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Americans are more worried about inflation than at any point since 1985, and that concern is quickly escalating, according to a new poll, a potential problem for Democrats and the White House ahead of the midterm elections in November.

A Gallup poll released Tuesday showed that rising prices were the No. 1 economic concern for Americans, with 17 percent calling inflation the nations most important problem.

Inflation stress divided slightly among income groups 63 percent of adults earning $40,000 or less were very concerned, compared with 58 percent of those earning $100,000 or more and starkly along political lines. About 79 percent of Republicans were seriously worried about inflation, versus 35 percent of Democrats.

That reflects the ongoing phenomenon were seeing in polarization, said Lydia Saad, director of U.S. social research at Gallup. She noted that people increasingly answered economic questions differently when their party controlled the White House, and often in a way that reflected the administrations messaging. Democrats are just going to downplay problems, just like Republicans did when Trump was in office, she said.

President Bidens administration initially expected rapid inflation to fade. As it has lingered, the White House has switched to arguing that it is part of a global phenomenon and has been exacerbated by Russias invasion of Ukraine. That is accurate but probably not the full story, since inflation in the United States is higher than in many other developed economies.

Prices in the United States rose 7.9 percent in the 12 months through February, according to the latest reading of the Consumer Price Index released this month. That was the highest level of inflation since early 1982.

Ms. Saad said it might be a silver lining that the worry index was lower now than at the start of the 1980s, when about half of American adults ranked rising prices as the nations top problem. Inflation had been elevated for years back then, peaking at about 14.6 percent in 1980.

Even so, rising prices have been undermining confidence in the overall economy, according to the Gallup numbers and other consumer sentiment readings. Survey data from the University of Michigan shows that Republicans have been more pessimistic about the economy than at any point since 1980. Democrats, while more optimistic, were less confident in March than they had been at any point since Mr. Bidens 2020 election victory.

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Americans, especially Republicans, are getting more worried about inflation. - The New York Times

MANCHESTER, NJ A Manchester man has been sentenced to six years in prison in a fatal hit-and-run in April 2021, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday.

Kevin Noonan, 63, of Manchester, was sentenced to prison on the charge of knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death by Superior Court Judge Lisa A. Puglisi. Puglisi also suspended Noonan's driving privileges for two years on that charge, and for an additional year on a charge of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or death, along with a $2,500 fine, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Noonan had pleaded guilty on Feb. 14 to the charges in connection with the April 13, 2021, death of Jack Gotfried, 69, of Whiting.

Noonan had stopped at Gotfried's home on Yorktowne Parkway in Whiting to pick up furniture Gotfried was giving away, authorities said.

In the process of loading the furniture onto Noonan's vehicle, Noonan backed up at what authorities said was "a high rate of speed" and hit Gotfried, pinning him between the back of Noonan's vehicle and a truck that was parked in front of Gotfried's house. Noonan then took off, leaving Gotfried lying in the road with traumatic injuries. Gotfried was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune but succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.

Authorities later found Noonan walking along Western Boulevard in Lacey, and he was arrested by a detective from the prosecutor's office, Billhimer said. He has been held at the Ocean County Jail since his arrest.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who handled the case on behalf of the state. The Prosecutor's Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit investigated.

Continue reading here:
Manchester Man Gets 6 Years In Fatal Hit-And-Run In Whiting - Patch

HANNAH SCHRODTThe Columbus Telegram

One local womans vision of transforming an old, vacant church into a Columbus destination has become a reality. New short-term rental lodging, The Neighborhood Sanctuary, 3770 18th Ave., is quickly approaching completion and will have an open house in early April.

Shae Spitz, a realtor at kwElite, closed on the property on May 7, 2021. The single unit has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Construction started around July of last year but has been delayed because of material shortages.

The building was essentially gutted; everything but a few items in it are new.

The only thing that's still original would be just the original wood that you see around the windows. And around some of the door frames, Spitz said.

(We) completely did the entire outside. New sewer line so we had to connect to city sewer, new water lines -- we had to connect to city water because it was on its own well and septic.

Spitz has been a Realtor for three-and-a-half years, but she and her husband, Adam, have been renovating properties for a little longer than that.

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Adam Spitz noted his reaction in seeing the property for the first time and Shaes idea for the renovation.

(I) probably had some choice words like, No way. I didn't see it, but she has an eye that I don't, either, he said.

It couldn't have turned out any better. Definitely turned out awesome. I don't think I could have ever done it.

He said that while hes helped out with odds and ends type of work such as moving furniture the vision has been all of Shaes. Shae added that Adam provided emotional support during the rezoning process. They attempted to rezone the property to convert the building into two units the second unit would have been in the structures basement but that did not get approved, so there is just one unit.

When asked about the inspiration behind The Neighborhood Sanctuary, Shae Spitz noted that she always needs to keep busy.

I was bored one day at my office and I had to sell another property and I thought, OK, well, where do I need to put my money? What can I do? Spitz said, noting that she started thinking about the rental shortage in Columbus.

I've got a lot of people asking me, Hey, is there a location where we could host a bridal shower, baby shower, where our family could come and stay as well? Aside from the (Hidden Treasurer) Loft downtown or a couple different places, there really wasn't.

The Neighborhood Sanctuary, 3770 18th Ave. in Columbus, is a new short-term rental renovated by local realtor Shae Spitz. The building, which previously housed a church, has been completely gutted and remodeled into a four bedroom, two bath rental available on Airbnb.

Spitzs hope for the rental is that it becomes a destination for families family gatherings, family events and family holidays.

Although the building is not complete, Spitz said, the property already has four bookings, the first being Easter weekend.

Even though the people who are hosting live here in town, their family is coming from out of town and they're like, I don't want to worry about cleaning my house. I don't want to have to worry about where everybody's going to be staying. So they just book this and they're having their entire Easter here, she said.

Spitz said theres a convenience factor in utilizing an Airbnb-type of rental. Also, the area is family friendly, she said.

I think that's what a lot of people nowadays like, is the convenience of things, and I think it's very cozy, the neighborhood, Spitz said. That's why we named The Neighborhood Sanctuary, is to give it the idea and the feel that it's family friendly. It's not a place to come and party and rage.

People who have seen The Neighborhood Sanctuary on social media may have noticed that there are no pictures of the inside of the building. Spitz said the inside will be unveiled during an open house April 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cork and Barrel will be serving drinks at the open house, and there will be appetizers and giveaways. The public is invited.

Spitz added that with The Neighborhood Sanctuary nearly done, she has started connecting with other local businesses to offer discounts to customers.

Adam Spitz said a sign-in book will be available at the rental.

Anytime we would stay at those (Airbnbs) I always read through them just to see how many people come through from different areas. So those are kind of cool.

People who drive by The Neighborhood Sanctuary will notice a sign with a QR code on it. They can use that code to find out more about the rental.

A sign in front of The Neighborhood Sanctuary,3770 18th Ave. in Columbus, has a QR code that people can scan to be directed to the rental's website. The rental can be booked through Airbnb or Vrbo. Owner Shae Spitz said on Wednesday that the unit already has four bookings, the first of which is set for Easter weekend.

Spitz noted the new developments coming to Columbus, such as the Columbus Community Building and expected casino. The rental will be a good option for people visiting for those amenities, she added.

With the children's museum and the casino coming up, I think it's a very good location, she said. All the other Airbnbs are downtown, where this is more in a neighborhood, more family friendly. And (you can) jump on the bypass and go whichever direction you want.

Anyone who wants to admire and envy the world's biggest stars needs only to look on Instagram. From A-list movie stars and major musicians to pro ball players and comedians who landed their own sitcoms, there's no shortage of evidence of just how good the good life is. They post pictures of themselves with other big shots on rooftop bars, at exclusive clubs, at backstage parties, and at restaurants where regular people can't get a reservation.

But the vast majority of these celebrities were born and raised outside of Hollywood, finding their way to the bright lights and big money of superstardom from obscure beginnings in regular small towns and cities across the country.

Stacker compiled a list of actresses that were born in Nebraska from IMDbs most popular list. Movie poster images are from OMDb. Keep reading to see which of your favorite actresses are from your home state.

You may also like: Famous actors from Nebraska

- Born: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA (7/30/1974)

- Known for:

--- Maggie Fitzgerald in "Million Dollar Baby" (2004)

--- Brandon Teena in "Boys Don't Cry" (1999)

--- Holly in "P.S. I Love You" (2007)

- Born: Omaha, Nebraska, USA (4/23/1979)

- Known for:

--- Sarah Palmer in "My Bloody Valentine" (2009)

--- Goldie / Wendy in "Sin City" (2005)

--- Lorelei in "The Spirit" (2008)

- Born: Omaha, Nebraska, USA (10/29/1972)

- Known for:

--- Isis in "Bring It On" (2000)

--- Syd in "Bad Boys II" (2003)

--- Chastity in "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)

- Born: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA (12/6/1962)

- Known for:

--- Jessie Deighan in "Cliffhanger" (1993)

--- Maggie O'Connell / Marina / Mary O'Keefe in "Northern Exposure" (1990-1995)

--- Nancy Beth Marmillion in "Steel Magnolias" (1989)

- Born: Omaha, Nebraska, USA (5/19/2003)

- Known for:

--- Jojo in "The J Team" (2021)

--- Jay / Kira in "The Angry Birds Movie 2" (2019)

--- Actress in "Bounce"

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- Born: Fremont, Nebraska, USA (11/16/1958)

- Known for:

--- Catherine Willows / C.S.I. Night Shift Assistant Supervisor Catherine Willows / C.S.I. Swing Shift Supervisor Catherine Willows / C.S.I. Catherine Willows in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000-2015)

--- Dr. Laura Baker in "Species" (1995)

--- Donna Jensen in "Erin Brockovich" (2000)

- Born: Alliance, Nebraska, USA (9/20/1975)

- Known for:

--- Blair Williams in "Terminator Salvation" (2009)

--- Marina in "Faster" (2010)

--- Vera in "The Sessions" (2012)

- Born: Auburn, Nebraska, USA (1/2/1969)

- Known for:

--- Tesla in "Brittany Runs a Marathon" (2019)

--- Tessa Snyder in "Bull" (2017)

--- Carol Bock in "The Comedian" (2016)

- Born: Kearney, Nebraska, USA (8/12/1975)

- Known for:

--- Anne O'Brien Wilson in "Glria" (2021)

--- US Newsreader in "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" (2019)

--- Christy Bryant in "Strike Back" (2012-2015)

- Born: Omaha, Nebraska, USA (12/16/1987)

- Known for:

--- Annabelle Fox in "You've Got Mail" (1998)

--- Rachel in "Speak" (2004)

--- Little Girl in Bunny Suit in "Lolita" (1997)

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- Born: Wayne, Nebraska, USA (8/15/1985)

- Known for:

--- Beth Greene in "The Walking Dead" (2011-2018)

--- Waitress in "It's Complicated" (2009)

--- Brie Larvan / Bug-Eyed Bandit in "Arrow" (2016)

- Born: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA (5/10/1989)

- Known for:

--- Amber in "No One Lives" (2012)

--- Ally Mash in "16-Love" (2012)

--- Kat Stratford in "10 Things I Hate About You" (2009-2010)

- Born: Omaha, Nebraska, USA (9/6/1944)

- Known for:

--- Mrs. Livingston in "Bubble Boy" (2001)

--- Dana Appleton in "Liar Liar" (1997)

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The Neighborhood Sanctuary to be family-friendly destination in Columbus - Lincoln Journal Star

While Mr. Biden won most of the Texas border in 2020, some towns there saw a shift to the political right. The region has been particularly hard-hit with the influx of migrants being released into local communities. Nonprofit organizations along the southwest border provide a significant amount of assistance, but the spike at times has been overwhelming for them as well.

