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HSBC’s Synopsys Upgrade Bets on a Business Model Shift. Can It Justify $700?
HSBC upgraded Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ:SNPS) to Buy from Hold on September 25 and raised its price target from $490 to $700, implying a multiple of nearly 35 times HSBC’s fiscal 2027 EPS estimates. According to analyst Frank Lee, the company is evolving beyond its traditional slow-growth software profile as its licensing-plus-royalty model and agentic AI […]
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.”
Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Inks Vertical Series Deal With Fox Entertainment
Kevin Hart’s production company Hartbeat has inked a vertical series deal with Fox Entertainment. The deal will see Fox Entertainment Studios have first look rights to developing feature film and tele...
The 6 Best Science Fantasy Books Released Since 1990, Ranked
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Four Padres’ Prospects Who Could Make an Impact in 2027
The San Diego Padres have one of the worst-ranked farm systems in all of Major League Baseball. That has posed a massive problem for General Manager A.J. Preller whenever he tries to wheel and deal at the Trade Deadline. However, Preller has proved adept at holding onto gems. Recent Padres' prospects such as Jackson Merrill …
The 20 most successful ‘Shark Tank’ products of all time, ranked
Who knew socks, sponges, and toilet stools could be worth millions? We’re revisiting 20 of the most successful products in ‘Shark Tank’ history, from brilliant investments to spectacular missed opportunities.
Where is Texas ranked? Where Longhorns fell in polls after Oklahoma loss
Where did Texas drop in the college football polls after its loss in the Red River Rivalry to Oklahoma? Here's a look:
Latest Ladd McConkey injury update is bad news for Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers face uncertainty at wide receiver ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos as injury concerns grow.
Yankees news: Free agency could destroy New York’s bullpen
Yankees may experience bullpen exodus; Maybin wants Acuña in the Bronx; Baby Bombers are back; should Chisholm return?
Yankees news: Previewing the free agent class
Who will stay and who will go; Bednar’s big question; coaching staff shuffle?; Kay has a question for Judge
Giants Should Target This Starter to Pair With Logan Webb
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Jim Cramer Breaks Down the Complicated Story Behind CVS Health’s (CVS) Decline
During the October 6 episode of Mad Money, Jim Cramer examined whether CVS Health Corporation’s (NYSE:CVS) turnaround still has room to run after the stock’s sharp retreat from its summer highs. CVS ranked ninth among 10 stocks screened for a potential bear market. The criteria behind its inclusion offer another way to assess the turnaround […]
Aging for Amateurs: Putting humanity and dignity into science and medicine
Education at Medical University of South Carolina began to change decades ago by incorporating themes from classic Greek thinkers and saints about the need to uphold human dignity.
RIP, homeOS
MacRumors was first to reveal the name "HomeView" last week, after discovering a trademark filing from a secretive shell company that we correctly suspected was linked to Apple. Apple was likely behind a "homeOS" trademark filing as well, but the company ultimately decided to stick with generic "HomeView software" naming, just like it refers to the HomePod's operating system as "HomePod software".
Jim Cramer Weighs MasTec’s (MTZ) Business Against the Selling Pressure
Toward the end of the October 6 lightning round of Mad Money, a caller asked about MasTec, Inc. (NYSE:MTZ). Jim Cramer acknowledged its operating performance but remained reluctant to buy, as he said: This thing has been crushed. I mean, it’s been crushed. And you know what? It’s doing pretty well. It’s not even that […]
Yankees' Latest Rumor Shows They Might Just Be Clueless
What exactly are the New York Yankees thinking here?
Neenah girls volleyball the focus on Varsity Roundtable
The Rockets are ranked 6th in the state in Division 1. We'll review their season so far and more as team members join us on Varsity Roundtable.
Every Final Destination movie, ranked from worst to best
Six movies, countless gruesome deaths, and one unforgettable log truck. EW ranks the entire ‘Final Destination’ franchise from worst to best.
Trent Grisham and the Yankees’ flawed philosophy
Grisham hitting leadoff with the season on the line exposes a flaw in the Yankees’ mode of thinking.
Fantastic photos from Red River Rivalry as Oklahoma upends Texas
There was excitement all around the Texas State Fair and it continued in the Cotton Bowl as Oklahoma jarred top-ranked Texas.
Yankees news: Could the Yankees move on from Stanton?
Decisions will have to be made about Giancarlo Stanton; no further punishment for interfering fan; grading 2026.
What BYU's Kalani Sitake said ahead of Notre Dame matchup
A top-10 showdown in Provo carries massive playoff implications as Kalani Sitake prepares his Cougars to seize a rare, high-stakes opportunity against the second-ranked Fighting Irish.
The Yankees Must Decide On Giancarlo Stanton’s Future
After another ALDS exit, the Yankees face a tough choice regarding Giancarlo Stanton's contract and his declining health and production in New York.
