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SPECIAL REPORT: Tough Business
A string of vacant restaurant buildings shows that many restaurants in the region are struggling — and several are closing By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11132 align=alignright width=401] Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008.[/caption] By their nature, most restaurants have a limited life. An astonishing 60% go out of business within three years of opening, largely due to fundamental flaws in the planning of the operation. But even restaurants that experience years of success almost always face eventual closure. The restaurant business is very hard and because of both personal factors and external factors beyond anyone’s control, restaurants don’t last forever. For many restaurants, age is a big factor, according to Kenneth Walsleben, professor of practice, entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at Syracuse University. “The owners have been at it for 20 or 25 years, if not longer, they want some time to themselves,” he said. Such was the case for Jocko’s Famous Ritz Diner in Oswego. Jocko Reitz bought the building in the late 1970s from Robert Shapiro. However, when he stepped away from the business, it eventually closed. [caption id=attachment_11142 align=alignright width=402] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s Restaurant passed through three generations of family in Oswego. It closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025.[/caption] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s passed through three generations of family in Oswego. Vona’s Restaurant officially closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025, when no family member wanted to take over. It is on the market. The Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026. The restaurant faced multiple temporary health department closures in 2024 and 2025 due to persistent fruit fly and foundation pest issues. Management posted a final closure notice on the doors in mid-April 2026 and the building was put up for sale. The same pattern has been happening in Onondaga County. The big building once used by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay remains empty, more than six months after the restaurant closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008. [caption id=attachment_11130 align=alignright width=401] Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026.[/caption] Just down the road from Smokey Bones, the popular Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty. Other very popular restaurants in the northern suburbs of Syracuse have recently closed. Among them, Fireside by the River in Baldwinsville and Primo Nestico’s Bistro Bar in North Syracuse. “I haven’t really paid attention to the Syracuse area. There has always been some turnover, but there probably has never been a tougher time to be a restauranter than now. It’s just brutal,” Walsleben said. In the first year, roughly 20% to 25% of restaurants close or change hands, according to the National Restaurant Association. [caption id=attachment_11122 align=alignright width=401] Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty.[/caption] “Depending on what statistics you look at, you’ll find that any business has a high mortality rate in the first year. That is just the nature of entrepreneurship,” Walsleben said. “There are certain ones that are getting hit hard while others are more fruitful. “And when you look at the restaurant industry you have to factor in labor which is a large part — typically a third of your expenses — and those costs are going up. And there is always turnover which means investing money to train people. Then you’ve got food costs, which is also a third of the typical restaurant budget. Since the pandemic labor has gone up 41%, food costs have gone up 35%. That’s a big tight squeeze righty there. That’s two-thirds of your budget that has gone up 35% to 40% in the last few years. And then the only way you can make that work is to raise the prices.” The National Restaurant Association reports menu prices are up 36% since February of 2020. In a survey released by the association, more than eight in 10 restaurant owners reported that their food, beverage and labor costs are now higher than before the pandemic. You have to deal with the reality of are the customers willing to pay for that? Walsleben added. Restaurants historically have very thin margins; their profit margin is about 5%. “You have a third that goes into food, a third that goes into labor and about 28%, 29% that goes into everything else — overhead, insurance etc. So that brings you down to your 5% leftover,” he said. “Everything is going up. Customer expectations are going up and people aren’t going to spend that much more. So, you have a tight squeeze here,” Walsleben continued. “Restaurants who use delivery apps, they pay a fee to those guys. Those guys don’t work for free. So, you can kind of see where the squeeze comes from.” Stuck in the middle There are pockets of opportunity; the two extremes of the market can make a profit. But the middle gets squeezed out. “If you are a low-end fast-food kind of place, there is room for that. People have changed their budgets. They are still going out, but they are not spending more,” according to Walsleben. “The high end remains positive. If you have a restaurant that brings a specific experience … a great food product or you are catering to high end customers who aren’t so budget conscious, those patrons are going to expect a high-end experience. They expect excellent food every time. They are expecting excellent service. If you can meet those expectations there is room for you at the top. It’s just the guys in the middle are getting the squeeze from both ends. Tough competition, customer