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7-Eleven To Close Hundreds Of Stores 7-Eleven To Close Hundreds Of Stores
7-Eleven To Close Hundreds Of Stores Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is closing hundreds of stores in North America. Parent company Seven & I Holdings said that the 444 locations were “underperforming.” They make up about 3 percent of 7-Eleven's total of around 13,000 outlets in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Specific sites of the stores have not yet been released. In announcing the closures, the company said that 7-Eleven stores saw a 7.3 percent decline in traffic in August, saying a "pullback in consumer spending has persisted beyond prior expectations" that has affected store traffic and sales growth "as consu…
Red Lobster Revival? Restaurant Chain Exits Bankruptcy With $60M In Funding, New CEO Red Lobster Revival? Restaurant Chain Exits Bankruptcy With $60M In Funding, New CEO
Red Lobster Revival? Restaurant Chain Exits Bankruptcy With $60M In Funding, New CEO Four months after its Chapter 11 filing, restaurant chain Red Lobster says it has exited bankruptcy led by new management. The company announced on Monday, Sept. 16 that it's been acquired by lender group RL Investor Holdings with $60 million in new funding backed by Fortress Investment Group. Damola Adamolekun, former chief executive officer at Asian fusion casual dining chain P.F. Chang’s, is now running Red Lobster. The move comes after the chain, founded in 1968, abruptly closed dozens of locations earlier this year. It still has 544 locations across 44 US states and four provinces in…
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents'
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Millions of teenage Instagram users are being forced into private accounts with enhanced security features aimed at limiting their exposure to harmful content. Meta, the social media platform’s parent company, unveiled its “Teen Accounts” feature on Tuesday, Sept. 17, automatically placing anyone under the age of 18 into a default private account. Teens with a private account must accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their contact or interact with them. It also comes with strict messaging settings, making it so they can only receive messages from people they foll…
Blue Supermoon: What You Need To Know About Rare Lunar Event Blue Supermoon: What You Need To Know About Rare Lunar Event
Blue Supermoon: What You Need To Know About Rare Lunar Event There's an out-of-this-world lunar event set to begin this week.  From Monday, Aug. 19, through Wednesday, Aug. 21, the moon will appear bigger and brighter in the night sky than normal. It's called the supermoon. It's the first one of the year, but that's not why this one is special.  A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and closest to Earth in its orbit, according to NASA. That closeness makes the rocky satellite appear 15 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter.  What makes August's supermoon so unique is that it's a blue moon. No, the light of the moon won't change co…
'Ketamine Queen' Linked To Death Of 'Friends' Star, Berkshire Co.-Native Matthew Perry: Report 'Ketamine Queen' Linked To Death Of 'Friends' Star, Berkshire Co.-Native Matthew Perry: Report
'Ketamine Queen' Linked To Death Of 'Friends' Star, Berkshire Co.-Native Matthew Perry: Report Police have arrested multiple people in connection with the death of former Hollywood superstar Matthew Perry, including two doctors, authorities said.  The "Friends" star was found face down in a pool at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28, 2023. The medical examiner blamed his death on the acute effects of ketamine, an anesthetic with psychedelic properties.  Related: Hollywood Mourns Death Of Matthew Perry On Thursday, Aug. 15, investigators announced they had connected five people to Perry's death, the US Attorney for the Central District of California.  Those include his a…
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada The Costco Wholesale Corporation has announced membership hikes in the US and Canada for the first time in seven years, according to a news release by the company issued on Wednesday, July 10.  Costco opened the release sharing a June sales growth in the US of 5.6%, which is higher than the past 44 weeks of just 4.4%, the company experienced a decrease in revenue internationally.  On the heels of sharing that news, the company made the announcement about raising the membership fees in both the US and Canada beginning Sept. 1.  Annual memberships are rising $5 making them $65…
Red Lobster Files For Bankruptcy After Abruptly Closing Dozens Of Restaurants Red Lobster Files For Bankruptcy After Abruptly Closing Dozens Of Restaurants
Red Lobster Files For Bankruptcy After Abruptly Closing Dozens Of Restaurants Red Lobster has filed for bankruptcy just days after closing dozens of its restaurants. In its bankruptcy petition filed on Sunday, May 19, the company listed assets of $1 billion and liabilities of $10 billion. The filing stated that the company "intends to use the proceedings to drive operational improvements, simplify the business through a reduction in locations, and pursue a sale of substantially all of its assets as a going concern." The company said restaurants not listed as "temporarily closed" on its website will remain "open and operating as usual during the Chapter 11 process."…
How Sweet: Mass Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl How Sweet: Mass Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl
How Sweet: Mass Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl Forget the apple; this distinguished Massachusetts teacher is getting a cookie party. Just in time for National Teacher Appreciation Day, cookie chain Crumbl announced the winners of its “Teacher of the Year” awards, given to educators “for their extraordinary commitment to their classrooms.” In Massachusetts, the honor went to Worcester County teacher Eileen McNamara at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton.  Recipients were selected from a pool of over 6,000 nominations that included testimonials from parents, students, colleagues, and friends. The…
Man Who Raped 2 Children At Great Barrington Treatment Center Sentenced To Up To 12 Years: DA Man Who Raped 2 Children At Great Barrington Treatment Center Sentenced To Up To 12 Years: DA
Douglas Agyeh Pleads Guilty To 23 Felonies After Fleeing US A 44-year-old Berkshire County man who admitted to 23 charges including raping two 15-year-old girls was sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison this week, authorities said.  Douglas Agyeh, of Pittsfield, was a former staffer at the Brookside School in Great Barrington, a treatment center for girls with behavioral or psychological issues.  Agyeh worked at the residential school for several weeks in 2021. He was responsible for monitoring the girls' behavior and protecting them as they slept. However, he took advantage of this authority, court records show.  One of his vic…
Red Lobster Abruptly Closes Dozens Of Restaurants, Including Westchester Location Red Lobster Abruptly Closes Dozens Of Restaurants, Including Westchester Location
Red Lobster Abruptly Closes Dozens Of Restaurants, Including Westchester Location Fast-casual seafood restaurant Red Lobster has abruptly closed dozens of its restaurants. The company is also considering filing for bankruptcy protection, according to a CNN report. On its website, Red Lobster lists many of its restaurants as being "temporarily closed," including these New York locations: Kingston, Scarsdale, Nanuet, Poughkeepsie, Stony Brook No closures are currently listed for Connecticut or Massachusetts restaurants. Founded in 1968, Red Lobster has around 600 restaurants in the United States, Canada, and overseas. According to another CNN report, Red Lobster's prob…
Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years
Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years You may soon get a view of a rare spectacle. According to the NOAA National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center, a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) began on Wednesday, May 8. CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. Space weather forecasters have issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10. It's the first time a G4 Watch has been issued since January 2005. The watch says CMEs may linger into Sunday, May 12. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora (…
Solar Eclipse: Viewers Can Suffer Severe Eye Injuries Without Proper Protection, NASA Warns Solar Eclipse: Viewers Can Suffer Severe Eye Injuries Without Proper Protection, NASA Warns
Solar Eclipse: Viewers Can Suffer Severe Eye Injuries Without Proper Protection, NASA Warns With a total solar eclipse now just a week away, officials are warning that eye safety will be crucial for the approximately 44 million Americans who reside in the path of totality and the millions more expected to travel to the path. "Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury," according to NASA. Known as the “Great North American Eclipse,” it will have a narrow path of totality from southwest to northeast across 13 states in the…
Victims Scammed Out Of $2.2M By NJ Couple In 'Publishers Clearing House Lottery' Scheme: Cops Victims Scammed Out Of $2.2M By NJ Couple In 'Publishers Clearing House Lottery' Scheme: Cops
Victims Scammed Out Of $2.2M By NJ Couple In 'Publishers Clearing House Lottery' Scheme: Cops A couple from Secaucus is facing a litany of charges after scamming residents in multiple states out of more nearly $2.2 million, police said. Akeem Lee and Majda Hodzic-Lee called victims in Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, Kansas, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, saying they'd won the "Publishers Clearing House Lottery," Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said. In exchange for the vehicles and large sums of money the victims were told they won, they were required by Lee and Hodzic-Lee to send cash, money orders and/or gift cards for taxes, fees and IRS …
'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon: First Projected Cloud Cover Conditions 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon: First Projected Cloud Cover Conditions
'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon: First Projected Cloud Cover Conditions In just over a month, what's being called the astronomy event of the decade will occur when a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Many are planning road trips to places where the best viewing conditions are expected for what space.com says will be "the longest and most visible for the US in 100 years," with a four-minute totality duration beginning…
These Places Will Be Best To View 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years': Here's When These Places Will Be Best To View 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years': Here's When
These Places Will Be Best To View 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years': Here's When It won't be long now. In just over two months, what's being called the astronomy event of the decade will occur when a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Mark your calendar now for Monday, April 8 with four-minute totality duration beginning at 3:13 p.m. Eastern time. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. According to space.com, it will be "the longest and most visible for the US in 100 years," w…
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…
IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video
IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video The identities have now been released of a couple killed after crashing near a bridge connecting the United States and Canada on one of the year's busiest travel days. The Thanksgiving Eve incident happened early Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22 on the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls Police say  Kurt Villani, and his wife, Monica Villani, both age 53, died in the vehicle explosion which led to a federal investigation. The two were residents of Grand Island, New York, located about 10 miles southeast of Niagara Falls. Authorities say the couple had originally been…
Latest Update: 'No Indication Of Terrorism' In Double-Fatal Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Latest Update: 'No Indication Of Terrorism' In Double-Fatal Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada
Latest Update: 'No Indication Of Terrorism' In Double-Fatal Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada New Update: IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video There is no indication of terrorism after a car exploded after crashing near a bridge connecting the United States and Canada in New York on one of the year's busiest travel days, killing two people. The Thanksgiving Eve incident happened early Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22 on the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls. The explosion involved a car entering the US from Canada, according to the City of Niagara Falls. The explosion reportedly happened when the car accelerated to around 80 miles…
Mass Native Matthew Perry Dies: Hollywood Mourns Star of 'Friends,' Films Mass Native Matthew Perry Dies: Hollywood Mourns Star of 'Friends,' Films
Mass Native Matthew Perry Dies: Hollywood Mourns Star of 'Friends,' Films New England's own Matthew Perry, best known as the sarcastic, spastic, and overly-dramatic Chandler Bing on "Friends," died unexpectedly at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, Oct. 28, multiple outlets reported.  The Berkshire County native was just 54 years old.  Police were called to his home around 4 p.m. and found him unresponsive in his hot tub. No drugs were found at the scene, and no foul play is expected, according to the LA Times. The immediate cause of death is unclear.  Perry parlayed his superstardom on NBC's "Must See TV" lineup into several films and other major television rol…
Massive Recall Issued For Nearly 1,000,000 Pressure Cookers Due To Burn Hazard Massive Recall Issued For Nearly 1,000,000 Pressure Cookers Due To Burn Hazard
Massive Recall Issued For Nearly 1,000,000 Pressure Cookers Due To Burn Hazard A massive recall has been issued for a popular brand of pressure cookers due to a burn hazard. A total of 930,000 Insignia pressure cookers have incorrect volume markings on the inner pot, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on Thursday, Oct. 26. "This can cause consumers to overfill the pot and hot food and liquids to be ejected when the pressure cooker is vented using the quick-release method or opened while its contents are pressurized, posing a burn hazard to consumers," the commission said. The units were sold by Best Buy throughout the United States and …
COVID-19: Cases Of Eris Subvariant EG.5 Jump; Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: Cases Of Eris Subvariant EG.5 Jump; Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: Cases Of Eris Subvariant EG.5 Jump; Here Are Symptoms Cases of a COVID-19 strain known as Eris, whose official name is EG.5, have increased according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).Already the most prevalent subvariant in the US, Eris now accounts for 29.4 percent of COVID cases in the US in the CDC's report released Saturday, Sept. 30. Two weeks ago, Eris accounted for 24.5 percent of US cases. Eris is an offshoot of the highly-contagious Omicron strain. In a Risk Evaluation statement on the EG.5 strain released late last week, the World Health Organization said cases of the subvariant have …
COVID-19: Highly Mutated Pirola Variant Now Identified In 10 States COVID-19: Highly Mutated Pirola Variant Now Identified In 10 States
Covid-19: Highly Mutated Pirola Variant Now Identified In 10 States A newly identified COVID-19 strain with around 30 mutations has now been identified in 10 states. Cases of the BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, have been confirmed in:  Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, New York,  Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington. The Michigan case, the first in the US, was an older woman who had recently returned from Japan who reportedly had mild symptoms. Related story - COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Spreading In US At a World Health Organization (WHO) news briefing late last month, authorities said …
New Update: Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane New Update: Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane
New Update: Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Conditions are rapidly improving in New England as Lee, once a Category 5 hurricane, is churning into Canada as a post-tropical cyclone. Click here for a new, updated story: Newly Named Tropical Storm Nigel Forms In Busy Atlantic Now, attention has turned to what is expected to be the next major hurricane of the 2023 Atlantic season. As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Tropical Depression 15 is moving north-northwest at 16 miles per hour over the open Atlantic toward the Caribbean Sea. It has maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour, according to a brand-new update from the …
COVID-19: Increase In Cases Sparks Concern At Start Of School Year COVID-19: Increase In Cases Sparks Concern At Start Of School Year
