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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.

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

A string of vacant restaurant buildings shows that many restaurants in the region are struggling — and several are closing By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11132 align=alignright width=401] Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008.[/caption] By their nature, most restaurants have a limited life. An astonishing 60% go out of business within three years of opening, largely due to fundamental flaws in the planning of the operation. But even restaurants that experience years of success almost always face eventual closure. The restaurant business is very hard and because of both personal factors and external factors beyond anyone’s control, restaurants don’t last forever. For many restaurants, age is a big factor, according to Kenneth Walsleben, professor of practice, entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at Syracuse University. “The owners have been at it for 20 or 25 years, if not longer, they want some time to themselves,” he said. Such was the case for Jocko’s Famous Ritz Diner in Oswego. Jocko Reitz bought the building in the late 1970s from Robert Shapiro. However, when he stepped away from the business, it eventually closed. [caption id=attachment_11142 align=alignright width=402] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s Restaurant passed through three generations of family in Oswego. It closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025.[/caption] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s passed through three generations of family in Oswego. Vona’s Restaurant officially closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025, when no family member wanted to take over. It is on the market. The Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026. The restaurant faced multiple temporary health department closures in 2024 and 2025 due to persistent fruit fly and foundation pest issues. Management posted a final closure notice on the doors in mid-April 2026 and the building was put up for sale. The same pattern has been happening in Onondaga County. The big building once used by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay remains empty, more than six months after the restaurant closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008. [caption id=attachment_11130 align=alignright width=401] Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026.[/caption] Just down the road from Smokey Bones, the popular Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty. Other very popular restaurants in the northern suburbs of Syracuse have recently closed. Among them, Fireside by the River in Baldwinsville and Primo Nestico’s Bistro Bar in North Syracuse. “I haven’t really paid attention to the Syracuse area. There has always been some turnover, but there probably has never been a tougher time to be a restauranter than now. It’s just brutal,” Walsleben said. In the first year, roughly 20% to 25% of restaurants close or change hands, according to the National Restaurant Association. [caption id=attachment_11122 align=alignright width=401] Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty.[/caption] “Depending on what statistics you look at, you’ll find that any business has a high mortality rate in the first year. That is just the nature of entrepreneurship,” Walsleben said. “There are certain ones that are getting hit hard while others are more fruitful. “And when you look at the restaurant industry you have to factor in labor which is a large part — typically a third of your expenses — and those costs are going up. And there is always turnover which means investing money to train people. Then you’ve got food costs, which is also a third of the typical restaurant budget. Since the pandemic labor has gone up 41%, food costs have gone up 35%. That’s a big tight squeeze righty there. That’s two-thirds of your budget that has gone up 35% to 40% in the last few years. And then the only way you can make that work is to raise the prices.” The National Restaurant Association reports menu prices are up 36% since February of 2020. In a survey released by the association, more than eight in 10 restaurant owners reported that their food, beverage and labor costs are now higher than before the pandemic. You have to deal with the reality of are the customers willing to pay for that? Walsleben added. Restaurants historically have very thin margins; their profit margin is about 5%. “You have a third that goes into food, a third that goes into labor and about 28%, 29% that goes into everything else — overhead, insurance etc. So that brings you down to your 5% leftover,” he said. “Everything is going up. Customer expectations are going up and people aren’t going to spend that much more. So, you have a tight squeeze here,” Walsleben continued. “Restaurants who use delivery apps, they pay a fee to those guys. Those guys don’t work for free. So, you can kind of see where the squeeze comes from.” Stuck in the middle There are pockets of opportunity; the two extremes of the market can make a profit. But the middle gets squeezed out. “If you are a low-end fast-food kind of place, there is room for that. People have changed their budgets. They are still going out, but they are not spending more,” according to Walsleben. “The high end remains positive. If you have a restaurant that brings a specific experience … a great food product or you are catering to high end customers who aren’t so budget conscious, those patrons are going to expect a high-end experience. They expect excellent food every time. They are expecting excellent service. If you can meet those expectations there is room for you at the top. It’s just the guys in the middle are getting the squeeze from both