expectations, costs are up. Menu items, you can’t raise the prices as much as you need to. That is why you are seeing a lot of restaurants baling out.” The ones that can adapt quickly are the ones who are doing OK. “Success is heavily dependent on the strength of a restaurant’s concept development and the planning of its execution. Eventually things aren’t always new. Things change. So, if you are in the restaurant business you have got to change your menu — keep things new, fresh and update your meals. It is very fickle industry. One year carbs are out, the next year berries are out. Everybody’s diet changes — constantly chasing the latest phase. You have got to adjust your menu and move with those modifications. If you have a static menu that you have used the last couple years that hasn’t changed except for the pricing, you’ve got a problem,” he said. A lot of times these buildings are singular purpose, he added. “You have a commercially viable kitchen and you got a seating area. There is not a lot of other businesses that cater to that type of a layout. So, it’s pretty common to see another restaurant slide in,” he said. One of the things a banker learns early on is you don’t lend money to restaurants … because they fail so quickly. It is very hard to predict who the winners will be. So, if you are a restaurant in addition to all the other challenges, it is very difficult to get loans, according to Walsleben. “You might work really well in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you are a great businessperson,” he said. “Restaurants can fail because the owner didn’t know how to manage things properly. There are a lot of challenges. “There is opportunity at the high end and the low end. But in the middle, that’s the death valley. There are just so many things working against you. You really need to have something that will pull people in and continue to pull people in because you to constantly have to change. Think about a theme and a product that is unique to the area people don’t travel that far these days you have to be able to deliver it in an innovative fashion and keep updating to keep people coming in the door.” Out of Business? How Fast? Do nine out of 10 restaurants fail in their first year, as commonly claimed? No. Survival analysis of 1.9 million longitudinal microdata for 81,000 full-service restaurants in a 20-year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics non public census of business establishments in the western US shows that only 17% of independently owned full-service restaurant startups failed in their first year, compared with 19% for all other service-providing startups, according to ResearchGate. The median lifespan of restaurants is about 4.5 years, slightly longer than that of other service businesses (4.25 years). However, the median lifespan of a restaurant startup with 5 or fewer employees is 3.75 years, slightly shorter than that of other service businesses of the same startup size (4.0 years). What Makes a Restaurant Successful? Opening and maintaining a successful restaurant is not as easy as creating a great menu and serving excellent food. It takes more than that, according to local restaurant owners who have been in business for decades in the region. They all agree that there are some guidelines to running a successful restaurant. • Quality food: Successful restaurants know exactly what they serve and who they serve it to. Delivering the same great taste every single time builds loyal customers. • Smooth operations: Friendly greetings and attentive staff make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in. Hiring staff for personality and training for skill ensures reliable, caring service. • Smart marketing: Exceptional food and experiences naturally get people talking and sharing online. Word of mouth can help entice customers. Consistent social media and targeted advertising brings in new and repeat guests also. The menu is what keeps patrons coming back to Mimi’s Diner in Fulton, located at 201 N. Second St. “We locally source our produce and our meats. Our chicken and biscuits is a popular, popular special,” said Richard Tagliareni, the third-generation owner and general manager. “It’s all homemade. We have consistently served quality food.” His grandfather started the business more than 55 years ago. Mimi’s is engrained in the community. They cater to the community and are very involved in everything from the schools to local events. The first Mimi’s Drive-In opened in Mexico. Then a second in Oswego and then Fulton. Fulton’s Mimi’s is the only one left. “The last couple of weeks have been kind of slower than normal. October is usually a busier month for us People will start coming back around again. Also, the price of gas is affecting some things,” Tagliareni added. “We try to keep our prices in line. You go out to eat, you’re going to spend about a hundred bucks or so for two people for dinner. You come here to Mimi’s you are probably for two people for dinner it’s between $50 and $60. We are trying to keep our prices in line. We did have to increase our prices a little bit but things are looking OK.” For the Press Box, 29 E. First St., Oswego, it’s also about great food and a family atmosphere. “Our sports bar and restaurant was established in 1984,” said Alison Canale Scanlon, manager. “I think putting the time into everything makes a big difference and treating people like family when they walk into your restaurant. That’s how we have always operated since 1984.” “It’s the family oriented aspect,” she added. “Consistency, quality and presentation of our food — that’s the secret to a successful restaurant. We try to be very consistent with it. We treat people like family when they come in; because we know how we want to be treated when we go to a restaurant. We treat people the same or better.”
