New Englander Linda Lavin, 'Alice' Star Dies, 87 New Englander Linda Lavin, 'Alice' Star Dies, 87
New Englander Linda Lavin, 'Alice' Star Dies, 87 Linda Lavin, the two-time Golden Globe winner and Emmy-nominated actress whose career spanned six decades on stage and screen, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 87, according to The New York Times. Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin studied acting at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she was deeply involved in the theater program. Her career took off with her iconic role as Alice Hyatt on the hit TV series "Alice," which earned her two Golden Globes and cemented her as a household name. A force on Broadway, Lavin captivated audiences with performances in multiple …
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots has announced a major development following its September bankruptcy filing. The discount retail chain says it's entered a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to preserve the brand, save thousands of jobs, and keep hundreds of stores open. Variety Wholesalers, known for its portfolio of retail brands, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, along with up to two distribution centers. There are about 1,400 Big Lots stores nationwide. The transition ensures Big Lots can transfer key assets and maintain continuity of its br…
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The start of the New Year will bring a big change in the weather pattern with the return of wintry weather. The shift will come after a New Year's Eve storm system that will bring rain, some of which will be heavy at times late Tuesday night, Dec. 31 into the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to the National Weather Service. "The first exploits of colder air will begin during the middle and latter part of next week in the wake of a storm that transitions the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025," according to AccuWeather. "But then, as the jet stream dip…
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…
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 The longest living president in US history, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100. The death of the 39th chief executive was announced by the Carter Center. He died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29 at his residence in his lifelong hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was born in October 1924. James Earl Carter Jr., was the first ex-president to reach the age of 100. Carter, then the Democratic governor of Georgia who had worked as a peanut farmer, defeated Gerald Ford in the 1976 race, the first presidential election after Richard Nixon's resignation in August 1974 following the Watergate af…
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm The start of the New Year will be a super soaker for many, including revelers in New York City for the traditional countdown and drop of the ball in Times Square. Click here for a new, updated story - 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The storm, which AccuWeather meteorologists call “a trouble-making setup for the Northeast,” will occur from Tuesday night, Dec. 31, into around noontime on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. “That brewing storm will likely bring drenching rain from North Carolina to Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland…
Charles Dolan, Cable TV Pioneer Who Founded HBO, Dies Charles Dolan, Cable TV Pioneer Who Founded HBO, Dies
Charles Dolan, Cable TV Pioneer Who Founded HBO, Dies Charles Francis Dolan, a pioneer in the cable television industry and founder of HBO and Cablevision, died at 98. Dolan died Thursday, Dec. 28, of natural causes. Born Oct. 16, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career producing and distributing sports and industrial films. In the early 1960s, he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, the first company to wire buildings for cable access in New York City. This led to exclusive deals with teams like the New York Knicks and Rangers. In 1972, he launched HBO, the first premium cable channel, changing television by offering uncut movies and …
Mary Tyler Moore's New England Mansion Sees $5M Price Cut After Over Year On Market Mary Tyler Moore's New England Mansion Sees $5M Price Cut After Over Year On Market
Mary Tyler Moore's New England Mansion Sees $5M Price Cut After Over Year On Market A nearly 125-year-old Connecticut mansion, once owned by one of TV's most enduring and important stars, remains unsold after more than a year on the market.  The estate combines old-world charm with modern amenities chosen by a woman "who could turn the world on with her smile." The 13,000-square-foot Georgian colonial in Fairfield County, located at 10 Cliffdale Road in Greenwich, sits on seven acres of rolling hills and was once owned by the late Mary Tyler Moore and her husband, Dr. S. Robert Levine. Mary Tyler Moore's former Greenwich mansion features a door as red as her h…
$1M Lottery Jackpot: Malden Man Has Big Plans For Major Win $1M Lottery Jackpot: Malden Man Has Big Plans For Major Win
$1M Lottery Jackpot: Malden Man Has Big Plans For Major Win A Malden man had a very lucky week playing the Massachusetts State Lottery.  Andrew Carr won $1 million playing the “$4,000,000 Bonus Money" game, a $10 scratch-off ticket.  He chose to take the lump sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity. He plans to invest that money for his future.  Carr bought the ticket at Dandea’s Superette at 790 Main St. in Malden. The store will get a $10,000 bonus for the sale.
