administration advances plan for peptide drugs favored by RFK Jr.
Peptides are essentially unproven, unapproved, injectable drugs.
Ayotte calls on X to suspend NH Libertarian Party’s account for calling for political violence
Gov. Kelly Ayotte called for X to suspend the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire’s account after it posted the latest in a series of calls for political violence.
Roane State dedicates Knox Regional Health Science Education Center courtyard to philanthropist Natalie Haslam
Roane State and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville leadership, Roane State Foundation board members and staff, former and current state government officials, and Haslam family members and friends
Treating Hunger as Health Care: Franciscan Health and Food Bank of NWI Debut Illinois/Indiana State Line Food Locker
Treating Hunger as Health Care: Franciscan Health and Food Bank of NWI Debut Illinois/Indiana State Line Food Locker
Free Lamanda Park Workshop Hands Would-Be Business Owners a 17-Item Checklist
Starting a business in Pasadena comes with a list: a name, a legal structure, insurance, financing and a city business license that has to be renewed every year. A two-hour workshop Saturday at a Pasadena branch library aims to put that list in order. SCORE Los Angeles, the nonprofit presenting the session, says attendees will leave with a 17-item checklist of steps for getting a business established. The Pasadena Public Library is sponsoring the workshop, according to SCORE. The listing says the session is meant for people thinking about starting a business and for those who have recently started one. SCORE wrote that the program “cuts through the confusion and chaos” of figuring out what it takes to start a business. According to the listing, it covers the legal requirements for a start-up business, along with other practical steps worth taking. Beyond those basics, the session covers taxes, the elements of a business plan and marketing, according to the listing. It also weighs the pros and cons of different legal structures, examines the major causes of business failure and offers ways to avoid legal problems. Attendees will hear how SCORE can help new businesses succeed. Some of the rules a new owner must follow are local. The city’s Department of Finance requires that annual license to be displayed prominently at the place of business. Businesses that sell tangible goods also need a state seller’s permit showing their Pasadena address, and any business that prepares or sells food needs approval from the Pasadena Health Department, according to the department. Even charities are covered: “Charitable non-profit businesses are required to obtain a business license,” the department’s guidance says. SCORE lists two instructors for the workshop. Dick Mader, a SCORE mentor who serves on the chapter’s board of directors, started a media distribution
The Politics of Heat, Homes, and Lobster Boats.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Bank. MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION—The candidates’ forum focusing on House District 15 and incumbent Holly Eaton and Clifford Noyes last week spent a lot of time on the candidates’ thought of heating, communication with constituents, property taxes, education costs, and other issues. It also was a time for the community to ask their own questions and see two candidates up close and personal at the Southwest Harbor Fire Department firehouse. Jim Vallette organized the hour-long event, which was moderated by Carrie Jones of the Bar Harbor Story. Ken Rozsahegyi provided technical support for the congenial event. House District 15 serves Brooklin, Deer Isle, Eagle Island Township, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, Marshall Island, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan's Island, Tremont, and Vinalhaven. Jones advised as she began the question and answer part of the event, ”Treat everyone here like they are going to be the ones who might give you a ride in a rainstorm, pull your pet out of a burning building, or be the one grading your kids’ papers at school, okay?” She continued. “That’s it. Tonight isn’t meant to be a gotcha debate. The goal is to give people in the district a chance to get to know both candidates, hear what they care about, and understand what they’d actually try to accomplish in Augusta.” The questions and discussion throughout were kind. Eaton currently serves in the position. She’s a Democrat from Deer Isle, raised in a fishing family and has worked in nonprofits and volunteered for her school board. Noyes is unenrolled (politically) and from Southwest Harbor and currently a school board member, self employed as a mason. He focused on fiscal issues throughout the forum. Eventually, at Jones’ prompting, the candidates played “Rock, Paper, Scissors” for who would go first for their closing statements. Noyes used the opportunity to urge others to head to the ballot. “Whether you vote for me or Holly, it’s important that people vote,” Noyes said. He hoped the voter turnout in the district would be over 35 percent because that would mean people were truly engaged. Eaton stressed that she’s a Democrat, but in Augusta, her role isn’t about party. “I am a Democrat, but when I go to Augusta, I am there to represent the people of District 15. I want people to feel as though I’m accessible, that I’m responsive, and that I show up for the district,” Eaton said. Being there for others was vital, she