McDonald's Names New US Leader As Diners Pull Back: What To Know McDonald's Names New US Leader As Diners Pull Back: What To Know
McDonald's Names New US Leader As Diners Pull Back: What To Know McDonald's has picked a longtime executive to lead its US business as the fast food giant looks to regain momentum with American customers. Skye Anderson was named president of McDonald's USA on Tuesday, Aug. 4, the company announced in a news release. She takes over the chain's largest market as McDonald's tries to improve on modest domestic sales gains while attracting more diners. Anderson has spent more than 26 years with the company, most recently serving as chief operating officer of McDonald's USA. "McDonald's has always been at its best when we harness the strength of our uniq…
CT Driver Killed After Losing Control On I-691, Hitting Guardrail, Slamming Into Truck: Police CT Driver Killed After Losing Control On I-691, Hitting Guardrail, Slamming Into Truck: Police
CT Driver Killed After Losing Control On I-691, Hitting Guardrail, Slamming Into Truck: Police Authorities have identified a 67-year-old Connecticut man as the driver killed in an  Interstate 691 West crash earlier this week.  John Vincent Ireton Sr., of Waterbury, was driving in the left lane around 8:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, when he lost control of his Chevrolet Prism near Exit 3 in Meriden, went onto the shoulder, hit a guardrail, and slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer, Connecticut State Police said.  Paramedics rushed Ireton to MidState Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. The Connecticut…
These Other Grocery Staples Under Scrutiny As Parasite Cases Climb These Other Grocery Staples Under Scrutiny As Parasite Cases Climb
These Other Grocery Staples Under Scrutiny As Parasite Cases Climb The produce aisle may hold more questions than answers as investigators chase the sources of a massive parasite surge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday, Aug. 3, that a nine-state Cyclospora outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The Food and Drug Administration traced the cluster to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. The nine-state outbreak had caused at least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations as of Friday, July 24. However, that outbreak represents only part of the nationwide surge. The North Carolina D…
Ariana Grande Breaks Silence About Decision To Step Back From Public Life Ariana Grande Breaks Silence About Decision To Step Back From Public Life
Ariana Grande Breaks Silence About Decision To Step Back From Public Life Ariana Grande is setting the record straight about a major decision that will reshape her next chapter. The 33-year-old singer addressed fans during an "Eternal Sunshine Tour" concert at Chicago’s United Center on Monday, Aug. 3, saying her plan to step back from public-facing work was deliberate and made well before it became public. “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," Grande told the crowd. "It is something that I had decided to plan." She noted that she made the plan “quietly, a long time ago.” Grande also reassured fans that outside negati…
Former '60 Minutes' Correspondents Take On New Assignment Former '60 Minutes' Correspondents Take On New Assignment
Former '60 Minutes' Correspondents Take On New Assignment Two familiar faces from one of television’s best-known news programs are bringing their newsroom experience to the classroom. Columbia Journalism School announced on Monday, Aug. 3, that Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley have been appointed journalists-in-residence for the 2026-27 academic year.  The former “60 Minutes” correspondents will mentor students individually and in groups while leading lectures, workshops, and special events. Their work will focus on strengthening students’ reporting, investigative, and sourcing skills. Alfonsi and Pelley will also each contribute an article t…
A Diet Darling May Be Working Against Healthy Aging A Diet Darling May Be Working Against Healthy Aging
A Diet Darling May Be Working Against Healthy Aging One of nutrition’s loudest messages may have the formula for a longer, healthier life flipped backward. A sweeping scientific review published in Cell Press Blue finds that eating less protein consistently extends lifespan and improves metabolic health in laboratory models, including yeast, fruit flies, and rodents. The human evidence is far thinner. No study has shown that protein restriction extends a person’s lifespan. Short-term human trials have, however, found improvements in blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and body fat, according to the review. The findings raise a provocative qu…
Travelers Warned About Sophisticated Hotel Wi-Fi Threat Travelers Warned About Sophisticated Hotel Wi-Fi Threat
