Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots has announced a major development following its September bankruptcy filing. The discount retail chain says it's entered a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to preserve the brand, save thousands of jobs, and keep hundreds of stores open. Variety Wholesalers, known for its portfolio of retail brands, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, along with up to two distribution centers. There are about 1,400 Big Lots stores nationwide. The transition ensures Big Lots can transfer key assets and maintain continuity of its br…
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The start of the New Year will bring a big change in the weather pattern with the return of wintry weather. The shift will come after a New Year's Eve storm system that will bring rain, some of which will be heavy at times late Tuesday night, Dec. 31 into the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to the National Weather Service. "The first exploits of colder air will begin during the middle and latter part of next week in the wake of a storm that transitions the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025," according to AccuWeather. "But then, as the jet stream dip…
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…
Minimum Wage To Increase In NY: Here's When, How Much Minimum Wage To Increase In NY: Here's When, How Much
Minimum Wage To Increase In NY: Here's When, How Much New Yorkers earning minimum wage will see an increase in their paychecks.  This change, which takes effective on Wednesday, Jan. 1, is part of a broader state initiative aimed at easing the financial burden of rising living costs. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the plan as part of a multi-year agreement with the state legislature.  In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, the hourly pay will increase from $16 to $16.50.  Meanwhile, the rest of the state will see a jump from $15 to $15.50.  Further annual adjustments linked to inflation will begin in 2027. …
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 The longest living president in US history, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100. The death of the 39th chief executive was announced by the Carter Center. He died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29 at his residence in his lifelong hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was born in October 1924. James Earl Carter Jr., was the first ex-president to reach the age of 100. Carter, then the Democratic governor of Georgia who had worked as a peanut farmer, defeated Gerald Ford in the 1976 race, the first presidential election after Richard Nixon's resignation in August 1974 following the Watergate af…
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm The start of the New Year will be a super soaker for many, including revelers in New York City for the traditional countdown and drop of the ball in Times Square. Click here for a new, updated story - 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The storm, which AccuWeather meteorologists call “a trouble-making setup for the Northeast,” will occur from Tuesday night, Dec. 31, into around noontime on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. “That brewing storm will likely bring drenching rain from North Carolina to Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland…
Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98 Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98
Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98 Charles Francis Dolan, a pioneer in the cable television industry and founder of HBO and Cablevision, died at 98. Dolan died Thursday, Dec. 28, of natural causes. Born Oct. 16, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career producing and distributing sports and industrial films. In the early 1960s, he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, the first company to wire buildings for cable access in New York City. This led to exclusive deals with teams like the New York Knicks and Rangers. In 1972, he launched HBO, the first premium cable channel, changing television by offering uncut movies and …
Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet REAL ID Deadline Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet REAL ID Deadline
Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet Real ID Deadline Time is winding down for New Yorkers to get their federally compliant REAL ID or Enhanced ID/driver's license ahead of a crucial deadline. Starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses or non-driver IDs will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities.  To comply with new federal regulations, residents must obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, both of which are available at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. A REAL ID, which meets the federal standard, can be used for domestic flights and accessing fe…
Person Jumps From Bear Mountain Bridge, Divers On Scene: Police Person Jumps From Bear Mountain Bridge, Divers On Scene: Police
