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Justice Dept. sues California, asks court to force state to stop counting 20,000 ballots
The Trump administration asked a federal court to bar California from counting ballots from about 20,000 voters it suspects aren't U.S. citizens. State officials blasted the lawsuit.
Lawsuit claims owner of Bronzeville apartment complex blocked investor’s exit
An investor in the massive Lake Meadows complex wants out and alleges financial misconduct by the property's owner, Antheus Capital.
In 100th Trump lawsuit, California challenges ICE courthouse arrests
California sued the Trump administration for the 100th time, challenging the growing practice of ICE agents arresting people for civil immigration violations at or near courthouses.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, Oct. 16 to 22
‘Music in the West End’ concert series kicks off, Oct. 16 The first concert of the 2026-27 season is at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.16, at Christ Episcopal Church Aspen, 536 W. North St. Pianist Mandy...
Google’s $180 Fitbit Edge makes a bet on smartwatch fatigue
Google draws a sharper line between Fitbit and Pixel Watch.
Hilary Swank, 52, is pregnant, expecting third child
Oscar winner Hilary Swank, 52, and husband Philip Schneider are growing their family, now expecting their third child together.
Janelle Monáe wants to be L.A.'s reigning Halloween queen
Once again, Janelle Monáe brings Halloween festivities to Los Angeles, from Hollywood Forever to USC to a secret party location. Her hope is to bring people together over a shared love of creative expression.
One year in, Routt County Mental Health Response Team shows positive impact
The Routt County Mental Health Response Team, now just over a year old, is continuing to make a positive impact for local residents in crisis, with 128 calls for service through August of this year....
Ex-Florida congressman Matt Gaetz accused in suit of sex trafficking young women
The lawsuit alleges the two women were supplied with drugs, traveled across state lines and were paid to have sex with men, including Gaetz.
MEGAMicrobe: Free, fun science event for students 5-15 on Oct. 24
MEGAMicrobe, a free exploration of the world of microbes for students ages 5 to 15 and their families, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Tom Joy Elementary School.
Interactive: Could the No Surprises Act be driving up health insurance costs?
The No Surprises Act ended many unexpected medical bills, but critics say costly arbitration awards may be adding pressure to insurance premiums.
G-Pro Snow Removal celebrates 10-plus years in business with new home base
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – What started out as a hobby for Gino Bedwell has expanded into a thriving business over the last decade, and due to its growing success, G-Pro Snow Removal has found...
Ohio Appeals court rules EdChoice private school voucher system unconstitutional
An Ohio appellate court has ruled that the EdChoice voucher program, which uses taxpayer dollars to fund private school tuition, is unconstitutional.
Tax Relief on Losses Stimulates Business Risk-Taking, OECD Says
Countries that provide limited tax relief to loss-making companies risk stifling entrepreneurial risk-taking and the creation of new businesses, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
Tax Relief on Losses Stimulates Business Risk-Taking, OECD Says
Countries that provide limited tax relief to loss-making companies risk stifling entrepreneurial risk-taking and the creation of new businesses, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
Trump says people who leak military plans ‘should be shot’
Trump attacked those leaking material to the media, calling them the "scum of the earth" during a rally in Bullhead City, Arizona.
Beloved Lakeview Electronics Shop Where Neighbors Found 'Hidden Gems' Closing After 55 Years
Lakeview's Royal Home Entertainment is selling off its remaining inventory ahead of its closure Saturday, though owner Joe DeGuide still plans to offer custom installation services online.
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.
By changing America’s ‘death business,’ Newsom can show his morality
'He has shown the courage, many times, to do the right thing rather than the popular thing. I hope he does the same with regard to this “business of death” in America,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
The Brutal Science Behind Life Jacket Testing
Inside the load tests, buoyancy tanks and trial by fire required for safety certification
Ravens’ Tyler Huntley Draws ‘Overused’ Praise From Browns’ Todd Monken
Before becoming head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Todd Monken was on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff. He served as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025, where he worked with ultra-talented quarterback Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Monken is now planning how to beat his former team, with the Browns and the Ravens set […] The post Ravens’ Tyler Huntley Draws ‘Overused’ Praise From Browns’ Todd Monken appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
After booting 760K off ACA health plans, the Trump administration adds some people back
The Trump administration provided few details about its process for canceling hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act enrollments — even as the next stage of the anti-fraud effort is underway.