Travelers Warned About Sophisticated Hotel Wi-Fi Threat That convenient hotel internet connection may carry a hidden danger capable of turning a traveler’s device against them. Microsoft Threat Intelligence detailed the worldwide cyberattack campaign on Friday, July 31, warning travelers to treat hotel and other guest wireless networks as untrustworthy. The operation, called CaptiveCrunch, has compromised Wi-Fi networks used by hotels, conference centers, and other shared venues in several countries, according to Microsoft. Unlike familiar scams involving imitation network names, the attackers manipulate internet traffic passing through legitim…
Phil Collins Reveals Fight For His Life: 'People Were Coming To Say Goodbye' Phil Collins Reveals Fight For His Life: 'People Were Coming To Say Goodbye'
Phil Collins Reveals Fight For His Life: 'People Were Coming To Say Goodbye' One of rock’s most familiar voices has revealed how close he came to falling silent forever. Phil Collins, 75, told The Times of London in a Sunday Times Magazine profile that he nearly died during a severe alcohol relapse in April 2024. Collins was unconscious in a Swiss hospital after drinking to the point of organ failure. His manager of 50 years contacted the musician’s five children and called them to his bedside. “Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing," the 75-year-old Collins told The Times of London. "My kidneys were pac…
Dunkin' Reveals Pumpkin's Return As Fall Drink Battle Begins Dunkin' Reveals Pumpkin's Return As Fall Drink Battle Begins
Dunkin' Reveals Pumpkin's Return As Fall Drink Battle Begins Dunkin' is getting an early start on fall with the return of its popular pumpkin flavors. The coffee chain revealed when pumpkin will return to its menu on Monday, Aug. 3. The popular fall taste's comeback will happen on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Dunkin' has not yet revealed its full 2026 fall lineup or announced which drinks and food items will return. "now that it's august... we've got some BIG news," Dunkin' wrote alongside an image reading, "Pumpkin back at Dunkin 8/19." View this post on Instagram The chain's 2025 menu featured the Pumpkin Sp…
Popular Meteor Shower Nears Prime Viewing Window: When To Watch Popular Meteor Shower Nears Prime Viewing Window: When To Watch
Popular Meteor Shower Nears Prime Viewing Window: When To Watch One of summer’s biggest celestial shows is building toward a peak that could be particularly impressive this year. The Perseid meteor shower will reach maximum activity overnight from Wednesday, Aug. 12, into Thursday, Aug. 13, according to the American Meteor Society. The peak coincides with a new moon on that Wednesday. With the moon zero percent full, little to no lunar glare should interfere with the display. NASA considers the Perseids the best meteor shower of the year. Under favorable conditions, the shower can produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour. However, the American Meteor Societ…
6 CT Hospitals Honored Among Nation's Best In New Rankings: See Which Ones 6 CT Hospitals Honored Among Nation's Best In New Rankings: See Which Ones
6 CT Hospitals Honored Among Nation's Best In New Rankings: See Which Ones More than 120 hospitals across the Northeast are being celebrated among the nation's best, according to a new study. U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The website recognized top-performing hospitals across the US based on patient outcomes, including survival rates, preventable complications, and patient experience. Seven Northeast hospitals were among the top 20 named to the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll: Brigham and Women's Hospital - Boston Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia Johns Hopkins Hos…
Teresa Giudice Blasted For Instagram Comment On Post Of Daughter's Late BFF Teresa Giudice Blasted For Instagram Comment On Post Of Daughter's Late BFF
Teresa Giudice Blasted For Instagram Comment On Post Of Daughter's Late BFF Teresa Giudice is facing criticism after commenting on the final Instagram post shared by Victoria Zardoya, the North Jersey college student who died after a fall in Florida and was the childhood best friend of Giudice's daughter, Milania. Several weeks before she died, Zardoya, 20, of Montville, posted a photo carousel on Instagram featuring memories from an internship in Portugal. On Saturday, Aug. 1, more than a week after Zardoya died in a tragic fall while visiting historic ruins in Florida, Giudice commented on the post. Giudice commented three fire emojis on the post, prompting sever…
CT Baseball Coach In ICU After Devastating I-91 Crash; Support Swells For His Family CT Baseball Coach In ICU After Devastating I-91 Crash; Support Swells For His Family
CT Baseball Coach In ICU After Devastating I-91 Crash; Support Swells For His Family A popular Connecticut baseball coach remains in intensive care following a seven-vehicle crash on I-91 in Meriden and faces a long road to recovery with multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, a fundraiser for his family said. Marcus Hill was involved in a Friday, July 31, multi-car crash on I-91 in Meriden. Calls to Connecticut State Police for details on his involvement in the pile-up were not immediately returned.  Hill, of Meriden, is a husband to Jill and father of three. He is the owner and coach at Pro Performance Network, a sports coaching facility in Newington.&n…
