The city approved a $1.3 million contribution to help finish interior work at a new film production studio hub, part of a $20M-plus project with state and university backing; supporters said the facility will attract larger productions and local jobs.

The plan to convert floors 4–10 of 333 Market Street into a 138‑room Courtyard by Marriott moved forward after developers outlined a roughly $30M conversion, 14‑month build timeline, and projected 30–40 permanent jobs; council emphasized MBE/WBE outreach, local subcontractor participation and exploring unionized hospitality jobs.

Staff recommended negotiating a five-year, turnkey utilities contract with the top-ranked bidder (InfraMark/Intermark) citing first-year pricing of about $982,000 and a projected five-year savings versus insourcing; commissioners pressed staff on transition costs, supervision and language-access commitments.

Representatives of the Virginia Production Alliance, the Virginia Film Office and local vendors asked the commission to extend the film/TV tax credit sunset and modestly increase incentive funding, saying the industry supports hundreds of local small businesses and returns roughly 30¢ on the dollar in tax receipts.

Multiple residents during public comment pressed the board for clarity on Tenaska and other data-center interest, water capacity and NDAs; speakers sought assurances about drinking water supply, public access to DNR land and the local economic benefits of incoming projects.

WNC News -- October 26, 2026: Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that US Conec Ltd., a global leader in high-density optical interconnects, is set to expand its operations in Catawba County. The co...

Phil Talon of the South Shore CVA briefed council on Lake County tourism (reported ~$1.4 billion in visitor spending) and shared Schererville-specific visitor estimates; he said a proposed convention center is in design with AECOM and estimated to open in the early 2030s at roughly 150,000 square feet.

Representatives from Valor Atomics described plans for advanced small modular reactors and a commercial site north of Wellington, arguing SMRs and behind‑the‑meter power can attract manufacturers and data centers and create local high‑skilled jobs; commissioners requested siting maps and BLM coordination.

At a ribbon-cutting on Lehigh Avenue, Mayor Patricia Guerra Frazier and company representatives celebrated Richards Manufacturing's new Union facility, citing consolidation of warehousing, a 150-employee local presence and recent growth tied to an acquisition by TE Connectivity.

A presenter described plans to retrofit a Victorian building and build a four‑unit apartment behind 106 Lincoln Street while creating a public-facing ‘regeneration hub’ and demonstration site for net‑zero building techniques, aiming to reduce energy bills and create local jobs.

Alison Goldsmith, a 60-year-old resident of north-east London, demonstrates how individuals can earn significant income through local task-based apps like Airtasker. The article details her daily routine, where she completes various odd jobs for neighbours, including garden clearance, delivery services, and home assistance. Alison's typical day involves multiple tasks, such as clearing apple-filled gardens, delivering party balloons, potting plants for a customer with a recent injury, and decluttering garages. Each task earns her between £25 and £100, with her total earnings reaching £250 in a single day. The article highlights that Airtasker has seen 191,000 users posting tasks and 89,000 Taskers registering in the past year, with the average task paying £130. The platform takes a 12.5-20% commission, and top earners can make up to £10,000 monthly. The piece also discusses the broader trend of side hustles, citing a Sage survey showing 47% of people have side hustles earning an average of £546 monthly. Financial expert Sarah Coles advises considering costs, insurance, and tax implications when engaging in such work. The article emphasizes the social aspect of these tasks, with Alison noting she enjoys helping people and making their days easier. It concludes with Alison's successful completion of multiple tasks, earning her £250 for the day while providing valuable assistance to her community.

Many landowners and community organizations testified in favor of the Folsom Lake project, saying lease revenues and an annual community fund ($200K-$500K when fully built) will help preserve family farms and fund local projects; the Community Foundation described governance of the grant fund.

Grand County COG members discussed submitting a pre-application by Sept. 1 and a full RCOG application by Oct. 30 to support an Arches-area shuttle pilot; staff said the proposal is shovel-ready and could bring local jobs and outside investment but members asked for a draft budget before a formal recommendation.

Planet Networks told the board it has accelerated installs and expects to finish significant parts of the Prince Edward County fiber build this year; the company said it will audit and replace improperly installed roadside boxes and hire locally.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Town Supervisor Alex Sheldon said the Fairlife facility will diversify Webster's economy, create local careers and reconnect the area to its manufacturing and agricultural roots.

Acquisition strengthens Newlat’s beverage sector presence and supports local jobs as company prepares for rebranding as NewPrinces

Acquisition strengthens Newlat’s beverage sector presence and supports local jobs as company prepares for rebranding as NewPrinces

After public input from construction and labor advocates and fiscal caution from other residents, the commission approved an interim agreement with FTL City Hall Partners (CORE) to move the city hall project forward with a reduced projected cost and additional negotiated terms.

Local leaders express doubts about the economic benefits of the proposed floating dry dock.