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Future physician Albert Li adds health administration to his medical training

Li is the first USC Price student to simultaneously pursue a Master of Health Administration and a medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine.

Oct 15 • 9:52 AM EDT • Health • priceschool.usc.edu

RFP alert: New York State announces over $37 million for cleantech business accelerators

The newly established Commercialization Cohort Initiative seeks to launch four business accelerators to train, mentor and fund clean energy startups and entrepreneurs.

Oct 15 • 8:22 AM EDT • Business • pv-magazine-usa.com

Ex-gymnastics coach gets 90 years for secretly filming young athletes

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish

Oct 15 • 8:11 AM EDT • Entertainment • centraloregondaily.com

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.

Oct 15 • 8:09 AM EDT • Health • wlwt.com

Computational Models as Liminal Models in Neuroscience, a Cognitive Science Speaker Series Presentation | Events

Speaker: Danielle Williams, Ph.D. Title: Computational Models as Liminal Models in Neuroscience Short Bio: Danielle is a philosopher of mind and science whose research examines the role of computation in our theories and explanations of the mind and brain. Her work brings together philosophy of mind, cognitive science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, with particular interests in computational theories of mind, computational modeling, and the relationship between different explanatory and modeling strategies in the mind sciences. She also investigates philosophical questions raised by contemporary AI, including the nature of opacity in computational models and its implications for explanation in cognitive science. Alongside this work, she is a historian of cognitive science and AI, examining how the development of computer technology has shaped our conceptions and models of the mind and brain. Abstract: Scientists rely on various types of models to make sense of their phenomena of interest. This has led philosophers to take up a range of semantic, ontological, and epistemological questions about how models represent, what kinds of things models are, what we learn from models, and how they explain. One type of model that has been of particular interest to philosophers is the computational model. Computational models are commonplace in the mind sciences in general and neuroscience in particular, with many asking how computational modeling can help us understand the nervous system and its contribution to cognition and behavior. These questions are particularly pressing in neuroscience, as computational models have become a dominant framework for making sense of cognition. Thus, old questions about model-based science have re-emerged within the context of neuroscience, with many philosophers looking to established frameworks to understand how computational models represent, explain, and contribute to theory development in neuroscience. These established frameworks, however, characterize computational models as a homogeneous type which cannot capture actual modeling practices in neuroscience. In this talk, I argue that computational models in neuroscience are best typed as a kind of liminal model, a type I introduce to capture how the status of a computational model is determined by the epistemic context in which it is deployed. Indeed, the category to which a computational model belongs shifts according to the role it plays within a given context. ASL-English interpreters have been requested. Light refreshments will be provided.

Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • rit.edu

Mysterious brain activity under anesthesia challenges what we know about consciousness

Even under general anesthesia, the human brain can analyze language, recognize different types of words, and predict what comes next in a story, according to a surprising discovery by Baylor researchers. The findings challenge our understanding of consciousness and suggest that the unconscious brain is far more capable than scientists previously realized.

Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Companies pledge free software and computing for AI in science

The European Commission has announced that a group of companies and foundations will offer free services, such as software or access to supercomputers, to European scientists using AI in their research.Unveiled on October 15 at a conference in Dublin, the initiative is the latest step by the Commission to try to help researchers use the technology. Scientists have used forms of AI, such as machine learning, for decades. But advances in deep learning in the past decade, and the wider interest in large language models since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, have spurred governments to invest in new AI tools that could help the scientific process.In July, the US announced it is spending $5 billion on the Genesis Mission, which it describes as a “national effort to harness AI for science,” funding 278 projects across areas such as autonomous labs or new AI tools in astronomy. The Commission has also identified AI in science as a priority, but the €107 million it pledged from Horizon Europe in 2025 does not come close to US spending levels. That said, the vast majority of public research spending in the EU comes from national funds. Today’s announcement at the European AI in Science Summit doesn’t commit any new public money. Instead, it launches the AI in Science Enablers Initiative, a set of voluntary contributions from companies and foundations. The idea is that the companies also benefit by getting access to scientific ecosystems, and feedback on how their tools work. Google, for example, has put up €3 million of cloud computing credits to European researchers. The Novo Nordisk Foundation intends to make its supercomputer, Gefion, available to European researchers, according to the Commission statement. The chipmaker Nvidia said it would provide access to tools, compute, training and collaborative projects.The publisher Elsevier also offered complementary licenses to some of its AI tools, plus AI training for PhD, postdoctoral and master’s students. The French AI firm Mistral will provide the European research community with access to its open-weight models, Vibe seats and application programming interface credits, according to the Commission’s statement. Vibe is one of the firm’s chatbot models. The idea is that more firms and foundations will come on board in the future as the initiative grows.

Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencebusiness.net

PDW Integrates Ukraine Technology Into Huntsville-made Drones

The collaboration advances PDW's strategy to field battle-tested technology through American engineering and industrial capacity, with planned Kurbas camera

Oct 15 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • huntsvillebusinessjournal.com

Woodbridge neighborhood gets another 60 units of affordable housing

Canfield Parks Apartments is a project from the nonprofit Woodbridge Neighborhood Development and Cinnaire Solutions.

Oct 15 • 6:45 AM EDT • Business • crainsdetroit.com

Why health systems are putting big bucks behind family caregivers

CARE Act laws require hospitals to provide training and information to family members caring for patients at home.

Oct 15 • 6:00 AM EDT • Health • modernhealthcare.com

Inside the Browns’ $70M plan to upgrade player facilities in Berea

The renovation will expand the locker room and player lounge, upgrade meeting and dining spaces, and address facilities that have drawn criticism from players.

