6 popular sugar substitutes linked to faster brain aging: study

6 popular sugar substitutes linked to faster brain aging: study

Sugar-free foods and beverages may help your waistline, but they could come at a cost to your brain. A study from the University of São Paulo in Brazil suggests that artificial sweeteners may speed up cognitive decline — with two groups appearing to face the greatest risk, including people with a disease affecting more than … Read more

BookTok is making these seemingly boring old books surprisingly popular

BookTok is making these seemingly boring old books surprisingly popular

A 1992 guide to building sheds and barns has become an unlikely hit. Thanks to a handful of BookTokers — influencers who review and recommend titles on the platform — Monte Burch’s “How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings” is having a moment. Sales of the book, published by Hachette Book Group’s Storey Publishing imprint, … Read more

Low-cal sweeteners can change gut bacteria — especially if you’re on a popular antidepressant

Low-cal sweeteners can change gut bacteria — especially if you’re on a popular antidepressant

That guilt-free treat may not be as innocent as it seems.  A new study suggests that alternative sweeteners commonly found in sugar-free and low-calorie foods and beverages may interfere with the growth of bacteria that help keep the gut healthy. But the effects aren’t always straightforward. Researchers found more than 100 cases where these ingredients … Read more

Popular European beaches are now charging visitors for a spot on the sand amid overcrowding

Popular European beaches are now charging visitors for a spot on the sand amid overcrowding

In the wake of record crowds flocking to top European destinations, many sites are implementing fees and visitor limits. Among the countries leading in the use of cash and caps for crowd control is Italy. In Sardinia, several swaths of sand require booking and a small fee. La Pelosa, one of the most photographed beaches … Read more

Subaru recalls over half a million units of their most popular models — what that may mean for your car

Subaru recalls over half a million units of their most popular models — what that may mean for your car

“Love is what makes a Subaru” — but regulatory labels are what make them roadworthy. Subaru has issued a recall for 541,237 vehicles due to a misprinted Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)  on the federally required certification labels, potentially leading to safety risks associated with vehicle overloading, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said … Read more

Popular fast food chain to open 60 new restaurants, with focus on California

Popular fast food chain to open 60 new restaurants, with focus on California

Are you ready for Freddy? California burger lovers are getting a taste of the Midwest, with Wichita staple Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announcing its expansion on the West Coast as dozens of new locations are set to pop up across the Golden State. The popular fast-casual chain, known for its fresh never-frozen beef, small-batch … Read more

Hikers furious as major change enforced at popular LA trail

Hikers furious as major change enforced at popular LA trail

A beloved hiking spot nestled in the Hollywood Hills above Studio City is sparking frustration among regular outdoor enthusiasts after the city began strictly enforcing new parking restrictions at Fryman Canyon. The popular trailhead at Wilacre Park, which offers scenic views of the San Fernando Valley and is a favorite for locals and tourists, now … Read more

Disney is adding after-hours access to beat the lines at one of its most popular parks

Disney is adding after-hours access to beat the lines at one of its most popular parks

Disney fans who dream of ditching the daytime crowds are about to get their wish. Walt Disney World is quietly giving eligible guests exclusive after-hours access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall — offering a rare chance to hop aboard some of the resort’s biggest attractions long after everyone else has headed for the exits. … Read more

Walmart and Sam’s Club are slashing prices on hundreds of the most popular grocery items this summer

Walmart and Sam’s Club are slashing prices on hundreds of the most popular grocery items this summer

Your next shopping trip to Walmart and Sam’s Club may be a bit cheaper. The sister chains have just announced lower prices on a slew of summer essentials. The move is aimed at helping customers and members stress a bit less this season. “This summer, we’re making even more investments in price, with thousands of Rollbacks … Read more

Popular pizza franchisee files for bankruptcy despite two years of national expansion

Popular pizza franchisee files for bankruptcy despite two years of national expansion

Dough deficit. While this popular pizza chain has recently opened dozens of new locations, the crust could not cover the costs for one franchisee. Last week, Rogue Fare LLC, which operates five Mountain Mike’s Pizza restaurants throughout the state of Oregon, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to court papers, the petition, which was filed in … Read more

Doctors issue warning over massively popular toy that’s hospitalizing children with excruciating injuries

Doctors issue warning over massively popular toy that’s hospitalizing children with excruciating injuries

