Inflation numbers: Inflation was up slightly for the month of January, according to statistics released this morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although the annualized rate was slightly lower. The Consumer Price Index increased 0.3% in January after rising 0.2% in December. Over the last 12 months, inflation was up 3.1%, a slight decrease from the 3.4% 12-month inflation rate reported in December. Energy costs went down by 0.9% in January due largely to decreasing gasoline prices. Follow us and stay informed; we’re Westfair’s Business Journal. Visit westfaironline.com
Stefanik files a complaint: New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has filed a complaint against New York Attorney General Letitia James for engaging in unprofessional conduct. Her complaint stems from the trial in which Donald Trump was found guilty of bank, insurance and tax fraud. Stefanik has asked the state’s Committee on Professional Standards to investigate James. Stefanik claims that James acted unprofessionally by saying things that were critical of Trump. Stefanik did not address the charges brought against Trump, his sons and his companies. Judge Arthur Engoron is expected to issue a ruling on Friday stating how much Trump will have to pay for having committed the fraud. James sued for $350 million. Follow us and stay informed; we’re Westfair’s Business Journal. Visit westfaironline.com
Senate passes aid bill: The Senate voted early today to approve a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that provides new money for Ukraine and Israel. The vote was 70 to 29. Republican leader Mitch McConnell voted in favor of the bill along with 21 of his Republican colleagues. The bill now goes to the House where House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to try to kill it as ordered by Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy this morning thanked the Senate for its action. Follow us and stay informed; we’re Westfair’s Business Journal. Visit westfaironline.com
Kremlin is mum: A Kremlin spokesman has refused to comment on Donald Trump’s statements encouraging Russia to attack NATO countries and that he would encourage Russia to “do whatever the hell they want.” Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in an interview with fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson made it clear he’s been considering invading NATO member Poland just as he invaded Ukraine. Putin alleged it was Poland that was responsible for World War Two starting, not Adolf Hitler who invaded Poland in 1939. Follow us and stay informed; we’re Westfair’s Business Journal. Visit westfaironline.com
Trump goes to Supreme Court: Attorneys for Donald Trump have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay in the trial of Trump on charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith . They want the Supreme Court to order a federal appeals court again take up Trump’s claims that he is immune from prosecution for trying to seize power after having lost the 2020 election. A panel of three appellate court judges ruled unanimously that Trump is not immune from prosecution. If the court does make all judges on the appellate court issue another ruling in the same case, and then Trump again goes to the Supreme Court to appeal that verdict, it could delay his trial until after the 2024 election. Follow us and stay informed; we’re Westfair’s Business Journal. Visit westfaironline.com
Tower is missing: Radio station WJLX in Jasper, Alabama, has gone off the air because a thief or group of thieves stole its 200-foot-tall transmitting tower. Not only was the tower dismantled and taken away but broadcasting equipment in a building at the transmitter site was stolen. The tower was held up by guy wires and it’s suspected that the wires were cut, allowing the tower to crash to the ground where it was cut up and hauled away and sold for scrap. Police are looking for suspects and a fundraising campaign is underway to help the station rebuild and get back on the air. Follow us and stay informed; we’re Westfair’s Business Journal. Visit westfaironline.com