Democratic group substantially increases fundraising to seize state legislatures
The States Project, an organization focused on electing Democrats to state legislatures, has raised more than $100 million this cycle.
Free flu shots offered by Lee Health at eight Lee County locations in October
Lee Health will provide free flu vaccinations at eight locations across Lee County throughout October, with consultations and health resources available.
After nearly buying Warner Bros., Netflix is laying off 1,000 workers. What happened?
While Netflix continues to lead subscription streaming services, the company has continued to face growing scrutiny over how it plans to grow the Los Gatos company in the future.
New L.A. Opera music director, Domingo Hindoyan, begins with 'Carmen'
L.A. Opera's new music director, Domingo Hindoyan, who succeeded the company's longtime leader, James Conlon, makes his debut with 'Carmen.'
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.
L.A. voters worry about outside influence in midterm elections, new poll finds
A poll suggests most L.A. County voters are confident with the county's handling of elections, but many worry that outside influence, including online misinformation and political interference, could taint the midterms.
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Battery-free smart glasses monitor your health using blink energy
Your eyes blink roughly 14 to 20 times a minute, and every one of those movements is wasted energy. Engineers at Northwestern University have found a way to put that motion energy to work, powering a pair of battery-free health-sensing glasses.
How did political campaigns get so expensive?
The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and it’s gearing up to be the most expensive election in American history. So how did we get here, where every election feels more expensive than the last? Today on the show, we’re exploring what’s causing the flood of money into our politics. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen –Bad economics, smart politics –Over 2,000 episodes in our archive on the NPR AppConnect with The Indicator from Planet Money–The Indicator newsletter — a weekly roundup of news, ideas and staff picks. –Instagram, TikTok and YouTube –Find the Planet Money book –Find the Planet Money game, Sell Me A Sasquatch, and other merch at the NPR Shop!Support public media by subscribing to NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
First Friday on pause after deadly Arts District shooting; businesses support safety review
Organizers say the future of the longtime event is being reevaluated following a fatal shooting, while business owners call for stronger security measures before its return.
'A very serious health concern': Opponents to Ahwatukee data center share worries at town hall
Dozens of metro Phoenix residents shared concerns about data centers with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes at a town hall in Mesa.
Republican attorney general candidate Michael Allen: 'You serve everyone, regardless of politics’
The Republican vying to be the state’s next attorney general said his record shows he stands up for victims regardless of their political party or where they come from. And, he said, experience has taught him that some perpetrators deserve a second chance.
Beech Mountain’s Autumn at Oz draws faithful pilgrims
Autumn at Oz, the world’s largest Wizard of Oz festival, takes place on Beech Mountain at the Land of Oz theme park, attracting tens of thousands of visitors over nine days each September with immersive Oz-themed experiences along the Yellow Brick Road.
Why Stephanie Mills called Lady Gaga a 'culture vulture'
R&B legend Stephanie Mills addressed unresolved friction with Lady Gaga, explaining why she felt disrespected during a private surprise performance. 'I hope you remember what you did.'
LA28 still not prepared for Cultural Olympiad, critics say
A state legislative hearing Wednesday revealed that L.A.'s plans for its Cultural Olympiad are woefully behind schedule as the LA28 Summer Games approach.
Weather Wednesday: The Science of Specific Heat Capacity
In this Weather Wednesday, we dive into the science behind why water heats up and cools down much more slowly than air.
Weather Wednesday: The Science of Specific Heat Capacity
In this Weather Wednesday, we dive into the science behind why water heats up and cools down much more slowly than air.
Weekly Entertainment Report: Live music and lively arts, Oct. 15-18 » Nashua Ink Link
"Let the music soothe your soul, let the music take control."
Billy Crystal distrusts God after Palisades fire, Rob Reiner death
Billy Crystal opens up about the loss of his Pacific Palisades home and longtime friend Rob Reiner, ahead of the debut of his one-man Broadway show “860.”
Peloton's Matt Wilpers teams up with QuickBooks to help small-business owners
QuickBooks gives business owners a clearer picture of their finances, while Wilpers' approach focuses on creating consistent habits around cash flow, financial goals, and regular check-ins.
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.
Alan Mandell appreciation: The heart of L.A. theater and a friend
Alan Mandell, an award-winning actor, arts patron and arts administrator, was best known for co-founding the San Quentin Drama Workshop and interpreting the plays of Samuel Beckett.
Alan Mandell dead: Actor and interpreter of Samuel Beckett dies
Alan Mandell, an acclaimed classical actor and one of the foremost interpreters of playwright Samuel Beckett‘s work, has died.
