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Massachusetts

'Tool For Bribery': Sens. Blumenthal, Warren Want Rules For Trump’s Presidential Library Fund 'Tool For Bribery': Sens. Blumenthal, Warren Want Rules For Trump’s Presidential Library Fund
'Tool For Bribery': Sens. Blumenthal, Warren Want Rules For Trump’s Presidential Library Fund Two high-ranking Senate Democrats have introduced legislation to tighten the rules for how sitting presidents raise and use donations for their presidential libraries, citing practices linked to President Donald Trump. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren are backing the bill alongside Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), according to CBS News. “Donald Trump is using his presidential library as a tool for bribery while he is still in office,” Warren told CBS. She added, “Many of the donations to Trump's …
Bay State Pride: Longmeadow Native Among 3 Emmy Nominees With Mass Ties Bay State Pride: Longmeadow Native Among 3 Emmy Nominees With Mass Ties
Bay State Pride: Longmeadow Native Among 3 Emmy Nominees With Mass Ties Three actresses nominated for Emmy Awards this year have something in common beyond their talent: They all have strong ties to Massachusetts. Meghan Fahy, nominated for her role in “Sirens,” is a Longmeadow native who grew up in western Massachusetts. She began performing in school plays and quickly built a name for herself. “Sirens” follows a therapist who helps women navigate grief after a tragic loss. The show has been praised for its emotional honesty and strong female lead. This marks Fahy’s second Emmy nomination. She was previously recognized in 2023 for her performance in HBO’s “The…
Free Ice Cream Coming To All Stop & Shop Locations: Here's When Free Ice Cream Coming To All Stop & Shop Locations: Here's When
Free Ice Cream Coming To All Stop & Shop Locations: Here's When A major supermarket chain is dishing out free ice cream just in time for summer’s hottest stretch, but only for a limited time. The giveaway will run from Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20 at all 360 Stop & Shop locations, the company announced. July 20 is National Ice Cream Day. To get the freebie, shoppers must check in at an in-store Savings Station kiosk during the promotion window.  Once checked in, a digital coupon will be loaded to the customer’s Stop & Shop GO Rewards account. No purchase is required. The offer includes all 15 Stop & Shop brand flavors, such…
Supreme Court Green-Lights Trump Plan To Gut Education Department Supreme Court Green-Lights Trump Plan To Gut Education Department
Supreme Court Green-Lights Trump Plan To Gut Education Department The Supreme Court has just swept aside a lower-court injunction and handed President Donald Trump permission to restart mass layoffs at the US Department of Education, reviving his promise to dismantle the agency created nearly half a century ago. In an unsigned, 6-3 order divided along ideological lines that was released late Monday afternoon, July 14, the justices lifted a spring ruling by US District Judge Myong Joun of Massachusetts that had forced the administration to rehire hundreds of Education Department employees terminated during a March reduction-in-force.  Earlier report…
Trump Administration Freezes $110M In Maryland Education Grants, AG's Lawsuit Claims Trump Administration Freezes $110M In Maryland Education Grants, AG's Lawsuit Claims
Trump Administration Freezes $110M In Maryland Education Grants, AG's Lawsuit Claims Just weeks before the new school year begins, prosecutors in Maryland and Virginia are among a growing coalition suing the Trump administration over a sudden freeze on billions in education grants that threatens to derail teacher training, special education services, and after-school programs across the region. The lawsuit, filed Monday, July 14, comes after the US Department of Education notified states late last month that it would not be releasing scheduled funds for six long-standing federal programs on July 1, despite years of precedent and approved state-level plans already in place. …
Health Insurance Premiums Take More From CT Paychecks Than Most States, Study Says Health Insurance Premiums Take More From CT Paychecks Than Most States, Study Says
Health Insurance Premiums Take More From CT Paychecks Than Most States, Study Says Health insurance premiums are taking a big portion of many Northeast residents' paychecks, while some are losing much less of their incomes, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Health Insurance on Thursday, July 10. The study ranked all 50 states by how much residents spend on silver-tier health insurance plans as a share of median household income. Premiums rose 6% for individual plans and 7% for family plans in 2024, continuing a recent trend of dramatic increases. "Inflation has driven up health i…
Poop Problem: Nearly 90% Of CT Beaches Tested Unsafe In 2024, New Study Says Poop Problem: Nearly 90% Of CT Beaches Tested Unsafe In 2024, New Study Says
Poop Problem: Nearly 90% Of CT Beaches Tested Unsafe In 2024, New Study Says More than half of all East Coast beaches had potentially unsafe levels of fecal contamination at least once in 2024, according to researchers. The advocacy group Environment America released its new study about the water quality at US beaches on Monday, July 7. The nonprofit compiled bacteria testing data from states bordering oceans and the Great Lakes, along with Puerto Rico. From 3,187 beaches nationwide, Environment America found that more than three out of five (61%) had at least one day of potentially unsafe levels of fecal contamination in 2024. On those days, that indicator exceeded…
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 …