BUSINESS IMPACT

May 26 2025BUSINESS

The Uncertain Road for Small Businesses in the Trade War

The trade war has been a rollercoaster for small businesses. The recent news of reduced tariffs between the US and China might seem like a win, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows for small business owners. For many, the struggle is far from over. The tariffs have been a massive headache for small businesses. They've had to deal with sudden cost increases, disrup...

reading time about 2 minutes
May 21 2025BUSINESS

Downtown Eau Claire: Businesses Face Roadblocks

The city of Eau Claire is buzzing with upcoming construction projects. These projects are set to affect downtown businesses. Downtown Eau Claire Incorporated, known as DECI, is a local group that backs these businesses. They have raised concerns about the impact of the construction on local shops. The issue is that many businesses were not informed about the full ex...

reading time about 1 minute
May 20 2025BUSINESS

Lexington's Via Lago: A Beloved Eatery Calls It Quits

A well-known spot in Lexington is shutting down. Via Lago, a restaurant that has been a part of the community for 37 years, is closing its doors. The owner, Alan Jick, made the tough call not to renew the lease. Why? The restaurant's catering business never fully recovered from the pandemic's hit. This decision comes after decades of serving the Lexington community. ...

reading time about 1 minute
May 17 2025BUSINESS

The Uncertain Future of Small Businesses Amidst Trade Wars

Small businesses are feeling the pressure as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of trade tariffs. The recent agreement between the US and China has lowered tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for a 90-day period. This temporary reprieve has brought a mix of relief and frustration to small business owners. Connor Alexander, a board game publisher in Seattle, is o...

reading time about 1 minute
May 17 2025POLITICS

A Small Town's Big Fight Against Immigration Rules

In the small town of Los Fresnos, Texas, a bakery is at the center of a heated debate. Leonardo Baez, a hardworking father of seven, starts his day before dawn. He mixes dough for his bakery, Abby's, which is a favorite among locals. However, his dream of owning a bakery is now under threat. Federal agents raided his shop in February. They detained workers they ...

reading time about 1 minute
May 13 2025ENVIRONMENT

Manitou Springs: Water Woes Affect Daily Life and Local Eateries

In Manitou Springs, Colorado, a serious water issue has made life difficult for residents and local restaurants. The problem started with a sudden increase in turbidity, which is when water moves fast and picks up sediment. This makes it tough to treat and store clean water. The city had to declare an emergency and impose strict water use rules. The impact of th...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 19 2025BUSINESS

Tariffs: A Double-Edged Sword for Small Manufacturers

The U. S. government has been using tariffs to level the playing field for American manufacturers. This move has sparked a mix of hope and worry among small business owners. Some see it as a chance to boost local production and jobs. Others worry about the economic fallout and the uncertainty it brings. Drew Greenblatt, who runs Marlin Steel Wire Products, is al...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 12 2025BUSINESS

Small Businesses Face High Stakes with China Tariffs

The mood in the room changed instantly. It was April 2, and the news of new tariffs on Chinese goods had just hit. Matt Rollens, a business owner, was in Las Vegas with hundreds of others. The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The tariffs were a big surprise, and not a good one. Everyone was worried about what this meant for their businesses. Many of these tariffs we...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 08 2025CRIME

Nighttime Rockslide Spells Trouble for Yonkers Business

A business in Yonkers faced a sudden and unexpected challenge when a massive rockslide occurred. The event took place in the early hours of a Monday morning, before the sun had even risen. The rockslide sent a large boulder crashing into a building, causing part of it to crumble. The building in question was Peterson Tool Rental, a family-owned business that has b...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 02 2025POLITICS

Trump's Tariff Twist: Musk's Silent Role

The latest buzz in the political and business world revolves around a big decision made by former U. S. President Donald Trump. He announced a 25% tariff on all cars not made in the United States. This move has sparked curiosity about the role of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a key advisor to Trump. Trump revealed that Musk didn't give input on the tariffs, hinting at a possi...

reading time about 1 minute