Partly Cloudy 31°
News
Billy Joel's Onstage Fall Stuns Crowd At Concert In New England Billy Joel's Onstage Fall Stuns Crowd At Concert In New England
Billy Joel's Onstage Fall Stuns Crowd At Concert In New England Billy Joel stunned those on hand when he fell onstage at a concert in the Northeast. Click here for a new, updated story: Billy Joel Postpones Concert Tour After Fall Onstage The incident happened Saturday, Feb. 22 in Connecticut at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville. The 75-year-old "Piano Man" fell while performing his classic hit, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.”
 As Joel engaged with the audience, he momentarily stepped away from his piano and began interacting with the microphone stand. In a dramatic flourish towards the conclusion of the song, he thre…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
130+ Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across MA, New Study Says 130+ Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across MA, New Study Says
130+ Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across MA, New Study Says Drinking water in some Northeast states contains some of the highest levels of contaminants in the country, according to new data. The latest update to the Environmental Working Group's tap water database analyzed nearly 50,000 water systems nationwide between 2021 and 2023. The nonprofit identified 324 contaminants in drinking water, many at levels exceeding health-based guidelines. New York had the highest number in the region with 197 contaminants detected since 2013. New Jersey followed with 131, Pennsylvania with 123, and Connecticut with 120. Massachusetts recorde…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Berkshires Featured In New Stamp Series Honoring Appalachian Trail's Beauty Berkshires Featured In New Stamp Series Honoring Appalachian Trail's Beauty
Berkshires Featured In New Stamp Series Honoring Appalachian Trail's Beauty A new set of stamps celebrating the Appalachian Trail has been released, showcasing breathtaking landscapes across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. The U.S. Postal Service unveiled the Forever stamps during a first-day-of-issue ceremony at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia on Friday, Feb. 28. The stamps honor the nearly 2,200-mile trail that stretches through 14 states. The collection highlights key locations along the trail, from New England's rugged peaks to historic sites in the mid-Atlantic. "The natural beauty of the Appalachian Trail has delighted millions throughout the…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Some Americans Must File Tax Returns In March: Here's Who, Why Some Americans Must File Tax Returns In March: Here's Who, Why
Some Americans Must File Tax Returns In March: Here's Who, Why The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has alerted some American workers that they face an early tax deadline.  Those in the group who did not make estimated tax payments by Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, must file their 2024 federal income tax returns and pay any taxes owed by Monday, March 3, 2025.  Due to the deadline falling on a Saturday, it has been extended from the usual Saturday, March 1, to Monday, March 3. Details of the Early Deadline Farmers and fishers who qualify for this special deadline are those who derived at least two-thirds of their gross income from their respective…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says
Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says The US population is rapidly diversifying, with cities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic at the forefront, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 ranking of the nation's Most Diverse Cities on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Three Maryland communities topped the list of 501 locations, which were evaluated based on socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, and religious diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10.2 percent of Americans identified as multiracial in 2020, a sharp increase from just 2.9 percent in 2010. "The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many …

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Pope Francis' Health 'Suddenly Worsens' At Hospital, Vatican Says Pope Francis' Health 'Suddenly Worsens' At Hospital, Vatican Says
Pope Francis' Health 'Suddenly Worsens' At Hospital, Vatican Says Pope Francis' condition has taken an alarming turn for the worse as he continues to receive treatment for pneumonia at a hospital in Rome. According to a statement issued Friday, Feb. 28 by the Vatican, the 88-year-old pontiff experienced an “isolated” breathing crisis that has raised concerns about his condition. After a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father suffered a sudden deterioration following an episode of bronchospasm in the afternoon, the statement said, noting that the incident led to vomiting, which resulted in furt…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Newly Minted Millionaire: Western Mass Woman Lands $2M Lottery Jackpot Newly Minted Millionaire: Western Mass Woman Lands $2M Lottery Jackpot
Newly Minted Millionaire: Western Mass Woman Lands $2M Lottery Jackpot It was a lucky week for one Bay Stater who collected a $2 million lottery prize. Michelle Sivard, of Chester, won the seven-figure payout on a “$2,000,000 50X Cashword” ticket, the grand prize for the $10 scratch-off game. Related: Gloucester Man Lands First $1M Grand Prize In New Scratch-Off Game Sivard chose a lump-sum payment of $1.3 million instead of an annuity that would have paid the full $2 million over 20 years. She said she plans to use the money to upgrade her home and buy a new car. Sivard purchased the ticket at Cumberland Farms, 134 King St. in Northampton, which wil…

SHARE

by Josh Lanier
News
ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting
ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting A heroic ICU nurse who was held at gunpoint, forced to restrain a colleague, and used as a shield during the UPMC York hospital shooting is now struggling to heal from the trauma. A GoFundMe has been launched to support Tosha Trostle, who says the psychological scars run deeper than any physical wound. “I Was Used As A Human Shield” Tosha Trostle was drawing blood when she heard a commotion in the hallway of UPMC York’s ICU. Thinking it was a routine emergency, she stepped out—only to come face-to-face with the gunman holding her coworker, Jess, at gunpoint. “He made Jess zip-tie my …

SHARE

by Jillian Pikora
News
ICU Nurse Shot, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting ICU Nurse Shot, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting
ICU Nurse Shot, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting A 19-year-old nurse was shot in both legs, brutally beaten, and forced to restrain a coworker during the UPMC York shooting—and now, she’s facing a grueling recovery with no clear financial support. A GoFundMe has been launched to help Jackxtyn Yank, whose injuries left her unable to walk. “Please Don’t Kill Me” Jackxtyn Yank had just returned to work after celebrating her 19th birthday when the gunman stormed her ICU floor. Peeking out to see the commotion, she was spotted, dragged into the hall, and beaten with a gun before being forced to zip-tie a coworker’s hands together. “I begged hi…

SHARE

by Jillian Pikora
News
Jobless Claims Hit Four-Month High, Adding To Inflation And Recession Fears Jobless Claims Hit Four-Month High, Adding To Inflation And Recession Fears
Jobless Claims Hit Four-Month High, Adding To Inflation And Recession Fears Unemployment claims have surged to their highest level since October 2024, adding to growing concerns over job security and the broader economy. Initial jobless claims jumped by 22,000 to 242,000 for the week ending on Saturday, Feb. 22, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in data released on Thursday, Feb. 27. The previous week's total was revised up slightly to 220,000. The rise in claims comes as consumer confidence took its steepest monthly dive since August 2021 amid concerns over inflation, tariffs, and the labor market. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell …

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms
Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms A mysterious illness has led to 53 fatalities, with many dying within hours of developing symptoms.  The outbreak in Central Africa has emerged in a northwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify the situation as "a significant public health threat." Frontline medics from the WHO have reported hundreds of cases, revealing a chillingly brief timeline from symptom onset to death.  Since the outbreak began on Tuesday, Jan. 21, there have been 419 reported cases and 53 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 12.49 p…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Actor Gene Hackman, Wife, Dog Found Dead Actor Gene Hackman, Wife, Dog Found Dead
Actor Gene Hackman, Wife, Dog Found Dead Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and family dog have died at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but foul play is not suspected, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement after they were found dead late Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 26. No further information has been released as of yet. Known for his versatility as an actor, the 95-year-old Hackman is best known for his roles in  “The French Connection,” "Hoosiers," “The Royal Tenenbaums," “Unforgiven," “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Superman,” “The Pos…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi