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Inflation

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Record-High Egg Prices Likely To See New Increases: What To Know Record-High Egg Prices Likely To See New Increases: What To Know
Record-High Egg Prices Likely To See New Increases: What To Know Across the country, grocery shoppers are facing sticker shock and empty shelves as egg prices continue to skyrocket.  Once an affordable staple, eggs have become increasingly expension -- and sometimes, even difficult to find — and the situation is only expected to worsen. The surge in egg prices is being driven by a combination of inflation and a devastating outbreak of avian influenza, better known as bird flu. The H5N1 virus, which made its way to the United States in 2022, has infected or killed millions of birds and infected many other animals In just the last three months, more…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Store Closings Surge To Highest Level Since Pandemic: Why 2025 Could Be Worse Store Closings Surge To Highest Level Since Pandemic: Why 2025 Could Be Worse
Store Closings Surge To Highest Level Since Pandemic: Why 2025 Could Be Worse Retail store closures surged in 2024, reaching their highest levels since the start of the pandemic, a new study said. A total of 7,325 U.S. stores closed in 2024, driven by inflation and an increasing shift toward online shopping, according to retail data firm Coresight Research. The closings marked the steepest decline in brick-and-mortar retail since nearly 10,000 stores closed in 2020. While 5,970 stores opened—the highest yearly number since 2012—closures outpaced openings by a net loss of 1,355 stores.  "Retailers that were unable to adapt supply chains and implement t…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown
Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown Eggs are not the only food product seeing a sharp increase in prices. December grocery prices were nearly 28 percent higher than five years ago, reflecting how much harder families are finding it to manage their everyday expenses, The Wall Street Journal reports.  According to Labor Department data, grocery prices surged 1.8 percent year-over-year in December, marking the fastest increase in over a year, The trend started just after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, mainly due to pandemic-related supply chain issues. According to a Trace One analysis of US Bureau of Labo…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Rising costs and shifting priorities are reshaping how Americans approach dining out.  Reports reveal a notable decline in restaurant visits, particularly among middle-class families and younger generations. Here are key factor driving the decline: Rising Menu Prices: Inflation has notably driven up the cost of dining out significantly. According to Yahoo Finance’s “6 Reasons the Middle Class Can’t Afford To Dine Out Anymore,” soaring food prices have left many consumers rethinking their restaurant habits. Economic Pressures: Broader inflationary trends are squeezing househo…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots has announced a major development following its September bankruptcy filing. The discount retail chain says it's entered a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to preserve the brand, save thousands of jobs, and keep hundreds of stores open. Variety Wholesalers, known for its portfolio of retail brands, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, along with up to two distribution centers. There are about 1,400 Big Lots stores nationwide. The transition ensures Big Lots can transfer key assets and maintain continuity of its br…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan
Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is pushing back against New York’s plan to revive the congestion pricing plan, expressing concerns about the impact on New Jersey commuters who regularly travel into Manhattan.  Governor Kathy Hochul's plan, which reduces daily congestion fees to $9 down from $15, aims to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements, but Murphy argues it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.  The plan would require motorists to face $9 tolls when entering certain parts of Manhattan known as the Congestion Relief Zone. The zone is comprised of Lower Manhattan south …

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event
Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event Atlantic City's popular air show has been scrubbed for 2024 after a last-minute effort seemingly saved the financially troubled summer spectacle, officials said. The 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow has been canceled, according to the event website's homepage on Wednesday, July 10. A joint statement was posted by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), and Visit Atlantic City. The free event, which attracts about 500,000 visitors, was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Wednesday, Aug. 14. "We regret …

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by Chris Spiker
News
Biden Raises $33M Since Debate, Admits To 'Poor Performance' At Murphy's Mansion Biden Raises $33M Since Debate, Admits To 'Poor Performance' At Murphy's Mansion
Biden Raises $33M Since Debate, Admits To 'Poor Performance' At Murphy's Mansion In a fundraising blitz, President Joe Biden's campaign for re-election has raised $33 million since last Thursday's debate, the bulk of that in New Jersey and New York, a spokesman said on Monday, July 1. That total includes "grassroots" money from small donors, a campaign aide said. Biden, 81, a Democrat, is being challenged by former President Donald Trump, 78, a Republican. Biden attended two fund-raising events in East Hampton, NY, on Saturday afternoon followed by a Saturday evening fund-raiser hosted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, in Middletown. “I didn’t have a…