Your Business Probably Has More Data Than Insight by Nathan Tayloe
Most businesses know more about themselves than they ever have. Leaders have access to financial reports, sales pipelines, customer data, employee metrics, website analytics, and dashboards for almost every part of the organization. CRMs track every stage of the sales process. Marketing platforms report results in real time. AI can analyze and summarize enormous amounts of information in seconds. Yet I've sat in plenty of meetings where all of that information is available, and some of the most important questions are still surprisingly difficult to answer. What's actually working? Why are customers choosing us? Where are we losing opportunities? What should we do differently? Having the data and understanding what it means are two very different things. More Information Doesn't Always Create More Clarity Over the past decade, businesses have invested heavily in visibility, and that's a good thing. We can understand performance with a level of detail that would have been unimaginable not long ago. But there's an unintended consequence. The easier something becomes to measure, the easier it is to assume it must be important. Website traffic goes up, so that looks positive. Leads increase, so marketing appears to be working. Sales activity climbs, so the pipeline looks healthy. Maybe. The numbers tell us what happened. Understanding why it happened, whether it matters, and what we should do next still requires judgment. Not Everything That Matters Fits on a Dashboard Consider a customer who ultimately contacts your company through Google. The data may attribute that lead to search. What it may not show is that the customer heard about you from a colleague six months earlier, saw your company mentioned in an industry publication, followed one of your employees on LinkedIn, and read several reviews before finally searching for your company. Google may have produced the click. It didn't necessarily create the decision. This happens throughout a business. Some of the things that matter most are difficult to reduce to a single metric: Why your best customers stay Why talented employees choose your company Why a prospect trusts one provider over another Why one service is gaining momentum while another isn't Why the market perceives your business the way it does Data can help answer those questions, but it needs context. Better Decisions Start With Better Questions One of the easiest traps for leaders is starting with the information in front of them rather than the decision they're trying to make. Instead of opening a dashboard and asking, "What does the data show?" it can be more useful to start with a different set of questions: What are we trying to understand? What decision are we trying to make? What would we need to know to make that decision confidently? That changes the role of data. Instead of looking at every number available and searching for meaning, you're using information to understand something specific about the business. Information Still Requires Judgment More sophisticated analytics and AI will continue to give leaders access to better information, faster. That's valuable, but I don't think it reduces the importance of experience and judgment. If anything, it increases it. Someone still has to decide which numbers deserve attention, which patterns matter, what context might be missing, and when the data isn't telling the whole story. The goal isn't to know more about your business simply because you can. It's to understand your business well enough to make better decisions. Good data can tell you what happened. Good leadership has to decide what it means. — Learn more about how we help organizations turn business, customer, and marketing insights into smarter strategies at tayloegray.com, or reach out directly at nathan@tayloegray.com.
Wood County development meeting highlights business growth
PARKERSBURG — Reviewing the past year’s economic development efforts and connecting local businesses with future opportunities were the focus of a joint annual meeting Wednesday at Discovery World on Market. The Wood County Development Authority and the Parkersburg-Wood County Area Development Corporation held the meeting in Discovery World’s Ember Theater for the first time. Lindsey […]
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...
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.
'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.
'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.
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.
After a rash of burglaries at South Side establishments, Black business owners are wondering: ‘Why us?”
Business owners are coming together and demanding tighter security after a rash of burglaries targeting Black-owned businesses on Chicago’s South Side.
Joni Mitchell celebrates citizenship after 62 years living in the U.S.
'Big Yellow Taxi,' 'Woodstock' and 'Both Sides, Now' singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is from Canada but has long resided in the U.S. She shared video of her naturalization ceremony on social media.
Basalt to host business roundtables for community
The town of Basalt is inviting local business owners to join Basalt Town Manager Gloria Kaasch-Buerger and Basalt Chamber President and CEO Kris Mattera for an open dialogue about the business climate and local economy.
NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas visits Detroit as Michigan Senate race draws national attention
With Election Day approaching, Michigan is once again at the center of the national political spotlight, and NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas is bringing his broadcast to Detroit.
Ella Langley ponders the dream at L.A.'s Greek Theatre
The 27-year-old country singer brought her smash 'Choosin' Texas' to the Greek on Tuesday night in the first of two sold-out shows.
Universal Music Group cuts several executives during its restructure
Executives at Def Jam, Republic Records and Interscope are leaving Universal Music Group as it completes a plan to save €250 million (about $270 million) a year.
