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Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Total Eclipse 2024: NASA Wants To Know About Strange Behavior From Animals Total Eclipse 2024: NASA Wants To Know About Strange Behavior From Animals
Total Eclipse 2024: NASA Wants To Know About Strange Behavior From Animals When parts of the US are under total daytime darkness during a solar eclipse, scientists will be studying if animals act any differently — and they want your help. NASA has funded the "Eclipse Soundscapes Project" to collect the sights and sounds during the total solar eclipse in the afternoon on Monday, Apr. 8. Scientists are asking for the public's help recording how different ecosystems react to the sudden midday change. You can share your observations on social media using the hashtag #EclipseSoundscapes. Don't forget to tag the location where you experience the eclipse. Weird plant a…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
McDonald's, Krispy Kreme Announce Nationwide Partnership: Here's How, When It Will Work McDonald's, Krispy Kreme Announce Nationwide Partnership: Here's How, When It Will Work
McDonald's, Krispy Kreme Announce Nationwide Partnership: Here's How, When It Will Work It could be the sweetest of partnerships. McDonald's and Krispy Kreme are teaming up for a national expansion. Customers will begin spotting Krispy Kreme doughnuts in their local McDonald's restaurants later this year as part of a phased market rollout across the US.  Nationwide availability at participating restaurants is expected by the end of 2026, McDonald's announced on Tuesday, March 26. Three of Krispy Kreme’s most popular doughnuts will be delivered fresh to McDonald’s restaurants daily. They’ll be available individually, or in boxes of six, starting at breakfast and las…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
'Irish Traveler Scam': $70K, Stolen Jewelry Found In Quincy Traffic Stop: Police 'Irish Traveler Scam': $70K, Stolen Jewelry Found In Quincy Traffic Stop: Police
'Irish Traveler Scam': $70K, Stolen Jewelry Found In Quincy Traffic Stop: Police More than $70,000 of US and foreign currency as well as several pieces of jewelry were found during a traffic stop in Quincy in what police describe as an “Irish Traveler” scheme that’s on the rise in Mass. A driver leaving a Holiday Inn Express in North Quincy was stopped by police on West Quantum Street when his SUV made an illegal left turn and drove the wrong way onto Stratton Way on Saturday, Jan. 20, shortly after 11 a.m., authorities said. After the car was towed for traffic violations, police found over $70,000 in US and foreign money, foreign IDs, and a large pile of stolen jewelry…

