Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator
Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator JCPenney is merging with a company that owns several other retailers that have also struggled as malls have declined in popularity across the U.S. The 123-year-old department store chain and SPARC Group have combined to form Catalyst Brands, the new company said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. SPARC Group is the operator of stores including Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Lucky Brand, and Nautica. Former JCPenney CEO Marc Rosen will become the CEO of Catalyst Brands, which boasts more than $9 billion of revenue and about 60,000 employees at …
Mail Won’t Be Delivered Thursday, Jan. 9: Here's Why Mail Won’t Be Delivered Thursday, Jan. 9: Here's Why
Mail Won’t Be Delivered Thursday, Jan. 9: Here's Why The United States Postal Service will pause mail delivery and retail services on Thursday, Jan. 9, to honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter on a National Day of Mourning. All post office locations will be closed for the day, following an executive order from President Joe Biden directing federal agencies to close as a mark of respect for Carter, the nation’s 39th president. While regular mail services will be suspended, limited package delivery will continue, the USPS announced. Carter, who died on Sunday, Dec. 29, at age 100 after nearly two years in hospice care, mad…
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal Dockworkers and port companies have come to a tentative agreement on a new six-year deal, avoiding another work stoppage that would cause major shipping disruptions along the East Coast. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced the tentative agreement in a joint news release at night on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The deal aimed to avoid another potential strike on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The ILA and USMX agreed to extend the current master contract until ILA representatives can convene for a ratification vote and USMX members can final…
First Snowfall Projections Released For Storm Set To Hit Northeast First Snowfall Projections Released For Storm Set To Hit Northeast
First Snowfall Projections Released For Storm Set To Hit Northeast The first snowfall projections have been released for a new winter storm headed to the Northeast. The timing for the system is Friday night, Jan. 10, into Saturday, Jan. 11, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest snow and ice are predicted for the south of Washington, DC, but accumulating snow and slippery travel will range from the Midwest to southern New England, where snow should be "intermittent and spotty in nature," AccuWeather says. Snow Accumulation Projections See the first image above Light blue areas: 1 to 3 inches Next shade: up to 6 inches Dark bl…
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help More than ever, success in business is determined by reach in your community. Daily Voice provides a direct line of communication to your neighbors. Whether you’re a new business or an experienced marketer, we want to work with you. Our products make it easy to reach local customers. Our team of experts can fit any budget. We’re your trusted source for news and information. We also want to be your trusted partner in advertising. Reach out whenever you're ready—we'll be here.
Here's Where Boston Ranks Among 10 Worst Cities For Traffic In US Here's Where Boston Ranks Among 10 Worst Cities For Traffic In US
Here's Where Boston Ranks Among 10 Worst Cities For Traffic In US Traffic jams continue to plague urban centers across the United States, leading to lost time, increased costs, and frustration for millions of commuters.  The 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard sheds light on the cities most affected, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by drivers. Here are the 10 cities with the worst traffic, according to INRIX: New York City – The Big Apple leads the nation, with drivers losing countless hours in traffic. Chicago – The Windy City ranks second, with congestion remaining a major issue. Los Angeles – LA’s infamous gridlock earns it…
‘Quitter’s Day’ Is Coming: Here's What To Know ‘Quitter’s Day’ Is Coming: Here's What To Know
‘Quitter’s Day’ Is Coming: Here's What To Know Have you felt your motivation slipping as January rolls on?  You’re not alone.  The second Friday of January, known as “Quitter’s Day,” has become the unofficial date when millions give up on their New Year’s resolutions.  This year, it falls on Jan. 10. But why does it happen — and more importantly, how can you avoid it? Studies show that by mid-January, enthusiasm often gives way to fatigue, busy schedules, or frustration over unrealistic goals. Data from fitness apps reveals a sharp decline in activity around this time, making Quitter’s Day a significant milestone for r…
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Jan. 8 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Jan. 8 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Jan. 8 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Jan. 8 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $240 million with a $107.4 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 01-20-36-38-43 with a Powerball of 24 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 mil…
Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart
Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart A public health alert has just been issued for a popular frozen chicken product. The product labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas may contain Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, with milk, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label, according to US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  FSIS said it is issuing this alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to milk are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase. The frozen empanada products labeled …
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes 'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes As wind-whipped wild fires spreading over thousands of acres ravage Los Angeles, many have shared their devastating experiences on social media, including a host of celebrities. The first blaze erupted late Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood.  Since then, hundreds of homes have been reduced to ashes, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and thousands evacuated. Over 1,000 structures and 25,000 acres have been destroyed. Panicked motorists abandoned vehicles in streets as they rushed to flee the inferno in apocalyptic scenes that seemed like something in…