explained. “When something comes before me in Augusta, I try to look at it through the lens of the people and the communities that I represent. How will this affect the people who live here? Does it make it easier or harder to raise a family here, to operate a small business, to work on the water, to afford a home, to keep our schools open, or provide the essential services our communities depend on?” Eaton said. Noyes spoke about fiscal responsibility and about the state being more responsive to communities and the ideas that come from them. “I feel that we desperately need to restore some fiscal sanity, a little bit. So when the legislature meets again,” Noyes said, “it could be critical for Maine residents that we don’t keep digging this hole that we’re in financially and keep raising our taxes so the struggling families struggle even more.” The two answered a series of questions from Jones, then answered questions from the audience and participants via Zoom. Jones asked what they heard the most from people about what was making their lives hard and what can the legislature in Augusta do it about those issues. Both spoke to concerns about heating oil costs. Noyes spoke to the three H’s: health, home, and heat. Eaton and Noyes spoke to the burdens of families with lower incomes, with Eaton mentioning LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program). They both were in favor of free community college and trade programs. They both supported the working waterfront. Both said that data centers—such as the one proposed in Eastport, which is out of the district—should be a local decision, but neither were in favor of it. The working waterfront was supported by both. Eaton’s served on the Maine Marine Resource Committee in the legislature. She advocated a diversity of fishing resources and less of a reliance on lobstering. Shrimp, she hoped, would make a comeback. Noyes worried about out-of-state pressure on the lobstering industry, also spoke of shrimp harvesting timings, and said he supported the lobstering industry. QUICK NOTE Carrie Jones is, obviously, the co-founder of the Bar Harbor Story, which made us have a bit of a hard time putting out this story and thinking it through and how to present it. We ended up with this article. The debate in its entirety is below, many thanks to Ken and Jim for making it publicly available. UPCOMING AND PAST EVENTS The following events are or were organized by the League of Women Voters Downeast. DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT ATTORNEY DISTRICT 13 Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Candidate Forum: House District 13 125 State St , Ellsworth Featuring candidates Michael Cunningham (D) and Russell White (R), moderated by Cyndi Wood, managing editor of the Ellsworth American. DEMOCRACY FORUM Friday, Oct 16, 2026 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Democracy Forum — Election 2026: What’s on Your Ballot RECENT PRESS RELEASES AND BRIEFS To see all the press releases, click here. To see our news, click here. For the full archive, click here. All of these are on our dedicated website. [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/feeling-stressed-kids-corner-invites) [ Feeling Stressed? Kids’ Corner Invites Parents, Educators, and Caregivers to Rediscover the Joy with National Speaker Raelene Ostberg Oct 14 ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/feeling-stressed-kids-corner-invites) [ Read full story ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/feeling-stressed-kids-corner-invites) [ ](https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/mainely-meats-pink-party-for-breast) [ Mainely Meat’s Pink Party for Breast Cancer Awareness is October 18! 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But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other. We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going. If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship. It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light. Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now. Thank you so much for being here. Founding member information can be found here. Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you. Subscribe Share Bar Harbor Story Share Leave a comment
After booting 760K off ACA health plans, the Trump administration adds some people back
The Trump administration provided few details about its process for canceling hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act enrollments — even as the next stage of the anti-fraud effort is underway.
Woodbridge neighborhood gets another 60 units of affordable housing
Canfield Parks Apartments is a project from the nonprofit Woodbridge Neighborhood Development and Cinnaire Solutions.
Lakeland receives $1 million to boost science, health care learning
A $1 million estate gift to Lakeland University will fund science scholarships and expand science and health care programs.
7 Takeaways From an Investigation Into Financial Aid at Texas Hospitals
Hospitals can prevent medical debt by preemptively wiping out a patient’s bill. But a Tradeoffs analysis finds that few nonprofit facilities in Texas use this tool to the maximum benefit of patients.
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
NPR's Leila Fadel asks Twitch streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker about his incendiary style and whether he's become a liability for Democrats ahead of the midterms.
How did political campaigns get so expensive?
