Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
VIEWPOINT: 2024 Title IX Regulations Deemed “Unlawful”
On Jan. 9, 2025, the Eastern District of Kentucky held in State of Tennessee, et al. v. Miguel Cardona, et al. that the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 Final Rule implementing Title IX is “unlawful.” This court decision applies nationwide, including in New York state. The court determined in State of Tennessee that the final […]

Ask Rusty: Can my Wife Claim her SS Now and Get Half my SS Benefit Later?
Dear Rusty: My wife will reach her full Social Security (SS) benefit at 66.5 years of age, which is just under two years away for her now. If she were to begin to get her monthly check now (i.e. early), would that prevent her from being eligible for the spousal benefit to receive half of

VIEWPOINT: N.Y. Becomes 2nd State to Enact Climate Change Superfund Act
On Dec. 26, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Climate Change Superfund Act (Act) into law, making New York the second state (after Vermont) to impose the cost to repair and prevent climate-change impacts on a broad segment of the fossil-fuel industry. The Act states that climate change, which results primarily from combustion of fossil

VIEWPOINT: Building One Upstate
The keys to a healthier, more connected CNY In the 18 months since joining the team at SUNY Upstate Medical University, I continue to be impressed by our community’s sense of connection and shared responsibility. I have observed that Central New Yorkers are committed to looking out for one another. At SUNY Upstate, we take

Ask Rusty: Have I Saved Social Security Money by Claiming at 62?
Dear Rusty: I had to start collecting Social Security (SS) at age 62, and I am 75 now. I believe that in the last 13 years I have saved the Social Security Administration (SSA) money, so I do not know why I cannot draw my full benefits now. If I had started drawing at 65
VIEWPOINT: Employment Law Updates for 2025 in New York
As 2024 comes to a close, New York State prepares for the rollout of new employment laws and regulations in the coming year. While not an exhaustive summary, this article highlights key developments and updates in employment law for 2025. Minimum-wage increases Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the hourly minimum wage for the New York City

VIEWPOINT: Cybercrime and small business: The question is not if but when
Cyberattacks on small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB) continue to rise and will only intensify over the next few years. With the increased prevalence and cost of attacks, the absence of a safety net like cyber insurance is no longer an option SMBs can afford. Assessing the threat Ransomware is one of the most-common forms of

HISTORY FROM OHA: 17 South Salina St. – Syracuse’s Long-Lasting Clothing Emporium
On one of Syracuse’s busiest thoroughfares, one specific address — 17 South Salina St. — maintained an illustrious commercial history throughout the 19th century, in housing some of the city’s most renowned clothiers at the time. Subsequently, renumbered as 123 South Salina St. before 1890, 17 South Salina was located in the historic Lansing Building.

Ask Rusty: Confusion about IRMAA’s Impact on Taxes
Dear Rusty: In a recent article about Medicare’s “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA) and how IRMAA affects Social Security (SS) taxes, you described which income

Ask Rusty: When Should My Wife Claim SS Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I turned 64 in July and my wife turned 62 in August. My wife has not worked for about 15 years but does qualify for Social Security (SS) on her prior work record. My wife is having some physical issues and would like to not return to work. Since she is eligible to
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.