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Endeavor Health, Rush University System announce plans to merge
Endeavor Health and Rush University System for Health announced plans to merge into a singular integrated academic health system in a Wednesday news release. The merger will create a unified network of 12 hospitals and more than 400 care sites across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana that will employ more than 46,000 people and serve...
Michigan State football's injury report vs Northwestern is dire
Michigan State football will be without linebackers Jordan Hall and Brady Pretzlaff again, along with left tackle Ben Murawski, against Northwestern.
California Science Center announces early reservations to see space shuttle Endeavour
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public on Nov. 13.
Regional efforts are needed to address longstanding behavioral health challenges on the Western Slope, report shows
Over the years, Colorado’s Western Slope has developed a range of services to address the region’s behavioral health challenges. Longstanding challenges with funding uncertainty, provider shortages and gaps in care, however, have limited their ability...
Regional efforts are needed to address longstanding behavioral health challenges on the Western Slope, report shows
Over the years, Colorado’s Western Slope has developed a range of services to address the region’s behavioral health challenges. Longstanding challenges with funding uncertainty, provider shortages and gaps in care, however, have limited their ability...
Documents: Years of noncompliance, complaints at Kalamazoo-area mental health hospital
Kalamazoo Behavioral Health Hospital, a 64-bed psychiatric facility southwest of the city, opened its doors in late 2024. Two years later, it may be forced to shut down after dozens of patients were hospitalized due to injuries sustained at the facility.
SD rules committee advances campaign finance, `Dark Money' reform packages
The two separate proposals, the Ending Perpetual Fundraising Ordinance and Exposing Dark Money and Banning Shadow Campaigns, follow the previously advanced Follow the Money Ordinance, which the Rules Committee advanced in August.
Compete in Creative Living at Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Registration for the Southwest Florida Ag Expo’s popular Creative Living Competition opened Thursday, Oct. 1. This free competition celebrates the creativity and skills of Southwest Florida residents, offering an opportunity
The Shores Mental Health in Westport expands access to behavioral healthcare services
WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — The Shores Mental Health is expanding access to its mental healthcare services to Westport with new upgrades. The program is a part of St. Vincent’s Medical Center an…
Volunteers build Habitat Collier’s newest community
Physicians Regional Healthcare System and FC Naples joined Habitat for Humanity of Collier County for a volunteer build day at Las Palmas, Habitat Collier’s newest affordable homeownership community in North
“KUWTK” producer says they edited out ‘30-minute battle’ of Kayne West ‘ripping into’ the Kardashian family
Not long after, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from her husband, after nearly seven years of marriage.
Week 8 Student Athlete Spotlight: James Stough, West Hills
West Hills High School senior James Stough was recognized in the Hollandia Dairy Student Athlete Spotlight for his dedication to football, academics, and community service.
DFW Business Datebook: AT&T, Texas Instruments and airlines report
Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines will report third-quarter earnings this week in key moments for each carrier.
SEG releases plans for Downtown entertainment district, Salt Palace overhaul
The Smith Entertainment Group released new details and plans for its Downtown district with updates to the Salt Palace and Delta Center.
Some EGF businesses reporting lower operation costs compared to last year
Visits with 12 local businesses give details about workforce needs, increased insurance and material costs and the state's Earned Sick and Safe Time mandate.
3 Mountain West Football Best Bets For Week 7
We have another packed Mountain West Football slate in Week 7!
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.
'They cannot compete with the prices that fish factories will pay': How demand for fish meal takes priority over feeding people
In this excerpt from "Every Last Fish," author Rose George examines the deep-rooted problems of the regulations surrounding fish meal — a product that's supposed to come from the discarded scraps of dead fish, but in reality removes huge quantities of food from people in West Africa who need it.
Downtown Denver got malled in 1982
The 16th Street Mall was designed to “preserve that peculiar essence we call Denver."
Downtown Gloversville businesses to be highlighted on Small Business Saturday
Organizations are asking Gloversville businesses to participate in an upcoming campaign to highlight local merchants.