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by Jon Craig
News
PSE&G Proposes Lowering Gas Bills PSE&G Proposes Lowering Gas Bills
PSE&G Proposes Lowering Gas Bills PSE&G customers could be getting some relief in their bills. PSEG filed proposals with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to lower gas bills for residential customers by 6.1% effective October. “This is an opportunity to lower our gas supply rate, providing our customers with a little bill relief and helping to maintain affordability,” said Dave Johnson, vice president Customer Care & Chief Customer Officer. “We’re pleased that we will continue to have one of the lowest gas rates in the state.” If approved, the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) rate will be reduced by almost 7 …

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by Sam Barron
News
Atlantic City Airshow Will Take Flight In 2024, Financial Uncertainty Lingers In The Air Atlantic City Airshow Will Take Flight In 2024, Financial Uncertainty Lingers In The Air
Atlantic City Airshow Will Take Flight In 2024, Financial Uncertainty Lingers In The Air Atlantic City's popular air show has been saved for 2024 but questions about the event's future are flying above its head. In a news conference on Wednesday, Mar. 20, Mayor Marty Small Sr. officially announced the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) will provide $300,000 to fund the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow. The free event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Wednesday, Aug. 14. Organizers said inflation and lingering COVID-19 pandemic impacts created doubts about the 2024 show as early as July 2023. A news release announcing the event's cancelation was drafted and could …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Popular Central Jersey Eatery Suspends Operations After 33 Years Popular Central Jersey Eatery Suspends Operations After 33 Years
Popular Central Jersey Eatery Suspends Operations After 33 Years A popular Central Jersey restaurant and bar is "suspending operations'' after 33 years in business. Buzzy’s Food & Spirits is shutting down this Saturday, Aug. 12, according to the co-owner. But "based on the outpouring of support" the restaurant could resume service later, possibly under new management, Rob Brownlie, the co-owner, said on Thursday, Aug. 10.  "Nothing's final,'' Brownlie told Daily Voice. The 3,300-square-foot eatery is located at 200 Stelton Road in Piscataway. Buzzy’s is a nickname for the Bussiere family name. Bob and Rita Bussiere and their five childre…

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by Jon Craig
News
No Raise Raises Ire Of NJ Transit Engineers On Brink Of Strike Vote (UPDATED) No Raise Raises Ire Of NJ Transit Engineers On Brink Of Strike Vote (UPDATED)
No Raise Raises Ire Of NJ Transit Engineers On Brink Of Strike Vote (Updated) Having not received a raise since before the pandemic, the 500 engineers employed by NJ Transit may soon be walking a picket line. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have called for a strike authorization vote. The locomotive engineers have been without a new contract since Oct. 2019 and remain stuck in mediation.  "The absence of a pay raise during a period of high inflation has persisted for four years, which is too long," BLET National President Eddie Hall said. "Our members cannot continue working for subpar wages. They have had enough." Hall said with the except…

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by Sam Barron
News
NJ Boardwalk Operator Banned 10 Years For Using Overinflated Basketballs, Posting False Prizes NJ Boardwalk Operator Banned 10 Years For Using Overinflated Basketballs, Posting False Prizes
NJ Boardwalk Operator Banned 10 Years For Using Overinflated Basketballs, Posting False Prizes A Jersey Shore game operator was banned from business for 10 years and fined $15,500 for over-inflating basketballs and displaying prizes that couldn’t be won, state authorities said. Some basketballs at games owned by Christine Strothers on the boardwalks in Wildwood and North Wildwood packed up to three times the amount of required pounds per square inch of inflation, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. This, as most players know, can make a ball ricochet wildly off a backboard or rim, the attorney general noted. Strothers also broke New Jersey’s amusement games lic…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Tolls Going Up On Atlantic City Expressway Tolls Going Up On Atlantic City Expressway
Tolls Going Up On Atlantic City Expressway Tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway are going up next year, officials said on Thursday, Nov. 17. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, cash tolls on the 44-mile Expressway’s Egg Harbor and Route 50 toll plazas will increase from $4.40 to $4.55 for a passenger vehicle. Expressway tolls are going up by 3% from year to year, said Kimberly Testa, a spokeswoman with the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Tolls for the average Expressway trip will go from $2.44 to $2.53, Testa said. SJTA officials cited inflation and increased expenses as reasons for the toll increase. The new toll rates are lower…

