We are seeing an increase in people
attempting to cross eggs from Juarez
to El Paso because they are significantly
less expensive in Mexico than the U.S.
This is also occurring with added frequency
at other Southwest border locations, Roger Maier, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection spokesman, via CBS.
San Diego U.S. Customs and Border Protection field operations
director Jennifer De La O said in a tweet that her office , "has recently noticed an increase in
the number of eggs intercepted at our ports.".
CBS reports that failing to declare
agricultural items, like raw eggs,
can carry fines up to $10,000.
According to customs rules, federal law
prohibits certain agricultural products , "because they may carry plant pests
and foreign animal diseases.".
The USDA banned eggs
from entering the U.S.
from Mexico back in 2012.
.
According to Border Report, the number of raw egg
incidents reported at the U.S. border jumped over 100% in
the last three months of 2022 compared to the year before.
According to Border Report, the number of raw egg
incidents reported at the U.S. border jumped over 100% in
the last three months of 2022 compared to the year before.
Meanwhile, the cost of eggs has surged
across the U.S. to reach an average of
$4.25 a dozen, up from just $1.79 in 2021.
.
CBS reports that those prices have been driven by
increased consumer demand combined with a decrease
in domestic egg supplies due to an avian flu epidemic.
Poll Finds , 'Traditional Values', Fading Away in the United States.
A recent poll suggests that the importance of traditional values in the United States has plummeted over recent decades. .
Fox News reports that a poll by 'The Wall Street Journal' asked about the importance of values and compared
the results to the outlet's first values poll in 1998. .
Traditional metrics were covered
including patriotism, religious faith
and the importance of having a family.
In 2023, the poll found that 39% of people in
the U.S. said that faith was very important to them
and 38% said that patriotism is very important. .
In 1998, 62% of those surveyed said that
religion was a very important aspect of their lives
and 70% said patriotism was very important.
The poll surveyed a total of 1,019 people
living in the U.S. between March 1 and March 13. .
Fox News reports that the poll
is the latest survey to show a sharp decline
in traditional values in the U.S.
In 2022, a Fox News poll found
that national pride was down
30% when compared to 2011. .
A 2019 poll by 'WSJ' and NBC found that
many values held by older generations in
the U.S. are not shared with Millenials. .
When the first 'WSJ' values survey was conducted
in 1998, a majority of Americans said that “principles
of hard work, patriotism, commitment to religion and
the goal of having children” were critical values
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History: , First St. Patrick's
Day Parade.
March 17, 1762.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade is widely
regarded as having been celebrated in New York City
by Irish soldiers serving in the British army.
The day honors the patron saint of Ireland, who was born to a Christian family in Britain in the 4th century.
St. Patrick is credited with converting
almost all of Ireland to Christianity
before his death.
One of the most revered legends about
the saint is his explanation of the Holy Trinity
using a three-leafed shamrock.
Early Irish immigrants brought his
feast day with them to America.
According to the National Retail Association, Americans spent nearly $6 billion for St. Patrick's Day in 2018
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:59Published
DOJ and SEC Launch Investigations , Into SVB Collapse.
Last week, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation shut down Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and made the FDIC its receiver.
Last week, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation shut down Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and made the FDIC its receiver.
NBC News reports that on March 14,
the U.S. Justice Department opened an investigation into the bank's demise.
According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, part of the DOJ's probe will seek to determine whether bank executives unloaded any stock ahead of the collapse.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched a separate investigation. .
According to the FDIC, SVB's collapse marked the second-biggest on record after Washington Mutual.
According to the FDIC, SVB's collapse marked the second-biggest on record after Washington Mutual.
NBC News reports that on March 12, the FDIC, Federal Reserve and Treasury Department said SVB deposits would be backed in excess of the federally-insured cap of $250,000.
The fall of SVB prompted Signature Bank customers to withdraw over $10 billion in deposits out of fear on March 10, ultimately leading to the bank's collapse as well.
The fall of SVB prompted Signature Bank customers to withdraw over $10 billion in deposits out of fear on March 10, ultimately leading to the bank's collapse as well.
President Biden attempted to
reassure the public that America's
banking system is safe on March 13.
Thanks to the quick action of my administration over the past few days, Americans can have confidence that
the banking system is safe. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
Your deposits will be there
when you need them, President Joe Biden, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History: , First Cases Reported in
Deadly Influenza Pandemic.
March 11, 1918.
Private Albert Glitchell
reported flu-like symptoms at
the Fort Riley hospital in Kansas.
Hours later,
more than 100 soldiers on the
base reported symptoms.
The virulent influenza
spread to other army bases, prisons
and then across the Atlantic, where
World War I continued to rage.
The virus came to be known as Spanish flu.
