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Massachusetts

Here's How Many CT Families May Lose SNAP Benefits Under Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Law: Study Here's How Many CT Families May Lose SNAP Benefits Under Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Law: Study
Here's How Many CT Families May Lose SNAP Benefits Under Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Law: Study Northeast families are expected to be among the hardest hit under sweeping federal cuts to food benefits in the Republican-backed law previously named the "One Big Beautiful Bill," according to a new study. President Donald Trump signed the spending bill into law on Friday, July 4, after the GOP narrowly passed it through both chambers of Congress. Among many massive changes, the bill is forecasted to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding by $186 billion through 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The 20% reduction is the largest cut in the history of SNAP be…
Two $1M Powerball Tickets Sold Miles Apart In Fitchburg, Leominster Two $1M Powerball Tickets Sold Miles Apart In Fitchburg, Leominster
Two $1M Powerball Tickets Sold Miles Apart In Fitchburg, Leominster Two lucky lottery players in central Massachusetts are each $1 million richer after scoring big in the Powerball drawing held Wednesday, July 9. And the winners might even be neighbors. One winning ticket was sold at a Market Basket at 130 Water St. in Fitchburg. The other was sold at Country Farms at 689 North Main St. in Leominster. The two stores are less than three miles apart. Both retailers will get a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning tickets. To win the $1 million prize, players must match the first five numbers drawn. The numbers drawn on Wednesday were 5, 9, 25, 28, 69, and th…
Holyoke Corrections Cop Admits To Threatening Federal Agent With Torture, Fire Bombing: DOJ Holyoke Corrections Cop Admits To Threatening Federal Agent With Torture, Fire Bombing: DOJ
Holyoke Corrections Cop Admits To Threatening Federal Agent With Torture, Fire Bombing: DOJ A Massachusetts man working as a corrections officer in Connecticut has pleaded guilty to a violent online plot that targeted a federal agent and his spouse, prosecutors said.  Scott Robert Tardy, 31, admitted in court this week to cyberstalking, lying to the FBI, and obstructing justice, the US Attorney for South Carolina said.  Prosecutors said Tardy joined an anti-law enforcement group on the Kik messaging app under the name “connecticut12345,” where he called for violence against a South Carolina federal agent and their spouse, including throwing a Molotov cocktail into their …
Stores In East Coast States, Including NY, Hit With Recall Of Wegmans Chocolate Favorite Stores In East Coast States, Including NY, Hit With Recall Of Wegmans Chocolate Favorite
Stores In East Coast States, Including NY, Hit With Recall Of Wegmans Chocolate Favorite A chocolate product sold at Wegmans stores has been recalled, federal officials say. The recall, due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen, affects Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils, which were sold in 18.5-ounce plastic tubs with six affected lot codes.  The candies were distributed across stores in:  Delaware Maryland  Massachusetts,  North Carolina,  New Jersey,  New York,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  Washington, DC. According to the FDA, the product’s label did not disclose the presence of milk, which can pose a serious o…
Famous Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Now Serving Fan-Favorite Summer Seasonal Pie: Here's What's On It Famous Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Now Serving Fan-Favorite Summer Seasonal Pie: Here's What's On It
Famous Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Now Serving Fan-Favorite Summer Seasonal Pie: Here's What's On It The legendary Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is bringing back a fan favorite just in time for summer that's now available at all locations, including in the Hudson Valley.  The seasonal Fresh Tomato Pie, which debuted in 2008, returned to the menu on Monday, June 30, and will be available through the end of summer, according to the iconic New Haven-based pizza chain. Known for its crispy, chewy, and slightly charred crust, the Fresh Tomato Pie features fresh native tomatoes, house-sliced mozzarella, garlic, basil, grated Pecorino Romano imported from Italy, and a driz…
Adam Sandler To Play Albany Show On ‘You’re My Best Friend’ Tour Adam Sandler To Play Albany Show On ‘You’re My Best Friend’ Tour
Adam Sandler To Play Albany Show On ‘You’re My Best Friend’ Tour The Sandman is stepping back into the spotlight. Funnyman Adam Sandler will hit the road this fall for a new North American comedy tour, titled “You’re My Best Friend.” The tour features stops in over 30 cities across the United States and Canada, including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Tickets are available at StubHub, Ticketmaster, and Vivid Seats. Here’s when and where you can catch him: Saturday, Sept. 13 – CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD Monday, Sept. 15 – Madison Square Garden in New York, NY Tuesday, Sept. 16 – MVP Arena in Albany, NY Friday, Sept. 1…
