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Quick Takes

JOB FAIR SET: West Virginia Northern Community College will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Weirton campus in partnership with the American Job Center and the WorkForce West Virginia Career Center.

The job fair is open to the public and is free to attend. Currently 16 companies are registered to be on hand for the event and more are expected to attend.

The Weirton Job Fair is designed to connect employers with candidates seeking seasonal, full or part-time work and internship opportunities, according to officials.

Employers currently registered to attend the event are Bidell Gas Compression Inc.; GMS Mine Repair and Maintenance; Northern Correctional Facility; Integrative Staffing Group; Equipment Transport LLC; Drivers Connection; Troy Group Inc.; FedEx Ground; First National Bank; Weirton Medical Center; C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc.; Pietro Fiorentini USA, Inc.; Mancan; Williams Lea Tag; IC Care LLC; People Ready; A True Blue Co. and more.

“West Virginia Northern Community College strives to help students achieve both academic and career goals,” commented Lisa Soly, manager of campus operations in Weirton. “Partnering with the American Job Center provides an opportunity to bring more employers on campus. We welcome the community to join us in learning more about employment opportunities in the local area.”

The job fair will be located at 150 Park Ave.

For information, contact Rebecca Raspperry at r1raspperry@gmail.com.

MOVE THREAT: The president of the Canadian auto workers union says General Motors is threatening to make more Chevrolet Equinox SUVs in Mexico as a strike continues at an Ontario factory.

Unifor President Jerry Dias says GM has declared war on Canada with the threat.

About 2,500 workers at the plant west of Toronto went on strike Sept. 17 over job security. The union wants GM to designate the plant as the main Equinox producer.

A GM official with knowledge of the bargaining says they’re still talking but are at an impasse over the issue. He says GM is preparing to make more of the hot-selling SUVs at two factories in Mexico but hasn’t made a final decision.

SODA TAX BAN: Michigan municipalities would be prohibited from levying local taxes on food and beverages under a bill advancing to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk for his expected signature.

No local government in Michigan is now considering such a tax. But lawmakers say it is possible, pointing to Philadelphia and Chicago as places with soda taxes. Similar taxes have been approved in San Francisco and Oakland, Calif.

The Republican-led Michigan Senate voted 30-5 Thursday to send the fast-tracked legislation to the governor. The Chicago-area’s penny-per-ounce tax on soda and sweetened drinks was repealed Wednesday after a months-long conflict that included a court battle and millions of dollars’ worth of television ads on both sides.

RATES RISE: Long-term mortgage rates rose for a second straight week as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 3.91 percent, from 3.85 percent a week ago.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the 15-year home loan, frequently used by homeowners who refinanced their mortgages, also jumped, rising to 3.21 percent, from 3.15 percent.

Mortgage rates have picked up a bit in the past month. The average 30-year rate fell to 3.78 percent in early September, its lowest level this year.

Rates on home loans typically track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, which have increased in recent weeks. Federal Reserve policymakers indicated in a meeting last month that they are likely to raise short-term rates for the third time this year in December, a move that can also lift longer-term rates.

From staff and wire reports

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