Rise In Dementia Cases Linked To One Of Americans' Favorite Foods, Harvard Study Says Rise In Dementia Cases Linked To One Of Americans' Favorite Foods, Harvard Study Says
Rise In Dementia Cases Linked To One Of Americans' Favorite Foods, Harvard Study Says A rise in dementia cases could be linked to Americans' appetite for one of its favorite foods.  Findings suggest that rising dementia cases in the US may be linked to a preference for meats.  A study in Neurology by researchers from Mass General Brigham and Harvard indicates that diets high in processed red meats — like bacon, hot dogs, and sausage — were associated with a 13 percent increased risk of developing dementia. The research analyzed data from 133,771 participants, averaging 49 years old, over a follow-up period of up to 43 years.  Among them, 11,173 developed dem…
Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal
Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage-release deal after 15 months of war, according to multiple reports, citing senior sources in the White House. Around 30 hostages are expected to be released in the initial phase of the agreement, according to CNN.  There are seven Americans being held, two of whom are expected to be free in the first phase, according to Axios. Hundreds of incarcerated Palestinians being held by Israel are expected to be released in the initial phase, CNN reports. It's unclear when the ceasefire will start. The agreement, reached on Wednes…
FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods
FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods The Food and Drug Administration has officially banned Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives certain foods their vivid cherry-red hue, due to cancer concerns in lab animals. The FDA revoked the authorization for the coloring's use in food products, oral drugs, and dietary supplements, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Manufacturers have until Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, to remove Red Dye 3 from food products and Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2028, for drugs. Products made before these deadlines may still appear on shelves if they were manufactured before …
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know A highly contagious strain of norovirus, GII.17, is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueling an unusually high number of outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts Record Outbreaks: The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December, the highest for this time of year in recent history. Dominant Strain: GII.17 accounts for nearly 70 percent of US cases and has driven a similar surge in Britain. Foodborne Threats: Contaminated oysters from a Los Angeles event sickened at least 80 people. Recall…
IRS Sending $2.4B In Unclaimed Stimulus Payments: Here's Who's Eligible IRS Sending $2.4B In Unclaimed Stimulus Payments: Here's Who's Eligible
IRS Sending $2.4B In Unclaimed Stimulus Payments: Here's Who's Eligible Around $2.4 billion in automatic payments will be issued to nearly one million taxpayers, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The agency said they will go to those who missed out on claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.  These payments, with a maximum of $1,400 per individual, aim to ensure eligible Americans receive money they may have overlooked when filing their tax returns. Automatic Payments, Eligibility No action is required for eligible taxpayers to receive the payments, which will be issued automatically.  The funds, based on IRS data, will be sent via …
Newly Minted Millionaire: Central Mass Winner Has Big Plans For $2.5M Lottery Payday Newly Minted Millionaire: Central Mass Winner Has Big Plans For $2.5M Lottery Payday
Newly Minted Millionaire: Central Mass Winner Has Big Plans For $2.5M Lottery Payday A Massachusetts man said he plans to travel and buy a new car after he won a $2.5 million jackpot in the state lottery.  Kirk Phinney, of Leominster, won the seven-figure sum playing the “$2,500,000 Merry & Bright,” a  $10 holiday-themed scratch-off game. Related: Holbrook Woman Plans To Live Out Lottery Winners' Dream Phinney elected to take the annuity payments of $125,000 (before taxes) a year for 20 years.  He bought the ticket at Quick Stop Liquor, 531 N Main St. in Leominster. The store will receive a $25,000 bonus for the sale. 
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease The Food and Drug Administration has proposed moving nutrition labels to the front of most packaged foods, aiming to help consumers make healthier choices, officials said. The FDA officially unveiled its proposal requiring front-of-package nutrition labels, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This effort is part of a broader strategy to combat chronic diseases, which affect about 60 percent of Americans and account for $4.5 trillion in annual health care costs. The proposed "nutrition info box" would display saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content i…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says
Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says It turns out the human ear got off to a fishy start. Literally. A fascinating new study reveals that the mammalian outer ear has its evolutionary roots in the gills of ancient fish.  This surprising discovery sheds light on how structures can adapt over millions of years to serve entirely new functions. Published in Nature by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the study connects the elastic cartilage in mammalian ears to the same rare tissue found in fish gills.  To explore this link, scientists used gene enhancers — DNA sequences that control tissue development.…
MA Named Best State For Raising Families In New Study: Find Out Why MA Named Best State For Raising Families In New Study: Find Out Why
MA Named Best State For Raising Families In New Study: Find Out Why Massachusetts leads the U.S. as a place for raising families and two other Northeast states are among the nation's best, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of best and worst states to raise a family on Monday, Jan. 13. The personal finance website ranked each state on family-friendliness, evaluating factors like housing affordability, healthcare quality, job security, and education. Massachusetts claimed the top spot, excelling in education and healthcare. The state boasts the nation’s best public schools, the highest rate of children with health insurance, and …
Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It
Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It A celestial event 160,000 years in the making will grace the night sky this week, as Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) makes its rare appearance.  Expected to be the brightest comet in nearly 20 years, it could shine as brightly as the planet Venus, offering a spectacular sight for skywatchers. Until now, the comet has only been visible in the Southern Hemisphere. However, stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, including those in the US and Europe, will get their chance to view it as it travels back toward the Sun. The best time to catch a glimpse of the comet is around half an hour before sunr…
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
Ex-Mass Cop Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds Ex-Mass Cop Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds
Ex-Mass Cop Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds If you bought a luxury watch from a Massachusetts police officer for a steal, you may have been duped. That’s what former cop Klevis Nako, 24, admitted to in a Connecticut federal court this week, according to federal authorities. Nako was convicted of conspiracy to sell counterfeit goods after he imported fake designer watches from China and sold them across the U.S. through Instagram and Facebook, the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut said. He has been sentenced to 60 days in federal prison, authorities said. His operation unraveled after federal agents intercepted dozens of shipments and con…
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms The future of TikTok in the United States is facing a critical juncture as the Supreme Court deliberates on whether to delay a looming ban on the popular video-sharing app. On Friday morning, Jan. 10, the Court heard oral arguments regarding the Biden administration's law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance to separate from TikTok, and whether or not it's in violation of the First Amendment. ByteDance, which is headquartered in China, has until Jan. 19 to separate from the video-sharing app under the law passed last year over national security concerns. Noel Francisco argued on be…
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know A virus causing cold-like symptoms is making its seasonal rounds, and health officials are urging everyone to take preventive measures.  With no vaccines or specific treatments currently available, vigilance is key to avoiding infection of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is key. HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic, usually causes symptoms similar to a cold, such as coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat.  However, certain groups—young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe complications, including lung infe…
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes 'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes As wind-whipped wild fires spreading over thousands of acres ravage Los Angeles, many have shared their devastating experiences on social media, including a host of celebrities. The first blaze erupted late Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood.  Since then, hundreds of homes have been reduced to ashes, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and thousands evacuated. Over 1,000 structures and 25,000 acres have been destroyed. Panicked motorists abandoned vehicles in streets as they rushed to flee the inferno in apocalyptic scenes that seemed like something in…
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday. Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .  He has been covering his hometown community since 2006. Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided. "We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, Cfpb Says About 15 million Americans will see their credit reports cleared of medical debt under a new rule approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has finalized a landmark rule that removes $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, the bureau said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The regulation also prohibits lenders from using medical information in lending decisions when evaluating loan applications. The rule is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable the approval of 22,000 additional mortgages annually. "People …
MA Leads Nation In Cancer Research: The Hub Of Hope For Breakthroughs MA Leads Nation In Cancer Research: The Hub Of Hope For Breakthroughs
MA Leads Nation In Cancer Research: The Hub Of Hope For Breakthroughs Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport 2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport Two unidentified bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport late Monday night, Jan. 6.  The airline confirmed the news in a statement released on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, noting that the bodies were discovered during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection. "At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue said. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working c…
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections against offshore oil and gas drilling along key US coastlines, including the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. President Biden has taken decisive action to protect about 625 million acres along the U.S. coastlines from the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling, according to a White House statement on Monday, Jan. 6.  The move withdraws areas along the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future drilling, citing potential environmental, economic, and public …
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works Driving in New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll now be paying for it. New York City has become the first city in the nation to implement a congestion pricing plan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas while funding crucial public transit improvements. This plan went into effect on Sunday, January 5. It seeks to lower traffic congestion, improve air quality, and finance important upgrades to public transportation. Key Details of the Plan Toll Rates: Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll starti…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Jeff Baena, a director and screenwriter married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead in his Los Angeles home, Fox News reports. He was 47 years old. Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on projects. She starred in Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017), both written by Baena. He also directed Spin Me Round, which featured Plaza (Parks & Rec, White Lots) in a leading role. Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU. Plaza also attended NYU, however, it is not clear how they met. The two reportedly began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in 2020. The couple was …
NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack
NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Chestnut Hill College and Holmdel High School are mourning the loss of alumnus Billy DiMaio ’22, a standout lacrosse captain and respected community leader, who was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday, Jan. 1. DiMaio, 24, of Holmdel, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. As captain of the college’s lacrosse team in his senior year, he was known for his leadership, determination, and positive influence on teammates and peers. Posted by Billy Dimaio on Monday, July 31, 2023 "We are devastat…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, along with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, and Pirates Pitcher Bubba Chandler were in New Orleans hours before the deadly pickup truck attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Dunne, a native of Bergen County, New Jersey, shared photos on social media of herself, Skenes, and Chandler enjoying the New Orleans nightlife. In one image, the group is seen inside a bar, smiling and seemingly enjoying their evening. Shortly after, Dunne posted another photo of New Orleans with a broken heart emoji, indicating h…
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Jeremi Sensky, a 51-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, survived the New Orleans attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1, despite being struck by the vehicle and suffering severe injuries. Sensky, who uses a wheelchair, was struck by the pickup truck during the attack in the French Quarter, breaking both legs and ejecting him from his chair, his daughter Heaven Sensky Kirsch told Daily Voice on Thursday, Jan. 2. “By the grace of God, he is alive,” Heaven said. “He’s currently in surgery. I want people to know my dad is alive, full of life, resilient, and I’m sure he’l…