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COVID-19 Pandemic

After Stabbing, Western Mass Bar 'Closed Until Further Notice,' Owners Say After Stabbing, Western Mass Bar 'Closed Until Further Notice,' Owners Say
After Stabbing, Western Mass Bar 'Closed Until Further Notice,' Owners Say The owners of a Berkshire County ramen bar said they created the Pittsfield hotspot to be a safe space for people to meet and have a good time, but a stabbing last week upended that goal. They've decided to shut down indefinitely.  A man was stabbed as he left Thistle & Mirth just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The man took himself to Baystate Medical Center, and police say he is expected to survive. Authorities did not release his name.  Related: Man Stabbed Leaving Pittsfield Ramen Bar The owners of the 44 West St. bar said in a Facebook post that they have seen an increas…
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment A log of alleged harassment by their teacher dubbed the “Pedo Database” that was created by eight middle school boys in New England is now part of an official investigation into the teacher, The Boston Globe reports.  The Rhode Island teacher, who works at Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown, has been placed on administrative leave amid a probe into numerous claims of inappropriate behavior, including that he made female students dance for him, the outlet reports. One of the former students, now a 15-year-old high school student, told The Boston Globe that he and several other male…
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars With inflation skyrocketing across the country, causing the price of food and other merchandise to surge, one supermarket head vowed to keep a tight rein on costs for customers. Aldi US CEO Jason Hart penned a “price promise” letter to consumers this week making a pledge to keep costs down at the discount supermarket chain. Aldi CEO Jason Hart.Aldi “Saving you money is what we do best,” he wrote. “And in times like these, I’m incredibly proud to underscore this commitment to you: no matter what happens in the world around us, Aldi will always be the low-price leader in every community w…
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says With tax season rapidly approaching, many Americans have started filing and are now anxiously awaiting their refund check from the IRS. Despite facing a backlog and staffing issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans can expect their refund checks to arrive within weeks of filing their taxes, according to officials. Once filed, the IRS said that Americans can expect their refund money to arrive within 21 days, pending certain delays. The cash can also be tracked approximately 24 hours after filing through the IRS website. Where’s My Refund? According to the IRS, in 2022, …
LEGOLAND In Region Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences LEGOLAND In Region Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences
Legoland In Region Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences Everything is awesome at the Hudson Valley’s newest theme park as LEGOLAND prepares for opening day with new attractions and experiences. In Orange County, the LEGOLAND New York Resort announced that it will officially be opening for its first full season on Friday, April 8 with a host of improvements, including the debut of its new water playground. In July 2021, LEGOLAND New York opened up for the first time after years in development, representing the first major theme park in the region in more than 40 years. Earlier story - New Hudson Valley Theme Park LEGOLAND Celebrates Opening, No…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a public apology after being blasted by critics - including his own family - for making an Anne Frank reference during an anti-vaccine and mandate rally in Washington, DC. During the event on Sunday, Jan. 23, Kennedy drew the ire of many when he implied that Anne Frank had more freedom in hiding from the Nazis than people have under the current US vaccine policies. “What we’re seeing today is what I call turnkey totalitarianism. They are putting in place all of these technological mechanisms for control we’ve never seen before,” Kennedy said. “It’s been the…
Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says
Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says Orange juice prices could increase as Florida orange groves are seeing a lower crop yield this season.  According to a January report from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Statistics Board, the 2021-2022 forecast of Florida oranges is 44.5 million boxes, which is 1.5 million fewer than the December forecast. The USDA said if the forecast is realized, the final production will be 16 percent less than last year.  ABC News reported that this lower yield could lead to higher prices, adding that prices are already high due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According…
Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks
Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks It is unlikely that the federal government will distribute a fresh round of stimulus checks to most Americans again, but some will qualify for some financial assistance in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, eligible Americans received as many as three stimulus checks to help them ride out the pandemic, though a fourth is unlikely, outside of a specific group. Parents who gave birth to a child in 2021 will be eligible for a 2022 stimulus check of up to $1,400, similar to the third round that was issued in March last year. Eligible new parents who inform the IRS they had a baby — or babies …
Here's How Much, When Minimum Wage Will Increase In Massachusetts Here's How Much, When Minimum Wage Will Increase In Massachusetts
