Chris Spiker

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Chris Spiker's Contributions

Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Fire Risks Spark Recalls Of Popular Hand Warmers: See Which Brands Fire Risks Spark Recalls Of Popular Hand Warmers: See Which Brands Fire Risks Spark Recalls Of Popular Hand Warmers: See Which Brands
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…

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by Chris Spiker
Arlington, VA
On Your Side
IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works
IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new app to give taxpayers more ways to manage their accounts. The agency has replaced its longtime IRS2Go app with a new IRS app that includes expanded access to refunds, payments, notices, tax records, and other account information. The app launched on Friday, Sept. 25. Taxpayers can use it to check the status of refunds and amended returns, view balances, make payments, and review payment activity. They can also access certain notices, letters, tax records, and transcripts. Users can also manage some profile and communication settings and …

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies
Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Amazon Prime customers could start getting settlement money as millions of additional consumers become eligible for automatic refunds. Amazon began issuing the expanded payments on Thursday, Oct. 1, under the $2.5 billion settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission in September 2025, USA Today reported. The online retailer was required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and refund up to $1.5 billion to consumers. Amazon was accused of enrolling millions of consumers in Prime subscriptions without their consent and knowingly making it difficult for customers to cancel. More than…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
Your Community
CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking
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…

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by Chris Spiker
Bethesda, MD
On Your Side
Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M Grill Brushes Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M Grill Brushes Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M Grill Brushes
Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M Grill Brushes A popular grill brush is being recalled because metal bristles can break off and cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. Walmart recalled about 4.48 million Expert Grill metal wire bristle grill brushes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Oct. 1. Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to a grill or food. If swallowed, the bristles can cause serious internal injuries that may require surgery. The brushes have black plastic or stainless-steel handles. Some also have metal scrapers attached. The recall covers five Expert Grill product…

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by Chris Spiker
Arlington, VA
On Your Side
Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall
Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Nearly 30,000 Cadillac SUVs are being recalled because a power window problem can cause someone to get pinched, federal regulators said. General Motors issued the recall for 29,347 Cadillac OPTIQ electric vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report filed on Thursday, Sept. 24. The recall affects certain 2025 through 2027 models. The issue involves the front windows when they're closed with the key fob's express-up function, according to the NHTSA. The windows may fail to detect an obstruction and automatically reverse during the final 13 millimeters of upwa…

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by Chris Spiker
National Interest
87 Workers Removed From Cruise Ships In Boston As Feds Target Child Sex Abuse Material 87 Workers Removed From Cruise Ships In Boston As Feds Target Child Sex Abuse Material 87 Workers Removed From Cruise Ships In Boston As Feds Target Child Sex Abuse Material
87 Workers Removed From Cruise Ships In Boston As Feds Target Child Sex Abuse Material Nearly 90 crew members have been removed from cruise ships in Boston as part of a federal operation targeting child sexual abuse material, authorities said. Customs and Border Protection officers have removed 87 crew members since mid-August during "Operation Tidal Wave," according to a news release. The effort focuses on cruise ship workers connected to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The latest action happened on Sunday, Sept. 20, when officers encountered six citizens of the Philippines aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. All six admitted during interviews at Boston Logan …

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by Chris Spiker
National Interest
TSA Makes Huge Checkpoint Change Affecting Agents Nationwide: Reports TSA Makes Huge Checkpoint Change Affecting Agents Nationwide: Reports TSA Makes Huge Checkpoint Change Affecting Agents Nationwide: Reports
TSA Makes Huge Checkpoint Change Affecting Agents Nationwide: Reports Transportation Security Administration agents checking boarding passes and identification won't be allowed to sit while working at checkpoints nationwide, according to reports. TSA is removing chairs from travel document checker podiums at airport security entrances, CNN reported on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The change has already started at most commercial airports, according to the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA screeners. The union said it learned about the decision from its members and criticized the move as a "disregard for workers' rights and safe…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
On Your Side
Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List
Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Dozens of Starbucks cafés across the Northeast have closed as the coffee giant moves ahead with a major restructuring plan. StarbucksEverywhere.net, a website tracking the chain's locations, published a list of the roughly 250 locations closing in late September. Starbucks announced plans to shutter the North American cafés on Thursday, Sept. 24. The shutdowns are part of the company's ongoing "Back to Starbucks" plan, which is focused on improving the customer experience. Starbucks is in the middle of a major remodeling push, upgrading more than 1,000 coffeehouses since late 2025…

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by Chris Spiker
Canton, MA
On Your Side
Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu
Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' is getting into the Halloween spirit with a new lineup of spooky drinks. The coffee chain launched its Halloween menu on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The limited-time lineup is available nationwide at participating Dunkin' locations while supplies last. The menu is led by the new Green Apple Dunkin' Zero, a zero-sugar energy drink made with green apple flavor and sparkling water. Dunkin' is also using the drink as the base for three other new options: Midnight Apple Dunkin' Zero with blackberry flavor, Candy Kiss Dunkin' Zero with mango flavor, and Orchard Twist Dunkin' Zero with peach…

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by Chris Spiker
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