Here's How Much Fourth Of July Costs Are Rising In 2026: New Study Here's How Much Fourth Of July Costs Are Rising In 2026: New Study
Here's How Much Fourth Of July Costs Are Rising In 2026: New Study The nation's 250th birthday celebration is coming with higher costs due to rising inflation and the ongoing effects of the US-Israeli war with Iran. WalletHub released its annual 4th of July Facts & Figures report on Wednesday, June 24. The personal finance website estimates Americans will spend $9.4 billion on Fourth of July food, up from $8.9 billion in 2025. In 2026, the Fourth of July also marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Semiquincentennial will arrive with countless local, regional, and national events celebrating the …
First Name With Most Negative Baggage Revealed In New Survey First Name With Most Negative Baggage Revealed In New Survey
First Name With Most Negative Baggage Revealed In New Survey First impressions may begin before anyone says a word. A new survey finds that many Americans admit they make assumptions about people based solely on a first name, and one name stood out above all the others. Karen was named the most-judged first name in the survey by Talker Research. The survey of 2,000 Americans found that 18 percent of respondents said they make assumptions about someone based entirely on a first name. Gen Z respondents were the most likely to do it. Twenty-nine percent of Gen Z respondents said they judge people by first name alone, compared with 21 percent of m…
What's Cooking? Dinner Decisions Are Complicated, New Survey Reveals What's Cooking? Dinner Decisions Are Complicated, New Survey Reveals
What's Cooking? Dinner Decisions Are Complicated, New Survey Reveals Figuring out dinner can feel like its own full-time side quest. A new survey of 2,000 adults found that the average respondent spends nearly 16 minutes a day deciding what to have for dinner, according to Talker Research. That adds up to more than an hour and a half each week, or about four full days a year. The survey, conducted by Talker Research for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, examined the daily “dinner decisions” Americans make and what makes a meal feel worth the wait. For many, food is also a mood boost. More than half of respondents, 58 percent, said splurging on a lav…
DirecTV, YouTube TV Users May Get Payouts In $50M Settlement: See If You Qualify DirecTV, YouTube TV Users May Get Payouts In $50M Settlement: See If You Qualify
DirecTV, YouTube TV Users May Get Payouts In $50M Settlement: See If You Qualify YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream customers could receive cash from a $50 million settlement in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit claims Disney violated federal antitrust law and state consumer protection laws by raising prices for streaming live pay television services. Disney has denied wrongdoing or liability but agreed to settle the case, according to the settlement's website. People could receive payments if they purchased a YouTube TV subscription between Monday, April 1, 2019, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Customers may also qualify if they purchased a DirecTV streaming live pay TV subs…
Rounds Of Steamy Storms To Interrupt Extreme Heat Wave: Here's Timing Rounds Of Steamy Storms To Interrupt Extreme Heat Wave: Here's Timing
Rounds Of Steamy Storms To Interrupt Extreme Heat Wave: Here's Timing The heat will be dangerous, but the storms may be what interrupt the week. A long-duration heat wave will build across the Northeast starting Tuesday, June 30, while daily thunderstorm chances develop around the edge of the hot, humid air mass, according to the National Weather Service. The storm threat will not hit every place at the same time. The first round is expected Tuesday, with scattered strong to severe thunderstorms possible across parts of the Northeast. The Storm Prediction Center says parts of New York and Vermont are under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms, with damagin…
John Oliver Gets Soap Makeover For 'General Hospital,' 'Days Of Our Lives' Appearances John Oliver Gets Soap Makeover For 'General Hospital,' 'Days Of Our Lives' Appearances
John Oliver Gets Soap Makeover For 'General Hospital,' 'Days Of Our Lives' Appearances John Oliver is stepping into a very different kind of televised chaos. The host of HBO’s "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" will appear on ABC’s "General Hospital" and Peacock’s "Days of Our Lives," he announced on his most recent show. Oliver teased his new soap-ready looks and thanked both shows for doing something "uniquely outlandish to his hair." In an Instagram post, "Last Week Tonight" joked, "Finally: John is hot." Oliver’s "General Hospital" arc will air Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3, and Monday, July 6. His "Days of Our Lives" episodes are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, W…
Popular Supplement Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk Popular Supplement Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk
Popular Supplement Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk A popular organic supplement is being pulled from online shelves nationwide. Total Nutrition Inc. of Deer Park, New York, voluntarily recalled two TNVitamins moringa products due to possible Salmonella contamination, according to a company announcement posted by the FDA on Friday, June 26. No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the announcement. The recall covers TNVitamins 100 percent Organic Moringa 1,200 mg Capsules and TNVitamins 100 percent Organic Moringa Powder. The recalled products were distributed nationally through Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, Target, and the co…
Woman Killed In Alligator Attack While Swimming In Florida Woman Killed In Alligator Attack While Swimming In Florida
Woman Killed In Alligator Attack While Swimming In Florida A swim with friends in a Florida river turned deadly in a place known for outdoor recreation. A 31-year-old woman died after an apparent alligator attack Sunday, June 28, while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, Florida, NBC Miami reported, citing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The attack happened near the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest, northeast of Orlando. The river is also known as the Little Big Econ River. The attack happened near the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest, northe…
Starbucks Reviving Popular Beverage, Launching New Summer Lineup Starbucks Reviving Popular Beverage, Launching New Summer Lineup
Starbucks Reviving Popular Beverage, Launching New Summer Lineup Starbucks is bringing back a fan-favorite summer drink after a six-year break. The S'mores Frappuccino is returning to Starbucks for a limited time. Rewards members can get early access on Tuesday, June 30, before the drink launches nationwide on Wednesday, July 1. The S'mores Frappuccino is inspired by the classic campfire treat, blending vanilla syrup, coffee, milk, and ice over marshmallow-flavored whipped cream and milk chocolate sauce. The drink will debut alongside the new S'mores Cold Brew with Marshmallow Cold Foam. View this post on Instagram …
Cold Ones Make Hot Mess On Route 44 After Beer Truck Overturns In CT Cold Ones Make Hot Mess On Route 44 After Beer Truck Overturns In CT
Cold Ones Make Hot Mess On Route 44 After Beer Truck Overturns In CT A tractor-trailer loaded with beer overturned on Route 44, leaving kegs and cans scattered across the road and forcing a lengthy highway closure in Connecticut. The crash happened around 5:40 a.m. Monday, June 29, near the Route 44 and Twin Lakes Road intersection in Salisbury, according to Connecticut State Police. Investigators said the commercial tractor-trailer veered off the road and overturned. The crash caused heavy damage to the truck and trailer. The wreck also sent its cargo spilling across Route 44. Photos from the scene showed Michelob Ultra and Bud Light covering parts of the …
'Jackpotting' Scheme: 4 Venezuelan Nationals Accused Of Stealing More Than $500K From CT ATMs 'Jackpotting' Scheme: 4 Venezuelan Nationals Accused Of Stealing More Than $500K From CT ATMs
'Jackpotting' Scheme: 4 Venezuelan Nationals Accused Of Stealing More Than $500K From CT ATMs Federal prosecutors say four men are accused of carrying out a sophisticated ATM theft operation that stole more than $500,000 from machines across Connecticut before they were caught. Federal investigators said that the men ran a "jackpotting" scheme to force machines to spit out cash. The scam uses a device to install malware on an ATM to force the machine to continuously dispense large amounts of cash, according to the FDIC. The agency said the scheme cost banks about $20 million last year.  Federal prosecutors say the group stole $529,220 from eight ATMs between Aug. 8 and Aug…
CT Teen Fired At Detective Before Officer Shot Him, IG Report Says CT Teen Fired At Detective Before Officer Shot Him, IG Report Says
CT Teen Fired At Detective Before Officer Shot Him, IG Report Says A Connecticut teenager allegedly fired at an officer during a chase, which led to police returning fire and striking him multiple times last week, according to the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General. Investigators have released a preliminary report on the Wednesday, June 24, police shooting in New Britain that left a 17-year-old hospitalized and an 18-year-old in jail.  New Britain police were investigating a shooting that happened around 5:15 a.m. that day when they received reports of a second shots-fired call on Union Street shortly before 3 p.m.  Officers fo…
Here's Timing For Dangerous Heat, Storm Chances Leading Into July 4th Here's Timing For Dangerous Heat, Storm Chances Leading Into July 4th