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by Jon Craig
News
Tolls On Garden State Parkway, NJ Turnpike Rising For 3rd Consecutive Year Tolls On Garden State Parkway, NJ Turnpike Rising For 3rd Consecutive Year
Tolls On Garden State Parkway, NJ Turnpike Rising For 3rd Consecutive Year Tolls will increase on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway for a third consecutive year. The 3 percent toll hikes were originally approved in 2020. The latest hike was adopted on Tuesday, Oct. 25 as part of the 2023 budget, according to New Jersey Turnpike Authority spokesman Thomas Feeney. The $2.5 billion 2023 Turnpike Authority budget increased by 7.4% over 2022. The increase was attributed to “pressures on discretionary travel and costs due to an inflation rate of 8.3%, a level not seen in 40 years," the authority said in a memo. "The 2023 Annual Budget continues the…

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by Jon Craig
News
Wall Street Investor With NJ Tie Predicts Economic Downfall Wall Street Investor With NJ Tie Predicts Economic Downfall
Wall Street Investor With NJ Tie Predicts Economic Downfall A Virginia-raised investor with a tie to New Jersey is going viral for his recent prediction on the status of the economy. “The economy is going to collapse,” Novogratz said in a Wednesday, June 15 interview with MarketWatch. “We are going to go into a really fast recession, and you can see that in lots of ways.” The Princeton University graduate's remarks came shortly before the Federal Reserve raised rates by 0.75 percent in an attempt to reduce inflation without going into a recession. Novogratz, CEO of cryptocurrency investment firm Galaxy Digital, cited layoffs in …

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by Nicole Acosta
Business
Atlantic City Casino Hotel Workers Approve Strike Atlantic City Casino Hotel Workers Approve Strike
Atlantic City Casino Hotel Workers Approve Strike Thousands of casino-hotel workers in Atlantic City supported a strike in a vote, according to their union. The vote by members of Local 54 of the Unite Here union leaves exact logistics for a strike up to its contract negotiation team. They voted on Wednesday, June 15. They seek significant pay hikes in their contracts which expired on May 31, the union has said. A union leader said that 95 percent of the "several thousand" union members who voted supported a strike if new contracts are not reached by July. The vote authorized the negotiating committee to call a July 1 strike against…

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by Jon Craig
News
Pauly D Talked Inflation On Fox News And The Internet Is Having A Field Day Pauly D Talked Inflation On Fox News And The Internet Is Having A Field Day
Pauly D Talked Inflation On Fox News And The Internet Is Having A Field Day Memes are here. MTV's "Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D knows a thing or two about inflation: That it's getting out of hand. At least, that's what he told Fox News' Jesse Watters on a segment that aired last week, where he also shared his thoughts on when kids should be kicked off their parents' payroll, tough love and — of course — tanning. The 5-minute interview with Pauly, whose real name is Paul Delvecchio, aired in late April, but gained traction among the youth this week.  And the internet can't get enough. Ah yes, the inflation guru: DJ Pauly D. https://t.co/a3Ah6oJ4NG — Jeff Drig…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Casino Hotel Workers Seek 'Significant' Pay Hikes In Atlantic City Contract, Union Says Casino Hotel Workers Seek 'Significant' Pay Hikes In Atlantic City Contract, Union Says
Casino Hotel Workers Seek 'Significant' Pay Hikes In Atlantic City Contract, Union Says More than 10,000 casino-hotel workers in Atlantic City are seeking significant pay hikes upon the expiration of their contracts on May 31, according to their union. "We haven't even started bargaining with the companies," said Bethany Holmes, a spokeswoman for Local 54 of Unite Here, the main union representing workers at nine Atlantic City casinos.  It's too soon to say whether casino workers would walk out on their jobs if an agreement can't be reached.  Holmes declined to say how much of a raise the union is seeking but said it's meant to keep up with inflation and the cost of…

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by Jon Craig