Young voter turnout could be pivotal in this year's midterms
There are signs Gen Z is motivated to show up to the polls in historically high numbers this year. A recent poll found over 80% of people age 18-29 said they ‘probably’ or ‘definitely’ plan to vote.
Amazon (AMZN) Has a $25B Chip Business. Is the Cash Burn Worth It?
Most people think of Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) as the place their packages come from. The part of the company drawing the most attention right now sells something far less visible: custom AI chips. In the second quarter of 2026, Amazon Web Services (AWS) said its chips business and its AI business had each passed a $25 […]
Newsom heads to New Hampshire to stump for Democrats
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's trip follows voyages to other early primary voting states that could be critical to his campaign if he officially joins the 2028 presidential contest.
Analysis | Why Democrats will probably win back the House
And what could go wrong for them.
Space Shuttle Endeavour: Reservations open next week to see exhibit
Reservations for the California Science Center’s new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, home to Space Shuttle Endeavour, open Oct. 21.
‘I’ve worked hard to get where I’m not’: Kirk Fox on comedy, tennis and his dirtbag-noir novel
Fox returns to Sterlin Harjo’s Hulu series 'The Lowdown' as he takes on more writing and acting projects, saying finishing the novel helped him believe he could complete something.
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.
In Good Health: Are We Solving Hearing Loss?
For those experiencing hearing loss, being able to discern the speech of other people in noisy environments can be frustrating. And hearing aids often don’t convey sound in every situation.Hearing loss affects 37.5 million adults in this country. And rates of hearing loss increase with age. Some 10 percent of those over the age of 55 have hearing loss that qualifies as a disability. And just over half of all people over the age of 75 have disabling hearing loss.In this edition of “In Good Health,” we talk about the health issues that most affect us and put your questions to the experts. This time, we tackle hearing loss.Here are some resources shared by our experts during this discussion:- HearAdvisor.com – a hearing aid comparison and review site- Hear & Beyond by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan – a guide to navigating hearing loss- Hearing Number app – a free smartphone app by Johns Hopkins University for measuring how much sound you can hearFind more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Justice Dept. demands California prove citizenship for lists of voters or withhold ballots
The U.S. Department of Justice has given California election officials 48 hours to prove the U.S. citizenship of voters its flagged as potential noncitizens, or withhold their ballots.
Commentary: Karen Bass says L.A.'s political establishment doesn't like Raman. Well, boo hoo
Karen Bass says L.A.'s political establishment doesn't like Raman. Well, boo hoo
Boston Mayor Joins Effort to Protect Legal Cannabis in Massachusetts
Mayor Michelle Wu is the latest in a list of a growing number of high-profile figures endorsing the ‘No on 8’ campaign to protect the Commonwealth’s cannabis laws against a prohibitionist-backed ballot Question 8 in the November mid-term election.
Warrant: Employee at SC mental health facility took patient into seclusion room, assaulted them
A vulnerable adult patient at a mental health facility in South Carolina was slammed to the floor by an employee inside a seclusion room, according to an arrest warrant.
Chance encounter brings New York firefighter to Vanderbilt Health for heart transplant
New Yorker BobMeyer needed a heart transplant after a procedure to repair an aortic aneurysm at a local hospital was unsuccessful. Vanderbilt Health came through.
Flightless Jurassic bird was like a carnivorous pheasant with killer claws
An early bird with many dinosaur-like features discovered in China seems to have been a fast-running, land-based carnivore with killer claws.
Endeavor Health, Rush announce proposed merged healthcare system
The combined health care system in the Chicago area could become one of the largest with 12 hospitals in the city and surrounding suburbs.
Endeavor Health, Rush announce proposed merged healthcare system
The combined health care system in the Chicago area could become one of the largest with 12 hospitals in the city and surrounding suburbs.
Colorado’s largest food drive connects veterans and their families with food and health resources
Southern Colorado veterans receive fresh food, health resources and ongoing support through the annual Heroes Helping Heroes event.
From Bedrock to Business: The Last Mile of Agentic AI - SPONSOR CONTENT WEBINAR FROM AWS AND WORKATO
Sponsor Content Webinar from AWS and Workato.
SEC opposes LSU bid to end lawsuit - Dispute remains 'live'
The SEC is opposing LSU's request to dismiss the conference's lawsuit against the university and its officials, saying a live controversy still exists between the parties.