ends. Tough competition, customer expectations, costs are up. Menu items, you can’t raise the prices as much as you need to. That is why you are seeing a lot of restaurants baling out.” The ones that can adapt quickly are the ones who are doing OK. “Success is heavily dependent on the strength of a restaurant’s concept development and the planning of its execution. Eventually things aren’t always new. Things change. So, if you are in the restaurant business you have got to change your menu — keep things new, fresh and update your meals. It is very fickle industry. One year carbs are out, the next year berries are out. Everybody’s diet changes — constantly chasing the latest phase. You have got to adjust your menu and move with those modifications. If you have a static menu that you have used the last couple years that hasn’t changed except for the pricing, you’ve got a problem,” he said. A lot of times these buildings are singular purpose, he added. “You have a commercially viable kitchen and you got a seating area. There is not a lot of other businesses that cater to that type of a layout. So, it’s pretty common to see another restaurant slide in,” he said. One of the things a banker learns early on is you don’t lend money to restaurants … because they fail so quickly. It is very hard to predict who the winners will be. So, if you are a restaurant in addition to all the other challenges, it is very difficult to get loans, according to Walsleben. “You might work really well in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you are a great businessperson,” he said. “Restaurants can fail because the owner didn’t know how to manage things properly. There are a lot of challenges. “There is opportunity at the high end and the low end. But in the middle, that’s the death valley. There are just so many things working against you. You really need to have something that will pull people in and continue to pull people in because you to constantly have to change. Think about a theme and a product that is unique to the area people don’t travel that far these days you have to be able to deliver it in an innovative fashion and keep updating to keep people coming in the door.” Out of Business? How Fast? Do nine out of 10 restaurants fail in their first year, as commonly claimed? No. Survival analysis of 1.9 million longitudinal microdata for 81,000 full-service restaurants in a 20-year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics non public census of business establishments in the western US shows that only 17% of independently owned full-service restaurant startups failed in their first year, compared with 19% for all other service-providing startups, according to ResearchGate. The median lifespan of restaurants is about 4.5 years, slightly longer than that of other service businesses (4.25 years). However, the median lifespan of a restaurant startup with 5 or fewer employees is 3.75 years, slightly shorter than that of other service businesses of the same startup size (4.0 years). What Makes a Restaurant Successful? Opening and maintaining a successful restaurant is not as easy as creating a great menu and serving excellent food. It takes more than that, according to local restaurant owners who have been in business for decades in the region. They all agree that there are some guidelines to running a successful restaurant. • Quality food: Successful restaurants know exactly what they serve and who they serve it to. Delivering the same great taste every single time builds loyal customers. • Smooth operations: Friendly greetings and attentive staff make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in. Hiring staff for personality and training for skill ensures reliable, caring service. • Smart marketing: Exceptional food and experiences naturally get people talking and sharing online. Word of mouth can help entice customers. Consistent social media and targeted advertising brings in new and repeat guests also. The menu is what keeps patrons coming back to Mimi’s Diner in Fulton, located at 201 N. Second St. “We locally source our produce and our meats. Our chicken and biscuits is a popular, popular special,” said Richard Tagliareni, the third-generation owner and general manager. “It’s all homemade. We have consistently served quality food.” His grandfather started the business more than 55 years ago. Mimi’s is engrained in the community. They cater to the community and are very involved in everything from the schools to local events. The first Mimi’s Drive-In opened in Mexico. Then a second in Oswego and then Fulton. Fulton’s Mimi’s is the only one left. “The last couple of weeks have been kind of slower than normal. October is usually a busier month for us People will start coming back around again. Also, the price of gas is affecting some things,” Tagliareni added. “We try to keep our prices in line. You go out to eat, you’re going to spend about a hundred bucks or so for two people for dinner. You come here to Mimi’s you are probably for two people for dinner it’s between $50 and $60. We are trying to keep our prices in line. We did have to increase our prices a little bit but things are looking OK.” For the Press Box, 29 E. First St., Oswego, it’s also about great food and a family atmosphere. “Our sports bar and restaurant was established in 1984,” said Alison Canale Scanlon, manager. “I think putting the time into everything makes a big difference and treating people like family when they walk into your restaurant. That’s how we have always operated since 1984.” “It’s the family oriented aspect,” she added. “Consistency, quality and presentation of our food — that’s the secret to a successful restaurant. We try to be very consistent with it. We treat people like family when they come in; because we know how we want to be treated when we go to a restaurant. We treat people the same or better.”

