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You-pick farms lose customers and crops through heat, drought and haze in Iowa

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

BRIGHTON, Iowa (AP) — You-pick farms are struggling through heat, drought and haze as customers cancel picking appointments and crops across Iowa refuse to grow.These farms offer visitors the chance to harvest their own produce straight from the tree, bush or ground. But this summer marks Iowa’s third year in a row of drought. And that is hurting farmers who grow water-intensive crops like blueberries and strawberries that are particularly sensitive to heat and drought, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported.Kim Anderson told The Gazette that her well started faltering during last summer’s heat and drought at her 5-acre Blueberry Bottom Farm near Brighton in southeastern Iowa.Many of her blueberry bushes became parched. And recently, for the first time in the farm’s five-season history, she had to cancel a day of picking appointments because there weren’t enough ripe berries.“I just never anticipated something like this, that the well wouldn’t have enough water,” she said. Similarly, Dea...

Local Chicago leaders advocate for immigration, work permit reform

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

CHICAGO — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) spoke out today in support of a measure being pushed for by United States Representative Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia."We held a press conference to thank [Chuy] Garcia for taking the leadership, asking for the undocumented workers here in America," said Cecilia Garcia, newly elected state director of the LULAC. "That they have a way to legalization and have status here without fear of being deported."Earlier this month, dozens of congressmen and women sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to expand work authorizations to both new migrants, and those who have been in the US for years, working and paying taxes with no path to a permit."Whether they arrived days ago or decades ago, people need to provide for their family and they want to work," Chuy Garcia said. ‘Treatment, Not Trauma’: Chicago leaders discuss how to address the city’s mental health For Cecilia Garcia, it's a topic that's personally affected her as wel...

Thousands come out for final day of Fiesta del Sol

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

CHICAGO — Thousands of people are filling up several blocks in Pilsen for the last day of the 51st annual Fiesta del Sol, a celebration of Mexican and Latin American culture on Chicago's South Side."First of all, it's a beautiful day," said Lupe Perez, an attendee of Fiesta del Sol. "We picked a great day to come. We come every year."Fiesta Del Sol first gained traction in the early 1970's, when community members were celebrating the construction of a new high school in the area. Chicago celebrates final Silver Room Block Party "This started off as a celebration of the opening of Benito Juarez High School, our local community high school," said Alex Garcia, co-chair of the Fiesta del Sol.Over time, Fiesta del Sol has proven to be a significant economic driver for the City of Chicago, attracting more than half-a-million people over the course of the four day event."When I go to Mexico, normally there are street fairs [like this]," said Nicolle Arriaga, a first-time attendee of the ...

Renters get relief from rising prices – except in certain US cities

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When viewed through a wide lens, renters across the U.S. finally appear to be getting some relief, thanks in part to the biggest apartment construction boom in decades.Median rent rose just 0.5% in June, year over year, after falling in May for the first time since the pandemic hit the U.S. Some economists project U.S. rents will be down modestly this year after soaring nearly 25% over the past four years.A closer look, however, shows the trend will likely be little comfort for many U.S. renters who’ve had to put an increasing share of their income toward their monthly payment. Renters in cities such as Cincinnati and Indianapolis are still getting hit with increases of 5% or more. Much of the new construction is located in just a few metro areas, and many of the new units are luxury apartments, which rent for well north of $2,000. Here’s how much apartment space $1,500 buys in the top US cities: report Median U.S. rent has risen to $2,029 this June from $1,629 ...

Arch Manning's first trading card makes more than $100K for charity at auction

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — He hasn't played a down for the Texas Longhorns yet, but that didn't stop Arch Manning's first trading card from fetching six figures at auction.A special edition, 1-of-1 trading card depicting Manning was sold Saturday for $102,500 by trading card company Panini America. All of the proceeds will go to children and their families in the Central Texas area with help from St. David's Healthcare and St. David's Foundation.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersThe card auction for charity is part of Manning's first NIL agreement while playing for Texas. He signed a multi-year deal with Panini America that include exclusive trading card rights and other marketing appearances and activations, but as far as receiving any of the money goes, he's got to see time on the field first.Arch's grandfather, former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, told his grandson that he cou...