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by Khier Casino
Business
Nearly 50K Massage Guns Sold Nationwide Recalled Due To Fire, Burn Hazards Nearly 50K Massage Guns Sold Nationwide Recalled Due To Fire, Burn Hazards
Nearly 50K Massage Guns Sold Nationwide Recalled Due To Fire, Burn Hazards Nearly 50,000 massage guns sold at major retailers across the country are being recalled due to more than a dozen reports of overheating and a burn injury. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced this week that Homedics is recalling tens of thousands of personal massagers that ca overheat while charging, leading to a report of fire or burn risk.  In total, approximately 46,000 are being recalled in the US, and another 41,000 in Canada, according to federal officials. The recall includes "HoMedics Therapist Select Massagers" with model number HHP-715 and a 120 VAC, 6…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Rapid Spread Of Highly Mutated JN.1 May Mean It's More Contagious Than Other Strains COVID-19: Rapid Spread Of Highly Mutated JN.1 May Mean It's More Contagious Than Other Strains
Covid-19: Rapid Spread Of Highly Mutated JN.1 May Mean It's More Contagious Than Other Strains The rapid spread of a new subvariant that has quickly become the leading cause of COVID-19 infections in the US may mean it's more contagious than other highly transmissible offshoots of the Omicron variant. JN.1 now accounts for 44 percent of US cases, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released on Friday, Dec. 22. Just a week earlier, JN.1 had made up 21.4 percent of US cases in previously reported CDC data. In the Northeast, JN.1 is even more widespread, accounting for more than 56 percent of new COVID cases, the CDC says. The…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: JN.1 Subvariant Becomes Fastest Growing In US As WHO Issues New Advisory COVID-19: JN.1 Subvariant Becomes Fastest Growing In US As WHO Issues New Advisory
Covid-19: JN.1 Subvariant Becomes Fastest Growing In US As WHO Issues New Advisory A new COVID-19 subvariant has become the fastest-growing in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Click here for a new, updated story - COVID-19: Here Are Symptoms To Watch For With New Subvariant Spreading Fast JN.1, an offshoot of the highly transmissible Omicron strain and one of its subvariants, the BA.2.86 strain known as Pirola, now accounts for 21.4 percent of US cases, according to brand-new data. It's estimated that it makes up one-third of cases in the Northeast. The World Health Organization declared JN.1 to be "a variant of interest"…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
El Niño Now Forming Could Be 'Historically Strong': What It Means For Snowfall This Winter El Niño Now Forming Could Be 'Historically Strong': What It Means For Snowfall This Winter
El Niño Now Forming Could Be 'Historically Strong': What It Means For Snowfall This Winter An El Niño that is now forming could be "historically strong," according to forecasters. There is a 35 percent chance of it becoming "historically strong" for the November-January season, according to a brand-new update from the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center. El Niño events, which usually form every three to four years, are triggered by warmer surface water in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with warmer water leading to stronger El Niños. The last time there was a "super" El Niño was 2015-2016. Traditionally, "super" El Niños have caused floods, fatal fires, and m…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Here Are Symptoms For New Variant That's Now Most Dominant In US COVID-19: Here Are Symptoms For New Variant That's Now Most Dominant In US
Covid-19: Here Are Symptoms For New Variant That's Now Most Dominant In US A new COVID-19 variant has quickly become the most dominant in the nation just as respiratory virus season arrives. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HV.1 now makes up 25.2 percent of COVID cases in the US, just ahead of the EG.5 variant (21.9 percent). The EG.5 strain, known as Eris, was first identified in August. It remains the most prominent strain worldwide at about 46 percent of cases across the globe.  HV.1 was also first identified over the summer but in low numbers. Like EG.5, HV.1 is an offshoot of the highly contag…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Netflix Hikes Prices Ahead Of Holiday Season — Here's What It Will Cost Netflix Hikes Prices Ahead Of Holiday Season — Here's What It Will Cost
Netflix Hikes Prices Ahead Of Holiday Season — Here's What It Will Cost Netflix is raising its prices — again.  The streaming giant announced last month that it would raise rates, and the company made good on that promise Tuesday, Nov. 7, for new subscribers. The hike for existing customers will take effect next month.  Netflix said it would email existing customers soon about the new subscription costs, reports said.  So, what are those prices? The Standard tier — which includes ads — will remain $7 a month. The Basic option will cost $12 a month, and the Premium package will now cost $23 monthly.  That's a $2 rise for the top two t…