Here's How Much, When Minimum Wage Will Increase In Massachusetts Massachusetts is one of more than two dozen states that will be giving employees a holiday bonus as minimum wage is getting an increase for the beginning of 2022. As of Saturday, Jan. 1, the state’s minimum wage in Massachusetts will rise 75 cents from $13.50 an hour to $14.25. The new wage translates to $29,640 a year for employees working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. The minimum wage for tipped workers who make more than $20 in tips monthly will also rise to $6.15 an hour on Jan. 1. Officials noted that the Massachusetts minimum wage bill also established a paid family and medical…
COVID-19: These Will Be Key Signs When End To Pandemic Is Coming, CDC Director Says COVID-19: These Will Be Key Signs When End To Pandemic Is Coming, CDC Director Says
Covid-19: These Will Be Key Signs When End To Pandemic Is Coming, CDC Director Says The COVID-19 pandemic is now nearly two years old, and there's still no end in sight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says there are two key signs to look for down the line that are key indicators when the time comes that it does finally wind down. The first is a manageable number of hospitalizations, and the second is a significant drop in the number of daily deaths, she said in an interview with ABC News. To get there, Walensky emphasized the importance of relying on strategies that have proven to be effective, namely vaccines and mask…
CVS To Close 900 Stores As It Adjusts To Increasing Number Of Online Shoppers CVS To Close 900 Stores As It Adjusts To Increasing Number Of Online Shoppers
CVS To Close 900 Stores As It Adjusts To Increasing Number Of Online Shoppers Nearly one thousand CVS stores are set to close over the next three years as the retail giant continues to pivot away from retail and leans into the company's healthcare services. On Thursday, Nov. 18, the company announced that it planned to shut down at least 300 stores annually for the next three years as it re-evaluates its business strategy. The closures will begin in spring 2022. CVS made the announcement as it continues to contend with digital competition and online shopping, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the company to pivot its plans for the future. …
Here's How Many Hours Per Day A Child Spends Looking At Screens On Average, New Study Finds Here's How Many Hours Per Day A Child Spends Looking At Screens On Average, New Study Finds
Here's How Many Hours Per Day A Child Spends Looking At Screens On Average, New Study Finds Researchers have found that the average amount of time children spend looking at screens each day has doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic. In May of 2020, children ages 12 and 13 spent an average of 7.7 hours per day looking at screens for reasons unrelated to school, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers from the University of California-San Francisco. The university shared the study's findings in an announcement on Monday, Nov. 1.  The figure is a significant increase from the 3.8 hours spent on screens each day prior to the pandemic. Researchers found that …
COVID-19: Nationwide Liquor Shortage Affects Stores, Bars, Restaurants COVID-19: Nationwide Liquor Shortage Affects Stores, Bars, Restaurants
Covid-19: Nationwide Liquor Shortage Affects Stores, Bars, Restaurants The COVID-19 pandemic claimed an unexpected victim as the nation faces a shortage of liquor that is impacting stores, bars, and restaurants across the country. Some states along the East Coast have started to limit purchases due to alcohol shortages related to the pandemic, which saw a marked uptick in the number of people staying home and enjoying a drink or two after a long day of working remotely. According to the Alcohol and Beverage Commission, some states have started rationing their liquor sales amid supply chain issues, though there is no clear timetable for when the supply will mat…
Gas Rates May Increase In Massachusetts This Winter, Eversource Warns Gas Rates May Increase In Massachusetts This Winter, Eversource Warns
Gas Rates May Increase In Massachusetts This Winter, Eversource Warns Eversource customers in the region could see a small spike in their bills this winter as the utility company contends with rising natural gas prices. This week, citing rising gas prices around the world, Eversource filed its proposed winter natural gas rate for Massachusetts residents with the Department of Public Utilities that would include rate increases for customers beginning on Monday, Nov. 1. According to Eversource, during the pandemic, the price of natural gas rose by approximately 20 percent as the demand increased in 2020 as many sheltered in place for upwards of a year and some…
COVID-19: Here's Why Auto Prices Are Expected To Remain High COVID-19: Here's Why Auto Prices Are Expected To Remain High
Covid-19: Here's Why Auto Prices Are Expected To Remain High A shortage of a key part caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to keep automobile prices high until as late as 2023, according to multiple reports. Experts say that computer chip shortages caused car prices to increase in the spring, and delta variant cases in countries that produce the computer chips could lead to even longer wait times before prices lower. Jeff Aiosa, the Connecticut Director of the National Automobile Dealers Association, told WTNH in New Haven that dealers across the United States usually sell more than 17 million new cars, but that number has gone down to 16 mill…
Popular Burger Chain Expected To Increase Prices, Report Says Popular Burger Chain Expected To Increase Prices, Report Says
Popular Burger Chain Expected To Increase Prices, Report Says Customers of a popular burger chain can expect to pay a bit more for their orders, as the company is planning to increase its prices soon.  Shake Shack CFO Katherine Fogertey said customers will have to pay as much as 3% to 3.5 percent more, a higher increase than previous years, according to Eat This, Not That.  The site said the price is expected to change at the end of 2021, and another increase might take place in 2022. The decision was reportedly made to offset the costs of commodities and labor that have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other businesses, such as Chipotl…