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Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com
ECONOMIC TRENDS: Oswego County Launches Micro-Enterprise Grant Program

Small businesses will soon be able to apply for grants of up to $35,000 through a new program aimed at supporting local growth by Austin Wheelock | ooc@oswegocounty.org A strong, small business ecosystem is essential to a thriving local economy. Small businesses in Oswego County provide critical goods and services, create jobs and bring investment […]

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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.”

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Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com
N. Syracuse Manufacturer Marks Milestone, Plans for the Future

Air Innovations has grown from a small local manufacturer into a global business, selling its products in 74 countries organizations. Some of its clients include NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX. By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11117 align=alignright width=450] Michael Wetzel, president and CEO, and his father, Larry, who currently is an adviser to the board of directors. Larry served as the chairman of the board until 2024, when the company was acquired by Altus Capital Partners, a private equity firm.[/caption] Air Innovations in North Syracuse hopes to add more employees and possibly even expand its facility in the near future. The company is a global leader in designing and building environmental process control systems for applications that can’t be addressed with standard HVAC equipment, according to Michael Wetzel, president and CEO. “We customize solutions for temperature, humidity, filtration and pressurization, with additional capabilities in direct-expansion, chilled-water and thermoelectric technologies. Our business now is entirely focused on specialty or niche markets.” Air Innovations celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sept. 18, marking four decades of doing business, manufacturing products and growing in Central New York. In the beginning [caption id=attachment_11138 align=alignright width=451] A worker, Ezzy Salehi, tests a Wine Guardian condenser unit at Air Innovations.[/caption] “A guy by the name of Jim Kelley started the business [known as Floratech] in 1986. It was focused on refrigerated display cases for supermarket fresh flowers,” Wetzel said. “My father [Larry] started Clean Room Technology in the early 1980s, then sold that to a French company called Clestra Cleanroom. “My father and I bought Floratech in 1996 — 30 years ago, 10 years after it was started. Then in 1999, Floratech bought a portion of Clestra and their building. At that point everything was still called Floratech. But, as that was not reflective of the diversity of the business, we rebranded as Air Innovations in 2001.” The company rebranded to pursue a strategy of diversification in specialty HVAC systems. Wetzel explained that since then, it has become a trusted global partner, earning the President’s “E” Award for Exports and securing contracts in the most demanding fields, including aerospace, defense and semiconductor manufacturing. Air Innovations has grown from a small local manufacturer into a global business, selling nearly 70,000 units in 74 countries and territories and developing custom environmental control systems for companies and organizations including NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX. “We work with all the big names you ever heard of and some you never heard of,” Wetzel added. The Wetzels sold the business two years ago to Altus Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower middle-market, niche manufacturing companies in North America. Founded in 2003, Altus Capital Partners’ headquarters is in Wilton, Connecticut, with an additional office in Lincolnshire, Illinois. “They are an equity firm. Both my father and I both maintain a small minority share. I am going to continue to be involved. I call myself a part-time CEO. I will continue that role for the foreseeable future; I don’t see any change there.” Building to the future “We are at 58 employees right now, which is a little bit down. We had a high of 70. That moves along with the activity we have,” Wetzel said. “We’ll start ramping up here in the fourth quarter into next year. More than 20% of our employees have been with the company for more than a decade. “I am fairly certain that sometime in the next several years we are going to have to enlarge the footprint of our facility and for sure we are going to have to add employees. We already are. We are probably going to have to add five or six people next year. We are always in the market for HVAC technicians; we always need those.” Air Innovations will remain in Central New York, with its current workforce staying in place, he added. “I believe the primary driver of our success over time is the diversity of our business which is a direct result of our willingness to tackle new challenges,” Wetzel said.