Oct 15 • 5:45 AM EDT • Business • crainscleveland.com

My daughter’s death changed how I understood the nursing shortage

Health systems invest in training, but lose early-career nurses within a few years.

Oct 15 • 4:30 AM EDT • Health • statnews.com

Samsung Health Makes Sleep Coaching Easier to Start and Tailors Weekly Guidance

Sleep Coaching starts with three days of data and adjusts weekly, while Running Coach introduces more advanced training and Strava Routes integration

Oct 15 • 4:00 AM EDT • Health • news.samsung.com

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

Oct 15 • 12:22 AM EDT • Health • sports.yahoo.com

Fires Arrive in the Amazon Rainforest

During El Niño, a cascade of fires across the tropics begins in equatorial Asia and continues in the central and eastern Amazon.

Oct 15 • 12:01 AM EDT • Science • science.nasa.gov

Business For Good brings on CEO, plans to expand advocacy, provide training for entrepreneurs

Business For Good San Diego announced it is hiring a full-time CEO. Melinda Casey will join the progressive association this month.

Oct 14 • 6:45 PM EDT • Business • timesofsandiego.com

Surry training business helps ‘salty’ pups build skills for 10 years

With a decade under its belt, Thurston and her four other trainers have worked with more than 7,000 dogs.

Oct 14 • 6:40 PM EDT • Business • wabi.tv

Ohio Attorney General sues 2 home-improvement companies, including Lorain County business

The Ohio Attorney General's Office filed separate lawsuits against two Ohio home-improvement companies, including one based in Lorain County.

Oct 14 • 6:31 PM EDT • Business • news5cleveland.com

‘It Has Definitely Been Frustrating’ – Warriors’ Kristaps Porziņģis Breaks Silence on Health Issues, Pushes Back Against ‘Internet Doctors’

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis posted an update on his recovery Wednesday, minutes after the team announced he will remain out indefinitely with the health-related matter that has sidelined him since before training camp. The posts were his first public comments since the absence began more than two weeks ago.

Oct 14 • 6:28 PM EDT • Health • sports.yahoo.com

'Reading Rainbow' host Mychal Threets shares concerning update

Viral librarian and ‘Reading Rainbow’ host Mychal Threets says he is 'trying to stay' amid ongoing mental health battles.

Oct 14 • 6:21 PM EDT • Health • latimes.com

'Reading Rainbow' host Mychal Threets shares concerning update

Viral librarian and ‘Reading Rainbow’ host Mychal Threets says he is 'trying to stay' amid ongoing mental health battles.

Oct 14 • 6:21 PM EDT • Entertainment • latimes.com

Hui Kapili Accelerator Welcomes 11 Local Businesses to Third Cohort

aio and American Savings Bank support local construction companies with business training, industry expertise and opportunities for growth.

Oct 14 • 5:51 PM EDT • Business • hawaiibusiness.com

Cleveland’s University Circle CDC announces rebranding

The announcement comes ahead of the nonprofit's start of executing its new master plan for the neighborhood.

Oct 14 • 5:30 PM EDT • Business • crainscleveland.com

Kristaps Porzingis Updates 'Frustrating' Health-Related Matter as Warriors Star Out Indefinitely

Golden State Warriors Kristaps Porziņģis provided an update on his health after the team said in a statement on Wednesday he would "remain out indefinitely" with the same "health-related matter" that has kept him out of training camp and the preseason.

Oct 14 • 5:06 PM EDT • Health • bleacherreport.com

Chronic back pain may activate an unexpected brain network, study finds

Movement-induced flares in chronic back pain activate brain regions involved in self-reflection, suggesting chronic pain may be processed differently than acute pain.

Oct 14 • 4:35 PM EDT • Science • livescience.com

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”

Oct 14 • 4:31 PM EDT • Technology • gamefile.news

Monte Ahuja gives Cleveland State $10M to reinvent business college

The donation will help CSU update its business programs to prepare students for a workplace increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and other new technologies.

Oct 14 • 4:22 PM EDT • Business • crainscleveland.com

In Final Four homecoming, Detroit organizers tout opportunities of citywide event

Spartans coach Tom Izzo hopes the April event helps the city make its case for another Final Four.

Oct 14 • 2:49 PM EDT • Business • crainsdetroit.com

10 Dane County employers get grants for AI, manufacturing training

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced state funding for Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, Quartz Health Solutions, DSG Outerwear and more in the Madison area.

Oct 14 • 2:45 PM EDT • Business • captimes.com

Busy Philipps shares health update after brain tumor diagnosis

Busy Philipps, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, opened up about the health scare during a recent appearance on the \

Oct 14 • 2:02 PM EDT • Health • usatoday.com

Fighting off microbial invasions drains plants' iron stores, but one protein helps restore balance

Energy production in our cells, oxygen traveling in our blood and immune cells fighting infection all depend on iron, an essential mineral that enters the food chain when plants absorb it from soil. But ...

Oct 14 • 2:01 PM EDT • Science • phys.org

Iowa's water quality and cancer rates forced into forefront of state politics

Chemical fertilizers and animal waste contain nitrates and phosphorus that can get washed with rain or snowmelt into the state’s rivers. That affects Iowa’s more liberal urban centers which rely on rivers and lakes for drinking water.

