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Scientists use sound waves to deliver a new attack on deadly brain cancer
Scientists at the University of Virginia have developed a promising new strategy to fight glioblastoma, one of the deadliest and most difficult-to-treat forms of brain cancer. Their experimental approach combines focused ultrasound, tiny nanoparticles, and genetic molecules called microRNAs to attack multiple cancer-driving genes simultaneously.
A potential Democratic wave looms over Trump. Where does MAGA go after the midterms?
The Republican reckoning tests a party infrastructure reshaped around President Trump since his insurgent rise in 2015 transformed the GOP.
GUEST OPINION: State’s income tax debate must include business growth
Economic development talk in southern Colorado usually centers on landing the next big employer. That work matters. But some of our best opportunities are already here: the local contractor ready to add a crew, the manufacturer pricing out new equipment, the owner thinking about opening a second location. None of those are easy calls. Each […]
Trump administration's social media posts criticized as racially inflammatory
The Trump administration’s online accounts have circulated images of a pumpkin carved with a sombrero design and a fake Halloween-themed background around a Black man apparently accused of food assistance fraud.
WNBA championship: Gabby Williams leads Golden State Valkyries to first title in second season, beating Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7
Gabby Williams scored her teams final 11 points of the third quarter and dazzled through the fourth on the way to 30 points as the Golden State Valkyries captured the WNBA championship in just their second season.
‘Relationship business:’ RE/MAX celebrates 40 years in Dubuque area
As he tells it, Greg Adams became a real estate agent more than four decades ago largely due to a lack of other employment opportunities.
Why your Medicare drug plan costs will be higher in 2027
The average monthly premium for millions of Americans enrolled in a Medicare stand-alone prescription drug plan will rise 50% in 2027.
Anfernee Simons hits bench scoring mark not seen since 2024
The Philadelphia 76ers might have added star power this offseason, but to win a championship, they’re going to need consistent depth and production from their role players. To that end, the 76ers have gotten strong bench play from Anfernee Simons, who reached a big mark in NBA history during the team’s win against the Charlotte Hornets, as per Kris […] The post Anfernee Simons hits bench scoring mark not seen since 2024 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
New statewide political director at business trade group; bank exec retiring after 45 years
Take a look at some of the recent promotions and new hires announced at south Louisiana businesses.
It's ACA open enrollment time. Here are the changes for health insurance shoppers
The ACA health insurance marketplaces — find yours at HealthCare.gov — open Nov. 1 for 2027 coverage. Getting an early start may be especially important this year.
Screenwriter sues director Alexander Payne, claiming ‘The Holdovers’ was stolen from his script
David Hemingson, the creator of ABC's "Whiskey Cavalier" and a veteran television writer for shows including "Kitchen Confidential" and "How I Met Your Mother," was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Maryland health insurance rates are rising. What to know as open enrollment begins
Marylanders can begin shopping for 2027 health insurance plans Sunday, as higher rates make comparing coverage and costs especially important.
The big dipper: East Innes welcomes the Pizza Dip
SALISBURY — Another place to grab a slice is open in downtown Salisbury, and it’s out of this world. The Pizza Dip at 121 East Innes Street opened its doors […]
Somali pirates seize Iranian fishing vessel, raising fears of attacks on cargo ships
Somali pirates have hijacked an Iranian fishing boat called the Azini with 23 people on board.
‘Mormon Wives’ star takes down family Halloween costume post referencing day of JFK’s assassination following backlash
McCall DaPron and her family dressed up as the Kennedys circa the day of JFK’s assassination for Halloween, sparking backlash.
Hurricanes versus Winnipeg: Preview, How to Watch, Game Thread
The Canes wrap up the homestand and the season series against the Jets
Cardiff warned of complacency amid winless away form
Only strugglers Preston and Watford have fewer points than Cardiff City on the road in the Championship this season.
Valkyries win WNBA championship 2 years into existence, beating Dream in Game 7
The Valkyries celebrated on their home court, making history in San Francisco.
Tulane Cross Country Programs Capture American Conference Titles
The Green Wave swept the team and individual championships at Lake Oaks Park on Saturday.