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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.”

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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.

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Oct 14 • 8:23 AM EDT • Business • oswegocountybusiness.com
Business Beat : Tommy’s Express Car Wash “Tunnel of Terror” returns October 28th

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - The annual Tunnel of Terror officially returns to Tommy's Express Car Wash in Coldwater...

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Oct 14 • 8:20 AM EDT • Business • wtvbam.com
POLL: Is Meghan Markle's UK business expansion proof she and Prince Harry are settling in the UK for good?

Your chance to vote and comment on a topical talking point in HELLO!'s question of the day

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Oct 14 • 8:20 AM EDT • Business • yahoo.com
Troy Jackson Presses Susan Collins on Heating Prices

"This winter is going to break some people," the Democrat says in a new ad shared first the Midcoast Villager.

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Oct 14 • 8:20 AM EDT • Politics • midcoastvillager.com
Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia' movie trailer offers a first glimpse of Meryl Streep's Aslan in Netflix epic

The reported $280 million fantasy movie, which arrives in theaters in February, stars Daniel Craig and Emma Mackey.

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Oct 14 • 8:14 AM EDT • Entertainment • yahoo.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.

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Oct 14 • 8:14 AM EDT • Technology • macrumors.com
Huang Qifan, China’s political tumbler, falls after a decade of close corruption calls

Until this week, Huang had appeared to weather scandals that had ripped through Chongqing over the years.

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Oct 14 • 8:13 AM EDT • Politics • scmp.com
Delta unveils its upgraded business class. Take a look.

The new Delta One business class rolls out next year.

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Oct 14 • 8:10 AM EDT • Business • bostonglobe.com
7 Central Florida restaurants shut down after health inspections last week

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down seven Central Florida restaurants during the week from Oct. 5-11 after conducting health inspections.

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Oct 14 • 8:06 AM EDT • Health • orlandosentinel.com
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin: I fundamentally believe in the sports betting business long term

Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's sports betting business, the increase in marketing spend on sports betting, his thoughts on prediction markets, staying private vs. going public, and more.

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Oct 14 • 8:06 AM EDT • Business • cnbc.com
Former Buccaneers tight end Devin Culp signs with Browns

Former Buccaneers tight end Devin Culp has signed with the Cleveland Browns' practice squad after being released by Tampa Bay in September.

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Oct 14 • 8:05 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Oklahoma needs more pass-catchers to step up on offense

The Sooners are in need of more pass-catchers to assert themselves as a consistent part of the offense.

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Oct 14 • 8:04 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
New research on psychedelics could have big impact on mental health patients

An order to accelerate research on psychedelics could provide new treatments for mental health

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Oct 14 • 8:02 AM EDT • Health • azfamily.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.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • gothamist.com
Your guide to Gainesville arts, music and family fun

Pumpkin Bash, Tom Petty ballet, "Hadestown" and fall festivals headline a packed week of arts, music, theater and family-friendly events.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • gainesville.com
Uvi raises $7.5M to help AI agents learn business context and run at eight times lower cost

Uvi raises $7.5M to help AI agents learn business context and run at eight times lower cost - SiliconANGLE

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Business • siliconangle.com
Endorsement: Reject Prop. 44. Politics don’t belong in California’s community health clinics.

If passed, the measure would push the majority of clinics across California into the red.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • mercurynews.com
Endorsement: Reject Prop. 44. Politics don’t belong in California’s community health clinics.

