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Politics
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.  Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline.  This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue.  As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States
Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States Crucial triumphs in the key battleground states have lifted former President Donald Trump back to the White House. The 78-year-old Trump was declared winner of the 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris just before dawn on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Trump has been projected to win all three "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. With big additional wins in North Carolina and Georgia, he has secured the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the presidency, becoming the first president who will serve non-consecutive terms since former Democratic New York Gov. Grover…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Naugatuck Restaurant Announces Closure After Almost 10 Years: 'Forever Thankful' Naugatuck Restaurant Announces Closure After Almost 10 Years: 'Forever Thankful'
Naugatuck Restaurant Announces Closure After Almost 10 Years: 'Forever Thankful' A Connecticut restaurant that spent almost a decade becoming a go-to spot for fun and energy has announced that the end is near.  New, updated report - Update: Naugatuck's 66 Church Announces Closing Date 66 Church, a restaurant and gastropub in New Haven County located at 66 Church St. in Naugatuck, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 8 that it would be closing for good "in the next few weeks."  Although no specific reason for the decision was given, the owners thanked its longtime customers for helping the business through the pandemic and "a horrible economy."  "We’re endles…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
Iconic Food Container Maker Tupperware Files For Bankruptcy Iconic Food Container Maker Tupperware Files For Bankruptcy
Iconic Food Container Maker Tupperware Files For Bankruptcy A kitchen staple may soon be getting shelved. Iconic 78-year-old food container pioneer Tupperware filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, Sept. 17 amid a years-long slump in sales. The company known worldwide for its "Tupperware Parties" is now seeking court approval to continue operating during the proceedings as it pursues a sale. "Whether you are a dedicated member of our Tupperware team, sell, cook with, or simply love our Tupperware products, you are a part of our Tupperware family," said President and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Ann Goldman. "We pla…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
PRESIDENTIAL POLL: Harris Leads Trump In PA Battleground PRESIDENTIAL POLL: Harris Leads Trump In PA Battleground
Presidential Poll: Harris Leads Trump In PA Battleground The latest Franklin & Marshall College poll of registered voters finds Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly leading former President Donald J. Trump by 49% to 46%.  The state of the economy was a leading concern, the Lancaster-based poll found after analyzing the responses of 890 voters. The poll was released on Thursday, Sept. 19. Pennsylvania is the largest of seven key battleground states in the presidential race, with 19 Electoral College votes. A total of 270 electoral votes are needed to win the Nov. 5 election. Voting began this week in Pennsylvania with the mailing of pape…

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by Jon Craig
Politics
Harris, Trump Come Out Swinging In Presidential Debate In Philadelphia Harris, Trump Come Out Swinging In Presidential Debate In Philadelphia
Harris, Trump Come Out Swinging In Presidential Debate In Philadelphia Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump came out swinging at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in their first and possibly only presidential debate before the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election. Harris made the first move by shaking Trump's hand on stage — in their first face-to-face encounter. Political observers noted how Harris "baited" the former president, prompting him to look increasingly angry. But Trump entered the "spin room" less than an hour after the debate, saying, "I think it was the best debate, personally, that I've ever …

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by Jon Craig
Business
Dow Drops 1,000 Points: US Stock Market In Free Fall, Wiping Away Trillions In Capital Dow Drops 1,000 Points: US Stock Market In Free Fall, Wiping Away Trillions In Capital
Dow Drops 1,000 Points: US Stock Market In Free Fall, Wiping Away Trillions In Capital Investors hoping the major dip in the stock market last week was just a blip were greeted with even more losses on Monday, Aug. 5, as fears of a recession and global turmoil sent stocks tumbling. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1,200 points at one point but closed 1,000 down. The S&P 500 dropped more than 3 percent and the Nasdaq fell 3.4 percent.  The massive sell-off began on Friday after a US jobs report showed that employer hiring in July had slowed more than analysts had predicted. Investors were already on edge over fears the US Federal Reserve had left interest ra…

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Big Lots To Close Pair Of NY Stores Big Lots To Close Pair Of NY Stores
Big Lots To Close Pair Of NY Stores Discount retail chain Big Lots plans to close around 40 stores this year, according to a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). It currently has around 1,425 stores nationwide. Six stores in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are slated to close, with both New York stores on Long Island. No store closures are scheduled for New Jersey. The company cited rising costs and inflation as reasons for the move and said a bankruptcy filing could be coming. Stores in the Northeast slated for closure are as follows: New York 260 Voice Road, Carle Place 231 Centere…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee President Joe Biden has just announced he is pulling out of the 2024 race against Republican nominee Donald Trump. In a letter to "My Fellow Americans" released just before 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, Biden said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” The news comes amid concerns over the 81-year-old Biden's health, which were loudly …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada The Costco Wholesale Corporation has announced membership hikes in the US and Canada for the first time in seven years, according to a news release by the company issued on Wednesday, July 10.  Costco opened the release sharing a June sales growth in the US of 5.6%, which is higher than the past 44 weeks of just 4.4%, the company experienced a decrease in revenue internationally.  On the heels of sharing that news, the company made the announcement about raising the membership fees in both the US and Canada beginning Sept. 1.  Annual memberships are rising $5 making them $65…

