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Connecticut

These Are Top 10 Most, Least Obese States, Study Reveals These Are Top 10 Most, Least Obese States, Study Reveals
These Are Top 10 Most, Least Obese States, Study Reveals A new nationwide analysis is shedding light on how states compare when it comes to a major public health challenge, and the results show striking geographic patterns. The report from U.S. News reveals which states are most affected by obesity and which are faring better — a factor that plays a critical role in overall health rankings. The data is part of the 2025 Best States rankings. It is based on self-reported obesity rates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments. Obesi…
Hershey's Unveils Sweet New Flavor To Improve Your S'mores This Summer Hershey's Unveils Sweet New Flavor To Improve Your S'mores This Summer
Hershey's Unveils Sweet New Flavor To Improve Your S'mores This Summer Hershey's is getting ready for s'mores around summer bonfires with a new flavor of its classic chocolate bar. The new milk chocolate bar filled with caramel was officially released by Hershey's on Tuesday, May 13. The limited-edition candy will be available in six-packs only for the summer. Hershey's said the new bar is perfect for melting with marshmallows by campfires, backyard fire pits, and lakeside nights. "The combination of our signature milk chocolate with golden caramel transforms the classic Hershey's bar into something extraordinary – it's tradition reimagined with just the righ…
Wrap Products Sold In MA Linked To Potential Contamination Risk Wrap Products Sold In MA Linked To Potential Contamination Risk
Wrap Products Sold In MA Linked To Potential Contamination Risk A public health alert has been issued for a pair of ready-to-eat wrap products due to possible Listeria contamination, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced. The items — chicken and bacon ranch wraps sold under two brand labels — are no longer being sold, but officials are concerned some may still be in consumer refrigerators. The wraps were produced on Friday, May 2, and distributed to retail locations in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The affected items include: 10-ounce packages labeled “Big Y quick easy meals CHICKEN BACON RANCH WRAP” with a Sell By date of Tue…
On The Border Finds Buyer After Tex-Mex Restaurant Chain Declared Bankruptcy On The Border Finds Buyer After Tex-Mex Restaurant Chain Declared Bankruptcy
On The Border Finds Buyer After Tex-Mex Restaurant Chain Declared Bankruptcy A Texas restaurant company is set to buy On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina after the Tex-Mex chain filed for bankruptcy, closing more than 70 locations – including more than a dozen in the Northeast. Pappas Restaurants won an auction for On The Border, the Houston-based group said in a news release on Wednesday, May 7. The deal needs court approval and is expected to be finalized "in the coming weeks." The price wasn't mentioned in Pappas' announcement. The company previously submitted a $15.9 million stalking horse bid to buy On The Border, FSR Magazine reported in A…
19 States Sue To Reverse Trump's 20,000 Health Care Job Cuts: 'Reckless, Dangerous' 19 States Sue To Reverse Trump's 20,000 Health Care Job Cuts: 'Reckless, Dangerous'
19 States Sue To Reverse Trump's 20,000 Health Care Job Cuts: 'Reckless, Dangerous' Over one-third of U.S. states are urging a federal judge to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to cut 20,000 Department of Health and Human Services employees, arguing the move could have dangerous and long-lasting effects on public health. Nineteen states — including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland — along with Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit in Rhode Island on Monday, May 5. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in March that the agency would cut nearly 25 percent of its workforce as part of Trump’s push to overhaul the federal government and reduce spendin…
Popular Pet, Garden Retailer Closing Six Western MA Stores: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag' Popular Pet, Garden Retailer Closing Six Western MA Stores: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag'
Popular Pet, Garden Retailer Closing Six Western MA Stores: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag' A popular retailer of pet and garden supplies in southern New England is shutting down after four decades. Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close all 13 of its stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the company said in a news release on Monday, May 5. Originally launching in 1985, Smithland was previously known as myAgway, as well as Dave's Soda and Pet City. The chain offering pet supplies, gardening goods, wild bird seed, and backyard furniture will begin storewide sales on Tuesday, May 6. "This is not a goodbye without deep gratitude," Smithfield said. "Our love f…
Here's Where MA Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why Here's Where MA Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why
Here's Where MA Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why A newly released report has ranked all 50 states in the United States from top to bottom based on a variety of factors, providing insight into the best states to live in. Utah has been recognized as No. 1 in the U.S. News Best States rankings for the third consecutive year. However, the report encompasses a broader scope, highlighting various states that also excel in several key areas. Historically, Utah was often associated with three main attributes: the film Footloose,’ green Jell-O, and a youthful workforce. Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Provo-based Utah Valley Chamber of Comm…
Trump Lies About $1.98 Gas: See Where That Number Likely Came From Trump Lies About $1.98 Gas: See Where That Number Likely Came From
