Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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'Oscars Of Teaching': CT Teacher Earns Prestigious Award For Her Work In, Out Of Classroom 'Oscars Of Teaching': CT Teacher Earns Prestigious Award For Her Work In, Out Of Classroom
'Oscars Of Teaching': CT Teacher Earns Prestigious Award For Her Work In, Out Of Classroom A Connecticut teacher was honored among the nation’s top educators in what is nicknamed the "Oscars of teaching." Jessica Chapman who teaches at  Norwich Free Academy in New London County was named a Milken Educator Award recipient, the organization announced. She found out she had won the prestigious award at a schoolwide assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 12, surrounded by her students and colleagues who gave her a standing ovation.  Chapman, a social studies teacher at the Norwich school is known for her innovative approach and was the only educator in Connecticut to receive this n…
4 Days, 2 DUIs: CT Man Busted (Again) After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police 4 Days, 2 DUIs: CT Man Busted (Again) After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police
4 Days, 2 DUIs: CT Man Busted (Again) After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police A Connecticut man who was arrested over the weekend and charged with DUI was arrested again four days later for driving while intoxicated, police said. It was the third time he’s been taken into custody for allegedly getting behind the wheel while impaired. Anthony Benvenuto, 54, of Enfield in Hartford County, was arrested just after 7 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, and charged with DUI, driving with a suspended Maine license, driving without insurance, and multiple traffic violations, according to Connecticut State Police. A state trooper spotted Benvenuto's truck on Interstate 91 near Exit 33…
Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services
Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services President-elect Donald Trump tapped a controversial New Yorker to oversee public health. Robert F Kennedy Jr. is his choice for secretary of health and human services, Trump announced Thursday, Nov. 14.  "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health," Trump said on Truth Social. Earlier Report: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump "The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any A…
Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long! Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long!
Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long! Sponsored by our friends at Price Chopper & Market 32 It is officially Fall, which means all-things pumpkins, apples, and PICS Limited Time Only Items! You may be wondering what “PICS” products are. PICS items are an evolution of our Price Chopper brand, offering premium value and quality. Not only do they guarantee great quality at an affordable price, but each item is selected and tested by consumers before hitting our shelves, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting. You'll discover a wide variety of PICS products throughout your local Price Chopper and Market 32 stores. At P…
National Auto Parts Retailer To Close Over 700 Stores National Auto Parts Retailer To Close Over 700 Stores
National Auto Parts Retailer To Close Over 700 Stores A nationwide auto parts retailers says it will close over 700 stores as part of “a strategic plan to improve business performance.” Advance Auto Parts, which has about 4,800 total stores, and locations in almost every state, made the announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14. The affected outlets will close by May 2025 and are made up of 523 corporate stores, and 204 independently owned locations. In addition, four distribution centers will also close. Specific locations to be closed have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, President and Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Kelly said…
Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest
Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest There's a brand-new tropical storm with just two weeks remaining in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. A system in the central Caribbean Sea called Tropical Depression 19 was upgraded to Tropical Storm Sara on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 14. It's now moving westward toward Central America.  Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of Honduras and Nicaragua.  "Residents in these areas should monitor the storm's progress and follow local advisories," the National Hurricane Center said. Current projections have the storm headed to Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 20. (See the …
Whole Foods Market Announces Grand Opening For New Stamford Store Whole Foods Market Announces Grand Opening For New Stamford Store
Whole Foods Market Announces Grand Opening For New Stamford Store A new Whole Foods Market is coming to Connecticut, and the announcement that it will open next month has many Fairfield County shoppers raring to line up.  The company announced it would open its nearly 45,000 square-foot-store at 110 High Ridge Road in Stamford on Thursday, December 12, at 9 a.m.  Whole Foods renovated the Lord & Taylor store that was at that location prior, which will give this grocery store a more "boutique feel", the company said.  Along with the typical grocery items, the store will feature full-service seafood and meat counters, more than 220 craft…
