SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " carpet " 100 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Sign in to save shuffle history.
Cliff Booth’s next act: Quentin Tarantino’s new novel arrives as David Fincher directs the sequel
Quentin Tarantino continues to expand his career as an author | Talk Radio 1210 WPHT
Nebraska Humane Society: Do dogs really feel guilty? Science says maybe not
Dogs that appear guilty after chewing a shoe or having an accident on the carpet may not actually feel guilt.
MTV VMAs 2026 Red Carpet: Orville Peck, Chloe Bailey, JoJo & More
From YouTube to the red carpet, MTV is celebrating another year of music video greatness. On Sunday, the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards got underway at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where Snoop Dog...
Ruby Rose tears up remembering ‘best friend’ Hayden Panettiere
Ruby Rose attended a memorial service for Hayden Panettiere, days after tearing up while remembering her ‘best friend’ on the red carpet.
First in entrepreneurial excellence: FSU celebrates local businesses at inaugural Impact Awards Gala
The Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala provided a formal night out for Fayetteville’s business community. The event took place at the Rudolph Jones Student Center on Thursday, Sept. 10. Photo by GFBJ. Fayetteville State University (FSU) and the Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB (FSU HUB) came together to celebrate Fayetteville’s business community. The two organizations rolled out the blue carpet at the Rudolph Jones Student Center for their inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala held on Thursday, Sept. 10.The gala honored outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders who demonstrate excellence, foster growth and inspire the next generation of innovators within the FSU and broader business community.FSU HUB Director Dr. Tamara Colvin was able to highlight that this new milestone was a great way to show local success stories, not just tell.“That one-stop shop that’s across the street, we never promised that everyone would be successful, but what we did promise was access. Four years ago, we opened up an entire ecosystem: counseling, capital, contracts, connections, certifications,” shared Colvin. “I want to thank the judges who took up hard work for choosing tonight’s honorees. That’s never an easy task when the whole region is full of people worth recognizing at the HUB. We practice what we preach: Res Non Verba: Deeds, not words.” A few of the inaugural recipients of the awards shared their statements with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR Boolean Wiring LLC, Esean Rose, owner “I am truly honored and grateful to receive the Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award. I want to thank Fayetteville State University, the judges and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. This award represents more than recognition for where Boolean Wiring is today. To me, it represents the potential of where we are going. I am excited about growing the company, creating jobs, serving our community and building something that can have an impact far beyond Fayetteville.”VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS SpeediPrint Inc., Dazrell Fleming, owner “I’m honored to accept the Veteran-Owned Business Award on behalf of the entire SpeediPrint team. A special thank you to Dr. Tamara Colvin for creating this opportunity through the Entrepreneurial Impact Awards, and to my mentor, Mr. Julius Cook, whose guidance during the Boots to Business program truly paid off. This recognition reflects the hard work of my staff and the trust our customers place in us every day — I’m grateful to serve this community and excited for what’s ahead.”MULTI-GENERATIONAL EXCELLENCE BJL Construction, Cleopatrice Robinson, president“This award is especially meaningful because we are more than a business — we are the continuation of a family legacy built through faith, hard work, craftsmanship, integrity and service. I gratefully acknowledge my grandfather, Deacon Benjamin “BJ” Lacy, Jr., whose example helped establish the foundation upon which our family’s entrepreneurial legacy was built. I also honor my father, the late Dr. Wilson Lacy, former president of BJL Construction. Working alongside him was both an opportunity and an education. He taught me that a business’s reputation had to be earned on every project through honesty, excellence, quality and service. As the current president, I recognize that I did not arrive at this moment alone. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I am sustained by those who continue to walk beside me.”MICRO BUSINESS Maybridge Development, LLC, Latisha Perkins, owner “I accept this award with so much pride and a whole lot of gratitude. First and foremost, I want to thank my higher power for continuing to guide me and give me the strength to keep going.When I first started this business and moved here to Fayetteville, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. This business has turned me every which way but loose, and I definitely had some moments where I was ready to just pack it up and head back to Georgia. I want to thank my Maybridge team, my village, The Hub, the FCEDC team and all the people and organizations here in Fayetteville who have believed in me and Maybridge and helped us get here.”COMMUNITY IMPACT Greater Life of Fayetteville, Georgeanna Pinckney, CEO & executive director “We are deeply honored to be recognized by FSU and the FSU HUB with the Community Impact Award presented to Greater Life of Fayetteville. I am especially grateful for this recognition because it tells us that you see what we do – and, more importantly, why we do what we do. Our commitment is to serve, empower and create meaningful opportunities for youth and families in our community. Most importantly, we give God first and foremost all the glory. We thank Him for giving us the wisdom, strength, vision and unity to continue doing this great work in our community.” SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Crowder Trucking LLC, Carlos & Valerie Morrison Crowder, owners “I want to thank God for always keeping his hands on Crowder Trucking. I’m truly honored and grateful to receive the Small Business Award from the FSU HUB. Running a small business is not always easy. There are long days, difficult decisions, unexpected challenges and plenty of moments when you have to remind yourself why you started. But there are also incredible moments like this one that remind you that the hard work is worth it,” shared Valerie Morrison Crowder.OTHER WINNERS INCLUDE: Alumni Entrepreneur - The Two-Six Project, Grant Bennett, founder and president Fayetteville State University Faculty Award - Dr. Christy Swinson Emerging Business Award - Genuine Luxury Beauty Salon Legacy Award - Gillis Farms Inc. Industry Titan of the Year - Eaton Corporation Entrepreneur of the Year- Let Me Cater to You, Chef Judith Cage, owner
Photos: Florence Pugh's most daring looks to date
Florence Pugh often wears daring looks on red carpets, from totally see-through outfits to skirts with thigh-high slits.