If passed, the measure would push the majority of clinics across California into the red.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Politics • mercurynews.com
A Man Was Scrolling Google Maps—Then He Noticed Google Maps Staring Back at Him

The physical forces beneath this eerie floating “eye” in Argentina are even stranger than the shape itself.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • popularmechanics.com
Biggest Surprises From the Pittsburgh Pirates 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Pirates 2026 season was full of some shocking moments and storylines.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Michael Kay Goes At Yankees' Aaron Judge After Comments Following ALDS Sweep

Kay has a point.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Othello raises $8M to help sales reps improve pitches with AI

Othello, whose customers include Microsoft and Capital One, acts as a real-time coach on sales calls to help reps close deals.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com
Week of Well-Being highlights health and personal growth

Owls gathered at the Grand Hall Oct. 13 for a Well-being Fair as part of Rice’s Week of Well-Being, an initiative focused on promoting health, education and personal growth. The week is sponsored by Rice Employee Health and Well-Being and the Human Resources Benefits Department.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • news.rice.edu
13-Year-old Raji Doshi named America's Top Young Scientist for inventing an algae-aragonite alkalinity system to reduce CO2-driven ocean acidification

3M and Discovery Education today named 8th grader Raji Doshi as the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation's premier middle school science competition. Raji lives in...

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • news.3m.com
Zocdoc Acquires Sohar Health to Make Insurance Easier to Navigate for Patients and Providers

/PRNewswire/ -- Zocdoc, the healthcare access infrastructure that connects patients to great care, today announced it has acquired Sohar Health, a healthcare...

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • prnewswire.com
Opinion: Vote for Health in the Upcoming Election

Theresa Brown, RN, PhD, unpacks why healthcare policy is a key issue for nurses in the upcoming election.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • cancernursingtoday.com
Challenging the Conventional Wisdom of Climate Politics | Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

Title“Climate Fault Lines: The New Political Economy of a Warming World” Authors“Climate Fault Lines: The New Political Economy of a Warming World” PublisherPrinceton University Press

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Politics • spia.princeton.edu
The Truth About SZA You Never Knew
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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • yahoo.com
Meijer Now Accepts evermore Cards, Expanding Access to Healthy Food and OTC Products for Medicare Customers

Midwest retailer adds another convenient payment option for eligible shoppers GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer announced today it now accepts evermore over-the-counter...

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • newsroom.meijer.com
Robin Divine’s Journey in healthcare leadership

For Robin Divine, a career in healthcare was never far from home. “I grew up around healthcare,” Divine said. As the daughter of a pediatrician in Albuquerque, Divine spent summers working in her father’s office, gaining an early appreciation for the...

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • news.unm.edu
Kansas City Royals news: 2026 “odd” from BWJ?

The Kansas City Royals winter wait continues, alongside 25 other clubs.

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
2026 U.S. Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study

TROY, Mich.: 14 Oct. 2026 — Overall satisfaction among gas utility business customers rises 10 points (on a 1,000-point scale) to 655 in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction StudySM, released today. Business customer satisfaction improved across nearly all dimensions. Trust and information provided show the strongest gains, each up 24 […]

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Oct 14 • 8:00 AM EDT • Business • jdpower.com
Editorial: Trump’s desperate campaign to buy off voters

The omens that President Donald Trump is facing an epic example of what another Republican president once called “a thumpin’” are accumulating. His deeply unpopular Middle East war is metastasizing,

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Oct 14 • 7:59 AM EDT • Entertainment • thederrick.com
Strong Patient Outcomes Earns Holy Cross Health High Performing Recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals Rankings - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report

Five High Performing ratings recognize care for heart failure, pacemaker implantation and orthopedic procedures October 13, 2026 – Cardiovascular and orthopedic issues are two of the most common reasons patients seek […]

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Oct 14 • 7:57 AM EDT • Health • southfloridahospitalnews.com
Robins' squad stronger but what's best starting XI?

Bristol City fan David Pottier argues the Robins' squad is stronger than last season but at the expense of an obvious first-choice XI.

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Oct 14 • 7:54 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
FAA investigating close call at New York City's LaGuardia Airport between Delta flight, business jet

According to data from Flightradar24, the two aircraft were about 1,000 feet apart at their closest points.