Extreme Heat Forces Amtrak To Slow Northeast Trains: What To Know Extreme Heat Forces Amtrak To Slow Northeast Trains: What To Know
Extreme Heat Forces Amtrak To Slow Northeast Trains: What To Know Oppressive heat across the Northeast is forcing Amtrak to slow down its trains. Amtrak sent out a warning to travelers about the heat-related restrictions on Tuesday, June 24. Many Northeast cities along the East Coast from Massachusetts to Virginia were forecasted to have high temperatures at or above 100 degrees. The slowdowns come amid the first heat wave of the year in New England and the mid-Atlantic. "Due to temperature-related speed restrictions from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, customers traveling in the Northeast may experience delays," Amtrak said. "Affected customers will be communicate…
Hidden Risk Prompts Recall For Apricots Sold In MA Hidden Risk Prompts Recall For Apricots Sold In MA
Hidden Risk Prompts Recall For Apricots Sold In MA A dried fruit product sold in 19 states has been recalled due to a labeling issue that could pose a risk to some consumers. Turkana Food Inc., based in Kenilworth, New Jersey, is recalling 352 cases of Floria Dried Apricots because the product contains sulfites that were not listed on the package label, according to the company’s announcement on Thursday, June 12. The recalled 200-gram Floria Dried Apricots were distributed in retail locations across: Florida Kentucky Virginia New York New Jersey Tennessee Massachusetts Texas Illinois Indiana Michigan Rhode Island Pennsylvania North Carol…
MA Ranked Best State For Working Dads In New Study: Here's Why MA Ranked Best State For Working Dads In New Study: Here's Why
MA Ranked Best State For Working Dads In New Study: Here's Why This Father's Day, many Northeast states are getting recognized as having some of the best conditions for working dads. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Working Dads on Tuesday, June 10. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 22 metrics tied to economic stability, child care quality, parental leave policies, health care, and overall work-life balance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says 94.3% of married fathers are employed. "Working dads have to worry about much more than just how much income they're bringing home to support th…
NY Among 3 Best States For Environmental Protections, New Study Says: Here's Why NY Among 3 Best States For Environmental Protections, New Study Says: Here's Why
NY Among 3 Best States For Environmental Protections, New Study Says: Here's Why Many Northeast states are among the nation's leaders in protecting the environment, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2025 list of Best States for Environmental Protection on Tuesday, June 10. The website ranked all 50 states based on environmental protection programs, energy use, waste reduction, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis included whether states have water reuse rules, how many environmental charities they support, and how vulnerable they are to climate shifts like record-breaking heat. "The US produces over 292 million tons of waste per…
Braintree Man Who Led Drug Ring Gets 10 Years For Fentanyl Trafficking After ICE Probe Braintree Man Who Led Drug Ring Gets 10 Years For Fentanyl Trafficking After ICE Probe
Braintree Man Who Led Drug Ring Gets 10 Years For Fentanyl Trafficking After ICE Probe A Braintree man is heading to prison after federal investigators uncovered his role as the leader of a major drug trafficking ring that brought opioids into Massachusetts from Latin America. Jonathan Melendez Decatro, also known as “Jacha,” was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigation. Officials say he was the head of a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Brockton area. Authorities said Melendez Decatro was getting his drugs from Colombia, Mexico, and the…
Williams College Student Secretly Filmed Semi-Nude Women: DA; Push On For Tougher Punishments Williams College Student Secretly Filmed Semi-Nude Women: DA; Push On For Tougher Punishments
Williams College Student Secretly Filmed Semi-Nude Women: DA; Push On For Tougher Punishments A Williams College student faces multiple charges after investigators said he used a hidden camera to film women without their knowledge, authorities said. Now, the Berkshire County District Attorney is joining an effort for harsher sentences.  Maxwell Hall is accused of using a hidden camera disguised as a USB stick to record 16 people without their knowledge over six hours, the Berkshire DA's office said. Williamstown police are handling the investigation.  Once called "upskirting," the practice is just a misdemeanor in Massachusetts.  Bershire District Attorney Timothy Sh…
Virginia Leads Nation In Highest Income Rankings, Study Says: Here's Why Virginia Leads Nation In Highest Income Rankings, Study Says: Here's Why
