The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, a sign that the labor market remains strong even as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates in an effort to cool the economy and slow inflation. Applications for jobless claims fell to 211,000 for the week ending Dec. 10, down by 20,000 from the previous week’s 231,000.
North Dakota’s November 2022 not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 1.9 percent. One year ago the rate was 2.6 percent. A total of 7,451 people were in search of a job last month. At the same time the labor force declined 3,098 over the 12 month span.
Inflation in the United States slowed again last month in the latest sign that price increases are cooling despite the pressures they continue to inflict on American households. Consumer prices rose 7.1% in November from a year ago, the government said Tuesday. That was down sharply from 7.7% in October and a recent peak of 9.1% in June.
The International Energy Agency says coal use across the world is set to reach a new record this year amid persistently high demand for the heavily polluting fossil fuel. The agency says that while coal use grew by only 1.2% in 2022, the increase pushed it to an all-time high of more than 8 billion metric tons, beating the previous record set in 2013. The report notes that “robust demand” in emerging Asian economies would offset declining use in mature markets.
Minnkota Power has secured a $30.4 million dollar loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development. The money will help finance transmission system improvements. The Grand Forks Based company services 143,000 consumer accounts in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. The loan term is 35 years.
The City of Grand Forks has issued a building at 3801 32nd Avenue South. The permit says the fit up is for Buff City Soap. The cost of the project is estimated at $320,000 dollars.
Marvin Windows has announced some $12.5 million dollars in profits will be shared with 7,062 employees. The year marks the 65th for the profit-sharing program. Marvin is headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota.
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new online licensing system for child care providers. In addition, the system adds transparency. Both providers and the public can view licensing status information, including licensing checklists and correction orders, on the portal.
A couple of liquor licenses in Grand Forks are changing hands. The Grand Forks council is expected on Monday to approve the transfer of the food and beverage license of the Sin Bin at 4401 South Washington to Taste Hospitality. In a separate move The Knights of Columbus are looking to transfer the Class 1 license at 601 University Avenue to KOC Hospitality.
Woodside Village at Valley Senior Living on 42nd has been recognized as a “Best Nursing Home” for long term care with a high performing rating for 2022 to 2023 by U.S. News & World Report. Valley Senior Living serves over 550 residents and employs nearly 900 people. Valley Senior Living operates three locations in Grand Forks.
Mark Watne of Velva was reelected to a tenth year as North Dakota Farmers Union president by members and delegates attending the organization’s 96th annual state convention. In his message to voting delegates, Watne emphasized the importance of member engagement including the crafting of a new farm bill, efforts to address corporate monopolies and fairness in the marketplace, protection of North Dakota’s corporate farming law, and growth of renewable diesel and other fuels.
Stellantis is recalling about 1.4 million pickup trucks worldwide because the tailgates may not close completely and cargo could spill onto the road. The recall covers Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from the 2019 to 2022 model years. The company, formerly Fiat Chrysler, says it found that striker plates on the pickups may not be lined up right to allow complete closure. Stellantis says it’s not aware of any related crashes or injuries.
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