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Mariners News: Boston Smith, Cole Young, and Joe Espada
Taking a look at the 2026 Gold Glove finalists. Plus, Joe Espada is officially a free agent.
UEFA Make Official Benfica vs Celtic Announcement
UEFA have made an official announcement regarding the upcoming game involving Benfica and Celtic.
Running for a cause: Baltimore Running Festival puts community first
At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Rob Fatzinger will begin the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half Marathon where no runner wants to start: in last place. But for Fatzinger, last place is exactly where he wants to be. He’s one of two official charity chasers participating in the 26th annual Baltimore Running Festival. For every runner he overtakes en route to the finish line, Corrigan Sports and the ...
The 2026 cold and flu season is approaching, health officials say
Health officials in Ohio are encouraging residents to get their flu shots before Halloween as cases begin to rise, with updated vaccines available to address new strains.
GTA 6 Will Make The Game Awards Cutoff Date for Eligibility by the Skin of Its Teeth, Confirming It Has a Chance at 2026 Game of the Year
GTA 6 is officially in with a chance of winning the 2026 Game of the Year award at this year’s The Game Awards, after the show confirmed the cutoff date for eligibility.
Kenya reports second Ebola case
Kenya reports a second Ebola case. Meanwhile, the situation in Congo is still quite dire. Authorities have confirmed more than 4,000 deaths and 9,000 cases as officials have struggled to contain one the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.
Touchscreen MacBook Pro and more launching at Apple event on Oct 28
We’ve long been awaiting the launch of the first OLED MacBook Pro, and a new report says that the official...
GTA 6 is Officially Eligible for The Game Awards 2026
We finally have confirmation about GTA 6's status and eligibility for The Game Awards 2026—the game is just about in for this year's show.
The 'renewable' iPhone Duo display layer may help buyers justify the price
The iPhone Duo starts at $1999 for the 256GB model and rises to an eye-watering $3199 for the 2TB version...
As Florida Confronts Hundreds of Local Dengue Cases, Tampa Health Organizations Respond
Florida health officials have reported almost 300 locally acquired dengue cases as of Oct. 3 in what appears to be the largest outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in the continental United State…
‘The money, not the message.’ Idaho debates how to manage free speech in elections
In the thick of election season, Idaho’s secretary of state held a Free Speech Summit for state officials and lawmakers.
Measles is popping up in more Wisconsin counties. Health experts say it may get worse.
Officials are still investigating how the new infections started. But Wisconsin has already seen similar clusters of cases this year.
Prince Harry and Meghan make first joint appearance since UK return
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are stepping out for their first official event since their return – and the location holds special meaning.
Bills and Pills: How Congress and Science Could Make the Future Less Lonely
A Bill for Loneliness? Proposed legislation would fund more research and social support—and create an office to advise the President A decade ago, official Washington wasn’t thinking about America’s loneliness epidemic. “Congress was paying zero attention to this issue, the executive branch was paying zero attention to this issue,” says Andrew MacPherson, chair of the
Cincinnati business leaders asked CPS to 'pause' levy this year
Letters to Cincinnati Public Schools officials from business leaders illuminate why the chamber did not endorse the district's levy.
Golden State Warriors Announce Kristaps Porzingis Update Amid Health Issue
On Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors released a statement regarding Kristaps Porzingis amid his absence due to an undisclosed health issue.In a press release via the Warriors’ official website, the franchise addressed the situation surrounding Porzingis.“Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porziņģis, who missed training camp and the team’s first five (5) preseason games due to […] The post Golden State Warriors Announce Kristaps Porzingis Update Amid Health Issue appeared first on H
Exclusive: US considering using ‘mother of all bombs’ against Iran, sources say
The US military has developed new strike plans that include potentially using the so-called “mother of all bombs” to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites should President Donald Trump give the order to resume combat operations either before or after the midterm elections, according to multiple US officials familiar with the matter.
Minnesota Vikings Star Provides Big Announcement Before Week 6
Undefeated quarterback Kyler Murray officially closed his Arizona chapter, finalized a multi-million dollar estate sale to focus entirely on leading Minnesota’s offense through a dominant breakout season.
Alaska Science Forum time capsule: Hardwood, softwood, fuelwood
Note: After finally cleaning my stovepipe last weekend, it feels like woodstove season at my cabin can officially (and safely) begin. Carla Helfferich wrote this wood power-focused Alaska Science Forum column on Oct. 3, 1990. — Sara Wilbur
Alaska Science Forum time capsule: Hardwood, softwood, fuelwood
Note: After finally cleaning my stovepipe last weekend, it feels like woodstove season at my cabin can officially (and safely) begin. Carla Helfferich wrote this wood power-focused Alaska Science Forum column on Oct. 3, 1990. — Sara Wilbur
New Orleans officials urge residents to advocate for change at Urban League conference
New Orleans leaders, including U.S. Rep. Troy Carter and Mayor Helena Moreno, spoke at the event
Kentucky health officials urge vaccination amid worst measles outbreak in years
Kentucky health officials are tracking 157 confirmed measles cases statewide, including 56 in Laurel County, and urging vaccination to slow the outbreak.
Quality Dairy to resume selling donuts after clearing health inspection
Quality Dairy will resume selling donuts and rolls in its stores on Thursday, Oct. 15 after receiving approval from state health officials.
Big Top Xtreme Opens in Pine Bluff Bringing Family Entertainment and New Attractions After Six Years of Development
Big Top Xtreme officially celebrated its grand opening in Pine Bluff on Wednesday, October 14th, marking the completion of a six-year effort to transform a former property into a family entertainment destination featuring go-karts, miniature golf, paintball, arcade games and Big Banjo Pizza. City officials, […]
DementedFX seeks investigation after city officials entered facility without permission
A well-known local attraction is responding to Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia’s public response to the city’s decision to stop operations of the haunt’s Cube experience.
Ubisoft plans cuts at German studios, adding to wave of workforce reductions
Ubisoft is planning to reduce its workforce in Germany, where it operates a trio of studios, by about 100 workers, Game File has learned. The company wants to offer employees buyouts to, should enough people accept, avoid having to lay anyone off. “In Germany, we initiated discussions with the Works Council last week regarding a proposed voluntary departure plan across Ubisoft Dusseldorf, Ubisoft Berlin & Ubisoft Mainz,” a company rep told Game File. A “works council” is a union-like group representing employees. “The voluntary plan is the primary measure being proposed to support the intended organizational changes,” the Ubisoft rep added. The company declined to confirm the scale of the potential headcount cut. Of the impacted studios, Mainz might be the best known to the public. It leads development of the Anno series and shipped the well-reviewed strategy game Anno 117: Pax Romana in November 2025. Berlin and Dusseldorf operate as support studios within Ubisoft’s creative network. Berlin recently supported the development of Rainbow Six Siege and the Rayman Legends Retold remake. Dusseldorf also contributed to those projects, as well as The Settlers and Ubisoft-branded escape rooms. Dusseldorf is the biggest of the three studios, with some 400+ workers, compared to just over 100 at the other two, a source familiar with the reductions and the teams told Game File. More than half of these new reductions of about 100 people are expected to happen at Dusseldorf. The planned cuts were announced at a town hall for the German studios on Tuesday of last week. In an email follow-up, the studio group’s managing director, Benedikt Grindel, said the cuts were intended to “best position our German studios for the future... with a clearer focus on their role, capabilities and organizational setup needed for the work ahead.” The email was an echo of the past. In January 2025, Grindel had emailed the Ubisoft developers in his region (or studio “zone”) to explain that a round of 185 cuts at the time, including about 65 at Dusseldorf, were “essential to improve our operational efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of our studios, the zone and the company.” A half-decade of continued job cuts Ubisoft has been aggressively cutting its headcount for years. At the end of September 2022, it had 20,729 workers. By the end of March 2026, that total was down to 16,590. Studio management is trying to trim costs as it grapples with a changing industry and a drought of releases, let alone hits. The company announced earlier this year that it had reduced its costs since 2022 by “nearly €325 million” ($362m) and planned to lower them through 2028 by another €180 million ($200m). In June the company said it was closing down its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios and cutting roles in its Barcelona team. Even commercial and creative success hasn’t spared studios from this ongoing company-wide contraction. As Game File was nailing down details around the proposed cuts in Germany, Ubisoft management was informing workers of cuts in its Singapore studio, which shipped a hit remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag this past July. Some 70 positions in Singapore are being eliminated “to align the studio with upcoming production needs,” per a company rep’s statement to Game File. In early 2024, a large team in the Singapore studio launched the multiplayer pirate game Skull & Bones. It performed poorly but has been supported with regular content updates since. Many of Ubisoft’s studios around the world are heavily subsidized via regional grants and tax breaks. Singapore had been among them for years, but received no such local assistance in the 12 months ending this past March. News of the Singapore cuts broke today alongside