Person Jumps From Bear Mountain Bridge, Divers On Scene: Police New York State Police said a person jumped from the Bear Mountain Bridge has not been located.  The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, near Stony Point in Rockland County. State Police said divers were on the scene searching for the victim but did not divulge if the person was a man or a woman. On the Dutchess County Scanner Feed Facebook page, one person commented that he saw a few people talking with the man, trying to convince him not to jump. After jumping, the man could be seen for a few minutes treading water and then disappeared underwater, …
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Federal authorities have issued a nationwide warning after the recall of a popular candy bar. Gardners Candies, based in Tyrone, PA, has voluntarily recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway Bars due to undeclared tree nuts (cashews), posing a serious risk to those with allergies. What to Know: Affected Products: 1.25-ounce packages of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars. Distribution: Sold across the country through retail stores and mail orders starting Sunday, Sept. 1. Packaging: The bars are in white plastic wrappers marked with lot #082725 and an expiration date of Aug. 27, 2025. They can also be found …
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch
Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch Stargazers are in for a rare celestial treat as a Black Moon graces the skies, offering perfect conditions for night-sky observation.  This event occurs when two new moons fall within a single calendar month, with the second earning the “Black Moon” designation. The phenomenon will take place on Monday, Dec. 30, enhancing the darkness of the night sky as the moon becomes invisible during its new phase.  The best time to enjoy this darker sky is anytime after sunset, when the sky is fully dark.  With no lunar light, stars, constellations, and planets will shine more vividly,…
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 27 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1.15 billion (with a B) and a $516.1 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-07-37-49-55 with a Mega Ball of 06 and a Megaplier of 3X. If won at that level, the jackpot would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, according to the Lottery officials. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday,…
ESPN Legend Goes Head-To-Head With Dave Portnoy Over Hairline Roast ESPN Legend Goes Head-To-Head With Dave Portnoy Over Hairline Roast
ESPN Legend Goes Head-To-Head With Dave Portnoy Over Hairline Roast ESPN legend Scott Van Pelt wasn’t about to let Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy get a head start on mocking a college athlete’s hairline. During the Pittsburgh Panthers’ Thursday, Dec. 26 game against the Toledo Rockets, Portnoy zeroed in on offensive lineman Ryan Baer’s thinning locks after a grueling six-overtime showdown.  “This 6OT game just blessed us with this hairline,” Portnoy said of the 22-year-old athlete. “How old are college kids again?” The viral tweet racked up 9.6 million views, but Brookeville, MD's Van Pelt—who has embraced his own baldness with pride—wasn’t here for…
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Greg Gumbel, a distinguished sports broadcaster renowned for his extensive career with CBS Sports, has died at the age of 78. A cause of death has not yet been released. Gumbel's career spanned several decades, during which he became a familiar and trusted voice in American sports broadcasting.  He was particularly known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for NFL games and as the studio host for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. His calm demeanor and professionalism endeared him to colleagues and audiences alike. Gumbel's contributions to sports broadcasting were significan…
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO) Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO)
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (Video) A New York woman is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a jet skier who became stranded on a frozen canal, sending him into frigid waters. The dramatic rescue unfolded on Thursday, Dec. 26, on Long Island's Poospatuck Creek in Mastic Beach, after a jet skier found himself stuck and sinking in the icy water. Kayla Masotto, a nearby resident, sprang into action after spotting the man struggling in the freezing canal. Video shared on Instagram shows Masotto walking out onto the thin ice with her paddleboard to reach the man, whose arms and legs had gone numb from the cold water. A second …
‘Tis The Season for Big Wins: $36K Lottery Ticket Sold In Capital Region ‘Tis The Season for Big Wins: $36K Lottery Ticket Sold In Capital Region
‘Tis The Season for Big Wins: $36K Lottery Ticket Sold In Capital Region One lucky Albany County resident may have just had the merriest Christmas yet, thanks to an over $36,000 winning lottery ticket purchased at a Capital Region store.  The lucky winner bought a top-prize Take 5 ticket worth $36,167.50 for the evening drawing on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at a store in the Albany County hamlet of Latham, New York Lottery officials announced.  Officials added that the ticket was purchased at Stewart’s Shop at 1218 Troy-Schenectady Rd.  The winning numbers, drawn from a field of one through 39, turned this unsuspecting customer’s Christmas into a fest…