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
Retiring from Farming
Start now to ensure your farm passes to the next generation Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11062 align=alignright width=405] Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet: “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” he says.[/caption] Roughly 70% of family-owned farms will transfer ownership withing the next two decades, according to data from to the USDA census. Only 30% of those will remain in the family. The number of farms in New York is shrinking as the size of farms increases. In other words, there are fewer farms in the state, but they’re much larger. This is why succession planning is so important for family farms. A farm represents not only a way to make a living but a legacy and family tradition. Many families want to preserve the small farm segment of agriculture and the values it represents. Passing the family farm to the next generation can’t be left to chance. And it shouldn’t be left for “the kids to figure out” after the older generation dies. Succession planning in agriculture isn’t like other types of business retirement planning or personal final planning. “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” said Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet. “Most farmers, their assets and the way they live and survive in retirement is tied up in the equity in the farm. Those conversations must take place a lot earlier than they think. They’re dealing with something asset-heavy that may require a trust and tax planning.” NY FarmNet offers farmers free, confidential consultation services regarding financial and business management, and family, and mental health support for farmers in New York state. It’s a program of Cornell University in Ithaca. Howell urges farmers to begin the conversation early. Most family farms are run by generations with the oldest generation most involved and typically with fewer of the middle-aged adults and young adults involved. Some of the younger generation may have off-farm jobs and not live on the homestead. “Different people have different expectations on their legacy,” Howell said. “Intergenerational conflict and discussions can be difficult. It may be good to check with NY FarmNet or Ag Mediation to help mediate these conversations with a third party. A lot of farms have broken up because people can’t decide how to divide things.” New York State Agricultural Mediation Program is a USDA‑certified, free or low‑cost service for farmers. Fair is not always equal. A sole owner simply stating that he wants to divide things equally among his children may leave one-quarter of the farm operation to an adult child who moved away and hasn’t sat in a tractor for decades. The three adult children who have toiled on the farm for 30 years may need to buy out the fourth, non-farming sibling but cannot because all of their money is tied up in the equipment, land and stock that supports their livelihood. Their payrate may not allow them to set aside much to buy out the non-farming sibling. As a result, they may need to sell parts of the farm off in order to keep it. However, doing so may limit their ability to sufficiently support their families. The farm owner may need to bequeath more assets to the farming siblings because their efforts have kept the farm going and without those assets and their work, the farm will cease operations. Howell advises seeking professional help on tax and legal issues. Without it, families can be exposed to expensive problems and infighting. A third-party expert can help farm families navigate what is truly fair in the family’s succession plans. Beyond the practical aspects of inheritance, succession also relies upon planning who will operate the farm and how. “I think it’s important that farmers understand the means and methods of farming are always changing,” Howell said. For example, many young adult farmers earn a degree at a school such as Cornell, SUNY Cobleskill or Morrisville, work on a different farm for a while and then return to their family farm with big ideas on how to improve the farm — if only their dad and uncles will agree. Intergenerational conflict is often centered on newer ideas such agritourism, online marketing and shipping goods. “It causes conflict,” Howell said. “A lot of it comes down to communication and respect within the family. If no one in the family wants to take on farming, what we’ll see is older farmers start to help trusted managers buy into the farm.” The middle-aged generation, now in their 40s and 50s, often struggle with wresting the helm from their parents. Howell said that many older farmers don’t discuss with their grown children their vital business information such as vendors, ordering supplies, pricing, recordkeeping and farm planning. They even claim that “the kids” aren’t ready yet. These gaps in cross-training may cause significant problems even before the older generation dies, if there’s an illness or injury. Howell urges farmers to document these processes and cross-train others on the farm how to handle these areas “to make sure if one person is incapacitated, the entire operation is not at risk,” he said. Mark Modzeleski, financial adviser, financial planner and president at Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY in Syracuse, advises families to talk sooner than later about who should be operating the farm. “Someone is driving the farm,” he said. “Have you decided who? Be honest when you have that conversation. Who do they turn to when there’s a question? Or who has the potential to be leaders?” Planning for leadership continuity is vital. Unfortunately, talking like this can become fraught with emotions if it’s only the family involved. Modzeleski advised finding a third party who can help drive the conversation. “Invite the right people to the conversation who can get you from point A to point B,” he said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” It may take sitting down a few times with an estate planning attorney who specializes in farm transition, along with a tax professional and others who can help moderate and plan. Family members, owners and possibly, integral farm managers should attend the meetings. “Figure out what you want your legacy to be,” Modzeleski added.