The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and it’s gearing up to be the most expensive election in American history. So how did we get here, where every election feels more expensive than the last? Today on the show, we’re exploring what’s causing the flood of money into our politics. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen –Bad economics, smart politics –Over 2,000 episodes in our archive on the NPR AppConnect with The Indicator from Planet Money–The Indicator newsletter — a weekly roundup of news, ideas and staff picks. –Instagram, TikTok and YouTube –Find the Planet Money book –Find the Planet Money game, Sell Me A Sasquatch, and other merch at the NPR Shop!Support public media by subscribing to 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.
Applications now open for Hurricane Lowell business recovery grants
Onetime grants of $5,000 or $10,000 are available for eligible non-agricultural small businesses and nonprofits that experienced physical damage or economic losses caused directly by Hurricane Lowell; will be awarded on first-come, first-served basis, so those interested encouraged to apply quickly.
Applications open for Hurricane Lowell business recovery grants
The Kauai Hurricane Lowell program will offer one-time grants of $5K or $10K to eligible non-agricultural small businesses and nonprofits.
Cleveland’s University Circle CDC announces rebranding
The announcement comes ahead of the nonprofit's start of executing its new master plan for the neighborhood.
Cleveland State, Gov. DeWine tout business school gift to fuel AI focus
The announcement of the gift came during President Laura Bloomberg's 2026 State of the University address.
Cleveland State, Gov. DeWine tout business school gift to fuel AI focus
The announcement of the gift came during President Laura Bloomberg's 2026 State of the University address.
Rogers Behavioral Health Raises $83M, Acquires Outpatient Provider
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin-based nonprofit Rogers Behavioral Health has raised more than $83.3 million in municipal bonds to fuel a multisite expansion plan
Rogers Behavioral Health Raises $83M, Acquires Outpatient Provider
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin-based nonprofit Rogers Behavioral Health has raised more than $83.3 million in municipal bonds to fuel a multisite expansion plan
NC State Health Plan moves Atrium out-of-network in response to new pricing plan
The move comes a day after a Superior Court judge denied the State Health Plan's request for a temporary restraining order against Atrium's new pricing plan.
Immerse Arkansas receives $4.5 million for new campus
Little Rock-based nonprofit Immerse Arkansas recently received a $4.5 million anonymous gift and a 99-year land lease from New Heights Church to establish short-term housing and a campus in Fayetteville...
Federal disaster loans available for northern Wisconsin businesses impacted by drought
Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in northern Wisconsin may qualify for federal disaster loans to help cover financial losses caused by ongoing drought conditions .
In Good Health: Are We Solving Hearing Loss?
For those experiencing hearing loss, being able to discern the speech of other people in noisy environments can be frustrating. And hearing aids often don’t convey sound in every situation.Hearing loss affects 37.5 million adults in this country. And rates of hearing loss increase with age. Some 10 percent of those over the age of 55 have hearing loss that qualifies as a disability. And just over half of all people over the age of 75 have disabling hearing loss.In this edition of “In Good Health,” we talk about the health issues that most affect us and put your questions to the experts. This time, we tackle hearing loss.Here are some resources shared by our experts during this discussion:- HearAdvisor.com – a hearing aid comparison and review site- Hear & Beyond by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan – a guide to navigating hearing loss- Hearing Number app – a free smartphone app by Johns Hopkins University for measuring how much sound you can hearFind more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
State Treasurer warns that Health Plan premiums could go up by $50 a month if Atrium plan proceeds
A Wake County Superior Court judge denied the State Health Plan's request for a temporary restraining order against Atrium's proposed plan to charge state employees less for services.
State Treasurer warns that Health Plan premiums could go up by $50 a month if Atrium plan proceeds
A Wake County Superior Court judge denied the State Health Plan's request for a temporary restraining order against Atrium's proposed plan to charge state employees less for services.
CaroMont and Duke Health plan two new hospitals in Mecklenburg County
CaroMont Health and Duke Health are seeking state approval to jointly build two hospitals in Mecklenburg County.
CaroMont and Duke Health plan two new hospitals in Mecklenburg County
CaroMont Health and Duke Health are seeking state approval to jointly build two hospitals in Mecklenburg County.
Rush University System for Health, Endeavor Health unveil 12-hospital merger
Two of Chicagoland’s major healthcare players announced plans Wednesday to merge into a 12-hospital nonprofit with nearly $11 billion in annual revenue. | The resulting nonprofit system would be Illinois' largest by hospital count and comprise nearly $11 billion in annual operating revenue.