Immigration and human rights advocates have said that the order turned out to be former President Donald J. Trumps most successful measure to limit the number of people getting asylum in the United States. Stephen Miller, the architect of Mr. Trumps restrictive immigration policies, tweeted on Wednesday that lifting the public health order would be one of historys most spectacular travesties and would open the floodgates on a biblical scale.

Mr. Bidens decision to leave the order in place for more than a year, after campaigning to restore compassion to the immigration system, raised doubts among immigration advocates about his commitment to doing so.

Even with the order in place, the Biden administration has allowed hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants to face deportation proceedings, many of whom arrived in the country with young children. Reasons have varied from humanitarian exemptions to operational restrictions such as limited detention space. The United States cannot expel migrants from certain countries, including Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, because of diplomatic strains, and those migrants are making up a fast-growing number of new arrivals.

Since October, border officials have apprehended 900,000 undocumented migrants at the southwest border, according to the Homeland Security Department. In the 12 months before that, undocumented migrants were caught a record-breaking 1.7 million times. Among the reasons the department has cited for the increase are natural disasters, severe economic decline causing food and housing insecurity, crime, corruption, lack of education and health care, and the pandemic.

Some argue that the inconsistent enforcement of the public health rule and an absence of punishment for those caught crossing illegally is partly to blame for the high numbers. Homeland Security officials estimate that 30 percent of illegal crossings during the pandemic are repeat offenders.

The spike in illegal migration has at times overwhelmed border officials. To speed up the time it takes to process people into the country and avoid overcrowding in congregate settings, border officials have released some migrants into the country with incomplete paperwork and no court date, leaving migrants in limbo and creating new backups in the already-backlogged immigration court system. Immigrants wait an average of five years before their first court date.

Continue reading here:
C.D.C. to Lift Order Restricting Immigration During the Pandemic - The New York Times

A multi-agency operation targeted people involved in organised immigration crime over the past three months.

Cheshire Police worked with Border Force, Immigration, the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) and the local authority during three two-day operations over three-months, which aimed to disrupt illegal immigration to the UK. The operations were conducted at Burtonwood services on the M62 on January 10 and 11, Poplars 2000 services on the M6 at Lymm on February 10 and 11 and again at Burtonwood services on March 22.

The operations included offering advice to HGV drivers on how to avoid becoming involved in the illegal movement of people. Cheshire Police said that those involved also checked drivers' hours were being adhered to, lorries were roadworthy and ensured those who had travelled illegally were brought to safety and dealt with appropriately and sensitively.

READ MORE: Coked up yob displaying 'severe lack of driving ability' led police on two high speed chases

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said that the operation resulted in:

148 HGVs stopped and checked for illegal immigrants. 11,200 in civil penalty fines recovered from hauliers having outstanding fines for previous clandestine found on their vehicles One Iranian clandestine surrendered to police at the scene and dealt with by Border force officers 96 fixed penalties issued for various offences totalling 18,750 in fines

DS Darren Wright said: These operations highlight the work we do 24/7 to disrupt criminals who use our road network to commit crime, and serves as a warning to criminals that we are out there policing the roads with our partners to disrupt illegal activity and make Cheshire a no go area for criminals.

He added: "Clandestine entry to the UK poses a significant risk of life to those who have been concealed in the vehicles and transported overseas to the UK and vice versa.

We recognise that many of the successful clandestine entry attempts involve road haulage vehicles due to the amount of hiding space in the vehicle, and the ease of movement in and out of the UK through legitimate and identified travel routes.

Organised crime groups also know this and exploit this method of movement in and out of the UK, and recruit complicit drivers to assist with the facilitation of illegal entry of people and goods.

Sadly, many of who successfully gain illegal entry into the UK often end up becoming victims of modern slavery offences. Many will become subjected to further criminal exploitation, so its important drivers play their part in protecting vulnerable people by understanding the risks and knowing how to keep themselves safe from these criminal gangs.

Link:
HGVs stopped at service stations to disrupt illegal immigration to the UK - Liverpool Echo