Around the world, brightly-colored squishy toys marketed as harmless “sensory” gadgets designed to be squeezed, stretched and smushed have surged in popularity. But behind the viral appeal of NeeDoh toys, doctors say a dangerous pattern is emerging — one that is sending children and teens to the hospital with severe burns amid “blood-curdling screams” of … Read more

Long-running recall on popular potato chips brands classified at FDA’s highest risk level

Long-running recall on popular potato chips brands classified at FDA’s highest risk level

The Utz Quality Foods ongoing recall of their potato chips has risen to the highest level of recall, due to Salmonella contamination in a seasoning ingredient.  Utz Quality Foods LLC recalled varieties of its Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips on April 28, due to a potential contamination linked to milk powder, according to the Food … Read more

Child lets out ‘blood-curdling scream’ after getting scalded by popular exploding toy left in hot car

Child lets out ‘blood-curdling scream’ after getting scalded by popular exploding toy left in hot car

It blew up in her face. A West Virginia teen had to be hospitalized after getting scalded by a squishy toy — akin to the viral mystery dumplings or NeeDoh cubes — that had been mistakenly left in a hot car. “We weren’t even a mile up the road, and she just lets out this … Read more

Popular supermarket guarantees a job interview to anyone who has been out of work for 6 months or more

Popular supermarket guarantees a job interview to anyone who has been out of work for 6 months or more

In an era of growing economic uncertainty, one supermarket giant is betting that a résumé shouldn’t stand in the way of unemployed workers getting a job. Lidl is rolling out a new hiring initiative across the United Kingdom that reserves a portion of interview opportunities for people who have been out of work for at … Read more

Trader Joe’s fans balk at attempt to answer pleas for popular ‘ready-to-eat’ dinner: ‘That’s sketch’

Trader Joe’s fans balk at attempt to answer pleas for popular ‘ready-to-eat’ dinner: ‘That’s sketch’

The bok-boking the rotisserie chicken trend. For years, customers urged the cult-favorite grocery store to debut their own rotisserie chicken. Now, crazed fans’ prayers have been answered, but in a way that’s best for meal-preppers. Trader Joe’s new pre-seasoned and shredded rotisserie chicken breast is only $8.99, and the beloved grocery store is marketing it … Read more

4th of July inflation shocks shoppers as popular picnic food soars past $120 a pound

4th of July inflation shocks shoppers as popular picnic food soars past 0 a pound

Two years ago, a Long Island deli shocked the country by selling a $120-per-pound lobster salad — and the price has only gone up since. The upscale Red Horse Market, located in the ultra-wealthy enclave of East Hampton, New York, is now charging even more for the luxury item. In 2024, a photo of the deli case … Read more

Popular pain supplement can speed up Alzheimer’s decline — and death

Popular pain supplement can speed up Alzheimer’s decline — and death

Pain is temporary, but a pain relief pill could have detrimental effects on the brain. Around 42% of Americans will experience dementia after the age of 55 — nearly the same amount of older adults with arthritis. But while many turn to a popular supplement to ease joint pain, new research suggests they could actually … Read more

Costco debuts hugely popular cookie — and customers are hoarding 5 cases at a time

Costco debuts hugely popular cookie — and customers are hoarding 5 cases at a time

Costco shoppers are flocking to the shelves over a legendary Aussie snack that has finally touched down in American stores.  The “Australian Oreo” is sparking a wild Costco frenzy. Tim Tams, the iconic Australian cookie, have been stocked in Costco’s across the U.S. and American shoppers have been hoarding. The Original Tim Tam is a … Read more

Two simple habits may outperform a popular longevity wonder drug: study

Two simple habits may outperform a popular longevity wonder drug: study

A buzzy diabetes drug that’s been hailed as a longevity booster may have some competition. The decades-old medication metformin has been touted for everything from treating Type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of long COVID to potentially slowing the aging process. But a new study published in JAMA found that another intervention did a … Read more

Popular household remedy for keeping skunks away dismissed as myth by wildlife expert

Popular household remedy for keeping skunks away dismissed as myth by wildlife expert

Irish Spring soap, known for its fresh scent, is often recommended online — in blog posts, social media exchanges and elsewhere — as a way to repel skunks. Yet wildlife experts say the popular household hack is more a myth than a proven solution. Some homeowners claim the soap’s strong scent can help discourage skunks from lingering … Read more