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Oct 14 • 7:54 AM EDT • Business • abc30.com
FAA investigating close call at New York City's LaGuardia Airport between Delta flight, business jet

According to data from Flightradar24, the two aircraft were about 1,000 feet apart at their closest points.

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Oct 14 • 7:54 AM EDT • Business • 6abc.com
'Every cost has gone up': Science museum on the brink

Nikki Burton says Catalyst has faced "a perfect storm" of rising costs and lower visitor numbers.

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Oct 14 • 7:52 AM EDT • Science • yahoo.com
'Aladdin' star Mena Massoud teases 'Daniel' sequel after box office success

Mena Massoud is hopeful audiences haven t seen the last of the biblical prophet Daniel on the big screen, as the 35-year-old actor and producer says the success of Daniel The Fiery Furnace has opened

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Oct 14 • 7:50 AM EDT • Entertainment • christianpost.com
Food-Is-Medicine Has No Billing Code, So A Startup Merged

Attane Health had contracts inside major health plans and sold anyway. Founder Emily Brown on billing codes, 18-month payer cycles and a $5.5 million cap table.

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Oct 14 • 7:50 AM EDT • Health • forbes.com
Crisis informatics, disinformation and emergency politics – Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)

Journal article in Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies

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Oct 14 • 7:49 AM EDT • Politics • prio.org
Widnes science museum could close within months, boss says

Nikki Burton says Catalyst has faced "a perfect storm" of rising costs and lower visitor numbers.

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Oct 14 • 7:47 AM EDT • Science • bbc.com
Appleton-area high school sports results for Tuesday, Oct. 13

High school golf, volleyball, soccer and swimming teams were in action.

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Oct 14 • 7:42 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Commercial Observations Demonstration

Space Weather Commercial Observations Demonstration

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Oct 14 • 7:40 AM EDT • Science • science.nasa.gov
Macron says French student protesters 'exploited' by political forces
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Oct 14 • 7:33 AM EDT • Politics • france24.com
How medical science dismantled centuries of dogma to transform breast cancer care

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — The treatment and prevention of breast cancer have evolved from ancient, untreatable diagnoses into highly targeted, personalized medical therapies over four millennia, according to medical historians

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Oct 14 • 7:32 AM EDT • Science • wvnews.com
Chuck Lorre claims CBS ‘hated’ Melissa McCarthy for lead role on “Mike & Molly”

The “King of Sitcoms” says network executives wanted “a hot young woman” in the titular role.

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Oct 14 • 7:30 AM EDT • Entertainment • yahoo.com
Vector Science & Therapeutics Corp. Appoints Russell Starr as President

/PRNewswire/ -- Vector Science & Therapeutics Corp. (TSXV: PAIN) (the "Company") today announced the appointment of Russell Starr as President of the Company,...

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Oct 14 • 7:30 AM EDT • Science • prnewswire.com
Dementia Expected To Double Worldwide By 2050

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterWEDNESDAY, Oct. 14, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Dementia cases are set to double within the next 25 years worldwide, warns a new study. There are expected to be 24.7 million new cases of dementia by 2050, up from 11.4 million in 2023, researchers reported Oct. 12 in ...

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Oct 14 • 7:30 AM EDT • Health • usnews.com
A robotics business is set to be bought with shares priced about 50% above the buyer's Oct. 12 close.

The deal also includes up to $10 million in equity financing; both transactions remain subject to closing conditions, with closings expected by October's end.

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Oct 14 • 7:30 AM EDT • Business • stocktitan.net
Hospice, Home Health Moratoria: What Might Come Next

Many hospice providers are struggling to grow amid the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) temporary moratoria on hospice and home

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Oct 14 • 7:28 AM EDT • Health • hospicenews.com
Sports fandom tied to mental health benefits, UW Health psychologist says

Brewers fans are currently feeling "the highest of highs."

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Oct 14 • 7:27 AM EDT • Health • wbay.com
Brewers, Packers success is good for fans' health

A UW Health psychologist talks about the benefits of being a sports fan, especially when your team is winning.