Are Tarrant Latino voters a swing group for 2026 midterm elections?
Latino voters have swayed between Democrats and Republicans.
Russell Brand's U.K. sexual assault trial begins: What to know
Russell Brand faces prosecution for multiple counts each of rape and sexual assault. His trial is underway at Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
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.
SPECIAL REPORT: Tough Business
A string of vacant restaurant buildings shows that many restaurants in the region are struggling — and several are closing By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11132 align=alignright width=401] Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008.[/caption] By their nature, most restaurants have a limited life. An astonishing 60% go out of business within three years of opening, largely due to fundamental flaws in the planning of the operation. But even restaurants that experience years of success almost always face eventual closure. The restaurant business is very hard and because of both personal factors and external factors beyond anyone’s control, restaurants don’t last forever. For many restaurants, age is a big factor, according to Kenneth Walsleben, professor of practice, entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at Syracuse University. “The owners have been at it for 20 or 25 years, if not longer, they want some time to themselves,” he said. Such was the case for Jocko’s Famous Ritz Diner in Oswego. Jocko Reitz bought the building in the late 1970s from Robert Shapiro. However, when he stepped away from the business, it eventually closed. [caption id=attachment_11142 align=alignright width=402] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s Restaurant passed through three generations of family in Oswego. It closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025.[/caption] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s passed through three generations of family in Oswego. Vona’s Restaurant officially closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025, when no family member wanted to take over. It is on the market. The Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026. The restaurant faced multiple temporary health department closures in 2024 and 2025 due to persistent fruit fly and foundation pest issues. Management posted a final closure notice on the doors in mid-April 2026 and the building was put up for sale. The same pattern has been happening in Onondaga County. The big building once used by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay remains empty, more than six months after the restaurant closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008. [caption id=attachment_11130 align=alignright width=401] Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026.[/caption] Just down the road from Smokey Bones, the popular Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty. Other very popular restaurants in the northern suburbs of Syracuse have recently closed. Among them, Fireside by the River in Baldwinsville and Primo Nestico’s Bistro Bar in North Syracuse. “I haven’t really paid attention to the Syracuse area. There has always been some turnover, but there probably has never been a tougher time to be a restauranter than now. It’s just brutal,” Walsleben said. In the first year, roughly 20% to 25% of restaurants close or change hands, according to the National Restaurant Association. [caption id=attachment_11122 align=alignright width=401] Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty.[/caption] “Depending on what statistics you look at, you’ll find that any business has a high mortality rate in the first year. That is just the nature of entrepreneurship,” Walsleben said. “There are certain ones that are getting hit hard while others are more fruitful. “And when you look at the restaurant industry you have to factor in labor which is a large part — typically a third of your expenses — and those costs are going up. And there is always turnover which means investing money to train people. Then you’ve got food costs, which is also a third of the typical restaurant budget. Since the pandemic labor has gone up 41%, food costs have gone up 35%. That’s a big tight squeeze righty there. That’s two-thirds of your budget that has gone up 35% to 40% in the last few years. And then the only way you can make that work is to raise the prices.” The National Restaurant Association reports menu prices are up 36% since February of 2020. In a survey released by the association, more than eight in 10 restaurant owners reported that their food, beverage and labor costs are now higher than before the pandemic. You have to deal with the reality of are the customers willing to pay for that? Walsleben added. Restaurants historically have very thin margins; their profit margin is about 5%. “You have a third that goes into food, a third that goes into labor and about 28%, 29% that goes into everything else — overhead, insurance etc. So that brings you down to your 5% leftover,” he said. “Everything is going up. Customer expectations are going up and people aren’t going to spend that much more. So, you have a tight squeeze here,” Walsleben continued. “Restaurants who use delivery apps, they pay a fee to those guys. Those guys don’t work for free. So, you can kind of see where the squeeze comes from.” Stuck in the middle There are pockets of opportunity; the two extremes of the market can make a profit. But the middle gets squeezed out. “If you are a low-end fast-food kind of place, there is room for that. People have changed their budgets. They are still going out, but they are not spending more,” according to Walsleben. “The high end remains positive. If you have a restaurant that brings a specific experience … a great food product or you are catering to high end customers who aren’t so budget conscious, those patrons are going to expect a high-end experience. They expect excellent food every time. They are expecting excellent service. If you can meet those expectations there is room