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What impact will Louise Lucas arrest have on Virginia politics?
Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas appeared in federal court in shackles, facing marijuana trafficking, money laundering and corruption charges.
Steam Pricing Analyst Found Hollow Knight: Silksong's $20 Price Annoying: 'I Was A Bit Like, Oh God, Please Price It Higher'
Indie devs are facing tighter pricing pressures than ever
N.Y. state calls on agencies to keep budgets flat
The warning comes as the state is already facing projected budget gaps in the coming years.
Health insurance costs continue rising for American workers, new survey finds
new KFF survey found that Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance are paying more for coverage in 2026, with workers at small businesses facing the steepest increases.
Tennessee Titans news: Week 7 vs. Browns can snap streak
The Tennessee Titans are facing off against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
Small Business Owners Putting up Personal Assets to Keep Businesses Afloat, New Equifax Canada Survey Finds
One in four business owners have been required to personally guarantee business financing with their own home and assets; younger entrepreneurs show greater reliance on credit as a financial safety netTORONTO, Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The financial pressures facing Canadian small businesses are extending beyond the business itself, with some owners relying on personal credit and assets to support their companies, according to a new Equifax Canada survey. One in four surveyed business ow
Macron needs to start doing his job, political commentator says
Political commentator Joe Sweeny discusses the riots sweeping France and the legal situation facing Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on ‘Fox News @ Night.’
Farmers, Health Care and Highways: 5 Takeaways from the Kansas Senate Debate
The Republican incumbent, Roger Marshall, is facing a surprisingly tough challenge from the Democratic nominee, Adam Hamilton.
Trump is the best politician of our age: Newt Gingrich
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich analyzes the Republican momentum in key states and the challenges facing the Democratic Party and promotes his new book on 'Jesse Watters Primetime.'
Panelist says immigration enforcement campaign adds challenges for Hispanic businesses
SPRINGDALE -- While any business can be affected by rising operating costs or tax burdens, Hispanic business owners in Northwest Arkansas are facing added challenges related to enhanced immigration enforcement efforts, according to Geovanny Sarmiento, constituent relations manager for the city of Rogers.
Penn State, Matt Campbell Given Horrific Midseason Grade
A disastrous transition from James Franklin has left the winless-in-conference Nittany Lions facing a failing grade and a desperate fight for bowl eligibility under new leadership.
Risk management summit, Innovation Challenge scheduled in Iowa City next week
The University of Iowa is hosting the second annual Risk Management and Insurance Strategic Collaborators (RISC) Summit and Innovation Challenge is scheduled for Oct. 28-29 in Iowa City. RISC is a national consortium of higher education institutions, including the Vaughan Institute at University of Iowa, committed to advancing innovation and addressing challenges facing the risk…
'Nobody knows what to do': How Long COVID left Physics Girl searching for answers
San Diego's Dianna Cowern, also known as Physics Girl, was one of the internet's most popular science communicators. Long COVID left her bedbound and facing a medical mystery with life-and-death stakes.
Curry’s health, Kerr’s tweaks and the center dilemma: Biggest questions facing Warriors
The Warriors have plenty of questions entering the 2026-27 season
Trump’s Odd Interaction Sparks Fresh Health Concerns
The president is facing fresh concerns about his health after he made a peculiar move.
CoreWeave's business model explained: Why investors are worried
In the Loop Host Ejaaz Ahamadeen breaks down exactly how CoreWeave's (CRWV) business model works, the financial challenges facing the AI infrastructure company, and why concerns about its ability to manage debt are growing. Ahamadeen examines an estimate suggesting CoreWeave faces a 55% probability of default over the next five years, and what that could mean for the company.
The Green Party Will Regain Momentum if It Keeps Its Nerve
Zack Polanski’s leadership of the Green Party is facing its biggest challenge to date. But the Greens can weather the storm if they stand their ground against deceitful attacks from Andy Burnham’s Lab...
