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Daldrop Opens for Business in Southern Oswego County

$10 Million Facility in the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park marks the largest expansion outside of Germany in the company’s 73-year history By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11076 align=alignright width=450] Daldrop SBB CEO Jens Daldrop addresses attendees at the 2025 groundbreaking for the project. Daldrop also chairs the advisory board of Germany-based Daldrop Group.[/caption] A new era of cleanroom technology is underway in Central New York. The Daldrop Group’s advanced manufacturing facility and U.S. headquarters is physically built within the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park. This industrial park is located in the town of Schroeppel. It marks the largest expansion outside of Germany in the company’s 73-year history. Daldrop SBB is based in Neckartailfingen, Germany. It is a global supplier of cleanroom technology, primarily to the pharmaceutical industry. It designs and builds advanced cleanroom environments for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology industries. It nvested $10 million in the new project. “We broke ground in 2025; we were under construction all winter. We just opened this spring, early spring,” said Benjamin Morrow, operations manager and control. The company consolidated sites in Salina and DeWitt into the industrial park in Schroeppel, Morrow added. “The next move here is to maximize every square inch of this facility and then we are already looking at the expansion. So, it is more capital investment on equipment — definitely higher-end automation in additional equipment so we can produce more components and then to support the ever-growing base in North America,” Morrow continued. “We are the headquarters for service, maintenance and spare parts. So as Daldrop has more and more installations, they need more and more service, maintenance and spare parts. So that will come out of this facility as well — it already is.” “As a global leader in GMP (global manufacturing support) pharmaceutical cleanrooms for decades, I am very proud to bring manufacturing jobs to Upstate New York,” said Mike Sullivan, president of Daldrop US operations. Key to choosing Southern Oswego County [caption id=attachment_11077 align=alignright width=450] Daldrop SBB at the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park when the company announced the start of construction.[/caption] Sullivan said that the selection of the Schroeppel industrial park was mainly due to the help of Operation Oswego County and two people in the organization. “Prior to being purchased by Daldrop International from the Stuttgart region of Germany, Vince Bongio was a founding partner in SBB Inc. as well as our head of engineering. We based out of Syracuse due to Vince’s skills in HVAC and the manufacturing capabilities found in Syracuse,” said Sullivan. Bongio moved to Syracuse from California in the 1970s to work in Carrier’s Industrial Division of Large-Scale Petrochemical Refrigeration. Next, he advanced to General Electric’s TV Tube Plant where he got into cleanrooms ,leading to his role of head of engineering for Clestra Cleanrooms where he met Sullivan, their New England distributor. “Vince Bongio is a phenomenal engineer. Formerly of Carrier, he grew up in California and went to Cal Poly,” Sullivan explained. “Carrier hired him right out of college and he moved to Syracuse. He is the reason we are in Syracuse today. He is retiring this year. We are very proud and his legacy is having brought Daldrop to Syracuse.” In 2000, Sullivan, Bazinet, Bongio Inc (SBB) was formed with engineering and manufacturing, based in Syracuse, and sales and construction based in Massachusetts as it is today. “SBB Inc. started in Syracuse. I had a design–build contracting firm out of Massachusetts that was primarily doing all the new technologies coming out of MIT,” Sullivan said. “I started a manufacturing side. A big thing for cleanrooms is the HVAC. Most cleanroom suppliers are architecturally focused people. The strength in Syracuse is HVAC. So, SBB developed with me running sales and construction out of Massachusetts and manufacturing out of Syracuse.” “Daldrop wanted to have a relationship in the States and of those who approached us, they were the only ones who really understood HVAC. So, we were the right fit for them. We did a joint venture focused out of Massachusetts from 2012 to 2018 leveraging their technologies,” Sullivan explained. “The commitment was if we brought their product to the States, we would do that if they built it here. “The pieces that had to be in place to make the investment, they wanted to acquire us, we were great with that. If you looked at business recommendations the general guidance was to build in a low labor area — something like North Carolina — but Syracuse had a strong background in HVAC and we chose Syracuse and Oswego County to be our headquarters in the States. So, it is built off of history, technology and the existing supply chain — bringing jobs back to the area.” During the initial discussions with Daldrop about coming to the U.S., SBB agreed to sell under the conditions Daldrop would manufacture in the U.S. There are many areas that offer incentives and economic packages, but the strength of HVAC expertise and skilled manufacturing was a big part of the discussions for site selection. Coming home [caption id=attachment_11078 align=alignright width=451] Construction moves forward in March at the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park.[/caption] The second key person to building in Oswego County is Ben Morrow, Sullivan added. “Ben has been working with Daldrop SBB for more than 12 years and has advanced to COO of manufacturing and engineering. Ben grew up in Phoenix, so building a factory for the Germany company in Phoenix is a strong success for both his community and the appreciation of Ben’s skills as a team leader,” Sullivan said. “I went to high school in Phoenix. So, this is like full circle for me. It’s a small world,” Morrow said. “I hadn’t been back to Phoenix since graduation. This is one of the properties that John Trimble of C&S, he is the former president of C&S, he just retired, suggested. He and I were very good personal friends. John was from Mexico and I was from Phoenix. We knew each other from high school. And the architect of this building, Ed Smart of smartDESIGN Architecture in Batavia — I went to high school with him. So, this was a project that’s full circle a coming home kind of thing. The three of us knew each other — kind of like it was meant to be. Very serendipitous.” Schroeppel was one option for Daldrop to consider; the original intent was just to get a warehouse to store some product, he added. The facility is Daldrop’s largest outside of their native country. Total payroll at the facility will be approximately $2.4 million once fully staffed. “Here is 32,000 square feet and we plan to expand and put in an additional 10,000 square feet,” Morrow said. “We have 17.5 acres. We can put at least three more facilities here, just on this property. The master plan submitted for the current building is the first of possible three buildings on the campus.” “If we can find the right people and advance the production according to the plan, we should be able to grow for the next decade. One of the first jobs we filled was our new HR manager, with a primary focus posting and filling new positions,” Sullivan said. Stop the exodus, start hiring [caption id=attachment_11080 align=alignright width=452] Principals at the local Daldrop SBB headquarters, from left: Ben Morrow, Mike Sullivan and Jens Daldrop.