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News
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
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 …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
'Making Waves': Great Wolf Lodge Sets Opening Date For $300M Resort Near CT Casino 'Making Waves': Great Wolf Lodge Sets Opening Date For $300M Resort Near CT Casino
'Making Waves': Great Wolf Lodge Sets Opening Date For $300M Resort Near CT Casino A new indoor water park near Foxwoods Resort Casino has set a date for when families can start enjoying splash-filled adventures. Great Wolf Lodge Mashantucket, a 92,000-square-foot park on 13 acres next to Foxwoods, will open on Friday, May 23, Great Wolf Resorts said. The $300 million resort is part of a partnership with the Pequot tribe, promising year-round indoor water fun and family-friendly attractions. Foxwoods posted an Instagram video, giving a sneak peek of the park's progress on Tuesday, Jan. 14. "🌊🐺 Making waves with our newest addition!" said Foxwoods. "We're t…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Crafting Trouble: Joann Declares Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 12 Months Crafting Trouble: Joann Declares Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 12 Months
Crafting Trouble: Joann Declares Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 12 Months Arts and crafts retailer Joann is declaring bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year, officials said. Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Delaware court, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The chain known for sewing and other craft materials said the move will help facilitate a sale to maximize the business's value. Interim CEO Michael Prendergast said the bankruptcy declaration was necessary despite the chain's efforts to drastically improve its financial health. "Since becoming a private company in April [2024], the Board and management team h…

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by Chris Spiker
Weather
Back-To-Back Winter Storms Taking Aim On Northeast: Here's Latest Back-To-Back Winter Storms Taking Aim On Northeast: Here's Latest
Back-To-Back Winter Storms Taking Aim On Northeast: Here's Latest Back-to-back storm threats are on target for the Northeast in the coming days. New Update: First Snowfall Projections Released For New Winter Storm -  Up To Half-Foot Predicted In These Spots The first system will move from the west to the east, bringing a mix of rain, sleet, and snow Friday night, Jan. 17 into Saturday, Jan. 18. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) More widespread wintry travel possible from a separate system Sunday night, Jan. 19 into Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20.  It will range from the coastal to the interior Southeast. (Click on …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Jan. 14 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $95M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Jan. 14 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $95M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Jan. 14 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $95M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday Mega Millions drawing with a recently reset jackpot. The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Jan. 14 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $95 million, with an estimated cash option of $41.3 million, a far cry from the $1.22 billion prize that was won by a California resident late last month. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 04-14-35-49-62 with a Mega Ball of 06 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds
Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds A Massachusetts man accused of playing a leading role in a dangerous drug trafficking conspiracy was arrested inside a local residence after evading authorities for nearly four years, federal authorities said.  Darasy Chhim, 39, also known by the aliases "Mystickal" and "Rizzus," was taken into custody on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, fentanyl, MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to federal prosecutors, Chhim has been wanted since June 2021, when he was indicted alongside 14 co-conspirators. Authorities allege …

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by Josh Lanier
News
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 …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Newly Minted Millionaire: Leominster Winner Has Big Plans For $2.5M Lottery Payday Newly Minted Millionaire: Leominster Winner Has Big Plans For $2.5M Lottery Payday
Newly Minted Millionaire: Leominster 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. 

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta will cut thousands of employees in the latest move for the controversial company that owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram, according to reports. An internal memo sent to Meta workers said five percent of low-performing employees will be terminated, Bloomberg News reported. The company that also owns WhatsApp and Threads has more than 72,000 employees, according to Meta's most recent quarterly report. A five-percent reduction would mean about 3,600 people could lose their jobs. "I've decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
Mass Rocker Dies Suddenly; Band, Friends Rally To Raise Thousands Mass Rocker Dies Suddenly; Band, Friends Rally To Raise Thousands
Mass Rocker Dies Suddenly; Band, Friends Rally To Raise Thousands The Massachusetts music community is mourning the sudden loss of a 28-year-old rising musician and mentor whose impact reached far beyond his hometown.  Owen P. Leahy, of Reading, died on Jan. 6, according to an online obituary. A graduate of Northshore Recovery High School, he was a carpenter by trade, a photographer by passion, and a musician as the co-founder and bass player of the DIY emo band This Is Pointless. Leahy’s decade-long sobriety was a cornerstone of his life, and he was deeply involved in the recovery community as a mentor and advocate. Described as having a contagious …

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by Josh Lanier