Prominent Chester County business owner facing more child porn charges, police say
According to new court documents, the former owner of Harry's Hot Dogs, and several other businesses in Sadsbury Township, had pictures of teenage girls he knew that had been manipulated with AI to appear naked.
Maine candidates for governor set to appear at Portland business forum
Maine's three candidates for governor are set to appear Wednesday morning at a Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce forum focused on the issues facing the state and its business community.
A 'golden age' vs. 'we're working on it': Trump and Vance give different pitches on the economy
When Vice President JD Vance speaks on the campaign trail about the high costs Americans are facing, he often says he understands that people are hurting
Man arrested for Miami Beach business burglaries, police say
A 57-year-old man is facing felony charges after police said he was responsible for two restaurant burglaries in Miami Beach, including one covered by Local 10 News.
Phoenix among best markets for small business expansion
Phoenix is one of the nation’s stronger markets for small-business expansion, but Tucson is facing a more challenging economic outlook, according to a new study comparing 56 major U.S. metropolitan areas.
Rays’ Peralta Reacted to Facing Brewers in World Series
Fresh off winning the ALCS MVP award, Tampa Bay Rays ace Freddy Peralta prepares for an emotional World Series against his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers.
Inside the GOP’s next battle over women’s sports
The Education Department is facing pressure to rescind a policy that’s helped expand women’s athletics — and conservative women leaders are frustrated.
Cincinnati's business leaders can't have it both ways on school funding
Opinion: Cincinnati business leaders are opposing the CPS levy after helping to create the financial crisis that public schools are facing.
Trump continues midterm campaign blitz in North Carolina
President to stump for Michael Whatley, who is facing an uphill battle against Democrat Roy Cooper for the Senate, as elections are just two weeks away
ESPN moves Florida up in bowl projections after Texas upset
ESPN’s latest bowl projections have Florida facing Pitt in the Gator Bowl or Nebraska in the ReliaQuest Bowl after its win at Texas.
ChartHop expands organizational intelligence beyond HR data, connecting the business to the people who run it
New Salesforce, Zendesk and Google Sheets connections, finance-facing planning, portfolio-wide headcount visibility and
BYU Football Releases Updated Depth Chart Ahead of UCF Game
Fresh off a high-stakes upset, the Cougars shuffle their offensive line and lean on quarterback Bear Bachmeier's rushing mobility to offset key injuries before facing the Knights.
Headway Issues, Then Retracts New Clinician Contracts After Backlash
Therapist enablement platform Headway is once again facing backlash from its clinician pool on its platform over a lengthy new contract the company rolled
Facing health challenges, Clay County farmer gets $5,200 gift, harvest help
Multiple organizations rallied behind a Clay County family facing health challenges in October
The Crucial Questions Facing Business Services
Sector insiders offer their take on four big challenges.
Man City star set for two months out injured
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that Antoine Semenyo is facing eight weeks on the sidelines but Erling Haaland could be available for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with AEK Athens....
Trump to head to Kansas to show support for embattled Marshall
Incumbent Republican senator is facing strong challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton in state that has been red for almost a century
Why did Bruce Blakeman go 100% MAGA?
The former Long Island moderate is now facing the music in his run for governor.
‘4,000 people minding our own business’: four decades on, Falklands again face a hostile Argentina
Facing a slump in the polls, Argentina’s president is making economic attacks on the islands’ oil industry, and suggesting its key fisheries industry could be next
PS6 Price Tag Facing $1,000+ Nightmare as AI Data Centres Send Component Costs Soaring
And it could get worse yet
Facing Realities: Christian Nationalism, From Local Messages to Political Action - by Jessica Mitchell
Part 3.d -- Faith can guide someone’s vote, their decision to run for office, or their objections to a school board’s action. The question becomes more
Shohei Ohtani's health and possible lockout loom over uncertain offseason for Dodgers
After their earliest postseason exit in three years, the Los Angeles Dodgers head into the offseason facing uncertainty over next year.
