Gas prices in Michigan surged to a new 2024 high, reaching an average of $3.45 per gallon, a 20-cent increase from last week. This spike is attributed to increased gas demand and decreased stocks, with the potential for further increases if demand continues to grow. The most expensive gas price averages were in Jackson, Benton Harbor, and Ann Arbor, while the least expensive were in Marquette, Traverse City, and Metro Detroit.
Ohio is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths, with the state's health department reporting a rise since the fall, although still lower compared to previous peaks. Erie County has seen a significant increase in deaths, with five attributed to COVID-19 in November alone, exceeding the monthly average since February 2023. Additionally, cases have doubled in the county within a month. In the last week of November, over 12,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Ohio, along with 36 deaths and 500 hospitalizations. However, the Centers for Disease Control has not reported an increase in deaths during the same period.
The BA.2.86 variant of COVID-19 has seen a threefold increase in the United States in recent weeks, now estimated to account for nearly 10% of circulating viruses, according to the CDC's Nowcast variant tracker. While the exact percentage is uncertain, health officials believe the variant likely makes up 5% to 15% of circulating variants. The increase in hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 is concerning, and colder temperatures in densely populated regions may be contributing to the rise. The BA.2.86 variant is a sub-variant of omicron and is not currently driving increases in infections or severe illness. However, it has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the WHO. New York and New Jersey have seen the highest figures of BA.2.86 cases, and health officials are urging people to stay updated on vaccines and get tested if symptoms develop.
Abortions in Minnesota have increased by nearly 40% since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision last June. This is part of a nationwide trend, with 14 states banning abortion completely and two implementing strict six-week bans. While abortions have dropped in those states, they have increased in states where abortion remains widely available, suggesting that women in restrictive states are traveling out of state for abortion care. The total number of abortions nationwide was up by roughly 5% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Potential explanations for the increase include quicker access to abortion facilities, expanded telehealth capabilities, pro-choice fundraising, and legislation making it easier to obtain the procedure in abortion-friendly states like Minnesota.
The Biden administration is taking action in response to an increase and shift in migrant traffic at the southern border, with numbers reportedly rising by 30% in July. There are signs of a shift in traffic from Texas to Arizona, with the Tucson Sector experiencing a 134% increase in encounters. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has surged personnel and resources to address the situation, particularly in the dangerous desert area near Ajo. The Pentagon has announced the withdrawal of 1,100 troops from the border, while extending the deployment of 400 troops until the end of the month. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking volunteers to aid with processing, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasing the number of special agents at the border. The DHS remains vigilant and prepared for evolving trends and future increases in migration.
Business burglaries in Sacramento have increased by over 350% in the past seven months compared to all of last year, with 843 burglaries recorded from January 1 to July 24, 2023. Business owners are concerned about the rise in burglaries and are taking measures to improve security, such as upgrading surveillance cameras and increasing lighting. Sacramento police are increasing patrols in affected areas, and business owners are hopeful for a decrease in crime.
The levels of COVID-19 in the wastewater of Madison have seen a significant increase following the lowest levels reported this year, indicating a potential rise in infections in the area.
Gas prices in the US experienced their largest one-day increase in a year, rising by four cents per gallon to reach an average of $3.64. This surge follows a recent uptick in oil prices, which have reached three-month highs. Despite the increase, gas prices remain significantly lower than they were a year ago, when they exceeded $5.00 per gallon.
Initial unemployment claims have risen by around 12% over the last year, with some states seeing much larger gains in the number of workers claiming benefits while others have seen the figure decrease. Massachusetts, Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Colorado saw the largest boosts in claims, while California, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island saw the largest decreases. Total claims have increased 21% compared to mid-April 2022, with the highest unemployment insurance rates seen in California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Alaska, Illinois, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington.
According to AAA, New York is experiencing higher gas prices due to an increase in demand, with the average price for a gallon of regular gas at $3.13, up from $2.18 a year ago.
North Carolina has seen an 81% increase in syphilis cases from 2019 to 2022, with state health officials urging people to get screened for sexually transmitted infections. HIV infections have remained flat, while chlamydia and gonorrhea cases have dropped. In December, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services sent a Public Health Alert to providers about an increase in female and congenital syphilis cases.