Virginia Leads Nation In Highest Income Rankings, Study Says: Here's Why Many Northeast residents are bringing home some of the highest incomes in the country, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States Where People Have the Highest Income. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, based on the average annual income of the top 5% and bottom 20% of earners, along with the median income for all residents. The report highlights wealthier communities and those facing financial hardship, showing wide wealth gaps in some areas. "The highest-earning 10% of individuals in the United States earn over 12 times more than thos…
Haverhill Teacher Lied About Having Purple Heart, College Degrees: DA Haverhill Teacher Lied About Having Purple Heart, College Degrees: DA
Haverhill Teacher Lied About Having Purple Heart, College Degrees: DA A Massachusetts teacher was arrested after police said she lied about her college education and military past for years to get a job in public schools, authorities said.  Lissa Lagasse, 57, of Lowell, was arrested Friday, June 6, and faces 21 charges linked to her work in Haverhill schools, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. She was being held on a $25,000 bond.  Prosecutors say Lagasse falsely claimed she had both undergraduate and graduate degrees. She also allegedly told employers that she was a decorated US military veteran and Purple Heart recipient — none of w…
New Jobless Claims Climb To Eight-Month High Amid Trump Tariff Fallout New Jobless Claims Climb To Eight-Month High Amid Trump Tariff Fallout
New Jobless Claims Climb To Eight-Month High Amid Trump Tariff Fallout Unemployment claims rose to their highest level in eight months, with more workers across the Northeast filing for benefits as President Donald Trump's tariffs fuel economic uncertainty. The number of new application filings for unemployment benefits jumped to 247,000 in the week ending Saturday, May 31, according to Labor Department data released on Thursday, June 5. That's the largest number of new claims since early October 2024 and above the 237,000 forecasted by analysts, the Associated Press reported. Initial claims increased by 8,000 from the week ending Saturday, May 24. The fo…
Trendy Hot Chicken Chain Started In Parking Lot Sold After Passing $600M Sales Mark Trendy Hot Chicken Chain Started In Parking Lot Sold After Passing $600M Sales Mark
Trendy Hot Chicken Chain Started In Parking Lot Sold After Passing $600M Sales Mark A private equity giant is buying a hot chicken restaurant chain that grew from a parking lot to an international brand that's very popular on TikTok. Roark Capital has purchased a majority stake in Dave's Hot Chicken, the restaurant said in a news release on Monday, June 2. Dave's said the sale will help the Los Angeles-based chain grow to more than 400 restaurants worldwide by the end of 2025. The company said it'll remain committed to delivering an "exceptional experience" for customers, employees, and franchise partners. "This is one of the great entrepreneurial journeys …
45 Sickened, 16 Hospitalized As Salmonella Outbreak In Cucumbers Expands To 18 States 45 Sickened, 16 Hospitalized As Salmonella Outbreak In Cucumbers Expands To 18 States
45 Sickened, 16 Hospitalized As Salmonella Outbreak In Cucumbers Expands To 18 States A Salmonella outbreak linked to a cucumber producer has now expanded to 18 states with 45 illnesses and 16 hospitalizations now reported. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new recall for Bedner Growers cucumbers on Friday, May 30.  The recalled cucumbers, grown in Boynton Beach, Florida, and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, were shipped to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service dealers from Tuesday, April 29, to Monday, May 19. The products were labeled as either being “supers,” “selects,” or “plains." Target had issued…
Big Lots Reopening 78 Stores As Retailer Finishes Bankruptcy Comeback: See The Full List Big Lots Reopening 78 Stores As Retailer Finishes Bankruptcy Comeback: See The Full List
Big Lots Reopening 78 Stores As Retailer Finishes Bankruptcy Comeback: See The Full List Dozens of more Big Lots stores will reopen, finishing a nationwide comeback months after the discount chain filed for bankruptcy. Big Lots will open 78 stores on Wednesday, June 5, the company said in a news release on Friday, May 30. The chain began reopening locations in April after it was purchased by Variety Wholesalers in December 2024. After this wave of reopenings, Big Lots will have 219 stores back in business in the mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South. Nine stores were the first to open on Thursday, April 10, and 132 locations joined in May. Big Lots said its reop…
VA Doctor At Bedford Medical Center Indicted for Child Porn Charges: DOJ VA Doctor At Bedford Medical Center Indicted for Child Porn Charges: DOJ