Newly Minted Millionaire: Taunton Woman Knows How She'll Spend Her Payday Newly Minted Millionaire: Taunton Woman Knows How She'll Spend Her Payday
Newly Minted Millionaire: Taunton Woman Knows How She'll Spend Her Payday It was a lucky week for one Bay State woman who landed a $1 million jackpot in the Massachusetts State Lottery.  Cristiane Freitas, of Taunton, collected her seven-figure prize from playing the "Waves of Cash" game, a $5 scratch-off ticket. She won the third and final $1 million jackpot in that game Related: Chelmsford Man Slam Dunks $1 Million Lottery Prize In New Celtics Game She took the lump sum of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity. Freitas plans to invest that money.  Freitas bought the winning ticket at Canaan Fuels, 53 Court St. in Taunton. The store …
Raw Kitten Food Sold In MA Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Raw Kitten Food Sold In MA Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says
Raw Kitten Food Sold In MA Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 pounds of its raw cat food sold across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic after the product tested positive for salmonella, officials said. The Food and Drug Administration said the recall impacts two-pound logs of Blue Ridge Beef's kitten mix with lot number N25-0716 (UPC 854298001436). A customer complained about a cat getting sick after eating the mix and a food sample was collected on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the product tested positive for salmonella on Friday, Jan. 3. The FDA said the food …
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant A new restaurant with a luxury pawn shop and speakeasy vibes will soon open at Mohegan Sun. Beauty & Essex is set to open next to novelle in the Casino of the Sky on Friday, Feb. 7, Mohegan Sun said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant will be operated by Tao Group Hospitality, which also opened TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at the Uncasville casino in 2021. Co-created by Chef Chris Santos, Mohegan Sun said Beauty & Essex will offer a unique, eclectic dining experience. "The addition of Beauty & Essex furthers our partnership …
Teen Killed In Ski Accident At Western Mass Resort Teen Killed In Ski Accident At Western Mass Resort
Teen Killed In Ski Accident At Western Mass Resort A 19-year-old student at an exclusive Massachusetts college was killed this week after suffering a severe head injury while skiing at a resort in the Berkshires. Alex Kemp, of Lincroft, NJ, was skiing at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock on Monday, Jan. 6, when he went off of one of the trails and hit his head after going over an embankment, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.  Paramedics performed life-saving measures as they rushed him to Berkshire Medical Center. Doctors later transferred Kemp to…
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday. Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .  He has been covering his hometown community since 2006. Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided. "We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
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…
Major Storm Packed With Snow, Ice To Target Northeast After Slamming South Major Storm Packed With Snow, Ice To Target Northeast After Slamming South
Major Storm Packed With Snow, Ice To Target Northeast After Slamming South A new major snow and ice storm is expected to take aim at the Northeast after first targeting the southern United States. The current projected time frame for the storm is Friday night, Jan. 10, into Saturday evening, Jan. 11, according to the National Weather Service. Forecast models suggest two primary scenarios for the storm’s path and impact. "In the first scenario, the heaviest snow is expected to move from the Midwest into the Mid-Atlantic. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) The second scenario shows the storm intensifying as it approaches the Northeast, potentially …
Bill To Deport Unauthorized Immigrants Charged With Minor Crimes Passes House Bill To Deport Unauthorized Immigrants Charged With Minor Crimes Passes House
Bill To Deport Unauthorized Immigrants Charged With Minor Crimes Passes House The House of Representatives passed its first bill of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 7, a border security measure requiring the detention and deportation of unauthorized immigrants charged with theft-related crimes, including shoplifting and burglary. Named the Laken Riley Act in honor of a 22-year-old Georgia college student killed in February, 2024 by a Venezuelan migrant, the legislation received bipartisan support, in a 264-159 vote.  All Republicans and 48 Democrats backed the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stated that the Senate will consider the bill as early as Fr…
Staggering Number Of Potentially Unsafe Elderly Drivers Still Behind Wheel, Study Warns Staggering Number Of Potentially Unsafe Elderly Drivers Still Behind Wheel, Study Warns
Staggering Number Of Potentially Unsafe Elderly Drivers Still Behind Wheel, Study Warns A new study reveals a staggering number of elderly Americans experiencing cognitive decline continue to drive, raising concerns about road safety nationwide. There are approximately 48 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the United States, with around 17 percent of seniors suffering from mild cognitive impairment, according to a StudyFinds.org. This situation presents a considerable challenge in ensuring road safety while also preserving the independence of older adults. According to an analysis conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the healthcare …
Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America' Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America'
Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America' President-elect Donald Trump unveiled sweeping plans for US territorial expansion in the Western Hemisphere during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Florida.  He refused to rule out military action to retake the Panama Canal, proposed the acquisition of Greenland, and suggested economic measures to incorporate Canada into the United States. Leaders in all three countries swiftly condemned the remarks. The remarks came during a news conference on Tuesday, Jan. 7, where Trump covered a wide range of topics, including his plans to reshape American energy pol…