Here's Timing For Dangerous Heat, Storm Chances Leading Into July 4th The holiday week is lining up to be hot, humid, and anything but quiet amid the America 250 celebration. Humidity will rapidly begin to rise on Tuesday night, June 30. The heat will then ramp up to dangerous levels on Wednesday, July 1, according to the National Weather Service. Extreme heat watches are in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening, July 3, for much of the Northeast, with the most intense conditions expected along and near the I-95 corridor. Widespread highs in the 90s, high humidity, the risk of heat-related illnesses, and little relief at night ar…
Cause Of Death Revealed For 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'The Ring' Star Daveigh Chase: Reports Cause Of Death Revealed For 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'The Ring' Star Daveigh Chase: Reports
Cause Of Death Revealed For 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'The Ring' Star Daveigh Chase: Reports The cause of death has been revealed for the child actor widely known as the psychic girl in "The Ring" and the voice of Lilo in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch," according to reports. Daveigh Chase, 35, died from AIDS, Us Weekly reported on Monday, June 29. Chronic polysubstance use was listed as another significant condition in Los Angeles medical examiner records. Chase died in a Los Angeles hospital on Monday, June 16, and her manner of death was listed as natural. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, previously told TMZ that Chase died after battling meningitis and an infection in her …
Vaccinated CT Man Tests Positive For Measles; Second Confirmed Case In State This Year Vaccinated CT Man Tests Positive For Measles; Second Confirmed Case In State This Year
Vaccinated CT Man Tests Positive For Measles; Second Confirmed Case In State This Year A vaccinated Hartford County adult has tested positive for measles, marking Connecticut's second confirmed case of the virus this year. The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced the case after testing conducted over the weekend. Officials said the person had received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Testing produced a "weak positive result." Health officials said the individual was exposed two weeks ago to Connecticut's first measles patient of 2026, who was unvaccinated. Since that exposure, the vaccinated adult had …
Dashboard Screen Failures Trigger Massive Hyundai Recall Dashboard Screen Failures Trigger Massive Hyundai Recall
Dashboard Screen Failures Trigger Massive Hyundai Recall Nearly 100,000 Hyundai SUVs are being recalled because a software issue can cause the dashboard display to go blank while someone is driving. Hyundai Motor America issued the recall for 96,310 Tucson vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report filed on Wednesday, June 24. The recall affects certain 2025 and 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The issue involves software in the instrument panel display, which shows critical safety information such as the speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. The issue can cause th…
'Full Of Life': Family Of CT Teen Killed In Head-On Crash Seeks Help As Community Mourns 2 'Full Of Life': Family Of CT Teen Killed In Head-On Crash Seeks Help As Community Mourns 2
'Full Of Life': Family Of CT Teen Killed In Head-On Crash Seeks Help As Community Mourns 2 The family of a Connecticut teenager killed in a violent Chaplin crash alongside another young man is asking the community for help as they cope with the unexpected tragedy. Geovani "Geo" Aponte Jr., 18, of Willimantic, and Jaiden Pacheco, 20, of North Windham, were killed Friday, June 26, when the car they were in was involved in a head-on crash in Chaplin at the intersection of Willimantic Road and Phoenixville Road, Connecticut State Police said. The two people on the driver's side of the Hyundai, ages 19 and 18, suffered serious injuries. First responders pulled them from the car, provi…
Dead Newborn Found In Music Festival's Portable Bathroom, Police Say Dead Newborn Found In Music Festival's Portable Bathroom, Police Say
Dead Newborn Found In Music Festival's Portable Bathroom, Police Say A dead newborn was discovered inside a portable restroom at a music festival in Michigan, authorities said. The baby's body was found in the camping area of the Electric Forest music festival on Sunday, June 28, according to Michigan State Police. An employee of the restroom vending company spotted the newborn during routine maintenance in the morning. Troopers described the baby as a "neonate," a term for infants younger than 28 days old. "Investigators are asking for the public's assistance," police said. "If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have in…
ABC7 Reporter's Bosnia Gaffe Gets Awkward Balkan Twist ABC7 Reporter's Bosnia Gaffe Gets Awkward Balkan Twist
