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Chris Spiker
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Chris Spiker's Contributions
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Artemis II Crew Getting Free Toilet Paper For Year After Space Bathroom Trouble
A popular toilet paper brand is offering a soft landing on Earth for NASA's Artemis II crew after a bathroom issue far out in space. Charmin is offering free toilet paper to the four astronauts aboard Artemis II, NASA's first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972. The crew launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, April 1, and splashed down on Friday, April 10. As the astronauts orbited Earth, the Orion capsule's specialized toilet experienced what NASA called a "controller issue." The Universal Waste Management System is a compact toilet …
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Panera's Latest Menu Item Puts Twist On Bread Bowls: See What's New
Panera Bread is putting a new spin on bread bowls by stuffing them with salad instead of soup. The fast-casual chain officially launched its new "Salad Stuffers" nationwide on Wednesday, April 8. The bread-based item features salads packed into a newly developed Italian Stuffer Roll. Salad Stuffer options include Caesar Salad, Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken, and two new varieties. "We're thrilled to bring this innovative menu category nationwide - our guests who tested Salad Stuffers couldn't get enough of our new Italian Stuffer Roll paired with new, bold salad flavo…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Get Paid To Kiss Dogs, Smell Their Breath In Unusual Jobs: Here's How
If you're the type of person who wants to smooch every pooch you see, a new job posting might actually pay you to do that. Spot & Tango posted openings for two unusual jobs: "Dog Kisser" and "Dog Breath Sniffer." Both positions focus on interacting closely with dogs to evaluate their breath and overall "kiss-worthiness." The Dog Kisser role is centered on visiting dog parks across New York City to meet dogs and accept kisses. "As our official Dog Kisser, you'll serve as the final word on whether NYC's dogs are ready to pucker up," the posting reads. "This isn't just a fe…
National Interest
NY Among Nation's Top 5 Greenest States, Study Finds: Here's Why
Several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states continue to rank among the greenest in the US, though new data shows shifting positions and mixed progress across the region. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Greenest States on Wednesday, April 8. The personal finance website ranked all 50 states based on factors like environmental quality, eco-friendly behaviors, and climate-change contributions. In 2024, the US experienced 27 weather and climate disasters that each caused at least $1 billion in damage, totaling $182.7 billion. "It's important for every American to do their part to suppor…
Arlington, VA
On Your Side
Backup Camera Issues Force Massive Recall Of Chevy Cars
More than 271,000 Chevrolet cars are being recalled over an issue that can cause the rearview camera display to appear distorted or go blank. The recall covers 271,770 Chevy Malibu vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report released on Thursday, April 2. The issue affects certain Malibus from the model years 2023 through 2025. The problem can prevent drivers from properly seeing behind their car while reversing. "If the rearview camera is not functioning properly, rear visibility is reduced, increasing the risk of a crash during a backing event," th…
National Interest
MA Leads Nation For Child Health Care, Study Finds: Here's Why
Families across the Northeast are getting some of the best health care in the country for their children, according to a new report. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best & Worst States for Children's Health Care on Tuesday, April 7. The study compares all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 33 indicators of cost, access, and quality. The metrics include the percentage of kids in excellent health, the number of pediatricians and family doctors per capita, and child death rates. "The quality of children's health care should be one of the most important considerations for parents when…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
HS Cheerleader's Death Sparks Lawsuit Over Energy Drink: 'She Was Enamored By It'
The family of a South Texas high school cheerleader has filed a wrongful death lawsuit blaming her death on a popular energy drink endorsed by social media influencers. Larissa Rodriguez of Weslaco, Texas, died on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. According to her family's lawyers, a medical examiner determined the 17-year-old's cause of death was "an enlarged heart due to stress and large amounts of caffeine." The lawsuit names Glazer's Beer and Beverage and Glazer's Beer and Beverage of Texas. Rodriguez's family accuses the regional distributors of not warning about the "serious cardiac risks" …
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
YouTube Hiking Prices On Premium Subscriptions: What To Know
YouTube Premium is the latest streaming service to increase its fees. Google has started rolling out price hikes for YouTube Premium plans in the US, with new rates already in place for new subscribers. The increases were first reported by 9to5Google on Friday, April 10, as emails began going out to existing subscribers. The higher prices will take effect for current users by June. "To continue delivering great service and features, we're increasing your price to $15.99/month," the email reads. "We don't make these decisions lightly, but this update will allow us to continue to improv…
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Millions May Get Cash After Cell Data Used Without Consent In $135M Settlement
People who used Android phones over the past several years could receive money after Google was accused of using their cellular data without permission. Google agreed to a $135 million settlement in a class action lawsuit, which claims Android devices transferred information to the company without users' consent, causing smartphones to consume users' data without their knowledge. The lawsuit argued that Google caused devices to send "a variety of information" even when users weren't actively using its apps. "[Google] designed the Android operating system to collect vast amounts o…
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
160+ Burns Reported, Sparking Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Steam Cleaners
More than 1.7 million handheld steam cleaners are being recalled after more than 160 people suffered burn injuries, officials said. Bissell is recalling its Steam Shot OmniReach and Steam Shot Omni steam cleaners, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, April 9. About 1.7 million units were sold in the US, along with another 96,000 in Canada. The issue stems from the cleaners' attachments, which can unexpectedly detach during use and release hot water or steam, creating a serious burn hazard. The recall covers multiple models, and the model number can be foun…
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