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Another Key MN Wild Player Falls to Injury
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When it comes to France's public finances, the problem is politics
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Scientists discover how harmful “zombie cells” hide from the immune system
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Stigma in Parents of Children with Mental Health Problems
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Chicago Cubs news— Cabrera, Shaw, King, Detmers, Gray
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Cut screen time in classrooms to avoid long-term health issues, government urged
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Experts launch Europe-wide framework to guide AI use in mental health
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‘Play On!’ hits all the right notes
The English Renaissance meets the Harlem Renaissance in “Play On!,” a sparkling show that marries a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” with the music of Duke Ellington. Conceived by Sheldon Epps, who also directed the original 1996-97 production (first in San Diego, then on Broadway), the show is getting a marvelous revival under his direction to open Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 40th anniversary season.While the title “Play On!” refers to the famous quote about music being the food of love and thus to the dozens of Ellington songs—among them “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good),” “Solitude” and “I’m Beginning to See the Light”—incorporated into the plot, one of the highlights for me is the clever way Cheryl L. West's book reworks the story. Apparently, it's also been updated for this outing, among other things to give the women more agency. In the big opening number (there's a six-piece, horn-heavy onstage band), aspiring songwriter Vy (Hailee Kaleem Wright) is the one to “Take the 'A' Train” to “Drop Me Off in Harlem.” She wants to meet the famous Duke (Edred Utomi) — Ellington, not Orsino, that is — and she seeks the help of Jester (an engaging James Harkness) to find out how. When Jester tells her in no uncertain terms that the music industry is a man's world, she disguises herself as Vy-Man and persuades the Duke to listen to one of her songs. He's suffering from a creative block because he's pining for Lady Liv (Krystal Joy Brown), queen of the Cotton Club, and convinces Vy-Man to bring the Lady the song as if the Duke had written it, promising to reward her with employment. Vy reluctantly complies, and the predictable complications ensue. Lady Liv is attracted to Vy-Man, while Vy is attracted to the Duke and he to Vy, though it disturbs him because he thinks she's a man. The fallout when the deception comes to light bodes ill—at least for a while.Here's where West's book cannily diverges from Shakespeare. Vy's twin brother Sebastian really is dead, so West devises another love interest for Lady Liv basically by rehabilitating the Malvolio character, here named Rev (Alan H. Green), the Lady's uptight, self-important manager. His unrequited love for her is magically transformed after he gets his comeuppance (minus the torture) from Miss Mary (Alanna Lovely), her honey Sweets (James Earl Jones II) and Jester, the stand-in for Sir Toby, who has romantic problems of his own with a woman named CC (Kaylah Janssen). In other words, Rev gets the girl — and also a show-stopping yellow zoot suit from costume designer An-Lin Dauber. All the costumes are dandy, though those for the men have more pizzazz than the women's day dresses. The bilevel, slanted scenic design by Beowulf Boritt brings 1930s Harlem to life in a slightly expressionistic way with the help of Adam Honoré's lighting and Ray Nardelli's sound design. Edgar Godineaux's choreography adds to the period feel, though there could be even more of it.Most of all, the leads have splendid voices, and the performances are terrific. Green's Rev and Harkness's Jester get my vote for comedy chops, and Brown's Lady Liv probably will stay with me the longest for her complexity and big blues number, “I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues.”
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How Ownership and Politics Might Force the Braves to Trade This Star
The Atlanta Braves might have a much bigger problem on their hands than another disappointing postseason exit. Franchise superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. is suddenly at the center of controversy, and the possibility of Atlanta trading its former MVP is becoming a legitimate offseason talking point. During a recent episode of Acuña’s podcast La Bestia ,…
Having someone to talk to linked to better mental health among LGBQ+ teens
Gay or bisexual teens who have someone to turn to with a serious problem have significantly better mental health outcomes than those who don't, according to a new study from Tulane University researchers.
Gears of War: E-Day server crashes and login problems are because of DDoS attacks, studio says
If you've been having server issues with Gears of War: E-Day, you're not alone, and there's now a reason for it: DDoS attacks.
Theater Economics Need to Change. But How?
Is the problem economics, audiences, or something even bigger?
The Political Economy Of Water Bankruptcy—Who Benefits And Who Pays
The architect of the water bankruptcy concept explains why the problem is so difficult to solve politically, even when the solutions are known.
Chinese desalination plant cuts 60% energy use, turns brine into industrial salt
Technology may help to solve the global problem of discharging concentrated by-products of drinking water production into the sea.
AI Can’t Tell Real Science From Junk. That’s a Big Problem.
Artificial intelligence is in the news every day. It solves fundamental math problems by hundreds, hacks into highly protected networks, and outstreams Taylor Swift. AI is also supposed to lead us to…
Science Snapshots: October 11, 2026
Three key science updates: 2024’s extreme, possibly normalizing rainfall; hypertension-linked osteoarthritis worsened by vasopressin; and an AI-proof checker solving Erdős problems autonomously.