WDM Chamber opens nominations for High School Leadership Academy
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with West Des Moines Community Schools, is accepting nominations for its 2027 High School Leadership Academy. The free program offers up to 30 students in grades 9-12 an opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore career pathways and connect with local businesses through hands-on experiences and professional…
The Shores Mental Health expanding access to behavioral healthcare
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The Shores Mental Health, part of St. Vincent’s Medical Center, in Westport is expanding access to behavioral healthcare through its unique welcome center, which hel…
Nebraska Football: B1G Fun Out West
What kind of video from Jon will we get at 3 in the morning?
The eyes have it: Reform politician’s ‘smart glasses’ prompt calls for ban in Westminster
Jason O’Connell’s suspected use of the specs to aid his speech in the Senedd reignites debate over the AI-enabled devices
Children’s Suicide-Related Emergency Visits Spiked Between 2016-2022
Emergency visits by children with suicide-related crises increased by 74 percent between 2016 and 2022, according to a new study.
Orlando Health expands orthopedic care in West Orange County
A new Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute has opened inside Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee.
Tap & Tees brings indoor golf and entertainment to Southwest Florida
Located at University Village Shops near Florida Gulf Coast University, Tap & Tees Golf Lounge features indoor golf simulators where players can practice their swing.
Tap & Tees brings indoor golf and entertainment to Southwest Florida
Looking to work on your golf swing without worrying about the Florida heat? Tap & Tees Golf Lounge is bringing the golf course indoors with a high-tech experience that combines
Lincoln Science Focus students study rare saline wetlands with local agency partners
KHGI Nebraska TV is the ABC affiliate station for Central and South-western Nebraska, providing news, weather, sports and local event coverage to residents throughout the area including: Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, North Platte, Lexington, Holdrege, McCook, York, Alda, Aurora and Broken Bow.
Are Tarrant Latino voters a swing group for 2026 midterm elections?
Latino voters have swayed between Democrats and Republicans.
One of America's biggest meteor craters is 100 million years younger than we thought — and coincided with a global extinction event
Analysis of tiny zircon crystals buried within the 10-mile-wide Ames crater in northwest Oklahoma suggests that the submerged structure dates back to 370 million years ago, during the Frasnian-Famennian mass extinction event.
Mining seawater? Northwest researchers see a motherlode of critical minerals in the waves
Researchers from the Pacific Northwest National Lab are developing techniques to extract trace minerals from ocean water.
New NASA data shows why scientists struggle to model Western rivers
New satellite observations show that some global river models struggle to account for dams, reservoirs and other human influences, raising questions about their reliability for water planning.
Meadowview Regional Medical Center and Fleming County Hospital join Gill Affiliate Network
UK HealthCare welcomes Meadowview Regional Medical Center and Fleming County Hospital as the newest members of the University of Kentucky Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Affiliate Network.
PROFILE: Ben Sio
New President of CenterState CEO Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience to Drive CNY Growth By Stefan Yablonski Ben Sio serves as president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity — or CenterState CEO. The independent Syracuse-based nonprofit is committed to creating inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth in Central New York. “I started in this position in March, so it has been six months. I’m in my 19th year with CenterState,” he said in August. As president, he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s administration and governance, while leading and executing its vision to be an effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community. He previously served as chief of staff and senior vice president of strategy, policy and planning, overseeing the organization’s long-term strategic planning, consulting, corporate governance, fundraising and development, land-use planning and government relations. In his years with the organization, Sio has led or supported many high-profile strategic initiatives including the creation of the CNY Rising Plan, the launch of the NUAIR Alliance and the region’s UAS strategy, the creation of the Micron-enabled Community Priorities Document and the recently awarded NY Smart I Corridor Tech Hub. “When we decided to split Rob’s [Simpson] role into two positions, he has the CEO title and I got the president title. Rob remains focused on forward looking vision strategy for the organization and I’m more focused on the day-to-day operations,” he explained. “I’m also responsible for building consensus around strategic needs and priorities and managing the change necessary to drive execution. It’s an eventful job. “The experiment that we call CenterState is always evolving and shifting and addressing where we see market demand and market failure. “If we see something in our economy that isn’t going the way we think it should go, then whether it is housing development or workforce development or something else, we are always figuring out how to step into these situations and address those challenges.” “We