[/caption] “I have been coming to Syracuse for 30 years. One of the things I had a hard time watching was the exodus of factories. One of the toughest things is to watch it with my partners’ kids who had to move away for jobs. It is important for us to give opportunity where people’s kids don’t have to leave the area to get work,” Sullivan said. “My responsibility is to find people who have skill sets that want to work and then I have to build opportunity for that work to happen. “After years of watching companies and Vince’s three sons all move out of the areas to get jobs, it is important to us to provide opportunities for the Syracuse region and help grow our company. We have been hiring for our new factory and will continue for the next few years.” “We are hiring and will continue to hire. Currently we have about 19 on staff right now,” Morrow said. “We expect to grow that by about 10 to 15 in the next 12 to 18 months or so. We are at 19 currently — one in the wings. It’s been great being able to hire locally. All these folks that we’ve been hiring, they all live within a few miles from here.” “We hired someone this past week (end of August). She grew up in the area, raised a family and is working down in Florida. She just took a job with us so she can move back and be with her family. We will be moving her back and she should be starting in October. We are very happy to see this happen,” Sullivan said. “I feel strongly about having a spot for the kids to not have to move out of the area. It is better to have people moving into the area.” Currently, Daldrop SBB has openings for finance manager, COO of construction and delivery, as well as mechanical, electrical designers and Revit modelers, construction managers, commissioning agents and many other skills that are needed. Along with Daldrop’s reputation in life science cleanrooms, there is a strong history in semiconductor, electronics, glass, photonics, aerospace and other markets. This may be helpful with any new technologies building in the market such as the Micron expansion and the support network, Sullivan said. “We acquired this property and closed on it two months before any announcement from Micron. It is serendipitous that they’re right down the street from us,” Morrow added. “Everybody started thinking ‘you guys are supporting Micron.’ We were here first. That is not a goal of ours. We may or may not … they are talking to us; it is an opportunity.” The long run [caption id=attachment_11079 align=alignright width=450] Benjamin Morrow, operations manager and control at Daldlrop, speaks during a recent ribbon-cutting event in Schroeppel.[/caption] “Long term, we will expand the Phoenix facility,” Sullivan said. “We built our facility with a campus approach. Sustainability is big. We designed our rooms to be more sustainable. Our building has no gas lines for heat. We put geothermal wells in the ground. We put heat pumps in for heating and cooling out of those wells and we put a large layer of solar panels up on the roof. We worked with National Grid for metering. Our building is a high efficiency model. We upgraded all the instillation and the glass filtering. So, it is a very green building. We will have a very minimal carbon footprint. It also adheres to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) construction standards.” “We are a bunch of HVAC engineers. We did a large scale geothermal and spent the money up front because we knew it made sense in the business sense in the environmental sense and sustainability,” Morrow said. “We have insulated metal panels on walls and roof; we are an envelope from the exterior.” Daldrop, as a global player, has a strong culture of sustainability that is found in all its products including the new facility. The building has been designed with (sixteen) 400-foot deep geothermal wells, high efficiency construction methods, approximately 70 kilowatt solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle chargers and 26% recycled content. “Daldrop thinks of long-term investing,” Sullivan said. “On the roof, photovoltaic panels supplement our power. Over half the energy that I use is coming from the sun. We have chargers up front for employee electric vehicles. This place is built to last. This slab that we are walking on, normal buildings are four inches, some go to six inches, we are nine inches all the way through — except where the heavy equipment is — that is 10 to 12 inches thick, solid concrete. It allows us to reconfigure for whatever type of equipment we want to bring in,” Morrow said. “We are authorized by Underwriters Laboratory to self-certify so we don’t need to have an inspector come out and recertify. We get audited often, but we certify our own electronics. The control system in this building is rather high-end. Our thermostat in every room is zoned, independent. We analyze the data; incorporate it with our solar panels.” “There is a lot of competition for people to work. It’s not just about how much salary they are going to make — it’s about the work environment, the ability for stability. We want to make sure our employees have the best environment to work in,” Morrow added. Similarities “One of the reasons I believe why Daldrop chose this area, Phoenix in particular, is because it is a village, a river-based village. Neckartailfingen in Germany where Daldrop is based is also a river-based village, manufacturing community. So, there is a lot of similarities — that smalltown feel,” Morrow said. “We have a lot of connections through multiple employees that lead back to Carrier, also. Everything came together, the timing everything.” “We are thankful for all the economic development support. Everyone has been helping make this happen. So, keep it up, it is working, that is all I got to say, Sullivan said. “If you look at historical industrial manufacturing, this region has skills that have been un-utilized. The northern industrial region has a lot of skills that if we can tap before they go away, we can leverage them. That is what we are trying to do. You’d be surprised at the supply chain left behind from Carrier — that supply chain is still there.” “Operation Oswego County has been fantastic,” Morrow added. “I can’t say enough good things about that group.” What Is Cleanroom Technology Cleanroom technology is a system of specialized engineering, filtration and operational controls used to maintain an extremely low concentration of airborne particles, microbes and chemical vapors. How It Works • Air Filtration: Uses HEPA or ULPA filters to remove 99.97% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns. • Airflow Control: Directs air in a steady, unidirectional (laminar) or filtered turbulent pattern to push dust away from work areas. • Environmental Regulation: Maintains precise control over temperature, humidity and positive air pressure to block outside air leaks. • Specialized Attire: Requires personnel to wear full-body garments (“bunny suits”), gloves and masks to stop human shedding