The influenza was responsible
for eight million deaths in Spain.
Even after the end of the war,
Spanish flu continued to wreak international havoc.
28 percent of Americans
became infected. 675,000 Americans died.
Worldwide, deaths due
to the Spanish flu pandemic are
estimated between 20 and 50 million
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:00Published
Over 1,000 Flights Canceled , as Winter Storm Hits United States.
CNN reports that by 8:40 a.m. ET on Feb. 22,
1,004 flights to and from America had been canceled.
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking site, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and Denver International Airport had the most issues.
Other airports that were affected include Chicago O'Hare International Airport,
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Southwest Airlines had
over 230 flights canceled.
Southwest Airlines had
over 230 flights canceled.
Delta Air Lines and SkyWest
each canceled about 200 flights.
Delta Air Lines and SkyWest
each canceled about 200 flights.
The canceled flights come after 29 states issued winter weather alerts.
Severe cold, ice and sleet are expected
amid the three-day storm.
CNN reports that Minneapolis, MN, could accumulate at least 15 inches of snow.
The National Weather Service warns that the storm
“will bring widespread accumulating snow, with blowing
and drifting snow mainly Wednesday through Thursday.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Severe Weather Threatens , Millions of Americans , as Winter Storm Approaches.
ABC News reports that 100 million Americans across
30 states are facing a major winter storm which is expected
to bring heavy snow, high winds and potential tornadoes.
Winter storm warnings are
in effect from New Mexico through
Illinois with heavy snow forecast.
Meanwhile, high wind warnings
remain in effect across the
Southwest and the Great Lakes.
Potentially damaging winds
and tornadoes could strike from
Texas to Alabama and up to Ohio.
ABC News reports that whiteout conditions have
been forecast across Texas, Oklahoma,
Kansas and southern Nebraska.
Evening tornadoes have the potential
to strike from Arkansas to Tennessee
and into northern Mississippi on Feb. 15. .
Later on February 16, severe storms
and possible tornadoes are forecast for
parts of Mississippi and Alabama. .
Prior to the storms hitting,
the Midwest and the East Coast are
experiencing record warm temperatures.
A number of record warm temperatures are expected
to be set on February 15 and 16 before more average
seasonable weather returns at the end of the week.
ABC News reports that about 200 records
are poised to be tied or broken
through February 17
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Close to 1,000 US Flights Already Canceled , As Winter Storms Roll In.
CNN reports that as an ice storm continues to strike the central U.S., nearly 1,000 flights were canceled and hundreds were delayed on Jan. 31.
By 8 a.m. ET, 982 cancellations and over
700 delays had been reported from Texas to West Virginia by airplane tracker FlightAware. .
Three airports in Texas are experiencing
disruptions, with Dallas Fort-Worth International (DFW) bearing the brunt of the issues.
CNN reports that as of 8 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 550 DFW flights had been canceled. .
In Tennessee, Nashville International Airport had about 150 cancellations. .
The most-affected airlines have been Southwest, American and SkyWest.
The most-affected airlines have been Southwest, American and SkyWest.
The most-affected airlines have been Southwest, American and SkyWest.
More winter storms are expected throughout portions of Texas on Jan. 31.
Oklahoma, Little Rock, Memphis and Nashville are forecast to be hit later in the day. .
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders took to Twitter to issue caution.
I encourage Arkansans who are experiencing winter weather to avoid travel if possible and heed the warnings of local officials, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, via Twitter.
CNN reports that a large portion of Texas is under a winter storm warning until 6 a.m. CT on Feb. 2
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Former Man Utd manager Casey Stoney tells BBC Sport about the difficulties of being separated from her family after taking a job with NWSL side San Diego. BBC Sport
This Day in History:, Heaven’s Gate Cult
Members Found Dead.
March 26, 1997.
Led by Marshall Applewhite,
39 members of the cult peacefully committed suicide
by drinking a mixture of vodka and phenobarbital.
The disturbing scene was discovered by
police in a mansion in a San Diego suburb.
Clothed in matching Nike sneakers and dark uniforms,
the 21 men and 18 women were were found in several
rooms throughout the mansion.
They were convinced their suicides would free them
from their bodies, allowing them to enter an
alien spacecraft hidden behind the rare Hale-Bopp comet.
The cult advocated sexual abstinence.
Several of the men had undergone
castration surgery, including Applewhite.
None of the 39 bodies showed
any signs of blood or trauma
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:51Published
US President Joe Biden hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego on Monday to announce details of a plan to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. This comes amid growing concerns about China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
#AukusDeal #US #Australia
During a bilateral meeting in San Diego, US President Joe Biden accepts an invitation from UK Prime Minister Rishi to visit Northern Ireland to mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
US President Joe Biden meets with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian PM Anthony Albanese in San Diego ahead of an expected announcement of a nuclear defence partnership known as AUKUS. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Rats Can Carry COVID-19, , New Study Shows .