Oct 14 • 1:48 PM EDT • Politics • pbs.org

Taking flight: How bats shed light on human brains

Understanding how bats fly could shed light on how the human brain controls our most complex movements

Oct 14 • 1:45 PM EDT • Science • ls.berkeley.edu

Direct Relief Commits to Supporting Mental Health Care for Children and Hospital-Based Schools in Ukraine

Direct Relief has announced $750,000 in funding to the Olena Zelenska Foundation to support children in Ukraine who are receiving long-term medical treatment and those affected by the war. The comm…

Oct 14 • 1:32 PM EDT • Health • directrelief.org

Prime Concepts Detroit adds burger-focused Stoli’s restaurant in West Bloomfield

The casual restaurant will serve burgers, comfort food and late-night bites in a departure from the group's typical offerings.

Oct 14 • 12:50 PM EDT • Business • crainsdetroit.com

Guardians-Rays ALCS Game 3 start time moved up to 1 p.m. ET due to rain in the forecast

Oct 14 • 12:32 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

State Treasurer warns that Health Plan premiums could go up by $50 a month if Atrium plan proceeds

A Wake County Superior Court judge denied the State Health Plan's request for a temporary restraining order against Atrium's proposed plan to charge state employees less for services.

Oct 14 • 12:17 PM EDT • Health • wunc.org

Nearly All Soldiers Completed Army Brain Health Test, Service Says

The DOD established the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool (NCAT) in 2024 to track soldiers' baseline cognitive health.

Oct 14 • 12:16 PM EDT • Health • military.com

Celebrate Ukrainian culture at annual festival this weekend

UTICA — With preparations in full swing, the public is invited to celebrate Ukrainian culture as the annual Ukrainian Festival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct.

Oct 14 • 12:13 PM EDT • Entertainment • romesentinel.com

The Sewing Hui of Maui launches bridal and formalwear alterations training program

Five Maui residents will receive specialized sewing and business training, with $2,000 in startup funding available to each successful graduate.

Oct 14 • 12:00 PM EDT • Business • mauinow.com

Op-ed: Brooklyn’s empty storefronts should become on-ramps for M/WBEs

A June analysis by New York City Comptroller Mark Levine found approximately 15,700 vacant storefronts citywide.

Oct 14 • 11:00 AM EDT • Business • crainsnewyork.com

Apprenticeships Help Train South Carolina's Construction Workforce

Finding qualified, interested workers for South Carolina’s manufacturing and construction companies has long been a challenge. David Steffens, project manager for Carolina Power, has seen the struggles. “Especially in construction, laborers,...

Oct 14 • 10:41 AM EDT • Business • greenvillebusinessmag.com

VA improves health information sharing with community providers

VA is improving how health information is shared across systems, giving care teams complete records, and strengthening training for better sharing.

Oct 14 • 10:30 AM EDT • Health • news.va.gov

Supporting Healthcare Worker Well-being in Ukraine: Practical Guide for Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Staff Care [EN/UK]

Manual and Guideline in English on Ukraine about Health and Protection and Human Rights; published on 14 Oct 2026 by IRC

Oct 14 • 10:25 AM EDT • Health • reliefweb.int

Kaddurah-Daouk secures $12M grant to advance brain health research

Rima Kaddurah-Daouk, PhD, professor and chair in the Department of Precision Behavioral Health at UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Health Sciences, has secured a five-year, $12?million grant from the National Institute on Aging to investigate how changes in the brain’s energy supply affect memory, mood, and Alzheimer’s disease risk, and explore treatments and lifestyle strategies that could help people maintain brain health as they age.

Oct 14 • 10:15 AM EDT • Health • newswise.com

Detroit’s People Mover to get 12 refurbished rail cars under $10M state grant

Michigan is awarding $10 million to help replace the Detroit People Mover’s rail cars and another $2 million to study downtown Detroit transit improvements as part of $65 million in transportation grants.

Oct 14 • 10:10 AM EDT • Business • crainsdetroit.com

Russia hits Ukraine energy plants in a blow to Trump’s truce

Russia said it attacked Ukrainian electricity plants in a “massive strike” overnight, further undermining U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of an energy truce between the two warring countries. The Defense

Oct 14 • 9:11 AM EDT • Entertainment • thederrick.com

Redwood Materials pitches AI data centers on off-grid battery power

JB Straubel's Redwood Materials is using retired EV batteries to help AI data centers get electricity faster, without waiting for the strained grid.

Oct 14 • 9:00 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

Maryland small business owner recognized for building bridges through language

As Maryland celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Sila Alegret-Bartel, owner of International Corporate Training & Marketing (ICTM), is being recognized for her contributions to the business community and the communities her company serves. Alegret-Bartel received the Small...

Oct 14 • 9:00 AM EDT • Business • business.maryland.gov

ON THE JOB: ‘Where Do You See Your Career or Business in 3 to 5 Years?’