Health Act Rally in Rochester
New Yorkers will rally on October 17 in a coordinated day of action calling on the State Legislature to pass the New York Health Act and guarantee healthcare for every New Yorker. Across hundreds of miles, New Yorkers will stand together on the same day, under the same banner, with one unified message for Albany: New York is facing a healthcare crisis.
Knicks’ Season Opener: 3 Things To Watch Against 76ers
In the New York Knicks' season opener, the team will begin their quest to defend the NBA title. There will be no easing into things over the Knicks' first 10 games. In particular, when they welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 20, they'll be facing a revamped opponent with plenty …
SpaceX Dragon Delivers Groundbreaking Science and Solar Arrays to ISS
SpaceX has delivered tiny brain models, 3D heart tissue, and artificial retina technology to the space station in a mission that could open new doors for medical research on Earth. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft successfully arrived at the International Space Station on October 15, docking at 10:27 a.m. EDT with the space-facing port of the station’s
Former USC student facing felony charges seeks mental health diversion
The suspect was charged with assault involving a deadly weapon, after allegedly striking a USC professor in the face with a water bottle back in 2024.
Shohei Ohtani's Health and a Possible Lockout Loom Over an Uncertain Offseason for the Dodgers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After their earliest postseason exit in three years, the Los Angeles Dodgers head into the offseason facing uncertainty over next year. Shohei Ohtani was dogged by injuries to his left knee and right biceps over the second half and into the playoffs that rendered him ineffective ...
Timothy Busfield child sex abuse charges thrown out, judge orders
A New Mexico judge tosses out the multiple child sex abuse charges that actor Timothy Busfield had been facing.
Bastrop looks to boost business in historic downtown
Bastrop officials propose requiring at least 60% of ground-floor storefronts in the Downtown Historic District be used for customer-facing businesses.
Small but Mighty: The Path to Prosperity Starts With America’s Small Businesses
Join the Center for American Progress for a discussion on the challenges facing America’s small businesses and the policy solutions that can promote entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.
Building the Business Beat from the Ground Up
With the U.S. economy facing the most complex and fast-changing environment in recent history, the business beat has never been more vital in newsrooms tasked with distilling a constellation of forces for local communities. Costly tariff policies, labor crises tied to immigration enforcement, and breaks in the global supply chain are testing both local businesses...Read More
Wildfires, heat waves and access to care among health-related problems facing Californians
The latest annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) offers a more precise look at how the 2025 wildfires affected Californians’ health and well-being. The data also reveal trends in the health of immigrants, low-income individuals, and transgender and gender-expansive communities. The 2025 CHIS data show: 500,000 more California adults said their mental health was harmed...
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
Citizen Science Groups Grapple With the Rise of A.I. Slop
Facing a flood of A.I. slop, groups bent on democratizing science create new checks and balances.
Who shapes climate science? The equity question facing the IPCC
Early publication of the next global climate science assessment reports risks excluding scientists and research from the Global South, which are key to ensuring the findings are fair
Auburn Faces Difficult Decision at Center After Cole Best's Struggles
Auburn football faces questions at center after Cole Best struggled against Tennessee. Ahead of facing No. 1 Georgia, Alex Golesh could evaluate Kail Ellis, Cole Skinner and Kenneth McManus as offensive line alternatives, though a starting change appears unlikely this week.
Giants Facing a Surprising Trap Game Against the Saints
The New York Giants are facing a major trap game this Sunday.
Trey Hendrickson Shares Health Updates
OLB Trey Hendrickson on his finger injury, facing the Cleveland Browns, and more.
Hungry for Scale, Wary of Reimbursement: The Behavioral Health M&A Dilemma
To sell or not to sell, that is the question facing private equity and behavioral health operators today. Timing the market has rarely felt this
Be a Friend Campaign Supports Child Cancer Program at Lee Health Golisano Children’s - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
Oct. 14, 2026 – Throughout Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Southwest Florida community united to support local children facing cancer and blood disorders through the Be a Friend campaign benefiting Barbara’s […]
Wildfires, heat waves and access to care among health-related problems facing Californians
The new annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data released today provide a more precise look at how the 2025 wildfires affected Californians' health and well-being, while also revealing troubling ...