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

BUSINESS UPDATE: Attracting World-Renowned Piercing Educators to Oswego

Growing number of renowed piercers are coming to Oswego to share knowledge at newly opened Aqua Spa Float Center piercing suite Submited by Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique [caption id=attachment_11066 align=alignright width=450] Recent opening of Aqua Spa Float Center piercing suite.[/caption] Professional piercers and educators from countries including France, Scotland and India have come to Oswego’s Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique to share their knowledge In the past year and a half, the Port City has become a destination for some of the industry’s most respected educators through the efforts of the Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique. Beginning in January of 2025, Aqua Spa Float Center envisioned a new version of body piercing, one where elegance, safety and personal expression could converge. According to the Aqua Spa, piercing is no longer just a trend — it’s a refined form of personal identity, luxury styling and self-investment. It’s not only about the jewelry — it’s about the entire experience. The team welcomed first guest piercer Ruben Triguero, a senior French piercer, piercing stylist and international educator, who has over two decades of experience and has worked in some of the world’s best studios, including Paris, Rome, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Dubai. In those studios, he offered his expertise and refined styling skills. Triguero is a prominent figure and leader in the piercing community and shares his knowledge with piercers teaching classes for the industry’s most prestigious organizations, including Latinoamérica Body Piercing Association (LBP) and Association of Professional Piercers (APP). He is currently the senior international instructor of the APP. Triguero has a passion for creating stunning, personalized piercings for clients around the world. Education and Mentorship Following a year of success and popularity, Aqua Spa Float Center hosted the grand opening of its private dedicated piercing suite in March. Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness celebrated this next chapter with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino, members of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and community members. The educational focus, aligned with Aqua Spa Float Center’s vision and mission, had already begun expanding beyond clients. Aqua Spa has hosted multiple workshops and continuing education opportunities for professional piercers, inviting studios from across the region to gain hands-on experience from internationally recognized instructors without the expense of traveling to national or international conferences. These educational events have welcomed nationally and internationally recognized professional piercers and educators from countries including France, Scotland, India, and throughout the United States. Aqua Spa also continues to collaborate with talented regional and local professionals, creating opportunities for education and mentorship that benefit both industry peers and clients throughout Central New York. Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique owners — Tammy Wilkinson and Terry LeRoi — have been deeply rooted in the piercing industry with over 30 years in business as LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery. Combining that experience with holistic wellness, self-care and self-expression is the new concept with the client Luxe Piercing Experience at the Aqua Spa Float Center. “At LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery and Aqua Spa Float Center, we’ve been fortunate to work with many of the world’s most respected piercers through our involvement with the Association of Professional Piercers and by attending conferences across North America and Europe,” said LeRoi, founder of LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery and co-owner of Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique. “Those experiences have shown us that education is what drives our industry forward. “Not every piercer or studio can travel to major conferences like the APP Conference in Las Vegas or APP Benelux in the Netherlands, so we’re committed to bringing that level of education here. Hosting internationally respected educators like Jef Saunders allows our clients to experience the highest standards of professional piercing while giving piercers throughout the Northeast the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the profession. That’s something we’re incredibly proud to offer our community.” When asked about the client experience, Wilkinson explained that education is at the heart of every appointment as well. “Our vision is to nurture and enhance wellness, balance and harmony through a multi-modality-centered facility, and we aspire to empower sustained, positive change, well-being and self-awareness; and educate to the benefits of natural health, holistic wellness and life balance,” Wilkison explains. “Piercing is no different. The piercing experience feels just as peaceful and rejuvenating as any other spa services. From the moment our clients arrive, they are in the very best hands with our kind and professional Wellness Ambassadors and experienced APP guest piercers.” Wilkinson also explained that piercing clients receive stellar care: every Luxe Piercing appointment includes a one-on-one private piercing in Aqua Spa’s dedicated piercing suite, their choice of custom jewellery by LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery, thorough after-care instructions and complementary check-up appointment, complementary whole-body red light therapy session in the Class II NovoTHOR medical device to promote healing, and access to many rejuvenating spa services. Piercing clients get 15% off during any event. According to Wilkinson, “Health and safety are always our highest priority when you come in for a piercing or jewelry installation. Before each appointment, all tools and jewelry are sterilized in a Statim autoclave, and every surface in the piercing room is carefully disinfected. During the procedure, your piercer will wear a mask and change gloves as needed to maintain a sterile environment. Once your piercing is complete, your piercer will go over detailed aftercare instructions with you. Following these steps is crucial to ensure proper healing before you leave our sanctuary.” As a part of the experience, guest piercers include a thorough anatomy review of the client’s desired piercing to ensure the new addition will work in harmony with the existing. “Our clients are enjoying building and creating ear curations with these international professionals. It’s a unique styling event and a chance to highlight self-expression,” Wilkinson said. Clients and piercers throughout the region are flocking to this piercing destination in Upstate New York. The Luxe Piercing Experience has welcomed clients and piercers alike from around the globe. Owners Wilkinson and LeRoi hope to continue the momentum with more educational seminars with industry experts to be a hub of knowledge and expertise. They hope to establish LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery and Aqua Spa Float Center as legacy businesses known for their lasting, positive impact on the piercing and holistic wellness industries.

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

Are Bank Lobbies Still Relevant?