“For the next three to five years, I am looking to grow Oswego County Opportunities’ support for the county’s economic development to fight poverty and take advantage of the major investments that are coming to the area.” — Kevin Dean, Executive director, Oswego County Opportunities, Fulton “I love what I’m doing. I’m trying to do this as long as they let me. It’s so exciting to walk the floors at the various factories, talk with community leaders and be part of the solutions to their business problems. As we do this work with manufacturers and community members, we are helping the next generation have these great jobs in skilled manufacturing. I’d like to have the same job title for years to come. I’ve watched the last five years with awe and it makes me proud and excited to be from Upstate New York. I want to keep being part of the conversation that, yes, we can do it in Upstate New York.” — Randy Wolken, President and CEO, Manufacturing Association of Central New York (MACNY) “I oversee the Rochester and Syracuse offices. We’re seeing continual growth as there are more and more job seekers and companies that are looking to fill positions as the economy grows. I’d like to have another Upstate New York office in our region to help promote people under me. I want to see that happen. With an increase in the job market, that is what the end goal is here for sure. We currently have offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany, among more than 300 worldwide.” — Briana Calabrese, Marketing director and vice president of finance & accounting and administrative & customer support, Robert Half Recruiters & Employment Agency, Syracuse “Hopefully, we’ll continue to grow by word of mouth. I just took over a couple of years ago. I was an employee for 27 years. Business is great and we’re up on sales from where we were last year and I’m hoping that continues to happen. I get an overwhelming response from people who say they want to support local businesses. It’s my objective when people walk out the door that they want to come back. In a small town like this, it’s crucial. I see myself in five years doing exactly what I’m doing now: sticking with it and trying to grow Fulton Screen Printing.” — Tim Stone, Owner, Fulton Screen Printing, Fulton “I am 85 years old and teach four fitness classes a week and swim four times a week. I hope to live to be 90 — if I can do that, I won’t complain. The older I get, the less afraid I am of dying. What I don’t want to do is get some sickness where I’m lingering and I’m in pain and it just goes on and on. I expect to be exercising as much as I can and I hope I will know when I need to back off to accommodate different problems I may have when I’m older. For a short time, I got up at 6 a.m. to jog for a half hour every morning. But I had to avoid dogs, so I quit jogging. I hope to be able to swim for life. When I swim for half an hour, whatever problems I have wash away. I will still be working in exercise in five years. I also write research articles. It challenges my mind. You have to challenge your mind and body and have some kind of goals and reasons to go on living. My wife died three and a half years ago, so I try to go out and do things, even though she’s no longer here.” — Fred Wilson. Certified personal trainer at Fitness After 50 and leader of senior fitness classes, Syracuse “I expect to continue working as a local financial adviser professional for the next several years. I really enjoy working with my clients and consider it a privilege to come to work every day, helping my clients reach their financial goals.” — Randy L. Zeigler, Certified financial planner practitioner, chartered financial consultant and private wealth adviser, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Oswego “I see myself doing something with young people. I want to open an after-school program as a safe space for high schoolers where they can get tutored, behavioral health, get something to eat. I want to do something with policy. I have thought of doing something with neurodivergent kids where kids can run some kind of business. I want to do anything with community like therapy and psychotherapy. I want to still be able to offer those services to people. At 55, I’m not sure how much I will do. I will see what happens after graduation from Keuka College.” — Della Joyce Smith, Master’s student, Syracuse “I think the core of the gym is in personal training. I don’t see that changing. People will still need a gym and personal training will stay. There may be some loss to AI as there is in just about every industry, but there’s always been the ability to go online and get a workout. I don’t think AI will cut into business any more than the internet has. I think the class structure is shifting. Large group classes might be fading away for a while. I see more people going to specialized classes like Pilates. I wouldn’t be surprised if maybe the traditional classes like boot camps started to fade away. It’s important to adapt. Maybe someday I’ll need to get some new kinds of classes. Everything tends to go in cycles.” — Ryan Vollmer, Certified personal trainer and owner Edge Strength and Conditioning, Syracuse “I have been growing my firm at 24% a year. In five years, we may be purchasing or building a new office building to accommodate the new growth. Right now, our focus is on growth and adding team members, mostly financial advisers and administrative staff.” — Terri Krueger, Chartered financial consultant and senior financial adviser with Orla Wealth Management in Syracuse “Over the next three to five years, I see TDO continuing to experience steady, sustainable growth as new industries establish and expand their presence across Central New York. These investments will create new opportunities throughout the regional manufacturing supply chain, and TDO will continue evolving our capabilities to help both existing manufacturers and emerging industries grow, compete, and succeed.” — Jim D’Agostino, CEO and executive director Central New York TDO (Train, Develop, Optimize), Liverpool

Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com

BUSINESS UPDATE: All About Cannabis

SUNY Oswego’s cannabis studies prepares for growing business opportunities By Mary Beth Roach [caption id=attachment_11114 align=alignright width=383] Marthinus (Martin) Koen is associate professor of criminal justice and cannabis studies at SUNY Oswego. He and the chair of the SUNY Oswego’s Criminal Justice Department, Roger Guy, created the program.[/caption] As the cannabis industry in New York state continues to grow, so do the business opportunities. New York’s legal cannabis market is projected to hit $3 billion in annual sales this year and more than 600 licensed dispensaries are operating across the state, according to budpedia.com. It’s estimated that New York will add about 16,160 new cannabis jobs in 2026, according to the 2026 U.S. Cannabis Jobs Report. SUNY Oswego, realizing the potential, now offers two programs to acquaint both matriculated and non matriculated students with aspects of this multi-billion-dollar business. Its cannabis studies microcredential came out last year and a minor was introduced this fall. The microcredential allows traditional students to add electives to their degree. Students who are not enrolled in the college can sign up to take classes to learn more about the field, growing the crop and managing or opening a dispensary, according to Marthinus (Martin) Koen, associate professor of criminal justice and cannabis studies at SUNY Oswego. The classes are designed to give those who wish to pursue business opportunities in the field a much broader understanding of cannabis and a more overall perspective of the various aspects of running a business, such as supply chain management, customer service and best practices. “When you’re trying to market it, when you’re trying to make sales, you’re understanding will be a lot more vast and nuanced,” he said. “The last 10 years especially, the hard science on cannabis increased and we have a lot more nuanced understanding right now that hasn’t yet permeated the pop culture,” he added. Koen’s team is also hoping to develop an independent study class that will help somebody who wants to apply for a license. That the classes fill up quickly should come as no surprise. “I think there’s a lot of people who are excited about it because it’s a new industry,” he said and they see an opportunity to make some money. Matriculated students may look at it as fun to learn about and stack on top of their existing major or minor. According to the college’s website, students interested in a microcredential would take cannabis law and policy and cultivation of cannabis, along with two other electives. For the first elective they could select either the economics of cannabis or manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of cannabis; and the second elective would be either cannabis science, analysis, and well-being or cannabis and society. The idea for a microcredential in cannabis studies at SUNY Oswego began in 2023, Koen said, as SUNY statewide was advocating for these types of initiatives. Koen and the chair of the SUNY Oswego’s Criminal Justice Department, Roger Guy, began brainstorming on ideas. Catching their attention was the legalization of full recreational marijuana use in New York state in 2021 and the problem-riddled rollout of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management. Guy and Koen created a Criminal Justice Elective called CRJ 420, called cannabis and society, to see if there was any interest. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that there was interest —a lot of it. Further discussions led to the microcredential, cannabis studies, which incorporated science, business and anthropological perspectives, Koen said. They were allowed to create their own prefixes for the classes, such as CAN 310; CAN 320; and CAN 420. Yes, the 420 was intentional — it’s a slang term and symbol used to refer to cannabis consumption and counterculture — but it’s also meant to reflect that the course, being on the 400 level, is “very academically involved,” Koen explained. The term 420 was coined in 1971 by a group of California high school students as a secret code to meet at 4:20 p.m. at a campus landmark to search for an abandoned cannabis crop nearby. The phrase has evolved, to say the least. It is now associated with cannabis use worldwide. For more information, visit ww1.oswego.edu/academics/microcredentials/cannabis-studies.

Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com

A Major Labor Boom in CNY? Not Here Yet

With so many major projects going on — Micron, I-81 viaduct and others — job growth is predicted to increase. But so far the number of jobs in the region has declined By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11065 align=alignright width=350] Amy Stage, deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY): “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.”[/caption] The I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse and Micron facility construction in Clay are expected to create a major labor boom for Central New York. But for the time being, the number of jobs here has actually decreased in the past year. The New York State Department of Labor reported that, for the annual comparison of June 2025 to this past June, private sector jobs decreased by 2,200 or less than 1% to 260,000. Job gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+700), private education and health services (+400) and other services (+300). Job losses for that annual period were reported in the areas of trade, transportation and utilities (-1,500); professional and business services (-1,000); financial activities (-500); mining, logging and construction (-300); manufacturing (-200); and information (-100). The public sector job count rose over 12 months, with most growth concentrated in education, the state Department of Labor reported. Looking ahead, the Central New York economy is expected to benefit from both the Micron and I-81 viaduct projects over a period of several years. Initial job growth is foreseen in construction and computer and electronic manufacturing. Spin-off jobs will be created in the areas of professional and business services, health care and education, the state Department of Labor said in an email response to Oswego County Business magazine. “Population growth tied to the buildout of Micron Technology semiconductor complex in Clay is also expected to bring more workers and residents to the region, increasing demand for transportation services,” the agency said. New York Department of Labor highlighted current or projected job growth trends in various sectors. An increase in defense-related contracts at local high-tech employers has continued to support employment growth in the computer and electronic product manufacturing sector and Micron is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs as the project progresses. This sector paid an annual average wage of $117,500 in 2025 and employment in the sector is projected to grow by over 60% through 2032, making it the fastest-growing industry in the region. Typical occupations in this industry include electrical, electronic and electromechanical assemblers, software developers and industrial engineers, the state agency reported. Specialty trade contractors include several different types of tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mechanics and installers. Many of these positions are trained through apprenticeships, the state Department of Labor reported. The Interstate 81 construction project is generating local jobs, including construction laborers, projected to grow at a 6.4% rate, and operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, projected to grow at a 7.3% rate over the next several years. Construction of the Micron Technology facility is also “creating thousands of job opportunities that will continue over the next two decades,” the state agency reported. The specialty trade contractors sector paid an annual average wage of $86,200 in 2025. For Central New York, the challenge isn’t creating jobs, it’s filling them. Amy Stage, a deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), said meeting this unprecedented growth is a much larger task than just replacing retirees. “We’re seeing workforce gaps at every experience level,” she said. “Companies need entry-level employees, experienced technicians, supervisors, engineers and skilled trades professionals. The opportunity is tremendous, but we need more people entering these career pathways.” Employers are looking for people who can troubleshoot, read technical information, use computers and learn new processes, not just perform repetitive production work, Stage said. To address this demand, the MACNY created the Manufacturers Talent Institute, which aims to connect students and job seekers with meaningful career pathways while helping employers build their workforce. Twenty-one companies have so far signed up to provide opportunities for more than 800 students. “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs,” Stage said. “It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.” Several manufacturing facilities in the region are in the midst of expansion: • TTM Technologies, a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced electronics and interconnect solutions for aerospace, defense and high-technology markets, which has a plant in DeWitt, completed its buildout of an additional facility, adding 400 jobs and expanding production of high-tech circuit boards for defense and critical electronics applications. • In Cortlandville, the Byrne Hollow Crossing Plant, a dairy manufacturing and processing facility, is increasing its operations, creating 100 new jobs. • The Chobani yogurt company is building a 1.4-million square foot dairy processing facility in Oneida County. This will create more than 1,000 good-paying jobs and double Chobani’s New York state workforce, Stage said. Stage noted several ways that local, state and federal governments can help spur manufacturing job growth in this region. Elected leaders and public agencies could work with industry representatives to create pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs seeking to upskill workers and improve employee retention. New York state has a variety of grants, tax incentives and financing programs to support site preparation, infrastructure, workforce development and capital investment. The U.S. Department of Labor has a pay-for-performance incentive program that provides employers $3,500 per new apprentice hired and retained for 90 days. MACNY was previously awarded an $87,000 federal grant that will cover 25 apprentices at nine companies. The manufacturing skills gap in the United States, at its current rate, could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. In New York state, that gap is on pace to exceed 100,000 unfilled positions within six years. Manufacturing companies will be counting on more women to help fill that gap. While women make up half of the overall U.S. workforce, they only account for 29% of the manufacturing workforce in this country, Stage said. “Pre-apprenticeship programs like Real Life Rosies help to bring awareness to the manufacturing industry to fill some of the gaps, but we have a long way to go and it starts with educating people at younger ages about careers in manufacturing and earn-and-learn opportunities,” she said. As for Micron, that $100 billion-plus project, considered the largest private investment in New York state history, is expected to eventually create up to 50,000 jobs throughout the region, factoring in the spin-off opportunities for construction and supply chains. The plant’s foundation was poured on July 9. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, data and memory are foundational to the modern economy — and Micron is increasing our U.S. investments to more than $250 billion through 2035 to meet that moment,” the company’s president and CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, said in a news release. Bechtel, Micon’s construction partner in the project, reported that 4,500 people will be employed to help build the facility, including skilled craft professionals, local union members representing various trades and apprentices. The Syracuse-based CenterState CEO organization tallies the regional labor force at 397,582 workers (Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties). Job growth isn’t limited to the Central New York region. For the larger area covering portions of the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern tier, and the western part of the state, there are 155,601 employees in the advanced manufacturing sector, and 155,275 construction workers. The agency’s 2026 Economic Forecast report noted that 41% of community and business leaders surveyed said a shortage of skilled workers in this area remains a problem, though 77% shared a positive economic outlook for the year ahead. Beyond the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing areas, local business leaders also see growth in small manufacturing companies, storage businesses, housing, unmanned flight technology and general construction. “Productive reuse of property,” the report said, “will hopefully continue to preserve unique architecture while driving business.” The report identified several challenges for economic growth in the region, including an aging workforce, outdated equipment, the rising cost of raw materials and “the disconnect between the speed of business needs and the pace of talent readiness.”

Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com

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.”

Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com

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.

Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com

This 1 Daily Exercise Will Bring More Joy Into Your Life — and Maybe Even Boost Longevity

In TODAY.com’s Expert Tip of the Day, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal reveals how you can prime your brain to experience more joy.

Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • today.com

Donald Menzel: Lying, stealing and cheating in American politics (guest opinion)

Lying, stealing and cheating — LSC — form a grim trio in American politics, with deep historical roots. The Founders spent long hours in Philadelphia debating how to design a government that would restrain ambitious leaders from lying, ste…

Oct 14 • 7:05 AM EDT • Politics • reporterherald.com

Climate change is putting Europe’s brain health at risk

Rising temperatures, poor air quality and the spread of infectious diseases could increase the burden of neurological disorders, with the most vulnerable communities facing the greatest risks.

Oct 14 • 6:06 AM EDT • Health • yahoo.com

Climate change is putting Europe’s brain health at risk

Rising temperatures, poor air quality and the spread of infectious diseases could increase the burden of neurological disorders, with the most vulnerable communities facing the greatest risks.

Oct 14 • 6:06 AM EDT • Health • euronews.com

Is healthcare on Florida's ballot? Many voters say it's a top priority

An Orlando woman survived after a brain tumor that grew unchecked for seven years because she couldn't get the insurance necessary to see a doctor. She now supports candidates who favor Medicare for all.

Oct 14 • 6:00 AM EDT • Health • wusf.org

HealthForce Kentucky to Share Its Immersive Health Science Model at NCHSE 2026

2026 zSpace Program of Distinction honoree will show how one AR/VR ecosystem powers mobile, K-12, and workforce development healthcare training...

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Science • globenewswire.com

Ukraine says Starlink access slowed down, affecting missions

Ukraine's military relies heavily on Elon Musk's Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations.

Oct 14 • 4:59 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

To get the most from science, train lab leaders

Business skills can’t just be learned on the job, say Sahar Bakr and Peter Aldiss

Oct 14 • 3:00 AM EDT • Science • researchprofessionalnews.com

Iowa faces a reckoning over water quality and cancer rates in midterm campaigns

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is facing a budget deficit, high costs and economic strain from trade disputes that have squeezed farmers.

Oct 14 • 12:13 AM EDT • Politics • wral.com

Barbershop health program provides health screenings and hands-on training

A barbershop can be more than a place for a haircut.

Oct 13 • 10:31 PM EDT • Health • wmtv15news.com

97% of US soldiers complete brain health assessment

Medical professionals use the data to monitor soldiers' cognitive health throughout their military careers, allowing them to spot significant changes.

Oct 13 • 8:30 PM EDT • Health • militarytimes.com

Senators Urge Trump to Reverse Diesel Deal With Putin

A bipartisan group of 12 senators called on the president to drop his decision to ease sanctions on Russia’s exports of diesel fuel, saying the deal would help Moscow continue the war in Ukraine.

Oct 13 • 8:12 PM EDT • Politics • nytimes.com

'Very overdue': Psychology department to launch youth behavior health minor

The UCLA psychology department will launch a new youth behavior health minor this winter and will welcome a cohort of more than 100 students. The department created the minor in response to a shortage of trained mental health workers who can support young people, said Alayna Park, a psychology lecturer.

