Popular Pet, Garden Supply Retailer Closing After 40 Years: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag' Popular Pet, Garden Supply Retailer Closing After 40 Years: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag'
Popular Pet, Garden Supply Retailer Closing After 40 Years: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag' A popular retailer of pet and garden supplies in southern New England is shutting down after four decades. Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close all 13 of its stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the company said in a news release on Monday, May 5. Originally launching in 1985, Smithland was previously known as myAgway, as well as Dave's Soda and Pet City. The chain offering pet supplies, gardening goods, wild bird seed, and backyard furniture will begin storewide sales on Tuesday, May 6. "This is not a goodbye without deep gratitude," Smithfield said. "Our love f…
Here's Where MA Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why Here's Where MA Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why
Here's Where MA Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why A newly released report has ranked all 50 states in the United States from top to bottom based on a variety of factors, providing insight into the best states to live in. Utah has been recognized as No. 1 in the U.S. News Best States rankings for the third consecutive year. However, the report encompasses a broader scope, highlighting various states that also excel in several key areas. Historically, Utah was often associated with three main attributes: the film Footloose,’ green Jell-O, and a youthful workforce. Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Provo-based Utah Valley Chamber of Comm…
Trump Lies About $1.98 Gas: See Where That Number Likely Came From Trump Lies About $1.98 Gas: See Where That Number Likely Came From
Trump Lies About $1.98 Gas: See Where That Number Likely Came From President Donald Trump says gas is down to $1.98 a gallon, but that number doesn't exist at any pump in the country. In early May, Trump has repeatedly claimed gas has fallen below $2 a gallon. He made the claim in the White House, social media posts, and during an interview with NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, May 4. Trump also said gas was $1.98 a gallon when speaking with ABC News on Tuesday, April 29, at the end of his first 100 days back in the Oval Office. "So now, if you look at what's happened, energy is down," Trump said. "Gasoline hit $1.98 in a few states during the last co…
MA's Foster Care System Ranked In Nation's Bottom Half, New Study Says: Here's Why MA's Foster Care System Ranked In Nation's Bottom Half, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA's Foster Care System Ranked In Nation's Bottom Half, New Study Says: Here's Why Northeast and mid-Atlantic states showed wide disparities in foster care quality, with some ranking among the nation's best and others falling behind, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2025 list of States With the Best Foster Care Systems on Tuesday, April 29. The study analyzed every state using 19 key foster care metrics, from adoption timelines and high school graduation rates to monthly stipends. The ranking used a weighted scoring system across three categories: foster youth baselines, community environment and support systems, and legal support. …
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States A voluntary recall has been issued for certain batches of a widely sold apple juice brand, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The juice was distributed across 28 states and comes in clear, round glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids packaged in four 10-ounce bottles per pack (six packs per case).  The recall was initiated due to concerns that were not detailed in the FDA’s official notice, but the agency classified the situation as a Class II recall, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. …
MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states rank among the best in the country for working mothers, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of the Best & Worst States for Working Moms on Monday, April 28. The report compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 17 key metrics, including the gender pay gap, parental leave policies, child care costs, and the share of female executives. The study aims to identify where women raising children have the best chance at balancing a career with their family. "Working moms have to carefully balance career opportuni…
Millions In MA Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why Millions In MA Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why
Millions In MA Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why Nearly half of all people in the United States, including millions across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, are breathing unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to a new study. The American Lung Association released its 2025 edition of the "State of the Air" report on Wednesday, April 23. The study, now in its 26th year, highlights troubling air quality trends in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The report found that 156 million people – about 46% of the U.S. population – are living in counties that earned failing grades f…
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules A federal judge ruled that Google illegally cornered the online advertising market by linking its tools together to block out competition, a major win in a broader antitrust crackdown on Big Tech. The ruling found Google liable for willfully using a series of "anticompetitive acts" to dominate how digital ads are placed across the internet. The decision was handed down in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia on Thursday, April 17. In her decision, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema said Google's ad technology blocked out competitors and hurt consumers. "For over …
MA Ranked Among 10 Most Eco-Friendly States, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranked Among 10 Most Eco-Friendly States, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranked Among 10 Most Eco-Friendly States, New Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast states are among the most environmentally friendly in the nation, according to a new study. The Greenest States in 2025 list was released by WalletHub on Wednesday, April 9. The personal finance website compared all 50 states across key metrics like air and water quality, renewable energy use, green transportation, and carbon emissions. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said infrastructure plays a big role in whether residents can make eco-friendly choices. "If a state doesn't have a great infrastructure for alternative-fuel vehicles, it becomes much harder for r…
MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why Families in the Northeast are getting some of the best care in the country for their children, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Children's Healthcare on Tuesday, April 8. The report compares all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 33 indicators of cost, access, and quality. Metrics range from the percentage of children in excellent health to the number of pediatricians per capita. "The quality of children's health care should be one of the most important considerations for parents when deciding where to live," said WalletHub ana…
Butter Beware: Bacteria Found In Cabot Creamery's Popular Product Butter Beware: Bacteria Found In Cabot Creamery's Popular Product
Butter Beware: Bacteria Found In Cabot Creamery's Popular Product Butter lovers, beware. Cabot Creamery’s premium butter is being recalled after testing revealed elevated levels of coliform bacteria, a possible indicator of fecal contamination, officials said. Agri-Mark Inc., the Vermont-based maker of Cabot products, issued a voluntary recall for its 8oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted after finished product testing detected high levels of bacteria, according to a federal release issued Wednesday, April 9. Cabot butter packaging. Cabot Creamery The impacted butter is packaged as two 4-ounce sticks in a cardboard shell and can be identifie…
Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu
Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu A Tex-Mex fast food chain popular in the Midwest and Great Plains is making a sharp move east with expansion plans in New England. Taco John's is in the process of opening 22 restaurants across Massachusetts and Connecticut, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, April 9. Three locations have already opened in the Bay State, with the newest one at 77 Summer Street in Boston's Downtown Crossing section. The chain began its New England expansion in 2023 with the opening of restaurants in Lawrence and Leominster. Before 2023, the nearest Taco John's to Massachusetts was in Ohio.…