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by Jillian Pikora
Politics
$25M Spent: Heated Westchester Race Most Expensive Congressional Primary Ever $25M Spent: Heated Westchester Race Most Expensive Congressional Primary Ever
$25M Spent: Heated Westchester Race Most Expensive Congressional Primary Ever The closely-watched Democratic race between Westchester County Executive George Latimer and incumbent Rep. Jamaal Bowman for New York's 16th District seat is about to come to a close as the most expensive congressional primary in history, according to reports. CBS News says nearly $25 million has been raised and spent during the race, which will be decided on Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 25. Over half of this amount, $16 million, has been put toward anti-Bowman attack ads and was largely spent by United Democracy Project, a super PAC of the pro-Israel group American Israel Public…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Connecticut continues to rank among the top 20 best states in the country. The Constitution State came in at No. 20 – down slightly from No. 16 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. Connecticut made the top 10 in health care (No. 3), crime & corrections (No. 6), and education (No. 8), according to the report.…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
'D Brooks Special': Newark Airport Restaurant Drops Price Of $78 Meal To $18 After Online Post 'D Brooks Special': Newark Airport Restaurant Drops Price Of $78 Meal To $18 After Online Post
'D Brooks Special': Newark Airport Restaurant Drops Price Of $78 Meal To $18 After Online Post You too can eat and drink like a well-known New York Times columnist at Newark Airport, but now at a discounted rate. Smokehouse, located in Terminal A at the airport, announced on social media it is offering a hamburger, fries and a double shot of whiskey for $17.78.  Earlier report: NY Times Columnist Mocked For Alleged $78 Meal At Newark Airport The move comes in response to a post from David Brooks, who bemoaned that his meal consisting of those items cost $78. Just added to the Menu. We’re the topic of America right now! #youcantbeatourmeat Nina Dawkins Kevin W Wortham Maurice…

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by Sam Barron
News
NY Times Columnist Mocked For Alleged $78 Meal At Newark Airport NY Times Columnist Mocked For Alleged $78 Meal At Newark Airport
NY Times Columnist Mocked For Alleged $78 Meal At Newark Airport A tweet by David Brooks, a conservative commentator who writes for the New York Times, complaining about the price of a meal at Newark Airport has gone viral, with some questioning its authenticity. Brooks lamented that his burger, fries and alcohol combo cost $78 in a post on  the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) that has been viewed almost 15 million times. This meal just cost me $78 at Newark Airport. This is why Americans think the economy is terrible. pic.twitter.com/1qeV9qOBL3 — David Brooks (@nytdavidbrooks) September 21, 2023 "This is why Americans think the economy is ter…

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by Sam Barron
Politics
CT Earned Income Tax Credit To Increase: Here's Who's Affected CT Earned Income Tax Credit To Increase: Here's Who's Affected
CT Earned Income Tax Credit To Increase: Here's Who's Affected Thousands of low-to-moderate income working individuals and families in Connecticut will see a significant boost in their state income tax credits under the newly signed state budget. Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is scheduled to increase from 23 percent of the federal credit to 30.5 percent this year. In total, the new budget will result in an additional $40 million being delivered to the nearly 195,000 households that are eligible for the tax credit, for a total of $158 million. The Connecticut Earned Income Tax credit was created in 2011. The n…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Measure To Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use In CT Set For Lamont's Signature To Become Law Measure To Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use In CT Set For Lamont's Signature To Become Law
Measure To Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use In CT Set For Lamont's Signature To Become Law As soon as the ink is dry on Gov. Ned Lamont's pen, marijuana will be legal in Connecticut after the Senate gave its final approval for the growth and sale of marijuana The new legislation, approved on Thursday, June 17, would allow adults 21 or older to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana beginning on Thursday, July 1.  Commercial sales of recreational marijuana in the state would not start until May 2022. Gov. Ned Lamont, who has favored the bill, said he looks forward to signing the bill. "It's fitting that the bill legalizing the adult use of cannabis and addressin…

