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Grocery prices may fall next year — and it could not come soon enough for inflation-weary consumers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

Brooks Johnson | Star Tribune (TNS)Grocery prices could start falling in 2024, or at least stop rising so rapidly, according to an early forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.That would provide major relief for inflation-weary consumers after the cost of groceries rose 11.4% last year, the biggest annual jump in nearly 50 years.That’s just the most optimistic scenario. According to the USDA’s range of estimates released last month, the price of food at home could fall almost 7% or rise up to 9% in 2024.The range acknowledges massive uncertainty about the global food supply, energy prices and consumer behavior over the next year.“There are a lot of unknowns right now,” said Michael Boland, a University of Minnesota professor and agribusiness expert. “I think it’s still good news for consumers, and it’s going to impact the margins of consumer packaged goods companies.”The USDA’s midrange estimate and perhaps most likely ...

Heavy rain possible as remnants of Tropical Storm Eugene hit Southern California

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

The remnants of Tropical Storm Eugene will begin to impact Southern California’s weather early Wednesday and continue through Thursday.The storm was centered several hundred miles off the northern Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula Wednesday with sustained winds of 35 miles an hour, according to the National Weather Service.It has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.The wind is not expected to be a major factor when cloud bands from the storm arrive in Southern California.“On Wednesday and Thursday, we’ll start to see some of this tropical moisture move in from the south. That means we will see added humidity and a chance for some thunderstorms,” said KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo.The remnants of Tropical Storm Eugene are seen in a satellite image on Aug. 8, 2023. (NOAA)Rainfall could total 1.5 to 1.8 inches in some locations, according to the NWS.“With such high moisture content [in] the atmosphere, there could be some heavy downpours, especially late Wednesday into...

Mega Millions jackpot increases to $1.58 billion ahead of Tuesday's drawing

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

The Mega Millions jackpot is now estimated to be worth $1.58 billion ahead of Tuesday night’s highly anticipated drawing.  The massive jackpot prize is considered to be one of the largest in U.S. history, eclipsing the $1.537 billion Mega Millions jackpot that was awarded in 2018. Two Mega Millions tickets worth $650K sold in Southern California The draw game hasn’t had a jackpot winner since April 18, after a ticketholder in New York matched all six numbers to win a $20 million prize.This is the second time a lottery prize hit the billion-dollar mark in less than a month.One Powerball ticket sold at Las Palmitas Mini Market in downtown Los Angeles matched all six winning numbers in July to win the estimated $1 billion prize.The lucky winner’s identity hasn’t been announced. New feature on California Lottery website puts players’ lucky numbers to the test The largest lottery jackpot prize, a Powerball ticket estimated to be worth $2.04 billion, was won in California in Nove...

Deer droppings found in ready-to-eat salads

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert saying some fresh, ready-to-eat items could contain deer droppings.The salads and wraps with meat and poultry may have contaminated lettuce, the FSIS said, explaining that they "may be contaminated with deer feces" and encouraging the public not to eat them.The establishment number "P-45091" or "Est. 45091" can be found on the items' front label, officials said. They were made on August 1 and 2, 2023, and include the following:8.65-oz. plastic film packages containing “Chicken Caesar Wrap FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” with lot codes 21323 and 21423 and sell by dates of August 9, 2023 and August 10, 2023.7.2-oz. plastic film packages containing “Chicken Caesar Wrap FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” with lot code 21323 and Fresh Thru date of August 10, 2023. 8.5-oz. plastic clamshell packages containing “Chicken Caesar Salad FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” with lot code 21323 and Fresh Thru date ...

Lanes Closed Following Motorcycle Accident near Market Street [Reno, NV]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

Motorcyclist Crashed into Reno Car near Vassar StreetRENO, NV (August 8, 2023) – Thursday morning, lanes were blocked following a motorcycle accident near Market Street.According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, a motorcyclist struck a City of Reno vehicle which prompted the lanes on Vassar Street and some lanes of Market Street.The collision happened at around 6:30 a.m., August 3rd, the sheriff’s office added.Furthermore, it was unknown if there were injuries as a result and the events that led to the collision were not yet released.No additional information was added by the deputies and further investigation is still underway.Motorcyclists rarely escape injuries in the event of a crash. That is why it is important to never underestimate the bike’s speed when you’re riding a motorcycle. Strictly following traffic laws and the conditions of the road also prevent accidents. For other drivers, do not tailgate a motorcyclist. Keep a safe following distance and g...