are the largest ever in terms of staff that we have ever been. We are no longer the 20-person organization we were when we started out many, many years ago,” he said. “There are more day-to-day things to take care of. But also there is just so much happening in the community right now that is pulling CenterState and our expertise in so many directions. I tell people if we were bored and not busy, then I’d be really concerned about what we are doing. But we are not bored. We’ve certainly got our hands full — and that is a good thing.” CenterState has now approximately 63 employees on its staff, according to recent nonprofit database records. It’s involved in myriad programs, ranging from Genius NY, a business accelerator competition for uncrewed systems, IoT and robotics startups, to CenterState Up Start, a collaborative business development program that connects local, service-based businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to the tools and networks that help them thrive. CNY Guy Through and Through A Central New York guy through and through, Sio was born and raised in Skaneateles. “My mom was a teacher, an art teacher. My father worked for many, many years with National Grid. He was there through the transition from Niagara Mohawk to National Grid,” he said. “Neither of my parents were touched by cutbacks and job loss. But I grew up going through that transition and being concerned that there were rounds of layoffs. My childhood connection to the economy here in Central New York … years ago it was on the decline. There were people that lived here that were concerned about losing their job. They were thinking they lived in a place that didn’t show much promise.” That narrative translated to his generation, he added. “The kids that grew up in the ‘90s in Central New York were very much told, directly or indirectly, by their parents, that they had to go somewhere else to find economic opportunity. That is what I grew up thinking,” he said. “I only went a few miles down Route 20 for college — in Geneva, New York; I graduated from Hobart and William Smith College with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and political science. “I got real interested in regional economies; because what makes regional economy is what makes the economy successful. And when I graduated, I had an opportunity to move to Washington, DC and work down there at a nonprofit doing this work.” However, he decided to stay in Central New York. “I got hired two weeks after I graduated. I got hired by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. At the time it was one of two entities doing economic development in Central New York — [the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association] — and it eventually became CenterState CEO,” he said, referring to 2010 merger between the two organizations. During his time at CenterState, Sio has also split time at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where he supported communities developing export and foreign direct investment (FDI), a long-term cross-border investment where an individual or company from one country buys a lasting stake or control in a business located in another country. The program — known as Global Cities Initiative — was designed to help leaders in major U.S. and international metropolitan areas reorient their local economies toward global markets. “Early on in my tenure at CenterState, we had done a lot of work with the Brookings Institution, just regional planning stuff. We worked with them on developing a regional export plan, to export more products out of Central New York and a larger business plan for the region. They hired me on to help replicate those plans in different parts of the country,”Sio explained. “So, I worked there for three or four years. I worked for CenterState, but I was technically loaned to Brookings for a period of time to help them do this work elsewhere.” Family ties “My wife is Carly. We have been married 14 years. We have two kids, a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old. “With a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old, fun is a relative term these days. We do a lot of hiking. The kids this summer got very interested in waterfalls. We’ve hit every waterfall we could in a short hike — we’ve done Skaneateles and some others.” “I do woodworking and wood turning — it’s a branch of woodworking; you use a wood lathe. My big thing there is making wood bowls. I do that in most of my free time, which is not much,” he quipped. “I like to get into my woodshop and make a bowl and decompress and turn off the rest of the world for a little bit. I usually do it late at night when the house is quiet. It is definitely my escape from the day to day. I make a lot of bowls; all different sizes, all different species of wood. It’s a fun thing to do for me.” He gives away many of his creations. “They are mostly gifts — I don’t really sell them. I really don’t have time to go set up a booth at a fair or craft show. I usually give them away. I donate them to different things. If you are in my periphery, you’ve likely received a salad bowl from me as a gift. I just need to find something to do with all the stuff that I create,” he said. Lifelines Name: Benjamin Sio Position: President, CenterState CEO Birth Date: Not provided Birth place: Syracuse Residence: Westvale Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the Finger Lakes Affiliations: Member of the boards of Skaneateles Festival, Greccio Foundation, Interfaith Works, CNY Community Foundation Personal/family: Married with two kids Hobbies: Woodworking and woodturning
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.”