Local banking leaders say technology is changing the way customers use their banks — and their lobbies By Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11109 align=alignright width=300] Steve Gorczynski is M&T Bank Central New York regional president.[/caption] When was the last time you entered the lobby of your bank? If it’s been a while, you’re part of a trend of eschewing the lobby in favor of ATMs, drive-thrus, online banking and remote deposit. A 2025 study performed by the American Bankers Association revealed that only 9% of consumers use bank branches as their preferred way to do banking and 76% prefer mobile banking. The trend away from the lobby reflects consumer behavior in other areas of doing business, including online shopping instead of perusing the mall, ordering fast food at a kiosk, not at the counter and selecting curbside pick-up rather than walking into the restaurant. Consumers want convenience and going in the lobby adds another layer to the task. It also places consumers face to face with one or more representatives of the business, something less favorable to people feeling burned out from interpersonal interactions. Nixing or at least minimizing the size of the lobby isn’t necessarily negative for banks. Fewer people passing through their doors reduces overhead for building maintenance, staffing and furnishing. Greater reliance on virtual banking can mean closing brick and mortar locations and hiring fewer staffers to cover roles like teller and lending officer. “Our focus is on meeting customers where they are and giving them flexibility in how they bank,” said Steve Gorczynski, M&T Bank Central New York regional president. “While many everyday transactions can be supported digitally and through ATMs, branches remain important for more complex financial needs, offering face-to-face guidance and a more personal banking experience.” Talking with a commercial lender or working on a home mortgage are two examples where meeting face-to-face is more desirable for many people. They can receive immediate feedback to questions and can possibly reach their goals more quickly. But there’s little need to have a large seating area, long counters and numerous tellers for routine banking that’s quicker to handle virtually. Online banking can also help people on the go more readily complete banking tasks such as depositing checks, transferring funds among accounts and checking balances. [caption id=attachment_11135 align=alignright width=300] Tina M. Stephens is the vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank.[/caption] “The traditional bank lobby is certainly being evaluated by most institutions today, as the typical large, open and cavernous spaces do not necessarily meet the needs of today’s customers,” said Tina M. Stephens, vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank. “Traditional lobbies often bisect traditional teller stations and customer service areas, which adds confusion, especially for the demographic who routinely use online banking and only access the lobby for customer service needs.” Despite the rollback in physical locations across the industry, Fulton Savings Bank began modernizing its six branch offices in Oswego and Onondaga counties about three years ago and have finished four offices so far in Baldwinsville, Fulton, Constantia, and Phoenix. “We made the decision to build a new branch across the street from our current office in Brewerton which will be completed by the end of 2026, and we will begin the retrofit of our Central Square office in early 2027,” Stephens said. “Our efforts specifically address where we think customers will be in the next three to five years and have greater flexibility to make changes out into the future.” The bank may be onto something, as numerous reports state that screen-weary Gen Z young adults crave more in-person interactions than virtual ones. If the pendulum continues to swing in that direction, it’s hard to see all physical bank areas disappear, even if they change somewhat. Fulton Savings Bank has also consolidated its teller and customer service representative areas to larger “universal banker” areas, where the bank representative can address all customer retail needs. A one-stop-shop experience appeals to busy banking customers who want to perform a few different banking tasks in one visit. Stephens also said that Fulton Savings Bank made additional technology and security enhancements and created flex spaces to accommodate bank meetings throughout the two-county branch footprint. At Solvay Bank, Elizabeth Lavier, vice president marketing and communications manager, lauded digital and online services as convenient and flexible for managing finances; however, “technology is not meant to replace what matters most: the relationships behind every account that have always been at the heart of community banking,” she said. “Even in today’s digital-first world, people of all ages still value the opportunity to sit down with a trusted banker for personalized guidance. We understand that some of life’s biggest moments call for more than a screen.” Lavier views digital banking as another way for the organization to serve customers rather than a replacement for branches, tellers and lenders, which tend to serve customers better for transactions like buying a first car, purchasing a home, saving for a child’s education, or planning for retirement. “Those conversations, built on understanding, experience and personal guidance, are what community banking is all about,” Lavier said. “At the end of the day, banking is about more than transactions. It’s about helping our customers achieve their goals and being there for them every step of the way. By combining the convenience of digital banking with the care, commitment, and personal service of a local community bank, Solvay Bank offers customers the best of both worlds.” Are Paper Checks Destined to Disappear? With the ubiquity of debit cards, online payments, virtual checks and peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo, Zelle and PayPal, will paper checks become passe? “In my view, paper checks are unlikely to disappear in the near future,” said Tina M. Stephens, vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank. “They continue to serve a practical purpose by providing a clear paper trail and tangible proof of payment.” According to the American Banker, a leading trade publication that covers the banking and financial industry, in 2024, checks accounted for 65% of all payment fraud losses. Paper checks should be phased out, according to the publication. “The phrase, ‘The check’s in the mail’ probably sounds strange to younger people because the era of paper checks is rapidly drawing to a close. Put bluntly, checks are an expensive, insecure legacy that is a drag on the U.S. economy. Rather than wait for them to vanish slowly, the pragmatic choice is to strategically accelerate the transition to paperless payments.”

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

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.”

