Amanda Alvarado Journalist Profile

Articles

Here is when the Pumpkin Spice Latte is coming back to Starbucks

Aug 21, 2024 | wsaw.com | Amanda Alvarado

(Gray News) - Starbucks is kicking off fall a little early with the return of its Pumpkin Spice Latte and other seasonal favorites. The Pumpkin Spice Latte, also known as the PSL, is back at Starbucks on Thursday. “The beverage that started the pumpkin spice phenomenon more than 20 years ago is back at Starbucks. Since its debut in 2003 the Pumpkin Spice Latte continues to be Starbucks most popular seasonal beverage and is enjoyed by customers around the world,” Starbucks said in a press release.
Unrestrained toddler, motorcyclist killed in crash

Aug 20, 2024 | wsaw.com | Danica Sauter |Amanda Alvarado

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A toddler and motorcyclist were killed in a crash Sunday night in Nashville, Tennessee, according to authorities. Delmas Wiseman III was driving a 2003 Buick sedan when he lost control of his car and skidded sideways. The car crossed over into the other lanes, causing a motorcycle to crash into the car’s rear passenger door, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. The motorcyclist, a 30-year-old man, died at the scene.
Man accused of killing fellow soldier on post

Aug 13, 2024 | mysuncoast.com | Amanda Alvarado

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWNY/Gray News) - A man has been charged with murdering a fellow soldier at Fort Drum. Riley Birbilas is accused of killing 21-year-old Specialist Jacob Ashton. Both were members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Ashton was found dead on post on Aug. 5. The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division said it could not release any details about the nature of his death.
Officers rescue squirrel with head stuck in a tree

Aug 7, 2024 | kcbd.com | Amanda Alvarado

COHASSET, Mass. (Gray News) - A squirrel was rescued after it got its head stuck in a tree. Cohasset Police Department said they get “a lot of strange calls” and Tuesday’s call was one of them. Officer Josh Kimball and Officer Wilson were called to help the squirrel that was “really stuck” in the tree. They used their hand sanitizer and after a few minutes of “gentle twisting, turning and guiding,” Kimbell was able to free the squirrel.
Sign comes crashing down inches away from mother, son in car

Jul 28, 2024 | wsaw.com | Victoria Saha |Amanda Alvarado

LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - A mother and son said they are counting their blessings and grateful to be alive after a sign crashed down just inches from their car. Sharon Boucher and her son Chase were making a quick stop at a 7-Eleven. “You think you are going to get Hot Cheetos and a Slurpee one minute and the next, a whole sign can be on top of your car,” Boucher said. The two got back in the car after getting their snacks and seconds later saw a sign coming down.
Family wraps baby bird in tortilla to keep animal warm

Jul 16, 2024 | wsaw.com | Amanda Alvarado

AMARILLO, Texas (Gray News) - A family in Texas got very creative when they rescued a baby bird. Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center said they got a call on Sunday about an orphaned baby bird. When they asked the family if they had placed the bird in a box, the family told the rehabilitation center that they had wrapped it in “a warm tortilla.”The family told a staff member they were outside barbecuing and swimming when they noticed a baby bird on the ground without any parents nearby.
Hotels in this state will no longer be able to provide small bottles of shampoo or lotion beginning in 2025

Jul 10, 2024 | wsaw.com | Amanda Alvarado

(Gray News) - Starting next year, you will not be able to get those small bottles of shampoo and lotion at hotels in New York. A law signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2021 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The law bans mini shampoos, conditioners, body washes and lotions that are in plastic containers for hotels and motels with more than 50 rooms. The new state law is aimed to help reduce waste. Small bottles refer to any bottle less than 12 ounces.
‘I feel like 40 or 50 right now’: Woman celebrates 100th birthday

Jul 8, 2024 | wsaw.com | Kelis McGhee |Amanda Alvarado

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - Family and friends celebrated a woman’s 100th birthday on Saturday. The Heritage Hall room at the National Infantry Museum was full of laughter, smiles and some tears of joy as people celebrated Susie Dotson. “I feel like 40 or 50 right now,” she said. Dotson is 100 years old, an age many don’t get the chance to see. “I don’t have no pains. I just feel, I just feel wonderful. I feel that God has blessed me with many, many blessings,” she said.
Bait and motorcycle shops acted as fronts for ‘family business’ drug ring, authorities say

Jun 30, 2024 | wsaw.com | Amanda Alvarado

LAKELAND, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Dozens of people were arrested after a three-year investigation found that a family was using bait and motorcycle shops for front for their drug ring, according to authorities in Florida. Authorities uncovered purchases of fentanyl from the Rooske drug trafficking organization which used the Rooske Bait and Tackle Shop and Rooske Motorcycle Parts and Accessories for drug trafficking and money laundering.
‘A miracle child’: Family welcomes home child after 19 months in the hospital

Jun 19, 2024 | kcbd.com | Robert Castillo |Amanda Alvarado

RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. (WVVA/Gray News) - A child who was born prematurely just one week into the second trimester of his mother’s pregnancy was released after spending 19 months in the hospital. Douglas Epling, who is known as Dougie, weighed just 1 pound 14 ounces when he was born. His lungs were not fully developed, but he did take his first breath and his medical team worked to keep him alive. Dougie finally came home for the first time last week.