Tommy Lee Jones makes a rare red carpet appearance to support “The Lowdown”
The Oscar winner, 80, appears in season 2 of the FX dramedy.
Celebs Who Didn't Wear a Boring Black Suit to 2026 Emmys
These stars stepped up the game and wore something unique on the red carpet.
2026 MTV VMAs red carpet: The best, boldest and most 'wait, what?!' outfits, from Belmont Cameli's Canadian tuxedo to Taylor Swift's stunning sparkles
Presenting the MTV VMAs' most stylish — and, OK, out-there — red carpet looks.
Sydney Sweeney and Robert Pattinson lead the standout looks on Venice Film Festival red carpet
From John Malkovich's ruff to Nina Dobrev's vintage Armani gown, there's a lot to unpack.
Liev Schreiber scolds interviewer at red carpet premiere: ‘Talk to people like they’re humans’
The actor was promoting his new Apple TV crime drama, “Nocturne,” at its New York premiere.
Yes, 'War's shocking episode 1 ending was inspired by Olivia Wilde's custody serving
Dominic West, Sienna Miller, and series creator George Kay weigh in on "War"s red carpet gone wrong.
Taylor Swift sparkles in black-and-silver gown at 2026 VMAs
Taylor Swift made a show-stopping return to the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet.
See All the Stars Arriving on the Red Carpet at the 2026 MTV VMAs
Snoop Dogg hosts the 43rd edition of the iconic music awards show, airing live from Los Angeles on Sept. 27
Trump used to slam China. Here’s why he’s now rolling out the red carpet for Xi
When Donald Trump ran for office a decade ago, he called China a menace to the U.S. economy.
See the stars arriving for Dolly Parton tribute show
See who stepped onto the red carpet for a Dolly Parton tribute show celebrating the country music icon and her legacy.
How to watch 2026 Emmys: Date, time, red carpet, nominees and host
This year's Emmy Awards will be held on Monday beginning at 5 p.m. and hosted by 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' star Mariska Hargitay.
VMAs 2026 Red Carpet: All the Fashion and Looks
The 2026 MTV VMAs are in full swing, and music’s biggest stars are showing up and out on the red carpet. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, this year’s Video Music Awards promises audiences a jam-packed program, i...
Shailene Woodley's stylist responds to 'super rude and mean' reaction to the actor's Emmys outfit
In a pair of social media posts, Karla Welch hit back at critics who panned the "Paradise" star's red carpet look.
Cliff Booth’s next act: Quentin Tarantino’s new novel arrives as David Fincher directs the sequel
Quentin Tarantino continues to expand his career as an author.
Academy Museum Gala: 10 best-dressed stars on the red carpet
Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, Jessica Biel and Teyana Taylor were among the best-dressed stars at the Academy Museum Gala.
NASA captures a stunning transformation in Australia's red outback
Australia's normally dry, rust-colored outback has erupted into a spectacular carpet of wildflowers after unusually heavy rains, potentially producing its most impressive bloom in nearly 20 years. NASA satellite images capture the stunning transformation, which has even brought rare flowers to the grounds of a remote deep-space observatory.