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Walmart Unveils Remodeling Of 117 Stores: Here's What's New Walmart Unveils Remodeling Of 117 Stores: Here's What's New
Walmart Unveils Remodeling Of 117 Stores: Here's What's New There's a brand-new look at more than 100 Walmarts nationwide. The discount department store unveiled 117 remodeled stores in 30 states on Friday, Nov. 3, the largest single-day rollout of re-grand openings in the history of the company. Walmart says it's invested over $9 billion in the past two years to upgrade more than 1,400 stores across the country. " Each store is designed to deliver a more modern shopping experience and improve the lives of our associates and customers from the moment they step into the new space," Walmart said in a statement. The fronts of the stores hav…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
'Super' El Niño Could Be Forming: What It Means For Snowfall, Temperatures This Winter 'Super' El Niño Could Be Forming: What It Means For Snowfall, Temperatures This Winter
'Super' El Niño Could Be Forming: What It Means For Snowfall, Temperatures This Winter The presence of El Niño this winter will have a significant impact on the type and frequency of weather to expect, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). El Niño events, which usually form every three to four years, are triggered by warmer surface water in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with warmer water leading to stronger El Niños. In a report released this week, NOAA said "El Niño is anticipated to continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter," with a greater than 95 percent chance through January-March 2024. There's a 30-percent chance, accordin…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
New Tropical Storm Forms In Active Atlantic: Here's Where Katia's Headed New Tropical Storm Forms In Active Atlantic: Here's Where Katia's Headed
New Tropical Storm Forms In Active Atlantic: Here's Where Katia's Headed A brand-new tropical storm has formed amid a flurry of activity in the Atlantic basin. As of 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, the center of Tropical Storm Katia was in the eastern Atlantic, moving toward the northwest at around 9 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center. Maximum sustained winds are around 40 miles per hour with higher gusts.  According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty, Katia is not likely to affect land as a northerly trajectory is likely over the west-central Atlantic. Two other systems -- Franklin and Jose -- dissipated ac…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Mass Named Best Place To Have Baby, But It Will Cost You: Study Mass Named Best Place To Have Baby, But It Will Cost You: Study
Mass Named Best Place To Have Baby, But It Will Cost You: Study Massachusetts residents succumbing to baby fever may have the best birthing experience in the country, although it wasn't all good news for the Bay State, according to a new report. The state was named the ideal place to have a baby in the US in 2023, according to a report from WalletHub. The financial news site looked at the cost of giving birth and access to health care, as well as other factors.  Minnesota and Vermont were number two and three, respectively, in baby birthing metrics. The two states scored only a few points behind Massachusetts's overall rating of 69.31.  …

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by Morgan Gonzales
News
COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC
Covid-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC A summertime uptick in both COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases is being reported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). “After roughly six, seven months of steady declines, things are starting to tick back up again,” said CDC’s COVID incident manager Dr. Brendan Jackson, according to a report by NPR. COVID-hospital admissions during the week ending Saturday, July 22, increased 10.3 percent over the previous week, according to CDC data. In addition, visits to the emergency room were up more than 17 percent and the positive test percentage went up 1.3 perc…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
National Pizza Chain Closes 1 Of 3 Boston Locations For Good National Pizza Chain Closes 1 Of 3 Boston Locations For Good
National Pizza Chain Closes 1 Of 3 Boston Locations For Good A national chain closed one of its six Massachusetts locations, sending fans of its lightning-fast pies to nearby stores. Blaze Pizza, a national pizza chain that offers customizable pizzas from an assembly line, closed its Theatre District location in Boston in late May, according to its website and a storefront sign one customer shared via Google reviews.  The pizzeria did not give an explanation for its closing, but a sign posted on the eatery's storefront pointed customers in the direction of its three nearby locations in Fenway, Cambridge, and Boston University. ✨180 second magi…

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by Morgan Gonzales
Obituaries
'Compassionate' Waltham Man, 22, Dies 1 Block From Home, Family Met With Incredible Generosity 'Compassionate' Waltham Man, 22, Dies 1 Block From Home, Family Met With Incredible Generosity
'Compassionate' Waltham Man, 22, Dies 1 Block From Home, Family Met With Incredible Generosity The community of a young man who died tragically is celebrating the "gift of his life" for the 22 years they had with him.  Shelson Jules, of Waltham, also known as JJ to some, was found suffering from gunshot wounds on Monday, May 22 on Lyman Street in Waltham. The young man was transported to Lahey Hospital where he was pronounced dead, as reported by Daily Voice.  Read more here: ID Released For 22-Year-Old Man Shot, Killed In Waltham: DA In the aftermath of Jules's death, his community rallied together and donated over $15,000 to support his family in only one day. "This tragedy has …

