Worcester, MA
News
MA Named Best State To Live In, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Named Best State To Live In, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Named Best State To Live In, New Study Says: Here's Why From the best schools in the nation to some of the highest incomes, several Northeast states are among the best places to live, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of "Best States to Live In" on Monday, Aug. 11. The study ranked all 50 states using 51 measures of livability, from housing affordability and income growth to education, health, and safety. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said it's important to look beyond just economic factors. "When deciding on a place to move, you should first consider financial factors like the cost of living, housing prices, and…

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by Chris Spiker
Norwalk, CT
Business
Multiple Wegmans Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Fears Multiple Wegmans Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Fears
Multiple Wegmans Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Fears A popular cheese sold at a supermarket with locations across the East Coast has been pulled from shelves following a supplier alert that triggered a multi-state recall. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. announced it is recalling its Medium Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese and several products containing the cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms including high fever, sev…

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by Joe Lombardi
Poughkeepsie, NY
News
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers in the Hudson Valley will see rate increases starting next month after state regulators approved a new three-year plan they say aims to strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure and cybersecurity defenses.   The New York State Public Service Commission’s approval allows Central Hudson to make critical upgrades to improve service reliability while keeping cost impacts relatively low for most customers, the company said Thursday, Aug. 14.  Beginning Monday, Sept. 1, the average electric customer will see their total bill rise by a…

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by Ben Crnic
White Plains, NY
News
Road Rage Capitals: Here's Where NY Ranks Among States With Meanest Drivers Road Rage Capitals: Here's Where NY Ranks Among States With Meanest Drivers
Road Rage Capitals: Here's Where NY Ranks Among States With Meanest Drivers Some states make hitting the road feel like a friendly wave. Others make it feel like a contact sport. A national survey from California-based Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers asked more than 2,000 drivers to score their state’s habits, from courtesy to road rage.  The results rank where tempers flare, where patience holds, and which places lead in eyebrow-raising behavior. New York ranked first for most aggressive drivers with a driver aggression score of 122.15, far above every other state.  New Jersey also landed near the top: drivers there were among the most likely …

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by Joe Lombardi
Albany, NY
Business
Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says
Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says The operator of Zelle is accused of designing the popular payment app without basic safeguards, allowing scammers to steal more than $1 billion from users. A lawsuit filed against Early Warning Services, LLC (EWS) by New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office Wednesday, Aug. 13, alleges the company failed to protect users from scams. EWS operates Zelle and is owned by a consortium of some of the country’s largest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, and Wells Fargo. According to the complaint, EWS launched Zelle in 2017 without critical safeguards, making it …

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by Michael Mashburn
Albany, NY
News
From 'Party' To Problem: Bad Bunny Fans Warned Of Fake Ticket Scams From 'Party' To Problem: Bad Bunny Fans Warned Of Fake Ticket Scams
From 'Party' To Problem: Bad Bunny Fans Warned Of Fake Ticket Scams Fans planning to see Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico are being urged to watch out for fake tickets after some concertgoers spent thousands to attend—only to be turned away at the door. In a warning issued Tuesday, Aug. 12, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office said it received complaints from New Yorkers who bought tickets to see the Puerto Rican superstar, then traveled to San Juan only to be told at the venue their tickets were invalid.  The concerts run through Sept. 14, 2025. “Bad Bunny is a musical icon in New York, and scammers are taking advantage of his popularity to sell f…

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by Michael Mashburn
Dorchester, MA
Police & Fire
$5M Grandparent Scam Targeted Hundreds; FBI Charges 13 In Scheme That Swindled Mass Residents $5M Grandparent Scam Targeted Hundreds; FBI Charges 13 In Scheme That Swindled Mass Residents
$5M Grandparent Scam Targeted Hundreds; FBI Charges 13 In Scheme That Swindled Mass Residents The phone rings in the middle of the night. It’s a family member, and they’re in trouble. A misunderstanding or mistake has put them in a serious bind, and they need thousands of dollars — immediately — or they're in big trouble.  Hundreds of people have received calls like that, but they were fake. Federal investigators call it the “grandparent scam.” The scheme allegedly targeted hundreds of older Americans — including at least 50 in Massachusetts — and stole more than $5 million, according to the US Attorney for Massachusetts. Federal prosecutors say they’ve charged 13 people who “r…

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by Josh Lanier
White Plains, NY
Business
Cookies Sold At Target Stores In 20 States, Including NY, Pulled From Shelves Cookies Sold At Target Stores In 20 States, Including NY, Pulled From Shelves
Cookies Sold At Target Stores In 20 States, Including NY, Pulled From Shelves A sweet treat sold at one of the nation’s biggest retailers is now under a safety alert covering 20 states and Washington, DC. The recall involves Favorite Day Bakery Frosted Sugar Cookies, a 10-count product sold under Target’s private label brand.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, manufacturer Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp. of Canada pulled the cookies due to possible contamination with wood. A total of 803 cases are affected. The cookies were distributed through three Target distribution centers — in Connecticut, Maryland, and Ohio — and reached stores in: Connect…

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by Joe Lombardi
Hartford, CT
Business
Cracker Barrel's Remodel Plan Hits Nerves With Loyal Fans: 'Country Charm Is Gone' Cracker Barrel's Remodel Plan Hits Nerves With Loyal Fans: 'Country Charm Is Gone'
Cracker Barrel's Remodel Plan Hits Nerves With Loyal Fans: 'Country Charm Is Gone' Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is giving its restaurants a brighter, modern look, but the makeover is polarizing among the restaurant's biggest fans, with some saying the chain is losing its country charm. Cracker Barrel is in the process of remodeling dozens of its roughly 660 locations nationwide. The effort includes lighter paint, fewer antiques on the walls, updated menus, and streamlined cooking processes aimed at attracting a wider range of diners. Early remodels have already rolled out in multiple states, The Wall Street Journal reported in May. Cracker Barrel plans to update or re…

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by Chris Spiker
Worcester, MA
News
MA Ranked Best State To Have Baby, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranked Best State To Have Baby, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranked Best State To Have Baby, New Study Says: Here's Why Families in some Northeast states may have a much easier time welcoming a new baby than others, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States to Have a Baby on Monday, Aug. 4. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 31 metrics, from average hospital bills to infant mortality rates and child-care availability. The leaders boast strong health care systems, parental support programs, and child care access. "The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their …

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
Business
Bed Bath & Beyond Returns: First New Store Opens, Dozens Planned In Comeback Bed Bath & Beyond Returns: First New Store Opens, Dozens Planned In Comeback
Bed Bath & Beyond Returns: First New Store Opens, Dozens Planned In Comeback Bed Bath & Beyond is officially making its comeback, opening its first physical store since the last location shuttered more than two years ago. The new store, called Bed Bath & Beyond Home, opened in Brentwood, Tennessee, on Friday, Aug. 8. The Brand House Collective is planning to start with six locations in the greater Nashville area. The launch marks the first phase of a broader rollout that could see about 75 stores open by the end of 2026. Brand House was previously named Kirkland's until shareholders approved the company's name change in late July. T…

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by Chris Spiker
Albany, NY
News
DOJ Probing NY Attorney General’s Office Over Trump, NRA Lawsuits: Report DOJ Probing NY Attorney General’s Office Over Trump, NRA Lawsuits: Report
DOJ Probing NY Attorney General’s Office Over Trump, NRA Lawsuits: Report Federal prosecutors are investigating whether New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office violated the legal rights of President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association through civil lawsuits, NBC News reports. The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is leading the probe, which is in its early stages, according to the outlet. A spokesperson for James’ office issued the following statement: “Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the Nation…

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by Michael Mashburn