word that Ubisoft is also proposing the closure of RedLynx, pending negotiations with officials. The Finnish studio behind the motorbike series Trials was founded in 2000 and sold to Ubisoft in 2011. As reported by VGC (and corroborated by Game File), Ubisoft management told employees it could not come up with a new, sustainable assignment for RedLynx. The 2025 workforce at Ubisoft Dusseldorf were straight-up cuts. This time, Ubisoft is hoping the reductions at its trio of German studios will largely come from workers taking a payout to leave. The company offered such voluntary dismissals at its Massive Entertainment studio (The Division) a year ago. For the German studios’ buyouts this time around, Ubisoft and the Works Council had discussed a formula that’d pay a worker’s monthly salary multiplied by 1.5 and by the number of years they’ve worked at the company, according to Game File sources. The formula is still subject to negotiations with the Works Council and has not yet been part of an official offer to workers. It could be adjusted up or down, and it could be supplemented with additional bonuses. Asked about the floated payout formula, a Ubisoft rep told Game File, “The terms of a potential voluntary departure program remain subject to negotiation with employee representatives. No final agreement has been reached, and we won’t comment on specific proposals while discussions are ongoing.” Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: Epic’s AI adventures Epic Games (Fortnite, the Unreal engine) is all-in on using AI to try to transform the way it makes video games and game-making tools. It’s leaders appear to be undeterred by any resistance among gamers and some game developers around generative AI—and instead emboldened by advances, particularly in AI-assisted programming. A recap of the last three days: On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Epic management told workers last week that development of an upcoming game combining Star Wars and Marvel characters would be “AI first.” Employees would be expected to use AI models such as Claude to code the game. A manager told Epic’s developers there would be “[n]o more hand-written code” and that art for the game would be “generated with full AI workflows,” per the outlet. Just ahead of that story running, Epic founder Tim Sweeney tweeted: “We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration. The aim isn’t to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal.” In a follow-up, Sweeney predicted that most game development processes would be at least three times faster a year from now than they were in January 2026, thanks to AI. To a person on X who told him he was failing to read the room, Sweeney said: “Much of the room wants it to be 2016 again, but it’s not. Our job, as the provider of tools and technology to much of the industry, is to design for the present that is and the future that will soon be.” On Wednesday, Epic announced it was releasing a faster launcher for its Epic Games Store marketplace. It did so by stating in a blog post as clear as could be that the launcher is an AI-enabled, vibe-coded project: Programming is hard. So, instead of doing that, we vibe coded a new Epic Games Launcher that’s way faster and more responsive than the current one, and has a new look. Programming is hard? That was unexpected phrasing from a company founded by a legendarily great programmer. Back in 2011, Sweeney told me that he’d picked up programming quickly as a kid and rejoiced at the power it gave him. “I could look at any program that anybody else had written and, with enough effort, build something cooler.” Item 3: The Xbox Labs experiment (and one of the people behind it) Microsoft’s Xbox division, which is flooding the zone with announcements lately, yesterday revealed a new internal tech-tinkering team called Xbox Labs. In the words of Xbox boss Asha Sharma Labs is “a small group of game makers, engineers and scientists whose job is to turn emerging ideas into things our players and developers can experience.” Conventional wisdom coming out of the announcement is that Labs is a team that’ll focus on ideas driven by generative AI. In her announcement, Sharma cited some of the dizzying achievements in tech and gaming over the past month as AI agents and other AI tools have been deployed to swiftly figure out how popular games work, then rebuild them and mix them up. She mentioned seeing ”games rapidly decompiled and rebuilt to run on hardware they were never originally designed to support” and said “[p]erhaps more surprisingly, we’ve seen many of the biggest games in the world have been remixed into the source code of another.” (Minecraft plus Elden Ring, for example, or Fortnite + Super Monkey Ball + Overwatch + Diablo + others.) Sharma also cited the work of Windows PC games being ported to run in browsers, a seeming reference to a recent AI-assisted fan port of Halo. Or perhaps Call of Duty or GTA. Sharma didn’t use the specific term “AI” in her memo, but she came close, citing AI “agents” and their potential for game-making tools that Labs could help craft: I think XBOX has an important role to play here. Coding became the first major workload for agents because they can write, run, and test software. Games share many of those same properties, and people spend more than 72 billion hours a year playing XBOX games, roughly five times the estimated time spent writing code worldwide. We’ve spent 25 years learning how to make great games, and I want our game makers to help shape what these new technologies make possible. As we learn, we’ll share the tools we build with developers across the industry, just as we always have. When I asked an Xbox rep if Labs was an AI-centric team, they said genAI was not the focus, describing it as having a broader mandate for using new tech in new ways in gaming. As an example, they pointed to Xbox’s recently launched disc-to-digital gaming usage rights program. Microsoft didn’t specifically name anyone involved full-time in Xbox Labs yesterday, but on social media and LinkedIn, I spotted Adrian Mato IDing himself as leading the creatio of tools at Labs and talking up the launch. Mato first caught my attention in late September, when he said on X that he was “starting to build a new team at Xbox focused on products and tools for how games get built and distributed as agentic tools become more capable.” At the time, he framed AI-based tools as a supplement to traditional game dev tools. “I don’t think we need to replace them,” he said. Since then, he’s publicly shown interest in AI and in games. He’s recently spent some of his X feed marveling at the power of AI agents and praising the lighting in the latest Gears of War. Following the Labs announcement yesterday, he enthused about the Xbox Labs’ stylish landing page. He wrote: “We built some fun tools to art-direct shaders in real time, experimented with interactive ASCII art, and sprinkled in lots of tiny details. “Move your mouse to leave a colorful trail that reveals the original footage, or interact with the video to trigger bursts of particles. “A lot of love went into making it all feel just right. “More to come”
A user has installed Googlebook OS onto a Chromebook Plus, and it runs great
Ever since Google officially launched the new Googlebook platform, one of the biggest questions hanging in the air has been what this means for existing Chromebook hardware. While we wait for...
Union leader quoted in Maine Senate attack ad sends ‘cease and desist’ to GOP PAC
The ad quotes a union official slamming Democrat Troy Jackson’s healthcare plan. He told NBC News he never commented on Jackson’s plan and was “shocked” to see the quote.
Newsom heads to New Hampshire to stump for Democrats
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's trip follows voyages to other early primary voting states that could be critical to his campaign if he officially joins the 2028 presidential contest.
Low-Income Countries’ Push For Climate Money For Health Meets German Pushback Ahead Of COP31
BERLIN – Germany's top climate civil servant pushed back on Monday against a call from the world's poorest countries for more climate finance for health. The money fight of COP31 opens officially in Antalya, Türkiye, next month. In the halls of the World Health Summit in Berlin, it's already started.
Early voting begins Monday
MONROE COUNTY — Registered Monroe County voters can cast ballots from Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 31, during early voting for the November general election, county elections officials said.
Liaison team calls for broader Vermont healthcare reform
After reviewing UVM Health's finances, a watchdog group urged Vermont officials to tackle rising costs across the entire healthcare system.
Justice Dept. demands California prove citizenship for lists of voters or withhold ballots
The U.S. Department of Justice has given California election officials 48 hours to prove the U.S. citizenship of voters its flagged as potential noncitizens, or withhold their ballots.
Mon County Commission approves 2027 health insurance strategy
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission approved a new employee health insurance contribution strategy Wednesday that officials say will help limit rising costs while maintaining coverage options for county
How the Zelda Ocarina of Time remake changes the classic game’s script
At the start of the iconic 1998 Nintendo 64 game The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, our playable hero Link wakes up in his tree cabin, heads outside and is greeted by his friend Saria. “Yahoo! Hi, Stotil!" she says. In other people’s copies of the games, she might say “Hi, Link!” or “Hi, Brick!” or use whatever other name the player was allowed to input when first launching the game. The more important point is that she starts with a “Yahoo!” In Nintendo’s 2011 remake of Ocarina of Time for the 3DS handheld, Saria greets Link with that same word. But for the 2026 Switch 2 re-remake of Ocarina of Time, out November 5, Saria’s salutation has changed: “Hello, Link!” she exclaims. There’s no “Yahoo” to be heard. Last month, in an official Nintendo video preview, Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma described the remake as a “faithful interpretation using modern technologies.” Faithful means the gameplay hasn’t changed much. Dungeons, quests, and just generally what you do in the game doesn’t seem to have changed, not based on what Nintendo has shown nor the hour of the game I played in New York City a couple of weeks ago. The graphics have been overhauled. The controls have been tweaked. Players can now manually control the camera and make Link jump with the press of a button, both notable differences from the original 1998 design. But Link’s journey appears to take the same path, with the same obstacles in its way. The remake’s biggest alteration to Ocarina of Time that I’ve spotted so far just might be the script. About the game’s story, Aonuma said in September, “We’ve added quite a lot of new dialogue for the characters, so that their personalities shine even more.” Earlier this month, I played a chunk of the Ocarina of Time remake at a Nintendo showcase. In the game’s earliest moments, I made a point of talking to characters and recording what they said. I found the script to be more colorful, more natural in its phrasing, more careful to establish its characters, and certainly more wordy even with the removal of that one “Yahoo!”. I’ve got some very early-game examples, so you can judge the new writing for yourself.
