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Ally Reid

Friday, September 6th, 2024 9:45pm

A painting found in a Maine family’s attic has been auctioned for $1.4 million. The unidentified family found the painting, which depicts a young girl, in the attic of their home in Thomaston, according to Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. They called in an appraiser, who informed them it was a piece called “Portrait of a Girl,” painted in the 17th century by none other than Rembrandt himself. “On house calls, we often go in blind, not knowing what we’ll find,” says auctioneer Kaja Veilleux. “The home was filled with wonderful pieces but it was in the attic, among stacks of art, that we found this remarkable portrait.” After a round of “fierce” bidding, “Portrait of a Girl” was sold to a European collector for $1.41 million, Veilleux says.

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Ally Reid

Friday, September 6th, 2024 9:42pm

For the second straight year, the world experienced record summertime heat. The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service says summer 2024 is officially the hottest ever, breaking the record set by... summer 2023. The average global temperature this summer was 16.82 degrees Celsius (62.28 degrees Fahrenheit), about 0.69C higher than the 30-year average from 1991-2020. This summer broke multiple records - including the hottest-ever June and August, as well as the hottest single day, July 22nd.

Ally Reid

Thursday, September 5th, 2024 9:24pm

New York authorities have raided a New Hartford residence and seized a Burmese python that’s 13 feet long – and it’s still not done growing. Officers with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, who were acting on a tip from a concerned neighbor, found the massive snake crammed in a four-foot tank, DEC Officer Jeff Hull. The 80-pound snake was removed and relocated to the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, Hull adds. The owner of the snake told officers when he decided to bring it home, he had no idea it would grow as fast as it did. Nonetheless, he was issued two citations: one for possessing wildlife as a pet, the other for possessing dangerous wildlife without a permit, the DEC reports.

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Ally Reid

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 9:34am

Virginia authorities have arrested a man they say robbed a children’s lemonade stand. Chesapeake resident Esteban Santillan, 19, is facing one count of petit larceny in connection with the crime, which occurred on August 14th. That’s when Santillan approached a lemonade stand that had been set up by siblings Rebecca and Josh Caldwell and grabbed a jar that contained their earnings – about $40 – before speeding off in his car, according to the Chesapeake P.D. As it turned out, the incident proved to be beneficial for the children, who are 8 and 10 years old. When news of the theft went viral, members of the community began sending them money – and as of Tuesday, they’d collected more than $6,200, their family reveals. In addition to that, their lemonade stand has been attracting crowds of people every weekend since the theft occurred. Generally speaking, are people inherently good … or bad? Why?

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Ally Reid

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 2:05pm

A 5-year-old boy likely learned a lesson about keeping his hands to himself after accidentally breaking a museum’s 3,500-year-old jar. The incident happened over the weekend at Israel’s Hecht Museum, where the boy knocked the large jar – which dates back to the Bronze Age – onto the floor, breaking it into several pieces, says museum director Dr. Inbal Rivlin. The rare urn, made sometime between 1120 and 1500 BC, had been on display at the museum for 35 years. While a number of pottery items from that period have been found, the one on display at Hecht was particularly rare because it was one of a very few that was discovered in one piece, Rivlin says. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve broken?

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Ally Reid

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 8:05am

A Chicago kindergarten teacher does not like birthday cupcakes in her classroom.  In a now-viral TikTok video, Ann Brackemeyer says, "Please don't bring cupcakes. They make a ginormous mess, and the kids honestly don't eat them. The frosting gets all over, and... it's just too much for them."  Brackemeyer asks that parents send store-bought items like cookies or miniature doughnuts to make things easier.  Don't get it twisted, Ann knows how appealing cupcakes are, but she says the kids only eat the frosting. What are your thoughts on Ann Brackemeyer's video? What would be a nice alternative to cupcakes? 

REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Ally Reid

Friday, August 23rd, 2024 3:40pm

With winter rapidly approaching, the Biden Administration has once again approved free COVID-19 testing kits for all U.S. citizens. Making the announcement on Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services reports the kits will be available starting in September. Free kits will be mailed to everyone who requests them at Covidtests.gov, says department official Dawn O’Connell. “These tests will help families and their loved ones stay safe this fall and winter season,” O’Connell says. When was the last time you tested for COVID?

REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Ally Reid

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 11:36am

If you've always wanted to get a Sam's Club membership, NOW is the time. Now through August 23, new members can get a membership to the warehouse store starting at $20! The $20 fee is for the normally $50 "Club" membership tier. If you're looking to get the "Plus" membership, you can save $50 during this period. That would take your annual "Plus" membership down to $60 instead of paying the full $110. Just a reminder: these deals are for new members only and last until August 23. What would be your most-purchased item at Sam's Club? How do you think Sam's Club compares to Costco?

REUTERS:Dado Ruvic:Illustration:File Photo

Ally Reid

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 8:35am

Disney is dropping a a plan to block a wrongful death lawsuit over a food allergy death in Disney Springs. Last October, Dr. Amy Tangsuan of Long Island died of an allergic reaction after eating at a restaurant at Disney Springs Raglan Road. After her family named Disney in a wrongful death lawsuit, the company tried to get it dismissed because Tangsuan's husband had signed up for a free trial of Disney+ - which included fine print declaring the customer gave up the right to sue Disney in court. The move generated a wave of backlash online, prompting Disney to drop the motion this week. A Disney official said the circumstances of the case call for "a sensitive approach" and said it would waive its right to arbitration. Do you read the fine print when signing up for online services?  Would Disney's attempt at dismissal even have held up in a court of law?

REUTERS:Christian Hartmann

Ally Reid

Friday, August 16th, 2024 10:14am

Pop Quiz: What time is it right now on the moon?  Don't have any idea?  Relax - apparently no one else does, either. The International Astronomical Union is calling on the world's space agencies to develop a standardized time zone for the moon. It's trickier than it sounds - the moon's reduced gravity means time moves slightly faster than on Earth, by 58.7 microseconds per day. NASA is hoping to have a plan finalized by 2026. Would you visit the moon if someone offered you a ticket on a spaceship?

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Ally Reid

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 8:58pm

A California man has managed to survive a bear attack by climbing on top of a car. The incident happened Monday in Long Barn, where the 24-year-old man encountered a female bear and its cub while he was out jogging, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The bear attacked him, prompting the man to take shelter behind a tree, authorities say. When that didn’t work, he hit the bear a few times with a stick before running toward a house, the DFW reports. The bear clawed his back as he ran – and continued to claw his legs after he climbed on top of a car, per the DFW. Fortunately for the jogger, the owner of the car heard the commotion, came outside screaming and scared the bear away, authorities say. The victim was hospitalized with injuries to his back, legs and torso – but he’s expected to survive, according to wildlife experts. What would you do if you encountered an angry bear?

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Ally Reid

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 10:08am

Dunkin’ is set to launch a new drinks menu today and they’ve teamed up with celebrity chef Nick DiGiovanni to do it. DiGiovanni has invented four iced coffees to keep you cool, all inspired by his favorite flavors. The flavors are blueberry donut iced coffee with sweet cold foam, caramel coconut cream iced coffee, mocha vanilla iced coffee and caramel almond milk iced coffee.  The new drinks will only be available for a limited time. What's your favorite coffee flavor?

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Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 9:26pm

To celebrate National Avocado Day, Panera has announced Millennial Meal Wednesday. The new mean combo includes avocado toast and iced coffee; for one day only, customers can get free avocado toast. Get the free deal with any purchase this Wednesday by going to PaneraBread.com/MillennialMeal and entering the code “AVOTOAST.” There are two options of avocado toast, the classic and the garden. The classic avocado toast comes with chunky avocado spread and everything bagel seasoning on thin-sliced country rustic sourdough bread. The garden option includes sliced tomatoes and garlic aioli. Do you like avocado toast? What other foods would you consider “Millennial Food?” 

REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 9:24pm

Meta has agreed to pay a $1.4 billion to settle a Texas lawsuit over its facial and voice recognition system. Texas AG Ken Paxton accused Meta of illegally selling user's biometric data without consent. The data was gathered using Facebook's 'tag suggestions' feature, which uses facial recognition. It was the first case brought under a Texas privacy law aimed at protecting biometric data. Meta did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement. What steps do you take to protect your data online?  What laws would you like to see in place to prevent companies from selling your personal information?