Dozens Of Fires, Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of Popular Electric Blankets Dozens Of Fires, Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of Popular Electric Blankets
Dozens Of Fires, Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of Popular Electric Blankets More than 175,000 heated throws and blankets are being recalled after they were linked to dozens of fires and injuries. OCTROT issued the recall for about 178,000 electric throws and blankets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 30. The electrical cord can detach and ignite, posing serious fire, burn, and shock hazards. The company has received 555 reports of the blankets or throws melting, sparking, or smoking. There have been at least 27 fires and 15 burn or electrical shock injuries, according to the CPSC. The recall includes OCTROT sherpa heated thro…
Mass Arson Fugitive Arrested After 100-MPH Chase In Stolen Car, Hunt Through CT Swamp: Cops Mass Arson Fugitive Arrested After 100-MPH Chase In Stolen Car, Hunt Through CT Swamp: Cops
Mass Arson Fugitive Arrested After 100-mph Chase In Stolen Car, Hunt Through CT Swamp: Cops A man wanted on a Massachusetts arson warrant was captured after police said he led officers on a high-speed chase, abandoned a stolen vehicle, and tried to escape through swampland and a pond in Connecticut. Mark Alicea, 39, was arrested in Enfield on Sunday, Aug. 2, after police said he tried to escape police who were not following him. A police dog eventually tracked him down, authorities said. Enfield police said officers learned a stolen vehicle had entered town and later tried to stop it on Sunday. Alicea allegedly refused to stop and sped away. Per state guidelines, officers en…
Popular Band Drops Guitarist From Tour After Teen Says He Sent 'Erotic' Message Popular Band Drops Guitarist From Tour After Teen Says He Sent 'Erotic' Message
Popular Band Drops Guitarist From Tour After Teen Says He Sent 'Erotic' Message Modest Mouse has dropped guitarist Simon O'Connor from its upcoming tour after he was accused of sending inappropriate messages to a teen. The indie rock band behind hits like "Float On" and "Dashboard" announced the lineup change in an Instagram post on Friday, July 31. Modest Mouse is scheduled to begin its North American tour on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in Ojai, California. The band didn't explain why O'Connor was removed from the tour or clarify whether he remains a member. "Simon O'Connor will not be joining us on the upcoming tour," the band posted. "The good news is that Seth Jabo…
Dairy Queen Unveils New Blizzard Flavor, Launching Fall Menu Dairy Queen Unveils New Blizzard Flavor, Launching Fall Menu
Dairy Queen Unveils New Blizzard Flavor, Launching Fall Menu Dairy Queen is unveiling several new treats on its fall menu, including a new Blizzard flavor. DQ launched its new Caramel Apple Cheesecake Blizzard Treat, the chain announced in a news release on Monday, Aug. 3. The dessert features cheesecake pieces and caramel apple topping blended with DQ soft serve. The Blizzard of the Month for August is available at participating locations. "It's a delicious way to satisfy seasonal cravings while the weather is still warm and for fans to fall a little harder for fall," said DQ. Rewards members can also buy one Blizzard Treat and get a sec…
CT Homeowner Scares Off Would-Be Burglar, Who Howls And Throws Chairs, Flower Pot: Police CT Homeowner Scares Off Would-Be Burglar, Who Howls And Throws Chairs, Flower Pot: Police
CT Homeowner Scares Off Would-Be Burglar, Who Howls And Throws Chairs, Flower Pot: Police A failed burglary took a bizarre turn over the weekend when the alleged intruder began howling and making squealing noises before throwing chairs at a homeowner who scared him away, authorities said. Timothy Grigg, 54, faces multiple charges following the alleged Enfield home break-in on Sunday, Aug. 2, police said. According to Enfield police, Grigg got into the home just before 6 a.m. through a rear hatchway, but he was stopped before he could get fully inside when the homeowner showed him a legally possessed firearm. As Grigg walked away from the yard, he began making howling and squeal…
Police ID 4-Year-Old Boy Who Died After Falling From 10th-Floor Apartment Window In Connecticut Police ID 4-Year-Old Boy Who Died After Falling From 10th-Floor Apartment Window In Connecticut
Police ID 4-Year-Old Boy Who Died After Falling From 10th-Floor Apartment Window In Connecticut Connecticut police have identified the 4-year-old boy who died after falling from a 10th-floor window while visiting his grandmother last week. Mohammad Naziry was with his parents and grandmother at Prospect Park apartments in Stamford around 7:30 p.m. on July 26. Police said he pushed against a window screen and fell onto a patio 10 stories below. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Stamford police said they do not suspect foul play and believe the boy's death was a tragic accident. Neighbors and friends have rallied around Mohammad's family in the days since the 4-year-old's death…
Don't Make This Takeout Mistake In NJ: A New Law Just Changed The Rules Don't Make This Takeout Mistake In NJ: A New Law Just Changed The Rules
Don't Make This Takeout Mistake In NJ: A New Law Just Changed The Rules If you order takeout or delivery in New Jersey, don't expect to find a plastic fork, ketchup packet or napkin in the bag. Unless you asked for it. A new state law that took effect Saturday,  Aug. 1, prohibits eateries from automatically providing single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets to customers. Instead, they'll only be provided upon request. The change applies to restaurants, cafés, food trucks, cafeterias, grocery stores with prepared food, convenience stores, hospitals, schools, sports arenas, entertainment venues, and other businesses serving meals to eat. Customers…
Massive Parasite Outbreak Takes Deadly Turn Massive Parasite Outbreak Takes Deadly Turn
Massive Parasite Outbreak Takes Deadly Turn A sprawling foodborne threat has taken its most serious turn yet. Click here for a new, updated story: These Other Grocery Staples Under Scrutiny As Parasite Cases Climb The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported on Monday, Aug. 3, that two people had died in its cyclosporiasis outbreak. Both had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by the infection and dehydration, the department said. Officials did not release their names, ages, or other details. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the Michigan deaths were part of a ni…
FIFA Boss Seeks Trump Backing As Kushner Deal Sparks Legal, Leadership Fight: Reports FIFA Boss Seeks Trump Backing As Kushner Deal Sparks Legal, Leadership Fight: Reports
FIFA Boss Seeks Trump Backing As Kushner Deal Sparks Legal, Leadership Fight: Reports FIFA President Gianni Infantino is apparently facing mounting pressure as reports claim he is seeking support from the Trump administration while battling legal threats and growing calls to step down over a proposed commercial restructuring. Infantino had scheduled private talks Monday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as criticism intensifies over a proposal to transfer part of FIFA's commercial business to a private venture backed by Josh Kushner's Thrive Capital, the New York Post reports, citing two people familiar with the matter. Fox News, however, later reported that a FIFA so…
Starbucks Bringing Back Pumpkin Spice Latte With Several New Fall Menu Items Starbucks Bringing Back Pumpkin Spice Latte With Several New Fall Menu Items
Starbucks Bringing Back Pumpkin Spice Latte With Several New Fall Menu Items Starbucks is getting an early start on fall with the return of its most popular seasonal drink, along with a lineup of new beverages and fall foods. The coffeehouse chain announced the comeback date of the Pumpkin Spice Latte on Monday, Aug. 3. The iconic drink will be available once again on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The PSL will return alongside several new pumpkin drinks, banana bread-inspired beverages, pecan-flavored favorites, and a cider-style twist on chai. New pumpkin options include the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai, and Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha.&…
Popular CT Farm Closes After 60 Years, Ending Family Tradition For Generations Popular CT Farm Closes After 60 Years, Ending Family Tradition For Generations
Popular CT Farm Closes After 60 Years, Ending Family Tradition For Generations A beloved Connecticut farm that welcomed generations of families for decades is closing after 60 years in business. Strawberry Hollow Farm in Guilford announced the decision in a Facebook post on Sunday, Aug. 2. The owners did not say what prompted the move. The post does not say when the farm will close, but Google lists it as permanently closed as of Monday.  Harvey and Diane Smith started the business in 1966. Strawberry Hollow Farm grew into a popular destination for local families and tourists, who returned each fall to pick out pumpkins and mums, shop for gifts, and make memories…
Walmart Employee Shot During Fight In Store; Suspect Surrenders Days Later: Police Walmart Employee Shot During Fight In Store; Suspect Surrenders Days Later: Police
Walmart Employee Shot During Fight In Store; Suspect Surrenders Days Later: Police The man accused of opening fire inside a Delaware County Walmart during an argument between two customers—striking an innocent employee—has surrendered to police, authorities announced Monday, Aug. 3. Armani Tyrell Waite turned himself in without incident at approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday, according to Darby Township Police. Waite had been wanted on an arrest warrant charging him with attempted murder and several other felony offenses after the shooting inside the Walmart at 50 N. MacDade Blvd. in Glenolden. The shooting happened around 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, when Darby Township officers, …
Ariana Grande To Step Away From Spotlight After Final Show: Report Ariana Grande To Step Away From Spotlight After Final Show: Report
Ariana Grande To Step Away From Spotlight After Final Show: Report One of pop music's most visible stars is preparing to change how much of herself the public will see. Click here for a new, updated story: Ariana Grande Breaks Silence About Decision To Step Back From Public Life A representative for Ariana Grande told People in an exclusive report that the singer plans to step back from public visibility after her current tour concludes. Grande, 33, is scheduled to perform the final show of her "Eternal Sunshine" tour in London on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The decision follows years of nonstop work and persistent public scrutiny of her appearance and weight. …
Full Ransom Notes Released: Savannah Guthrie Issues New Plea In Missing Mom Case Full Ransom Notes Released: Savannah Guthrie Issues New Plea In Missing Mom Case
Full Ransom Notes Released: Savannah Guthrie Issues New Plea In Missing Mom Case A family’s six-month nightmare has led to a new plea directed at the person who may hold the answer. NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie appealed for help on Saturday, Aug. 1, as her family marked six months since her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was taken from her home near Tucson, Arizona. “Six months ago, someone took her out of her bed in the dead of night. We have lived every moment, every breath, and every heartbeat in agony and despair ever since,” Guthrie wrote in the Instagram post. The appeal followed the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s release of two ransom notes on Fr…
Potentially Deadly Contamination Concern Triggers Nationwide Medication Recall Potentially Deadly Contamination Concern Triggers Nationwide Medication Recall
Potentially Deadly Contamination Concern Triggers Nationwide Medication Recall A medication intended to help some of the most vulnerable patients may carry a potentially deadly contamination risk. Sunny Pharmtech Inc. voluntarily recalled three lots of Cyclophosphamide for Injection, USP, nationwide on Friday, July 24. Particulate matter found in the medication was identified as steel, according to the company announcement posted on the US Food and Drug Administration website. Cyclophosphamide is administered intravenously to treat several cancers and other serious conditions. The company warned that patients receiving contaminated medication face a reasonable proba…
Netflix’s August Schedule Brings Fresh Releases, Major Farewells Netflix’s August Schedule Brings Fresh Releases, Major Farewells
Netflix’s August Schedule Brings Fresh Releases, Major Farewells Netflix is closing out summer with final adventures, dark mysteries, workplace chaos, and a deep bench of familiar favorites. The August rollout begins Saturday, Aug. 1, with a large collection of licensed movies, according to the full release calendar published by Tom’s Guide. The opening-day additions include “The Fast and the Furious,” “Fast Five,” “Furious 7,” “Clueless,” “Field of Dreams,” “Minions,” “Nightcrawler,” “Selma,” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” Netflix’s first major original movie of the month arrives Friday, Aug. 7. “The Last House” stars Greta Lee and Wagner Moura as parent…
Popular Fast-Food Chain Offering Deep Discounts Amid Sales Slide Sparked By Parasite Outbreak Popular Fast-Food Chain Offering Deep Discounts Amid Sales Slide Sparked By Parasite Outbreak
Popular Fast-Food Chain Offering Deep Discounts Amid Sales Slide Sparked By Parasite Outbreak A fast-food heavyweight is reaching for throwback prices after a health scare sent customers heading for the exits. Taco Bell has rolled out a series of $1, lettuce-free promotions after US same-store sales fell two percent from mid-June through Monday, July 27, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, July 30. Customer visits fell by nearly 30 percent at the height of the decline in mid-July. The limited promotions included $1 Enchiritos on Wednesday, July 22, and $1 Mexican Pizzas on Tuesday, July 28. Neither item is served with lettuce. The discounts followed federal findings conn…
Vincent Pastore Found Dead: Beloved Actor Starred On 'The Sopranos' Vincent Pastore Found Dead: Beloved Actor Starred On 'The Sopranos'
Vincent Pastore Found Dead: Beloved Actor Starred On 'The Sopranos' A familiar face from one of television's greatest dramas has died after a career filled with tough guys, comic turns, and one unforgettable betrayal. Deadline reported on Saturday, Aug. 1, that Vincent Pastore, best known as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's "The Sopranos," was found dead at his Bronx residence. He was 80. A neighbor discovered Pastore after he had not been heard from for three days, according to Deadline. Authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. A cause of death had not been released. Pastore appeared throughout the first two seaso…