Rubio pledges US cooperation in Marine-linked murder case
A US Marine stationed on Okinawa has been arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman.
Patrick Mahomes’ Former Teammate Linked as Chiefs Reunion Candidate
The Kansas City Chiefs are weighing their wide receiver options after injuries left the position short on depth, limiting Patrick Mahomes’ options in the passing game. The team’s Week 5 bye gives it time to evaluate the roster and explore potential reinforcements. Former Chiefs WR Justin Watson is among several receivers Kansas City is considering […] The post Patrick Mahomes’ Former Teammate Linked as Chiefs Reunion Candidate appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Mets have 'clearest' need for Tarik Skubal over Dodgers, Yankees
The Dodgers and Yankees both have strong rotations.
Badgers get back to back primetime games vs. ranked opponents
The Badgers continue to get big primetime opportunities.
IMG Academy vs. New Palestine highlights
Nationally-ranked IMG Academy defeated New Palestine 49-7 on Friday
😱 Blimey! Scandinavian clash goes bonkers and breaks record
What the hell was going on in Sweden on Saturday afternoon? AIK Solna and IF Brommapojkarna served up a pretty wild shootout in the Allsvenskan.It had all started quite calmly, though – typically Sc...
Brian Thomas Jr. blanked in Week 5
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Baptist Health South Florida Named as One of the 2026 Best Workplaces in Health Care by Fortune Media and Great Place To Work - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
It is the highest-ranked Florida-based healthcare system on the list October 13, 2026 — Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine have named Baptist Health South Florida to the 2026 […]
Melbourne man linked to suspected flydubai hijacker condemns 'false accusations'
A Melbourne man whose Islamic community centre has been linked by prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates to the co-pilot who allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai jet has
Study links environment and youth mental health
A new University of Canterbury-led study of almost 1 million young people in New Zealand shows the environments they live in may be linked to their mental health over time. Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha ...
PAC linked to GOP firm is boosting Ohio socialist in Senate race
The socialist candidate says the effort is “deceiving” voters.
The Yankees All-September Birthday Team
It’s a little late, but here’s September’s lineup.
CVS Health’s Valuation Suggests Opportunity, but Can Earnings Deliver?
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Yankees Floated in Strong Take on Brewers’ William Contreras
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Yankees coach fired at midseason gets second chance in MLB
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Hear Ankeny's Iowa House District 42 candidates on cancer, taxes
Republican Heather Stephenson and Democrat Amy Tagliareni are running in Ankeny's open-seat House District 42 race. Meet the candidates.
How Do Freedivers Cope With So Little Oxygen? Scientists May Have Found a Clue.
A small, unreviewed study linked freediving training to changes in brain connectivity, raising questions about adaptation to low oxygen.
Bill Belichick earns first ranked win in UNC tenure
The Tar Heels finally have a reason to celebrate in the Belichick era.
Illumina’s (ILMN) Sequencing Business Is Recovering, But Is the Stock Getting Ahead of Itself?
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GOP-linked group behind ads for socialist candidate in Ohio Senate race
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How SEC teams ranked in latest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 rankings
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CSU Theatre brings haunting tale of Dracula to life with a feminist twist
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Trump revives debunked Haitian pet claim at Ohio rally, hits Omar after search
Trump visited Youngstown to campaign for the state’s Republicans on the ballot next month
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.”
The 6 Best Science Fantasy Books Released Since 2010, Ranked
From The Fifth Season to Gideon the Ninth, these science fantasy novels fuse magic, technology, and unforgettable ideas.
Popular weight loss drugs linked to a surprising fingernail problem
Popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have been linked to unexpectedly high rates of nail detachment, hair loss, and scalp inflammation, with some problems occurring several times more frequently among users. Researchers found that weight loss alone could not fully explain the differences, suggesting there may be more to these overlooked symptoms.