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 9:16pm

IHOP's all-you-can-eat pancakes are returning to menus Now until September 15, customers can get an endless supply of pancakes with an order of any IHOP breakfast combo or with an order of a full stack order. Both pancake deals come with only buttermilk pancakes, other flavors don’t qualify. What is your favorite Pancake topping? 

photo via BBW

Ally Reid

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 9:28am

Bath & Body Works has just launched their latest collection, ‘Stranger Things. The collection features four exclusive three-wick candles to bring the scent of the show home. The Hopper’s Coffee candle is a nod to the steamy cup of Joe that can often be seen in the beloved character, Hopper’s hand. Steve’s Scoops candle is inspired by the ice cream parlor where Steve and Robin first meet Argyle’s Pineapple Pizza has a unique scent. It is described as “Pizza-scented candles are rare, but this one is truly unique as you smell the initial burst of fresh sliced pineapple and Italian lemon herbs that then intertwines with the herbaceous charm of oregano.” Finally, Eleven’s Waffles features the scent of “freshly toasted waffles with their crisp, golden edges.” What’s your favorite candle scent? 

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Ally Reid

Friday, July 19th, 2024 10:39am

Garages are often used for storage, but certain items should never be stored there unless the space is climate-controlled.  Heat, humidity, and freezing temperatures can damage electronics, paperwork, and clothing.  Combustible and flammable items are also risky to store in garages, as they can pose a fire hazard. Additionally, pests like rodents and insects may enter the garage, potentially damaging stored items.  It's important to be mindful of what you store in your garage to avoid costly damage. What’s in your garage? What is the strangest thing you store in your garage?

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 10:42pm

Traditionally celebrated on the third Wednesday in July, National Hot Dog Day is July 17 this year. Several restaurants are celebrating with specials and deals. On July 17, 7-Eleven will offer a $2 Big Bite hot dog in the 7Rewards app. Philly Pretzel Factory will be selling Pretzel Dogs for $1 each. Additionally, Philly Pretzel Factory mobile app can get a free Pretzel Dogs. On July 19, Hot Dog on a Stick is breaking out a secret menu item called The Charlie — a traditional beef or turkey hot dog that’s housed inside the chain’s Cheese on a Stick and served flat like a traditional hot dog. Select Instacart retailers will offer customers $10 off $20 of eligible items, including hot dogs, buns, condiments, drinks, and more. Love’s Travel Stops is offering customers a free hot dog or roller grill item on July 17 at participating locations. The offer is available in the Love’s app. On July 19, Shake Shack customers can get a free hot dog when they spend $1 or more in the restaurant at a kiosk or on the app. What is your favorite Hot Dog topping?

REUTERS/Mike Segar

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 10:30pm

Prime Day is here and there are big items you can get for under $100! This includes the Amazon Echo Show 8, a smart-home hub setup complete with smart display speakers, for $85! There's also the Soundcore by Anker Boom 2 portable bluetooth speaker for $90! And, if you're looking for quality headphones on a budget, the Sony WH-CH720N are on sale for $88! Prime Day runs on Amazon though July 17. What are you buying this Prime Day? How much are you willing to spend on high-end electronics?

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 1:05am

Beginning on August 1, all dogs entering the United States from Canada must be at least six months old. This new rule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to help control the spread of rabies. Dogs entering the U.S. from Canada will require paperwork for the CDC proving the dog has a valid microchip and has been vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, this means that if you are traveling between the U.S. and Canada, your dog must be at least six months old. Do you think these new rules are fair or extreme? Why?

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 12:00am

\ Macy's, one of America's iconic department stores, is set to close 50 underperforming stores in 2024 as part of a broader plan to shut down 150 locations.  The company's CEO cites the need to adapt to a changing retail landscape and focus on better-performing stores.  Despite the closures, Macy's remains a recognizable brand with a loyal customer base and hopes to thrive by streamlining its operations. Which shuttered store do you miss the most?

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Ally Reid

Monday, July 15th, 2024 11:00am

Everyone thinks drivers in their state are the worst - but now we have some data to back it up. A new ranking from Allstate listed the U.S. cities with the riskiest drivers, based on criteria like 'High Speed', 'Hard Braking', and 'Phone Handling'.   Here are the worst offenders: Albuquerque, NM Baton Rouge, LA Murrieta/Temecula/Menifee, CA Fresno, CA Stockton, CA And here are the cities with the safest drivers: Honolulu, HI Minneapolis, MN Seattle, WA Portland, OR Virginia Beach, VA What driving habits 'drive' you absolutely crazy?