‘Categorical Exclusion’ Simplifies NPRA Winter Exploration Permits
BLM says previous environmental assessments found that exploration activities in NPRA resulted in no significant impacts.
New NASA data shows why scientists struggle to model Western rivers
New satellite observations show that some global river models struggle to account for dams, reservoirs and other human influences, raising questions about their reliability for water planning.
PROFILE: Ben Sio
New President of CenterState CEO Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience to Drive CNY Growth By Stefan Yablonski Ben Sio serves as president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity — or CenterState CEO. The independent Syracuse-based nonprofit is committed to creating inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth in Central New York. “I started in this position in March, so it has been six months. I’m in my 19th year with CenterState,” he said in August. As president, he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s administration and governance, while leading and executing its vision to be an effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community. He previously served as chief of staff and senior vice president of strategy, policy and planning, overseeing the organization’s long-term strategic planning, consulting, corporate governance, fundraising and development, land-use planning and government relations. In his years with the organization, Sio has led or supported many high-profile strategic initiatives including the creation of the CNY Rising Plan, the launch of the NUAIR Alliance and the region’s UAS strategy, the creation of the Micron-enabled Community Priorities Document and the recently awarded NY Smart I Corridor Tech Hub. “When we decided to split Rob’s [Simpson] role into two positions, he has the CEO title and I got the president title. Rob remains focused on forward looking vision strategy for the organization and I’m more focused on the day-to-day operations,” he explained. “I’m also responsible for building consensus around strategic needs and priorities and managing the change necessary to drive execution. It’s an eventful job. “The experiment that we call CenterState is always evolving and shifting and addressing where we see market demand and market failure. “If we see something in our economy that isn’t going the way we think it should go, then whether it is housing development or workforce development or something else, we are always figuring out how to step into these situations and address those challenges.” “We are the largest ever in terms of staff that we have ever been. We are no longer the 20-person organization we were when we started out many, many years ago,” he said. “There are more day-to-day things to take care of. But also there is just so much happening in the community right now that is pulling CenterState and our expertise in so many directions. I tell people if we were bored and not busy, then I’d be really concerned about what we are doing. But we are not bored. We’ve certainly got our hands full — and that is a good thing.” CenterState has now approximately 63 employees on its staff, according to recent nonprofit database records. It’s involved in myriad programs, ranging from Genius NY, a business accelerator competition for uncrewed systems, IoT and robotics startups, to CenterState Up Start, a collaborative business development program that connects local, service-based businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to the tools and networks that help them thrive. CNY Guy Through and Through A Central New York guy through and through, Sio was born and raised in Skaneateles. “My mom was a teacher, an art teacher. My father worked for many, many years with National Grid. He was there through the transition from Niagara Mohawk to National Grid,” he said. “Neither of my parents were touched by cutbacks and job loss. But I grew up going through that transition and being concerned that there were rounds of layoffs. My childhood connection to the economy here in Central New York … years ago it was on the decline. There were people that lived here that were concerned about losing their job. They were thinking they lived in a place that didn’t show much promise.” That narrative translated to his generation, he added. “The kids that grew up in the ‘90s in Central New York were very much told, directly or indirectly, by their parents, that they had to go somewhere else to find economic opportunity. That is what I grew up thinking,” he said. “I only went a few miles down Route 20 for college — in Geneva, New York; I graduated from Hobart and William Smith College with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and political science. “I got real interested in regional economies; because what makes regional economy is what makes the economy successful. And when I graduated, I had an opportunity to move to Washington, DC and work down there at a nonprofit doing this work.” However, he decided to stay in Central New York. “I got hired two weeks after I graduated. I got hired by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. At the time it was one of two entities doing economic development in Central New York — [the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association] — and it eventually became CenterState CEO,” he said, referring to 2010 merger between the two organizations. During his time at CenterState, Sio has also split time at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where he supported communities developing export and foreign direct investment (FDI), a long-term cross-border investment where an individual or company from one country buys a lasting stake or control in a business located in another country. The program — known as Global Cities Initiative — was designed to help leaders in major U.S. and international metropolitan areas reorient their local economies toward global