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.”
Meijer Now Accepts evermore Cards, Expanding Access to Healthy Food and OTC Products for Medicare Customers
Midwest retailer adds another convenient payment option for eligible shoppers GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer announced today it now accepts evermore over-the-counter...
Why Adding LaMelo Ball Gives Timberwolves Dark Horse Edge
The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals twice in the past three seasons, but both runs ended before the NBA Finals. But after being eliminated in the semifinals this past season, the Timberwolves decided to make drastic roster moves to have a chance to compete for a title. Their biggest move was adding …
'Dark Hollow': West Virginia horror film highlights Appalachian culture, history
Daniel Byers's independent horror film Dark Hollow, inspired by Appalachian history and filmed in West Virginia, is being shown in theaters across the state during the month of October 2026.
Brenda Lucas: Community news for Wednesday, Oct. 14
Click for community news in the Huntington, West Virginia, and Tri-State area.
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.
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
Mohammad Eslami Says Iran Matches Developed Countries in Nuclear Science and Technology
6 sources compared: West Asian (4). Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said at a ceremony marking National Standard Day in...
Inside Wynonna Judd’s heartfelt performance at SXSW Austin
A decade ago, Wynonna Judd played one of the most surprising and memorable shows ever at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX.
'VisionQuest': Your guide to every AI character in the MCU's newest show
From J.A.R.V.I.S. to E.D.I.T.H., here's every "VisionQuest" AI you need to know, and where you've seen them before
Rory McIlroy's newest sponsorship includes an insane travel perk
Rory McIlroy's newest sponsor is sprinkling in a mind-blowing, first-of-its-kind travel perk for the grand slam winner.
Aaron Sorkin says he thinks about reviving ‘The West Wing’ ‘every day’: ‘I miss it’
‘The Social Reckoning’ writer-director Aaron Sorkin says he spends ‘a couple of seconds every day’ thinking about reviving his hit, Emmy-winning series, ‘The West Wing.’
Battey Business Complex work poised to begin
Equipment will be on site within a matter of weeks to start remediation and demolition at the Battey Business Complex on North Division Street.
Panda Express Pledges $391K+ to Support Lee Health Golisano Children's Through Children's Miracle Network - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
Oct. 13, 2026)– Panda Express has reaffirmed its commitment to Southwest Florida children and families with a pledge to raise more than $391,000 for Lee Health Golisano Children’s through Children’s […]
Future aviators learn aircraft skills during local event
Girl Scouts from across Southwest Florida explored the world of aviation Saturday, climbing into airplane cockpits, learning aircraft marshalling signals and hearing firsthand from female pilots and paramedics during Girls
Trump’s new messenger: From the Politics Desk
Plus, a potential Midwest opening for the GOP.
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.
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.
Westville’s Simmons signs early with TU softball
Westville High School junior Lexi Simmons recently signed a letter of intent to play softball for the University of Tulsa and is the program’s first commitment from the class of
WV gives $2 million in Rural Health Transformation funds to community health centers
The state is distributing more than $2 million in federal Rural Health Transformation program funds to community health centers.
Northwestern QB Aidan Chiles Deserves More Respect
Aidan Chiles has 1,172 passing yards, 15 total touchdowns and zero turnovers through five games. Northwestern's quarterback is proving he belongs among the Big Ten's best.
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.
Jian Cao Elected an Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering Fellow
Cao earned the honor that recognizes Asian American researchers across numerous fields who represent exceptional achievement.
New health center opens in Rock Island
The new MCL Health Center – Rock Island – a direct healthcare provider for unions and large employers – has opened at 7752 38th St. W., Rock Island. Premise Health, in partnership with the National Coalition of Labor (NCL), Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MACRC), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150 and the Midwest […]
New Redwood Health Center planned in Power District
The new Redwood Health Center will be located within the Power District on Salt Lake City’s west side.
Eccles Health Campus & Eccles Hospital update
Topping off ceremony celebrates the new campus built with and for the West Valley community.
