A measure of inflation closely watched by the Federal Reserve slowed last month, another sign that a long surge in consumer prices seems to be easing. Friday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that prices rose 5.5% in November from a year earlier, down from a revise 6.1% increase in October. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core inflation was up 4.7% over the previous year.
Slightly more Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week as the labor market continues to show strength even as the Federal Reserve has tried for nearly a year to slow the economy by raising its main lending rate. The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 17 inched up by 2,000 to 216,000 from the previous week’s 214,000.
Grand Forks collected $2.75 million dollars in the December sales tax check. That’s down from the same month a year ago but pushed the calendar year collections to over $31.3 million dollars – up 7.3%. The one-quarter percent lodging component of the tax is up nearly 10.6%. The local tax exceeded the two-million mark ten times this year…and exceeded three-million dollars twice. The January payment will close out the 2022 budget year.
The unemployment rate in Grand Forks County in November came in lower than the statewide mark of 1.9%. Grand Forks County sits at 1.5%. A total of 544 people were in search of a job last month. Divide scooters & scootersand Dunn Counties have jobless numbers under 1%. Rollette County has the highest rate at 5.5%.
The City of Grand Forks didn’t have to look too far to land a new city assessor. A total of four people applied for the post left vacant by the retirement of Paul Houdek. An interview panel recommended Deputy City Assessor Tammy Lazur assume the post. It would be contracted position.
The North Dakota Insurance Department has received a five-year accreditation renewal from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to examine and review the financial solvency of insurance companies in North Dakota. The committee is comprised of state insurance regulators from across the country.
In spite of weather challenges four of the state’s commercial airports reported higher passenger numbers in November than the same month one year ago. Boardings at the Grand Forks Airport climbed nearly 10%. A total of 6,982 people passed through the gates of the GFK last month. North Dakota’s airports posted a total of 83,999 boardings – a growth of 570 passengers. It is also 12% below 2019’s pre-pandemic counts for the same time period.
In a little over four years, new heavy truck makers will have to cut harmful nitrogen oxide pollution more than 80% under standards released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some environmental and health advocates praised the requirements but others said they don’t go far enough. Nitrogen oxide can cause issues including respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems and even death. It’s the first update to the standards in more than 20 years.
Matt Linneman was named deputy director for engineering at the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Linneman previously served as the materials and research engineer. He began his career at the NDDOT in 2001 as an intern and has experience in multiple divisions at the NDDOT. He will be responsible for leading the project development, construction, maintenance, and operations needs for all state highways.
The Transportation Security Administration is raising the fine for people caught with a firearm in their carry-on bag. The TSA says it has intercepted 6,301 guns so far this year at U.S. airports, which is a record. The TSA is raising the maximum fine by a little more than $1,000 to $14,950. Passengers may also face arrest depending on local and state laws.
At least 119 people died while riding electric scooters or e-bikes from 2017 through 2021. That’s according to a study by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The agency investigates traffic crashes but has no regulatory authority. The scooters and bikes have spread across the country, especially in large cities and college towns.
General Motors is recalling nearly 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt electric cars in the U.S. and Canada to fix a seat belt problem that can cause fires. The recall covers certain Bolt hatchbacks from the 2017 to 2023 model years. It does not include Bolt utility vehicles or Bolts made for Cruise, GM’s autonomous vehicle unit.
The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but they can also be financially stressful. With gifts, social gatherings and plane tickets home, the costs can start piling up. With inflation still high, 57% of Americans say it was harder to afford the gifts they wanted to give. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Consumer banking giant Wells Fargo agreed to pay $3.7 billion to settle charges that it harmed consumers by charging illegal fees and interest on auto loans and mortgages, as well as incorrectly applied overdraft fees against savings and checking accounts. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Tuesday ordered Wells to repay $2 billion to consumers and enacted a $1.7 billion penalty against the bank.
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