markets. “Early on in my tenure at CenterState, we had done a lot of work with the Brookings Institution, just regional planning stuff. We worked with them on developing a regional export plan, to export more products out of Central New York and a larger business plan for the region. They hired me on to help replicate those plans in different parts of the country,”Sio explained. “So, I worked there for three or four years. I worked for CenterState, but I was technically loaned to Brookings for a period of time to help them do this work elsewhere.” Family ties “My wife is Carly. We have been married 14 years. We have two kids, a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old. “With a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old, fun is a relative term these days. We do a lot of hiking. The kids this summer got very interested in waterfalls. We’ve hit every waterfall we could in a short hike — we’ve done Skaneateles and some others.” “I do woodworking and wood turning — it’s a branch of woodworking; you use a wood lathe. My big thing there is making wood bowls. I do that in most of my free time, which is not much,” he quipped. “I like to get into my woodshop and make a bowl and decompress and turn off the rest of the world for a little bit. I usually do it late at night when the house is quiet. It is definitely my escape from the day to day. I make a lot of bowls; all different sizes, all different species of wood. It’s a fun thing to do for me.” He gives away many of his creations. “They are mostly gifts — I don’t really sell them. I really don’t have time to go set up a booth at a fair or craft show. I usually give them away. I donate them to different things. If you are in my periphery, you’ve likely received a salad bowl from me as a gift. I just need to find something to do with all the stuff that I create,” he said. Lifelines Name: Benjamin Sio Position: President, CenterState CEO Birth Date: Not provided Birth place: Syracuse Residence: Westvale Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the Finger Lakes Affiliations: Member of the boards of Skaneateles Festival, Greccio Foundation, Interfaith Works, CNY Community Foundation Personal/family: Married with two kids Hobbies: Woodworking and woodturning
New Board Members and Leadership Team at OH Foundation
The Oswego Health Foundation has announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors, along with new officers who will lead the foundation as it continues its mission of strengthening healthcare in the communities served by Oswego Health. Joining the board are: [caption id=attachment_11136 align=alignleft width=180] Susan Brannan Cole[/caption] • Susan Brannan Cole. She is a public affairs, marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years of experience. She serves as regional manager of external affairs for National Grid in Central New York. Cole also brings significant healthcare communications experience, having spent several years at Upstate Medical University in media relations, digital strategy and public engagement. She previously held leadership roles in communications and government affairs at Novelis and Constellation in Oswego. A graduate of SUNY Oswego, she is passionate about strengthening Central New York communities and supporting initiatives that improve quality of life across the region. [caption id=attachment_11129 align=alignright width=150] Rich Baldwin[/caption] • Rich Baldwin. He serves as director of marketing and business development at King + King Architects, where he leads the firm’s marketing, communications and business development initiatives. Baldwin has remained actively involved in community and nonprofit organizations, including previously serving on the board of regents at Le Moyne College. He has also supported community initiatives through organizations including the Onondaga Historical Association and Father Champlin’s Guardian Angel Society. New leadership at the foundation are: • William W. “Bill” Crist will chair the Oswego Health Foundation. He brings more than 40 years of experience in education, from classroom teacher to superintendent of schools. He retired in 2023 from the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Syracuse and remains deeply engaged in the community through numerous nonprofit and volunteer boards. He also serves as chairman of the Sanctuary Advisory Board for the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. • Heather Sunser will serve as vice chair. Sunser is a financial services practice group leader at Barclay Damon LLP, where she focuses primarily on real estate law, institutional lending, land use and municipal compliance. A graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, she is also active in community service, volunteering with Vera House Legal Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Onondaga County Bar Foundation. • Darcy Antonucci will be the foundation’s treasurer. Antonucci serves as comptroller for Broadwell Hospitality Group, overseeing the financial functions of nine growing corporations as well as the company’s administrative departments. She brings extensive experience in finance, human resources and business operations, along with a strong record of community leadership. Antonucci has served on the Compass Credit Union board of directors and is an active member of the Trinity Catholic School Board. She has also been involved with the Oswego Health Foundation Gala Committee since 2018. • Attorney Rachael A. Dator will serve as secretary. Dator serves as administrator of the Oswego County Assigned Counsel Program, where she oversees grant funding, budgeting and program operations. With more than a decade of legal experience, she has served as an assistant district attorney, court attorney and legal counsel to municipalities and social services organizations. Dator brings extensive knowledge of law, governance and nonprofit operations to her role with the foundation.