Injuries Reported Following Multi-Vehicle Crash on Bullard Avenue [Fresno, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

Donut Stunt Sparks Three-Car Crash near Effie StreetFRESNO, CA (August 8, 2023) – Friday night, a multi-vehicle crash on Bullard Avenue, caused by a reckless driver, resulted in minor injuries.Police responded to reports of a man performing donuts in a silver Infiniti near Blackstone Avenue and Bullard Avenue.Upon approaching the driver, the driver did two more donuts before driving off northbound at a high rate of speed.According to the report, authorities initially called off the pursuit but noticed the Infiniti was involved in a multi-vehicle crash. Investigators said the wreckage involved three vehicles near Bullard Avenue and Effie Street.Eventually, officers managed to arrest the driver for reckless driving. Meanwhile, several other people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The identities of those involved in the multi-vehicle crash on Bullard Avenue have not been made public.At this time, witnesses and employees at the nearby north Fresno parking lot are urgi...

Mourners in Ireland pay last respects to Sinead O’Connor

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

By Brian Melley | Associated PressLONDON — Sinéad O’Connor was remembered Tuesday for bringing “joy to countless people the world over” and then honored by emotional fans who thronged the streets of the Irish coastal town she had called home. They sang “Nothing Compares 2 U” as a hearse passed by carrying the singer’s casket to its final resting place.The funeral held for loved ones and friends reflected her spirituality and the impact she had on her homeland and the music world. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and President Michael Higgins attended along with musical luminaries such as Bono of U2 and Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats.But the procession to a cemetery for a private burial reflected the broader impact of her life on devotees moved by her pure voice and emotional depth and touched by her sometimes troubled life.Hundreds of people made the pilgrimage to her former home in Bray, the seaside village south of Dublin where O’Connor ...

Oakland man charged with kidnapping teen at gunpoint, leading to hectic manhunt, allegedly over missing $11,000

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

OAKLAND — An 18-year-old woman was kidnapped off of International Boulevard in broad daylight as she walked the block as a sex worker, allegedly by men who blamed her for $11,000 that went missing days earlier, police said.Now, one of at least three suspects has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, making criminal threats, and illegally possessing a firearm, court records show.The suspect has been identified in court records as 33-year-old David Salazar, of Oakland, the same man whose $11,000 went missing and whom authorities allege was responsible for organizing the kidnapping plot. He is being held in Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $250,000 bail, and is next due in court for an arraignment on Aug. 17, court records show.According to Oakland police, the woman was standing near International Boulevard and 13th Avenue around 5 p.m. on July 28, when a 2000s model Acura pulled up with three men inside, who forced her into the car at gunpoint. One of her friends witnessed the ...

A German-born energy efficiency standard for multifamily housing gains steam in US city

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

Lizzie Kane | Chicago Tribune (TNS)A German-born energy efficiency standard is catching fire in the multifamily housing development industry in Chicago, bringing reduced carbon footprints, improved air quality and lower costs for tenants.The Passive House standard combines technology for ventilation, insulation and airtightness with design solutions that help retain heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer, with a 40%-60% reduction in energy usage for multifamily and single-family properties, according to Phius, a Chicago-based nonprofit that certifies Passive House buildings.Multifamily developers, particularly those building affordable housing, in Chicago have begun to embrace Passive House design in the last few years thanks to local industry professionals advocating for changes in the city and state building energy codes, as well as buy-in from ComEd, the primary energy provider in the state.A.J. Patton, CEO and managing partner of 548 Enterprise in Chicago, said he star...

DeSantis replaces campaign manager in 2024 reset

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

By Michele L. Price | Associated PressNEW YORK — Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is replacing his campaign manager as the Florida governor continues to reset his stagnant presidential campaign.The Florida governor is bringing on James Uthmeier, his chief of staff from his state office, to serve as his campaign manager, replacing Generra Peck, who led DeSantis’ reelection campaign last year before jumping into the same role on his presidential bid.Peck will stay on as a strategist.The changes come after DeSantis made two big staff cuts in the past few weeks, laying off about a third of his staff in late July as the campaign faced financial trouble.“James Uthmeier has been one of Governor DeSantis’ top advisers for years, and he is needed where it matters most: working hand in hand with Generra Peck and the rest of the team to put the governor in the best possible position to win this primary and defeat Joe Biden,” campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo...