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Fourth of July cookouts won't be as expensive compared to last year, new study says

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

Fourth of July cookout will be more affordable this year compared to 2022, according to a new report from the American Farm Bureau Federation.Families are expected to pay $67.73 to host a cookout on Independence Day, a 3% decrease from last year but still 14% higher than prices from two years ago. 5 places to cool off in L.A. County during the coming heat wave “The slight downward direction in the cost of a cookout doesn’t counter the dramatic increases we’ve seen over the past few years. Families are still feeling the pinch of high inflation along with other factors keeping prices high,” AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said in a statement.Cookout stables like hamburger buns, homemade potato salad and ground beef have increased in price this year, while chicken breast, lemonade, and chocolate cookies saw a price decrease, according to the report.Prices for food items like beef and potatoes have increased mainly due to poor weather and drought conditions. Tipping backlash: These...

Zachariah Acosta Killed in Motorcycle Collision on Date Palm Drive [Cathedral City, CA]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

20-Year-Old Rider Fatally Struck in Motorcycle Accident near 35th AvenueCATHEDRAL CITY, CA (June 28, 2023) – Sunday night, Zachariah Acosta was killed in a motorcycle collision on Date Palm Drive.Officers responded to the scene around 9:15 p.m., near 35th Avenue on June 18th.Per reports, 20-year-old Acosta was heading north on Date Palm Drive at a high rate of speed. There, he was struck by a vehicle that was attempting to turn onto Date Palm from Royal Palms Country Club.First responders arrived and pronounced Acosta dead at the scene.Emergency crews blocked Dale Palm Drive between 35th Avenue and Victoria Drive during cleanup operations. Following preliminary duties, officers determined that the involved driver was not impaired.At this time, an active investigation to determine further information is still currently underway. Once available, more details will be provided.In this sorrowful time, the Sweet James team would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to the fami...

Rosa Rodriguez Fatally Struck by Hit-and-Run Driver on West 90th Street [South Los Angeles, CA]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

Hit-and-Run Collision in South Central LA Kills 77-Year-Old GrandmotherSOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA (June 28, 2023) – Friday evening, Rosa Rodriguez was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on West 90th Street.CHP officers responded to reports of a collision around 9:30 p.m. on West 90th Street and South Vermont Avenue.Based on the news report, the victim was walking home from an evening church service when a vehicle struck her. However, the driver did not render aid to the victim and fled the area before the authorities arrived.The California Highway Patrol declared the woman dead at the scene. Later, the authorities identified the deceased pedestrian as 77-year-old Rosa Rodriguez.Investigators claimed that the suspect hit Rodriguez just a few feet outside the church. The family of the victim is asking the driver involved to come forward to the police.At this time, the CHP is investigating the circumstances that led up to the collision. Those with additional information about t...

Walgreens aims to cut more costs amid weaker demand for COVID vaccines, uncertain economy

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

Lisa Schencker | Chicago Tribune (TNS)Walgreens Boots Alliance is raising its cost-savings goal by 17% to $4.1 billion after a disappointing quarter — a move that comes just weeks after it said it was eliminating 10% of its corporate workforce.The announcement Tuesday follows a weaker-than-expected quarter marked by less demand for COVID-19 tests and vaccines, a slow respiratory illness season, and consumers facing inflation and an uncertain economy. The Deerfield, Illinois-based company slashed its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance Tuesday to $4 to $4.05 from $4.45 to $4.65.“Our performance in the third quarter did not meet our overall expectations and we are disappointed to have to change our fiscal 2023 guidance,” CEO Roz Brewer said during an earnings call.She said Walgreens administered 800,000 COVID-19 vaccines during the third quarter, down 83% from the third quarter of last year.Consumers are also being more cautious in their spending, she said.“Our customer is ...

What to watch: Indy, Idris star in pulse-pounding weekend

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

One of cinema’s most iconic action characters – Indiana Jones – rides off into the sunset this week, but does his final gallop match his formidable talents? We have thoughts on that. Also in theaters this week comes one of 2023’s best documentaries, while Netflix delivers one of the best animated features of the year.Other excellent streaming options abound, including Idris Elba taking on hijackers and a thoughtful documentary on the writing of a new American anthem.And of you’re in the mood for an addictive series, check out Netflix’s “Glamorous,” with Kim Cattrall.Here’s our roundup.“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”: The first 20 minutes of what’s purported to be (I’ll believe that when I see it) the final chapter in the Indy franchise are a travesty — a soulless CGI orgy that creepily de-ages Harrison Ford and reduces what should be a derring-do opening act into a jacked-up “Polar Express” experience. Afterwards, when director James Mangold and company settle do...