Oct 13 • 8:00 PM EDT • Health • dailybruin.com

Dolly Parton's nephew denies threatening to harm her estate, pushes back against restraining order

Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, has filed a court response to a restraining order from Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM

Oct 13 • 7:50 PM EDT • Entertainment • audacy.com

Dolly Parton's nephew denies threatening to harm her estate, pushes back against restraining order

Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, has filed a court response to a restraining order from Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell | 104.1 FM KMOX

Oct 13 • 7:50 PM EDT • Entertainment • audacy.com

Raptors’ Center Depth Gets A Major Boost From Jamarion Sharp

The Toronto Raptors made a roster move on Monday that points straight at where they feel thin. They signed seven-foot-five center Jamarion Sharp to a training camp deal and waived guard Chucky Hepburn in a corresponding move. That puts Raptors center depth back at the front of the conversation, with the Knicks game coming Tuesday …

Oct 13 • 7:46 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

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.

Oct 13 • 7:15 PM EDT • Health • hawaiinewsnow.com

Science Corporation implants its vision-restoring chip in its first Stargardt disease patient

Max Hodak, the former president and co-founder of Neuralink, detailed on stage at TechCrunch Disrupt how his company's work with PRIMA is part of its path toward a novel brain-computer interface (BCI).

Oct 13 • 7:13 PM EDT • Science • techcrunch.com

Elk Grove Police did not call mental health team for man who died after restraint

The Sacramento County Community Wellness Response Team was created in 2023 to help with situations like the police encountered with Scott Saetern.

Oct 13 • 7:11 PM EDT • Health • sacbee.com

Georgia Tech secures $5m Google.org commitment for AI science | ETIH EdTech News

Georgia Tech has received $2.25 million toward a $5 million Google.org commitment to expand AI research access across US institutions. ETIH’s edtech news coverage details plans for 15 research projects, shared computing tools and training for more than 300 researchers and faculty.

Oct 13 • 7:01 PM EDT • Science • edtechinnovationhub.com

Samsung Health Makes Sleep Coaching Easier to Start and Tailors Weekly Guidance

Sleep Coaching starts with three days of data and adjusts weekly, while Running Coach introduces advanced training and Scan Meal debuts in U.S. beta alongside personalized nutrition guidance

Oct 13 • 7:00 PM EDT • Health • news.samsung.com

Fresno State healthcare grant brings $1.4M to Valley

Fresno State receives $1.4 million to expand healthcare training, digital technology and access to care in four Central Valley counties.

Oct 13 • 6:47 PM EDT • Health • thebusinessjournal.com

Trump's diesel deal with Putin draws bipartisan criticism from a frustrated Congress

The deal is being criticized by both Republicans and Democrats as fueling Russia's war against Ukraine, violating existing U.S. laws and drawing the U.S. closer to Russia.

Oct 13 • 5:46 PM EDT • Politics • pbs.org

Judge rejects NC State Health Plan's request to block Atrium affordability program

Atrium Health scored an early courtroom win on Tuesday when a judge rejected the state of North Carolina’s request for a temporary restraining order on an affordability program the health system pl | The state's treasurer has said the large health system's Affordability Protection Program, a response to being left out of a preferred provider program, would bankrupt the public health plan.

Oct 13 • 5:31 PM EDT • Health • fiercehealthcare.com

A New Business-Class Sleeper Train Is Launching in Europe, with Fares Starting at $73 Each Way

Berlin-based startup Nox Mobility is set to start service in Germany in March 2027, with plans for rapid expansion over the next decade.

Oct 13 • 5:25 PM EDT • Business • afar.com

Oct. 15 Vallejo/Vacaville Arts-Entertainment Source: Activities

The Loma Vista Farm Harvest Festival is on Saturday, at 11 a.m. at Loma Vista Farm, 150 Rainier Ave., Vallejo.

Oct 13 • 4:22 PM EDT • Entertainment • timesheraldonline.com

I visited Iguazú Falls at night. It was better than I imagined.

I took a nighttime tour of Argentina's Iguazú Falls during a full moon. Walking through the rainforest in darkness made the experience unforgettable.

Oct 13 • 4:08 PM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

When 1 + 1 = 1: The Miserable Math Behind Many Media Mergers

(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) The last few issues of this newsletter have circled two topics: September’s streaming viewership and all the Paramount/Skydance/Warner Bros./Discovery merger news. I’m happy to say on the Streaming Ratings Report front, we’ll be all caught up by early next week, then the SRR will come out on a tight weekly schedule. Then, after today, I’ll have slayed my PSWbD dragon. It’s such a big story, it demanded multiple issues. With the announcement of a name (just Skydance) and executive team, though, I think we can almost close the book on this story. In terms of topics, it becomes just another studio to cover. So today, I have one last set of takes on that merger. As I’ve sat with it, reading about who was staying and who was going, a big worry crystallized in my brain, and I gotta get that take out. Plus, I still owe you a host of “ugliness” that didn’t fit in my previous “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” takes. Let’s dive in! Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - As Paramount Shuffles Deck Chairs, Will They Build or Consolidate? On social media—I try to avoid most social media platforms, but sometimes I end up checking in—the best joke I saw about the announcement of the new name of Skydance was from fellow reporter Claire Atkinson who pointed out… Yeah, I laughed out loud at that one. Later, though, I saw another Twitter response (that later got deleted, so I can’t shout the person out) that did give me pause. The person noted that the Titanic film made the better analogy: a super expensive project everyone in the town doubted that went on to conquer the globe. So yeah: on one hand, the image of the Titanic recalls the actual ship and its infamous end, but that clip is from a movie which proved the doubters wrong. So for all the skepticism of the latest massive media merger, one could wonder which way this one goes. Does it crash like the Titanic or rise to glory like Titanic, the movie? Either way, this deal is “Titanic”, looking at the massive debt required to close the deal, which is not going well when it comes to borrowing costs for Paramount… …or borrowing costs for Oracle. But I’ve started to get worried about another outcome: the sum of this merger will be smaller and weaker and less profitable than its former parts. In other words, one plus one won’t equal three or two, but an even smaller number. Skydance paid to take a traditional studio off the board, but they won’t really capture the upside. Let me explain what I mean, but first, let’s look at the series of news that inspired this thought. Skydance Sets Its Leadership Team As soon as the Paramount-Skydance-Warner Bros.-Discovery merger closed, the new leadership team announced a new name—Skydance, which I’ll use going forward—and a new executive leadership team. You’ve probably read through all the executive shuffling, but if you haven’t, here’s a quick, incomplete summary, in rough order of importance: Mattel’s CEO Ynon Kreiz—who previously ran Maker Studios—joined as co-CEO with David Ellison. HBO/HBO Max’s Casey Bloys will stay and run streaming. Former head of streaming for Paramount-Skydance Cindy Holland—who was also at Netflix—will depart. The former heads of Warner Bros.—Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca—are out. The film studios will be run by Dana Goldstein and Josh Greenstein. George Cheeks of Paramount will run Skydance TV, controlling all the TV production units. In comic book news, the DC films will still be run by Peter Gunn and Peter Safran. Lastly, the head of CNN, Mark Thompson, will stay in place. Let’s quickly opine on the particulars before diving into the broad ramifications. We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… Who I like and dislike in their next gigs… Why I think this consolidation will likely leave Skydance worse off… The math behind which mergers succeed and which don’t… A lot more ugliness in this merger… And a whole lot more... ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support.

Oct 13 • 3:20 PM EDT • Entertainment • entertainment.substack.com

Connecting conservation and health: Central Asia strengthens preparedness for zoonotic disease risks in protected areas

From Kazakhstan’s steppe and mountain landscapes to Turkmenistan's deserts, protected and conserved areas play an important role in the region’s One Health response. A series of national trainings across Central Asian countries is helping conservation practitioners recognise potential wildlife disease risks, protect themselves in the field, and connect their observations with wider veterinary, public health and scientific systems.

Oct 13 • 2:09 PM EDT • Health • iucn.org

Making virtual exams routine: what health systems need to do

Clinical validation, patient training, reliable data workflows and clear responsibility for follow-up will determine whether remote examinations can scale.

Oct 13 • 1:38 PM EDT • Health • healthcareitnews.com

WATCH: Trump addresses Guilfoyle resignation, intel sharing with Ukraine as he departs for Alaska

Oct 13 • 1:30 PM EDT • Politics • pbs.org

Summit Napa Valley Opens With Brain Science Sessions, Hands-On AI Workshops and Reveal of 2027 Experiences

/PRNewswire/ -- Summit Napa Valley, which opened Monday at The Meritage, is underway with three days of programming that combines brain and performance...

Oct 13 • 12:51 PM EDT • Science • prnewswire.com

“He’s had a tremendous training camp from a physical …

“He’s had a tremendous training camp from a physical …

Oct 13 • 12:20 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

TreVeyon Henderson out multiple weeks

New England Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) will miss multiple weeks due to a high-ankle sprain.

Oct 13 • 11:08 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

CWRU receives record $15M gift for special needs dental care

The $15 million gift from Bill and Chloe Cornell will establish a health center for patients with special needs at Case Western Reserve.

Oct 13 • 10:45 AM EDT • Business • crainscleveland.com

Sen. Dornink: Democrats misguided health care policies driving another year of higher health insurance rates as the ACA fails to deliver on its promise

Senate Republicans sounded the alarm on another round of double-digit health insurance rate increases announced by the Department of Commerce, saying state Democrats raised costs and taxes, drained the Health Care Access Fund that was supposed to hold premiums down, and opposed one of the most successful tools to lower premiums through the reinsurance program....

Oct 13 • 10:38 AM EDT • Health • mnsenaterepublicans.com

Report: TreVeyon Henderson has a high-ankle sprain

Oct 13 • 10:30 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Australia: NSW Health warns against handling bats due to lyssavirus

NSW Health is advising the public not to handle, or otherwise handle bats, following a recent increase in people being bitten or scratched across the state. In the two weeks from 28 September to 10 October, 43 people were assessed by NSW Health after being bitten or scratched by bats. This includes in coastal areas in Hunter New England, the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW, and the Central Coast. This is a significant increase when compared with 10 reported cases of bat bites or scratches for the same two-week period in 2025. Keira Glasgow, Director in Health Protection at NSW Health, said, “We want people to assume that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which is a close relative to the rabies virus and very dangerous to humans.” “If you see a bat that is injured or in distress, call your local wildlife rescue service and do not touch it. Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should interact with bats. “It is incredibly rare for Australian bat lyssavirus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly there is no effective treatment. “If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, urgent medical assessment is crucial.” Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) belong to a group of viruses called lyssaviruses. These viruses transmit via a bite from an infected ("rabid") animal. They all cause a similar illness known as rabies, which affects the central nervous system and is usually fatal. Rabies and ABLV infection cause similar symptoms. The early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue. The illness progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death, usually within a week or two. Rabies cases and the three known human cases of ABLV infection have shown a wide variability in the time it takes for symptoms to appear following exposure to an infected animal (from several days to several years). The best way to protect yourself from infection is to not touch bats. If you see a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it. Instead, contact trained experts. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe

Oct 13 • 9:25 AM EDT • Health • outbreaknewstoday.substack.com