Trump administration escalates voter roll fight with threats against California election officials
The Trump administration threatened to take legal action against California election officials if they did not review a list of alleged noncitizens on Los Angeles’ voter rolls within 48 hours, according to a Tuesday letter from the Justice Department obtained by CNN.
7 Major New GTA 6 Details Officially Revealed by Rockstar
A new Bloomberg report dives deep into the biggest game of the decade
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Debuts No. 1 on Weekly U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Through Oct. 14
Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day climbs to new heights with a No. 1 debut on the Official Film Chart, the weekly U.K. home entertainment sales chart, through Oct. 14. The movie currently tops the 2026 global box office with $2.51 billion in ticket sales. Former chart-topper, Pixar Animation’s Toy Story 5 made a strong re-entry … Continue reading "‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Debuts No. 1 on Weekly U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Through Oct. 14"
Mariners News: Joe Espada, José Ramírez, and Don Mattingly
We’ve got our first official name in the Mariners’ managerial search. Plus, the Phillies lock in their 2027 skipper.
Windows update patches a whopping 1,400 security bugs - including 2 zero days
This month’s update also marks the first official one for Windows 11 26H2 and the end of support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro.
Despite tough talk from Abbott and Paxton, Texas penalties for data center violations are light
Texas officials are promising tougher enforcement on data centers, but the existing law may offer limited leverage over the industry that has largely failed to report its water use.
SEC opposes LSU bid to end lawsuit - Dispute remains 'live'
The SEC is opposing LSU's request to dismiss the conference's lawsuit against the university and its officials, saying a live controversy still exists between the parties.
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.”
Business Beat : Tommy’s Express Car Wash “Tunnel of Terror” returns October 28th
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - The annual Tunnel of Terror officially returns to Tommy's Express Car Wash in Coldwater...
NY measles outbreak more widespread than official count, health officials say
In some upstate communities, officials say entire households have been found to be infected.
MDC requests $30 million reserve draw to launch new inmate health care model
Union officials raise questions about costs and staffing as the jail prepares for a potential $63 million transition in 2027.
‘I don’t talk politics with anyone’: Georgia voting official on avoiding fiery debates ahead of midterms
Sabrina German, a poll official in Chatham county, details a typical election day, the pressure election workers face, and fallout from 2020 disputes
Colorado can help lead data center construction
Across Colorado, proposals for new data centers are running into fierce opposition. Residents are worried about noise, water use, health risks and high electricity costs. Six municipalities, including Denver, have imposed bans, caps or moratoriums while they figure out how these massive facilities could affect their communities. Local officials cannot ignore voters’ concerns. But the […]
How Should Local Health Officers Respond to Measles Outbreaks?
A public health expert spoke with Governing about why cases are proliferating and how government officials should be working to address it.
Albany officials and business owners looking to revitalize Lark Street
Jazz, cycling and trivia are just a few things people enjoy doing on Lark Street in Albany. Tuesday night though, it was a conversation with police, housing officials and support services that got …
Dept. of Health confirms travel-related dengue virus case on Oahu
Health officials say this case is a reminder to reduce standing water, wherever possible, especially after a week of rainy weather.
Pennsylvania health officials investigating reported measles-related death
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating a reported measles-associated death announced by the Franklin County Coroner on Tuesday.
Clark County voters weigh affordability, health care, education and wars ahead of November
Clark County voters cite affordability, health care, education and global conflicts as top election issues. Ballots are now being mailed, and officials are adding ballot box cameras after a 2024 vandalism.