Federal complaint alleges Rogers Behavioral Health illegally fired 6 workers in West Allis
Federal labor regulators last week issued a formal complaint against Rogers Behavioral Health, alleging the nonprofit illegally fired six workers at a West Allis treatment center during a union drive.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month with HCA Midwest Health
Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. DJ Lakkireddy with HCA Midwest Health and the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute joins Shane and Kerrigan to discuss the importance of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.
NWA Business Journal seeks nominations for 2027 Outstanding Business Awards
The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal is accepting nominations for its fourth annual Northwest Arkansas Outstanding Business Awards. Arvest Bank is the sponsor. The awards program recognizes companies that have grown...
Beyond Wellness opens in Rogers
Health services company Beyond Wellness recently opened its first Northwest Arkansas location in Rogers. It’s the company’s fourth Arkansas clinic. The new clinic at 4100 W. Oak St. is in...
Sundance documentary about teacher\'s famous \'Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes\' experiment coming to West Art
A buzzworthy documentary about a teacher’s pioneering experiment to teach students about racism will be screened at West Art this weekend.
Stand Up for Science Launches Petition to Halt CDC Vaccine Study in West Africa
SUFS calls on Congress to protect newborns from preventable diseases; releases analysis of the study’s numerous concerns
JUST IN: Alexandria Health Department director to step down in November for state role
The Alexandria Health Department will see a leadership change next month after director Dr. David Rose departs his role. After Nov. 9, Rose will be leaving the AHD to take a role as regional director of the north/northwest region at the Virginia Department of Health. The AHD is part of the state-run Virginia Department of
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.
WV Department of Health looks to improve state psychiatric hospitals
The West Virginia Department of Health Facilities is working to improve the state’s psychiatric hospitals.
Arizona State Council Focuses on Workers, Growth and Political Action
The IAM's Arizona State Council has wrapped up its 2026 Fall Conference, bringing together about 30 union leaders, delegates, and guests to discuss the future of working families across the state. The conference was led by Council President Steve Nickel, with special guest IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert "Bobby" Martinez also was in
Northwestern Opens as Road Favorite Against Michigan State
Northwestern opened as a 9.5-point favorite against Michigan State, but the spread has dropped to 7.5 as the Wildcats prepare for a key Big Ten road matchup.
WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program Reshapes Coastal Port Planning in Western Australia
The WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program united more than 150 researchers across 32 projects to shape the design of Western Australia's Kwinana container port, resulting in key changes including relocating the port footprint to protect critical seagrass beds in Cockburn Sound.
Virginia Western and Radford University sign 3 new agreements to create seamless transfer for medical laboratory science degree
Partnership responds to region’s healthcare needs ROANOKE – Virginia Western Community College and Radford University celebrated a strengthened partnership on Monday, Oct. 12, that will enable seamless transfer for students in three health-related programs. Virginia Western President Laura J. Treanor and Radford President Bret Danilowicz signed the articulation agreements in a ceremony on the Virginia Western campus. Virginia […]
KREM 2 News
Welcome to the YouTube channel for KREM 2 News. KREM 2 News is the local CBS-affiliate news station covering Spokane, Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Subscribe for the latest news, weather, features and sports in the Inland Northwest. For the latest news, visit www.krem.com.
Eye on Small Business
"You can walk into Baxter In Rye, discover something you didn’t know you wanted, try it on, get help putting
Piles permit issued for Advocate Health Care new Trinity Hospital
A foundation piles permit has been issued for Advocate Health Care’s new $300 million Trinity Hospital at the former U.S. Steel South Works site near the lakefront. Located at 8000 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the hospital will be built on 23 acres between Brandon Ave to the west, DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the north and east, and 81st Street to the south.
Sanford Health awarded $2.3 million grant from National Institutes of Health
Grant will support research on cell type plasticity in kidney function and disease
Exclusive | Republicans Spend Big to Defend Nebraska Senate Seat
In latest sign of GOP’s Midwest angst, Senate Leadership Fund plans to pour $8 million into race to help Sen. Pete Ricketts.