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old NY Robbery (UPDATE) Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old NY Robbery (UPDATE)
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old NY Robbery (Update) Following the discovery of new evidence and constitutional violations, a judge has vacated the conviction of the father of an NFL lineman who served years in prison for a Westchester robbery decades ago.  In an announcement on Friday, Dec. 27, the Westchester County DA's Office said a judge overturned the conviction of 67-year-old Jeffrey Koonce, who was found guilty of robbery and weapons possession in 1983 in connection with a 1981 armed robbery at a Mount Vernon social club.  District Attorney Miriam Rocah said her office’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU) uncovered evide…
Supermodel Dayle Haddon Killed In Suspected PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Supermodel Dayle Haddon Killed In Suspected PA Carbon Monoxide Leak
Supermodel Dayle Haddon Killed In Suspected PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Dayle Haddon, a celebrated Canadian actress, model, and humanitarian, has been identified as the victim of a fatal carbon monoxide leak at a Solebury Township residence, authorities confirmed. The tragedy unfolded Friday morning, Dec. 28, at a home on the 6900 block of Phillips Mill Road. Emergency responders were called to the property around 6:31 a.m. after Bucks County 911 received a report of an unconscious man on the first floor of a detached office/in-law suite, police said. The 76-year-old man was removed from the building by the New Hope Lambertville Rescue Squad and transported to…
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas 'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas Christmas brought a romantic twist for Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt, who announced their engagement on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Hannity popped the question during a special moment at their church, marking the culmination of their five-year relationship, Fox News reports. “We are overjoyed and so thankful to our families for all of their love and support during this wonderful time in our lives,” the couple said in a statement to Fox News, radiating joy as they celebrated the milestone. Hannity, 62, has deep roots on Long Island, where he grew up in Franklin Square. Start…
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NY Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NY
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NY A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…
18-Year-Old NYer Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage 18-Year-Old NYer Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage
18-Year-Old NYer Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage A native New Yorker projected to be the first pick in this year's National Hockey League is displaying his talents on a worldwide stage. Long Island resident James Hagens had two goals and two assists on Thursday, Dec. 26 as Team USA opened play at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships with a 10-4 win over Germany in front of over 13,000 fans in Ottawa, Ontario. Hagens' second goal, which he fired in from the slot, gave Team USA a 4-2 lead with six minutes to go in the second period. Hagens, who plays center, had the primary assist on the team's sec…
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
$50K Scheme: Man Accused Of Stealing Funds From Victim's Bank Account In Capital Region $50K Scheme: Man Accused Of Stealing Funds From Victim's Bank Account In Capital Region
$50K Scheme: Man Accused Of Stealing Funds From Victim's Bank Account In Capital Region A 56-year-old man is accused of stealing more than $50,000 from an Albany County resident’s bank account in a string of unauthorized transactions, authorities said. New York City resident Steven M. Price was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 19, following an investigation that began on Tuesday, Sept. 17, when an Albany County resident reported the theft, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 26.  The investigation revealed that Price allegedly carried out numerous unauthorized withdrawals from the victim’s account during September 2023, police said.  Price was arrested in Ne…
MURDER-SUICIDE: IDs Of Three Dead Released In Post-Christmas Sullivan County Shooting MURDER-SUICIDE: IDs Of Three Dead Released In Post-Christmas Sullivan County Shooting
Murder-suicide: IDs Of Three Dead Released In Post-Christmas Sullivan County Shooting Police have released additional details in a triple murder-suicide in Sullivan County, NY the day after Christmas. Law enforcement was dispatched to a shooting incident at 10 Sunset Point Yankee Lake in Mamakating at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, NY State Police said. Troopers arrived to find 65-year-old Thomas K. Fusco, of Wurtsboro, dead inside the residence from a gunshot wound, NYSP said. The investigation, conducted by State Police with assistance from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, led to a search warrant being executed at …