Detached house sells for $1.8 million in San Jose

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

1178 Rhinecastle Way – Google Street ViewA 2,213-square-foot house built in 1971 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 1100 block of Rhinecastle Way in San Jose was sold on June 6, 2023, for $1,775,000, or $802 per square foot. The property features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a garage. There’s also a pool in the backyard and two parking spaces. The unit sits on a 9,792-square-foot lot.Additional houses have recently been sold nearby:A 2,204-square-foot home on the 6000 block of Paseo Pueblo Drive in San Jose sold in August 2022, for $1,620,000, a price per square foot of $735. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.In September 2022, a 2,153-square-foot home on Strada Almaden in San Jose sold for $1,585,000, a price per square foot of $736. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.On Zinfandel Way, San Jose, in June 2023, a 2,085-square-foot home was sold for $1,715,000, a price per square foot of $823. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. 

Disneyland closing 3 popular rides during peak of summer

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

Disneyland is shuttering two of the most popular Disney California Adventure attractions along with a temperamental ride at the Anaheim theme park during the peak of summer for several weeks of seasonal refurbishment.Soarin’ Around the World and Toy Story Midway Mania at DCA and the Monorail that ferries riders between Disneyland and Disney’s hotels will temporarily close for standard refurbishments in July.Soarin’ Around the World will close July 5-14, according to the Disneyland website. The Disneyland Monorail will also close on July 5 while Toy Story Midway Mania will close July 17. Reopening dates for Midway Mania and the Monorail have not been set and both attractions will remain closed through at least Aug. 8, according to the Disneyland website.Soarin’ and Midway Mania are among DCA’s most popular rides and part of Disney’s upcharge Genie+ line-cutting service. Both rides have clocked wait times over 3 hours — some of the longest wait times in DCA history, according to Thril...

The Whitney Plantation outside New Orleans shows the reality of slavery

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

There are a dozen restored antebellum mansions and plantations along the west bank of the Mississippi River, on the River Road outside of New Orleans, and they are among the most popular tourist day trips from the city.Most of them spin the same fantasy — allowing visitors to imagine themselves as the master and mistress of the manor, strolling beneath the magnolias in hoop skirts and top hats, and then pulling a cord to summon a slave to bring a mint julep when it’s hot.Such places are popular wedding venues, where would-be Scarlett O’Hara’s can marry under old oaks, in front of white mansions built with the money from sugar cane, rice and indigo fields worked by enslaved people.Only one plantation goes out of its way to flip the story entirely.The “Big House” plantation home built from cypress trees hewn by slaves, at the Whitney Plantation slavery museum near New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Marla Jo Fisher/SCNG) The Whitney Plantation, also along the River Road, tells the same ta...

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville faces growing bipartisan ire at defense blockade

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

By Lauren Fox and Nicky Robertson | CNNNearly five months after Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced his hold on Department of Defense nominees, the tactic has become a major flashpoint within the US Senate as institutionalists inside the body are voicing concerns the hold could have long-term repercussions and are openly warning an overhaul of the nominations process could be needed.Despite efforts from Republican colleagues, Tuberville’s been resolute, holding up the nomination of roughly 250 military nominees – many promotions that would typically be fast-tracked through the Senate. The dramatic impasse is forcing senators to openly question if it’s time for the body to consider changing the rules or at the very least limit the number of nominations that require Senate confirmation.“Maybe we need another gang to come up with a set of rules changes, but the vast majority of us who understand these tools should be used sparingly, I think we need to raise our voices,” ...

Map: Which Sierra highways remain closed for the July 4 holiday

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:43:50 GMT

Lingering snowpack and winter road damage have kept several highways in the Sierra Nevada closed as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.Following are the status reports of some major routes as of June 28. In addition to the sites linked below, updates for the state highways can be found at the California Department of Transportation website or on its mobile app or by calling (800) 427-7623.Closed (red)1/ Highway 89, Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen Peak Highway remained closed between Sulphur Works and Devastated Area. As of June 22, the park said only 4 miles of highway remained to be plowed, but parking lots and other road preparations will need to be completed before full reopening. Updates: NPS Lassen website.2/ Donner Pass Road. The road (Old Highway 40) has been closed since a rockslide June 9 west of Donner Lake. Updates can be found at the Nevada County road closures site and the county’s public works Facebook page.3/ Highway 120 (Tioga Road). Plowing continued ...