Detroit family of man who was shot by bailiff during mental health crisis files $150M lawsuit
The story of an eviction, a mental health crisis and a man shot and killed has become a federal lawsuit alleging officials were to blame for what had happened.
Alabama Health Officials Warn of Measles Case in Huntsville
Alabama Health Officials Warn of Measles Case in HuntsvilleThe Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging residents to watch for measles symptoms and
Player Availability Report: #NSHvSKC
Player Availability Report is SportingKC.com’s look at the latest status updates around the team ahead of upcoming matches and is presented by Saint Luke’s. All details listed are from the league’s official Player Status Report that is submitted the day prior to the match. Sporting Kansas City hits the road
Oz touts new price transparency rule amid voters' affordability concerns
Officials said the new rule will give patients access to clearer cost information before receiving hospital care.
Bipartisan senators ask national security officials to address AI threats
They said recent AI security threats should serve as a warning
Bipartisan senators ask national security officials to address AI threats
They said recent AI security threats should serve as a warning
Dating app Bumble closes deal to sell for $1.3B
Bumble, the Austin, Texas-based dating app company, has officially closed a deal that will see it acquired by Ithaca Holdings for $1.3 billion. Bumble announced the sale Tuesday morning, less
Health of Chesapeake Bay receives best report card yet; Lancaster region gets lower score
The 43-year effort to rehabilitate the Chesapeake Bay has earned its best ever score from the scientists and public officials who’ve been closely monitoring it, but clean up efforts in
Health officials suspect new measles outbreak, this time in Rock County
The cases are linked to each other but separate from a large ongoing outbreak in southwest Wisconsin.
Judge blasts Elon Musk over tweet when he was leading DOGE
A federal magistrate judge took issue with a tweet Elon Musk made in Feburary 2025 that accused a former FEMA official of "criminal action."
Blackhawks Assign Lardis To Rockford, Clear Roster Space For Bedard
With Connor Bedard officially making his 2026-27 season debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Chicago Blackhawks had to make a […]
Helen Branswell, infectious diseases and public health reporter, dies
Branswell earned the respect of experts and public health officials around the world with her accessible, prescient dispatches on scourges from influenza to polio and Ebola to COVID-19.
Fayette County health officials confirm West Nile virus cases
Health officials confirmed West Nile virus in Fayette County, prompting local authorities to advise residents on preventative measures and offer free repellent.
Xbox is officially embracing the chaos of AI-powered game ports
Xbox Labs is a new group exploring emerging game technology
Commentary: Memphis, Shelby County officials do little to mobilize voter engagement
Memphis and Shelby County elected officials are doing little to engage voters and promote turnout, writes Rev. Earle Fisher.
Helen Branswell, whose reporting on infectious diseases and public health drew acclaim, dies at 69
Helen Branswell, STAT's infectious disease reporter who earned the respect of experts and public health officials with her accessible, prescient dispatches, has died at age 69.
Rome to host free Trick-or-Treat Street at Franklyn's Field
The city of Rome will hold Fright Night at Franklyn's Field on North James Street to celebrate Halloween at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to city officials.
Texas health agency proposes eliminating children’s autism program
Texas health officials have proposed cutting funding for a program that helps autistic children communicate. The Children's Autism Program offers therapy at reduced costs, but the Texas Health and Human Services Commission wants to eliminate it due to budget cuts.
Pennsylvania health officials report a sixth measles-related death
Pennsylvania is at the center of the nation’s largest measles outbreak in three decades, with a sixth measles-related death reported as cases continue to surge. NBC News’ Erika Edwards shares the latest developments in the outbreak and what to know about vaccinations.
8BitDo Launches Ultimate 3C+ Wireless Controller with Thumb Stick Tension Adjustment and Extra Buttons
8BitDo has officially launched the latest version of its Ultimate Wireless controller, the Ultimate 3C+, which is, for an intents and purposes, a more affordable version of the recently revealed special edition Ultimate 3 Wireless controllers. The Ultimate 3C comes in at a pre-order price of...
White House officials question whether Trump will keep Zacharia in press secretary role after short first briefing
Several White House officials are questioning how long Katie Zacharia will keep the press secretary job after her first briefing Tuesday, noting her performance was unlikely to satisfy President Donald Trump.
White House official calls Katie Zacharia’s first press briefing ‘brutal’
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Editorial: Can Washington trust Moscow?