Duo Shoot, Kill Deer In Front Yard, Drive Away With Corpse In Capital Region: Officials Duo Shoot, Kill Deer In Front Yard, Drive Away With Corpse In Capital Region: Officials
Duo Shoot, Kill Deer In Front Yard, Drive Away With Corpse In Capital Region: Officials Following a year-long investigation, two hunters were fined after illegally shooting a deer in the front yard of a Greene County residence, officials announced.  The two suspects, both residents of New Jersey, were apprehended on Saturday, Nov. 16 in connection with an incident that happened in November 2023, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced earlier in December.  According to NYSDEC officials, on the day of the incident, Environmental Conservation Officers Palmateer and Smith responded to a Lexington residence after a homeowner captur…
Oppenheimer Ave? Proposal To Rename NY Street After 'Father Of Atomic Bomb' Raises Eyebrows Oppenheimer Ave? Proposal To Rename NY Street After 'Father Of Atomic Bomb' Raises Eyebrows
Oppenheimer Ave? Proposal To Rename NY Street After 'Father Of Atomic Bomb' Raises Eyebrows A proposal to rename a New York street after the so-called father of the atomic bomb is raising eyebrows. Long Island’s Frank Flynn took to Facebook on Christmas Eve to announce he was starting a petition to rename Bay Shore’s South Saxon Avenue to Oppenheimer Avenue – after theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. “Why? I’m glad you asked,” the Bay Shore native wrote on the “Original Islip This & That” Facebook group Tuesday, Dec. 24. “Well it turns out that world-renowned scientist and father of the A-bomb, Robert Oppenheimer, lived in a vacation house on Saxon Avenue! So why not…
Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $10K From Business In Capital Region Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $10K From Business In Capital Region
Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $10K From Business In Capital Region A 38-year-old bookkeeper has been charged with grand larceny and other offenses after allegedly stealing more than $10,000 from a Capital Region business, police said. Rensselaer County resident Tara A. Cottrell, age 38, of Pittstown, was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 22 following an investigation that began on Monday, Dec. 16, when troopers received a theft complaint from a Schaghticoke business, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Authorities determined that during the summer and fall of 2023, Cottrell, who was employed as a bookkeeper, allegedly falsifie…
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Winter is the best time to see bald eagles in New York, and the Hudson Valley offers some of the top spots for viewing these iconic birds of prey, according to conservation experts. Nature lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring through New York skies should head outdoors during the winter months, as December, January, and February are the top times to see these majestic birds, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced in a social media post on Monday, Dec. 23.  This is because bald eagles are most active during the winter, with peak numbers …
Polluters Pay Up: NY Law Forces Fossil Fuel Companies To Fund Climate Protections Polluters Pay Up: NY Law Forces Fossil Fuel Companies To Fund Climate Protections
Polluters Pay Up: NY Law Forces Fossil Fuel Companies To Fund Climate Protections New York is making polluters pay up. A landmark law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 26, created a “Climate Superfund” requiring large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects aimed at protecting residents from severe weather impacts like flooding and extreme heat. The move is meant to shift the cost of climate resilience projects from New Yorkers to those most responsible for the pollution, Hochul’s office said. “With nearly every record rainfall, heatwave, and coastal storm, New Yorkers are increasingly burdened with billions of dollars in health, safety, and envir…
Man Accused Of Stealing, Using Credit Cards In String Of Vehicle Break-Ins In Capital Region Man Accused Of Stealing, Using Credit Cards In String Of Vehicle Break-Ins In Capital Region
Man Accused Of Stealing, Using Credit Cards In String Of Vehicle Break-Ins In Capital Region A 34-year-old Albany man is facing numerous charges after being linked to a string of vehicle break-ins and stolen credit card use in the Capital Region, police said. The investigation into the incidents began on Friday, Dec. 13, when several vehicle break-ins were reported in the Rensselaer County town of Sand Lake, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Police found that various items, including credit cards, had been stolen. Authorities later discovered that one of the stolen credit cards had been used in East Greenbush.  Authorities soon located the suspe…