Claim that Trump press secretary Katie Zacharia is a lawyer comes under scrutiny
The new White House press secretary is facing mounting questions about her background and resume as she transitions into her role as the public face of the Trump administration.
SpaceX Dragon Docks with Science, Supplies, and Roll-Out Solar Arrays
At 11 a.m. EDT, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the space-facing port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module, delivering more than 6,300 pounds of food, supplies, and equipment for the Expedition 75 crew.
Newcastle boss 'relishing' Scarlets challenge
Newcastle Red Bulls boss Dan McFarland says he is "relishing" the challenge of facing Scarlets in the European Challenge Cup.
Fairfax County seeks to cut red tape for local businesses facing hurdles
Fairfax County leaders are exploring ways to streamline bureaucratic processes and cut red tape for local businesses.
Jean-Marc Jancovici: 'As long as there is no shared understanding that the impact of a heatwave is lasting, politicians will not act'
The energy engineer and founder of the Shift Project think tank lays out the major climate challenges facing future governments, with six months to go before France's 2027 presidential election.
New York Yankees’ Insider Unveils Latest Giancarlo Stanton Situation
The New York Yankees are facing uncertainty with Giancarlo Stanton.The 36-year-old slugger is a loyal veteran, but the Yankees’ crowded roster has been pushing him off the table.According to an MLB insider, here’s where things stand for both parties.Yankees’ Looming Giancarlo Stanton Decision Weighs HeavilyAs detailed by Brendan Kuty of The Athletic on Oct. 14, […] The post New York Yankees’ Insider Unveils Latest Giancarlo Stanton Situation appeared first on HEAVY.
Dodgers' Muncy, Pages Named 2026 Gold Glove Finalists
While facing a daunting postseason sweep, Los Angeles celebrates defensive milestones as two cornerstones battle elite stars Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong for prestigious fielding honors.
'Heartbreaking day': Wall supporting Holden business collapses early Wednesday
A wall collapsed at a Holden business early Wednesday, leaving bricks in the street and owners facing a heartbreaking mess.
Questions swirl about new White House press secretary's resume
NEW YORK (AP) — The new White House press secretary is facing mounting questions about her background and resume as she transitions into her role as the public face of
Cam Heyward reveals legendary Vince Williams trash-talk vs Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Cameron Heyward recalled former linebacker Vince Williams' legendary trash talk before facing the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ex-employee shot at Mahaffey-area septic service business to 'send a message,' PSP alleges
Pennsylvania State Police say a Mahaffey man is facing attempted homicide charges, accused of firing more than two dozen shots at multiple businesses, including
House District 15 candidates answer questions from residents
At a time when Maine residents are facing inflation, high heating costs and rising property taxes, incumbent state Rep. Holly Eaton and challenger Clifford Noyes aim to help residents in
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.”
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,
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.
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.
Climate change is putting Europe’s brain health at risk
Rising temperatures, poor air quality and the spread of infectious diseases could increase the burden of neurological disorders, with the most vulnerable communities facing the greatest risks.
Climate change is putting Europe’s brain health at risk
Rising temperatures, poor air quality and the spread of infectious diseases could increase the burden of neurological disorders, with the most vulnerable communities facing the greatest risks.
The raid on Ilhan Omar’s house is dangerous political theater
The raid is meant to cast an air of suspicion and criminality over Democratic candidates who, like Omar, are facing the voters in a matter of weeks
Iowa faces a reckoning over water quality and cancer rates in midterm campaigns
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is facing a budget deficit, high costs and economic strain from trade disputes that have squeezed farmers.
Skill game machines shut off statewide, leaving Lancaster County businesses struggling
Businesses in Lancaster County are facing financial losses after Pace-O-Matic shut off skill game machines statewide, requiring their removal by a midnight deadline.