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Oct 14 • 7:26 AM EDT • Health • wbay.com
Boone County health department hosts community open house

Boone County's health department is hosting its first annual open house for community members to learn about its services on Saturday.

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Oct 14 • 7:26 AM EDT • Health • komu.com
Strengthening sustainability science through the German Committee Future Earth

Discover how the German Committee Future Earth advances sustainability science through interdisciplinary research, collaboration and knowledge exchange

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Oct 14 • 7:25 AM EDT • Science • openaccessgovernment.org
How to boost a child’s mental health

Experts say warning signs include changes in mood, behavior or physical symptoms.

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Oct 14 • 7:18 AM EDT • Health • wbay.com
Boosting children's mental health

Signs and symptoms of when you should consult your pediatrician or a mental health counselor.

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Oct 14 • 7:18 AM EDT • Health • wbay.com
Washington Huskies Head Coach Gets Honest About Program's Financial Limitations

Jedd Fisch expanded about the money the teams poured into the roster, which ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten.

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Oct 14 • 7:17 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
“The Earth is 6,000 years old.” How science debunks this religious view

The 6,000-year claim faces evidence from several places that have little to do with one another. What those independent clocks reveal is difficult to reconcile with the familiar young-Earth timeline.

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Oct 14 • 7:17 AM EDT • Science • yahoo.com
Madison Square Garden Entertainment (NYSE:MSGE) Stock Bumped Down to "Hold" by Zacks Research

Zacks Research downgraded Madison Square Garden Entertainment from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday.

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Oct 14 • 7:06 AM EDT • Entertainment • marketbeat.com
Donald Menzel: Lying, stealing and cheating in American politics (guest opinion)

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

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Oct 14 • 7:05 AM EDT • Politics • reporterherald.com
Patriots Rookie Class Is Far Better Than The Rankings Show

Justin Melo ranks the Patriots' 2026 draft class 24th, but Caleb Lomu and Gabe Jacas are proving that number is wrong. Here is why the local squad is elite.

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Oct 14 • 7:05 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
The Daily Mauling 10.14.26

Skin some cats

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Oct 14 • 7:03 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Expert predictions, picks for Florida's Week 7 game at Texas

Here are the Gators Wire staff's predictions and picks for college football's Week 7 matchup between the Florida Gators and Texas Longhorns in Austin.

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Oct 14 • 7:02 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Sean Payton ‘encouraged’ and ‘fired up’ about second-year specialist

Sean Payton's liked what he's seen from second-year punter Jeremy Crawshaw this season.

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Oct 14 • 7:01 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
PENN Entertainment (NASDAQ:PENN) Raised to "Strong-Buy" at Zacks Research

Zacks Research raised PENN Entertainment from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday.

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Oct 14 • 7:01 AM EDT • Entertainment • marketbeat.com
HH Health To Host Hiring Event For Clinical, Nonclinical Positions

Huntsville Hospital Health System will host a community hiring event Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Campus 805’s Stone Event Center, offering job

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Health • huntsvillebusinessjournal.com
HH Health To Host Hiring Event For Clinical, Nonclinical Positions

Huntsville Hospital Health System will host a community hiring event Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Campus 805’s Stone Event Center, offering job

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • huntsvillebusinessjournal.com
College Still Has a Future, but It's No Longer the Default Choice (opinion)

High costs and political bias have eroded higher education’s standing.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Politics • yahoo.com
NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Generating Lots of Interest Around NHL
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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Yankees' Latest Rumor Shows They Might Just Be Clueless

What exactly are the New York Yankees thinking here?