VA Doctor At Bedford Medical Center Indicted for Child Porn Charges: DOJ A doctor at the Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center is facing federal charges after investigators say they found child sexual abuse material on his personal devices, including a phone inside his VA office, authorities said.  Dr. Sven Knudsen Ljaamo, 70, has been indicted on two federal charges: one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Authorities say they were tipped off when over 100 files of suspected child sexual abuse material were uploaded to Ljaamo’s Google account. During questio…
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In MA: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In MA: See What Inspired 'Big Papi'
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In MA: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' "Big Papi" is taking a big swing with a new spirit that has deep roots in his native Dominican Republic. Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz officially launched Ozama Rum, according to a news release on Wednesday, May 28. The Baseball Hall-of-Famer also hosted pre-launch parties with distributors and influencers in Boston, Miami, New York City, and Santo Domingo. The premium liquor is made entirely in the Dominican Republic using 100% local sugarcane. The rum is aged for at least one year in oak barrels before being bottled locally and labeled with the official "Ron D…
J.P. Morgan Opening Luxury Bank In Cambridge To Attract Wealthy Clients: Look Inside (PHOTOS) J.P. Morgan Opening Luxury Bank In Cambridge To Attract Wealthy Clients: Look Inside (PHOTOS)
J.P. Morgan Opening Luxury Bank In Cambridge To Attract Wealthy Clients: Look Inside (Photos) JPMorganChase is catering to wealthier clients with more than a dozen high-end financial centers, including some in the Northeast. The banking giant will open 14 new J.P. Morgan Financial Centers throughout the last week of May, according to a news release on Tuesday, May 27. The luxury banks will be in Massachusetts, New York, California, and Florida. JPMorgan opened two locations in 2024 and plans to reach a total of 31 by the end of 2026. "Through these financial centers, we are redefining how affluent clients are served, offering a highly personalized level of service that is back…
Federal Judge Blocks Trump From Dismantling Education Department Federal Judge Blocks Trump From Dismantling Education Department
Federal Judge Blocks Trump From Dismantling Education Department In a decisive legal ruling, a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from dismantling the Department of Education, mandating the reinstatement of employees who were terminated.  US District Judge Myong Joun of Massachusetts said the department cannot be shut down without Congressional approval. In his injunction, Joun also told the administration to reinstate Education Department employees who lost their jobs during the reduction-in-force announced on Tuesday, March 11, "to restore the Department to the status quo." President Trump issued an executive order on Thursda…
These Are Top 10 Most, Least Obese States, Study Reveals These Are Top 10 Most, Least Obese States, Study Reveals
These Are Top 10 Most, Least Obese States, Study Reveals A new nationwide analysis is shedding light on how states compare when it comes to a major public health challenge, and the results show striking geographic patterns. The report from U.S. News reveals which states are most affected by obesity and which are faring better — a factor that plays a critical role in overall health rankings. The data is part of the 2025 Best States rankings. It is based on self-reported obesity rates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments. Obesi…
See How Much Each Song Really Costs At 2025's Biggest Concerts, According To Study See How Much Each Song Really Costs At 2025's Biggest Concerts, According To Study
See How Much Each Song Really Costs At 2025's Biggest Concerts, According To Study If you're heading to a summer concert, you might be paying more than ever – not just for the ticket, but for each song you hear. GigaCalculator released a new study about the economics of 2025's biggest tours. The mathematics website tried to find out what fans are actually paying per song and per minute. Concert ticket prices have jumped 45% over the past five years, causing the value of each minute and song to rise. "While fans debate whether concerts are worth the splurge, the numbers expose exactly what you're getting for your hard-earned cash – and it's not a great look for some …
Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Closures, Including In New Haven County Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Closures, Including In New Haven County
Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Closures, Including In New Haven County Walgreens announced this past fall that it will close about 1,200 stores over three years amid a decline in prescription drug payments and a rise in online competition. About 500 of those closures will be in 2025. Now, the locations of some of the specific stores slated to go out of business are emerging and being posted at walgreens.com. Connecticut East Hartford, 922 Silver Lane: Permanently closing on Tuesday, May 20. East Haven, 157 Main Street: Permanently closing on Thursday, May 22. New Britain, 1350 Stanley Street: Permanently closing on Monday, May 19. New Milford, 173 Danbury R…
