Wholesale prices surge 1.3%, led by health care and energy
U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.3% in August 2020, just half the July gain, as food and energy prices decline. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)WASHINGTON – U.S. wholesale prices surged by a record 1.3% in January, led by big gains in health care and energy prices. The increase reflected 1.2% jump in health care services and a 5.1% rise in energy prices, the biggest gain since a 9% rise in June. The January increase means wholesale prices rose by 1.7% over the past 12 months, the sharpest increase over a similar period on record. Core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food, rose 1.2% in January, and 2% over the past 12 months.
December wholesale prices up 0.3% with sharp jump in energy
U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.3% in December led by a the biggest jump in energy costs since June. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)WASHINGTON – U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.3% in December led by a the biggest jump in energy costs since June. The December increase reflected a 5.5% surge in energy costs, the biggest gain since a 9.6% jump in June. Gasoline prices rose 16.1% in December and accounted for nearly half of the increase in goods prices last month. Over the past 12 months, inflation at the wholesale level has risen a modest 0.8%.
State suspends 3 liquor licenses, cites 4 establishments for violating Michigan COVID order
Liquor licenses have been suspended at three Michigan establishments Wednesday for violating the state’s recent public health order meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission issued emergency suspensions of liquor licenses at the following establishments:Jimmy’s Roadhouse in Newaygo, permit held by Cory’s Restaurant, Inc. The MDHHS also announced Tuesday citations issued to numerous establishments accused of not complying with the latest emergency order. On Wednesday, the state reported 4,273 new COVID-19 cases and 73 new deaths in Michigan since Tuesday. In total, Michigan has reported 324,779 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 8,761 deaths.
Workers: Tesla threatens firing if they don't return to jobs
Tesla has released plans to maintain worker safety including temperature checks, the wearing of gloves and masks, installing barriers between workers and maintaining social distancing. In early May, Musk told workers that they didnt have to return to the plant if they werent comfortable with it. A message was left Wednesday seeking comment from the health department. Gabriel and another Tesla worker say they have heard of COVID-19 cases among workers at the Fremont factory, but dont know numbers because the company wont tell them. They want the health department to release numbers and to trace whoever came in contact with sick workers rather than letting Tesla do it.