National Interest
Meteor Show Promises Dazzling Display As Geminids Reach Peak Meteor Show Promises Dazzling Display As Geminids Reach Peak Meteor Show Promises Dazzling Display As Geminids Reach Peak
Meteor Show Promises Dazzling Display As Geminids Reach Peak Stargazers could be in for one of the brightest celestial shows of the year, with a nighttime display building toward its most dramatic moment.  The event is already underway, but its strongest burst is still ahead — offering ideal conditions for anyone hoping to catch streaks of light across the sky. The Geminids meteor shower will reach its peak overnight from Saturday, Dec. 13, into Sunday, Dec. 14. The shower has been active since earlier in December and is expected to produce some of its most vivid activity during the peak window. Viewing prospects are especially strong this year,…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
FAA Ends Flight Cuts After Gov't Shutdown As Thanksgiving Travel Approaches FAA Ends Flight Cuts After Gov't Shutdown As Thanksgiving Travel Approaches FAA Ends Flight Cuts After Gov't Shutdown As Thanksgiving Travel Approaches
FAA Ends Flight Cuts After Gov't Shutdown As Thanksgiving Travel Approaches The Federal Aviation Administration has ended its widespread flight restrictions put in place during the record-long federal government shutdown. The FAA officially lifted its emergency flight reduction order at 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17. The order was set to require airlines to cut 10% of their schedules at 40 major airports on Friday, Nov. 14, but it was paused at 6% reductions when the shutdown ended on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said normal operations have resumed across the National Airspace System (NAS) after air traffic controllers worked w…

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by Chris Spiker
Amityville, NY
On Your Side
UPS Reveals Massive Layoffs With 48,000 Jobs Cut This Year: Here's Breakdown UPS Reveals Massive Layoffs With 48,000 Jobs Cut This Year: Here's Breakdown UPS Reveals Massive Layoffs With 48,000 Jobs Cut This Year: Here's Breakdown
UPS Reveals Massive Layoffs With 48,000 Jobs Cut This Year: Here's Breakdown UPS has announced it has slashed 48,000 jobs in 2025 as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at improving efficiency and profitability.  The company disclosed the cuts on Tuesday, Oct. 28, while reporting its third-quarter earnings, according to The Wall Street Journal. The reductions included 34,000 operational positions — primarily warehouse workers and drivers — and 14,000 management roles, The Journal reported.  The company said the cuts were achieved through layoffs and buyouts. The total layoffs far exceeded UPS’s April announcement, when it projected cutting 20,0…

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by Joe Lombardi
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Walmart Serves Up Major Thanksgiving Deal Amid Rising Food Costs Walmart Serves Up Major Thanksgiving Deal Amid Rising Food Costs Walmart Serves Up Major Thanksgiving Deal Amid Rising Food Costs
Walmart Serves Up Major Thanksgiving Deal Amid Rising Food Costs Walmart is serving up some relief for Thanksgiving as shoppers feel the strain of higher grocery prices. The retail giant announced the return of its annual Thanksgiving Meal Basket on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The feast includes more than 20 national and private-label items for less than $40, feeding 10 people for less than $4 per person. The centerpiece is a Butterball turkey priced at just 97 cents per pound, which Walmart says is its lowest turkey price since 2019. "We know every dollar and minute counts – which is why we are offering a low-priced, one-click Thanksgiving Meal Ba…

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by Chris Spiker
National Interest
Here's Where New Tropical Storm Jerry's Headed: What To Know Here's Where New Tropical Storm Jerry's Headed: What To Know Here's Where New Tropical Storm Jerry's Headed: What To Know
Here's Where New Tropical Storm Jerry's Headed: What To Know A new tropical storm has spun up in the Atlantic, poised to strengthen as it heads north. Late Tuesday morning, Oct. 7, the National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Jerry formed over the central Atlantic, becoming the 10th named storm of the 2025 season. Early key messages warn that interests in the northern Leeward Islands should monitor the storm closely due to a risk of wind, surf and rainfall impacts, and note that watches may be required later today or tonight. Jerry is forecast to track west-northwest through midweek across warm waters, a setup that favors better organization of…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness
Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness Put aside the old rules of romance. For many young singles, the quickest way to the heart may be through the wallet.  A new survey finds that half of Gen Z and millennials are attracted to dates who openly discuss their income, a stark contrast to older generations who view money talk as a dating taboo. This shift comes as financial pressures reshape the dating landscape for singles across the US. The survey, conducted by Talker Research, polled 2,000 single or casually dating Americans online.  It found that 74 percent say rising costs and inflation have impacted their dating li…

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by Joe Lombardi
Arlington, VA
On Your Side
Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know
Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know The Federal Reserve has cut its key interest rate for the first time in 2025 amid a slowing job market and economic pressure from President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Fed approved the quarter-point reduction to interest rates on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The overnight funds rate will drop to between 4% and 4.25%, in the first rate cut since December 2024. The cut comes as the Fed warns about rising prices and a slumping labor market. "Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year," the Fed said in a news release. "Job gains have slowed,…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know
Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know Amazon Prime's latest major promotion is promising millions of early holiday discounts just days after new restrictions on account sharing are set to begin. Prime Big Deal Days will begin at 3:01 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Amazon announced in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Early offers are already live, including up to 50% off Samsonite travel gear, 40% off holiday décor and entertaining items, and fall clothing starting at $10. Amazon is promoting deals across toys, electronics, home goods, beauty, and seasonal décor. Members can also shop curated lists like the…

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by Chris Spiker
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens
Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens Nearly 200,000 toy kitchens are being recalled after a toddler was killed by the playset. Backyard Kids is recalling about 192,000 KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchens sold in the US and Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 31. Plastic and metal hooks for holding toy pots and pans can snag children's clothing, creating risks of serious injuries or death. The recall comes after a 23-month-old Oregon boy died by asphyxiation in February 2023, according to the CPSC. The toddler's shirt got caught on one of the hooks as he cli…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Starbucks Adding New Menu Items As Chain's Sales Slump: Here's What's Coming Starbucks Adding New Menu Items As Chain's Sales Slump: Here's What's Coming Starbucks Adding New Menu Items As Chain's Sales Slump: Here's What's Coming
Starbucks Adding New Menu Items As Chain's Sales Slump: Here's What's Coming The head of Starbucks is downplaying the coffeehouse chain's latest sales slump as the company tries to get more customers back into its stores. Starbucks saw a 2% drop in US and global sales during its third quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company said in its earnings report on Tuesday, July 29. This is the chain's sixth consecutive quarter of shrinking comparable sales, CNBC reported. CEO Brian Niccol said the company's turnaround is "ahead of schedule." "While our financial results don't yet reflect all the progress we've made, the signs are clear — we're gaining momentum," s…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Wendy's Newest Meal Takes Dark Turn With Wednesday Addams: See What's In It Wendy's Newest Meal Takes Dark Turn With Wednesday Addams: See What's In It Wendy's Newest Meal Takes Dark Turn With Wednesday Addams: See What's In It
Wendy's Newest Meal Takes Dark Turn With Wednesday Addams: See What's In It It's a collaboration of dreams (or nightmares, really) for fans of a hit Netflix show. Wendy's is releasing a "Meal of Misfortune," themed after the mysterious comedy "Wednesday." The meals will be available in US restaurants on Monday, Aug. 4. The show starring Jenna Ortega features Wednesday Addams, a character originally from the classic sitcom "The Addams Family." Part one of the second season debuts on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The limited-time meal includes "Rest in 10-Piece" chicken nuggets, small "Cursed & Crispy" french fries, two mystery "Dips of Dread" sauces, and a cherr…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows
Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows The return of the McDonald's Snack Wrap has spiced things up for the chain after it suffered a sharp sales decline as Americans cut back on restaurant spending. The snack wrap returned to US menus on Thursday, July 10. On that day, McDonald's saw a 15% jump in foot traffic compared to an average day in 2025, and an 11.4% jump compared to a typical Thursday, according to Placer.ai. The surge continued into the weekend, with a 22.3% traffic rise on Friday, July 11, compared to an average 2025 day. "After nine years of pent-up demand, fans showed up in full force to celebrate the re…

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by Chris Spiker