for you at the top. It’s just the guys in the middle are getting the squeeze from both ends. Tough competition, customer expectations, costs are up. Menu items, you can’t raise the prices as much as you need to. That is why you are seeing a lot of restaurants baling out.” The ones that can adapt quickly are the ones who are doing OK. “Success is heavily dependent on the strength of a restaurant’s concept development and the planning of its execution. Eventually things aren’t always new. Things change. So, if you are in the restaurant business you have got to change your menu — keep things new, fresh and update your meals. It is very fickle industry. One year carbs are out, the next year berries are out. Everybody’s diet changes — constantly chasing the latest phase. You have got to adjust your menu and move with those modifications. If you have a static menu that you have used the last couple years that hasn’t changed except for the pricing, you’ve got a problem,” he said. A lot of times these buildings are singular purpose, he added. “You have a commercially viable kitchen and you got a seating area. There is not a lot of other businesses that cater to that type of a layout. So, it’s pretty common to see another restaurant slide in,” he said. One of the things a banker learns early on is you don’t lend money to restaurants … because they fail so quickly. It is very hard to predict who the winners will be. So, if you are a restaurant in addition to all the other challenges, it is very difficult to get loans, according to Walsleben. “You might work really well in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you are a great businessperson,” he said. “Restaurants can fail because the owner didn’t know how to manage things properly. There are a lot of challenges. “There is opportunity at the high end and the low end. But in the middle, that’s the death valley. There are just so many things working against you. You really need to have something that will pull people in and continue to pull people in because you to constantly have to change. Think about a theme and a product that is unique to the area people don’t travel that far these days you have to be able to deliver it in an innovative fashion and keep updating to keep people coming in the door.” Out of Business? How Fast? Do nine out of 10 restaurants fail in their first year, as commonly claimed? No. Survival analysis of 1.9 million longitudinal microdata for 81,000 full-service restaurants in a 20-year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics non public census of business establishments in the western US shows that only 17% of independently owned full-service restaurant startups failed in their first year, compared with 19% for all other service-providing startups, according to ResearchGate. The median lifespan of restaurants is about 4.5 years, slightly longer than that of other service businesses (4.25 years). However, the median lifespan of a restaurant startup with 5 or fewer employees is 3.75 years, slightly shorter than that of other service businesses of the same startup size (4.0 years). What Makes a Restaurant Successful? Opening and maintaining a successful restaurant is not as easy as creating a great menu and serving excellent food. It takes more than that, according to local restaurant owners who have been in business for decades in the region. They all agree that there are some guidelines to running a successful restaurant. • Quality food: Successful restaurants know exactly what they serve and who they serve it to. Delivering the same great taste every single time builds loyal customers. • Smooth operations: Friendly greetings and attentive staff make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in. Hiring staff for personality and training for skill ensures reliable, caring service. • Smart marketing: Exceptional food and experiences naturally get people talking and sharing online. Word of mouth can help entice customers. Consistent social media and targeted advertising brings in new and repeat guests also. The menu is what keeps patrons coming back to Mimi’s Diner in Fulton, located at 201 N. Second St. “We locally source our produce and our meats. Our chicken and biscuits is a popular, popular special,” said Richard Tagliareni, the third-generation owner and general manager. “It’s all homemade. We have consistently served quality food.” His grandfather started the business more than 55 years ago. Mimi’s is engrained in the community. They cater to the community and are very involved in everything from the schools to local events. The first Mimi’s Drive-In opened in Mexico. Then a second in Oswego and then Fulton. Fulton’s Mimi’s is the only one left. “The last couple of weeks have been kind of slower than normal. October is usually a busier month for us People will start coming back around again. Also, the price of gas is affecting some things,” Tagliareni added. “We try to keep our prices in line. You go out to eat, you’re going to spend about a hundred bucks or so for two people for dinner. You come here to Mimi’s you are probably for two people for dinner it’s between $50 and $60. We are trying to keep our prices in line. We did have to increase our prices a little bit but things are looking OK.” For the Press Box, 29 E. First St., Oswego, it’s also about great food and a family atmosphere. “Our sports bar and restaurant was established in 1984,” said Alison Canale Scanlon, manager. “I think putting the time into everything makes a big difference and treating people like family when they walk into your restaurant. That’s how we have always operated since 1984.” “It’s the family oriented aspect,” she added. “Consistency, quality and presentation of our food — that’s the secret to a successful restaurant. We try to be very consistent with it. We treat people like family when they come in; because we know how we want to be treated when we go to a restaurant. We treat people the same or better.”
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
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