Monday morning headlines

Stocks open higher: More talk that the Fed will try to stimulate the economy. Dow is up about 80 points.

Supermarket talks continue: Grocery workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a walkout, but negotiations are expected to continue this week. Neither side seems very anxious to see a strike. From the OC Register:

Grocery strategist Burt P. Flickinger said a strike will make it easier this time around for shoppers to defect to lower-price rivals erupting in Southern California. Since the last lockout and strike of 2003-04, Target, Walmart and convenience stores have increased fresh grocery offerings. And newcomers such as British retailer Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market and Sprouts Farmers Market are also chipping away at market share.

UC students to pay more than state: It's the first time that's happened. From the LAT:

"It's a significant moment," said Terry W. Hartle, senior vice president at the American Council on Education, an umbrella group for the nation's major universities. Compared with other states that already have passed most educational costs to students, California historically has kept tuition low and provided generous support for higher education. But now, Hartle said, the Golden State is becoming more like others in the view that students are the main beneficiaries of a college education and should bear most of the cost.

Bus bench contract approved: City Council voted 11-1 to give Martin Outdoor Media a 10-year contract. As part of the deal, the company will install at least 4,000 benches and the city will receive $2.8 million in ad revenue. (City Maven)

99 Cents Only Stores getting better offer?: Buyout firm Apollo Management is preparing a bid that would top the $1.3-billion offer from L.A.-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners. Still other buyout shops might join the bidding. (NY Post)

LAT workers settle ESOP lawsuit: As part of the agreement, 13,000 current and former Tribune Co. employees will divide the $32-million settlement (the amount for each employee based on how many shares each was allocated in the ESOP). (LAT)

Romney to quadruple size of La Jolla home: The Republican candidate for president wants to raze his 3,009-square-foot, single-story home and replace it with a two-story, 11,062-square-foot structure. Construction still awaits a bunch of permits. (Union-Tribune)

"The Help" is tops at box office: The DreamWorks release beat out "Spy Kids: All The Time in the World," "Conan the Barbarian," "Fright Night," and "One Day." (The Wrap)