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Chris Spiker
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Chris Spiker's Contributions
National Interest
Most Common First, Last Names Revealed In New US Census Data
The most common last names in the US today would look very familiar to the country's first census takers. The US Census Bureau released data on Tuesday, April 14, that shows the most common first and last names reported in the 2020 Census. Despite massive population growth and waves of immigration, many of the most popular last names have remained among the leaders since the first census was conducted in 1790. Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones have been the top five last names, holding their rankings in 2000 and 2010. "It is certainly surprising given the enormous change in p…
National Interest
Man Whose Wife Vanished From Boat In Bahamas Breaks Silence After Jail Release
The husband of a woman who disappeared after falling from their small boat in The Bahamas is publicly speaking for the first time since he was released from custody. Brian Hooker, 58, left the jail in Grand Bahama on Monday, April 13, after investigators said there was not enough evidence to hold him. He was arrested after his wife, 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, fell overboard while the couple rode a dinghy on Saturday, April 4. In an interview with CBS News, Hooker said that he still believes his wife is alive and plans to help search for her. "I was speak…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
7-Eleven Closing Hundreds Of Stores In Major Shakeup As Convenience Chains Lean Into Food
7-Eleven is closing nearly 650 convenience stores across the US as the chain tries to adapt to competitors like Sheetz and Wawa. Japanese parent company Seven & i Holdings revealed the 645 closures in a quarterly earnings report on Thursday, April 9. Some stores will be converted into fuel-only locations, focusing on gasoline rather than food, drinks, and other convenience-store staples. The move targets underperforming locations and continues a broader trend for 7-Eleven, which has been shutting down more stores than it has opened in recent years. A total of 847 7-Eleven…
Greenfield, MA
On Your Side
Ben & Jerry's Celebrates Free Cone Day 2026: How To Get Your Scoops
Today is a huge celebration for ice cream lovers! Ben & Jerry's is holding its 2026 Free Cone Day on Tuesday, April 14. The annual giveaway allows fans around the world to enjoy unlimited free scoops for one day only. The best part is that there's no limit on how many times you can hop back in line. "Free Cone Day is all about our fans," said CEO Jochanan Senf. "It's our way of saying thank you with an international moment of togetherness." Ben & Jerry's said it served more than 1 million scoops worldwide in 2024. If those cones were lined up end to end, they'd…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Dr Pepper Brings Back Fan-Favorite Summer Flavor After Viral Buzz: Where To Get It
A popular version of Dr Pepper is back just in time for summer. Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut hit stores nationwide on Monday, April 13. The limited-time beverage gained popularity through viral "dirty soda" trends on social media. The drink blends the brand's signature 23-flavor formula with a creamy tropical taste. "Indulge in the ultimate treat for summer — Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut soda beverage, a combination of distinctive Dr Pepper flavor with the refreshing taste of coconut," the soda's website listing said. Shoppers can find the beverage in 12-packs at major retailers, includ…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
McDonald's To Launch New Sodas, Energy Drinks In Major Menu Expansion
McDonald's will soon unveil a lineup of energy drinks and specialty sodas nationwide as it tries to win over customers with new flavors and lower-priced options, according to reports. The fast-food giant will begin introducing "Refresher" beverages and crafted sodas in May, with energy drinks expected to follow later in 2026. The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the new drinks late on Sunday, April 12. Some new items will include a Dirty Dr Pepper and a Mango Pineapple Refresher, with a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer expected to arrive later in the rollout. "Our fa…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Fans To Get Refunds Over Hidden Ticket Fees In $10M Settlement: See If You Qualify
StubHub will refund some customers as part of a $10 million settlement after the ticketing resale giant was accused of misleading customers about true ticket costs. The Federal Trade Commission announced the agreement in a news release on Thursday, April 9. The agency said that StubHub violated rules on unfair and deceptive fees by not clearly showing the full price upfront, including mandatory charges. The crackdown follows the FTC's Junk Fees Rule, which went into effect in May 2025, requiring companies to disclose full prices upfront so consumers can make informe…
National Interest
Trump's $10B Lawsuit Over Lewd Epstein Birthday Note Tossed By Judge
A federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit over a report of a birthday note that he signed and gave to notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. A federal judge in Miami ruled on Monday, April 13, that Trump failed to show The Wall Street Journal acted with "actual malice" when it published its July 2025 story about the letter with Trump's name for the disgraced New York financier. Trump sued publisher Dow Jones & Co. and parent company News Corp, seeking $10 billion. "The complaint comes nowhere close to this standard," wrote US District J…
Arlington, VA
On Your Side
Oil Prices Surge As Trump Orders Hormuz Blockade, Gas Costs 'Likely To Jump Again'
Oil prices have surged again after President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. West Texas Intermediate climbed to $103.60 per barrel and Brent crude rose to $102.07 as of 9 a.m. Monday, April 13. Both benchmarks were up about 7% since trading ended Friday, April 10. The spike followed a breakdown in US-Iran peace talks on Saturday, April 11. Negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal, with US and Iranian officials split on Iran's nuclear program, control of the strait, war reparations, and frozen ass…
Windsor Locks, CT
On Your Side
American Airlines To Hike Bag Fees As Fuel Crisis Worsens During Iran War
American Airlines is the latest major carrier to hike bag fees amid sky-high fuel costs during the US-Israeli war on Iran. The airline said the higher checked bag prices will apply to tickets booked on or after Thursday, April 9. Travelers at the airport will now pay $50 for a first bag and $60 for a second bag on domestic or nearby international routes. For tickets purchased on or after Monday, May 18, flyers will pay $55 for a first checked bag and $65 for a second. Customers who prepay online or through American's app will receive a $5 discount. AAdvantage members, certain cre…
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