How tariffs could shape parents' budget for back-to-school shopping in Pennsylvania
For 13-year-old Ethan Lief, that means summer is winding down.
"School can be annoying, but it's overall, not that bad," Ethan Lief said.
The National Retail Federation said nearly half of families started shopping early this year because they're worried that tariffs could drive prices higher.
But for many, like Ethan's mom, the shopping checklist is still far from done.
"I was just talking to my son [Ethan] today, that we haven't even looked at the list. We're feeling a little behind on that," Chabiba Lief said.
Community giveaways are helping families stretch their budgets.
M.J. Jaman picked up backpacks for both of his daughters in Millbourne.
"Definitely school supplies and their clothing, I have to spend — I have to go to shop for their clothing also," he said.
A steady stream of shoppers filed in and out at a Target in Ardmore, hunting for deals.
Chabiba Lief estimates she'll spend between $50-$100 to get her kids ready this year and said everything seems to cost more.
The National Retail Federation estimates families will spend more than $858 with students in elementary through high school, with electronics and clothing being the big-ticket items.
"It's a lot, but I think that the prices have gone up," Chabiba Lief said.
With only a few weeks left until the first bell rings, the pressure is on for families to get everything they need.
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6 hours ago
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6 Costco products you should always buy — and 4 you should avoid, according to a shopping expert
We asked an expert to share the items that give you the most bang for your buck as part of your Costco membership, and the ones to avoid buying there. In a time where many Canadians are feeling the weight of the high cost of living, some are turning to Costco to find the products they need at an affordable price. While most grocery stores carry approximately 30,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), Costco warehouses only carry about 4,000 SKUs. It's part of its strategy to streamline the sale of high-quality products; by limiting the variety of products it sells, Costco is able to negotiate lower prices with vendors. However, stepping into Costco can sometimes feel overwhelming. With everything from groceries to furniture, how can shoppers know what items are worth buying and what is better to pass on? Tina Chow is a Canadian content creator who has amassed a large social media following for her account, Costco Lovers Canada. Her videos about Costco products have garnered millions of views online, and there's no shortage of new products for her to share and review. Chow spoke to Yahoo Canada to share her expertise on the best products to pick up on your next Costco run, and what you should leave behind. What's worth buying at Costco: Expert 1. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins Chow stated that over-the-counter medications are one of her 'key' items that she picks up at Costco under the store's private label brand, Kirkland Signature. Costco controls the sourcing, production and retail price of Kirkland Signature products, which are usually more affordable than name-brand competitors. A package of Kirkland Signature ibuprofen is currently priced at $13 and includes two bottles containing 500 tablets per bottle. Kirkland Signature extra strength acetaminophen is also on sale for $16 and is available over-the-counter. For those who take these medications frequently, these are worthwhile deals that will last. 2. Designer products While Costco is known for its low-price products, they also carry a variety of high-end products that can help you save on your next high-end designer purchase. An example that Chow lists is a women's Burberry Kensington Heritage trench coat, which is currently priced at $2,400 on the Costco website, compared to its full price of $3,290 on the official Burberry website. When making pricey purchases like the highly coveted Dyson Airwrap for $800, Costco shoppers can take advantage of the store's return policy. Although there are some restrictions, a majority of products can be returned at any time with or without the original receipt. If you're looking to invest in clothing or designer items, it's helpful to know you can get a full refund at any time. 3. Razor blades cartridges Costco is a great place to shop and save on personal care items, like razor blades, at a significantly lower price than its competitors. Currently, Costco is selling Gillette Fusion5 razor cartridges containing 18 cartridges for $65, compared to the $109 price that Walmart is selling them for. That's a 40 per cent difference in price, and those savings add up over time. 4. Skincare Costco carries a diversity of skincare products of well-known brands like Clarins, the celeb go-to La Mer and K Beauty available for purchase online. Chow said shoppers can also find La Roche Posay products behind counters at select Costcos. Costco's flexible return policy allows shoppers to try out skincare products and bring them back if they find the product unsuitable for their skin type. 5. Rotisserie chicken Chow said Costco's rotisserie chicken is one of their go-to products that makes an affordable, healthy and versatile option for meals. 'I will drive to Costco for that chicken because it's better priced; it's bigger, it's juicer,' said Chow. Currently, one 1.2kg Kirkland Signature seasoned rotisserie chicken is priced at $9, and can be delivered to your doorstep through Costco's same-day delivery service. 6. Gluten-free pasta A sought-after option among shoppers is Rummo pasta, a product that Chow said people 'flipped out over' when it hit Costco shelves. Online, a Rummo variety pack containing six packs of pasta is priced at $20. The Costco website is currently limiting shoppers to purchasing two units per purchase, showing its popularity. Another option available is Welth protein rotini pasta, containing 22 grams of protein per 100 grams, and alongside being gluten-free, is also halal, non-GMO and vegan. There are three flavours available: the original flavour, spinach and beetroot. What Costco products aren't worth it: Expert Although there are plenty of products that make a trip to Costco worthwhile, there are certain items that you might want to avoid adding to your shopping cart. Let's take a look at the inventory that may be best to leave behind. 1. Costco Tire Centre While Costco's Tire Centre can be convenient for some, there are a few downsides to the service. 'I won't do my tire stuff at Costco, I do that at local branches because I know you can save a bit of money,' said Chow. She also acknowledges that the waitlist to get tires fixed at Costco is quite lengthy since 'people are constantly trying to get appointments,' which leads to prolonged wait times. In addition, Costco's customer service page for their Tire Centre states that a tire order typically arrives in approximately five to 10 business days from the date of purchase, which can be a lengthy wait for an urgent fix or replacement. Costco's Tire Center page also states that tires are only available for installation on Costco-purchased tires only, which can be a tricky workaround for those looking to use these services. 2. Sunscreen While buying products in bulk is Costco's bread and butter, there are instances where it is safer not to buy certain products en masse, one of which is sunscreen. Chow particularly pointed to Boo Bamboo Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen as an example, where a package of three bottles, each consisting of 214g, costs $50. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreen usually expires after three years and should not be used after its expiration date. Health Canada requires visible expiration dates on sunscreen products available over-the-counter. While it is a product that is essential in the summertime, buying excessive amounts of a product could be more of a waste. 'I've got a ton of sunscreens, but are we really going to use that much?' Chow said. 3. Salad If you are looking for healthy options and preventing spoilage, it might be better to pass on packaged salads during your next Costco trip. The portion size sold can be a downside to bulk shopping. Not every household may benefit from the portion sizes of pre-packaged salads or produce in general. In some cases, people might be saving money, but having their products go to waste. Depending on your needs, Chow said it might make more sense to buy salad as-needed at your local grocery store rather than wait for a trip to Costco. Also, the kinds of salad available can be limited to what is in stock in your location, so there is no guarantee that a kind of salad you once bought is still present. 4. Butter Chow said butter is another product she usually tends to avoid purchasing at Costco because of how much product comes with one purchase. However, if you have a large family or do a lot of baking, Costco might be an economical option. It all depends on your needs.
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Wright hits the road, Lierman hits short-term rentals, Freedom Caucus hits back, more notes
Maryland Schools Superintendent Carey Wright, shown here in 2023 while she was still superintendent in Mississippi, will be visiting different Maryland schools in the next week as students return for the 2025-26 school year. (Photo from the Mississippi Department of Education via The 74 Million) There are many signs of the end of summer in Maryland, and when State Superintendent Carey Wright starts making the rounds of counties to visit schools, it's a good sign that summer is ending and the school year is starting. Wright plans to be in Frederick County early Wednesday to see the smiling faces of teachers, faculty — maybe even smiling students — when schools there open for the 2o25-26 academic year. Frederick is one of the first two counties to return tomorrow, along with St. Mary's County. Joining Wright will be Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Dyson, the system's first Black superintendent, now entering her fourth year in the job. Dyson recently received a national award for her work. Next Monday, Wright is scheduled to visit Baltimore County, one of nine school systems opening on Aug. 25. They will be followed by Calvert, Montgomery and Prince George's counties on Aug. 25 and Allegany County on Aug. 27. The remaining nine school systems are set to open Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day, according to a state Department of Education calendar. If it's any consolation to the kids in Frederick and St. Mary's counties, the calendar shows that they're scheduled to be among the first to get out of school next June. Further information on Wright's first-day travels was not available as of Monday afternoon. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman is looking at short-term rentals in the state. The effort by the state's top tax collector has less to do with finding a unique or fun place to stay on vacation and more to do with ensuring that anyone renting out properties in the state is reporting everything on their taxes. 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'We told you so,' the caucus statement concludes. Republicans are not the only ones watching the various legal challenges to the ad tax and awaiting a final decision. Comptroller Brooke Lierman, the state's top tax collector and an attorney, told Maryland Matters Saturday she had not had an opportunity to fully review the appeals court decision issued the night before. 'I do not think it affects the larger part of the law,' she said, referring to whether or not the state can legally impose the tax. There are several related legal challenges including one in tax court that could — once all the appeals are exhausted — determine whether the 2021 law stands. Included in those is a challenge in Maryland Tax Court. 'We're awaiting the tax court's decision,' Lierman said. When that decision will come remains an open question. 