Binghamton University hosts spooky science experiments at Phelps Mansion Museum
Binghamton University brought its Physics Outreach Project to the Phelps Mansion Museum today.
Legislative priorities on healthcare crystallize as New Mexico voters head to polls
Healthcare access and affordability have become a central issue — and a surprising point of consensus — ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Ancient ape fossil in Egypt could rewrite the story of human origins
A 17- to 18-million-year-old ape fossil discovered in Egypt is challenging long-held beliefs about where the ancestors of humans and other modern apes first evolved. Scientists now suspect that North Africa and the Middle East, rather than East Africa, may have been the cradle of modern ape evolution.
Be Well ACA Open Enrollment
Pages from the U.S. Affordable Care Act health insurance website healthcare.gov are seen on a computer screen in Williamsburg, Va., Oct. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Wayne Partlow)
Ukraine’s farmers dig in as Russia turns its sights back on grain shipments
Ukraine’s agricultural exports are under fire from Russia once again. Between drone attacks and rising diesel prices, the whole industry is strained.
Some olive oils are pricey and some are cheap. What are the health differences?
Health experts discuss how certain production methods for the less expensive brands of olive oil could be stripping it of its health-related qualities. Here are the differences.
Takeaways from Nebraska football’s loss to Washington
Same story, different day.
‘Heart dropping’: Bride says Metro Detroit mobile bartender won’t refund after selling business
For weeks, Local 4’s Kyla Russell has been hearing from brides who say they were ghosted by wedding vendors on their big day. One name that keeps coming up: Sip of Eden, a mobile bartending service based in metro Detroit.
Bayern Munich Hit With Triple Injury Blow After Dortmund Draw
Der Klassiker always delivers drama, but Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund came with a brutally heavy price tag. Beyond dropping points at the top of the table, the Bundesliga leaders watched in dismay as Michael Olise, Ismael Saibari, and Serge Gnabry were all forced off with injuries.To make matters worse, just three days […] The post Bayern Munich Hit With Triple Injury Blow After Dortmund Draw appeared first on HEAVY.
'Grasping at straws': Judge dismisses Trump suit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter
Saying the president was "grasping at straws," a federal judge on Saturday threw out Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch over a story reporting on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Nicholls Athletics expands partnership with Thibodaux Regional Health System
Nicholls State University’s athletics department announced the expansion of a partnership with Thibodaux Regional Health System in a press conference on Friday. The expansion allows Nicholls athletes—including members of the soccer, tennis, beach volleyball and track programs—access to Thibodaux Regional’s new, National Collegiate Athletic Association-compliant sports complex. The complex allows Nicholls to host competitive and...
Obamacare enrollment starts Sunday, more Health Headlines
Open enrollment for the state’s health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, starts Sunday, Nov. 1.
Wiener may have edge over Chan in House race
Pelosi backing for Chan may not rule on Election Day.
Trump Accounts: What parents need to know about automatic enrollment, $1,000 seed money and activation
Your child may be enrolled in a “Trump Account” whether you realize it or not
APTOPIX Germany Protests
A man uses a street sign to smash the windows of a store in downtown Frankfurt on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. (Boris Roessler/dpa via AP)
NASA's Swift telescope on the verge of plunging back to Earth
A NASA telescope is barely clinging to space after a failed rescue effort left it tottering and sinking toward Earth. A few pieces that don't burn up in the atmosphere are expected to land in the ocean on or about Friday.
A place to belong: Why connection matters in mental health
Birch Tree Communities helps Arkansas adults living with serious mental illness build friendships, find belonging, and feel supported throughout recovery.