Louie Varland pitches Saints to 7-2 win over Mud Hens in series finale

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

St. Paul Saints starter Louie Varland felt good going into Sunday’s game against Toledo at CHS Field. He felt even better afterward.In one of his better starts since being sent down by the Twins on June 20, Varland allowed one run in six innings to earn the victory in the Saints’ 7-2 win over the Mud Hens.“I finally got through six; it’s been a while,” said Varland, who improved his record to 5-0 and lowered his earned-run average to 5.00.Varland limited the Mud Hens to two hits, the only run coming on a home run to lead off the fourth inning. He walked one while striking out seven. Since rejoining the Saints, Varland has added a slider to his repertoire and has been using a new grip on his changeup.Along with a fastball that appeared to have a little extra zip to it, Varland said he relied on his two new pitches more than he did when he faced the Mud Hens in the first game of the series.“I got swings and misses on both,” he said.Saints manager Toby Gardenhire was impressed by what ...

Alex Kirilloff lands on injured list; Caleb Thielbar makes return

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sunday aside, the Twins’ offense has experienced somewhat of a post-All-Star break resurgence. But that offense will now have to do without one of its hottest hitters for the time being.First baseman/outfielder Alex Kirilloff landed on the injured list on Sunday with a right shoulder strain, an injury he suffered diving for a ball. Kirilloff had been scratched from Wednesday’s game with shoulder soreness. In two games since, he had been 1 for 8 with five strikeouts.“I think he went backwards a little bit,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “… He’s just not able to swing the bat right now because he’s feeling some weakness in his shoulder. Firing the bat in his hands is not — he’s just not able to do it right now.”Baldelli said they don’t anticipate this being a “major long-term issue” for Kirilloff, but he’ll be sidelined for 10 days at minimum, during which Donovan Solano and Joey Gallo should likely both see time at first base.As the corresponding move, the Twi...

Lowline fire grows near Gunnison as crews contend with dry weather

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

Rainfall forecast across the Colorado mountains in the coming week could aid firefighters battling the growing Lowline fire near Gunnison, fire officials said in a Sunday morning update.But for now, recent warm and dry weather has only helped the lightning-sparked fire grow, and temperatures are expected to rise in the next day or two — making any weather relief uncertain. The fire burned through 1,096 acres as of Sunday morning, up from 730 acres two days earlier. It was reported to be 7% contained.The current footprint is equivalent to nearly 2 square miles — still small by wildfire standards, but worrisome because the fire burning 14 miles north of Gunnison is nearing homes and other structures.Elsewhere in Colorado, the comparatively tiny Thunder fire, which has burned 5 acres in San Miguel County in the southwestern part of the state, was reported to be 100% contained Sunday morning.Joel Peters, a spokesman for the interagency team fighting the Lowline fire, said du...

19th Street BART station service resumes after police activity in Oakland

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

(KRON) -- The 19th Street BART Station has resumed normal service after police activity caused the station to close Sunday afternoon in Oakland, Bay Area Rapid Transit announced. Elderly man dies in Santa Clara crash BART trains were not stopping at the station following the closure. No further information was immediately available.

Lanes open after fatal pedestrian crash in Oakland

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:26:34 GMT

(KRON) -- All lanes are back open on Highway 13 in Oakland following a fatal car crash Sunday morning. The California Highway Patrol responded to reports of a man near the Park Boulevard on-ramp around 1 a.m. Officers believe he may have been involved in a collision with another car. Berkeley teen swims to raise money for cancer research The cause of the man's death is currently being investigated. This is a developing story. Stick with KRON4 for updates.