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by Morgan Gonzales
News
COVID-19: ‘Arcturus' Now Labeled A 'Variant Of Interest'; Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: ‘Arcturus' Now Labeled A 'Variant Of Interest'; Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: ‘Arcturus' Now Labeled A 'Variant Of Interest'; Here Are Symptoms A new highly contagious COVID-19 variant that evolved from the Omicron strain has now been labeled "a variant of interest" by the World Health Organization. Arcturus, officially known as XBB.1.16, accounts for 14.6 percent of cases in the US, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) variant tracker. After first being detected in New York in January, cases of XBB.1.16 have now been reported in 33 countries, according to the WHO, as well as 31 states in America. The highest number of Arcturus cases in the US have been reported in New York, New Jersey, and…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Gold Medal Flour Products Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination Gold Medal Flour Products Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination
Gold Medal Flour Products Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination General Mills is recalling Gold Medal flour products after Salmonella has turned up in testing. The company announced on Friday, April 28 a voluntary national recall of 2-, 5- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024.  The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis, which was discovered during sampling of the 5-pound bag product, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
'Major Shift' In Jet Stream Will Lead To Big Change In Weather Pattern Heading Into New Year 'Major Shift' In Jet Stream Will Lead To Big Change In Weather Pattern Heading Into New Year
'Major Shift' In Jet Stream Will Lead To Big Change In Weather Pattern Heading Into New Year Relief is coming following the most bitterly cold stretch of Christmas-time weather in more than 30 years. After continued cold on Monday, Dec. 26, there will be a gradual day-by-day increase in temperatures, leading to a big change in the weather pattern heading into New Year's Eve. "A major shift in the jet stream will occur next week," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. "Instead of a massive dip in the jet stream that allows air from the North Pole to empty into the US, a more west-to-east jet pattern will develop and allow milder air from the Pacific to flow a…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
After The Storm: Bitter Cold For Christmas Eve, Xmas Day Before Big Change In Weather Pattern After The Storm: Bitter Cold For Christmas Eve, Xmas Day Before Big Change In Weather Pattern
After The Storm: Bitter Cold For Christmas Eve, Xmas Day Before Big Change In Weather Pattern Let's hope Santa Claus is wearing an extra pair -- or two -- of long johns. That's because Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be the coldest in decades. A powerful, massive storm that brought a mix of heavy rain, damaging winds, sleet, and snow, has now moved off the coast, but the passage of a cold front accompanying the system has led to a dramatic dip in temperatures. The wind-chill factor on Christmas Eve on Saturday morning, Dec. 24 is below zero degrees in most of the region. After a sunny start, clouds will increase during the day, but the high temperature will only be in the mid…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Mass Man Who Made Millions Manipulating Stocks Must Repay Money, Serve House Arrest: Feds Mass Man Who Made Millions Manipulating Stocks Must Repay Money, Serve House Arrest: Feds
Mass Man Who Made Millions Manipulating Stocks Must Repay Money, Serve House Arrest: Feds A Chinese national who lives in Weymouth that investigators said led a group of traders accused of making more than $37 million through a stock manipulation scheme must repay the money he bilked, federal authorities announced.  Jiali Wang, 44, was sentenced this week to time served (three months in prison) and nine months of house arrest, and he must forfeit $7.75 million in illicit proceeds from the scam after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud earlier this year, the US Attorney's Office said.  The Security and Exchanges Commission alleged that Wang led 17…

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire
Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire Ford is recalling hundreds of thousands of SUVs that could potentially have a faulty fuel injector that could lead to fuel spills or potentially leak vapors onto hot engines, posing a fire hazard. The motor company announced a recall of nearly 650,000 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs that were produced between 2020 and 2023 with 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engines, according to officials. Of the 650,000 vehicles subject to the recall worldwide, approximately 520,000 were reportedly sold in the US. According to officials, Ford is not advising consumers to stop driving the vehicles, and the …

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by Zak Failla
Business
Amazon Plans To Lay Off Around 10,000 Employees, Report Says Amazon Plans To Lay Off Around 10,000 Employees, Report Says
Amazon Plans To Lay Off Around 10,000 Employees, Report Says A week before the holiday shopping season officially kicks off, Amazon is set to begin laying off approximately 10,000 corporate and technology employees, The New York Times reports. Job cuts at the online retail giant were expected to start the week of Monday, Nov. 14, and will primarily affect Amazon’s retail, devices, and human resources divisions, according to the outlet. The largest in its history, the layoffs would impact 1 percent of the company’s global workforce and 3 percent of its corporate employees. It follows several other cost-cutting moves that CEO Andy Jassy has implemente…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Price Rewind: ALDI Begins Offering Thanksgiving Favorites At 2019 Prices Price Rewind: ALDI Begins Offering Thanksgiving Favorites At 2019 Prices
Price Rewind: Aldi Begins Offering Thanksgiving Favorites At 2019 Prices Supermarket chain ALDI is now offering discounts on a variety of Thanksgiving favorites by matching prices from 2019. The Thanksgiving Price Rewind began on Wednesday, Nov. 2, with discounts of up to 30 percent on certain appetizers, desserts, sides, and beverages. ALDI said shoppers can find the discounted items by looking for the "Thanksgiving Price Rewind" icon throughout the store. “Providing amazing products at the absolute lowest prices is what we’ve always done, and we know right now that’s more important than ever,” said Dave Rinaldo, president of ALDI US. “We expect to welcom…