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Ally Reid

Friday, July 12th, 2024 9:26am

It turns out U.S. residents aren’t the only ones who are spending more time indoors to escape the extreme heat. Billions of insects and other pests have taken up residence inside homes all over the country in hopes of cooling down. “Just like we don’t want to be outside in the heat, neither does anything else,” says Kellan McDiarmid, a manager with Raleigh-based exterminator Triangle Home Services. In fact, Triangle has seen a 30 percent rise in business as more and more people are finding unwelcome guests in their homes, McDiarmid says. One way to keep bugs out of your house is to keep them away from your house, McDiarmid says. Ants and roaches like to take shelter between dead leaves in gutters, which lead them to entering the home, he notes. They’re also attracted to moisture, he adds. “Making sure trees, shrubs, bushes stay trimmed away from the house so they’re not bridging over to the house,” McDiarmid says. “Making sure if you have a crawl space, making sure there’s no sort of moisture issues in the crawl space.” What insects have you seen more of since temperatures started rising?

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 10:46am

A new weight loss study has found that drug brands Zepbound and Mounjaro led to more weight loss compared to Ozempic and Wegovy. The active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro is tirzepatide, while the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide. This new study published by JAMA Internal Medicine found patients taking the highest Zepbound dose lost about 21% of their body weight during a 72-week period. Meanwhile, patients on the highest dose of Wegovy lost around 15% of their body weight during a 68-week period. Do you or anyone you know take any of the new weight loss drugs? What has been your or their experience with them?

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Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 10:42am

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is increasing the price of their “Forever” stamp again. Beginning on July 14, the “Forever” stamp will go from 68 cents to 73 cents. This cost increase is the second in 2024. The price went from 66 cents to 68 cents in January. Additionally, mailing a postcard domestically will go up 3 cents to 56 cents, while international postcard rates will go up 10 cents to $1.65. How often do you mail letters or parcels via USPS?

REUTERS:Shannon Stapleton

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 10:11am

McDonald’s says “everyone’s favorite sandwich is back,” and they aren’t talking about the McRib. Instead, the fast food giant is bringing back the Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese and the Smoky BLT Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese. The two sandwiches will return to menus beginning on July 10. What’s your go-to McDonald’s order?

REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Ally Reid

Saturday, July 6th, 2024 8:05am

Big Lots is about to close several of its stores.  They cite the reason as "elevated inflation."  According to a recent report, "Company net sales decreased $114.5 million, or 10.2%, in the 2024 first quarter." Yahoo adds that the company may even file for bankruptcy. Would you miss the store if it closed? What kinds of items did you like to buy from Big Lots?

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Ally Reid

Saturday, July 6th, 2024 7:00am

Considering Japan’s reputation for being technologically advanced, one might be surprised to learn that in one respect, the country has just stepped into the 21st century. Earlier this week, the Japanese government announced it’s no longer using floppy disks to store its valuable data. “We have won the war on floppy disks,” Kono Taro, Japan’s digital minister, revealed on Wednesday. He said part of the reason for the change is allied cybersecurity experts were “concerned” over the safety of using the outmoded technology. Japan government officials have long had a reputation for failing to embrace new technology, which means in addition to floppy disks, lawmakers have continued to rely on fax machines and even old-fashioned paper to transmit and store information, Taro says. “Japan was quite good with analog technology, but when things moved to digital, we were too content with analog things,” he says. “So we didn’t invest enough.” What technological leap have you been resistant to take?

REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Ally Reid

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 10:15am

Insert your 'what's the deal with airline food?' jokes here - a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam had to be diverted after passengers were served a spoiled meal. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing at JFK Airport in New York, where medical crews treated the affected passengers. 277 passengers were on board the flight, though it's not know how many were sickened. A Delta spokeswoman offered an apology: "This is not the service Delta is known for and we sincerely apologize to our customers". The airline is investigating. What's your honest opinion of airline food?  Is it as bad as they say?

Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 10:38am

With the Fourth of July holiday coming up on Thursday, you may want to keep some things in mind If you are planning on stocking up on supplies like food and drinks for your own celebration, be sure to be mindful of grocery store hours. While Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix will be open during normal hours, place like Aldi and Trader Joe's will have limited hours on the holiday. While Sam's Club is expected to be open until 6 p.m., competing warehouse store Costco will be closed on July. What kinds of groceries do you like to buy in preparation of Fourth of July? How will you be spending the holiday this year?