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Here Are Nation's Top Hotels, New Rankings Say Here Are Nation's Top Hotels, New Rankings Say
Here Are Nation's Top Hotels, New Rankings Say U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 Best Hotels Rankings, evaluating thousands of properties across the country to determine the premier destinations for travelers.  The latest list highlights top-tier accommodations that offer exceptional service, world-class amenities, and high guest satisfaction ratings. While luxury resorts in Hawaii and Colorado dominate the top of the rankings, the Northeast is represented with a standout hotel making its mark among the Top 5 in the country—The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. What Is NoMad? NoMad, short for "North of Madison Square…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say
Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say Looking for a peaceful escape in 2025?  New rankings reveal the top 25 most relaxing destinations on the planet. These serene spots are perfect for those hoping to avoid overcrowded tourist traps. BookRetreats.com's Global Relaxation Index analyzed 76 destinations based on crowd density, safety, noise levels, and access to nature and wellness experiences. The results highlight a shift away from traditional hotspots toward quieter, more spacious locales. Key Highlights: Australia ranks first, boasting just 8.8 people per square mile and nearly 30 percent of its land protected as natu…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About HMPV Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About HMPV
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About Hmpv A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China is sparking concerns five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, drawing attention to another respiratory virus circulating in the population. HMPV, a known virus, usually causes cold-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat.  The new rise in cases, particularly among children under 14 in northern China, has officials urging caution as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, a time when travel and gatherings often lead to spikes in illness. Data from China’s state news agency, Xinhua, shows …

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by Joe Lombardi
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
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. 

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft
Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft Delta will enter a new partnership with Uber and allow SkyMiles customers to earn rewards on rides, ending the airline's longtime relationship with Lyft, officials said. Delta Air Lines and Uber announced their new partnership at the CES 2025 trade show in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 7. SkyMiles members will be able to earn miles for eligible Uber riders and Uber Eats orders in the spring of 2025. The heads of the companies shared their excitement about the venture, saying that about 15 percent of all Uber ride bookings either begin or end at airports. "Delta is thrilled to come together wi…

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by Chris Spiker
Lifestyle
Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline
Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old former Ivy Leaguer accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, hails from one of Maryland’s most prominent and influential families, known for their vast business holdings and political connections. ALSO SEE: Ivy-Educated Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery Mangione, a Towson native, graduated as valedictorian from the prestigious Gilman School in Baltimore.  His grandfather, Nicholas Mangione, was a powerful real estate developer and co-founder of Lorien Health Services, a company operating nearly a dozen assisted-li…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Ex-New England Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Ex-New England Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Ex-New England Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…

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by Ben Crnic
Traffic
Record Travel Expected This Thanksgiving: Here Are Best, Worst Times To Hit Road Record Travel Expected This Thanksgiving: Here Are Best, Worst Times To Hit Road
Record Travel Expected This Thanksgiving: Here Are Best, Worst Times To Hit Road Expect plenty of company on the roads as you head to grandma’s house. A record 79.9 million travelers are expected to head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, AAA forecasts. That’s up 1.7 million over last year. Broken down by mode of transportation, a record 71.7 million people will travel by car, up 1.3 million over last year, while a record 5.84 million people will fly domestically, an increase of 2 percent compared to last year. Nearly 2.3 million people are expected to travel by other modes, including buses, trains, and cruises – a jump of almost 9 …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire: Central Mass. Woman Lands Massive Payday Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire: Central Mass. Woman Lands Massive Payday
Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire: Central Mass. Woman Lands Massive Payday A Worcester woman said she has big plans for her and her family after winning a $4 million jackpot in the Massachusetts State Lottery.  Laura Capalbo won the massive payout playing the $10 scratch-off game “100X Cash." Related: Mass. Chef Lands $10 Million Payday She chose to take the lump sum payment of $2.6 million (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  She said she wants to use the money to travel and help her family.  She bought the ticket at Family Farms at 98 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury. The store will receive a $40,000 bonus for the sale. 

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by Josh Lanier
News
$15.4M Lottery Win: Largest Jackpot Of Year Was A Birthday Gift $15.4M Lottery Win: Largest Jackpot Of Year Was A Birthday Gift
$15.4M Lottery Win: Largest Jackpot Of Year Was A Birthday Gift The late comedian Norm MacDonald once said getting a lottery ticket was the worst gift imaginable. Because if the ticket loses, it's worthless, but if it wins, you've just given away millions in cash in exchange for the sweater they got you.  That happened recently in Massachusetts when a gifted lottery ticket will pay out $1 million a year for the rest of the winner's life.  Merjon Tangovan Nominee Trust of Boston collected the ticket for the winner from the $50 scratch-off game “Lifetime Millions." Greg Racki, a trustee, said his client called the ticket the "best birthday…