The 10 Most Iconic MTV VMAs Looks We Never Stopped Thinking About
From Gaga to Miley and JLo to Rihanna, here are 10 of the most iconic looks to ever grace the MTV VMAs' stage and hit the red carpet.
Every Celebrity Arrival at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2026 Red Carpet
The annual event celebrates the creative visionaries hard at work behind the scenes.
Body Shaming in Entertainment: Ego Nwodim Answers Shane Gillis With a Gym Selfie
Ego Nwodim’s response to Shane Gillis renews debate over body shaming in entertainment, as actresses challenge scrutiny of their clothes, faces and weight.
How to Watch the 2026 VMAs Red Carpet, Plus 2025 Winners and 2026 Predictions
Madonna opens the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. Here is how to watch the red carpet and ceremony, who won in 2025, and which nominees could win this year.
Liam Neeson holds hands with Stella Stocker on TIFF red carpet
The duo is set to appear in “The Mongoose” next month.
Jaclyn Smith at 80: From 'Charlie's Angels' to building a business empire
Jaclyn Smith reflects on "Charlie's Angels," her business success, lifelong friendship with Farrah Fawcett and more in a new episode of "On the Red Carpet: ICONS."
The best looks from the 2026 Emmys red carpet
LOS ANGELES — The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards “red” carpet is underway as television’s biggest stars descend on the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live. Instead of the usual vibrant red,
Hilary Swank, 52, is pregnant, expecting third child
Oscar winner Hilary Swank, 52, and husband Philip Schneider are growing their family, now expecting their third child together.
Tauren Wells calls for Christian unity at 2026 Dove Awards: ‘They will know us by our love’
On the red carpet of the 57th annual Dove Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, Christian artists including Tauren Wells, Matthew West and Mr TalkBox emphasized unity, bold faith and using Christian music
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake make rare red carpet appearance at Academy Museum Gala
The couple, who share two sons, have been married since October 2012.
Miley Cyrus makes a comeback of sorts at the Hollywood Bowl
The musician and actor played her first full headlining show in years Friday night at the Hollywood Bowl.
The most iconic MTV VMA red carpet looks of all time
Since the first ceremony in 1984, the VMAs has become known as the award show where stars aren’t afraid to take major fashion risks, turning the red carpet into the ultimate spectacle.
Liev Schreiber scolds Apple TV reporter on 'Nocturne' red carpet
A bystander video showed Liev Schreiber scolding a female reporter while on the red carpet promoting his Apple TV series "Nocturne."
Olivia Dean song lifted from Bill Withers hit, complaint alleges
A complaint recently filed in California alleges that Grammy winner Olivia Dean's song 'I've Seen It' lifts from Bill Withers' lasting hit 'Just The Two of Us.'
Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson’s Daughter Briar Rose, 11, Makes First-Ever Red Carpet Appearance With Dad
Christensen and Bilson split in 2017.
Venice Film Festival ends with Golden Lion at stake after 'NAZA' draws record ovation
The 83rd Venice Film Festival wraps up Saturday with the jury awards, including the Golden Lion | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Amazon Prime Video selected to televise the Emmy Awards
Amazon will stream the annual awards fest for at least six years, beginning in 2027
McKenna Grace Channels Jennifer Lawrence’s Iconic Oscars Moment
McKenna Grace continues her fashion tributes while promoting 'The Hunger Games.'
Woody Harrelson and His Wife Look So in Love on the Red Carpet
Now that's one happy couple.
VRE7 TV, a Red-Carpet Entertainment Network, Opens Casting Call for Fans, Creators and Industry Insiders
The independent network pairs its celebrity interview archive with on-camera takes from fans in the new VRE7 Front Row documentary series.
2026 MTV VMAs red carpet: The best, boldest and most 'wait, what?!' outfits, from Belmont Cameli's Canadian tuxedo to Sombr's sexy skunk
Presenting the MTV VMAs' most stylish — and, OK, out-there — red carpet looks.
Jimmy Carter, longtime Channel 4 entertainment reporter, dies
A former Channel 4 red carpet staple, Carter worked a total of 21 years for WSMV before leaving the station in 2018
See Every Celebrity Arrival on the VMAs 2026 Red Carpet
Each look is more head-turning than the next.
Dave Grohl and wife make rare red carpet appearance after cheating scandal
The Foo Fighters frontman admitted in September 2024 to fathering a child “outside of my marriage.”
Boom Year for Desert Blooms
Carpets of wildflowers burst from arid, ochre-colored land in Western Australia following winter rains.