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Delta's business-class revamp: New seats, menus, plates and more Porsches

Delta is upgrading its top-tier Delta One cabin with new suites for its largest A350 plane, starting next year.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • cnbc.com
Fairphone’s latest repairable earbuds are smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting

You can swap the buds’ batteries without a single tool.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Technology • theverge.com
Iowa City Book Festival: Pulitzer winners, poets and more

Iowa City's 18th annual Book Festival runs Oct. 18-25, showcasing Pulitzer winners Yiyun Li, Marilynne Robinson and Nicholas Kristof. Most events are free, including a Robinson-Kristof public conversation.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • thegazette.com
Joe Manganiello says Armie Hammer-recommended second shaman told him he wasn’t meant to marry Sofía Vergara

Joe Manganiello said a shaman suggested his marriage to Sofía Vergara was a ‘booby trap’ that led to his mysterious autoimmune disease.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • ew.com
NorCal science festival returns to Mission Bay

UCSF campus will this weekend host more than 125 free demos, activities and performances.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Science • sfexaminer.com
Chicago Cubs history unpacked

Happy Birthday, Carlos Marmol!

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Broncos vs. Seahawks: 3 Players to Watch in Week 6

In order for the Denver Broncos to defeat the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, these three players have to perform well.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
International Paper's EMEA Packaging Business Leaders to Host Capital Markets Day

/PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC), a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, announces that its EMEA Packaging Business leadership...

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • prnewswire.com
From Oberweis Dairy to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this family is buying

The Hoffmann family has assembled an eclectic portfolio of more than 50 businesses, guided by a simple philosophy: Buy companies worth keeping — and don't sell them.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • chicagobusiness.com
Local small business development centers can be key in finding grants to stay afloat
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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • cbsnews.com
High-Signal Publisher
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.…

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Business • businessrecord.com
In run for schools chief, Shaw touts ‘basics’

But barring trans girls in female sports is top issue.

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Oct 14 • 7:00 AM EDT • Politics • sfexaminer.com
MDC requests $30 million reserve draw to launch new inmate health care model

Union officials raise questions about costs and staffing as the jail prepares for a potential $63 million transition in 2027.

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Oct 14 • 6:56 AM EDT • Health • koat.com
Dru Phillips: Giants' defensive stands stem from preseason practice

Dru Phillips said the New York Giants' recent stands come from preseason practice reps where players trust each other to simply do their jobs.

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Oct 14 • 6:55 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Tiki Barber Says Cam Skattebo Must Fix Mindset Now

Giants legend Tiki Barber calls out Cam Skattebo for his fourth fumble, insisting the rookie must change his mindset to stay on the roster.

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Oct 14 • 6:50 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Some of Sony's First-Party Games Are Suddenly Missing from PS Store in the US

What's going on?

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Oct 14 • 6:45 AM EDT • Technology • pushsquare.com
Byrum Brown's Turnovers Headline Joel Gordon's Concerns Before Georgia

Auburn offensive coordinator Joel Gordon addressed three major concerns ahead of facing No. 1 Georgia: Byrum Brown's interceptions, slow offensive adjustments and pre-snap penalties. The Tigers must improve their decision-making and execution to compete in Athens.

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Oct 14 • 6:44 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Arsenal women’s game v Barcelona moved due to strikes

The fixture at Camp Nou has been shifted after Barcelona raised concerns about staging the match on the original date.Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty ImagesArsenal Women’s Champions League match away to B...

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Oct 14 • 6:40 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Giants fill open roster spot with veteran linebacker

Giants add Malik Harrison to 53-man roster.

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Oct 14 • 6:39 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Could Nordsjaelland model solve Scotland's talent crisis?

BBC Sport Scotland looks at how Nordsjaelland have become a powerhouse of youth football development, and what Scottish clubs could copy.

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Oct 14 • 6:35 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
Why Adding LaMelo Ball Gives Timberwolves Dark Horse Edge

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals twice in the past three seasons, but both runs ended before the NBA Finals. But after being eliminated in the semifinals this past season, the Timberwolves decided to make drastic roster moves to have a chance to compete for a title. Their biggest move was adding …

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Oct 14 • 6:31 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com
National Fuel Gas Company Announces Plan to Separate Its Integrated Upstream and Gathering Business

Separation to Create Two High-Quality Public Companies, Each with Strong Financial Profiles, Distinct Growth Strategies and Long-Term Value Creation

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Oct 14 • 6:31 AM EDT • Business • nationalfuel.com
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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!

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