Bahama Breeze Suddenly Closes 15 Locations: Here's Where Bahama Breeze Suddenly Closes 15 Locations: Here's Where
Bahama Breeze Suddenly Closes 15 Locations: Here's Where Bahama Breeze has suddenly shut down more than a third of its restaurants across the United States, with 15 locations quietly closed this week, according to multiple reports. The closures span 11 states, including Florida, New Jersey (Woodbridge, Toms River, Paramus, Wayne), New York (Lake Grove), Illinois, Massachusetts (Tyngsborough), Michigan, Nevada, and Tennessee, according to USA Today. In a statement to CNN, parent company Darden Restaurants said the closures were “the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen the…
Stillborns, Harvard Cadaver Parts Trafficked To PA: DOJ Secures Guilty Plea Stillborns, Harvard Cadaver Parts Trafficked To PA: DOJ Secures Guilty Plea
Stillborns, Harvard Cadaver Parts Trafficked To PA: DOJ Secures Guilty Plea A Berks County man has pleaded guilty to trafficking human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School’s cadaver program, federal prosecutors announced on Friday, May 16, 2025. Joshua Taylor, 46, of Wernersville, admitted to transporting stolen human body parts across state lines and reselling them in Pennsylvania as part of a shocking, multi-year black-market operation. The U.S. Department of Justice says the body parts—meant for education and medical research—were transported from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and then into Pennsylvania, where they were resold. Stolen Remains Included Or…
Wrap Products Sold In MA Linked To Potential Contamination Risk Wrap Products Sold In MA Linked To Potential Contamination Risk
Wrap Products Sold In MA Linked To Potential Contamination Risk A public health alert has been issued for a pair of ready-to-eat wrap products due to possible Listeria contamination, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced. The items — chicken and bacon ranch wraps sold under two brand labels — are no longer being sold, but officials are concerned some may still be in consumer refrigerators. The wraps were produced on Friday, May 2, and distributed to retail locations in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The affected items include: 10-ounce packages labeled “Big Y quick easy meals CHICKEN BACON RANCH WRAP” with a Sell By date of Tue…
3 Young Men Killed In Fiery Bethpage Crash On Mother's Day 'Had Such Bright Futures' 3 Young Men Killed In Fiery Bethpage Crash On Mother's Day 'Had Such Bright Futures'
3 Young Men Killed In Fiery Bethpage Crash On Mother's Day 'Had Such Bright Futures' They were best friends. They were beloved sons. And they were only 20 years old. The Long Island community is reeling after a devastating Mother’s Day weekend crash claimed the lives of three former classmates: Vincent Cavaliere, Gino Vicale, and Nicholas Rivera. The trio, all 2022 graduates of Plainedge High School, were remembered this week as vibrant young men full of promise. Their sudden deaths in a fiery car crash early Sunday morning, May 11, left loved ones and neighbors shattered, as Daily Voice reported. Fox 5 reporter Briella Tomassetti, whose younger brother was close friends w…
Burberry Laying Off 1,700 Workers As High-End Fashion Designer's Sales Plunge Burberry Laying Off 1,700 Workers As High-End Fashion Designer's Sales Plunge
Burberry Laying Off 1,700 Workers As High-End Fashion Designer's Sales Plunge Burberry is cutting more than 1,500 jobs worldwide after the British luxury fashion brand saw a steep drop in profits. The company will lay off about 1,700 workers by 2027, Burberry said in an earnings report on Wednesday, May 14. The job cuts are part of a broader restructuring plan, aiming to save 100 million British pounds. The cuts will come from operational expenses, including procurement, real estate, and staffing. Burberry said the changes are "subject to consultation where applicable." The layoffs follow a difficult year for Burberry, which reported a 94% drop in adjusted oper…
Tufts Student Must Be Freed After ICE Detained Her For Pro-Palestine Op-Ed, Judge Rules Tufts Student Must Be Freed After ICE Detained Her For Pro-Palestine Op-Ed, Judge Rules
Tufts Student Must Be Freed After ICE Detained Her For Pro-Palestine Op-Ed, Judge Rules A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release a Tufts University doctoral student who has been in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody for more than six weeks after she wrote a pro-Palestine op-ed. The judge in Vermont granted bail to Rumeysa Öztürk on Friday, May 9. US District Judge William Sessions said the federal government had proven no basis for detaining Öztürk other than her student newspaper op-ed, criticizing the university's response to Israel's occupation of Gaza. The 30-year-old was detained by six masked, plainclothes officers whil…