Bethenny Frankel Reveals Launch of New Business Venture Bethenny Media
According to a series of new posts on LinkedIn, the reality TV veteran is staffing up the company with senior executives — including hiring a former staffer from Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Busy Fall
We have a busy fall ahead of us—and that’s always good news. We like to stay busy. We’re working on two special annual publications: the CNY Business Guide and the CNY Winter Guide. Both publications are designed to reach specific audiences in the community. We’re excited about these new editions and would like to share a few details about them. Let’s begin with the Winter Guide. Winter can be challenging, but it also offers plenty to celebrate. The new CNY Winter Guide will help readers embrace the season and make it more fun and enjoyable. This year’s annual publication will feature an extensive calendar of events, compelling stories, and curated lists of things to do and see throughout the winter. This will be our 31st annual issue. It is one of the few publications—if not the only one—devoted exclusively to winter in Central New York. For advertisers, it offers a valuable opportunity to reach readers across the region. As we tell prospective advertisers, one ad works for them all season long. Rates start in the low $200s. The guide will be available at hundreds of high-traffic locations, including all Wegmans stores and select Price Chopper and Tops Friendly Markets locations. It will also be available online, with every ad hyperlinked so readers can click directly through to the advertiser’s website or Facebook page. Our network of drivers will also deliver the guide to hundreds of high-traffic locations several times throughout the winter. The publication will be out by Thanksgiving. The CNY Business Guide is a one-of-a-kind publication that many readers use as a reference. Unlike the books of lists published by business journals across the country, it comes in a glossy, full-color magazine format. It also ranks employers in four counties, with a particular emphasis on Oswego and Onondaga and substantial information about Cayuga and Jefferson. It is an ambitious project that requires extensive research, phone calls, careful fact-checking, writing and design. In short, it takes a great deal of work—and we’re glad to take on the challenge. The guide is widely distributed to business and professional readers throughout Central New York. The Business Guide gives companies an excellent opportunity to highlight their growth and expansion, showcase new products, and share other noteworthy developments. For readers, it provides a valuable snapshot of companies across the region, including what they do and who leads them. The guide will be published in early December. We invite companies to advertise in both publications. Advertising costs are relatively low, and each guide offers access to a broad audience across Central New York. Wagner Dotto is the editor and publisher of Oswego County Business Magazine.
Yankees legend gets full-time manager job
Mattingly, of course, starred for the Yankees from 1982-95.
Texas Health Named No. 2 Best Workplace in Health Care for 2026
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Laurel County Health Department investigation reveals over 50 reported cases of measles
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Trump-linked super PAC pulls funding from 2 House Republicans as GOP fights to keep majority
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Gotcha? Some said a glass of water 'proved' China faked its space station – but simple science destroyed the argument in seconds | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
A theory online claimed China's space agency was faking its space station – all because of a glass of water. Science debunked the theory.
Solanke saves wasteful Spurs
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SMU agrees to jersey patch deal with Texas Capital
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New York Yankees' Pitcher Trade Seems Almost Inevitable
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Casey’s Cash for Classrooms campaign brings in record $1.8 million
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Housing, Iran, and public lands divide 4th Congressional District candidates
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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.”
Yankees Get Brutal Prediction on Jazz Chisholm Jr. Free Agency
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Having someone to talk to linked to better mental health among LGBQ+ teens
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Scientists had coffee drinkers quit for two weeks. One result stood out
Quitting coffee led to an unexpected change in the body that went beyond caffeine.
Nebraska rifle falls below .500 for first time in three seasons
The Nebraska rifle team, which is fourth-ranked in the nation, has tripled its loss total from the 2025 season. For the first time since February of 2024, the team has fallen below .500.
AECOM appoints Dwight Pullen to lead its global Transportation business
DALLAS (October 12, 2026) — AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the trusted global infrastructure leader, today announced it has appointed Dwight Pullen as Transportation Global Business Line Chief Executive, effective immediately. In this role, Mr. Pullen will lead AECOM’s global Transportation business, which is ranked No. 1 by Engineering News-Record. He assumes the role as AECOM pursues...
10-man Tottenham strike back to hold Man Utd
Dominic Solanke rescued a 1-1 draw for 10-man Tottenham to ramp up the pressure on Manchester United boss Michael Carrick on Saturday.Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford last month despite playing for more than an hour with 10 men.
Health officials suspect new measles outbreak, this time in Rock County
The cases are linked to each other but separate from a large ongoing outbreak in southwest Wisconsin.
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…
Quinshon Judkins injury: Todd Monken provides an update
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Former Yankees manager reveals candid opinion on team’s failures
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Recent Philly gun violence sparks concerns over mental health
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Republicans Promoted a False Rumor That James Talarico Was in Ohio
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Bears linked to trade reunion with All-Pro edge rusher at fifth-round pick price tag
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Northwestern Football Ranked for First Time Since 2021
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Michael Kay Goes At Yankees' Aaron Judge After Comments Following ALDS Sweep
Kay has a point.
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One Las Vegas hotel ranked No. 1 among 161 casino hotels in AAA’s first list.
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Intel (INTC) Fixed Its Chip Business. Can the Foundry Earn the Premium?
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Yankees news: Turning to the offseason
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It’s Time for the Aaron Boone Era to End
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Major banks accused of political targeting
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Insider Suggests Former Yankees Manager Replace Aaron Boone
The New York Yankees are dealing with the fallout of another disappointing early MLB Playoffs exit. World Series goals with a strong starting pitching staff ended in a decisive three-game sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays. Some fans do cite the injury to Aaron Judge as a main reason for the loss, but manager Aaron […] The post Insider Suggests Former Yankees Manager Replace Aaron Boone appeared first on HEAVY.
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