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Here's where Americans are pulling back their spending as inflation takes a toll

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

(The Hill) -- Retail sales in the U.S. fell 1 percent from February to March, according to Census Bureau data released Friday, a sharp drop signaling that the economy is slowing faster than expected.  Analysts had predicted retail sales to fall 0.4 percent. Sales figures were down despite consumer prices rising 5 percent annually in March, indicating that sales volumes are seeing even steeper declines. Inflation breakdown: Five takeaways from the March inflation slowdownSpending is up just 2.9 percent compared to last year. But adjusted for inflation, retail sales are down 2 percent annually, according to EY Parthenon senior economist Lydia Boussour.“In other words, consumers are spending more dollars but are getting less goods or dining out less than in March last year,” Boussour said in an analysis. Consumers are increasingly pulling back their spending following years of consistent price hikes and elevated borrowing costs brought on by the Federal Reserve’s interest rat...

Dozens of school districts in Indiana sent threat: 'One of your schools has a bomb inside'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

(WXIN) – Indiana State Police said no suspicious items were found after dozens of school districts in Indiana were sent an anonymous bomb threat overnight, prompting many of those schools to call for an online-learning day or cancel classes altogether Friday.Noblesville Schools officials were the first to confirm to Nexstar's WXIN that their district had received an anonymous bomb threat via email.The list then grew to include the Lebanon Community School Corporation, Marion Community Schools and Southwestern Consolidated Schools, all three of which confirmed they were on e-learning due to the threat. According to a representative with Noblesville Schools, the bomb threat "was sent to approximately 40 school districts throughout Indiana."Speedway Schools and Center Grove Schools were among the schools to forgo virtual classes and instead close for the day. Families with children in Center Grove were told "Homeland Security is investigating this situation" in an emaile...

Prep basketball star Mikey Williams arrested on suspicion of assault with deadly weapon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

SAN DIEGO (KSWB) — Mikey Williams, a high school basketball star with a massive social media following, was arrested Thursday in San Diego, the county sheriff's department confirmed.Jail records show 18-year-old Michael Anthony Williams, born June 26, 2004, was taken into custody in the Jamul area of San Diego around 3:30 p.m. He was arrested on suspicion of five counts of assault with a deadly weapon, SDSO Sgt. Gavin Lanning confirmed to Nexstar's KSWB.Officials said Williams had one firearm in his possession at the time of his arrest. Williams was booked into the San Diego Central Jail with a bail set at $50,000. He has since posted bond and is no longer in police custody. Mascot for Colorado Rockies tackled by fan Williams, who played basketball for San Ysidro High School, has amassed millions of followers online and had committed to play for the University of Memphis basketball team next season. In a statement, representatives from the university's athletics department said th...

Drought grips 7.75 million Texans in latest report, impacts felt statewide

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for April 14, 2023.LUBBOCK, Texas -- The U.S. Drought Monitor for Texas showed very little relief Thursday despite recent rainfall, including severe storms Sunday. Nearly 80% of Texas was in drought – ranging from abnormally dry to exceptional drought in the latest report. At a statewide level, it was a slight improvement from the week before with fewer areas being in severe and moderate drought.An estimated 7.75 million Texans were living in the impacted areas. El Niño watch issued: Here’s what that means The most recent report was, however, a noticeable improvement from mid-April 2022 when more than 97% of Texas was gripped by drought. Exceptional drought, the most severe category, dropped from more than 14% of Texas to more than 4% over the course of one year.Nexstar graphic based on the U.S. Drought MonitorBurn Ban Map as of April 13, 2023 from Texas A&M Forest ServiceNear Shallowater, April 9, 2023 (Nexs...