Police ID Central Mass Teen Killed In Crash Near Market Basket Store Police ID Central Mass Teen Killed In Crash Near Market Basket Store
Police ID Central Mass Teen Killed In Crash Near Market Basket Store The 13-year-old Massachusetts boy who was hit and killed by a truck near a Market Basket in Worcester County has been identified.  Ezra Millard, of Leominster, was hit near the Sack Boulevard store in Leominster just after 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, the Worcester District Attorney's Office said.  Ezra was a student at Skyview Middle School. The driver of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado stayed on the scene following the crash and was cooperating with investigators, authorities said. The truck is registered in Maine.  Ezra's father, John Millard, posted shortly after their death …
These Two Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Will Be Retired In 2025: How You Can Buy Them These Two Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Will Be Retired In 2025: How You Can Buy Them
These Two Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Will Be Retired In 2025: How You Can Buy Them If you love Girl Scout Cookies, 2025 is the last year you can buy two special flavors. The Girl Scouts of the USA said that it will retire its S’mores and Toast-Yay! cookies after this season. The organization made the announcement in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7 as it kicks off the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie season. S'mores cookies were introduced in 2017 and are made by Little Brownie Bakers. Just like the campfire classic, the Girl Scout version has a chocolate and marshmallow filling in between two graham sandwich cookies. The Toast-Yay! flavor was introduced in 2021 an…
Journalist Richard Cohen, Husband To Meredith Vieira, Dies After Half-Century MS Battle Journalist Richard Cohen, Husband To Meredith Vieira, Dies After Half-Century MS Battle
Journalist Richard Cohen, Husband To Meredith Vieira, Dies After Half-Century MS Battle Journalist and author Richard Cohen has died after inspiring countless people through his decades-long battle with MS and cancer. Cohen, the husband of former TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira, died on Tuesday, Dec. 24, TODAY reported. The Plainview, New York, native was 76 years old. A veteran reporter, Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years and overcame two cancer diagnoses during his life. He was also legally blind. Cohen, who worked for CBS News, was given his MS diagnosis in 1973.  "I was diagnosed when I was 25 years old and essentially told there is no…
2.5+ Million Teslas Investigated For Crashes Linked To Remote Driving Feature, NHTSA Says 2.5+ Million Teslas Investigated For Crashes Linked To Remote Driving Feature, NHTSA Says
2.5+ Million Teslas Investigated For Crashes Linked To Remote Driving Feature, Nhtsa Says A federal investigation has been launched into more than 2.5 million Tesla vehicles after reports of crashes involving a system that allows vehicles to be remotely controlled through a smartphone app, officials said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the probe into Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" system on Monday, Jan. 6. A preliminary investigation report said the auto safety agency was looking into at least four crashes involving Teslas using the self-driving feature. The investigation includes an estimated 2,585,000 Teslas with full self-dri…
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, Cfpb Says About 15 million Americans will see their credit reports cleared of medical debt under a new rule approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has finalized a landmark rule that removes $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, the bureau said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The regulation also prohibits lenders from using medical information in lending decisions when evaluating loan applications. The rule is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable the approval of 22,000 additional mortgages annually. "People …
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta is dismantling its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S. and aims to bring back political content as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the company said. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the changes in a video statement on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, will replace its fact-checking program with a Community Notes system similar to the one implemented on X (formerly Twitter). Zuckerberg said the new system's goal is to reduce bias and restore free expression. "Fact-checkers have be…
MA Leads Nation In Cancer Research: The Hub Of Hope For Breakthroughs MA Leads Nation In Cancer Research: The Hub Of Hope For Breakthroughs
SmileHub Study Ranks Best States For Cancer Research In 2025 Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
McDonald's Launches McValue Menu With $1 Deals, Free Fries, Big Perks McDonald's Launches McValue Menu With $1 Deals, Free Fries, Big Perks
McDonald's Launches McValue Menu With $1 Deals, Free Fries, Big Perks A new year means a new way to save money at McDonald's. The fast-food chain has officially debuted its new McValue menu on Tuesday, Jan. 7, McDonald's said in a news release. U.S. customers can enjoy deals like the new "Buy One, Add One for $1" offer and the popular $5 Meal Deal. The McValue menu also introduces exclusive app deals, including free medium fries with a $1 purchase every Friday throughout 2025 and a complimentary McCrispy chicken sandwich for first-time app users.  Owners of the roughly 13,500 restaurants nationwide can also add their own flair and unique …
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport 2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport Two unidentified bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport late Monday night, Jan. 6.  The airline confirmed the news in a statement released on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, noting that the bodies were discovered during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection. "At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue said. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working c…
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …