On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the Metro Board will consider selecting a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. This milestone could significantly improve mobility options between the San Fernando Valley and the of Los Angeles.

Proposed Alternative

After a technical evaluation and reviewing more than 8,000 public comments from the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) period, Metro staff has proposed Modified Alternative 5 as the LPA. This underground heavy rail line would run between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and the E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station with a key connection to the G Line at Van Nuys Boulevard.

Modified Alternative 5 combines the benefits of Alternative 5—high ridership, frequent service, and shorter station construction sites—while avoiding geographic challenges in the Santa Monica Mountains. It also incorporates connectivity advantages from Alternative 6 along Van Nuys Boulevard, reducing the overall project length and anticipated costs, and increasing direct connections to Metro’s growing transit network.

Next Steps

If approved, Metro would advance project development for the LPA, including:

• Evaluating phasing and the Public/Private Partnership (P3) delivery model
• Identifying value engineering opportunities
• Refining designs to allow G Line connection at Van Nuys Boulevard
• Continuing environmental review and community outreach

Public Participation

Residents, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to provide feedback:

• Attend in person: Sign up on the tablets in the Metro Headquarters lobby before 9:45 AM.
• Email comments: BoardClerk@metro.net (comments received before 5 PM on January 21, 2026, will be sent to the full Board)
• Watch live: boardagendas.metro.net

Why This Matters

The Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project will connect the San Fernando Valley to the Westside, addressing the natural barrier of the Santa Monica Mountains and relieving congestion on the I-405. It will provide a fast, safe, and reliable alternative to the freeway and strengthen LA’s regional transit network.

Disclaimer: Station locations and construction timelines are subject to change. Project availability may vary. Public input is encouraged before final decisions are made.

Continuing Coverage: STM Daily News will continue to follow developments surrounding the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, including Metro Board decisions, environmental review updates, community input opportunities, and the project’s long-term impact on transportation across Los Angeles.

For the latest updates, in-depth reporting, and transportation-focused coverage, visit STM Daily News.

Diva Fam Inc.. announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of its True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to a lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products, according to a company statement released January 9, 2026.

The company said the recall applies to products manufactured prior to January 9, 2026. The manufacture date (MFD) is indicated on the can lid in MM/YYYY format.

Why the products are being recalled

Diva Fam said the recall is related to missing required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for certain pH-controlled food products. The company noted that pH-controlled foods that are not manufactured in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements may present a potential risk of microbial growth, including organisms that can produce toxins associated with botulism.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness.

Diva Fam said no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products subject to this recall to date.

Where the products were sold

The affected products were distributed nationwide through select retail locations, online via https://truеsеamоss.cоm/, and other distribution channels, according to the company.

Recalled products (all flavors, all lots)

The recall includes all flavors and sizes and batch numbers of True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood packaged in 16 FL OZ (473 mL) glass jars, manufactured prior to January 9, 2026.

Recalled flavors and UPCs

How the issue was identified

The company said the matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. Diva Fam said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and initiated the voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.

The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What consumers should do

• Discontinue use of the affected product.
• Follow the instructions provided by the place of purchase regarding product return or disposal.
• Contact the company for additional information (details below).

Consumer and media contact

Consumers seeking additional information may contact:

• Email: support@divafam.com
• Phone: (818) 751-3882
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Source: Diva Fam Inc. (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026)

https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/

The Fetch Finds Report reveals a year of hustle, comfort, and delightfully chaotic shopping carts

Americans in 2025 were a study in contradictions. We hit the gym but also hit the couch. We decluttered our homes while filling our carts. We powered through demanding days with energy gels and powered down with weighted blankets and candles.

That’s the picture painted by Fetch’s first-ever full-year Fetch Finds Report, which analyzed more than $179 billion in consumer transactions. With 12 million receipts submitted daily, the data tells a story that’s equal parts discipline and indulgence—a snapshot of a nation trying to balance the hustle with some much-needed comfort.

6 Wild Truths About America’s 2025 Spending Habits: Fetch Reveals Surprising Consumer Trends

The Six Spending Surprises of 2025

1. The Meatless Revolution Has Expired

Remember when plant-based everything was the future? In 2025, Americans said “thanks, but no thanks” and brought meat back to the table. Fresh beef sales jumped 13%, pork climbed 12%, while refrigerated plant-based alternatives dropped 11%. Despite rising grocery costs, consumers chose the real deal over the meatless alternatives.

2. America’s Eating Out—and Sushi’s on a Roll

Even with tighter budgets, dining out surged. And the big winner? Sushi, with a massive 45.6% increase in trip growth. Mexican restaurants saw a respectable 13.9% bump, and pizza grew 6.7%. But sushi absolutely dominated the dining-out conversation this year.

3. Endurance Nutrition Takes a Victory Lap

Energy chews and gels jumped 27.4% in 2025. Whether Americans were actually running marathons or just trying to survive Monday morning meetings, endurance nutrition became a go-to for powering through demanding days.

4. The Great American Declutter Hit Overdrive

Self-care became shelf-care. Household storage bags surged 55.8%, charging valets climbed 37%, and cleaning gloves rose 13.4%. Getting organized wasn’t just about tidiness—it became an act of wellness. A clean space, a clear mind.

5. Protein Moved into the Pantry

Protein isn’t just for gym bros anymore. Everyday staples got a protein makeover:

• Protein-labeled breakfast cereals: +69.8%
• Protein granola: +45.9%
• Protein dry pasta: +35.4%

Consumers wanted their regular foods to work harder, turning breakfast and dinner into opportunities to fuel up.

6. America Powered Down and Got Comfortable

Comfort became the ultimate status symbol. Loungewear sales soared 218%, weighted blankets climbed 45%, and candles rose 20%. After all that hustle, Americans made winding down a priority—and they weren’t shy about investing in it.

What This Tells Us

The Fetch Finds Report captures something real about 2025: Americans were navigating a shifting economy with a mix of practicality and self-care. We pushed hard during the day and gave ourselves permission to relax at night. We organized our homes, fueled our bodies with protein, and treated ourselves to sushi dinners and cozy nights in.

“Fetch sees what others can’t: how people actually spend based on billions of purchases,” said Jacob Grocholski, Vice President of Analytics at Fetch. “This year, we saw a chaotic mix of discipline and indulgence that defined how people navigated 2025.”

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About the Data

The findings come from Fetch, America’s Rewards App, which captures billions of spending transactions annually using AI and machine learning. With more than 6 million five-star reviews and users submitting 12 million receipts daily, Fetch has unmatched visibility into what consumers actually buy—at the item level, across every channel and retailer.

Want the full breakdown? Read the complete Fetch Finds Report for all the details on America’s 2025 spending habits.

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