ABC7 Reporter's Bosnia Gaffe Gets Awkward Balkan Twist A little World Cup trash talk turned into a global embarrassment for an ABC7 reporter. Abigail Vélez found herself at the center of a viral backlash after declaring on live television that she couldn't point out Bosnia on a map while hyping Team USA's upcoming World Cup matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reporting from a World Cup watch party in Long Beach, CA, following the United States' 3-2 loss to Turkey, Vélez was apparently trying to rally American fans before the Round of 32 showdown. "One thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map," she said. "I don’t know …
Drone Strikes JetBlue Flight At 3,000 Feet Near JFK, Pilot Says Drone Strikes JetBlue Flight At 3,000 Feet Near JFK, Pilot Says
Drone Strikes JetBlue Flight At 3,000 Feet Near JFK, Pilot Says A drone collided with a JetBlue flight landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning, June 29, according to the aircraft’s pilot. The pilot alerted air traffic controllers at JFK of the collision around 7:15 a.m. at about 3,000 feet in the air, according to audio obtained by WABC. “We collided with a drone back there in the turn as we were coming to ASALT, just wanted to pass to you,” the pilot said, according to WABC reporting. “You said you collided?” the controller responded. “Yup, it hit us, right above the cockpit,” the pilot confirmed. However, the pilot said f…
Mass State Trooper, Father Of Infant Daughter, Killed In Off-Duty Motorcycle Crash Mass State Trooper, Father Of Infant Daughter, Killed In Off-Duty Motorcycle Crash
Mass State Trooper, Father Of Infant Daughter, Killed In Off-Duty Motorcycle Crash A 31-year-old Massachusetts State Police trooper died after an off-duty motorcycle crash over the weekend, leaving behind a wife and infant daughter.   Trooper Jacob Mick was riding his motorcycle around 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, on Providence Road near Route 122 in Grafton, when his bike collided with a car, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said.  The Northborough native was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car that crashed with Mick was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.  Mick graduated from the…
Former NFL Superstar RB, 39, Reveals ALS Diagnosis: 'I Chose To Fight' Former NFL Superstar RB, 39, Reveals ALS Diagnosis: 'I Chose To Fight'
Former NFL Superstar RB, 39, Reveals ALS Diagnosis: 'I Chose To Fight' A former football superstar, once known as one of the NFL's most explosive running backs, said he was diagnosed with ALS. Chris Johnson revealed the diagnosis in an interview that aired on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday, June 29. The three-time Pro Bowl rusher's disease has progressed so quickly that he can only speak through a speech device triggered by his eye movements. Known to many football fans as "CJ2K," Johnson rose to stardom soon after the Tennessee Titans selected him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The East Carolina University product rushed…
Dog, 5 Puppies Die In Enclosure, CT Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty Dog, 5 Puppies Die In Enclosure, CT Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty
Dog, 5 Puppies Die In Enclosure, CT Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty A Connecticut woman is accused of the deaths of a dog and five puppies after police say she left them inside a small enclosure for long periods of time.  Anai Martinez-Cortes, 45, of Coventry, was arrested last week and charged with seven counts of animal cruelty, police said.  Coventry police began investigating Martinez-Cortes in April after authorities discovered a pit bull and six pit bull puppies inside a 4-by-6-foot wooden structure with little to no ventilation.  Authorities did not say how the dogs died.  One puppy survived. Police said one of&nb…
'She Was A Star': Family Mourns Teen Dancer Killed In Waterford Crash Just Days Before Birthday 'She Was A Star': Family Mourns Teen Dancer Killed In Waterford Crash Just Days Before Birthday
'She Was A Star': Family Mourns Teen Dancer Killed In Waterford Crash Just Days Before Birthday A Connecticut community is rallying around the family of an 18-year-old woman who was killed in a single-car crash last week just days before her 19th birthday.  Leilani Robinson, of Norwich, was killed in a Thursday, June 25, crash on the Route 32 (Montville Connector) on-ramp to Interstate 395 North in Waterford, according to Connecticut State Police. Investigators said her vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.  Loved ones said Robinson was a talented young woman who'd recently graduated from New London High School, where she was a standout cheerleader. She was also a …
Crocodile Drags 28-Year-Old Out To Sea, Kills Him At Resort Popular With Americans Crocodile Drags 28-Year-Old Out To Sea, Kills Him At Resort Popular With Americans
Crocodile Drags 28-Year-Old Out To Sea, Kills Him At Resort Popular With Americans A beach visit at a popular vacation spot turned into a deadly attack. A 28-year-old man was killed by a crocodile near the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa in Mexico on Friday evening, June 26, ABC News reported, citing Jalisco state authorities. The attack happened around 6 p.m. local time on Marina Vallarta Beach, in front of the resort on the Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta (marked in red) is a popular resort city located on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Google Maps The victim was reportedly from Mexico and was in Puerto Vallarta for work. His identity has not been released. Au…
