Business News: recalls…blowing snow & neighborhood bridge

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose last month at its fastest pace since June, an alarming sign that price pressures remain entrenched in the U.S. economy and could lead the Fed to keep raising interest rates well into this year. Consumer prices rose 0.6% from December to January, up sharply from a 0.2% increase from November to December.

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North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 90,979 airline passenger boardings during January. This is a 24% increase from the 73,117 boardings that the state experienced in the same month in 2022. A total of 8,915 passengers passed through the gates of the Grand Forks Airport during the month. That was the highest number at the GFK since 2019.

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City meetings in Grand Forks are on the move starting this week. Due to construction in the council chambers regularly scheduled meetings will move across the street to the HIVE at 375 2nd Avenue North. The $1.8 million dollar remodel is expected to take several months to complete. The City Council, Committee of the Whole, and Planning and Zoning meetings will be recorded and streamed on the City of Grand Forks Facebook page.

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The Polk County Commission has agreed to help fund a scoping study for an intercity bridge linking Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. The board has voted to chip in upwards of $20,000 dollars towards the $151,000 report. Grand Forks was looking to split the cost four ways between the two cities and counties – or $37,750 each. The Grand Forks County Commission will consider the “ask” next week.

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UND has secured a $400,000 grant to study blowing snow. The money comes from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences. The study involves the microphysical structure of blowing snow layers and how terrain, the atmosphere, and sublimation impact winter storm events. The outcomes will help improve models for determining blowing snow behavior.

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The formal investiture of Justice Doug Bahr to the North Dakota Supreme Court is Monday in Bismarck. Gov. Doug Burgum announced the appointment of Judge Bahr to the state’s high court last month. Bahr’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the upcoming Jan. 31 retirement of longtime Supreme Court Justice Gerald VandeWalle, who served for 44 years on the Supreme Court, including 27 years as chief justice. Bahr has served as a state district court judge since September 2018. Bahr was elected by voters in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. His previous legal experience spanned 27 years of litigation practice, including more than 25 years in state government.

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Cosori is recalling more than 2 million air fryers sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico because their wire connections can overheat and cause a fire risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says consumers should stop using the air fryers immediately. The recall involves multiple model numbers in 3.7-quart and 5.8-quart sizes. The air fryers were sold between June 2018 and December 2022.

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Consumers are willing to pay monthly subscription fees for streaming services, pet food and even toilet paper. And now some restaurants are betting they’ll do the same for their favorite meals. Large chains are increasingly experimenting with the subscription model as a way to ensure steady revenue and customer visits. Some offer unlimited drinks or free delivery for a monthly fee; others will bring out your favorite appetizer each time you visit.