Jimmy Carter, longtime Channel 4 entertainment reporter, dies
A former Channel 4 red carpet staple, Carter worked a total of 21 years for WSMV before leaving the station in 2018
Jaclyn Smith at 80: From 'Charlie's Angels' to building a business empire
Jaclyn Smith reflects on "Charlie's Angels," her business success, lifelong friendship with Farrah Fawcett and more in a new episode of "On the Red Carpet: ICONS."
Photos: Red-carpet looks that missed the mark in 2026
For every stunning red-carpet look we've seen celebrities wear this year, there have been others that entirely missed the mark.
Amanda Seyfried addresses evasive red carpet comments about Elizabeth Holmes: ‘What AM I even saying’
The actress, who portrayed Holmes in “The Dropout,” was hesitant to weigh in on Nathan Fielder’s new doc about the disgraced Theranos founder.
E! AND USA SPORTS ANNOUNCE LIVE FROM THE ORANGE CARPET: WNBA FINALS HOSTED BY LILLY SINGH
A global media and technology company.
See Every Celebrity Red Carpet Look at the 2026 MTV VMAs
See what the stars wore to celebrate the 2026 MTV VMAs at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Venice Film Festival ends with Golden Lion at stake after 'NAZA' draws record ovation
The 83rd Venice Film Festival wraps up Saturday with the jury awards, including the Golden Lion | Talk 1370
20 Years After Leaving ‘The O.C.,' Mischa Barton Makes a Rare Red Carpet Appearance at 40
She looks incredible!
Princess Kate returns to the red carpet at Tom Cruise's 'Digger' premiere with a rarely seen royal heirloom
The Princess of Wales's purple Jenny Packham gown was complemented by Princess Diana's earrings and a necklace from 1923.
Trump used to slam China. Here's why he's now rolling out the red carpet for Xi
When Donald Trump ran for office a decade ago, he called China a menace to the U.S. economy
Celebrities in Saint Laurent at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala
Four celebrities wore Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent to the Academy Museum Gala.
Cat-powered 'Therapod' visits Westwood, sharing mental health benefits of felines
In between classes, third-year sociology student Veronica Rodriguez spent her Tuesday afternoon petting a Maine Coon cat inside a carpet-lined box. Purina, a pet care company, held the Cat Chow Cats As Therapy Project event at Wilson Plaza on Tuesday and Broxton Plaza on Wednesday to highlight the mental health benefits of cats.
Carpet cleaning business owner left without equipment after van catches fire
A Broken Arrow carpet-cleaning business owner lost his work van and roughly $30,000 worth of equipment after a fire broke out while he was on the job.
Jaclyn Smith at 80: From 'Charlie's Angels' to building a business empire
Jaclyn Smith reflects on "Charlie's Angels," her business success, lifelong friendship with Farrah Fawcett and more in a new episode of "On the Red Carpet: ICONS."
Skyler Gisondo knows he's having (another) viral moment right now
An old red carpet photo of the actor is the gift that keeps on giving, this time becoming a vehicle for childhood nostalgia.
Paul Walter Hauser Explains Pin He Wore to Resident Evil Premiere
Paul Walter Hauser explains the pin that her wore Tuesday night while walking the red carpet at the "Resident Evil" premiere in Los Angeles.
Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin welcome baby girl
Former Disney Channel star Dylan Sprouse and Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Palvin 'took Labor Day literally this year,' she wrote on Instagram.
Meg Ryan's Son Jack Quaid Towers Over His Mom in a Rare Red-Carpet Moment
Meg Ryan rarely hits the red carpet!
Tommy Lee Jones makes rare appearance following daughter Victoria's death
Tommy Lee Jones is making a rare appearance on the red carpet following the death of his daughter.
Casey Affleck poses alongside eldest son Indiana, 22, during rare red carpet appearance
Indiana and younger brother Atticus, 18, appear in Casey’s new movie “Company.”
Nebraska Humane Society: Do dogs really feel guilty? Science says maybe not
Dogs that appear guilty after chewing a shoe or having an accident on the carpet may not actually feel guilt, according to research on dog cognition.
Jimmy Carter, longtime Channel 4 entertainment reporter, dies
A former Channel 4 red carpet staple, Carter worked a total of 21 years for WSMV before leaving the station in 2018
Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson's Daughter, 11, Hits the Red Carpet Holding Hands With Dad
Holding hands with her dad!
'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' wins Emmy for variety series
'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' which ended its 11-year run in May, has won the Emmy in the newly merged variety series category.