NBC Names Popular Westport Anchor To Replace Hoda Kotb On 'Today' Show NBC Names Popular Westport Anchor To Replace Hoda Kotb On 'Today' Show
NBC Names Popular Westport Anchor To Replace Hoda Kotb On 'Today' Show The "Today" show didn't have to look far to find a replacement for Hoda Kotb, who is retiring early next year.  The show announced on Thursday, Nov. 14, that Craig Melvin who has been with "Today" since 2018, would do double duty and co-chair the news from 7 to 8 a.m. beginning early next year, NBC News said. The 45-year-old Melvin lives in Westport, Connecticut, with his wife, sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, and their two children, Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8. He's worked with NBC News for 14 years.  “I am beyond excited and grateful,” an emotional Melvin said, flanked by "Tod…
Supported By Sandy Hook Parents, Satire Site The Onion Buys InfoWars Out Of Bankruptcy: Reports Supported By Sandy Hook Parents, Satire Site The Onion Buys InfoWars Out Of Bankruptcy: Reports
Supported By Sandy Hook Parents, Satire Site The Onion Buys InfoWars Out Of Bankruptcy: Reports In a bizarre twist of fate The Onion, the wildly popular satire news website, has purchased InfoWars out of bankruptcy. according to multiple reports. Conspiracy and supplement huckster Alex Jones announced the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee had finalized the sale on Thursday, Nov. 14, NBC News said. “I just got word 15 minutes ago that my lawyers and folks met with the U.S. trustee over our bankruptcy this morning and they said they are shutting us down even without a court order this morning,” Jones said, per NBC.  “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m going to be here u…
Red Lobster Launches New-Look Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Red Lobster Launches New-Look Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy
Red Lobster Launches New-Look Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Two months after exiting bankruptcy, restaurant chain Red Lobster is unveiling a revamped menu. It features these seven new items: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops Lobster Bisque Lemon Basil Mahi Simply Prepared Mahi Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Roasted Asparagus In addition, a pair of old fan-favorites that had been discontinued are back:  Popcorn Shrimp, Hush Puppies  Red Lobster is now giving guests the ability to customize their seafood favorites with the launch of "Create your Own Ultimate Feast." Customers can mix and match two premium picks such as …
Nominate Your Favorite Fairfield County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Fairfield County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Fairfield County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Fairfield County! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make the area special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Fairfield County? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist who always gets your look just r…
CT Teacher Resigns After Video Of Her Threatening Trump Voters Goes Viral CT Teacher Resigns After Video Of Her Threatening Trump Voters Goes Viral
CT Teacher Resigns After Video Of Her Threatening Trump Voters Goes Viral A Connecticut school teacher who was put on leave after a video surfaced of her delivering an angry message directed at President-elect Donald Trump and his voters has resigned, officials said. Annie Dunleavy, a special education teacher for the Cheshire School District, submitted her immediate resignation from Chapman Elementary on Wednesday, Nov. 13, two days after being placed on temporary leave, school officials said. 'Related: You Will End On A Stretcher': Teacher on Leave After Threatening Trump Voters She shared the minute-long viral video in a private group message on Snapchat, b…
Yale Students Get in 'Formation' for Beyoncé 101: Report Yale Students Get in 'Formation' for Beyoncé 101: Report
Yale Students Get in 'Formation' for Beyoncé 101: Report Blue Ivy's mom is going Ivy League. Yale University will teach a class on Beyoncé and her cultural impact beginning next semester, a report said.  The class, which is called “Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition, History, Culture, Theory & Politics through Music,” will focus on using the "Single Ladies" singer's work as a lens to study Black history, performance, and intellectual thought, according to Yale Daily News, an independent student newspaper.  Professor Daphne Brooks will lead the class.  The Yale course centers around Beyoncé’s gro…
Man Admits To Sexually Assaulting Sedated Patient At Norwalk Hospital, Gets 12 Years: State Man Admits To Sexually Assaulting Sedated Patient At Norwalk Hospital, Gets 12 Years: State