Covid-19: Increase In Cases Sparks Concern At Start Of School Year There's always plenty of anxiety at the start of a new school year, but that's especially true now due to increased COVID-19 cases. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The White House announced that First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID on Monday morning, Sept. 5, and is experiencing “mild symptoms." Three school districts in Kentucky and Texas briefly suspended in-person classes after surges of COVID cases. T…
COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Spreading In US COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Spreading In US
Covid-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Spreading In US The most likely symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant with around 30 mutations are expected to be similar to the highly contagious Omicron strain based on reports so far. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, has now been identified in five states: New York, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio. The strain was first detected in Israel around Sunday, Aug. 20, and cases have also been identif…
COVID-19: First Case Of Highly Mutated Pirola Variant Confirmed In NY COVID-19: First Case Of Highly Mutated Pirola Variant Confirmed In NY
Covid-19: First Case Of Highly Mutated Pirola Variant Confirmed In NY A newly identified COVID-19 strain with around 30 mutations is spreading in the nation and around the world, with a fourth state in America and several more countries confirming cases. Click here for a new, updated report - COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Spreading In US The BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, has now been identified in four states: New York, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio.  New York became the latest state to report the presence of the variant this week after wastewater samples tested positive for the strain. "While we have yet …
Bed Bath & Beyond Lives On - Sort Of: Overstock's Acquisition To Include Rebranding Bed Bath & Beyond Lives On - Sort Of: Overstock's Acquisition To Include Rebranding
Bed Bath & Beyond Lives On - Sort Of: Overstock's Acquisition To Include Rebranding Despite filing for bankruptcy and announcing the closures of its remaining stores, Bed Bath & Beyond will live on -- sort of -- thanks to one of the biggest names in e-commerce. Overstock purchased the home goods retailer's brand and domain names, and loyalty program assets this week for over $21 million. Overstock currently specializes in online furniture and home furnishings. Within the next week, Overstock said it plans to re-launch the Bed Bath & Beyond domain in Canada, followed weeks later by the re-launch of a refreshed website, mobile app, and loyalty program in th…
Hazy Skies In Western Massachusetts Result Of Raging Canadian Wildfires Hazy Skies In Western Massachusetts Result Of Raging Canadian Wildfires
Hazy Skies In Western Massachusetts Result Of Raging Canadian Wildfires Massachusetts residents may have noticed slightly hazy skies this week but could not figure out what was causing said conditions.  The explanation: a massive smoke plume generated from numerous wildfires out of the western Canadian province of Alberta.  The concentrated smoke plume from the fires extended into parts of Western Massachusetts, during the day on Tuesday, May 9, according to the National Weather Service. Concentrated smoke plume aloft from Alberta fires extending from Eastern Ontario southeast to New England. pic.twitter.com/qtZwrzOHGb — NWS Caribou (@NWSCaribou) May 9, 20…
Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire
Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire A recall has been issued for more than 64,000 vacuum cleaners because they could overheat and catch on fire. Bissell announced it is recalling cordless multi-surface wet dry vacuum models 2551, 2551W, and 25519 because the circuit board inside the vacuum’s battery pack can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard. A total of 61,000 of the 64,300 vacuum cleaners being recalled were sold in the United States, and the rest in Canada. Contact Bissell toll-free at 855-417-7001 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, or online at www.bissell.com…
Timing Shifts For Cross-Country Winter Storm On Track For Northeast Timing Shifts For Cross-Country Winter Storm On Track For Northeast
Timing Shifts For Cross-Country Winter Storm On Track For Northeast A quick-moving system brought light snow to parts of the region, leading to slippery conditions in spots just before daybreak on Monday, Jan. 9. With a stretch of dry days upcoming, attention is now turning to a coast-to-coast system that is now due to arrive in the Northeast earlier than originally expected, on Thursday, Jan. 12. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.com.) Mainly rain (shown in green) is expected in much of the region Thursday into Friday, Jan. 13 with a wintry mix possible farther inland (pink) and snow in some parts of northern New York and…
Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Start On Black Friday Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Start On Black Friday
Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Start On Black Friday A stretch of sunny, dry days leading up to and including Thanksgiving Day will be followed by separate rounds of wet weather, starting on Black Friday, Nov. 25, according to the National Weather Service. After a one-day reprieve from precipitation on Saturday, Nov. 26, those back on the road and in airports traveling will have to contend with a second round of wet weather on Sunday, Nov. 27. There will be showers and periods of rain starting Friday morning and continuing into the afternoon, followed by clearing in the evening, the National Weather Service said. About a quarter-inch of …