Labor Day Gas Prices Reached Record High, Making the Budget More Stressful for Massachusetts Residents

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Contributor

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America News

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Image Source: Wanjiru Waweru

Boston, Massachusetts — Gas Prices peaked at a record high this Labor Day weekend, causing financial strain for many Massachusetts residents, especially nurse Libby Cornacchio, who found it difficult to afford gas in her daily routine.

"I think I have 20 miles left on my car, but I push it until the very end, until I'm almost out of gas, and I'm waiting for my paycheck to hit, before I can get more gas to be able to go to work to buy the gas," said Cornacchio. 

Cornacchio, who plans to visit his family in Western Massachusetts this holiday, said the cost of gas is complicating his arrangement.

"I think it is another bill that I likely can't afford," said Cornacchio.

GasBuddy predicts the average price for a gallon of gas this weekend would be just above $4, reaching the highest Labor Day Gas Prices on record. The Iran War has consistently increased prices for the past six months.

"It's scary! Honestly, I just pulled up and I didn't expect to see $4.57 for regular gas right now," said one driver.

Image Source: Wanjiru Waweru

According to AAA, gas prices usually decrease around this time of year; however, it has not been the case recently.

"Instead, just based on the way the prices are going the last week or two, they're heating up," said AAA.

Regardless of the gas prices, AAA Northeast Senior Spokesperson Mark Shieldrop explained that AAA’s sources demonstrate that the summer season and the history provided the touring experience of Boston.

“Boston is our No. 3 destination domestically this year,” said Shieldrop. “It's been a really great year in terms of Boston being put back on the map.”

About Wanjiru Waweru

Wanjiru Waweru is a Jadetimes Contributor. You can email Wanjiru at sellmypaperwork@gmail.com.

She is the Owner of “Sell My Paperwork." Visit the website and follow it on social media.

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Super Typhoon Ragasa Forces Mass Evacuations in Philippines, Threatens Southern China

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Kelly Ng, Getty Images

Thousands of people have been evacuated in the Philippines after Super Typhoon Ragasa, described by officials as potentially “catastrophic,” made landfall in the country’s north on Monday.

The Philippine weather authority confirmed that Ragasa struck Panuitan Island in Cagayan province at 3 p.m. local time (08:00 GMT), unleashing wind gusts of up to 230 km/h (143 mph). Classified as the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, the storm is now moving westward and is expected to approach southern China later this week.

The typhoon has raised alarms over life-threatening storm surges exceeding three meters (10 feet), widespread flooding, and landslides. Authorities have warned that homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods are at severe risk. Schools and government offices, including those in the capital Manila, were closed as a precaution.

Particularly vulnerable are the Batanes and Babuyan islands, with a combined population of about 20,000 residents, many of whom live in poverty. These northern islands were directly in the storm’s path. Meanwhile, Taiwan, located roughly 740 kilometers away, has begun evacuations in eastern Hualien county, though Ragasa is not expected to make landfall there. Authorities have closed nature trails, forest areas, and suspended some ferry services as the island braces for heavy rainfall.

China has also begun large-scale preparations. Authorities in Guangdong province warned residents to expect “catastrophic” impacts, with Shenzhen planning to evacuate 400,000 people ahead of the storm’s arrival. In Hong Kong, officials cautioned that weather conditions will “deteriorate rapidly” on Tuesday. Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of 500 flights, while Hong Kong Airlines suspended all departures from the city.

Ragasa’s arrival compounds difficulties in the Philippines, where communities are still grappling with severe flooding linked to weeks of intense monsoon rains. The disaster also comes amid mounting public anger, with tens of thousands protesting on Sunday against government corruption blamed for inadequate flood control systems.

As Ragasa barrels across East and Southeast Asia, regional authorities continue to issue urgent warnings, stressing that swift preparations and mass evacuations are crucial to minimizing the storm’s potentially devastating toll.

Encore Boston Harbor Casino Workers Walk Off Job After The Expiration of Their Contract

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Contributor

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America News

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Image Source: Wanjiru Waweru

Everett, Massachusetts — Over 1,300 employees at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett went on strike Friday, September 4, after they could not make any agreement on a new contract with Wynn Resorts. 

The employers, Teamsters Local and UNITE HERE Local 26, represented them, including wait staff, bartenders, slot attendants, cooks, people who work in horticulture and the call center, cage cashiers, limo drivers, dispatchers, traffic attendants, and valet and guest experience attendants.

On August 20, employees voted 97% to approve a strike if a fair contract was not reached. The union workers are requesting a contract that provides better wages, improved benefits, and enhanced protections on the job.

Workers said management refused to come to the table and make any adjustments, especially after the authorization vote for a strike.

Tommy Blitsch, a director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, commented.

Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted,” said Blitsch. “If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run. And the Teamsters are standing up and fighting back.”

Wynn Resorts created a clear statement about Encore remaining open and operational during the strike.

“The unions have chosen to initiate a strike despite our continued efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations. We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable and protects jobs for the long term.”

About Wanjiru Waweru

Wanjiru Waweru is a Jadetimes Contributor. You can email Wanjiru at sellmypaperwork@gmail.com.

She is the Owner of “Sell My Paperwork." Visit the website and follow it on social media.

 Sell My Paperwork

Website:  Sell My Paperwork - Webpage

Facebook: Sell My Paperwork - Facebook Page

Instagram:  @sellmypaperwork

YouTube:  @sellmypaperwork