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by Kathy Reakes
Politics
Legislators' Proposal To Name Pizza Official CT State Food Sparks Wide-Ranging Responses Legislators' Proposal To Name Pizza Official CT State Food Sparks Wide-Ranging Responses
Legislators' Proposal To Name Pizza Official CT State Food Sparks Wide-Ranging Responses Two Connecticut legislators think the state has the best pizza and are even proposing legislation making it the official state food. But other states, and plenty of people, say hang on a minute, what about New York, Chicago, and New Jersey. The two legislators, State Rep. Patricia Dillon, who represents New Haven, and State Senator Gary Winfield, who represents New Haven and West Haven, are ready to push for their favorite food, but so far they have only received about 255 votes on a Change.org petition. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said: "We all know who's number one!" While New Jersey Go…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: NY Discourages Non-Essential Travel To, From NJ, CT; Adds Two States To Advisory COVID-19: NY Discourages Non-Essential Travel To, From NJ, CT; Adds Two States To Advisory
Covid-19: NY Discourages Non-Essential Travel To, From NJ, CT; Adds Two States To Advisory With both New Jersey and Connecticut now meeting the criteria to be added to what had been a tristate travel advisory, New York is now discouraging non-essential travel to and from those neighboring states, as well as Pennsylvania. Two other states -- Maryland and Arizona -- were added to the quarantine list on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Under rules for the New York advisory, travelers who pass through a state on a list for less than 24 hours are exempt from the quarantine requirement. On Monday, Oct. 19, Connecticut changed its guidelines for the advisory, now saying a state has to …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Starting Thursday, Towns Can Roll Back COVID-19 Restrictions To Phase 2 Starting Thursday, Towns Can Roll Back COVID-19 Restrictions To Phase 2
Starting Thursday, Towns Can Roll Back Covid-19 Restrictions To Phase 2 Cities and towns will soon be able to make their own decisions on whether to loosen COVID-19 restrictions as Connecticut moves forward with reopening the economy. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order giving community leaders the power to go back to “phase 2” of reopening their local economies if COVID-19 infections spike there.  This means cities and towns could choose to go back to COVID-19 restrictions that were in place prior to Oct. 8. Such restrictions included smaller caps on gatherings and fewer activities. Towns can put the brakes on reopening if thei…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
First Presidential Debate Tonight: When, Where To Watch First Presidential Debate Tonight: When, Where To Watch
First Presidential Debate Tonight: When, Where To Watch Tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the first presidential debate between incumbent Republican Donald Trump and Democrat challenger Joe Biden. The debate will be held in Cleveland and Fox news program host Chris Wallace will be the moderator. The event will begin at 9 p.m. and will last for about 90 minutes without commercial breaks. Topics for tonight’s debate include the Supreme Court, COVID-19, economy, race and violence in America, and election integrity, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates. There are two other debates scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22. On Oct. 7, the vice-pr…

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by Kristin Palpini
Business
Massachusetts' Unemployment Rate Takes Nosedive - A Good Sign For Economy Massachusetts' Unemployment Rate Takes Nosedive - A Good Sign For Economy
Massachusetts' Unemployment Rate Takes Nosedive - A Good Sign For Economy The Massachusetts unemployment rate took a nosedive from July to August - a sign that the economy is rebounding. And Massachusetts no longer has the highest unemployment rate in the country. The state’s overall unemployment rate fell by 5 percentage points between the two months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s a rare abrupt change in the monthly rates. In August, the unemployment rate was 11.3 percent In July, the rate was 16.2 percent unemployment. Massachusetts gained more than 50,000 jobs in August, the early numbers indicate. While Massachusetts’ economy ha…

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by Kristin Palpini
Business
COVID-19: Dish Bar & Grill In Hartford Will Stay Closed COVID-19: Dish Bar & Grill In Hartford Will Stay Closed
Covid-19: Dish Bar & Grill In Hartford Will Stay Closed Dish Bar & Grill will be closed permanently due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Like many restaurants, the popular Hartford eatery temporarily closed in March when economies were closed here and around the country. That closure will now be permanent, according to The Hartford Courant. Apparently, a lack of outside dining contributed to the decision. The restaurant had offered delivery and pickup options during the pandemic as did its sister restaurant Sorella, which is not being closed. A Yelp analysis earlier this summer estimated that 60 percent of the restaurants that closed te…

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by Kristin Palpini
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of CT Residents Planning On Summer 'Staycations,' Survey Reveals COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of CT Residents Planning On Summer 'Staycations,' Survey Reveals
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of CT Residents Planning On Summer 'Staycations,' Survey Reveals Despite being stuck inside for months during the COVID-19 pandemic, many in Connecticut still plan on staying local this summer rather than taking a vacation. A newly released survey of 7,500 adults across the country found that 57 percent of respondents in the Nutmeg State are more likely to vacation locally in Connecticut rather than travel outside out of COVID concerns. The national average found that 55 percent will plan on staying local over the dog days of summer, with Utah leading the way in residents looking forward to having a "staycation" at 85 percent, while Mississippians (25 pe…

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by Zak Failla