The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell for a third straight time last week, the latest sign that employers are laying off fewer people as they struggle to fill a record number of open jobs and meet a surge in consumer demand. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims fell for a third straight week to 375,000 from 387,000 the previous week.
Mortgage rates rose this week for the first time after six weeks of declines amid signs of strong economic recovery. Average rates for home loans remain historically low, however, at under 3. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reports that the average for the 30-year mortgage jumped to 2.87% from 2.77% last week.
Inflation at the wholesale level jumped a higher-than-expected 1% in July, disappointing hopes for a slowdown in price increases. The Labor Department reported Thursday that the July gain in its producer price index, which measures price pressures before they reach consumers, matched the June increase with both months advancing by the highest amount since a 1.2% rise in January.
The Labor Market Information Center has updated North Dakota cost of living data through Q2 (Apr-Jun) 2021. Seven fundamental living expense categories are tracked: food, housing, health care, transportation, child care, other necessities, and taxes. A single person in Grand Forks County would need an annual income of $22,845 to cover basic life costs.
DoorDash booked a record number of orders in the second quarter, even as its revenue growth slowed slightly from pandemic-induced highs. The delivery company said its total orders rose 69% to 345 million in the April-June period. The company says much of the growth came from new partnerships with convenience stores.
Wallwork Truck Center at 5505 Gateway Drive has obtained a $2.1 million dollar building permit from the City of Grand Forks. An addition is planned on site. The permit was one of dozens approved by the city for the week ending August 7th totaling over $2.5 million dollars in building.
Twin Metals Minnesota says it plans to rely almost exclusively on electric vehicles for its proposed underground copper-nickel mine near Ely. Chief Regulatory Officer Julie Padilla says using electric instead of diesel vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the mine by 65% and will reduce ventilation and heating needs.
Samsung is hoping cheaper but more durable versions of its foldable phones will broaden the appeal of a high-concept design that’s so far fizzled with consumers. The products designed to function as both a phone and a tablet when unfolded outward on a hinge. The larger Galaxy Fold3 will sell for 10% less than last year’s model at $1,800 while the Galaxy Flip3 will sell for $1,000.
Wanted…a new Executive Director of the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. The application deadline is August 30th. The position is appointed and reports to the Governor. The Gambling Control Board oversees a $2-3 billion charitable gambling industry while operating on a $3.5-5 million annual budget. Charitable gambling includes pull-tabs, bingo, tipboards, paddlewheel, and raffles.
Blaine Schatz has been named assistant director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES). He starts his new position Sept. 1. Schatz replaces Tim Faller, who has held the position for 15 years. For the past 25 years, he has served as director of the Carrington Research Extension Center.
THE EGF Police Department is holding a benefit and silent auction August 26th at the Eagle’s Club to raise money to defray the medical bills of Detective Tony hart. Hart underwent a heart transplant operation in early March. He returned to EGF in June.
Ready to go out on the town before summer ends? In parts of the U.S., you might have to carry around your COVID-19 vaccine card or a digital copy to get into restaurants, bars, nightclubs and music festivals. After resisting the divisive concept of vaccine passports through most of the pandemic, some city and state officials and a fast-growing number of private venues are now requiring proof of immunization in certain public settings.
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