Expensive living driven by beef prices and supply limits
The July CPI shows food costs rising for six straight months with beef leading the charge. For urban families of four at $12,000 income, food consumes about half of earnings, while cattle inventory fell from 132 million to 116 million between 1975 and 1978. Price signals may push production higher, but four years pass before herd growth. Lawmakers probe formula pricing by The Yellow Sheet amid potential criminal factors in beef pricing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kennedy P. Maize
Washington
Daily
National Provisioner
Neal Smith
Iowa
House
Small Business Committee
FBI
Nick Wultich
Cost of Living Increases CPI Uptick Reported
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers shows rising living costs with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirming higher consumer prices across major categories. The report highlights increases in housing, transportation, and food, signaling broad inflation pressures.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Consumer Price Index
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Food inflation and price pressures in the United States
An editorial overview examines why food costs rise for households, noting factors from inmarket dynamics and wholesale terms to labeling fraud and the influence of chain stores. It discusses government enforcement, world market effects, and the potential impact on retail prices amid global trade talks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michael Trebing
Illinois Business Review
University of Illinois
Kennedy P. Maize
Yellow Sheet
Smith
Wultich
Carol Forman
Department of Agriculture
World Food
U.S
United States
Legislature’s school aid tinkering sparks downstate payroll strain
Illinois lawmakers hailed a revised school aid plan but local officials report hardship as many downstate districts face higher bills, fewer funds, and potential strikes. The Illinois Education Association warns over 50 of 850 districts are near work stoppages, with contracts unsettled as districts navigate altered funding and school needs. State revenue increases are needed beyond formula tweaks to resolve tensions and support education.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Illinois Education Association
IEA
Cardinals gather in Rome to elect a new pope this weekend
The 112 cardinals from diverse nations meet in Vatican City to choose a successor to Pope Paul VI. The process appears deeply political yet remains a religious act, with debates over conservatism versus reform and potential non Italian leadership shaping the outcome.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Rome
Paul VI
Pope Paul
Impr
Western Europe
John XXIII
Giovanni Battista Montini
Paul
Railroads pose ongoing risk despite safety steps
Illinois faces recurring derailments and a major spill as railroads carry hazardous materials. Aug 6 near Collinsville saw six tank cars derailed and explode, Aug 17 in Jackson County spilled soybeans worth 750000. Regulators push for better insulated, puncture resistant tank cars, but two years to implement. Officials seek more inspectors and stricter enforcement to reduce danger while industry defends safety and cost.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Collinsville
Jackson County
Federal Railroad Administration
Decatur
East St. Louis
James Thompson
John Dunn
Illinois Commerce Commission
Fewer Stores Yet More Employees Transform Illinois Grocers
Illinois grocers shift to self service and nonfood lines as chains grow and independents persist. Employment rises 52 percent from 52,300 to 79,500 between 1951 and 1975 while stores fall from 7,627 to 4,063. Major chains include Jewel, Fisher, A P, Kroger. independents, co-ops, and voluntary groups influence competition. Convenience stores expand with longer hours and higher margins, while computer checkout adoption grows slowly amid Chicago price stamping rules.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michael Trebing
Illinois Business Review
Illinois
Jewel Food
Fisher Foods
Kroger
National
IGA
Certified Grocers of
Central Grocers
Grocerland
Cook County
Chicago
Jewel Companies
Jewel Food Stores
Eisner Food and Agency Stores
Midwest
Jewel
Osco Drug, Inc
Osco Drug
Star Market Co
Buttrey Food
Dominick’s
Finer Foods
Commerce Department
Also Mentioned on This Page
Robin Hood
Broilers
Hamburger
Legislature
Christ
Southern Illinois
John C. Gardner
William B. Cox Jr
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