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Federal authorities have issued a nationwide warning after the recall of a popular candy bar. Gardners Candies, based in Tyrone, PA, has voluntarily recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway Bars due to undeclared tree nuts (cashews), posing a serious risk to those with allergies. What to Know: Affected Products: 1.25-ounce packages of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars. Distribution: Sold across the country through retail stores and mail orders starting Sunday, Sept. 1. Packaging: The bars are in white plastic wrappers marked with lot #082725 and an expiration date of Aug. 27, 2025. They can also be found …
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch
Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch Stargazers are in for a rare celestial treat as a Black Moon graces the skies, offering perfect conditions for night-sky observation.  This event occurs when two new moons fall within a single calendar month, with the second earning the “Black Moon” designation. The phenomenon will take place on Monday, Dec. 30, enhancing the darkness of the night sky as the moon becomes invisible during its new phase.  The best time to enjoy this darker sky is anytime after sunset, when the sky is fully dark.  With no lunar light, stars, constellations, and planets will shine more vividly,…
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 27 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1.15 billion (with a B) and a $516.1 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-07-37-49-55 with a Mega Ball of 06 and a Megaplier of 3X. If won at that level, the jackpot would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, according to the Lottery officials. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday,…
Lucky Salem Lottery Winner Earns $25K A Year For Life Lucky Salem Lottery Winner Earns $25K A Year For Life
Lucky Salem Lottery Winner Earns $25K A Year For Life A Massachusetts woman claimed a yearly prize that will keep on giving.  Felicia Linton, of Salem, won the multi-state $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on her Quic Pic ticket matched those selected in the Dec. 15 drawing. Linton claimed her prize Thursday, December 26 at Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters in Dorchester. She chose the cash option and received a one-time payment of $390,000 (before taxes). She said she plans to invest her winnings. Linton bought her winning ticket at Nicole’s Food Store, 406 Essex St. in Sal…
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Greg Gumbel, a distinguished sports broadcaster renowned for his extensive career with CBS Sports, has died at the age of 78. A cause of death has not yet been released. Gumbel's career spanned several decades, during which he became a familiar and trusted voice in American sports broadcasting.  He was particularly known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for NFL games and as the studio host for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. His calm demeanor and professionalism endeared him to colleagues and audiences alike. Gumbel's contributions to sports broadcasting were significan…
DUI Lowell Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 CT Hit-Run Crash: State Police DUI Lowell Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 CT Hit-Run Crash: State Police
DUI Lowell Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 CT Hit-Run Crash: State Police A Massachusetts woman was intoxicated and had two babies and another adult in the vehicle when police say she caused a crash and then fled the scene on I-84 in Connecticut on Christmas. Pheak Si, 40, of Lowell, was behind the wheel of a purple Honda Accord when she struck a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of I-84 in Vernon then continued east near Exit 67 around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, Connecticut State Police said. Troopers found the vehicle driving erratically near Exit 72, and failing to stay in its lane, police said. They conducted a motor vehicle stop and identified the driver as …
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…
18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft  On Worldwide Stage 18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft  On Worldwide Stage
18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft On Worldwide Stage A native New Yorker projected to be the first pick in this year's National Hockey League is displaying his talents on a worldwide stage. Long Island resident James Hagens had two goals and two assists on Thursday, Dec. 26 as Team USA opened play at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships with a 10-4 win over Germany in front of over 13,000 fans in Ottawa, Ontario. Hagens' second goal, which he fired in from the slot, gave Team USA a 4-2 lead with six minutes to go in the second period. Hagens, who plays center, had the primary assist on the team's sec…
Mass Man Gunned Down Outside Apartments ID'd As 45-Year-Old Mass Man Gunned Down Outside Apartments ID'd As 45-Year-Old
Mass Man Gunned Down Outside Apartments ID'd As 45-Year-Old A man who was shot multiple times outside of an apartment complex in Norfolk County earlier this month has been identified as a 45-year-old Brockton man, authorities said.  Tremalle Clark was shot repeatedly at 112 Longmeadow Drive in Holbrook on December 6, the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said. Paramedics rushed him to Boston Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.  The investigation into the fatal shooting continues. Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to call Holbrook Police or the Massachusetts State Police Homicide Unit…
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Homebuyers are increasingly considering political leanings when choosing neighborhoods, according to a brand-new report.  Real estate agents note that clients prioritize communities aligning with their political views, seeking compatibility beyond traditional factors like schools and safety, the Axios story says. This trend may lead to more politically homogeneous neighborhoods, potentially impacting local governance and community interactions. Additionally, new real estate platforms, such as Oyssey, provide insights into neighborhood political affiliations, further enabling buyers to…