'We do not know. I wish we did. We've been waiting for a while,' said Lierman. More change is coming to the second floor of the State House. Carter Elliott IV, senior press secretary to Gov. Wes Moore (D), announced his departure in an email to reporters Tuesday. The announcement came a day after Fagan Harris, Moore's chief of staff, announced he has accepted an offer to become the new president and CEO of the Baltimore-based Abell Foundation. 'As my last day in the Governor's Office comes to a close I just want to reach out to say it was the greatest pleasure of my life to serve in this role and I'm grateful to have gotten to know some incredible people,' Elliott wrote in his brief goodbye note. 'I grew up in a family where the best career that you could follow was being a farmer, a teacher, or a public servant—this had been my dream for as long as I can remember,' added Elliott, who came to Maryland from Virginia. Elliott has served nearly three years in Moore's communications shop. Prior to his state service, he spent seven months with Moore's first statewide political campaign in 2022. Elliott described his time in the Moore administration as 'a hell of a ride.' But it's not the end of the trail for Elliott who leaves his government role to join Moore's reelection campaign. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16 hours ago
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Smithfield Foods and Feed the Children Support Families with Food and School Essentials
Smithfield donates $100,000 and thousands of pounds of protein to help local neighbors experiencing food insecurity SMITHFIELD, Va., Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods and Feed the Children are joining forces to host three Resource Rallies in communities where Smithfield operates, helping to ensure children and families return to school with food, classroom supplies and household essentials needed to thrive. 'Every child deserves to start the school year with confidence and tools to succeed in and out of the classroom,' said Jim Monroe, vice president, corporate affairs for Smithfield Foods. 'By partnering with Feed the Children, we are proud to support local neighbors by providing food and essentials this back-to-school season.' The first Resource Rally was held today in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Future rallies are planned in Milan, Missouri, on Aug. 25, and Clinton, North Carolina, on Sept. 4. Each Resource Rally will help feed approximately 400 families experiencing food insecurity. In addition to a $100,000 donation, Smithfield is also providing thousands of pounds of protein to families served at the events, including ham, lunch meat, bacon and pork tenderloin. Local Smithfield employees will volunteer their time to help make the events possible. 'A widespread issue like childhood hunger will only be solved through collective efforts,' said Emily Callahan, president and CEO of Feed the Children. 'We've seen the significant impact that Resource Rallies have in supporting communities where children are hungry and going without what they need to thrive. We are grateful to collaborate with Smithfield Foods to make a difference in the lives of children and families across the country. Through the power of partnership, we can make an even greater impact as we seek to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry.' Participating families receive a 25-pound box of food including shelf-stable items such as canned vegetables, beans, soup, pasta, cereal and peanut butter. Families will also receive a 15-pound box of essential personal care items such as shampoo, laundry detergent, razors and toothpaste. In addition, children will also be given backpacks stocked with school supplies including notebooks, crayons, pens and pencils, and a shelf-stable meal marks the second year of collaboration and partnership between Smithfield Foods and Feed the Children. With one in five children in the U.S. experiencing food insecurity, hunger remains a serious issue in many communities, especially during summer months and the back-to-school season. Smithfield's hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes®, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein in all 50 U.S. states since 2008. Smithfield donated more than 25 million servings of protein, valued at nearly $28 million, to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs across the U.S. in 2024 and is on track to donate an additional 200 million servings of protein by the end of 2025. To learn more about Smithfield's initiatives to strengthen local communities, visit About Smithfield FoodsSmithfield Foods (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. About Feed the ChildrenFeed the Children is a leading nonprofit committed to ending childhood hunger. The organization believes that no child should go to bed hungry, and so it provides children and families in the U.S. and around the world with the food and essentials kids need to grow and thrive. Through its programs and partnerships, the organization feeds children today while helping their families and communities build resilient futures. In addition to food, Feed the Children distributes household and personal care items across the United States to help parents and caregivers maintain stable, food-secure households. Internationally, it expands access to nutritious meals, safe water, improved hygiene and training in sustainable living. As responsible stewards of its resources, Feed the Children is driven to pursue innovative, holistic and child-focused solutions to the complex challenges of hunger, food insecurity and poverty. For children everywhere, the organization believes that having enough to eat is a fundamental right. Learn how you can help create a world without childhood hunger at Photo caption (L to R): Rob Fons, Cudahy general manager, Smithfield Foods; Mike Fritz, vice president, operations, Smithfield Foods; and Kevin Fehlhaber, environmental, health and safety manager, Smithfield Foods, distribute food and school essentials to local families and children during the Feed the Children Resource Rally in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Media Contact: Ray Atkinson Smithfield Foods, Inc. (757) 576-1383ratkinson@ Richard Presser Feed the Children(405) A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