Warm, muggy weather continues until Saturday cold front arrives

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With highs in the low 80s, this Friday afternoon's temperatures are expected to be the warmest we have seen in a week and a half. Even hotter weather is expected Saturday, with near-record highs in the forecast Saturday afternoon. El Niño watch issued: Here’s what that means Mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies will persist today with a 10% chance for an isolated storm in the afternoon and evening. Another chance for an isolated storm will arrive Saturday afternoon along an approaching cold front. Best chance for rain would be east of Austin.The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of our area from Blanco to Austin and Giddings and south, in the "marginal" risk area for a severe storm Friday night. Large hail would be the greatest threat. There will also be the same risk in our eastern counties Saturday afternoon and early evening.Storm Prediction Center OutlookAfter high temperatures in the 90s on Saturday, an afternoon cold front will drop temperatures and...

Hays County contractor arrested, charged with felony theft

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Hays County contractor was arrested and charged with felony theft this week. John Paul Vargas, Jr., 45, was arrested and charged with felony theft of property, $150,000-$300,000, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office. He also has a previous conviction, HCSO said. Vargas has been a general contractor in the Hays County area and received payments for work that he did not finish, HCSO said. If you hired Vargas or any of his companies for general construction and have uncompleted work or no work done, you can file a report with HCSO or your local law enforcement agency.

Officers cleared in June 2022 police shooting in north Austin

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two police officers who were involved in a fatal shooting in north Austin last summer were cleared by a Travis County special grand jury this week. According to an announcement from Travis County District Attorney José Garza's office, the jury concluded its review on Tuesday and did not return an indictment for the two officers involved in the shooting. PREVIOUS: Guns, drugs, nearly $7K in cash recovered from hotel room after north Austin police shooting The shooting happened June 13, 2022, when Central Texas Regional SWAT team members, including Leander Police Department Officer John Carnley and Georgetown Police Department Officer Thomas Tatum, executed a search warrant at the InTown Suites Extended Stay on North Lamar Boulevard near Rundberg Lane. There were several men in the hotel room, including Michael Crater, 34, who "failed to comply with multiple commands from officers before pointing a handgun in the direction of officers," according to a release from ...

Flooding prompts closure of Osceola Landing, other river access points

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

The Osceola Landing and other National Park Service access points along the St. Croix River and Namekagon rivers are temporarily closed due to flood conditions, National Park Service officials said Friday.The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers “are currently very high, fast flowing and cold — with significant amounts of floating debris, creating hazardous river conditions for river users and park visitors,” said Craig Hansen, superintendent of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.Park service staff will continue to assess conditions and will open landings when they are safe to access, he said.“Our priority is keeping visitors safe,” Hansen said. “Everyone should use extreme caution during these high-water conditions and stay out of closed areas.”Anyone who spots hazardous conditions within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is asked to call 1-800-PARK-TIP.For more information, go to: www.nps.gov/sacn.Related ArticlesOutdoors | Obituar...

Volunteers walk to fight for suicide prevention

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Volunteers around the Capital Region will be walking to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. To register for the Out of Darkness Campus Walks, click here. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “Suicide touches one in five American families," said Dan Egan, Board Chair for the Capital Region NY Chapter. "We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keepother families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.” The Capital Region Chapter's campus walks raised over $48,000 in 2022. Over 1,500 people participated. This year, the six events will be held on the following dates and locations:April 15 - SUNY Plattsburgh - Amity Plaza: Registration opens 10 a.m. - Walk Program 10:30 a.m.April 15 - RPI Campus, Troy: Registration opens 10 a.m. - Walk Program 11 a.m.April 22 - University of Albany - Entry Plaza...

Albany man arrested for felony gun possession charges

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:52:34 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Friday morning, the Albany County Sheriff's Office arrested Tony I. Simmons, 24, on felony gun possession charges. Police say a vehicle fled when they attempted to pull it over for Vehicle and Traffic Law violations in the area of First St. and Henry Johnson Blvd. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! After a short pursuit, the driver of the vehicle, Simmons, attempted to run on foot. Police say during the chase, Simmons discharged a round of ammunition from a Glock 17 9mm handgun. No one was injured.Simmons does not have any right to possess firearms. He was charged with the following:One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second DegreeTwo counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third DegreeCriminal Possession of a FirearmTampering with Physical EvidenceUnlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third DegreeObstructing Governmental Administration in the Second D...