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Police & Fire
Worcester Man Admits To Killing Mother Of 2 In 2019 Fatal Stabbing: DA Worcester Man Admits To Killing Mother Of 2 In 2019 Fatal Stabbing: DA
Worcester Man Admits To Killing Mother Of 2 In 2019 Fatal Stabbing: DA A Worcester man will spend life in prison after admitting to the brutal 2019 murder of Jenifer Vazquez-Rivera, authorities announced on Monday, Jan. 6.   Thomas Bergstrom, 42, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and will be eligible for parole after 25 years, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said. The sentence was agreed upon by the court and Vazquez-Rivera’s family, who supported the plea to shield her two young daughters from the trauma of testifying in a murder trial. “We know nothing can bring Jennifer back to her family, but we hope today’s plea brings some …

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by Josh Lanier
News
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections against offshore oil and gas drilling along key US coastlines, including the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. President Biden has taken decisive action to protect about 625 million acres along the U.S. coastlines from the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling, according to a White House statement on Monday, Jan. 6.  The move withdraws areas along the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future drilling, citing potential environmental, economic, and public …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Disney, Fubo To Combine Streaming Services In Major Merger Disney, Fubo To Combine Streaming Services In Major Merger
Disney, Fubo To Combine Streaming Services In Major Merger Disney is set to acquire a majority stake in FuboTV Inc., merging its Hulu + Live TV service with Fubo in a transformative deal expected to reshape the streaming landscape. The combined business, operating under the Fubo name, will continue offering Hulu + Live TV and Fubo as separate services, the companies announced in news releases on Monday, Jan. 6.  With 6.2 million North American subscribers, the new venture aims to deliver greater consumer choice through expanded programming and flexible pricing. "This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with g…

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by Chris Spiker
Politics
Justin Trudeau Will Resign As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Will Resign As Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau Will Resign As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as head of Canada’s Liberal Party, paving the way for a new prime minister after nearly a decade in office.  Trudeau, who has led the party since 2013, stated, “Despite my best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralyzed.”  He made this announcement late Monday morning, Jan. 6, in Ottawa, and will remain in his roles until a replacement is elected during an emergency meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8. Pressure had been building within the party for months as it began losing popularity in polls. Tensions escalated wh…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In NYC: Here's How It Works Driving in New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll now be paying for it. New York City has become the first city in the nation to implement a congestion pricing plan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas while funding crucial public transit improvements. This plan went into effect on Sunday, January 5. It seeks to lower traffic congestion, improve air quality, and finance important upgrades to public transportation. Key Details of the Plan Toll Rates: Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll starti…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Rising costs and shifting priorities are reshaping how Americans approach dining out.  Reports reveal a notable decline in restaurant visits, particularly among middle-class families and younger generations. Here are key factor driving the decline: Rising Menu Prices: Inflation has notably driven up the cost of dining out significantly. According to Yahoo Finance’s “6 Reasons the Middle Class Can’t Afford To Dine Out Anymore,” soaring food prices have left many consumers rethinking their restaurant habits. Economic Pressures: Broader inflationary trends are squeezing househo…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Man Found Dead In Hubbardston; Police Reach Out For Clues Man Found Dead In Hubbardston; Police Reach Out For Clues
Man Found Dead In Hubbardston; Police Reach Out For Clues A man's body was discovered in Worcester County Saturday morning, Jan. 4.  Investigators said he was discovered off of Brigham Street in Hubbardston, the Worcester County District Attorney said. Authorities did not provide any information on his identity or cause of death.  Investigators ask anyone with information on the man or his death to contact Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8326.

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by Josh Lanier
Business
New Savings Stations Hit Stop & Shop New Savings Stations Hit Stop & Shop
New Savings Stations Hit Stop & Shop Stop & Shop is introducing Savings Station kiosks to make digital coupons accessible for all customers, including those without smartphones or internet access. The kiosks are expected to be installed in all of the company’s 350+ stores by the end of January. Customers can activate digital coupons and personalized offers by scanning their GO Rewards loyalty card or entering their phone number at the kiosk.  A QR code option is available for touchless activation, and customers can print a list of their loaded coupons for reference while shopping, with savings applied automatically at…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Jeff Baena, a director and screenwriter married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead in his Los Angeles home, Fox News reports. He was 47 years old. Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on projects. She starred in Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017), both written by Baena. He also directed Spin Me Round, which featured Plaza (Parks & Rec, White Lots) in a leading role. Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU. Plaza also attended NYU, however, it is not clear how they met. The two reportedly began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in 2020. The couple was …

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Alleged Eavesdropping Costs $95 Million As Apple Reaches Siri Settlement Alleged Eavesdropping Costs $95 Million As Apple Reaches Siri Settlement
Alleged Eavesdropping Costs $95 Million As Apple Reaches Siri Settlement Apple will pay a $95 million settlement regarding allegations that its virtual assistant, Siri, eavesdropped on users without their consent, according to multiple reports. The settlement, filed in federal court in Oakland, California this week, addresses a lawsuit that dates back five years and must be approved by a US District judge at a hearing on Friday, Feb. 14, Bloomberg Law reports. The lawsuit claims that Siri was activated to record conversations even when users did not use the launching phrase, “Hey, Siri.” These recordings were allegedly shared with third parties s to target user…

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by Joe Lombardi