Popular weight loss drugs linked to a surprising fingernail problem
Popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have been linked to unexpectedly high rates of nail detachment, hair loss, and scalp inflammation, with some problems occurring several times more frequently among users. Researchers found that weight loss alone could not fully explain the differences, suggesting there may be more to these overlooked symptoms.
Berkeley engineer caught on video poisoning coworker before she suffered horrific health problems
The Guardian view on mental health: overdiagnosis is not the problem facing young people
Editorial: Parity of esteem with physical healthcare remains a distant prospect. Ministers must do more to tackle rising distress
Dodgers Remove Kim From NLCS Roster; Add Wrobleski
Prioritizing mound depth for a grueling seven-game stretch, Los Angeles Dodgers' Dave Roberts swaps an infielder for a left-handed pitcher.
Dodgers NLCS roster: Justin Wrobleski added as 13th pitcher
The Dodgers announced their roster for the National League Championship Series, which will include 13 pitchers and 13 position players against the Milwaukee Brewers. Justin Wrobleski is the extra bulk pitcher for this round, after the Dodgers carried 12 pitchers during the Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. “I think that length, having a guy […]
What Will the Lineup Look Like When Connor Brown Returns?
A lot of depth is a good problem to have, but Sheldon Keefe is still going to have tos hake it out with Connor Brown’s return.
Mikel Arteta admits to selection dilemma
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard gave him a selection problem over the weekend, having both played so well over the international break.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty...
Harrison: Shad White blames Bennie Thompson for Delta’s problems. Is he right?
White, who is expected to run for governor in 2027, has been particularly vocal in the call to unseat Thompson.
My favorite California hidden gem has great wine without Napa prices
Paso Robles, on California's central coast, has delicious food, incredible wine, and the sweetest locals. It's also much more affordable than Napa.
Commanders have a safety problem vs Giants
The Commanders have a numbers issue at safety against the Giants. Could a former starter help them out?
The problem with AI-upscaled monstrosities isn't the AI
The problem with AI-upscaled monstrosities isn't the AI
How do you teach children to handle money?
Dear Liz: My daughter (51) blames me (74) almost daily for her financial problems.
Florida HC Jon Sumrall Admits Gators Have Serious Problem Brewing
After a humiliating blowout at The Swamp, Jon Sumrall faces a crisis as recurring defensive lapses and stagnant quarterback play threaten to derail the Gators' once-promising season.
PlayStation Hardware Sales Hit Lowest Point Since 2013 in US, and PS5's Price Is the Problem
Average selling price almost an eye-watering $600
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease shows different warning signs from established risk factors
A study by the University of Oulu and the University of Eastern Finland found that people who developed Alzheimer's disease before the age of 65 accumulated a wide range of health problems, particularly ...
Why Bette Davis didn’t look at herself in the mirror for a year (exclusive)
After massive health problems in the 1980s, Hollywood legend Bette Davis didn’t look at herself in the mirror for a year — that is, until Robert Wagner came over.
Brian Schottenheimer Must Answer for More Than the Offense
Brian Schottenheimer faces scrutiny after the Cowboys’ loss to Tampa Bay exposed problems that extend beyond the offense and into his entire team.
Letters: Chargers have a problem. Is it Justin Herbert?
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the winless Chargers, USC and Lincoln Riley, the Dodgers and more.
A clock change dilemma pits science vs. politics
Some politicians want permanent daylight saving time, but a chorus of scientists say that's the wrong way to fix the seasonal time change problem.
A clock change dilemma pits science vs. politics
Some politicians want permanent daylight saving time, but a chorus of scientists say that's the wrong way to fix the seasonal time change problem.
Watch: Inside Our $22K Sports Betting Experiment
What happens when you bet like a problem gambler on DraftKings and FanDuel? Reporter Jake Pearson spent 10 weeks on the apps to find out.
Packers have a major problem heading into Bears showdown
The Green Bay Packers need to be on their game going into the Chicago Bears showdown.
Pete Davidson slammed female influencers. ‘Today’ hosts point out one big problem
During an interview with Variety, Davidson questioned the profession of women who post “get ready with me” videos.
New York Plans Stronger Sports Betting Regulation to Curb Gambling Addiction
The New York State Gaming Commission announced plans to require online sportsbooks to beef up user protections. The move follows reporting by ProPublica and others that raised questions about how apps like DraftKings treat problem gamblers.