A Major Labor Boom in CNY? Not Here Yet
With so many major projects going on — Micron, I-81 viaduct and others — job growth is predicted to increase. But so far the number of jobs in the region has declined By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11065 align=alignright width=350] Amy Stage, deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY): “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.”[/caption] The I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse and Micron facility construction in Clay are expected to create a major labor boom for Central New York. But for the time being, the number of jobs here has actually decreased in the past year. The New York State Department of Labor reported that, for the annual comparison of June 2025 to this past June, private sector jobs decreased by 2,200 or less than 1% to 260,000. Job gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+700), private education and health services (+400) and other services (+300). Job losses for that annual period were reported in the areas of trade, transportation and utilities (-1,500); professional and business services (-1,000); financial activities (-500); mining, logging and construction (-300); manufacturing (-200); and information (-100). The public sector job count rose over 12 months, with most growth concentrated in education, the state Department of Labor reported. Looking ahead, the Central New York economy is expected to benefit from both the Micron and I-81 viaduct projects over a period of several years. Initial job growth is foreseen in construction and computer and electronic manufacturing. Spin-off jobs will be created in the areas of professional and business services, health care and education, the state Department of Labor said in an email response to Oswego County Business magazine. “Population growth tied to the buildout of Micron Technology semiconductor complex in Clay is also expected to bring more workers and residents to the region, increasing demand for transportation services,” the agency said. New York Department of Labor highlighted current or projected job growth trends in various sectors. An increase in defense-related contracts at local high-tech employers has continued to support employment growth in the computer and electronic product manufacturing sector and Micron is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs as the project progresses. This sector paid an annual average wage of $117,500 in 2025 and employment in the sector is projected to grow by over 60% through 2032, making it the fastest-growing industry in the region. Typical occupations in this industry include electrical, electronic and electromechanical assemblers, software developers and industrial engineers, the state agency reported. Specialty trade contractors include several different types of tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mechanics and installers. Many of these positions are trained through apprenticeships, the state Department of Labor reported. The Interstate 81 construction project is generating local jobs, including construction laborers, projected to grow at a 6.4% rate, and operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, projected to grow at a 7.3% rate over the next several years. Construction of the Micron Technology facility is also “creating thousands of job opportunities that will continue over the next two decades,” the state agency reported. The specialty trade contractors sector paid an annual average wage of $86,200 in 2025. For Central New York, the challenge isn’t creating jobs, it’s filling them. Amy Stage, a deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), said meeting this unprecedented growth is a much larger task than just replacing retirees. “We’re seeing workforce gaps at every experience level,” she said. “Companies need entry-level employees, experienced technicians, supervisors, engineers and skilled trades professionals. The opportunity is tremendous, but we need more people entering these career pathways.” Employers are looking for people who can troubleshoot, read technical information, use computers and learn new processes, not just perform repetitive production work, Stage said. To address this demand, the MACNY created the Manufacturers Talent Institute, which aims to connect students and job seekers with meaningful career pathways while helping employers build their workforce. Twenty-one companies have so far signed up to provide opportunities for more than 800 students. “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs,” Stage said. “It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.” Several manufacturing facilities in the region are in the midst of expansion: • TTM Technologies, a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced electronics and interconnect solutions for aerospace, defense and high-technology markets, which has a plant in DeWitt, completed its buildout of an additional facility, adding 400 jobs and expanding production of high-tech circuit boards for defense and critical electronics applications. • In Cortlandville, the Byrne Hollow Crossing Plant, a dairy manufacturing and processing facility, is increasing its operations, creating 100 new jobs. • The Chobani yogurt company is building a 1.4-million square foot dairy processing facility in Oneida County. This will create more than 1,000 good-paying jobs and double Chobani’s New York state workforce, Stage said. Stage noted several ways that local, state and federal governments can help spur manufacturing job growth in this region. Elected leaders and public agencies could work with industry representatives to create pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs seeking to upskill workers and improve employee retention. New York