More Americans applied for jobless aid last week, but the total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits is at a 53-year low. Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 21,000 to 218,000. The total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits for the week ending May 7 fell again from the previous week, to 1,317,000. That’s the fewest since December 27, 1969.
Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates retreated modestly this past week, but interest on the key 30-year loan remains at decade-high levels. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year rate slipped to 5.25% from 5.3% last week. By contrast, the average rate stood at 3% a year ago.
The pandemic vastly changed the way Americans spend money and now as they return to pre-pandemic behavior, they’re tripping up retailers again. That dynamic has only been intensified in recent months as inflation jumps sharply, and the latest financial report from Target underscore the challenges. Target reported Wednesday that its profit tumbled 52% compared with the same period last year in an environment of rising costs for things like fuel, and also a lightening quick return by consumers to more normalized spending.
North Dakota’s April not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.5 percent. The unemployment rate decreased 0.8 of a percentage point between March and April. April 2021’s rate was 1.7 percentage points higher than the current rate. A total of 10,243 North Dakotans were in search of a job last month.
Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked down three-tenths of a point to 2.2% in April from 2.5% in March. It’s the lowest level ever recorded since such information started being reported back in 1976, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 76,553 airline passenger boardings during the month of April, 2022. This is a 23% increase from the 62,168 boardings that the state experienced in April, 2021. It is also approximately 17% below April 2019’s pre-pandemic passenger counts of 92,063. A total of 7,640 passengers went through the gates of the Grand Forks Airport last month.
A federal appeals court has ruled that details of some of the conversations between the nation’s four largest railroads about their rates can now be included in lawsuits challenging billions of dollars they charged their customers. The ruling will likely set up more arguments as Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads defend themselves against dozens of lawsuits accusing them of conspiring to inflate their rates between 2003 and 2007 with coordinated fuel surcharges.
The J. M. Smucker Co. is recalling select Jif® peanut butter products sold in the U.S. due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled peanut butter was distributed nationwide in retail stores and other outlets. Recalled products include the products below with lot codes 1274425 – 2140425. Lot codes are included alongside best-if-used-by date.
Ford is asking the owners of 350,000 vehicles in to take them to dealers for repairs including about 39,000 that should be parked outdoors because the engines can catch fire. Ford says in U.S. government documents posted that it doesn’t know what’s causing fires in some 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The automaker also is recalling about 310,000 heavy-duty trucks because the driver’s air bag may not inflate in a crash.
Harley-Davidson is announcing a two-week suspension of vehicle assembly and most shipments, citing a regulatory compliance issue with one of its suppliers. Harley-Davidson says the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” after the company received information from a supplier of one of its component parts. The company, like most global manufacturers, was already struggling with supply issues.
UND is talking to a private developer about 12 acres of unused land near the Ray Richards Golf Course. If the ground lease agreement becomes a reality the proceeds would be used to support the course. UND officials told a recent meeting of the SHBE Budget and Finance Committee that family of the late Ray Richards are supportive of the plan.
A selection committee is recommending ICON Architects be hired to help develop a new Valley Middle School project. Three firms responded to the Grand Forks School District RFQ for services. The district is targeting a September 27thelection date for a $55 million dollar bond issue for construction. The school board will review the selection Monday night.
Altendorf Trucking has received a Safety Award from Great West Casualty Company. The program recognizes motor carriers based on year-end preventable crash results. The Minto-based trucking company stated in 1948. Altendorf received a “Gold” award from Great West.
Groundbreaking ceremonies are set on May 25th for the new West Fargo fire headquarters. The total cost of construction is $18.5 million dollars. The station is expected to be completed in 2023. EAPC Architects and Engineers was selected to design and construct the building. The company is headquartered in Grand Forks.
Income eligibility guidelines for the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) have increased. A family of four can earn up to $4,279 each month to meet the new WIC income eligibility requirements. WIC has been providing healthy food, nutrition education and community support for more than 40 years.
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Amy Jorgenson to serve as Chief Audit Officer. Since 2020, Jorgenson has served Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) as the director of the COVID-19 Response Accountability Office. The appointment becomes effective June 22.
Cody Schuler has joined the ACLU of North Dakota as advocacy manager. Schuler will oversee the organization’s legislative, public education and advocacy efforts and is responsible for developing issue campaigns to advance civil liberties and civil rights in North Dakota. Prior to joining the ACLU of North Dakota, Schuler served as executive director of the FM Coalition to End Homelessness.
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