COVID-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity COVID-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity
Covid-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity Some companies in the United States have begun exploring the possibility of switching to a four-day workweek as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the way many Americans work. One of the companies planning to pilot a four-day workweek is Kickstarter. The company announced that next year it plans to pilot the shorter workweek while keeping pay the same for employees, according to the Wall Street Journal. The chief executive of the company said he hopes staff will remain just as productive while having more time to focus on their life outside of work. A study in Iceland found that c…
Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies
Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies With the new school year fast approaching and children returning to the classroom following a lost year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are being cautioned to be aware of back-to-school shopping scams. As most classrooms prepare for in-person learning during the fall for the first time in more than a year, there have been reported shortages of some school merchandise, creating an opportunity for fraudsters to target parents through online scams. Sandra Guile of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said that “what parents are challenged with at this point in time is juggling the transition…
No Freedom From High Gas Prices For Fourth Of July Travelers, AAA Says No Freedom From High Gas Prices For Fourth Of July Travelers, AAA Says
No Freedom From High Gas Prices For Fourth Of July Travelers, AAA Says With America on the mend from the COVID-19 pandemic, millions are expected to hit the road for the holiday weekend, though there will be no relief at the pump as gas prices remain sky-high. Approximately 47.7 million Americans are expected to travel between Thursday, July 1, and Monday, July 5 - a dramatic upturn from a year ago - with more than 43 million expected to travel by car, despite elevated gas prices. As of Wednesday, June 30, the average price per gallon at the pump nationally has hit $3.12 cents, up from $3.07 a week ago, $3.04 a month ago, and up nearly a dollar from $2.18 a ye…
World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, In Massachusetts, Has New Date World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, In Massachusetts, Has New Date
World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, In Massachusetts, Has New Date “The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast” is coming back to Western Massachusetts a little later than expected this summer following a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spirit of Springfield announced that the massive breakfast, which was scheduled to be held in mid-May, will now be held in the heart of Main Street on Saturday, Aug. 21 as it sets a new date. Officials announced the new date this week after being forced to cancel the popular event in 2020 due to the pandemic. “The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast” has been a popular annual local tradition in Springfield since it was…
Seven Nabbed In Undercover Massachusetts Prostitution Ring Seven Nabbed In Undercover Massachusetts Prostitution Ring
Seven Nabbed In Undercover Massachusetts Prostitution Ring Seven men were arrested in Western Massachusetts as part of an undercover prostitution sting. The Springfield Police Department said the sting, which took place on Thursday, May 27, was the first such large-scale operation for the department since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, that targeted "Johns" in the Springfield area. "This operation was carried out in response to the ongoing quality of life complaints from citizens in the South End neighborhood," said Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the Springfield Police. In recent years, under the direction of Springfie…
Prominent Massachusetts Restaurant Owner Dies Prominent Massachusetts Restaurant Owner Dies
Prominent Massachusetts Restaurant Owner Dies A prominent Western Mass restaurant owner has died at the age of 59, surrounded by family.  Andy Yee, a partner of the Bean Restaurant Group, which includes restaurants such as the Student Prince In Springfield, the White Hut, in West Springfield, and Johnny's Tavern in Amherst, died on Thursday, May 27. "It is with great sadness that we announce that our brother, Andy Yee passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2021," the family said on the White Hut's Facebook page. "Anyone who knew Andy knew that his laugh was contagious, his personality bigger than life, and he was always bursting with pr…
Major Chlorine Shortage Could Cause Pool Closures Major Chlorine Shortage Could Cause Pool Closures
Major Chlorine Shortage Could Cause Pool Closures A national chlorine shortage could lead to headaches for pool owners and Americans ready to get out of the house and head to area pools and parks following the yearlong COVID-19 pandemic. What was expected to be a busy summer for pool owners and goers has turned cloudy - similar to the pool water - due to the shortage, which is delaying their ability to get things set up for the summer. Chlorine is used to prevent and kill algae in pools, while also protecting swimmers from waterborne illnesses. In response to the shortage, some pool professionals have been stockpiling chlorine tablets beh…
Exec Director Of Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund Hired As NY Educator Exec Director Of Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund Hired As NY Educator
Exec Director Of Massachusetts Covid-19 Relief Fund Hired As NY Educator An educator who has experience from coast to coast has been tapped as the new superintendent for one of downstate New York's largest school districts. The New Rochelle Board of Education is expected to approve a three-year deal with Jonathan P. Raymond during its meeting on Wednesday night, May 26 to become the district’s new superintendent. Raymond comes to Westchester County having previously served as superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified School District in California and chief accountability officer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system in North Carolina. Most recently, R…
COVID-19: Connecticut Teacher Who Helped Families During Pandemic Now Owes Thousands In Taxes COVID-19: Connecticut Teacher Who Helped Families During Pandemic Now Owes Thousands In Taxes
Covid-19: Connecticut Teacher Who Helped Families During Pandemic Now Owes Thousands In Taxes A 27-year-old teacher who helped his New England neighbors by going to the grocery store for them during the COVID-19 pandemic is now facing a hefty tax bill. But when Louis Goffinet, who teaches at a middle school in Mansfield, Connecticut, raised over $40,000 on Facebook, he got slapped with a $16,000 tax bill, according to a report in the Hartford Courant. After Goffinet started to seek funds, he wound up spending his own money because some people needed financial help, the report said. After raising $41,000 through two Facebook fundraisers, he received a 1099 form from Facebo…
COVID-19: Working From Home Comes With A High Cost, New Research Says COVID-19: Working From Home Comes With A High Cost, New Research Says
Covid-19: Working From Home Comes With A High Cost, New Research Says Working from home may not be the cost-saving measure that it first appears to be. According to a new working paper from Harvard University researchers, where a remote-worker resides dictates whether or not working from home saves a household any money. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a closed economy meant many people were able to work from home. The move has been hailed as a success by many corporations and employees, but Harvard wasn’t so sure. To determine whether people and businesses are better off with employees working from home, Harvard compared how much households with remo…
Best Buy To Cut 5,000 Jobs, Close Stores As Customers Shift To Online Purchases Best Buy To Cut 5,000 Jobs, Close Stores As Customers Shift To Online Purchases
Best Buy To Cut 5,000 Jobs, Close Stores As Customers Shift To Online Purchases Best Buy is laying off thousands of workers as the retail giant plans to close some brick-and-mortar stores as the company transitions to focus on its e-commerce business. This week, Best Buy announced that it is laying off 5,000 employees this month with plans to close more stores this year after consumers concentrated on online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the company, approximately 40 percent of its sales in the past year came from online purchases, up from 19 percent two years ago, forcing the retailer to transition its business model. While Best Buy laid off 5,0…
No Data Caps For Now: Comcast To Delay Heavily-Criticized Plan To Limit Internet No Data Caps For Now: Comcast To Delay Heavily-Criticized Plan To Limit Internet
No Data Caps For Now: Comcast To Delay Heavily-Criticized Plan To Limit Internet Comcast’s highly-criticized move to implement internet data caps is being delayed. On Friday, Feb. 18, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued a statement welcoming Comcast’s announcement that they will postpone, what he called an “ill-timed” data cap until 2022. Comcast’s planned data caps went into effect on Jan. 1, in 12 states - including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania - plus Washington, D.C. The data caps were envisioned long before the pandemic hit. “Delaying this ill-timed data cap until at least 2022 is the right call. I have heard from…
Town So Irked By Comcast Internet Cap, It May Just Build Its Own Broadband Network Town So Irked By Comcast Internet Cap, It May Just Build Its Own Broadband Network
Town So Irked By Comcast Internet Cap, It May Just Build Its Own Broadband Network At least one town is so irked by Comcast’s new internet service cap that it’s looking into starting a municipal internet option. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the creation of a Municipal Fiber Task Force to study implementing an internet network throughout Agawam was announced by Mayor William P. Sapelli. Sapelli said that a town-owned and managed network is just one option Agawam will explore as an alternative to Comcast. The town could also partner with a third party to provide service, make another arrangement, or not change anything at all.  Among the factors that will be studied by the …
COVID-19: MA Kidnapper, Sex Trafficker, Bank Robber Get Early Prison Release Due To Pandemic COVID-19: MA Kidnapper, Sex Trafficker, Bank Robber Get Early Prison Release Due To Pandemic
Covid-19: MA Kidnapper, Sex Trafficker, Bank Robber Get Early Prison Release Due To Pandemic A convicted kidnapper, sex trafficker, and two bank robbers are among the criminals who have been released from Massachusetts prisons early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, 419 motions for release have been filed in Massachusetts by convicts as well as people awaiting trial. Of those requests 88 have been granted, 219 have been denied, and 96 are pending, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Early releases are being allowed for some people in the justice system because prisons tend to be superspreaders for diseases. To allow for social-distancing, prisoners across the nation ar…
COVID-19: Pandemic Leads To Emergence Of Remote Co-Living Spaces COVID-19: Pandemic Leads To Emergence Of Remote Co-Living Spaces
Covid-19: Pandemic Leads To Emergence Of Remote Co-Living Spaces An odd blend of community and isolation is springing up amid the COVID-19 pandemic as people seek to work remotely from interesting spaces. Young professionals who fled big cities at the start of the pandemic in early 2020 are more and more choosing to live in the type of real estate geared toward communal living, according to a Wall Street Journal report. “Many of those who left were seeking fresh air, more space and distance from infection clusters, but they also found the prospect of being isolated in the country daunting,” the article noted. Now shared vacation homes, farms and conve…