The Best Time to Fix Your Business Is When Things Are Going Well by Nathan Tayloe
There's a pattern I've noticed working with growing businesses over the years. Conversations about what needs to change rarely happen when things are going well. They tend to happen when growth slows, a competitor starts winning business, or something that used to work stops producing the same results. By then, the decisions are often harder, more expensive, and more urgent than they needed to be. It's understandable. When revenue is growing, customers are coming in, and employees are busy, there's little incentive to question what's working. Leaders have plenty to manage without creating new challenges for themselves. Running my own business has taught me that it's easy to get caught up in what's happening today and put off improvements you know will matter tomorrow. Those periods of success may actually be the best opportunity a business has to make meaningful improvements. When Success Makes Change Less Urgent Most businesses have things they know could be better. The challenge is finding a compelling reason to address them when everything appears to be working. Maybe the company has outgrown its original positioning. Perhaps internal processes haven't kept pace with growth, or the customer experience has become inconsistent as the organization has expanded. These issues don't necessarily prevent a business from growing. Strong demand can make them easier to overlook, especially when teams are focused on keeping up with the work already coming in. Over time, small inefficiencies become accepted ways of operating. Outdated processes remain in place because they've always worked well enough, and opportunities to improve get pushed aside in favor of more immediate demands. The business continues moving forward, but some of the things supporting that growth aren't getting stronger along with it. The Advantage of Acting Early When a business is performing well, leadership has something valuable: options. There's more flexibility to invest, experiment, develop people, and make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of an immediate problem that needs solving. Compare that with trying to make the same changes when revenue is declining, or the market has shifted. Investments become harder to justify, timelines get compressed, and decisions that could have been made strategically become urgent responses to circumstances. I've seen businesses postpone improvements for years because there was never a particularly good time to address them. Eventually, circumstances decide for them, often when they have fewer resources and less flexibility to respond. Growth Changes What a Business Needs This is especially relevant in a growing market like Wilmington, where new businesses, new residents, and continued investment are creating opportunities across the region. As organizations grow, the expectations placed on them change. Customers expect greater consistency, employees need clearer processes and opportunities, and leadership has to make decisions that support a larger, more complex business. What worked when a company was smaller may still work today, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will support where the organization wants to go next. Sometimes the most valuable improvements are the ones that prepare a business for demands it hasn't experienced yet. That might mean: Strengthening internal processes before they become bottlenecks Developing leaders before the organization depends on them Improving the customer experience before inconsistencies affect retention Revisiting positioning before the market outgrows the company's story None of these changes requires a crisis. They require recognizing that a growing business needs to keep evolving, even when current performance gives leadership little reason to worry. Use the Good Years Wisely Successful businesses don't need to constantly reinvent themselves. There's value in knowing what works and having the discipline to build on it. There's also value in occasionally asking whether the business is as strong as its current performance suggests. Are there problems we've learned to work around instead of solving? Are we still operating the way we did several years ago, even though the business has changed? What would we improve today if we weren't waiting for something to go wrong? Success creates the freedom to ask those questions and act on the answers. The businesses that make the most of that opportunity are often better prepared for whatever comes next. The strongest businesses don't need a crisis to recognize an opportunity to improve. They use the good years to prepare for the years ahead. — Learn more about how we help organizations strengthen their positioning, align their strategy, and prepare for what's next at tayloegray.com, or reach out directly at nathan@tayloegray.com.
Open HD 100 race tests GOP strength in coastal Broward without Chip LaMarca
Republicans hold a clear registration advantage, but the open-seat race will test how much of Chip LaMarca’s strength belongs only to him.
Tampa General Hospital and Health Care District of Palm Beach County to Open Lakeside Cancer Center in September 2027 - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County recently announced the upcoming expansion of cancer care for rural and western Palm Beach County communities. Anticipated […]
Trump lets Katie Zacharia botch 'SNL' cold open, admires Tom Hanks' butt
"Saturday Night Live" returned just in time for a political fright night.
Stacey Abrams has been quietly building political power in Mississippi. Scott Colom could be the payoff
After helping reshape Georgia’s electorate through years of Black voter organizing, Abrams has spent years building similar political infrastructure in
Tri-state people in business: New hires, promotions, recognitions
Cottingham & Butler, of Dubuque, announced the following new hires:
Who's enforcing the rules on billions in political spending?
Super PACs can spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections, but they’re prohibited from coordinating that spending with candidates’ campaigns. In the fourth episode of Follow the Money, we examine how campaigns and outside groups navigate those rules, the controversial practice known as redboxing, and why vacancies and staffing shortages at the Federal Election Commission have raised serious questions about oversight of political spending.