Mariska Hargitay calls pre-Emmy wardrobe malfunction good luck
LOS ANGELES – Host Mariska Hargitay was in full Olivia Benson mode Thursday, Sept. 10, kicking out the blue carpet for the 78th Emmy Awards outside Los Angeles' Peacock Theater.
Adam Brody Calls for a ‘Free Palestine’
Adam Brody is calling for “free Palestine” and explaining why his political activism doesn’t come up during his red-carpet appearances.
‘Buffy’ stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz are asked to kiss, hold hands on Emmys 2026 red carpet
Sunnydale’s most star-crossed couple is back together again! Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz had an epic ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ reunion on the Emmys red carpet — and were even asked to kiss for the cameras!
Cliff Booth’s next act: Quentin Tarantino’s new novel arrives as David Fincher directs the sequel
Quentin Tarantino continues to expand his career as an author | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
The Dream Awards to Honor Entertainment, Media Legends in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 25
LAS VEGAS (September 2026) – On Sunday, Oct. 25, entertainment and media legends will gather at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 2026 Dream Awards. The red-carpet program will honor a
Emmys 2026: Worst-dressed celebrities on the red carpet
Some celebrities pulled out all the stops at the 2026 Emmys with their fashion, while others didn't wear their best red-carpet looks.
Other Desert Cities Will Host Special Performance Benefiting Entertainment Community Fund
The evening will support the Fund's work addressing the needs of those who work in theatre and entertainment.
Teyana Taylor’s Transparent 2026 VMAs Look Featured a Plunging Neckline and Dramatic Details
Teyana Taylor turned heads on the 2026 MTV VMAs red carpet in a transparent black look with a plunging neckline. See photos here.
Zendaya and Tom Holland's wedding gets bombshell update from Law Roach
It wouldn't be an awards show red carpet without Law Roach causing confusion about Tom Holland and Zendaya's wedding.
The Wackiest And Wildest Looks From The VMAs Red Carpet
From Lady Gaga’s legendary meat dress to live animals, the VMAs red carpet is home to some of the most outrageous pop culture moments.
Meg Ryan and Jack Quaid make first mother-son red carpet appearance together
Ryan, who shared Jack with ex-husband Dennis Quaid, is also mother to daughter, Daisy.
2026 Emmys live chat: Our experts break down the big winners, best moments and more
Columnists Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp discuss the top winners, biggest upsets, most entertaining moments and more from the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Princess Kate's best red carpet looks follow a familiar formula
The Princess of Wales doesn't walk a red carpet often so when she does, she makes it count.
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.”
Trump swoons over strongman soulmate Xi – are you feeling jealous, Vladimir?
Deference was deafening as US president rolled out red carpet for world’s biggest jailer of journalists – perhaps he was seeking tips
Venice Film Festival ends with Golden Lion at stake after ‘NAZA’ draws record ovation
The 83rd Venice Film Festival wraps up Saturday with the jury awards, including the Golden Lion.
'War' stars Dominic West and Sienna Miller on episode 1's red carpet gone wrong
"I was acting my ass off!"
Cliff Booth’s next act: Quentin Tarantino’s new novel arrives as David Fincher directs the sequel
Quentin Tarantino continues to expand his career as an author | WWL
Retailers are making returns harder. A carpet seller taught me why that’s a mistake
A standard business practice offsets future costs by funding a reserve for returns – but many small businesses don’t do it
Adam Brody Calls for a ‘Free Palestine,’ Says He’s Never ‘Ducked’ Politics: ‘I Just Answer the Questions I’m Asked’
Adam Brody is calling for a “free Palestine” and explaining why his political activism doesn’t come up more often during his red-carpet and press appearances. “I just answer the questions I’m asked,” ...
Emmys 2026 red carpet: Best-dressed celebrities at the awards show
Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Mariska Hargitay wore some of the best looks at the 2026 Emmys, held in Los Angeles on Monday.
An army of paid creators is carpeting the web with political content
Functioning more like birdshot than a single bullet, these high-volume social media campaigns represent the new vanguard of modern political influence, saturating the internet with a topic.
20 Years After Leaving ‘The O.C.,' Mischa Barton Makes a Rare Red Carpet Appearance at 40
She looks incredible!
Meg Ryan's Son Jack Quaid Towers Over His Mom in a Rare Red-Carpet Moment
Meg Ryan rarely hits the red carpet!
Emmys red carpet: Best dressed at 2026 Emmy Awards
The best looks from the 2026 Emmys Awards include Ciara Miller and Melissa Rivers.