Arkansas gubernatorial nominees debate education, farming, prison space and maternal health
Arkansas’ three gubernatorial candidates took the stage at Arkansas TV in Conway on Tuesday to discuss issues facing the state ahead of the November election.
Trump's new press secretary faces questions over her bar credentials
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is facing scrutiny about her legal qualifications after she was pressed to explain them.
SerpApi GC on Fighting Two Tech Giants and Keeping the Business Moving
Speaking with Law.com, SerpApi's Chad Anson discussed what it means to be a startup GC in two David-versus-Goliath legal battles, why he believes companies sometimes need to litigate more openly, and the advice he would give any in-house lawyer suddenly facing a potentially existential lawsuit.
How candidates for governor would change Maine health care policy
By Emily Bader of The Maine Monitor A look at the health care plans put forward by Bobby Charles, Hannah Pingree and Rick Bennett. Policy experts have warned that Mainers are facing a cliff in…
US grocer Albertsons suspends full-year forecasts amid business review
Oct 13 (Reuters) - Albertsons withdrew its fiscal 2026 forecasts on Tuesday as the grocer reviews its strategy, cost structure and portfolio of businesses as part of a turnaround effort. The company has been facing cautious consumer spending, particu...
Kalamazoo Behavioral Health Hospital facing possible license revocation
TEXAS TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) - The Kalamazoo Behavioral Health Hospital on 9th Street in Texas Township is ...
Flock is facing a surveillance backlash. Meanwhile, its drone business is booming
As cities push back against its license plate readers, the $8.4 billion surveillance company is betting big on police drones, raising fresh questions about privacy and oversight.
The Science of Finding Cancer Early Just Proved Itself. The ...
NHS-Galleri results fuel calls to build cancer early-detection access in communities facing the greatest environmental and healthcare disparities.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart After Will Shipley Injury
Running back is one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ weakest spots at the moment after they took multiple injury hits in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Following their game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Eagles took another injury hit to their backfield. Will Shipley left the game early and is now facing […] The post Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart After Will Shipley Injury appeared first on HEAVY.
Kansas State Arts and Sciences facing $2.6M budget shortfall, raising worries about possible layoffs
The Kansas State University College of Arts and Sciences faces a $2.6 million annual budget shortfall in addition to $13.5 million owed for loans from the administration, a situation that may eliminate academic programs and cause faculty layoffs.
Warner Bros. could face loss of at least $150 million on 'Digger' after tepid box office
Tom Cruise’s “Digger” fell 60% in its second weekend to $3.2 million, leaving Warner Bros. facing a loss that could top $150 million.
John Stamos says Beach Boys' Mike Love is facing 'serious health challenges'
The "Full House" star has been playing with the iconic band for over 40 years.
John Stamos says Beach Boys' Mike Love is facing 'serious health challenges'
The "Full House" star has been playing with the iconic band for over 40 years.
John Stamos says Beach Boys' Mike Love is facing 'serious health challenges'
The "Full House" star has been playing with the iconic band for over 40 years.
Experts Identified The Gravest Health Threats Facing Humanity
This is what we’re up against.
Experts Identified The Gravest Health Threats Facing Humanity
This is what we’re up against.
Editor’s Note: Must Even the Biggest Booms Go Bust?
The Twin Cities theater scene was once the envy of the nation. Now, like our once-flourishing craft beer movement, it's facing seriously tough times.
We asked: What is one challenge facing the Greater Des Moines business community that deserves more attention?
– Compiled by Emily Barske Wood and Kyle Heim Each year the Business Record’s readers cast votes for what Des Moines has to offer in a variety of business-related categories. We asked the winners: What is one challenge facing the Greater Des Moines business community that deserves more attention? Here’s what some of them had…
The Beach Boys' Mike Love Facing 'Health Challenges,' John Stamos Says
Beach Boys fans grew concerned after Love looked weak during a seated performance at Saturday's Cincinnati, Ohio, show.