High early voting turnout sets stage for competitive Texas midterm races
High early voting turnout in Texas is building toward a consequential Election Day as candidates make their final pitches statewide.
Politics chat: Data centers are on everyone's minds going into Election Day
With days until Election Day, polls show momentum for Democratic candidates and bipartisan distaste for data centers.
The race to represent coastal SC in Congress is tightening. Will it flip or stay in GOP hands?
The race for the Lowcountry’s U.S. House seat is going down to the wire.
What to know about the Affordable Care Act\'s open enrollment period now underway
People signing up for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act for 2027 should expect higher premiums and fewer options. The enrollment period starts Sunday and ends in mid-January.
‘GMA’ Fans Rally Around Michael Strahan After Seeing His Emotional Achievement
They’re saying he “truly deserves” this.
It's Your Business | Filling a niche for knitting needs
“I find it calming. I find it inspiring. There’s always something new to learn. By no means do I claim I know everything about the knitting process, but I’m always
I skip the marathon for a 32-mile walk around Manhattan
I've never run a marathon, but I've walked the perimeter of Manhattan, about 32 miles, three times. I'm looking forward to doing it again.
What's it like to run for Congress when the odds are stacked heavily against you?
The majority of congressional races this cycle are rated either solid Democrat or solid Republican. They're the opposite of tossups, where candidates from the minority party face near impossible odds.
Lee Health Announces Executive Leadership Promotions - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
Lee Health is proud to announce several executive leadership promotions that will help guide the health system as it continues to expand access to high-quality care across Southwest Florida. The […]
Amendment 2 could provide relief to farmers, stress for fiscally restrained counties
The ballot measure could provider tangible property tax relief on farm equipment, to the tune of $30M or more each year.
Mariah Carey defrosts for this year’s ‘It’s time’ Christmas video
“All I Want For Christmas is You” singer Mariah Carey continued her tradition of kicking off the holiday season with a new video that features one of her ’90s deep cuts.
How one family gave a critical boost to gene therapy research
A family affected by Sanfilippo syndrome raised millions of dollars for research. The Food and Drug Administration just approved a gene therapy the support helped make possible.
Ravens Discussion: Predictions for Week 8 matchup vs. Bills
The Baltimore Ravens will take on the Buffalo Bills today in a much-anticipated Week 8 contest. Here are Baltimore Beatdown’s predictions for the game. Dustin Cox The Ravens have often responded with big wins in previous seasons when their backs were against the wall. That was with John Harbaugh at the helm, however, so we […]
LOCAL BUSINESS STORIES: DEEPWOODZ APP
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -In this episode of Local Business stories Deedee sits down with local veteran, Zach Langner. Zach created his own app called Deepwoodz, it’s an app for hunters that helps them process their harvest. It has a built-in calculator that adjusts recipes based on the amount of meat you have.
Apple’s Secret iPhone 20 Plans Will Completely Rewrite the Smartphone Playbook
iPhone 20 redesign rumors point to a massive 20th-anniversary update in 2027. Apple might skip the iPhone 19 and introduce solid-state haptic buttons.
‘SNL’ recap: ‘Obsession’ star Inde Navarrette hosts Halloween episode
‘Obsession’ star Inde Navarrette hosts ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time on Halloween, with musical guest Gracie Abrams. Read EW’s recap.
All 5 CBS Sports experts pick Florida to reach Final Four
All five CBS Sports experts picked Florida to reach the Final Four, while two have the Gators winning the national championship.
Space Shuttle Endeavour's new LA home unveiled ahead of public opening
The California Science Center is preparing to open the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a 200,000-square-foot expansion that will showcase Space Shuttle Endeavour.
NFL Punishes Two Players Over Minnesota Vikings Game
The NFL announced disciplinary actions against two players over the Minnesota Vikings win against the Indianapolis Colts. The post NFL Punishes Two Players Over Minnesota Vikings Game appeared first on HEAVY.