Cash Flow Is King For SMBs, Relay’s 2026 Small-Business Survey Shows
Small businesses deal with highly variable cash flow, but their finance software often doesn’t help them spot cash-flow problems and opportunities in advance.
Amazon’s new Kindles appear to have a light leak problem
Reddit users are reporting shadows and visible LEDs around screen edge of new Kindles.
‘A Latino problem’: National Democrats clash with Andy Beshear over Texas governor’s race
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear hoped being chair of the Democratic Governors Association this midterms year would raise his profile and connections ahead of his expected 2028 run for president. But it’s also created an opening to ramp up pressure on him, with frustrations spilling into the open this week as multiple Texas Democratic members of Congress and national group leaders accused him of putting his book tour and potential 2028 activity ahead of helping Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa win the Texas governor’s race.
NVIDIA-Backed Upscale Wants to Make Rival AI Chips Work Together
NVIDIA GPUs dominate today’s AI data centers, but they’re no longer the only processors companies want to use. Cloud providers are developing their own AI chips, while specialized accelerators are entering the market. Getting these different processors to work together efficiently is creating a new challenge for data center operators. That’s the problem Upscale hopes […]
8 Best Gifts for Men Who Have Everything in 2026
Buying for the man who already owns the good version of everything is its own kind of design challenge. He has the watch, the pen, the television, the card holder. What he doesn't have is the version nobody else thought to make, the object that solves a problem he didn't know he had or simply
Opinion | Screens Are Not the Problem
If we make screens the villain, then we let the people who control children’s health care — Congress, insurers and health systems — off the hook for their failures.
Canelo, Connie, And Franny, Oh My!
Jake Paul is a man with options. Unlike all those UFC fighters locked down by impenetrable contracts, “The Problem Child” is a free man. Alongside former UFC executive Nakisa Bidarian, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Fights (MVP), meaning he’s promoting his own fights and has the agency to seek out whatever opponents interest […]
ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says report, with author due to speak to BBC
The government-commissioned review, which covers England, also says better support is needed for young people with mental health problems.
River respond! Production firm blames CARP for Messi farewell errors
The problems at Messi's farewell to the Argentina national team remain at the center of controversy, as production company Marketing Sports issued a statement this Thursday blaming River for all the i...
White House Invites Alpha1 AI Founder Shubham Pandey to Science Summit
Alpha1's participation highlights its work connecting AI and SI (super intelligence)-powered learning with interactive enterprise problem-solving through Spark, Scholar and Resolve.
White House Invites Alpha1 AI Founder Shubham Pandey to Science Summit
Alpha1's participation highlights its work connecting AI and SI (super intelligence)-powered learning with interactive enterprise problem-solving through Spark, Scholar and Resolve.
The Wall Street Veteran Trying to Solve the Pentagon’s Missile Problem
In his first interview on the job, Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, a private-equity billionaire, defended his unusual approach.
Trump bucks and the politics of mailing checks
The checks started going out last week, nearly one million of them, and mostly to battleground states. With a return address for the U.S. Treasury and a letter enclosed signed by President Donald Trump, these one-time checks for $500 were ostensibly government rebates for Obamacare enrollees who overpaid. In the accompanying letter, however, Trump attacks his predecessor and talks about his record in office on an important issue he’s not polling well on, which makes it seem more like the most expensive political mailer in U.S. history. The average piece of direct mail costs between 30 cents and $3, according to Mail Processing Associates, a print, mail, and fulfillment company. At $500 a pop plus roughly 50 cents each to issue the paper check, the cost of Trump’s healthcare mailer sent to more than 950,000 enrollees comes in at more than $475 million. Trump’s midterm healthcare message “For years, the Biden Administration overcharged you to fund the operation of HealthCare dot gov,” Trump wrote in the letter. “That money belongs to hard-working Americans, not the Government, and now, I am returning it to you!” In the letter, Trump makes false and misleading claims about his administration’s record on healthcare costs, an issue Democrats have a 20 point advantage on over Republicans, according to a recent poll from KFF, a nonpartisan health policy think tank. Trump touts his administration’s TrumpRX program, which he claims is “delivering massive discounts.” However, new research from KFF found that of a selection of drugs available on the TrumpRX platform, just five were the lowest price, while 13 were the highest price. Trump also falsely claims in the letter that he’s fighting to lower healthcare costs. In reality, average monthly premium payment costs for enrollees rose 58% under Trump while marketplace sign-ups declined 5%, per KFF. Under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it’s estimated 10 million more Americans will be uninsured by 2034. You get a check and you get a check and you get a check Trump’s long promised cash outs to his fans, from his days as a casino operator and gameshow host to his presidency. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the first Trump administration made the unprecedented move to put Trump’s name on checks that went out under the CARES Act (notably the $500 refund checks this time around don’t feature Trump’s name). Ever since, Trump’s been chasing that high. In his second term, Trump’s promised more stimulus that never arrived, like refund checks from DOGE cuts and tariffs, while he said at his party’s convention last month that he’d give out $5,000 checks to everyone if Republicans win in November. In reality, DOGE overstated its cost cutting and Trump’s government actually now spends more than former President Joe Biden’s, while Trump’s tariffs actually grew the trade deficit. His proposal for $5,000 checks would add about $1.2 trillion to the national debt. The problem is there’s no money to give. These $500 checks — plus $90 Medicare rebate checks also going out as well as $250 deposited this week in some Trump Accounts for kids courtesy Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan — represent the closest Trump’s going to get to making good on his promise to deliver cash fast. And the checks seem especially targeted. Though the $500 checks went out to enrollees in one of 30 states that use the federal HealthCare dot gov marketplace, a Reuters review found 71% of the payments, or $339 million, went to enrollees in 13 states that have the most competitive elections for governor and U.S. Senate. Most Americans don’t buy it Could Trump bucks sway the election? An Economist-YouGov poll found 57% of U.S. adults doubt Trump will deliver on his promise for $5,000 checks, compared to 21% who do. “I’m waiting on my DOGE check and I’m still waiting on my tariff check,” one 2024 Trump voter who’s since turned on him told a recent focus group. “It felt like kind of trying to buy people’s votes, which honestly felt like in elementary when the class president was like, hey we’re going to take you to the water park if you vote for me. It’s like, I don’t think it works like that.” But for voters in swing states who got a check, it could still matter. One survey published in 2022 found receiving a physically personalized check in the mail during the pandemic was associated with a much greater self-reported likelihood of voting for Trump in 2020, and those gains mainly came from out partisans. The issue for Trump comes if these checks are mostly going to Obamacare enrollees whose premiums have gone up by more than just $500 since he took office and who view the money as something like a bribe before the election rather than an actual long-term solution to lowering household costs. Spending $500.50 per mailer would be absurd as a normal campaign expenditure, but since Trump’s checks and letter are a government rebate, his campaign and super PAC didn’t have to spend a dime and he got out his message regardless. If enough voters in key states are swayed by the one-time payment, it could prove to be the best $0 the Trump campaign spent. Subscribe [ ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/why-independent-candidates-are-making) [ Why independent candidates are making independence central to their brand ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/why-independent-candidates-are-making) Hunter Schwarz · Oct 6 [ Read full story ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/why-independent-candidates-are-making) [ ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/these-designers-and-grocery-nerds) [ These designers and grocery nerds will brand Mamdani’s NYC grocery stores ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/these-designers-and-grocery-nerds) Hunter Schwarz · Oct 2 [ Read full story ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/these-designers-and-grocery-nerds) Trump wants to turn his first-ever golf course into a government course for presidents
US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week launched an agency-wide effort to study and document any health problems reported after vaccination, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Thursday.
US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries
WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - US Health Secretary Robert F. this week launched an agency-wide effort to study and document any health problems reported after vaccination, the Department of Health and...
What Are the Remaining Millennium Prize Problems?
OpenAI’s trove of new math results doesn’t fully solve any of these highly prestigious open questions, but it seems to make progress on some.
Breaking down quarterback confidence struggles as John Mateer prepares for OU-Texas
John Mateer seems to have a confidence problem, and it is costing OU.
New resolution calls rat problem in Northeast Philly a ‘public health emergency'
A new resolution urges the Health Department and other agencies to coordinate an urgent response to rodent activity in Lower Northeast Philly.
Shared family factors influence screen use and mental health problems in young people
Shared family factors, such as genes and upbringing, are likely to explain a large part of the link between high screen use and mental health problems in young people.
HHS Launches Agency-Wide Actions to Strengthen Vaccine Injury Research, Reporting, and Patient Care
HHS launched a series of actions to strengthen how the federal government identifies, documents, investigates, and responds to health problems.
DOE Announces Science Applications for Quantum Computing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the release of Quantum Genesis Priority Applications (QGPAs), a set of eight key scientific utility problems that will guide the Quantum Genesis’s goal of developing fault-tolerant scientifically relevant quantum computers. This effort directly supports the goals outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation and builds on the recommendations made in the Blueprint for DOE Quantum Supercom
Pre-Snap Reads: Do the Seahawks have an RB problem?