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by Josh Lanier
News
$1M Lottery Jackpot: Waltham Winner Knows How He'll Spend His Payday $1M Lottery Jackpot: Waltham Winner Knows How He'll Spend His Payday
$1M Lottery Jackpot: Waltham Winner Knows How He'll Spend His Payday A Waltham man who won $1 million playing the Massachusetts State Lottery game said he has big plans for his newfound windfall.  Wemerson De Jesus won the seven-figure sum by playing the “Bonus 100X” $10 scratch-off game.  De Jesus opted for the lump-sum payment of $650,000 rather than the annuity.  He said he plans to use the money to travel.  De Jesus bought the winning ticket at Highlander Farms at 69 Waltham St. in West Newton. The store will get a $10,000 bonus for the sale. 

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death
Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death A freshman at a prestigious Massachusetts college who graduated from a Connecticut high school in 2023 is being remembered as a brilliant musician who always followed his curiosity into success.  The death of Fairfield County resident Toby Woods, a 2023 graduate of New Canaan High School who was a freshman at Williams College in the Berkshire County town of Williamstown, was announced by officials at both schools on Friday, Feb. 23.  Earlier Report - Young New Canaan HS Grad Dies: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed,' Superintendent Says In a letter to students, faculty, and staff, Wi…

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by Ben Crnic
Weather
First Projected Snowfall Totals Released For Major Storm Headed To Northeast First Projected Snowfall Totals Released For Major Storm Headed To Northeast
First Projected Snowfall Totals Released For Major Storm Headed To Northeast The first projected snowfall totals have been released for a potent coast-to-coast winter storm expected to hit the Northeast midway through the weekend. Click here for a new, updated story - Projected Snowfall Totals Increase As Nor'easter Nears: These Spots Could See 18 Inches Snowfall is expected to begin overnight Saturday, Jan. 6 into Sunday, Jan. 7, according to the National Weather Service. Areas in the darker shade in the image above from AccuWeather.com are expected to see between 6 and 12 inches of snowfall, including parts of upstate New York, northern Connecticut and areas…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
‘I’m No Dave Portnoy’: Here’s Where To Find 'Life-Changing' Pizza In Massachusetts ‘I’m No Dave Portnoy’: Here’s Where To Find 'Life-Changing' Pizza In Massachusetts
‘I’m No Dave Portnoy’: Here’s Where To Find 'Life-Changing' Pizza In Massachusetts If you’re craving a hot slice of pizza during the cold winter weather, here are the best places to get a slice in Massachusetts, according to Big 7 Travel. From Boston to Springfield, the travel site put together a list of the top pizza joints in the state. While the top-ranked spot is located in Boston, there are many others worthy of recognition. Related: Dave Portnoy Has 1 Word Review For Dino's Pizzeria In Wakefield The aptly named Salty Pig, near Back Bay and South End, is known for their build-your-own charcuterie board, which includes cured prosciutto, spreadable pork rillette…

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by Khier Casino
Obituaries
Community 'Heartbroken' After Mass Woman Killed By Shark In Bahamas Community 'Heartbroken' After Mass Woman Killed By Shark In Bahamas
Community 'Heartbroken' After Mass Woman Killed By Shark In Bahamas Coworkers and friends of the 44-year-old Massachusetts woman who was killed by a shark while on vacation in the Bahamas say they are heartbroken and shocked by her death.  Lauren Van Wart, of Lowell, located northwest of Boston, was attacked by a shark on Monday, Dec. 4, about a mile from Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort while she was paddleboarding with a relative, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.  Van Wart worked at Curriculum Associates, an educational material company in Billerica. Rob Waldron, CEO of the company, said she was a beloved member of the company.  …

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by Josh Lanier
News
Massachusetts Family Hospitalized While On Irish Vacation, Flooded With Support Massachusetts Family Hospitalized While On Irish Vacation, Flooded With Support
Massachusetts Family Hospitalized While On Irish Vacation, Flooded With Support A time of joy and celebration for a young couple's engagement turned into a "horrible accident" for the pair and their family members.  Connor Colbert, of Somerville, proposed to his girlfriend Bridget Kelley shortly after arriving in Ireland for a vacation with Colbert's mother, step-brother, and step-father, Ken Mitchell. The joy the family felt soon turned into pain when the group was involved in a car crash on Wednesday, April 26 while still overseas, according to a GoFundMe campaign created to help the family recover.  Kelley received life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Gal…