Major Air Bag Safety Concern Sparks Massive Land Rover Recall: What To Know Major Air Bag Safety Concern Sparks Massive Land Rover Recall: What To Know
Major Air Bag Safety Concern Sparks Massive Land Rover Recall: What To Know More than 250,000 Land Rover SUVs are being recalled because corrosion could prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. Jaguar Land Rover North America issued the recall for about 250,857 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, June 12. The affected SUVs include 2020-2026 Land Rover Defenders, 2021-2026 Land Rover Discoverys, and 2022-2026 Land Rover Range Rovers. The problem involves the driver's air bag clockspring connector, which may develop fretting corrosion over time. The corrosion can increase electrical resis…
NY Man Accused Of Firing Gun Into Air In CT, Police Say NY Man Accused Of Firing Gun Into Air In CT, Police Say
NY Man Accused Of Firing Gun Into Air In CT, Police Say Authorities allege that a New York man fired multiple shots into the air during an incident in Connecticut over the weekend.  William Pichardo, 51, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested following the incident just before 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, in the area of Chase Avenue and Cooke Street in Waterbury, police said.  Waterbury police were called to that area to reports of gunshots, but when they arrived, no one was there. Officers found three shell casings on the ground. There was no property damage, and no one was hurt, authorities said.  Police said they connected Pi…
Strawberry Moon Brings Summer’s First Full Lunar Event Strawberry Moon Brings Summer’s First Full Lunar Event
Strawberry Moon Brings Summer’s First Full Lunar Event June is nearly ready for its final sky show. The full Strawberry Moon is now just hours away, with peak illumination expected Monday, June 29, at about 7:56 p.m. Eastern time. Earlier report: Strawberry Moon Will Bring Bright Sky Show: When To Watch Daily Voice previously reported that the best time to watch will be shortly after sunset, when the moon rises low near the southeastern or eastern horizon. The first full moon of summer will appear full in the days leading up to and after peak illumination, but Monday evening will bring the main event. Space.com says the June full moon…
Potentially Deadly Failure Risk Leads To Recall Of Detector Sold On Amazon Potentially Deadly Failure Risk Leads To Recall Of Detector Sold On Amazon
Potentially Deadly Failure Risk Leads To Recall Of Detector Sold On Amazon A product meant to warn families of danger is now under recall because it may pose its own risk. Treatlife smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, sold exclusively on Amazon, are being recalled because they may fail to alert consumers to a fire, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The failure can pose a risk of serious injury or death from smoke inhalation or burns, CPSC said. The recall was announced on Wednesday, June 25. About 20 units are included in the recall. The affected products are Treatlife Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. They are white, circular, AA-bat…
Best, Worst Northeast Cities To Celebrate Fourth Of July Revealed In New Ranking Best, Worst Northeast Cities To Celebrate Fourth Of July Revealed In New Ranking
Best, Worst Northeast Cities To Celebrate Fourth Of July Revealed In New Ranking Northeast cities have some of the best and worst Fourth of July celebrations in the nation, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best & Worst Places for Fourth of July Celebrations on Wednesday, June 24. The study scored the 100 largest US cities on 18 factors, including food and hotel prices, fireworks shows, attractions, safety, walkability, and weather. Data came from public records, tourism offices, and national databases as of Wednesday, May 27. "The Fourth of July is one of the most beloved holidays in America, allowing many of us to not only celebrate ou…
Commemorative Mountain Dew Cans Now Available For Just 5 Cents Commemorative Mountain Dew Cans Now Available For Just 5 Cents
Commemorative Mountain Dew Cans Now Available For Just 5 Cents Mountain Dew is giving fans a chance to buy a piece of the brand's history for a nickel. The soda brand will sell 1,948 limited-edition commemorative can bundles, PepsiCo announced in a news release. The bundles will be exclusively available through TikTok Shop starting on Monday, June 29. The number of bundles honors 1948, the year Mountain Dew was created by two brothers in Tennessee. The commemorative can features the brand's origin story printed on the label and is tied to Mountain Dew's "American Original - Tasting Great Since '48" campaign. Each $0.05 bundle includes a commemora…