May take the whole season to figure out who the number one back is.
Wesley completes recovery, set to start vs Como
Roma is preparing for the restart of the season with some good news for Gian Piero Gasperini. Wesley has overcome the muscle problem he suffered during the international break and will be available fo...
Payton Talks Details As Criticism Of Webb Continues
The Denver Broncos are taking plenty of heat for their play calling, but Sean Payton doesn't think that's the problem.
The ‘WarGames’ Problem: Computer Science Has Long Understood What it Takes to Keep AI Under Control
AI agents don’t go rogue. That’s something only humans do. Nevertheless, a New York Times article – representative
Ipsos Health Service Report 2026
Since 2018, Ipsos has been tracking perceptions of the quality of healthcare systems, the biggest health issues and the biggest public health problems.
Detroit political voice: Obama won’t fix El-Sayed’s Black voter problem
Obama’s upcoming campaign appearance with Abdul El-Sayed may not be enough to win over skeptical Black voters in Detroit.
Ahead of Trump's Visit, Ken Paxton Has a New Problem: Snitches
Based on a series of audio leaks, the Republican candidate for Senate does not seem to be having a good time.
Vermont’s ‘slopaganda’ problem
After a successful challenge of Vermont's AI political media law, computer-generated election satire continues to make waves.
Seahawks' Mike Macdonald Reacts To Penalty Problem: 'Live That Life'
There were a total of 30 penalties combined in Seattle's win on Sunday.
‘He Has a Bigger Problem,’ ‘Embarrassed The Business’ — NFL Legend Terrell Owens Has No Sympathy For Tony Romo After Controversial CBS Exit
Terrell Owens has little sympathy for Tony Romo following the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s sudden departure from CBS Sports. The network announced on Friday that it had mutually agreed to part ways with Romo after nine years in the broadcast booth, bringing an unexpected end to one of the biggest analyst careers in recent NFL history.
From service to success: How VetFran helps Veterans build businesses
VetFran helps Veterans turn the leadership and problem-solving skills they built in service into business ownership.
Tony Fadell on why the first wave of AI gadgets failed — and what comes next
The “father of the iPod” says the first generation of AI gadgets failed to solve real problems — and the next wave will need to earn consumers’ trust.
Techno-optimistic scientists take fewer climate actions, study finds
Scientists who believe technology will largely solve the problems caused by climate change are 23% less likely to engage in civic climate action and 18% less likely to make high-impact lifestyle changes ...
Ring announces its first smart lock, solving a major pain point for smart home users
Today, Amazon’s Ring subsidiary is announcing its first ever smart lock. It solves a key problem that looms over many...
Informanté on Instagram: "Namibia wins two medals at international science fair Staff Reporter NAMIBIAN learners Guillermo Melando and Thobias Gabriel have won silver and bronze medals respectively at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa, where young scientists and innovators from 11 countries showcased research and technological innovations. The fair was held from 28 September to 2 October 2026 and brought together 323 young scientists, innovators and problem-solvers from South Africa and international delegations. Melando won a silver medal in Agricultural Sciences, while Gabriel received a bronze medal in Engineering. Full story: https://infor
1 likes, 0 comments - informante_news on October 7, 2026: "Namibia wins two medals at international science fair Staff Reporter NAMIBIAN learners Guillermo Melando and Thobias Gabriel have won silver and bronze medals respectively at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa, where young scientists and innovators from 11 countries showcased research and technological innovations. The fair was held from 28 September to 2 October 2026 and brought together 323 young scientists, innovators and problem-solvers from South Africa and international delegations. Melando won a silver medal in Agricultural Sciences, while Gabriel received a bronze medal in Engineering. Full story: https://informante.web.na/?p=401940 Photos: National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)".
‘There was only one…’ Colin Cowherd points out health reason why LeBron James chose Philadelphia
After reports about LeBron James’ health problems emerged this week, Colin Cowherd has explained why that was likely his reason for choosing the Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron James did not play in the Philadelphia 76ers’ preseason game against the New York Knicks.
AI doom has a precision problem
Until there is more clarity on basic questions, neither developers nor policymakers can credibly establish a quantitative AI risk assessment.
I need advice on being a better Tampa Bay sports fan
New quarterback, same problems as Bucs lose to Packers to fall to 0-4 | Oct. 5 Trying to be betterDear Tampa Bay fans, I need advice from people who understand the joy and occasional emotional damage of Tampa Bay sports.