'The Independent' reports that a new study conducted
on wild rats in New York City found that the animal could
be infected with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants.
'The Independent' reports that a new study conducted
on wild rats in New York City found that the animal could
be infected with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants.
The research was published in
the 'American Society for Microbiology.'.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service conducted a search
for evidence of infection in 79 test samples.
Rats used in the study were mostly
trapped in city parks in Brooklyn, while
others were captured near buildings.
Researchers found that , 13 out of 79 rats , tested positive for COVID-19.
The results also showed, “high replication levels in the upper and lower
respiratory tracts and induction of both
innate and adaptive immune responses”.
To the best of our knowledge,
this is one of the first studies to
show SARS-CoV-2 variants can cause
infections in the wild rat populations
in a major U.S. urban area, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center
for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at
the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.
Our findings highlight
the need for further monitoring
of SARS-CoV-2 in rat populations
for potential secondary zoonotic
transmission to humans, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center
for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at
the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.
Overall, our work in this space
shows that animals can play a role
in pandemics that impact humans,
and it’s important that we continue
to increase our understanding so we
can protect both human and animal health, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center
for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at
the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.
Overall, our work in this space
shows that animals can play a role
in pandemics that impact humans,
and it’s important that we continue
to increase our understanding so we
can protect both human and animal health, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center
for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at
the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that New York City
is home to an estimated eight million wild rats.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
USDA Commission , Issues Report on , Racial Equity in Farming .
NPR reports that the United States Department of Agriculture's
Equity Commission has released its first report on over
30 recommendations to make farming more equitable.
The report is the product of a Biden
executive order calling for federal
departments to address racial equity. .
Outgoing Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh
and United Farm Workers President Emeritus
Arturo Rodriguez headed the commission.
We didn't want this set of interim
recommendations to look like things
we've seen in previous reports.
We wanted to get at systemic change, Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary, via NPR.
NPR reports that a final report
is expected by the end of 2023.
The group's recommendations reportedly include making it
easier for farmers to qualify for conservation programs
and making Farm Service Agency loans more accessible.
There's a reason
why this is different.
We have very serious
people around this table, Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary, via NPR.
People that have lived experiences,
people who have studied and dedicated
their life to these issues and it would
be disrespectful for us not to take
this work incredibly seriously, Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary, via NPR.
NPR reports that the commission's 32 recommendations cover
how USDA works with farmers, the structure of the department
itself and other programs like nutrition assistance.
The report also recommends supporting congressional
legislation, conducting research on distribution
within programs and increasing language access.
The report also recommends supporting congressional
legislation, conducting research on distribution
within programs and increasing language access
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Pandemic SNAP Benefits
Set To Expire, , Food Banks Brace , for Spike in Demand.
The enhanced pandemic food-stamp aid is set to expire on March 1 in 32 states.
This means a slash in the monthly benefit of at least $95.
Millions are likely to be affected as
food prices continue to increase.
When they cut this extra benefit from SNAP, that’s going to put me in a serious problem, Charles Jones, U.S. Veteran and SNAP Participant,
via NBC News.
[The enhanced benefit] helped me out a lot. You know how the government is. They want to keep the rich, rich and the
poor, poor, Charles Jones, U.S. Veteran and SNAP Participant,
via NBC News.
U.S. Department of Agriculture officials underscored how "powerful" the extra increase in aid has been for recipients.
That can’t be underscored enough in the difference it’s made in mitigating increases in hunger and addressing economic hardship and poverty, Stacy Dean, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
via NBC News.
In states where the extra aid has already been cut, reliance on food banks increased sharply.
We saw what happened in the other states, where they ended so early, Laura Lester, Feeding Alabama Food Bank Network,
via NBC News.
We are currently preparing ourselves for that, Laura Lester, Feeding Alabama Food Bank Network,
via NBC News.
Analysts say that curtailing the SNAP program means that struggling families will face increased hardship.
SNAP is our most effective tool at fighting hunger, Dottie Rosenbaum, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, via NBC News.
Now that this temporary boost is coming to an end in all states, , Dottie Rosenbaum, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, via NBC News.
... families who are already struggling to afford the rising cost of food and other expenses are going to feel a big impact, Dottie Rosenbaum, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, via NBC News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Conservative powerhouse Steven Crowder rocked the podcast sphere calling out "Big Con" for being in bed with "Big Tech." Crowder revealed contract stipulations by..
Conservative powerhouse Steven Crowder rocked the podcast sphere calling out "Big Con" for being in bed with "Big Tech." Crowder revealed contract stipulations by..