Russia’s war against Ukraine has become a test of American judgment. This weekend, Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 20 people, including children, according to Ukrainian officials.
In Trump’s pardons for public officials, Republicans win most of the mercy
They include at least 11 of 15 Republican members of Congress convicted of wrongdoing over the past two decades
Fort Lauderdale leaders to address violence, underage drinking in Himmarshee entertainment district
Fort Lauderdale city leaders and law enforcement officials are expected to meet Tuesday morning to discuss ways to address violent crime and underage drinking in the city’s popular Himmarshee entertainment district following a series of shootings.
Business Beat : Areal fall foliage tours available in Branch County
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) MyFlight helicopter tours have officially returned to Coldwater for the autumn season, of...
Breast cancer screenings can improve survival rate, SC health officials say
About 4,000 South Carolina women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the South Carolina Department of Health.
Staunton Pride returns to Gypsy Hill Park on Oct. 17
Staunton Pride features live entertainment, food vendors, health screenings, a wellness hub and two official after-parties. Here's what to know.
Water politics: Officials navigate Colorado River cuts and their impacts on Pinal
CASA GRANDE — “The news is not good but we didn’t expect good news.”
VT Markets Partners with Island Sports Club to Set the Gold Standard in Fitness and Trading
Global multi-asset broker VT Markets has announced a year-long partnership as the Official Partner of Island Sports Club, a premier sports and lifestyle network with locations in Canggu and Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia.
DC's Official Podcast Host Says Lanterns Fans 'Can Choke On Their Own Tongues'
Coy Jandreau, co-host of DC's official podcast on HBO Max, says Lanterns fans "can choke on their own tongues" as the Reel Rejects clip goes viral on X.
Roseland Community Hospital's labor and delivery suspension draws calls for state action
Healthcare workers, community advocates, and elected officials gathered Monday evening outside Roseland Community Hospital, calling on state leaders to intervene after the hospital announced labor and delivery services would be suspended by the end of October.
‘Breaking Bad’ stars Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris mourn death of RJ Mitte
RJ Mitte’s “Breaking Bad” co-stars are taking to social media to mourn the young actor’s death. TMZ first reported Mitte’s death, citing a county official in Texas who told the outlet that Mitte di…
Brandon Moreno's next assignment official for UFC 335
Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will look to keep his winning momentum in December.
6th measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania; health officials say
Pennsylvania is in the midst of its worst measles outbreak in decades, and the numbers continue to climb.
How worried should Catholics be about the pope’s health?
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery this week to remove a “nodule” from his lung. The pope made the announcement at the end of his Sunday Angelus address, asking for prayers. “Dear all, recently, during some checkups, the doctors discovered a nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and was well-localized,” Leo said. “The doctors felt it was necessary to intervene, and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it. The procedure is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual support and I entrust myself to your prayers.” The Vatican press office subsequently added that Leo is scheduled to undergo surgery at the Gamelli hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The pope is expected to spend up to a week in the Gamelli recovering, after which, for the moment, he is still expected to undertake his largest and longest to-date Apostolic journey, heading to Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, beginning Nov. 6. Prayers have, understandably, poured in from dioceses around the world, accompanied by the best wishes of heads of state and international institutions. So how worried should Catholics be for the health of the pope? The Vatican’s messaging around Leo’s pending surgery is, in many ways, a new approach to papal health issues. But, despite the pope’s personal candour, the Holy See’s messaging perhaps raises as many questions as it answers. Subscribe — Leo’s decision to announce his own medical status and pending hospital stay during the Sunday Angelus is, it should be said, already something of a big deal. Traditionally, the health of popes simply hasn’t been discussed publicly or officially, until circumstances made it absolutely necessary. Memorably, in 2023 Pope Francis was rushed to the Gemelli in an ambulance, exhibiting signs of cardiac arrest according to many close to him, only for the Sala Stampa to put out a statement insisting he was merely going in for “pre-scheduled” tests. That Pope Leo has decided to announce his condition himself, with remarkable frankness, is a significant comms policy shift around the Apostolic Palace. This might reflect a deliberately more open posture, as opposed to the traditional, otiose evasiveness, and the first fruits of an American pope and American prefect of the Dicastery for Communications favoring honesty as a baseline. Equally, it must be allowed, it could be that the pope’s situation is serious enough that there would be no keeping it under