Republicans are about to find out whether their gerrymanders backfired
As analysts forecast a possible 'blue wave' of support for Democrats, election experts are watching whether Republicans’ gerrymandering efforts could backfire, turning out to be a 'dummymander.'
Immaculate Conception Parish Center hosts annual health fair
The community was also able to enjoy and even participate in Tai Chai and line dancing demonstrations throughout the duration of the health fair.
Entertainment
Playhouse at McConnellstown has launched its "Raise the Roof" Capital Campaign to raise $30,000 for repairs to the theater's roof and gutter system. Donations of any amount are being accepted
7 Simple Recipes to Get Plant-Based Protein at Every Meal, Approved By a Dietitian
Adding plant protein to your meals will also naturally add fiber, vitamins, minerals and more nutrients to your overall diet.
LSUE Open House on Nov. 5 to highlight affordable pathways to local healthcare careers
Explore healthcare career opportunities at LSU Eunice's Nov. 5 Open House. Learn about nursing, respiratory care, surgical technology and other programs offered in Eunice and Lafayette.
“Everybody’s Practicing Less, but Getting Injured More”: Kirby Smart Takes Candid Dig at NIL Era While Discussing SEC’s Growing Problems
As college football undergoes a major transition, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has raised concerns about the NIL era’s impact on player motivation, roster depth, and injuries. Speaking after Georgia’s 27-8 victory over Florida on Saturday, Smart admitted that the current SEC landscape looks considerably different from what he experienced during his national championship runs in 2021 and 2022.
Avelo Airlines CEO talks hard work, vulnerability and leadership
Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy shares how hard work, vulnerability and personal accountability have shaped his approach to leadership.
Zendaya channels Halle Berry with risqué recreation for Halloween
Zendaya's Halloween look is turning heads.
Inde Navarrette skewers Shane Gillis' sexist joke in 'SNL' monologue
"Obsession" horror star Inde Navarrette brought some fresh blood to an existing "Saturday Night Live" wound on Halloween, taking a pointed swipe at recent host Shane Gillis' controversial joke about
Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2026
Hawaiʻi’s health care systems are proudly rooted in traditions of providing quality care and cutting-edge treatments for their patients across all islands.
Anthropic plans to give back, philanthropy gurus weigh in
Anthropic's IPO filing laid out several ways in which it plans to give back. We asked three philanthropy gurus to assess its efforts.
Sweet Loren’s Was Making $350,000 a Year. Then 1 Decision Helped Turn It Into a $100 Million Business
A deal with Whole Foods helped Sweet Loren’s get started, but the real breakthrough came when founder Loren Castle listened to customers.
Blockbusters, Glory & Scandal: Novembers That Changed the Astros Forever
November does not belong to baseball, at least not by design. Yet, the Houston Astros time and time again have dominated the headlines throughout one of the games quietest months. Today we revisit the November moments that redefined the course of Astros history. Championships. November 1, 2017. Every Astros fan knows the date by heart. […]
How To Navigate Political Differences With Family, According To A Therapist
“Not every disagreement needs to become a debate, and not every debate deserves your participation.”
The Best Pictures From The Inner Circle 36
Three explosive knockouts and two hard-fought decisions highlighted an action-packed night in Bangkok.
What's it like to run for Congress when the odds are stacked heavily against you?
The majority of congressional races this cycle are rated either solid Democrat or solid Republican. They're the opposite of tossups, where candidates from the minority party face near impossible odds.
The View from Room 200: Willie Brown and the politics of power
Term limits sent him home to a seat in City Hall — and 30 years later, power in San Francisco still runs through through his table.
Yakima County health officials report second avian influenza case
YAKIMA, Wash. — The Yakima Health District, working with the Washington State Department of Health, announced a second Yakima County resident tested positive for avian influenza after exposure at a
Minnesotans urged to join citizen science effort to track and collect ticks
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Researchers in Minnesota are calling on outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, livestock owners and pet owners across the state to aid in a statewide citizen science effort to map and
The Right Way to Pet a Dog, According to Science
New research shows what physical contact with a dog does to the body’s response during stress.