Rhode Island Life Science Hub and Cognito Therapeutics Launch Brain Health Collaboratory to Advance Innovation in Alzheimer's Disease
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH) and Cognito Therapeutics today announced the launch of the Rhode Island Brain Health Collaboratory, the third Collaboratory in Cognito's growing national network, following collaborations with the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in 2025 and Ochsner Health in 2026. Together, RILSH and Cognito will partner to establish a first-of-its-kind statewide platform that brings together research, clinical care, industry, and community pa
FHSAA Open Division projections: Newman football still in after loss
Aquinas, Columbus, West Boca, Chaminade, Miami Central, Cardinal Newman, Cardinal Mooney and First Academy would be in the Open Division after Week 8.
'Wives' review: A play that's more manifesto than comedy
East West Players presents, in a co-production with Hypokrit Live Arts, the Southern California premiere of Jacklyn Backhaus' "Wives," directed by Arpita Mukherjee.
Bengals defense posts one of NFL’s lowest missed tackle rates
Cincinnati posted a 6.5% missed tackle rate in Week 5, the fifth-lowest mark before Sunday Night Football, according to SumerSports.
Scandal reshaped NC-11 race. Now, 3 candidates fight to represent WNC
After Chuck Edwards' censure, Jamie Ager, Jennifer Balkcom and Travis Groo offer sharply different visions for Western North Carolina.
Brenda Lucas: Community news for Tuesday, Oct. 13
Click for community news in the Huntington, West Virginia, and Tri-State area.
Southwest and Southside health organizations get nearly $4 million in federal grants to boost technology and cybersecurity
The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program was intended to bolster healthcare access in rural areas. It was created under HR 1, the federal spending legislation that also included cuts to …
WesternU College of Health Sciences celebrates 40 years of collaboration, mentorship and humanism
Western University of Health Sciences College of Health Sciences celebrated its 40th anniversary by honoring the pioneers who built the college’s foundation and by raising money to benefit students.
WesternU College of Health Sciences celebrates 40 years of collaboration, mentorship and humanism
Western University of Health Sciences College of Health Sciences celebrated its 40th anniversary by honoring the pioneers who built the college’s foundation and by raising money to benefit students.
Jazz Continue Strong Preseason with Win Over Spurs
Rookie Darryn Peterson shined and Ace Bailey’s defensive versatility flashed as Utah’s dominant third-quarter surge dismantled San Antonio, signaling a dangerous new depth in the Western Conference.
This week in West Virginia history
CHARLESTON — The following events happened on these dates in West Virginia history. To read more, go to e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia at wvencyclopedia.org.
Jack Bernard: Don't put off needed change because of politics (Opinion)
West Virginia has several healthcare issues that must be addressed sooner rather than later.
Key business issues are at stake in the outcomes of Colorado legislative races
Six House races and three Senate races likely will determine whether Democrats hold a supermajority in both legislative chambers in 2027.
Maple Leafs Handed Roster Boost Before Mammoth Game
The Toronto Maple Leafs have received a boost ahead of Tuesday’s October 13 game against the Utah Mammoth in the final game of their Western road trip.Toronto defeated the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 during the weekend, but without John Tavares. The forward had been absent since October 9 for personal reasons, specifically the birth of his […] The post Maple Leafs Handed Roster Boost Before Mammoth Game appeared first on HEAVY.
ASBMB 2027 organizers preview science, community and Boston
Amy Palmer of the University of Colorado Boulder and W. Mike Henne of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, co-chairs of ASBMB 2027, explain how this gathering will inspire new ideas and drive progress in molecular life sciences.
Parkersburg Woman’s Club raises $263 for Breast Health Initiative
The Parkersburg Woman’s Club raised $263 for the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative in a fundraiser where members voted on pumpkins decorated by members. The rule was pink had to be somewhere on the pumpkin. Members voted for their favorites with cash donations, raising the $263 for the Breast Health Initiative. The initiative promotes breast […]
Local marching bands perform at Westmoreland's first-ever marching band competition
The Pride of Westmoreland Marching Band hosted the inaugural “Waves of Sound” marching band competition on Saturday, Oct. 10.
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