Trump Lies About $1.98 Gas: See Where That Number Likely Came From President Donald Trump says gas is down to $1.98 a gallon, but that number doesn't exist at any pump in the country. In early May, Trump has repeatedly claimed gas has fallen below $2 a gallon. He made the claim in the White House, social media posts, and during an interview with NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, May 4. Trump also said gas was $1.98 a gallon when speaking with ABC News on Tuesday, April 29, at the end of his first 100 days back in the Oval Office. "So now, if you look at what's happened, energy is down," Trump said. "Gasoline hit $1.98 in a few states during the last co…
MA's Foster Care System Ranked In Nation's Bottom Half, New Study Says: Here's Why MA's Foster Care System Ranked In Nation's Bottom Half, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA's Foster Care System Ranked In Nation's Bottom Half, New Study Says: Here's Why Northeast and mid-Atlantic states showed wide disparities in foster care quality, with some ranking among the nation's best and others falling behind, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2025 list of States With the Best Foster Care Systems on Tuesday, April 29. The study analyzed every state using 19 key foster care metrics, from adoption timelines and high school graduation rates to monthly stipends. The ranking used a weighted scoring system across three categories: foster youth baselines, community environment and support systems, and legal support. …
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States A voluntary recall has been issued for certain batches of a widely sold apple juice brand, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The juice was distributed across 28 states and comes in clear, round glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids packaged in four 10-ounce bottles per pack (six packs per case).  The recall was initiated due to concerns that were not detailed in the FDA’s official notice, but the agency classified the situation as a Class II recall, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. …
MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states rank among the best in the country for working mothers, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of the Best & Worst States for Working Moms on Monday, April 28. The report compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 17 key metrics, including the gender pay gap, parental leave policies, child care costs, and the share of female executives. The study aims to identify where women raising children have the best chance at balancing a career with their family. "Working moms have to carefully balance career opportuni…
Millions In MA Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why Millions In MA Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why
Millions In MA Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why Nearly half of all people in the United States, including millions across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, are breathing unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to a new study. The American Lung Association released its 2025 edition of the "State of the Air" report on Wednesday, April 23. The study, now in its 26th year, highlights troubling air quality trends in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The report found that 156 million people – about 46% of the U.S. population – are living in counties that earned failing grades f…
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules A federal judge ruled that Google illegally cornered the online advertising market by linking its tools together to block out competition, a major win in a broader antitrust crackdown on Big Tech. The ruling found Google liable for willfully using a series of "anticompetitive acts" to dominate how digital ads are placed across the internet. The decision was handed down in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia on Thursday, April 17. In her decision, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema said Google's ad technology blocked out competitors and hurt consumers. "For over …
MA Ranked Among 10 Most Eco-Friendly States, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranked Among 10 Most Eco-Friendly States, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranked Among 10 Most Eco-Friendly States, New Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast states are among the most environmentally friendly in the nation, according to a new study. The Greenest States in 2025 list was released by WalletHub on Wednesday, April 9. The personal finance website compared all 50 states across key metrics like air and water quality, renewable energy use, green transportation, and carbon emissions. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said infrastructure plays a big role in whether residents can make eco-friendly choices. "If a state doesn't have a great infrastructure for alternative-fuel vehicles, it becomes much harder for r…
MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why Families in the Northeast are getting some of the best care in the country for their children, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Children's Healthcare on Tuesday, April 8. The report compares all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 33 indicators of cost, access, and quality. Metrics range from the percentage of children in excellent health to the number of pediatricians per capita. "The quality of children's health care should be one of the most important considerations for parents when deciding where to live," said WalletHub ana…
Butter Beware: Bacteria Found In Cabot Creamery's Popular Product Butter Beware: Bacteria Found In Cabot Creamery's Popular Product
Butter Beware: Bacteria Found In Cabot Creamery's Popular Product Butter lovers, beware. Cabot Creamery’s premium butter is being recalled after testing revealed elevated levels of coliform bacteria, a possible indicator of fecal contamination, officials said. Agri-Mark Inc., the Vermont-based maker of Cabot products, issued a voluntary recall for its 8oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted after finished product testing detected high levels of bacteria, according to a federal release issued Wednesday, April 9. Cabot butter packaging. Cabot Creamery The impacted butter is packaged as two 4-ounce sticks in a cardboard shell and can be identifie…
Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu
Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu A Tex-Mex fast food chain popular in the Midwest and Great Plains is making a sharp move east with expansion plans in New England. Taco John's is in the process of opening 22 restaurants across Massachusetts and Connecticut, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, April 9. Three locations have already opened in the Bay State, with the newest one at 77 Summer Street in Boston's Downtown Crossing section. The chain began its New England expansion in 2023 with the opening of restaurants in Lawrence and Leominster. Before 2023, the nearest Taco John's to Massachusetts was in Ohio.…
Avelo To Fly ICE Deportation Flights, Sparking Boycott As Critics Slam 'Cruel' Policy Avelo To Fly ICE Deportation Flights, Sparking Boycott As Critics Slam 'Cruel' Policy
Avelo To Fly ICE Deportation Flights, Sparking Boycott As Critics Slam 'Cruel' Policy Avelo Airlines has received widespread criticism after agreeing to fly deportation charter flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An Avelo spokesperson confirmed the airline's ICE partnership to the Daily Voice on Tuesday, April 8. The "long-term charter program" will be based at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in suburban Phoenix and begin on Monday, May 12. The Houston-based airline said its operations with the Department of Homeland Security will utilize three Boeing 737-800 planes. "Flights will be both domestic and international to support the department's deportat…
MA Taxpayers Face One Of Nation's Steepest Burdens, New Study Says MA Taxpayers Face One Of Nation's Steepest Burdens, New Study Says
MA Taxpayers Face One Of Nation's Steepest Burdens, New Study Says Taxpayers in the Northeast are carrying some of the heaviest financial burdens in the country, according to a new study unveiled ahead of the 2025 filing deadline. WalletHub released its 2025 list of tax burdens by state on Tuesday, April 1. The study compared all 50 states by analyzing how much of each state's total personal income went to property taxes, individual income taxes, and sales and excise taxes. New York has the second-highest overall tax burden in the US, only lower than Hawaii. The Empire State also ranked first for individual income tax burden, with residents hand…
MA Ranks Among Nation's Top 10 For Arts, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranks Among Nation's Top 10 For Arts, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranks Among Nation's Top 10 For Arts, New Study Says: Here's Why From world-class museums to thriving nonprofits, the Northeast remains a national hub for the arts — but not every state in the region is keeping pace. SmileHub released its 2025 list of best states for the arts on Monday, April 1. The report compared all 50 states using 16 key measures — including access to arts nonprofits, artist pay, education programs, and public funding. Arts-based industries employ nearly 5.2 million people nationwide, according to SmileHub. "Engagement with the arts is shown to benefit mental health, improve the likelihood of young people being recognized for a…
Ex-CT High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended Ex-CT High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended
Ex-CT High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended A police officer in Massachusetts has been suspended after a teenage student at a Connecticut High School accused them of sexual assault, a news report said.  Justin Perez, 27, who was an assistant coach at Somers High School last year, was charged this week with abusing his leadership position and sending a then 15-year-old girl nude photos and sexually suggestive texts, Connecticut authorities said.  Original Report: Ex-Somers High Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Springfield Police Supt. Larry Akers said he suspended Perez five days without pay, the longest punis…
Rising Sea Levels Will Threaten 173K+ In MA By 2050, New Study Says: See The Map Rising Sea Levels Will Threaten 173K+ In MA By 2050, New Study Says: See The Map
Rising Sea Levels Will Threaten 173K+ In MA By 2050, New Study Says: See The Map Rising sea levels could put hundreds of thousands of homes underwater across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic within 25 years, according to new analysis. Climate Central released its Coastal Flood Risk Across the US study on Wednesday, April 2. The nonprofit scientific group said coastal flooding will threaten more than 2.5 million Americans in about 1.4 million homes by 2050. In a generation, a "100-year flood" could reach homes across dozens of coastal Northeast communities, threatening more than 1.1 million residents from the North Shore of Massachusetts to the Virginia…
(Update) Stepmom Accused of Imprisoning Connecticut Man For 20 Years Back In Court Amid Outrage (Update) Stepmom Accused of Imprisoning Connecticut Man For 20 Years Back In Court Amid Outrage
(Update) Stepmom Accused of Imprisoning Connecticut Man For 20 Years Back In Court Amid Outrage Update: A judge ruled Friday, March 28, that Kimberly Sullivan must wear a GPS-monitoring device while out on bail.  Original: Donations continue to flood in for the 32-year-old man from Connecticut who was allegedly held captive inside a tiny room in a Waterbury home for two decades. The global outpouring of support comes as prosecutors seek harsher penalties for his stepmother, who is currently out on bail. Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury has raised nearly $200,000 on GoFundMe as of Thursday morning, March 27 — more than double its original goal. The funds will help cover the man's …
23andMe Files For Bankruptcy As Customers Urged To Delete Their Genetic Data 23andMe Files For Bankruptcy As Customers Urged To Delete Their Genetic Data
23andMe Files For Bankruptcy As Customers Urged To Delete Their Genetic Data Embattled genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the latest blow after a massive data breach exposed the personal information of millions of customers. 23andMe CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki resigned on Sunday, Mar. 23, so she could bid for the company independently. Joseph Selsavage, the company’s chief financial and accounting officer, is now serving as interim CEO, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Wojcicki confirmed the move in a social media post on Monday, Mar. 24. "While I am disappointed that we have come to…
MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why While most Americans are feeling the pressure — from rising costs to political uncertainty — residents in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic may be catching a bit of a break, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of the most stressed states in the US on Monday, Mar. 24. The findings suggest that despite national anxieties — like inflation, job instability, and healthcare access — many in the region are experiencing less day-to-day stress than much of the country. Connecticut ranked 42nd overall, placing it among the 10 least-stressed states. The Constitution State had …
Former Congresswoman Who Grew Up In New England Dies At Age 49 Former Congresswoman Who Grew Up In New England Dies At Age 49
Former Congresswoman Who Grew Up In New England Dies At Age 49 A former US congresswoman who became a television commentator has died. Mia Love, a New York native who grew up in Connecticut, was 49 and had been battling brain cancer. After moving west, she served as mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah — about 30 miles outside Salt Lake City — from 2010 to 2014. She was then elected to Congress in 2014 to represent Utah’s 4th District, becoming the first Black Republican woman elected to the House. She served two terms, beginning in 2015. News of her death was announced by her family on social media late Sunday night, March 23.  "With grateful heart…
MA Ranked Second In Nation For Innovation, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranked Second In Nation For Innovation, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranked Second In Nation For Innovation, New Study Says: Here's Why Several states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are setting the pace for US innovation by driving research, technology, and business growth, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 Most & Least Innovative States study on Wednesday, Mar. 19. The study evaluated all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 25 key factors, including STEM job concentration, research and development spending, and tech industry presence. Washington, DC, took WalletHub's top spot, driven by its high concentration of professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math. The nation's c…
Half-Sister Of Man Held Captive 20 Years In CT Home Speaks Out: 'I'm Disgusted' Half-Sister Of Man Held Captive 20 Years In CT Home Speaks Out: 'I'm Disgusted'
Half-Sister Of Man Held Captive 20 Years In CT Home Speaks Out: 'I'm Disgusted' The half-sister of a 32-year-old man who was imprisoned in a Connecticut home for two decades is speaking out against the stepmother who allegedly held him captive. "I have no kind words. I’m disgusted, I’m disappointed. How could you be such a monster?" she said on the "Chaz and AJ in the Morning" show. "How could you do that to a child?” Heather Tessman told WPLR's radio hosts that she had spent her adult life looking for her half-brother but couldn't find him. She was horrified when she saw reports last week of the hell he had endured while hidden away inside a home on Blake Street in Wa…
Massachusetts Among Least Federally Dependent States, New Study Says Massachusetts Among Least Federally Dependent States, New Study Says
Massachusetts Among Least Federally Dependent States, New Study Says Some states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic rely heavily on federal dollars, while others send far more to Washington than they get back, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Most & Least Federally Dependent States on Monday, Mar. 10. The study ranked all 50 states based on metrics like return on federal taxes paid, federal funding as a share of state revenue, and the percentage of federal jobs. The report showed a sharp divide in federal dependency across the US, with many Democratic-leaning states contributing more in taxes than they receive a…
MA Lags Behind In Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Lags Behind In Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Lags Behind In Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why A new study says some mid-Atlantic states are among the nation's leaders for having the best conditions for immigrants. Virginia ranked No. 1 as the most welcoming state for immigrants, while Arizona was named the worst, according to the study from SmileHub. The report evaluated states on 17 key factors, including the share of immigrants, job opportunities, and legal protections. The study was released as concerns rise over the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants, which is also increasing fears among immigrants legally in the US. "Over 51 million immigrants live …
Recall Issued For 75,000 Bottles Of Popular Creamer Due To Health Hazards Recall Issued For 75,000 Bottles Of Popular Creamer Due To Health Hazards
Recall Issued For 75,000 Bottles Of Popular Creamer Due To Health Hazards A popular coffee creamer has been recalled due to potential health risks, affecting thousands of bottles distributed across 31 states. International Delight has voluntarily recalled over 75,000 bottles of its coffee creamer after reports of spoilage and illness from consumers, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, initiated on Friday, Feb. 21, was classified as Class II by the FDA on Wednesday, March 12 — indicating that while health risks are not life-threatening, they could cause temporary or medically reversible issues. The recall affects two flavors of Int…