America’s employers added a whopping 311,000 jobs in February, down from January’s huge gain but easy enough to keep pressure on the Federal Reserve to aggressively raise interest rates to fight inflation. The unemployment rate rose to 3.6% from a 53-year low of 3.4% as more Americans looked for work, but not all found jobs.
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The Labor Market Information Center has released the latest Online Jobs Report – a monthly summary of online jobs and active resumes from Job Service North Dakota. Figures show that as of February 2023 North Dakota had a total of 17,111 open and available online jobs. This is an increase of 9.3 percent (+1,460) from the previous month and -12.7 percent (-2,489) from the same time a year ago.
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Minnesota added 14,100 jobs during January, a seasonally adjusted increase of 0.5%, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state’s private sector gained 12,000 jobs. From December through January, Minnesota’s unemployment rate stayed at 2.9%.
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Exports of agricultural, mining and industrial products from Minnesota hit a record $27 billion in 2022, according to a report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state’s exports continued on their growth trajectory from 2021, increasing by 16% over the year.
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The average US long-term mortgage rate rose for the fifth straight week. The 30-year rate climbed to 6.73%. Home sales have declined over the past 12 months.
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North Dakota Health and Human Services is reaching out to employers to participate in a new pilot program to make childcare easier for working parents. The program equates to employer-sponsored child care allowances of at least $300 per month. The new public-private partnership can help employers attract and retain workers, while providing working parents with financial relief from the high cost of childcare. The pilot program will run until September 2026 or until funding is exhausted.
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East Grand Forks Council will discuss allowing electric scooters in the city at its meeting this week. Bird Rides Inc. already offers the service in Grand Forks and hopes to expand across the river. During Tuesday’s meeting, the council will consider several items in a letter of intent with the company. The scooters rolled into Grand Forks last September.
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Grand Forks Council is expected to approve a new Class 3 liquor license for Kaizen Sushi & Ramen Restaurant. The eatery is located at 108 N. 3rd Street. The site was formerly known as Shing Ya. The council will review the beer and wine license on Monday night.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in Dickinson, ND was recognized as North Dakota’s 2022 Commercial Service Airport of the Year. This award is sponsored annually by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission in partnership with the Airport Association of North Dakota. Watford City Municipal Airport was named the 2022 General Aviation Airport of the Year by North Dakota.
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The University of Minnesota Crookston has named Rosemary Erickson Johnsen, Ph.D., as its next Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Johnsen is currently serving as Division Manager for Business, Arts and Education and will begin her new role 1st of May. Johnsen joined Crookston in 2022 and previously served as Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Governors State University in Chicago, Illinois.
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The National Potato Council has installed its Executive Committee members for 2023. During the Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates, RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho was elected President of the Council for the next 12 months and TJ Hall of Hoople, North Dakota was appointed to the Executive Committee as Vice President of Grower Outreach and Industry Research.
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Yeti is recalling 1.9 million soft coolers and transmission cases due to magnet-lined fasteners that can fail and become loose. Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately and contact YTI for a full refund or replacement product.
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The US Department of Agriculture has issued new regulatory requirements to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of the claim. The claim may be used on meat, poultry, and egg products only if derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States.
