The U.S. economy grew at a 2.1% annual pace from April through June, extending its sturdy performance in the face of higher interest rates. Consumer spending, business investment and state and local government outlays drove the second-quarter economic expansion.
An economic impact statement suggests the Grand Forks Air Force Base had an economic impact of over $231.9 million dollars on the region during the 2022 fiscal years. That was up some $6 million dollars from the previous 12 month span. Total payroll came in at $102.7 million dollars.
The unemployment rate in the Grand Forks metro area slipped to an even 2% in August. That compares to 2.4% in July and 2.2% one year ago. A total of 1,119 people were in search of work during the month. Fargo’s rate came in at 1.6% and Bismarck a low 1.5%.
Delta continues to be the dominant air carrier in the skies over North Dakota. The airline hauled 42,088 passengers in August – or 44% of the market share. United was second with 26,647 boardings. Allegiant held down the third spot at 13,852. The average aircraft load factor for the month was 83%. Only four of the 1,421 flights scheduled around the state during the month were cancelled.
After a four-year hiatus, the prestigious North Dakota Governor’s School is back. The four-week residential program will alternate between the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University each summer, with the first session being held at NDSU in the summer of 2024. The program allows high-achieving North Dakota high school students to engage in a specific discipline, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, energy, education, and health sciences for college credit. The Legislature appropriated $250,000 to allow about 50 students to attend North Dakota Governor’s School next year.
The Play It Multi-Sport Complex has applied for a Class 3 Beer & Wine license for the site at 2767 32nd Avenue South. Owners say the self-pour option would complement a food court and an over 21 game area. Patrons would purchase a swipe card to activate the counter. The Grand Forks council is expected to approve the plan tonight (Monday).
Target is closing nine stores in four states, including one in New York City’s East Harlem neighborhood citing safety of its workers and customers. The closings will be effective Oct. 21 and will also include three stores in Portland, Oregon and two in Seattle. The Minnesota-based retailer says it will offer affected workers the opportunity to transfer to other stores.
The National Park Service has approved a $2 million dollar grant to North Dakota’s Pembina Gorge. The funds will support campground construction, including grading for the site, park road, visitor parking, water and electrical service, dump station, comfort station, vault toilet, campground pads, cabins, maintenance building, picnic tables, and trash receptacles.
Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. and telling owners to park them outside due to the risk of engine compartment fires. The recalls cover multiple models from the 2010 through 2019 model years including Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV and Kia’s Sorrento SUV. Owners won’t be notified by mail until November.
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