wraps or playing it off, and the decision was made to be as open as possible to head off speculation about the papal health. Certainly, Leo appeared to make every effort to sound reassuring — stressing that, whatever the diagnosis is, exactly, it is “well-localized” and “early stage.” Of course, for everyone listening, talk of a “nodule” in a lung will immediately send thoughts — and prayers — running to concerns about words not used, like “cancer,” “tumor,” “begnin” or “malignant.” To be clear, none of those words may yet be medically appropriate. And there is every reason to believe and assume that Leo is giving almost as much information as he may have himself at this stage. But the context of the pope’s announcement and the timing of his surgery do reasonably raise reasonably serious concerns for Leo. We don’t know, and this isn’t to say anyone has the right to expect to know, when the routine medical checks made this discovery. It could have been last week, last month, or even earlier. As such, it isn’t really possible to say with what kind of urgency Leo is being brought in for surgery. However, there is clearly some serious urgency to the matter. Leo making the announcement and going into hospital this week, of all weeks, means he is having to miss the balance and conclusion of his global meeting of the heads of the world’s bishops conferences, which he convened in Rome this week. That, as the Vatican has announced, has meant some serious changes to the schedule, with the newly minted dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Tagle, subbing in for the closing Mass on Wednesday, and the meeting’s organizers announcing that the final working document/summary of the meeting being delayed until Leo can read and feed into it. Those changes suggest that the timing of Leo’s surgery isn’t of his own choosing, and he is acting on the best medical advice he can get by moving urgently. Had this issue been discovered weeks ago, it seems reasonable to assume the pope would have seen it dealt with before the meeting began. And were it possible to delay it, even by a few days to allow the meeting to conclude as scheduled, the expectation would surely be he’d have opted for that. It cannot be excluded that Leo is simply having to fit in with the schedules of his medical team, but a man who occupies arguably the most important and prominent role in Italy, if not Western Europe, could generally be assumed to be the one whose calendar others work around. All this points to a very recent medical discovery leading to a “days matter” diagnosis, or at least suspected possible diagnosis. Of course, another factor weighing in the balance is Leo’s upcoming apostolic visit to three South American countries, including a return to Peru, where he spent many years as a priest and bishop. It is entirely possible that the doctors, and the pope himself, are more concerned about the potential knock-on effects of surgery, and the time needed for recovery, for a 71-year-old — even one as physically sound and actively sporty as Leo. The pope is due to depart Rome November 6 for his 10-day three-country trip, returning on Nov. 17. It may be that Leo has simply made the decision to allow maximum time for his own post-op recovery, and even allow for potentially unforeseen circumstances, so that he is at full strength for the landmark trip. While it might be an inconvenience, and clearly a last-minute wrench in the works for the Amoris meeting, it is possible that Leo simply weighs the importance of that conference more lightly in the balance than even the possibility of missing his homecoming trip to Peru, or even having to scale back his itinerary for the trip. If that is the case, it would suggest a real abundance of caution by the pope approaching his Latin American tour, and a sobering indication of where Leo ranks the non-synodal meeting currently underway in Rome. In any event, what can be said for certain is that the pope having to take this, of all weeks, out of his schedule for surgery and an extended hospital stay is extremely unfortunate timing. It is clear that this is a decision Leo has made on the advice of his doctors. Together, they clearly consider that the risks of delaying, even by a little as a few days, represents an unacceptable risk for the pope. Even expecting and allowing for Leo’s full and speedy recovery, that should be a very sobering thought for Catholics everywhere. Subscribe
39-year-old unvaccinated woman becomes 6th measles death in Pennsylvania
As of Friday, state health officials reported 1,136 cases across 41 counties.
False claims that Talarico was treated at mental health facility spread
Republican officials and conservative social media users are spreading unfounded rumors that state Rep.
Trump’s Russia diesel deal aids Putin’s war, Europe warns
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El Paso health director resigns, cites personal and family reasons
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Senator Baldwin is urging federal officials to dismantle a newly introduced 25 percent matching funds requirement that targets regional Dairy Business Innovation Initiative centers.
A major policy shift by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is creating friction for local agriculture, prompting quick action from lawmakers.
Hidden fees cost Michigan patients millions. Lawmakers push reforms
‘Facility fees’ are buried deep in bills and often include little explanation. Health officials say they need the money to stay afloat, but won’t divulge much about the charges. One expert calls them a ‘black box.’