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

Retiring from Farming

Start now to ensure your farm passes to the next generation Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11062 align=alignright width=405] Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet: “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” he says.[/caption] Roughly 70% of family-owned farms will transfer ownership withing the next two decades, according to data from to the USDA census. Only 30% of those will remain in the family. The number of farms in New York is shrinking as the size of farms increases. In other words, there are fewer farms in the state, but they’re much larger. This is why succession planning is so important for family farms. A farm represents not only a way to make a living but a legacy and family tradition. Many families want to preserve the small farm segment of agriculture and the values it represents. Passing the family farm to the next generation can’t be left to chance. And it shouldn’t be left for “the kids to figure out” after the older generation dies. Succession planning in agriculture isn’t like other types of business retirement planning or personal final planning. “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” said Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet. “Most farmers, their assets and the way they live and survive in retirement is tied up in the equity in the farm. Those conversations must take place a lot earlier than they think. They’re dealing with something asset-heavy that may require a trust and tax planning.” NY FarmNet offers farmers free, confidential consultation services regarding financial and business management, and family, and mental health support for farmers in New York state. It’s a program of Cornell University in Ithaca. Howell urges farmers to begin the conversation early. Most family farms are run by generations with the oldest generation most involved and typically with fewer of the middle-aged adults and young adults involved. Some of the younger generation may have off-farm jobs and not live on the homestead. “Different people have different expectations on their legacy,” Howell said. “Intergenerational conflict and discussions can be difficult. It may be good to check with NY FarmNet or Ag Mediation to help mediate these conversations with a third party. A lot of farms have broken up because people can’t decide how to divide things.” New York State Agricultural Mediation Program is a USDA‑certified, free or low‑cost service for farmers. Fair is not always equal. A sole owner simply stating that he wants to divide things equally among his children may leave one-quarter of the farm operation to an adult child who moved away and hasn’t sat in a tractor for decades. The three adult children who have toiled on the farm for 30 years may need to buy out the fourth, non-farming sibling but cannot because all of their money is tied up in the equipment, land and stock that supports their livelihood. Their payrate may not allow them to set aside much to buy out the non-farming sibling. As a result, they may need to sell parts of the farm off in order to keep it. However, doing so may limit their ability to sufficiently support their families. The farm owner may need to bequeath more assets to the farming siblings because their efforts have kept the farm going and without those assets and their work, the farm will cease operations. Howell advises seeking professional help on tax and legal issues. Without it, families can be exposed to expensive problems and infighting. A third-party expert can help farm families navigate what is truly fair in the family’s succession plans. Beyond the practical aspects of inheritance, succession also relies upon planning who will operate the farm and how. “I think it’s important that farmers understand the means and methods of farming are always changing,” Howell said. For example, many young adult farmers earn a degree at a school such as Cornell, SUNY Cobleskill or Morrisville, work on a different farm for a while and then return to their family farm with big ideas on how to improve the farm — if only their dad and uncles will agree. Intergenerational conflict is often centered on newer ideas such agritourism, online marketing and shipping goods. “It causes conflict,” Howell said. “A lot of it comes down to communication and respect within the family. If no one in the family wants to take on farming, what we’ll see is older farmers start to help trusted managers buy into the farm.” The middle-aged generation, now in their 40s and 50s, often struggle with wresting the helm from their parents. Howell said that many older farmers don’t discuss with their grown children their vital business information such as vendors, ordering supplies, pricing, recordkeeping and farm planning. They even claim that “the kids” aren’t ready yet. These gaps in cross-training may cause significant problems even before the older generation dies, if there’s an illness or injury. Howell urges farmers to document these processes and cross-train others on the farm how to handle these areas “to make sure if one person is incapacitated, the entire operation is not at risk,” he said. Mark Modzeleski, financial adviser, financial planner and president at Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY in Syracuse, advises families to talk sooner than later about who should be operating the farm. “Someone is driving the farm,” he said. “Have you decided who? Be honest when you have that conversation. Who do they turn to when there’s a question? Or who has the potential to be leaders?” Planning for leadership continuity is vital. Unfortunately, talking like this can become fraught with emotions if it’s only the family involved. Modzeleski advised finding a third party who can help drive the conversation. “Invite the right people to the conversation who can get you from point A to point B,” he said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” It may take sitting down a few times with an estate planning attorney who specializes in farm transition, along with a tax professional and others who can help moderate and plan. Family members, owners and possibly, integral farm managers should attend the meetings. “Figure out what you want your legacy to be,” Modzeleski added.

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

HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Mini 2 Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared

Apple yesterday announced the HomePod mini 2, introducing the compact smart speaker's first major hardware update in six years. The new model retains the original's spherical design, but adds an S10 chip, faster wireless connectivity, Sound Glow lighting, new Mac and home theater capabilities, and support for Siri AI in a future software update. The HomePod mini 2 costs $149 in the United States, $20 more than its predecessor's last Apple price of $129.

Oct 14 • 8:14 AM EDT • Technology • macrumors.com

NY measles outbreak more widespread than official count, health officials say

In some upstate communities, officials say entire households have been found to be infected.

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

Scientists reveal why some workout recovery tricks can backfire

Ice baths, massages, compression garments, and recovery supplements promise faster muscle recovery, but research suggests their benefits are often overstated, and some techniques may even undermine long-term gains. Scientists say the most effective recovery methods are far simpler and cheaper: getting enough sleep, eating well, and giving muscles time to rebuild.

Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Former assisted living facility in Huxley converted into apartments

A former assisted living facility in Huxley has been converted into apartments, expanding housing options in the community of more than 4,500 people. Northpark Row has been developed by Coterie Real Estate. It redevelops the former assisted living facility that had been the site of Madrid Home of Huxley and later Ballard Creek Assisted Living.…

Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • businessrecord.com

Which remaining Ohio State game are you most excited for?

The Buckeyes have six games remaining on their regular-season schedule, each with its own amount of intrigue. For this week’s fan survey, we want to know which game you are most excited about. Click the link and vote!

Oct 14 • 6:31 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Trump heads to rallies in Arizona and Montana after campaign stop-off in Alaska

Trump has taken to campaigning in conservative-leaning ​parts of competitive states, rather than in more politically diverse areas

Oct 14 • 6:04 AM EDT • Politics • theguardian.com

'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.

Oct 14 • 6:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • wvgazettemail.com

What to watch in the CNN & Jubilee town hall with James Talarico

James Talarico’s bid to become the first Democrat in a generation to win statewide in Texas after three decades of disappointments is in its final stretch.

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • cnn.com

Roaches, rats and more: Health violations at 12 Central Florida eateries last week

Last week, more than a dozen Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down (at least temporarily) after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Health • clickorlando.com

A 41st House District rematch: Brett Miller vs. Brad Chambers

Lancaster County’s 41st state House District race features a rematch between Republican incumbent Brett Miller and Democrat Brad Chambers.

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • lancasteronline.com

Police sergeant challenges Mindy Fee in the 37th House District

Republican state Rep. Mindy Fee has represented the bright-red 37th District for 13 years. This year, Chad Gleissl, a Warwick Township Democrat and York College campus police sergeant, is fighting

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • lancasteronline.com

36th House District race among Pennsylvania\'s most competitive

Democrat James Malone did the unthinkable last year when he won a state Senate seat in a bright red district against an established Republican candidate.

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • lancasteronline.com

Democrat offers Greiner uncommon opposition in 43rd House District

For the first time in eight years, Republican state Rep. Keith Greiner faces competition in the 43rd House District. Democrat Bryan Peirson, a carpenter for a Chester County-based cabinet company,

Oct 14 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • lancasteronline.com

Lobbyists and trade groups fight to shape how states regulate medical AI

Lobbying groups for doctors and hospitals and trade groups are working behind the scenes on how to regulate AI in medicine.

Oct 14 • 4:30 AM EDT • Health • statnews.com

Colorado State vs Texas State Prediction: Who Gets a Fresh Start?

Colorado State is in a freefall, and Texas State is coming off a horrible loss. One of them will get its Pac-12 season going. Here's our preview and prediction.

Oct 14 • 2:39 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Retirement advisors have a major small business opportunity

State mandates and plan complexity are opening doors for financial advisors in the 401 market.