state has a variety of grants, tax incentives and financing programs to support site preparation, infrastructure, workforce development and capital investment. The U.S. Department of Labor has a pay-for-performance incentive program that provides employers $3,500 per new apprentice hired and retained for 90 days. MACNY was previously awarded an $87,000 federal grant that will cover 25 apprentices at nine companies. The manufacturing skills gap in the United States, at its current rate, could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. In New York state, that gap is on pace to exceed 100,000 unfilled positions within six years. Manufacturing companies will be counting on more women to help fill that gap. While women make up half of the overall U.S. workforce, they only account for 29% of the manufacturing workforce in this country, Stage said. “Pre-apprenticeship programs like Real Life Rosies help to bring awareness to the manufacturing industry to fill some of the gaps, but we have a long way to go and it starts with educating people at younger ages about careers in manufacturing and earn-and-learn opportunities,” she said. As for Micron, that $100 billion-plus project, considered the largest private investment in New York state history, is expected to eventually create up to 50,000 jobs throughout the region, factoring in the spin-off opportunities for construction and supply chains. The plant’s foundation was poured on July 9. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, data and memory are foundational to the modern economy — and Micron is increasing our U.S. investments to more than $250 billion through 2035 to meet that moment,” the company’s president and CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, said in a news release. Bechtel, Micon’s construction partner in the project, reported that 4,500 people will be employed to help build the facility, including skilled craft professionals, local union members representing various trades and apprentices. The Syracuse-based CenterState CEO organization tallies the regional labor force at 397,582 workers (Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties). Job growth isn’t limited to the Central New York region. For the larger area covering portions of the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern tier, and the western part of the state, there are 155,601 employees in the advanced manufacturing sector, and 155,275 construction workers. The agency’s 2026 Economic Forecast report noted that 41% of community and business leaders surveyed said a shortage of skilled workers in this area remains a problem, though 77% shared a positive economic outlook for the year ahead. Beyond the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing areas, local business leaders also see growth in small manufacturing companies, storage businesses, housing, unmanned flight technology and general construction. “Productive reuse of property,” the report said, “will hopefully continue to preserve unique architecture while driving business.” The report identified several challenges for economic growth in the region, including an aging workforce, outdated equipment, the rising cost of raw materials and “the disconnect between the speed of business needs and the pace of talent readiness.”
Industry group head says Michigan's small businesses are stagnating
High fuel prices and added costs because of tariffs are making things difficult for a lot of people in Michigan. As Russ McNamara reports, that’s especially true for small businesses.
Hope Booth brings 24/7 mental health support to Spelman College students
Atlanta-based nonprofit Hope Booth installed a mental health kiosk at Spelman College. Housed in a retro telephone booth, the interactive kiosk offers free, 24/7 mental health support services for students.
Is healthcare on Florida's ballot? Many voters say it's a top priority
An Orlando woman survived after a brain tumor that grew unchecked for seven years because she couldn't get the insurance necessary to see a doctor. She now supports candidates who favor Medicare for all.
Offseason Acquisition Targets to Complete the Padres Lineup
The San Diego Padres lineup provided unprecedented production in the second half of the 2026 campaign. With a red-hot team entering October, the Padres proved they could compete with the best in the league despite falling short to the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite stellar offensive performances prior to the NLDS, an offseason acquisition seems to be …
Program for Medicaid patients in New York seeks infusion of state funds
The Health Homes program serves more than 188,000 adults and children in New York who are on Medicaid and who have complex health and mental health needs.
Omar raid draws ominous warning from Vance as he blasts progressive rep's 'rage' toward America
JD Vance says the Trump administration won't interfere in the DOJ investigation into Ilhan Omar but warns unprecedented steps may follow if fraud is found.
Parents can find free guidance for children’s mental health through new program at TWU
The BRIDGE Project, from TWU and nonprofit Safe Minds, Strong Hearts, offers free workshops to provide information and resources to parents of children with neurodivergent or mental health challenges.
Menopause takes spotlight at Topeka mental health conference
Menopause & Mental Health: Closing the Gaps in Women’s Care, Florence Crittenton Services annual mental health conference, runs 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Sunflower Nonprofit Center, 5820 SW 6th Ave.
Michigan's small businesses are stagnating, says head of industry group
The head of the Small Business Association of Michigan says regulations, tariffs, and energy costs are driving local shops into the ground.