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List The East Coast is well-represented on Yelp's just-released rankings of the best new restaurants in 2024. "For this list, the data team analyzed business rating and review volume for restaurants opened in the last 18 months," Yelp said. NY Well-Represented Leading the pack is Mēdüzā Mediterrania, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.  This top-ranked eatery specializes in “Mezze” dishes, which are typically served as appetizers or light meals in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines.  The menu is crafted for sharing and features a delightful variety of f…
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook The arrival of an unsettled weather pattern at the end of this week will bring a storm system that could deliver snow as the new year begins. Current long-range models indicate that the potential snowmaker may arrive on Wednesday, Jan. 1. If it arrives overnight, we could see accumulating snowfall. However, with daytime temperatures expected to be in the 40s, any snow during the day may mix with rain, or precipitation could be entirely rain. There’s also a chance for a wintry mix or snow on Thursday, Jan. 2. Before this unsettled weather begins, expect dry conditions from Christmas Day, W…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot It may be a merry Christmas for lucky Lottery players looking for a $1 billion jackpot under the tree. The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 24 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1 billion with a $448.8 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 11-14-38-45-46 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chan…
Naughty List: 8 Santas Busted During NJ SantaCon Over Fights, Crashes, Chaos Naughty List: 8 Santas Busted During NJ SantaCon Over Fights, Crashes, Chaos
Naughty List: 8 Santas Busted During NJ SantaCon Over Fights, Crashes, Chaos Some people attending SantaCon 2024 in Hoboken, including several from out of state, couldn't help but end up on the naughty list. Hoboken police said eight people were arrested at the annual event on Saturday, Dec. 21, where people dress up as Santa Claus for a bar crawl, a spinoff of the popular event held every year in New York City (scroll down for details).  Overall, police issued 16 traffic summonses, dealt with 13 fights, and responded to three motor vehicle crashes, police said. Last year saw only two arrests. Those arrested this year were: 21-year-old Derek Nolan, 21 of Sad…
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised its recall alert for a brand of eggs to the highest level due to potential Salmonella contamination, which could lead to severe health risks or even death. The brand, Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, were sold at Costco. This follows a voluntary recall initiated by New York City-based manufacturer Handsome Brook Farms in late November. Earlier Report: Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination The affected eggs, bearing UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2…
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Two of the world's biggest automakers may soon become one. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss a potential merger aimed at revolutionizing the future of mobility and electrification.  Announced on Monday, Dec. 23, the goal is to establish a joint holding company that could significantly impact the automotive landscape, and potentially make the combined corporation the world's third-largest auto manufacturer. The merger aims to accelerate initiatives for carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities by pooling reso…
$944M Christmas Eve Miracle? Major Mega Millions Jackpot Eyed Across America $944M Christmas Eve Miracle? Major Mega Millions Jackpot Eyed Across America
$944M Christmas Eve Miracle? Major Mega Millions Jackpot Eyed Across America Some Lottery players are hopeful that Santa leaves a $944 million present under the Christmas tree this year. The Mega Millions jackpot is wrapping up the holiday season with a jaw-dropping prize estimated at $944 million - with a $429.4 million cash option - for the drawing on Tuesday, Dec. 24, making it the seventh-largest jackpot in the game’s history, just in time to pay off some holiday bills. No ticket hit the jackpot in Friday night’s drawing, and now, the odds-defying prize could make someone’s holiday dreams come true.  Two of the top 10 largest Mega Millions jackpots ever hi…
Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States
Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States A Starbucks workers' strike, which began in select stores, has expanded to nine states as employees push for better wages and working conditions during the holiday rush. The strike, led by Starbucks Workers United, demands higher pay and improved staffing to address what employees describe as chronic understaffing during peak hours.  Workers at dozens of stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania joined the strike over the weekend. Starbucks has a total of about 16,000 stores in the US and around 35,000 worldwide. Over the weekend, picket lines formed at high-traffic stores in N…
Brockton Firefighter, Father Of 2, Dies After Suffering Heart Attack While Responding To Call Brockton Firefighter, Father Of 2, Dies After Suffering Heart Attack While Responding To Call
Brockton Firefighter, Father Of 2, Dies After Suffering Heart Attack While Responding To Call The Brockton Fire Department has lost one of its own.  Firefighter Jeffrey Albanese, a 24-year veteran with the department, husband, and father of two died on Saturday, Dec. 21, authorities said on Sunday.  Albanese suffered a heart attack while responding to a call on Dec. 9. Fellow firefighters resuscitated him and rushed him to Signature Brockton Hospital. He was later transferred to Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston, where he died over the weekend.  Outpouring of grief as Brockton Firefighter Jeffrey Albanese is brought home. Posted by Marc Vasconcellos …