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by Morgan Gonzales
News
Significant Storm Possible At Week's End: Separate Rounds Of Precipitation Will Come First Significant Storm Possible At Week's End: Separate Rounds Of Precipitation Will Come First
Significant Storm Possible At Week's End: Separate Rounds Of Precipitation Will Come First Separate rounds of precipitation will precede a potentially more significant storm on track for the region at the end of the week. Tuesday, Feb. 7 will be clear and brisk during the day before the arrival of a frontal system that will moderate temperatures. The system will move across the region late in the afternoon and in the evening, bringing mixed precipitation, with mainly showers and light snow and areas of sleet or freezing rain that could result in localized slippery travel farthest north and inland.  After the front passes, the high temperature on Wednesda…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds Could Cause Travel Disruptions On Final Day Of Thanksgiving Weekend Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds Could Cause Travel Disruptions On Final Day Of Thanksgiving Weekend
Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds Could Cause Travel Disruptions On Final Day Of Thanksgiving Weekend A storm system bringing steady rain and gusty winds could cause disruptions on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Precipitation will arrive early in the afternoon on Sunday, Nov. 27, with periods of rain and showers at times through the evening as millions of travelers will be aboard planes, trains, and automobiles on the final day of Thanksgiving weekend.  For a projected radar image of the region for 4 p.m. Sunday from the National Weather Service, see the first image above. Locally heavy rainfall is possible, with total rainfall from Sunday's system expected to be bet…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
New Round Of Wet Weather Will Be Followed By Effects Of Major Midwest Storm In Northeast New Round Of Wet Weather Will Be Followed By Effects Of Major Midwest Storm In Northeast
New Round Of Wet Weather Will Be Followed By Effects Of Major Midwest Storm In Northeast A new round of wet weather will wrap up the Thanksgiving weekend just days before a major storm in the Midwest will affect much of the Northeast in the middle of the week. That storm will bring a mix of snow, sleet, rain, and thunderstorms to much of the Midwest before precipitation from the system arrives in this region on the final day of November. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.com.) After a one-day reprieve from precipitation on Saturday, Nov. 26, those back on the road and in airports and railroads traveling will have to contend with a second round of wet weather on Sunday…

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by Joe Lombardi
Obituaries
Brothers Killed In CT Crash Remembered As Inseparable Friends Brothers Killed In CT Crash Remembered As Inseparable Friends
Brothers Killed In CT Crash Remembered As Inseparable Friends Two brothers who died last month in a Connecticut crash are being remembered by loved ones as inseparable friends.  The single-vehicle crash happened in New Haven County at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, on Hosley Avenue in Branford, police reported.  All three occupants of the vehicle died in the crash.  The driver was identified as 17-year-old Megan Nicole Povilaitis, of East Haven, and the two passengers were identified as Anthony Dudchik, age 19, of East Haddam, and Robert Dudchik, age 22, of East Haven. Earlier report - Three Killed In Branford Crash A fu…

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by Nicole Valinote
Weather
New Round Of Snow Squalls Could Cause Hazardous Driving Conditions New Round Of Snow Squalls Could Cause Hazardous Driving Conditions
New Round Of Snow Squalls Could Cause Hazardous Driving Conditions A strong cold front may produce brief bursts of snow and blustery conditions this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. After the latest winter storm pushed off the coast of New England, colder and drier conditions will dominate on Saturday, Feb. 26 as the high temperature struggles to reach the freezing mark with wind-chill values in the teens. Sunday, Feb. 27 will be sunny with a high temperature in the low 40s, but wind-chill values between 15 and 25 degrees thanks to wind speeds in the teens and gusts as high as 25 miles per hour. Snow showers and heavier s…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Breeze Airways To Establish Base At Bradley International, Creating 200 New Jobs In CT Breeze Airways To Establish Base At Bradley International, Creating 200 New Jobs In CT
Breeze Airways To Establish Base At Bradley International, Creating 200 New Jobs In CT Breeze Airways is set to establish a base of operations at Bradley International Airport, creating more than 200 new jobs in Connecticut. Governor Ned Lamont made the announcement on Thursday, Feb.17, saying the airline also plans to add eight new nonstop destinations at the airport, adding to the four nonstop destinations Breeze currently serves from Bradley International. The new destinations will be announced in the coming weeks. “Over the last few years, Bradley has gained a national reputation as one of the best operated and most convenient airports in the country, and airlines are ta…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada COVID-19: CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against travel to Canada due to the risk of COVID-19.  The CDC added Canada to its list of countries that are considered "Very High" risk for COVID-19, the highest level of risk for COVID-19.  According to The Hill, the update was made to the agency's travel guidelines on Sunday, Jan. 9. The CDC said anyone who must travel to destinations listed in the highest risk category should be fully vaccinated before traveling.  The list includes many other destinations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and mo…