Oct 14 • 2:31 AM EDT • Business • investmentnews.com

Gluesenkamp Perez, John Braun clash in final debate before election

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and state Sen. John Braun sought to portray each other as beholden to outside interests in their final debate ahead of the election.

Oct 14 • 12:28 AM EDT • Politics • seattletimes.com

IU Kelley School of Business to hold Futurecast 2027 at The Commons

Economists at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business will provide guidance and help Hoosiers understand where the economy has been and where it may go at Futurecast 2027, an 11-city statewide economic outlook tour that begins Nov. 4 in Indianapolis.

Oct 14 • 12:25 AM EDT • Business • therepublic.com

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

Iowa is grappling with water quality and cancer rates, bringing these issues to the forefront of state politics

Oct 14 • 12:08 AM EDT • Politics • abcnews.com

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

Iowa is grappling with water quality and cancer rates, bringing these issues to the forefront of state politics.

Oct 14 • 12:08 AM EDT • Politics • wsls.com

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

Iowa is grappling with water quality and cancer rates, bringing these issues to the forefront of state politics.

Oct 14 • 12:08 AM EDT • Politics • news4jax.com

TreVeyon Henderson Injury Update: Patriots RB’s Return Timeline Revealed

TreVeyon Henderson has been a key part of New England's offense this year, but the 3-2 Patriots may be without their change-of-pace back for the next month or so. A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product had an up-and-down rookie season but had a knack of churning out big plays. …

Oct 13 • 9:42 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Program for Medicaid patients in New York seeks infusion of state funds

The Health Homes program serves more than 188,000 adults and children in New York who are on Medicaid and who have complex health and mental health needs.

Oct 13 • 9:16 PM EDT • Health • wxxinews.org

Arsenic-laced well water plagues Malheur County mobile home parks

State health warnings haven’t led to solutions for predominately Hispanic communities in Eastern Oregon.

Oct 13 • 8:03 PM EDT • Health • opb.org

Anchorage House districts dominate political fundraising in Alaska legislative races

Legislative races for districts representing South Anchorage, the Hillside, Sand Lake and Campbell Lake could prove pivotal to the political makeup of the state House of Representatives.

Oct 13 • 7:54 PM EDT • Politics • adn.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your 2026 Week 7 college football announcing schedule

Week 7 of the 2026 college football season will feature several marquee matchups, including two battles of teams ranked in the top 10. No. 4 Ohio State and No. 5 Indiana will meet for a showdown in the “Big Noon” slot for Fox, with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt on the call. ESPN’s College GameDay…

Oct 13 • 7:30 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Kotek signs executive order to preserve health care access amid Medicaid cuts

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order on Tuesday directing state agencies to take immediate action to preserve affordable healthcare access in the state.

Oct 13 • 7:02 PM EDT • Health • koin.com

How Ohio State’s Fisher College Of Business Working Professional MBA Helps Military Leaders Build Their Next Mission

For professionals considering their next mission, the Working Professional MBA at Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business offers a pathway to turn experience into opportunity.

Oct 13 • 6:52 PM EDT • Business • poetsandquants.com

Fresno State healthcare grant brings $1.4M to Valley

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

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

Skill game machines shut off statewide, leaving Lancaster County businesses struggling

Businesses in Lancaster County are facing financial losses after Pace-O-Matic shut off skill game machines statewide, requiring their removal by a midnight deadline.

Oct 13 • 6:47 PM EDT • Business • wgal.com

Defense focuses on mental health after state rests in Rodney Hinton murder trial

The defense began calling witnesses Tuesday in the murder trial of Rodney Hinton, shifting the focus to his mental health after he watched video of police shooting and killing his son.

Oct 13 • 6:15 PM EDT • Health • wlwt.com

Arkansas gubernatorial nominees debate education, farming, prison space and maternal health

Arkansas’ three gubernatorial candidates took the stage at Arkansas TV in Conway on Tuesday to discuss issues facing the state ahead of the November election.

Oct 13 • 6:13 PM EDT • Health • kark.com

MSU’s Fresh Check Day features campus mental health resources

Mental health and wellness resources for Spartan students were on full display Tuesday at the third-annual Fresh Check Day at Michigan State University.

Oct 13 • 5:39 PM EDT • Health • wlns.com

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

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

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

Race for 17th Senate District could determine State Senate control

Republican incumbent Howard Marklein is being challenged by Democratic State Assembly Rep. Jenna Jacobson.

Oct 13 • 5:26 PM EDT • Politics • spectrumnews1.com

Gov. Tina Kotek issues new executive order on healthcare access, costs

Gov. Tina Kotek on Oct. 13 issued a wide ranging executive order aimed at protecting access to healthcare ahead of looming federal changes.

Oct 13 • 5:00 PM EDT • Health • statesmanjournal.com

Environmental, political advocates call for data center moratorium in NC

Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Yadkin Riverkeeper, No Data Center Rural Hall and the Carolina Federation are demanding state lawmakers pass a two-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers.

Oct 13 • 4:47 PM EDT • Politics • wfdd.org

3 Montana ballot measures, explained

Montana voters will determine via initiative the future of nonpartisan state courts, corporate spending in politics and the ballot measure process itself.

Oct 13 • 4:36 PM EDT • Politics • montanafreepress.org

Amid on-the-job deaths, Taxi Workers Alliance calls on state to fund driver health benefits

The show of support for a taxi-driver health fund comes after a brutal summer in which four taxi drivers died on the job. All four were dealing with ongoing medical struggles.

Oct 13 • 4:35 PM EDT • Health • nydailynews.com

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.

Oct 13 • 3:48 PM EDT • Health • westvirginiawatch.com

‘Money Talks’ Falls on Deaf Ears at Florida State

As Florida State prepares for their road battle at No. 3 Miami, the story of how the two schools navigated their NIL journey over the last two and half seasons is compelling. The comparison is not even close.

Oct 13 • 3:06 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

USDA Rural Business Development Grants Program has awarded over 1 million dollars

In a major effort to stimulate economic growth and expand job opportunities across rural Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Director Andrew Iverson announced $1.024 million in investments through the USDA Ru…

Oct 13 • 2:53 PM EDT • Business • civicmedia.us

Lions' Jameson Williams' celebration fine rescinded because 'marijuana is legal'

Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams had a fine rescinded upon appeal because he successfully argued "marijuana is legal in some states."

Oct 13 • 2:49 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Cook Political Report shifts 4 governors’ races toward Democrats

Cook Political Report is shifting four gubernatorial races in Democrats’ favor, the nonpartisan election handicapper said Tuesday, all in states which currently have Republican governors. Amo…

Oct 13 • 2:47 PM EDT • Politics • thehill.com

Cook Political Report shifts 4 governors’ races toward Democrats

Cook Political Report is shifting four gubernatorial races in Democrats’ favor, the nonpartisan election handicapper said Tuesday, all in states which currently have Republican governors. Amo…

Oct 13 • 2:47 PM EDT • Politics • thehill.com

Cook moves three red-state governor’s races toward Democrats

Cook Political Report changed Alaska's governor race rating from toss up to lean Democrat; and Nebraska, Vermont and Oklahoma governor's races from solid Republican to likely Republican.

Oct 13 • 2:41 PM EDT • Politics • washingtonpost.com

Did Illinois’ mental health safety net fail? Rep. LaPointe responds to 7-year-old's stabbing death

The suspect charged in the murder of 7-year-old Eddimar Hernandez Chacon had a history of violent arrests and years of unaddressed psychiatric crises, according to her public defender. Former social worker and Illinois State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-19) breaks down why families struggle to access emergency care, current legal avenues, and what Springfield must do to build sustainable, community-based care before tragedy strikes.

Oct 13 • 2:26 PM EDT • Health • fox32chicago.com

LG candidates split on working with Trump as ICE, affordability dominate

Attention stayed on President Donald Trump during the first and only lieutenant governor debate Tuesday, closely following the contours of the showdown between Gov. Maura Healey and Republican challenger Mike

Oct 13 • 2:04 PM EDT • Politics • statehousenews.com

Bob and Joans path back to health started at Essentia

Essentia Health is preparing to open its state-of-the-art orthopedic center in Baxter this fall.

Oct 13 • 2:02 PM EDT • Health • essentiahealth.org

Final USA TODAY Sports Super 10 Alaska high school flag football rankings

After winning the state championship, North Pole has been crowned the top flag football team in Alaska.

Oct 13 • 2:00 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Freshman UCF WR Hornes Scores First Career Receiving TD

The former blue-chip recruit showcased his elite ball skills against Oklahoma State, securing a pivotal game-tying score as the Knights’ depth-heavy receiving corps continues to emerge.

Oct 13 • 1:47 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Atrium Health plan gets judge’s approval

(The Center Square) – Monthly premiums may go up as much as $50 per month in 2028 for members of the North Carolina State Health Plan regardless of their healthcare

Oct 13 • 1:39 PM EDT • Health • thecentersquare.com

This Week In Happy Valley: White Out Struggles

Penn State’s pass rush underwhelmed again in Saturday’s loss to USC. Bob Chesney’s instant success at UCLA has been hard for Penn State fans to ignore. Matt Campbell’s game management struggled on Saturday night. Where Saturday’s loss ranks as one of the highest-attended football games ever. The men’s hockey team will play at PPG Paints […]

Oct 13 • 1:33 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Whittingham Won’t Name Michigan’s New Punt Returner

Whittingham confirmed a new Michigan punt returner against Penn State but would not name the replacement. #GoBlue

Oct 13 • 1:20 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Hurricane Isaias will not stop the Pensacola Interstate Fair next week

The Pensacola Interstate Fair will proceed as scheduled from Oct. 22 to Nov. 1 despite minor damage from Hurricane Isaias.

Oct 13 • 1:19 PM EDT • Entertainment • pnj.com

Katie Zacharia calls on Trump-friendly outlets in brief debut as press secretary

In her opening statement, Zacharia repeatedly praised Trump’s energy and touted the crowd sizes at his rallies, where scores of seats have been unfilled in recent days.

Oct 13 • 1:03 PM EDT • Politics • washingtonpost.com

Michael Jordan jersey sets $14 million record for basketball memorabilia

Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions announced the private treaty sale Monday and identified the buyer as Miami real estate executive Ron Firman.

Oct 13 • 12:58 PM EDT • Sports • spectrumlocalnews.com

Then and Now: Through three careers, King builds extraordinary life

Kevin King’s resume reads like three different careers stitched together: internet pioneer, top-producing real estate broker and Caribbean charter captain. Learning from each experience and job is key, King said,...

Oct 13 • 12:50 PM EDT • Business • talkbusiness.net

Penn State Altoona hosts Smeal College of Business visit Oct. 20

Representatives from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business will visit Penn State Altoona on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Pond View Lounge of the Slep Student Center.

Oct 13 • 12:44 PM EDT • Business • psu.edu

Murray, Kaptur: As Families Pay More & More for Energy, Reports Show Trump Energy Department Withholding Billions and Playing Politics

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement on the Trump administration holding back or cutting […]

Oct 13 • 12:26 PM EDT • Politics • murray.senate.gov

College of Medicine welcomes Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence in public health sciences

Penn State College of Medicine welcomes Adane Kebede Tesega, PhD, as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence for the current academic year.

Oct 13 • 12:20 PM EDT • Health • pennstatehealthnews.org

Horseheads school district gets high marks from national magazine

Horseheads was cited by Business View magazine among the best managed school districts in New York state. Here's why.

Oct 13 • 12:18 PM EDT • Business • stargazette.com

Florida State reportedly dismisses top-rated recruit from its 2026 class as program turmoil continues under Mike Norvell

Freshman cornerback Chuck Kennon is no longer listed on the Seminoles' roster.

