2025-01-26 12:00:49.343

Americans can expect high egg prices to persist throughout 2025, with estimates indicating a 20% price increase compared to a general 2.2% rise in food prices. The ongoing avian flu outbreak is the primary cause, significantly impacting egg supply. While some states initially escaped the outbreaks, many are experiencing a resurgence, resulting in the deaths of approximately 17.2 million egg-laying hens in November and December 2024 alone—nearly half the total avian flu-related deaths for the year. The average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs reached \$4.15 in December, a 36% year-over-year increase. The American Egg Board CEO, Emily Metz, predicts that high prices will continue until the avian flu is eradicated. Record-high demand, exacerbated by the holidays, further contributes to the rising costs. Grocers are implementing purchase limits to manage dwindling supplies, and wholesale egg prices have drastically increased across various regions. The avian flu's impact extends beyond immediate losses, hindering the replenishment of the egg-laying hen population. Outbreaks continue in several states, including California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, with 8.3 million bird deaths reported in January alone.

2025-01-25 18:00:50.057

President Donald Trump's second term commenced with a series of rapid-fire executive actions and policy shifts. Key appointments included Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, narrowly confirmed despite facing various allegations, and Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. Trump's administration initiated an immigration crackdown, including increased deportations and border troop deployments. He also oversaw the dismissal of numerous inspectors general across federal agencies, sparking bipartisan criticism for bypassing congressional notification requirements. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and California wildfires, Trump's response involved threats to eliminate FEMA and conditional federal aid based on state policy compliance. The release of four Israeli hostages was celebrated as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Further, Trump rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration, opposing abortion rights, and reinstated the Mexico City Policy and Hyde Amendment, restricting abortion funding. The administration abruptly halted refugee services in the US, and Guatemala prepared for increased deportations. Senate confirmation votes were scheduled for Scott Bessent (Treasury Secretary) and Sean Duffy (Transportation Secretary).

2025-01-24 18:54:44.578

Dayana Castro, a Venezuelan migrant, had her U.S. asylum appointment canceled, leaving her and her family with no choice but to continue their journey north. Many migrants, facing canceled appointments due to President Trump's executive orders, are resorting to dangerous methods like riding freight trains and hiring smugglers. Some seek asylum in Mexico, while others contemplate returning home. Trump's border crackdown, while potentially deterring some migrants in the short term, is expected to have severe humanitarian consequences, potentially leading to increased exploitation by smugglers and pushing migrants into more dangerous situations. Deported migrants describe the risks they face, including encounters with cartels, migration police, and the perilous journey itself. The article highlights the difficult choices migrants face and the dire conditions they endure, with some choosing to seek asylum in Mexico while others, like Castro, are determined to continue their journey despite the inherent dangers.