Chris Spiker

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Hartford, CT

On Your Side

Fastest Drive-Thrus, Best Experiences Ranked In New Study: See Who's On Top Starbucks has beaten out fast-food giants for the nation's best drive-thru experience, according to a new study. Intouch Insight released its 26th Annual Drive-Thru Study on Thursday, Oct. 1. Starbucks was ranked No. 1 overall, posting a 99% customer satisfaction rate. The study was based on 2,145 mystery-shopper visits, with 165 stops conducted at each of the 13 chains measured nationwide between June and July. Shoppers visited at different times of day and on different days of the week to measure performance under varying conditions. Intouch Insight measured how satisfied shoppers w…

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Hartford, CT

On Your Side

Krispy Kreme's New Halloween Doughnut Lineup Features Looney Tunes Favorites Krispy Kreme is teaming up with Looney Tunes for a new Halloween collection featuring the classic cartoon characters. The doughnut chain unveiled the limited-time Looney Tunes Halloween Collection in a news release on Monday, Oct. 5. The treats will debut at participating shops nationwide on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The lineup marks the first time the iconic animation franchise has appeared on Krispy Kreme doughnuts. "Looney Tunes characters have entertained generations of fans with their fun, laughter, and mischief, making them a perfect match for Krispy Kreme this Halloween," said…

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Hartford, CT

On Your Side

Starbucks Reveals New Drinks, Food On Holiday 2026 Menu: See What's Coming Starbucks is bringing back several festive favorites while adding new drinks, food, and merchandise for the holiday season. The coffee chain unveiled its 2026 holiday menu on Monday, Oct. 5. The seasonal lineup, which includes popular items like Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, and Gingerbread Chai, will return on Thursday, Nov. 5. The holiday launch comes as Starbucks makes major changes. The company recently closed about 250 cafés, including nearly 50 across the Northeast, as part of its ongoing "Back to Starbucks" restructuring plan. Starbucks h…

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Hartford, CT

On Your Side

Dr Pepper, 7UP Reveal New Twists On Classic Sodas: See What's Coming Dr Pepper and 7UP are adding new twists to some familiar flavors. Keurig Dr Pepper announced Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float and 7UP Miami Vice in a news release on Monday, Oct. 5. The company unveiled its upcoming beverage lineup one day before the start of the 2026 National Association of Convenience Stores Show in Las Vegas. Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float blends the soda's signature 23 flavors with a vanilla ice cream flavor and notes of caramel and butterscotch. The new flavor will launch nationwide as a permanent offering in February 2027. The beverage will be available in regular…

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

National Interest

Karoline Leavitt Lands New Fox News Role After Leaving Trump's White House Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has revealed her next major role after leaving President Donald Trump's administration. Leavitt will join Fox News as an on-air contributor, The New York Times reported on Monday, Oct. 5. The 29-year-old is expected to appear on programs across the conservative network, including both news and opinion shows. The Atkinson, New Hampshire, native is expected to begin her Fox News tenure on Sunday, Nov. 1. "Karoline's firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of…

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Hartford, CT

On Your Side

Most Trendy, Spooky Costumes Of 2026 Revealed By Spirit Halloween Superheroes, Toy Story characters, and video game favorites are expected to be among the most popular Halloween costumes in 2026. Spirit Halloween released its annual costume trends on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey-based retailer said it follows trends throughout the year to see what will be the most popular costumes. The company especially looks at pop-culture categories like TV, movies, gaming, social media, and nostalgia. "People often ask how we predict Halloween trends," executive vice president Kym Sarkos said in a news release. "The realit…

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Hartford, CT

On Your Side

Millions Who Paid ATM Fees Could Get Cash In $167.5M Settlement: See If You Qualify Millions of Americans who paid fees to withdraw cash from certain ATMs could qualify for payouts in a $167.5 million Mastercard and Visa settlement. The credit card companies agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the payment networks of violating antitrust laws by preventing independent ATM operators from charging lower fees when transactions could be processed through cheaper competing networks. Consumers may qualify if they paid an ATM surcharge or access fee to withdraw cash from a deposit account at an independent ATM in the US between Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, and …

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Hartford, CT

On Your Side

National Taco Day 2026: Where To Score Free Tacos, Spicy Deals Several major restaurant chains are offering special deals on a huge day for taco lovers. National Taco Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The holiday was permanently moved to the first Tuesday of October in 2024 to always line up with "Taco Tuesday." The holiday itself began in San Antonio in the 1960s, according to National Day Calendar. Many companies revived the celebration in 2009. The history of tacos dates back centuries to Indigenous people in ancient Mexico. The first "taco feast" documented by Europeans was hosted by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. The modern word "taco" …

by Chris Spiker

10/05/2026

Bethesda, MD

On Your Side

Fire Risks Spark Recalls Of Popular Hand Warmers: See Which Brands More than 82,000 rechargeable hand warmers are being recalled because their lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire. Kobayashi Consumer Products recalled about 77,000 HotHands rechargeable hand warmers, while Gobi Heat recalled about 5,500 of its rechargeable hand warmers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Oct. 1. About 47 additional Gobi Heat warmers were sold in Canada. The lithium-ion batteries and electrical components in both products can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards. The recalled HotHands warmers are white with orange accents…

by Chris Spiker

10/04/2026

Hartford, CT

Your Community

CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking Retirees in several Northeast states face some of the highest costs in the country, according to a new study. Retirement Living released its 2026 list of the most affordable states to retire, comparing all 50 states based on housing costs, everyday expenses, and tax-friendliness. The study looked at median rent for a one-bedroom home, median home sale prices, grocery spending, gas prices, and average Medicare Advantage premiums. Researchers also considered whether states tax Social Security benefits, along with income and property tax rates. "Affordability plays a major role in retire…

by Chris Spiker

10/04/2026

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