Oct 13 • 12:18 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

English soccer's regulator insists there will be no political pressure in Man City case

The chair of English soccer’s regulatory body has said he would resign if there were any political interference over potential sanctions for Manchester City | Upstate Red

Oct 13 • 12:16 PM EDT • Politics • audacy.com

FSU physicists receive funding through Department of Energy's $7.3M Quantum Technology Outposts research initiative

Three Florida State University theoretical physicists are part of a major national initiative exploring how quantum computing could help answer

Oct 13 • 12:11 PM EDT • Science • news.fsu.edu

Drake Farms starts leasing Fayetteville apartments

Drake Farms, a mixed-use development near Washington Regional Medical Center and Interstate 49, recently started leasing its first studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments at 2841 N. Mansfield Ave. in Fayetteville....

Oct 13 • 12:10 PM EDT • Business • talkbusiness.net

APSU alumna Sharon A. Dunn endows scholarship for Tri-County business students

Austin Peay State University has received a gift from Sharon A. Dunn, a 1973 graduate of the College of Business.

Oct 13 • 12:02 PM EDT • Business • clarksvillenow.com

Casey’s Cash for Classrooms campaign brings in record $1.8 million

Ankeny-based Casey’s General Stores announced that its annual Cash for Classrooms campaign generated a record $1.8 million in August to support K-12 schools across its 19-state footprint. The total included nearly $1.5 million in customer donations, $250,000 from the Coca-Cola Co. and $100,000 from Casey’s. “The incredible response to this year’s campaign shows just how…

Oct 13 • 11:49 AM EDT • Business • businessrecord.com

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

Oct 13 • 11:45 AM EDT • Health • alxnow.com

Trump to fly 3,400 miles to Alaska in hopes of saving a Senate seat

With Republicans all but writing off their chances of winning Senate races in states such as North Carolina and Georgia, Alaska has become a crucial battleground this fall.

Oct 13 • 11:37 AM EDT • Politics • washingtonpost.com

Senator Liz Boldon Denounces Health Insurance Plans, Speaker Demuth, Governor Walz and Minnesota Department of Commerce for Failure to Protect Home Care Nursing Coverage

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In late 2025, several insurance companies informed Minnesota families that they would be imposing coverage limits on home care nursing services – in-home care for children with complex medical needs and disabilities. Despite a 2010 state law mandating that these services “shall be covered” by health plans for families also enrolled

Oct 13 • 11:31 AM EDT • Health • senatedfl.mn

State AG Oversight of Health Care Transactions: Key Takeaways From NAAG

Health care market pressures and the evolving role of state enforcement were the focus of a recent National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)

Oct 13 • 11:31 AM EDT • Health • regulatoryoversight.com

The surprising psychology of morbid curiosity

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan has incurred condemnation from human rights groups and politicians on all sides. But according to Coltan Scrivner, an author and psychologist at Arizona State University and expert on morbid curiosity, people are still likely to watch in large numbers. He explains why we are drawn to dark and disturbing content, and Madeleine Finlay tells Ian Sample how consuming this kind of material can harm observers’ mental health

Oct 13 • 11:18 AM EDT • Science • theguardian.com

Celebrating Washington’s hidden makers

Statewide bus tour highlights the small- and medium-sized manufacturers housed inside nondescript buildings where most of the people who drive by every day have no idea what’s going on inside.

Oct 13 • 11:00 AM EDT • Business • tricitiesbusinessnews.com

Manufacturing tour celebrates industry, highlights challenges

A bus carrying lawmakers, students and business leaders rolled through the Tri-Cities as part of a statewide tour highlighting Washington manufacturers and their role in the economy.

Oct 13 • 11:00 AM EDT • Business • tricitiesbusinessnews.com

The EU’s Externalized Borders: Third Countries and the Politics of Responsibility - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs

The European Union (EU) has long sought to control migration before people reach European territory by externalizing border control, defined as “the totality of co-bordering activities initiated by the EU for securing its external borders from irregular immigrants.” Through practices such as readmission cooperation, safe-third-country rules, return arrangements, and security partnerships with non-EU states, it […]

Oct 13 • 11:00 AM EDT • Politics • gjia.georgetown.edu

Political Notebook: Oct. 14, 2026

Lavallee, Wondolowski to participate in candidates forum GREENFIELD — Voters in the 1st Franklin District will get a chance to hear directly from the two candidates competing to represent them at the State House in November’s general election. Independent candidate Amy Lavallee and Democratic candidate Lora Wondolowski will appear together at a candidates forum on Wednesday, Oct. […]

Oct 13 • 10:58 AM EDT • Politics • recorder.com

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

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

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

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.

Oct 13 • 10:35 AM EDT • Health • wboy.com

CBIA adds 3 lobbyists with state government, political experience

CBIA hires Jack DeOliveira, Alannah Doheny and James Rocco to strengthen its advocacy on Connecticut business policy.

Oct 13 • 10:32 AM EDT • Politics • hartfordbusiness.com

New cannabis operator opens for business in Codman Square

Legal Greens Dispensary in Codman Square opened its doors last week. The recreational marijuana store replaces a dispensary that once operated there and comes after more than a year’s worth of regulatory hurdles from the state and city.

Oct 13 • 10:31 AM EDT • Business • dotnews.com

Two High Courts Grapple With Climate Accountability

Last week marked a watershed moment for climate accountability in two country’s highest courtrooms. In a landmark decision, the High Court of Australia ruled in favor of climate action in MACH Energy Australia v. Denman. Simultaneously, across the Pacific, the United States Supreme Court convened to

Oct 13 • 10:30 AM EDT • Science • blog.ucs.org

Georgia Sen. Ben Watson highlights health care, affordability and public safety ahead of midterms

By day, Ben Watson is a medical doctor. For more than a decade, he has also served as a Republican state senator representing Georgia’s District 1.

Oct 13 • 10:21 AM EDT • Health • wtoc.com

Why Stand-Up Comedians Are Uniting Against SiriusXM & Sebastian Maniscalco

"It's going to devastate."

Oct 13 • 9:44 AM EDT • Entertainment • mashable.com

Nickelback coming to Upstate NY in 2027: When, where, tickets

Oct 13 • 9:30 AM EDT • Entertainment • syracuse.com