Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce works to sustain small businesses after pandemic
The pandemic has impacted our lives and affected small businesses everywhere, and in Pulaski County, the Chamber of Commerce staff is working to help make sure they can continue to grow by helping business owners network in the innovation center.
As gas prices rise in the US, countries around the world are feeling pain at the pump even more
According to data from globalpetrolprices.com, 46 countries has gas prices that are $6 a gallon or more, 26 have prices that are at least $7 a gallon while nine countries have gas prices that are $8 a gallon or more.
Virginia politicians, Ukrainian citizens react to President Biden’s State of the Union address
Using the worlds stage, President Joe Biden voiced the Unites States’ strong support for the people of Ukraine and tough action that has been and will be taken against Russia during his first State of the Union address.
Here are the best, worst days to travel for the 2021 holiday season
Whether you’ve already booked holiday travel plans, or you’re waiting for the last minute to make sure there aren’t restrictions, there are certain things to keep in mind about which days will be best to travel, and what resources might be more scarce than in years past.
UK economy ended 2020 better than previously thought
The pandemic has battered the British economy, which has suffered its deepest recession in more than 300 years. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)LONDON – Official figures show that the British economy ended 2020 on a stronger footing than previously thought but that it suffered a bigger than anticipated fall in output in the immediate aftermath of the first coronavirus lockdown. In its latest revisions for 2020 data, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday that the British economy contracted by 19.5% during the second quarter, the first full quarter of lockdown. Overall, the agency said, the British economy ended 2020 9.8% smaller, slightly better than the previous estimate of 9.9%. The U.K. as a whole has had Europe’s deadliest coronavirus outbreak, with over 126,000 people having died after testing positive for COVID-19.
Company investing $5M into Alleghany County manufacturer
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – A local company is expanding to meet a growing demand. The Balchem Corporation is investing $5 million, adding six new jobs to its team in Covington over the next two years. This will double the amount of production for animal nutrition and health markets worldwide. Balchem opened its manufacturing site in Alleghany County in 2013.
Virginia Tech workshop addresses race inequities in food systems head-on
A Virginia Tech workshop is putting the spotlight on racial inequities in our food systems, from who is growing your food to how to access it. The Virginia Tech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation and R.E.A.L. (Racial Equity in Agriculture Lab) are hosting “Building Racial Equity in the Food System: From Individual Anti-Racism to Dismantling Institutional Systems” Wednesday, March 31. Niewolny is the associate professor of Virginia Tech’s Department of Agriculture Leadership and Community Education as well as the director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation. The workshop is building from the Racial Justice in the Food System series the center hosted in summer 2020.
A sigh of relief for the restaurant industry as Northam extends cocktails to-go service
Roanoke, Va. – Cocktails to-go are not leaving anytime soon. Seeing a decline in sales of about 73%, the co-owner of Fortunato, John Powell, feels the hard hit of the coronavirus pandemic. Known for their fancy dining, cocktails to-go helps keep Fortunato and Powell’s other restaurant, Lucky, afloat. Just like the downtown Roanoke taco restaurant, Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje. JoJo Soprano with Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje said 60% of their business comes from to-go sales.
Money shot: Businesses, sportsbooks benefit from NCAA Tournament
ROANOKE, Va. – It’s officially tournament time, and Virginians have the chance to watch the college basketball tournament in a different way this year. This is the first year Virginians can place bets on the tournament on sportsbooks such as DraftKings. “Virginia residents can now do what Nevada residents have been doing for fifty years,” said Johnny Avello of DraftKings. We made the odds and put up the offerings, and now it’s game time.”Avello said tourney time is the busiest time of year for sportsbooks, even more so than the Super Bowl. “The Super Bowl would be the biggest one-day event, but since this tournament expands over the course of 10 days, it’s the biggest, and certainly the most exciting,” Avello said.
Danville proposes budget with no tax increases due to future casino
DANVILLE, Va. – Danville’s Caesars Entertainment Complex is still years away from opening, but the voters’ bet on the casino is already paying off. The city’s proposed budget has funding for various improvements but without the need for a tax increase. Neither one is popular,” said Danville city manager Ken Larking. The budget also includes $2.4 million to build an updated running track at George Washington High School. The budget still has to be approved by the city council, which has to happen by the end of June.
How the American Rescue Plan aims to help Virginia
ROANOKE, Va. – The American Rescue Plan aims to do more than just offer a third round of stimulus checks. Education/Child CareMore than $2 billion is headed to the commonwealth state to help public schools after the coronavirus pandemic hit. To ease child care costs for families and centers, millions more are expected, such as $490 million for Virginia Child Care Stabilization Grants. Warner said this change will benefit more than 1.5 million children in Virginia. During the pandemic, the program received extra funding to establish hot spots in school parking lots.
IRS extends tax filing deadline to May 17
On Tuesday, more than 100 lawmakers, including four representatives from Virginia, signed a letter asking the IRS to extend the deadline to July 15. With the IRS handling a third-round of stimulus checks and fewer tax service aides available because of the coronavirus pandemic, agencies are feeling the pressure. AdEvery year, Total Action for Progress (TAP) offers free tax filing services. “With a pandemic still hanging over our heads, I would love to get some more time.”To meet in the middle, the IRS set the new deadline date for May 17. But more than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year and with the new deadline, tax refund checks may not arrive until 6 to 8 weeks after filing.
