Initial unemployment claims top 8,600 for week

South Carolina saw 8,635 initial claims filed for the week ending Jan. 9 as the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce began paying a second extended federal benefit. Greenville County had a state-high 842 claims. 

South Carolina Chef Ambassadors to serve second year

The four chefs selected to represent the state in 2020 will serve a second year in those roles. The Chef Ambassador program was established in 2014 to promote the state as a culinary destination and highlight locally grown produce.

Carnival extends voluntary pause through March 31

As the coronavirus surges still through the country, the cruise line pushes for another delay to its resumption of U.S. operations. There is no confirmed date of operations resumption from Charleston's cruise terminal.

Submit Columbia Under Construction projects 

The Feb. 1 edition of the Columbia Regional Business Report will feature Columbia Under Construction, a feature highlighting architecture, engineering and construction in the Midlands. The deadline is Jan. 20. Submit new project information at this link.