Contribute to science by observing birds on Mount Royal: Les Amis de la montagne
From Black-capped Chickadees and American Goldfinches to House Finches, each observation offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Mount Royal’s biodiversity. This winter, Les Amis de la montagne invites
How big and powerful is SpaceX's Starship rocket?
At 407 feet, SpaceX's Starship is one-third taller than the Statue of Liberty and has roughly twice the liftoff thrust of NASA's Space Launch System.
Holy Cross Health Launches “Flavor for Life” Program to Help Prevent Diabetes Through Food as Medicine - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
By Kristen Schroeder-Brown Holy Cross Health is taking an innovative approach to diabetes prevention by helping participants improve their health one grocery bag at a time. Through its Healthy Living […]
NFL Announces Discipline for Multiple Players Over Houston Texans Game
The NFL has taken action against multiple players, including Houston Texans cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram, in its weekly sweep. The post NFL Announces Discipline for Multiple Players Over Houston Texans Game appeared first on HEAVY.
Clippers Finally Get Good News Amid Brutal 4-Game Skid
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry will not participate in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to injury management. The post Clippers Finally Get Good News Amid Brutal 4-Game Skid appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Report card: Nebraska football suffers heartbreak against Washington
Despite holding a 7-3 lead with under two minutes remaining, Nebraska football (5-3, 2-3) suffered another heartbreaking loss in October, falling to Washington (5-3, 2-3) 17-10 in Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2026
Hawaiʻi’s health care systems are proudly rooted in traditions of providing quality care and cutting-edge treatments for their patients across all islands.
Golden State Valkyries defeat Atlanta Dream for franchise’s first WNBA title
The Valkyries won 68 to 63 in Game 7, clinching their first championship on the road.
Where to go Sunday for Dia de Los Muertos celebrations
Neighborhoods and towns all over the region have been observing Dia de los Muertos for decades as a way to remember the loved ones who are gone.
'Embarrassing in every way': How OU collapsed against South Carolina
The floodgates were open for OU in a 42-25 loss to South Carolina on Saturday.
DiCastro's Brick Oven in Rome to close
DiCastro's Brick Oven Restaurant will close its doors at the end of the month after 16 years of slinging pizzas along Erie Boulevard West in Rome, according to owners Jim and Lisa DiCastro.
Pols & Politics: MA Senate advances bill for permanent Daylight Savings Time
The Massachusetts Senate advances a bill to establish permanent Daylight Savings Time, another potato chip manufacturer is leaving the Bay State, and government watchdog groups endorse ‘Yes on 5.’
Gov. Green approves new tie-breaker rule for Hawaii elections
Governor Josh Green has approved a new rule outlining how the state will break ties in future elections.
Business Owners Have a Window. Most Aren't Ready to Use It. by Tully Ryan
I spend my working life on both sides of a business sale. As an M&A advisor based in Wilmington, I help lower middle market owners across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia sell what they've built. As the founder and CEO of IQExit, I work with the bankers, wealth advisors, CPAs and attorneys who sit beside those owners for years before a sale ever comes up. From both seats, I keep seeing the same thing. The market is ready for our owners. Too many of our owners aren't ready for the market. Start with our own backyard. Wilmington's metro area added more than 12,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, a 2.6% jump that ranked seventh in the country. It also posted the highest job growth rate of any metro in North Carolina. I see the same pattern in the growth markets I work in across the Southeast. New residents mean new customers and new workers. They also mean new buyers: people who moved here from corporate jobs and want to own something, private equity groups looking for add-ons in HVAC, electrical, landscaping and other trade services, and younger entrepreneurs who would rather buy a running business than start one from scratch. The ownership numbers are hard to ignore. About half of North Carolina's small businesses have an owner who is 55 or older, and roughly 85% of those owners have no succession plan, according to the North Carolina Employee Ownership Center. Nationally, more than half of Baby Boomer business owners have no documented transition plan. That isn't a crisis yet. It's a timing problem. A lot of businesses will change hands over the next decade, and the prepared ones will get the better buyers and the better terms. Buyers have money and they're using it. But an active market doesn't mean a fast one. The IBBA's latest Market Pulse survey found that Main Street deals took six to 10 months from engagement to close in the second quarter, and lower middle market deals took 11 to 12 months. That clock starts after the owner decides to sell. In my experience, the real preparation has to start years before. Two clocks, two playbooks When I sit down with an owner or their advisor, my first question isn't “What's it worth?” It's “When?” The answer puts the owner in one of two groups. If the owner wants out within 24 months, we're in execution mode. There's no time to rebuild the business. The work is cleaning up what a buyer will test: three years of financials that tie to the tax returns, an add-back schedule you can prove, customer and vendor contracts in writing, a lease that can be assigned, and a price the market will actually pay. The goal is certainty to close. If the exit is two to five years away, the owner has something worth more than time. They have choices. That window is where most value gets built, and most owners waste it by waiting. What kills deals In the lower middle market, deals rarely die over the headline price. They die in diligence, or they get retraded late in the process. I see the same causes again and again. The owner is the business. If every key customer relationship runs through the owner's cell phone, a buyer sees risk and a lender sees more of it. The books don't hold up. Buyers spot weak accounting fast. Statements that get revised mid-process, a revolving door in the bookkeeper's chair, revenue tracked on a side spreadsheet, and margins that slip while sales climb with no clear reason all make a buyer nervous. So does an owner who pushes back when asked for documents. And plenty of private owners run personal expenses through the company. Add-backs are normal. Add-backs you can't document turn into a lower offer. The real estate isn't sorted out. Many owners hold their building in a separate LLC. That's fine, but the lease terms or the property sale should be settled before a buyer shows up, not halfway through diligence. Revenue sits in too few hands. Picture a contractor with 40% of its work coming from one builder, or a service company running on handshake deals. Buyers will still look, but the terms shift toward more seller financing, an earnout, or less cash at closing. Owners and advisors: if your exit is three to five years out • Get a baseline now. Find out where the business really stands today: what a buyer would pay, who that buyer is likely to be, and which gaps would hurt you in diligence. You can't fix what you haven't measured, and the answer is often different from what the owner expects. • Make yourself less necessary. Spend the next few years building a manager or small team that can run daily operations and own customer relationships. Put handshake deals into written contracts. A business that runs without its owner is worth more and is far easier to finance. • Clean the books for three straight years. Buyers and lenders look back at least three years. Separate personal expenses, keep the financials tied to the tax returns, track every add-back as you go, and settle the real estate plan early. A word to CPAs CPAs often see a sale coming before anyone else, and you're usually the most trusted voice an owner has. Year-end meetings are the right time to start this conversation. Here's what I'd ask every CPA to do this season with business owner clients over 55: • Ask the timing question. “Do you see yourself owning this business in five years? If not, who takes it over?” Write down the answer and bring it up again at next year's meeting. • Run a proof of cash and review revenue recognition. Make sure the cash in the bank ties to the revenue on the books. Pay close attention to contractors with work in progress and to companies selling memberships or service plans. These issues are easy to fix with years of lead time and painful to fix a month before closing. • Pair the tax return with an exit readiness review. Invite clients to complete IQExit's Exit Readiness Intelligence (ERI) process as part of year-end planning. It gives you and the client a shared picture of readiness gaps and an indicative value range, and the results come back to you as the advisor. That turns a tax meeting into a planning relationship, and it puts you in position to bring in tax and M&A help early, when choices like purchase price allocation can still save the client real money. Changing the conversation For bankers, wealth advisors and attorneys, the hard part is raising the subject without seeming to nudge a client toward the door. I understand that. Nobody wants to tell a 60-year-old owner it's time to sell. So don't. Ask a different question: “If a buyer called tomorrow, what would they find?” That's a planning question, not a pitch, and it's useful whether the exit is two years out or 15. It's the question we built IQExit to help advisors answer. Whether you're in Wilmington, Raleigh, Charleston, Richmond or anywhere else, owners have a real opening right now. The buyers are out there and so is the capital. The owners who come out ahead will be the ones who start getting ready before they're ready to sell.