Hike in gas prices is not stopping travelers from taking trips
ROANOKE, Va. – Drivers are feeling the pressure at the pump as gas prices are on the rise, but not when it comes to travel. With refinery output at a record low and crude oil prices rising, Roanoke gas prices are 50 cents higher compared to last year. Though prices will continue to rise in the spring, 60% of the people AAA surveyed say they plan to travel in the next three months for leisure. A recent survey from Destination Analyst says 14% of people surveyed are going to travel for spring break. If you are traveling this spring break, you’re best bet is to head south as gas prices tend to be cheaper in that direction.
Small business owners gain local help to apply for PPP loans
ROANOKE, Va. – Small business owners now have the opportunity for one-on-one help applying for PPP loans as part of the Cares Act. The Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center is going on a road show and offering in-person assistance for businesses with 20 employees or less. Amanda Forrester, the director, said money is still available but not enough business owners are taking advantage of it, especially women and minority owned businesses. Business owners must register for time slots online. The first one will be at the Vinton War Memorial on Wednesday, March 10.
7-year-old who sells lemonade becomes youngest entrepreneur in the Gauntlet
ROANOKE, Va. – Making history at seven years old, Judah Clements is the youngest entrepreneur to ever be accepted into the Gauntlet program. Selling lemonade under his nickname Judah Bug, he is ready to bottle his product and start selling online. Looking for some help, Judah and his family, turned to The Gauntlet. “I found out that it takes a lot of work,” Judah said. Ad“It’s going to inspire them to do a business,” Judah said.
Virginia introduces legislation to help students refinance student loans, lower interest rates
ROANOKE, Va. – Virginia students might soon be able to catch a break when it comes to their student loans. With U.S. student debt exceeding $1.7 trillion, Sen. Mark Warner, Sen. Jon Tester and Sen. Angus King introduced a bill on Friday that could help reduce student loan debt and better the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. “All over the country, we have young people who made a substantial decision to invest in their future, but now find themselves saddled by overwhelming student loan debt during a pandemic that has tanked the economy and shattered the job market,” said Warner. This legislation will give student borrowers a real shot at paying back their debt so that in the near future they are able to invest in a home, start up a business, or save for retirement.”AdIf approved, eligible students in good standing would be able to refinance their existing federal student loans and lower loan interest rates. According to the bill, undergraduate borrowers would have the opportunity to lower their interest rates on federal Direct Stafford, Unsubsidized, PLUS and Consolidated loans to the lowest yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note in the previous six months plus 2.05%.
Martinsville Speedway, surrounding businesses anticipate eased COVID-19 restrictions
RIDGEWAY, Va – When NASCAR drivers start their engines at the Martinsville Speedway this year, a small number of fans will be there to cheer them on thanks to relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. The rules take effect before a tripleheader of Martinsville races from April 8-10. In a statement to 10 News, Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said:“We are encouraged by today’s announcement on the increase in limited fan capacity for entertainment venues across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are grateful for Governor Ralph Northam and his administration’s leadership as we follow the state’s pathway to welcome limited fans back to Martinsville Speedway. When a lot of people lose, the economy gets worse and worse.”In addition to the races in April, Martinsville Speedway also has races scheduled during Halloween weekend.
Soon-to-come casino spurs business boom in Danville during the pandemic
DANVILLE, Va. – Despite the pandemic, business is booming in Danville as some new restaurants and markets open up. But with a casino coming in a couple of years, some businesses are already trying to reel in a crowd. “A lot of people from Danville drive to Greensboro just for Red Crab,” Red Crab General Manager Renea Zamora said. With a casino coming to Danville in 2023, the extra foot traffic is what the city is crossing its fingers for. AdIt’s one of the main reasons why the Red Crab opened up their doors in the first place.
‘Get this little town back on the map’: Hulu series films in Clifton Forge
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – It’s lights, camera, action for the Alleghany Highlands. The production of the upcoming Hulu mini-series “Dopesick” moved to Clifton Forge on Friday. “We need to get this little town back on the map like it used to be and move the town forward,” said Clifton Forge town manager Chuck Unroe. “You’ll definitely know you’re in Clifton Forge,” Unroe said. “They’ve included the town and the townspeople and really made it a community thing.”“Dopesick” will continue filming in Clifton Forge through next week.
Indian economy shrinks 7.7% in fiscal 2020-21 amid pandemic
India's economy contracted by 7.7% in the 2020-21 financial year, battered by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released Friday. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)NEW DELHI – India's economy contracted by 7.7% in the 2020-21 financial year, battered by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released Friday. A country enters a technical recession if its economy contracts for two successive quarters. The downturn followed a strict two-month lockdown imposed across the country beginning in March to combat the pandemic. That was followed by a $35.14 billion package to stimulate the economy by boosting jobs, consumer demand, manufacturing, agriculture and exports hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
WATCH: President Joe Biden delivers remarks on U.S. economy
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden spoke about his plans for the U.S. economy Friday afternoon. Biden’s White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, held a press briefing with National Economic Council director Brian Deese a couple of hours before the president is set to speak. The president was expected to speak at 2:45 p.m.