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These cities are bouncing back best (and worst) from the pandemic

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- San Diego has surged back from COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, but a few hundred miles north, San Francisco's downtown is near death, according to recent findings from the Institute of Governmental Studies public policy research center. In a study updated earlier this year titled "The Death of Downtown?" researchers looked at a number of economic health factors for 62 major cities to see which appeared least damaged by nearly three years of economic uncertainty. "With the initial shock of the pandemic, downtowns emptied out. Even as life has gradually returned to malls and neighborhood commercial corridors, the urban core is no longer a bustling center of activity. This trend has led many to wonder: is this finally the death of downtown?" study authors wrote. Researchers say a debate is forming about whether urban centers have emptied out permanently, similar to what was seen in the 1970s, or whether the recent urban resurgence will regain momentum as we fully ...

Economists optimistic as inflation hits 5%

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - There's good news for the U.S. economy, from another sign of falling inflation."Well, I think it was an encouraging report," Stephen Juneau, BofA Global Research Senior U.S. Economist, said."I think we're making progress," Bharat Ramamurti, National Economic Council Deputy Director, said.Ramamurti says seeing the inflation rate drop to 5 percent shows the president's policies are working."I don't want to say we're all the way at our goal yet, there's still more work to do," Ramamurti said.Economists, like Juneau, agree the report is encouraging."We're not seeing prices outright fall, but you are seeing kind of that movement in the right direction. You still have inflation way above the fed wants it to be, but there's progress," Juneau said.The report also shows grocery prices fell for the first time in months."You saw food prices fall and where you saw it was in meats, poultry, eggs, and also fruits and vegetables. And these are your staple products and it's o...

Rockford woman nabbed for allegedly stabbing another woman in Garfield Park

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO — A 23-year-old Rockford woman is charged with causing serious injury to another 23-year-old woman in Garfield Park last summer. Shamonica Turner faces one felony count of aggravated battery with great bodily harm after allegedly stabbing the woman in the 700 block of S. Albany on June 12, 2022. Man, 18, charged with killing CPD Officer Andres Vásquez Lasso pleads not guilty Members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force took Turner into custody on April 11 in Rockford. She was due to appear in court on Wedneday.

Prosecutors rest case in ComEd corruption trial

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — Prosecutors rested their side of the trial Wednesday against four people accused of seeking favors for Illinois' largest electric utility by arranging $1.3 million in contracts and payments for associates of a powerful state politician.Michael Madigan, the former House speaker, is not in court and faces his own separate trial. But he's been a key part of the evidence presented over 17 days.Longtime Madigan ally Ed Moody got more than $300,000 between 2012 and 2018 through ComEd's contracts with various firms. He testified Tuesday that he believed the money was a reward for him to keep doing political work for the Chicago Democrat.Moody denied doing much work for ComEd, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.Defense attorneys tried to diminish Moody's testimony by suggesting he was trying to please prosecutors and avoid being charged.The four people on trial are former Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist Jo...

Target announces dates for 2023 car seat trade-in event

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (WHO) – Target has announced the dates of a program popular among parents looking to trade in expired child car seats for new, baby-related merchandise. The 2023 Target Car Seat Trade-In event will take place from April 16-29, the company announced on Tuesday.During the promotion, customers can turn in any used, old, or damaged car seat for a coupon good for 20% off a new car seat, stroller, or other baby gear. Most car seats sold in the US have an expiration date, usually six to 10 years after the date of manufacture. Over time, plastic parts that make up the bulk of car seats become worn down, lessening their ability to perform as expected in a crash. Sam’s Club offering $10 memberships for limited time Since starting the program in 2016, Target says that it has recycled 32.9 million pounds of car seat materials.Customers will find a drop box near customer service in most Target stores where they can drop off a car seat and then scan a code on a sign to receive thei...

Walmart closing locations across 12 states this year: Here's where

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO (WGN) —  Walmart plans to close four of its stores in Chicago by mid-April, the company announced Tuesday, adding to more than a dozen locations the retailer has already closed this year. Affected Chicago stores will close on Sunday, April 16. Walmart officials cited profit margins as the reasoning behind the closing."The simplest explanation is that collectively our Chicago stores have not been profitable since we opened the first one nearly 17 years ago – these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years. The remaining four Chicago stores continue to face the same business difficulties, but we think this decision gives us the best chance to help keep them open and serving the community," a press release stated. Sam’s Club offering $10 memberships for limited time So far this year, Walmart has closed or announced plans to close nearly two dozen locations. The retailer first confirmed closures in e...

Council item aims to limit parking lot requirements for bars to curb drunk driving

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A City Council resolution calls for eliminating certain parking lot restrictions for bars."Eliminating parking requirements for bars can encourage alternative modes of transportation and reduce the incidence of drunk driving," the resolution reads. District 3 City Council Member Jose Velasquez is behind the measure. According to current building standards, properties that are at least 2,500 square feet accommodate at least 25 drivers. Bars 10,000 square feet or more must have enough room for a minimum of 400 cars. The new resolution would still require ADA parking options. The draft of the resolution states parking construction can cost businesses between $10,000 and $40,000 per space."Decreasing parking requirements for bars and restaurants could also encourage the growth of local businesses and increase economic activity in the City," the proposal reads. KXAN is speaking to members of the public about this idea. Check back for updates.

Dripping Springs ISD $223M bond up for vote in May after previous bond failed

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) - There's $223.7 million on the Hays County ballot this May. It's money for the Dripping Springs ISD 2023 bond. It includes both a focus on the district’s growth, capital improvements and renovations on DSISD’s oldest campus and campus security, as well as ADA updates on all district campuses. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dripping Springs ISD board unanimously votes $223M bond for May 6 election The 2023 bond package includes things like:Build Elementary School No. 6Expand Sycamore Springs Middle SchoolBuild New Facility for Special Education 18 ProgramSecurity Updates for all CampusesClassroom PortablesPrevious bond failingIn November, voters decided not to pass three bonds for Dripping Springs ISD. Those proposals totaled $481 million. Nathan Kaspar said he was one of the parents who voted against it. "It was a very large amount, over a half a billion dollars. And there were a lot of questions as to whether those costs were appropriate or if they w...

Gulf of Mexico sea levels continue to rise

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The 2023 hurricane season is approaching. The Eastern Pacific's season starts May 15. For the Atlantic, which includes the Caribbean and the Gulf, the tropical season commences on June 1.Studies show that climate change is affecting hurricanes by making them more intense. Experts have also reported that hurricanes are traveling a little slower leading to an increase in the amount of rain that accumulates. Experts will be making their predictions coming up on how many named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes will occur. Their research will include taking a look at water temperatures along with sea levels. And, this includes the Gulf of Mexico.The Gulf has seen an increase in the sea level of about one-half inch each year since 2010. This rise extends from the western Gulf to the North Carolina coast in the western Atlantic. Researchers suggested this is due to both man-made and natural factors. Things like burning coal and oil and cutting down tropical forests ...

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower fundraiser aims to inspire next generation of conservationists

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As part of the University of Texas' 40 Hours for the 40 Acres fundraiser, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is raising money to fund four undergraduate internships in the fields of science, communication, conservation and operations. Donate now to the Wildflower Center The Wildflower Center, designated the Botanic Garden of Texas, advocates for the conservation of native plants, sustainable gardening, and the preservation of central Texas' beautiful natural spaces. It is known for its internationally-recognized sustainable gardens, education and outreach programs, and research projects.View of Texas bluebonnets and huisache daisies in the Savanna Meadow from a past wildflower season. (Courtesy: Wildflower Center)The Wildflower Center is aiming to fund four undergraduate internships this summer and needs to raise $16,000 to eliminate financial barriers for students in need of paid employment.The 40for40 fundraiser continues through 10 p.m. Thursday. You can m...