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by Nicole Valinote
Neighbors
Massachusetts Has 2 Of the Top 20 Places To Live In America: Report Massachusetts Has 2 Of the Top 20 Places To Live In America: Report
Massachusetts Has 2 Of the Top 20 Places To Live In America: Report Massachusetts had two municipalities named to this year's best places to live in the US list. Money.com compiles the cities and towns that have "things that matter most to people: economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity, and where the best futures lie." Somerville ranked 7th on the annual list because of its low unemployment rate (2.8 percent), high median income (more than $104,000), and old-town aesthetics. But it also scored points for embracing the weirder aspects of its history with the What the Fluff? festival and Museum of Bad Art.  "(Somerville) claims some of t…

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by Josh Lanier
Weather
Hurricane Ian Nears Category 5 Status As It Takes Aim On US, Projected Path Changes Hurricane Ian Nears Category 5 Status As It Takes Aim On US, Projected Path Changes
Hurricane Ian Nears Category 5 Status As It Takes Aim On US, Projected Path Changes Ian has strengthened to Category 4 hurricane status and its projected path has changed as it nears a direct hit on the southwest Florida coast with the potential to be one of the most devastating and costly storms in US history. Early Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, the center of Ian is now heading straight to the Fort Myers/Sarasota, Florida area, a notable shift in the path to the south southeast after early path projections had its track moving farther north toward Tampa and St.Petersburg. It is about 65 miles west-southwest of Naples, Florida at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Brand-New Girl Scout Cookie Set To Launch: Here's What It Looks, Tastes Like Brand-New Girl Scout Cookie Set To Launch: Here's What It Looks, Tastes Like
Brand-New Girl Scout Cookie Set To Launch: Here's What It Looks, Tastes Like Girl Scout cookie season may be several months away, but excitement is already building over the newest addition to the cookie lineup. Starting in 2023, Girl Scouts of the USA announced it will offer the Raspberry Rally as an online-exclusive cookie. “This thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in chocolaty coating is sure to become a new favorite,” the organization said. “Some may even say it’s the sister cookie to the beloved Thin Mints.” The berry is out of the box! Meet Raspberry Rally™. 💖 A thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in... …

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Nationwide Recall Issued For Soup Product Due To Misbranding, Undeclared Allergen Nationwide Recall Issued For Soup Product Due To Misbranding, Undeclared Allergen
Nationwide Recall Issued For Soup Product Due To Misbranding, Undeclared Allergen A company recalled thousands of pounds of soup mix products because they contain an undeclared allergen. MSI Express Inc. recalled about 16,498 pounds of chicken and rice soup mix products because they contain undeclared milk, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Wednesday, July 20. The recall includes the company's "Knorr Professional Soup Du Jour Red Thai Style Curry Chicken With Rice Soup Mix" with a Best By date of Jan. 19, 2024, for products distributed in the US, FSIS said.  The recalled soup mix products come …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists COVID-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists
Covid-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists More people are contracting the Omicron strain of COVID-19 multiple times in quicker sequences compared to other subvariants, and a newly emerging mutant of the strain is sparking concerns among scientists. The BA.5 strain is now the most dominant COVID variant in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  A new mutation of the Omicron strain -- identified as BA.2.75 -- is being described as perhaps the most contagious yet. "Previous infections from Omicron are not giving us the same antibody protection against the newer variants," Dr. Alok Patel of St…

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by Joe Lombardi