National Interest
AccuWeather Fall Forecast: These Locations Most At Risk For Severe Storms AccuWeather Fall Forecast: These Locations Most At Risk For Severe Storms AccuWeather Fall Forecast: These Locations Most At Risk For Severe Storms
AccuWeather Fall Forecast: These Locations Most At Risk For Severe Storms As September draws near, residents across the Northeast are being urged to brace for an active and unpredictable start to fall.  New, Updated Story - Fall Weather Won't Be Ordinary: NOAA Releases 3-Month Forecast AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting lingering summer warmth and a heightened threat of severe weather. While meteorological fall arrives on Monday, Sept. 1, true autumn-like conditions may take a back seat in the Northeast.  AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok states that “hot and sticky summer weather" will linger longer into the back-to-school sea…

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by Joe Lombardi
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon
Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Famous tween retailer Claire's is declaring bankruptcy as the popular mall chain struggles with debt, shrinking traffic, and trendy competition. Claire's is filing for bankruptcy in Delaware and Canadian courts, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The retailer known for children's jewelry and piercings is in a race to pay off a nearly $500 million loan by December 2026, Bloomberg reported. The move will allow Claire's to begin selling off assets while continuing talks with potential buyers, according to CEO Chris Cramer. "This decision is difficult, but …

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by Chris Spiker
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Life-Threatening Risk To Kids Sparks Recall Of Popular Magnetic Toy Life-Threatening Risk To Kids Sparks Recall Of Popular Magnetic Toy Life-Threatening Risk To Kids Sparks Recall Of Popular Magnetic Toy
Life-Threatening Risk To Kids Sparks Recall Of Popular Magnetic Toy About 25,000 magnetic toy stackers are being recalled after dozens of reports showed their magnets can come loose, posing a life-threatening danger to children if swallowed. Tegu issued the recall for about 22,850 of its Magnetic Floating Stackers toys sold in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 31. The recall also impacts around 1,977 stackers in Canada and 190 in Mexico. The recalled toys contain small magnets that can loosen and detach. If more than one is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other inside the digestive system, whic…

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by Chris Spiker
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Finger Cuts Prompt Recall Of Garlic Presses Sold At Popular Retailer Finger Cuts Prompt Recall Of Garlic Presses Sold At Popular Retailer Finger Cuts Prompt Recall Of Garlic Presses Sold At Popular Retailer
Finger Cuts Prompt Recall Of Garlic Presses Sold At Popular Retailer Tens of thousands of garlic presses are being recalled due to a defect that could lead to cuts or swallowed metal fragments. IKEA issued the recall for about 43,830 of its 365+ VÄRDEFULL garlic presses, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 31. About 10,700 were also sold in Canada. Small metal pieces can detach from the garlic presses, creating risks of swallowing the fragments or being cut by them. IKEA has received 10 reports globally, including three people who suffered lacerations or splinters to their fingers. None of the injuries were …

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by Chris Spiker
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Head Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Kitchen Stools Head Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Kitchen Stools Head Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Kitchen Stools
Head Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Kitchen Stools A popular kitchen stool is being recalled after dozens of safety bars broke, causing two people to suffer head injuries. Dorel Home Furnishings is recalling about 302,000 Cosco 2-Step Kitchen Stepper stools sold in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 31. Around 11,000 stools were also sold in Canada. The safety bars can break or detach while in use, increasing fall risks. The CPSC received 34 reports of the safety bar failing, including two incidents involving head injuries. The stools were sold from February 2021 through July 2025…

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by Chris Spiker
National Interest
World’s Safest Destinations For Travelers Revealed In Rankings World’s Safest Destinations For Travelers Revealed In Rankings World’s Safest Destinations For Travelers Revealed In Rankings
World’s Safest Destinations For Travelers Revealed In Rankings For travelers plotting their first big adventure, the world can seem full of unknowns, especially when it comes to safety.  But if you’re eager to explore new horizons with peace of mind, a new study has pinpointed the ultimate destination for worry-free travel in 2025. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s annual report, has named Iceland as the safest country for travelers next year.  The ranking is based on a blend of factors, including low crime rates, societal stability, and minimal conflict, making Iceland a standout for those seeking both adventure and assurance. Iceland…

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by Joe Lombardi
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
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Swallowing Hazard For Kids Prompts Huge Recall Of Popular Scent Diffusers Swallowing Hazard For Kids Prompts Huge Recall Of Popular Scent Diffusers Swallowing Hazard For Kids Prompts Huge Recall Of Popular Scent Diffusers
Swallowing Hazard For Kids Prompts Huge Recall Of Popular Scent Diffusers More than 850,000 fragrance diffusers are being recalled after reports that loose magnets in the detachable cover could be swallowed by children. Pura Scents is recalling about 851,400 of its Pura 4 Smart Home Fragrance Diffusers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 24. Around 1,100 were also sold in Canada. The issue centers on five magnets inside the detachable front cover, which can come loose and be ingested. If swallowed, the magnets can attract inside the body, leading to intestinal blockages, infections, or death. So far, three incidents of magnets det…

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by Chris Spiker
National Interest
Viral Claims 'World Will Go Dark' Aug. 2 Debunked, But 'Eclipse Of Century' On Horizon Viral Claims 'World Will Go Dark' Aug. 2 Debunked, But 'Eclipse Of Century' On Horizon Viral Claims 'World Will Go Dark' Aug. 2 Debunked, But 'Eclipse Of Century' On Horizon
Viral Claims 'World Will Go Dark' Aug. 2 Debunked, But 'Eclipse Of Century' On Horizon Rumors racing around social media claim the world is plunging into darkness next month, promising six eerie minutes of blackout on Saturday, Aug. 2. Spoiler alert: it's not true. Despite viral online chatter, astronomers confirm there’s no solar eclipse scheduled for Aug. 2, 2025. The confusion, experts say, comes from anticipation for an extraordinary astronomical event — the genuine "eclipse of the century" — that's still two years away. Mark your calendars for Aug. 2, 2027, when a rare total solar eclipse will indeed plunge parts of the globe into dramatic darkness for an impressive six …

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by Joe Lombardi
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Lyft Now Lets Riders Favorite Drivers – Or Block Them for Good Lyft Now Lets Riders Favorite Drivers – Or Block Them for Good Lyft Now Lets Riders Favorite Drivers – Or Block Them for Good
Lyft Now Lets Riders Favorite Drivers – Or Block Them for Good Lyft riders will soon be able to pick their favorite drivers or block ones they don't want to see again. The ridesharing company announced the new features on Thursday, July 24. They'll roll out in select US and Canadian cities ahead of a full launch by the end of August. When a rider favorites a driver, the app will alert that driver and mark future ride requests from that passenger. "This isn't just about convenience – it's about giving you more control over your ride experience," said Lyft. "You can build relationships with drivers who get your vibe, whether that's keeping the…

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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
Monsey, NY
Obituaries
Successful Photographer, Advocate From Monsey Dies At 56 Successful Photographer, Advocate From Monsey Dies At 56 Successful Photographer, Advocate From Monsey Dies At 56
Successful Photographer, Advocate From Monsey Dies At 56 An award-winning photographer and storyteller who hailed from Rockland County before moving to Israel later in life has died after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  Laura Ben-David, a native of Monsey who moved to Israel in 2002 and became a well-known voice for the Anglo-Israeli community, died on Thursday, July 17 at the age of 56, her husband Raphael M. Barishansky announced.  Ben-David had been the social media director at Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit that helps facilitate Jewish immigration to Israel from the United States and Canada, according to a report fro…

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by Ben Crnic