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by Nicole Valinote
Weather
Blustery Stretch With Frigid Wind Chills Will Be Followed By Potential Storm Bringing Snowfall Blustery Stretch With Frigid Wind Chills Will Be Followed By Potential Storm Bringing Snowfall
Blustery Stretch With Frigid Wind Chills Will Be Followed By Potential Storm Bringing Snowfall The long Thanksgiving weekend will start off with some seeing snow and slippery travel in parts of the Northeast and end with the chance for a more significant storm with the potential for snow which could cause delays for those heading back from the holiday. The possible end-of-Thanksgiving weekend storm could result in the first accumulating snowfall of the season in major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.  Current models project the storm to be a Clipper system moving from west to east. (See the first image above.) Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 25 will be part…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
Potential End-Of-Thanksgiving Weekend Storm Could Bring First Accumulating Snowfall Of Season Potential End-Of-Thanksgiving Weekend Storm Could Bring First Accumulating Snowfall Of Season
Potential End-Of-Thanksgiving Weekend Storm Could Bring First Accumulating Snowfall Of Season The Thanksgiving weekend will start off with some seeing snow and slippery travels in parts of the Northeast and end with the potential for a more significant storm which could cause delays for those heading back from the holiday. The possible end-of-Thanksgiving weekend storm could result in the first accumulating snowfall of the season in major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Current models project the storm to be a Clipper system moving from west to east. The weather for those making their way to Thanksgiving destinations should be just fine. There will also be gusty…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Guidelines For Holiday Gatherings Released By CDC COVID-19: Guidelines For Holiday Gatherings Released By CDC
Covid-19: Guidelines For Holiday Gatherings Released By CDC With Thanksgiving just days away, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released safety guidelines for holiday gatherings. "There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health," the CDC said. "Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible." Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president, said Sunday, Nov. 21 on CNN that "Obviou…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Couple Says Boyfriend Flipped Out At Wyoming Restaurant Before Gabby Petito Disappeared Couple Says Boyfriend Flipped Out At Wyoming Restaurant Before Gabby Petito Disappeared
Couple Says Boyfriend Flipped Out At Wyoming Restaurant Before Gabby Petito Disappeared A man and woman said they saw 23-year-old Brian Laundrie arguing with a waitress at a Wyoming restaurant not long before his late fiancée Gabby Petito went missing, according to a new report. Fox News reported that Nina Celie Angelo, of New Orleans, reported that she and her boyfriend, Matthew England, were at Merry Piglets, a restaurant in Jackson Hole, on Friday, Aug. 27, when they saw Laundrie arguing with staff. Angelo told the news outlet that she believed Laundrie was arguing with the employees about money or the bill. England told the news station the Petito seemed "visibly upset" b…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Brian Laundrie's Family May Have Bought Him Time To Flee Before Disappearance, John Walsh Says Brian Laundrie's Family May Have Bought Him Time To Flee Before Disappearance, John Walsh Says
Brian Laundrie's Family May Have Bought Him Time To Flee Before Disappearance, John Walsh Says The former host of America's Most Wanted shared his belief that Brian Laundrie's family could have bought him time to flee as authorities investigate the death of Gabby Petito. In an interview with CNN, John Walsh said he doesn't think the 23-year-old was ever in the Florida wildlife preserve where authorities have been searching for him. His parents reported on Friday, Sept. 17 that they hadn't seen their son since Tuesday, Sept. 14. The FBI named Laundrie a person of interest in the homicide of Petito, age 22, who was from Blue Point in Suffolk County. The couple had been traveling …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Body Found In Forest Officially ID'd As Gabby Petito, Manner Of Death Ruled Homicide Body Found In Forest Officially ID'd As Gabby Petito, Manner Of Death Ruled Homicide
Body Found In Forest Officially ID'd As Gabby Petito, Manner Of Death Ruled Homicide The body found in a Wyoming national park over the weekend has officially been identified as missing New York woman Gabby Petito. The Teton County Coroner Brent Blue confirmed the identification, according to an announcement from the FBI late Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 21. The FBI said the coroner's initial determination for Petito's manner of death is homicide, and the cause of her death remains pending final autopsy results. The autopsy was conducted Tuesday. #FBIDenver appreciates the collaboration of all agencies and personnel who assisted in the search, recovery, and identification …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
'Do The Right Thing' Missing NY Woman's Family Tells Boyfriend As New Details Emerge In Case 'Do The Right Thing' Missing NY Woman's Family Tells Boyfriend As New Details Emerge In Case
'Do The Right Thing' Missing NY Woman's Family Tells Boyfriend As New Details Emerge In Case The stepfather of a missing New York woman who has gone to Wyoming to search for her is desperately begging her boyfriend and traveling companion to step forward and tell authorities where she is. Long Island resident Gabrielle Petito, age 22, of Blue Point, who was last known to be in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming in late August, was reported missing to Suffolk County Police on Saturday, Sept. 11, by her mother after last being heard from on Monday, Aug. 30. Her stepfather, James Schmidt traveled to Wyoming on Wednesday, Sept. 15, to assist authorities in their efforts to locate Pe…

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by Kathy Reakes