Joan Esposito is joined by Stephanie Zimmermann, award-winning watchdogs and consumer investigations reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Zimmermann discussed her eight-month study on grocery prices. She tracked 35 common items at four stores: Jewel, Mariano's, Target, and Walmart. Prices increased for most items, she said, with a $11 total shopping basket increase at Jewel and Mariano's. Specific items like ground beef, Tropicana orange juice, and Coca-Cola saw significant price hikes. Zimmermann attributed some increases to corporate greed, noting a 28 percent rise in prices from 2019 to 2024, and highlighted the impact of tariffs on imported goods. She also provided tips for saving on groceries, such as using store apps and private-label items.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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