Man Admits To Sexually Assaulting Sedated Patient At Norwalk Hospital, Gets 12 Years: State A Connecticut man will serve more than a decade in prison after admitting he sexually assaulted a heavily sedated woman at a Fairfield County hospital, authorities said. Rodney Daniels, 48, of Stamford, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by eight years of special parole, the state attorney’s office said in a news release. Related: Food Service Workers at Norwalk Hospital Announce Plans for Strike Daniels was taken to Norwalk Hospital on Aug. 29, 2020, after he told paramedics he took hallucinogenic drugs, the pros…
'Enough is Enough': Food Service Workers At Norwalk Hospital Announce Plans For Strike 'Enough is Enough': Food Service Workers At Norwalk Hospital Announce Plans For Strike
'Enough is Enough': Food Service Workers At Norwalk Hospital Announce Plans For Strike Food service workers at Connecticut Hospital will go on strike later this month for what they said is a long pattern of unfair treatment and broken promises.  Represented by Connecticut Health Care Associates 1199, the workers at Norwalk Hospital have given their employer Morrison Healthcare a 10-day notice of their intent to strike beginning on Monday, Nov. 25.  The union unanimously voted for this action in September after what they allege is "bad faith bargaining," CHCA 1199 leaders said in a news release.  The dispute stems from Morrison Healthcare's decision to revoke a…
Norwalk Killing: Stamford Man Gets 55 Years In Prison For Fatal Drive-By Shooting, State Says Norwalk Killing: Stamford Man Gets 55 Years In Prison For Fatal Drive-By Shooting, State Says
Norwalk Killing: Stamford Man Gets 55 Years In Prison For Fatal Drive-By Shooting, State Says A 27-year-old Connecticut man will be 82 when he is released from prison after being sentenced to more than five decades behind bars for a fatal drive-by shooting, state authorities said.  Jermaine Scott, of Stamford, who was found guilty of murder during the summer, was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Tuesday, Nov. 12, said Stamford/Norwalk State’s Attorney Paul J. Ferencek.  Scott was accused of shooting Johnny Lezeau on July 20, 2017, outside the Sono Mini Market on Ely Avenue in Norwalk in Fairfield County. Scott and his girlfriend Alysia Dantzler were driving to a we…
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV A Connecticut police cruiser was destroyed when a brush fire leaped onto the vehicle and burned it completely.  A Greenwich police officer was out of the car and responding to a medical call on Wednesday morning when the brush fire crept onto their vehicle, authorities said.  No one was injured.  Related: Brush Fire Destroys Two-Family Home Greenwich Police used the blaze to remind residents to be aware of potential brush fires as Connecticut remains under a red flag warning. Multiple small fires have turned into potentially life-threatening ones in recent weeks because of …
Ex-Staffer At CT Group Home Attacked Autistic Patient, Broke Their Nose: Police Ex-Staffer At CT Group Home Attacked Autistic Patient, Broke Their Nose: Police
Ex-Staffer At CT Group Home Attacked Autistic Patient, Broke Their Nose: Police Police in Connecticut are investigating a former group home employee who is accused of attacking an autistic patient so violently that the non-verbal woman needed to be hospitalized, authorities said.  Kendra A. Demudd, 28, of Hartford, was arrested and charged with assault on a person with an intellectual disability, reckless endangerment, and cruelty to persons, Wethersfield Police said. She was being held on a $50,000 bond.  Demudd, a former employee at HARC, a group home on Eastern Drive in Wethersfield, is accused of repeatedly assaulting the 28-year-old resident in the early…
Man Killed In Norwalk I-95 Crash After Colliding With Concrete Barrier Man Killed In Norwalk I-95 Crash After Colliding With Concrete Barrier
Man Killed In Norwalk I-95 Crash After Colliding With Concrete Barrier A 63-year-old man was killed after crashing into a concrete barrier on I-95 in Fairfield County earlier this week.  Tiofilo Cruz, of the Bronx, New York, was killed just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in Norwalk, Connecticut State Police said.  Cruz was in the left lane of the interstate when for unknown reasons he crossed over onto the right shoulder, where he slammed into the barrier, authorities said.  Paramedics rushed him to Norwalk Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead just before 4:30 p.m.  The crash remains under investigation.  State Police ask …
Cybersecurity Issues Hits Stop & Shop Cybersecurity Issues Hits Stop & Shop
Cybersecurity Issues Hits Stop & Shop A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…
Musk, Yale Law Grad Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency Musk, Yale Law Grad Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency
Musk, Yale Law Grad Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency President-Elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet with loyalists and his biggest supporters following his sweeping victory in last week's election.  He announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that two billionaire former rivals turned allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, would head up his new Department of Government Efficiency.  Related: Trump Nominates NY Rep. Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador The tech entrepreneur, age 53, and the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale Law grad will be tasked with major cuts in government spending. Trump called it "The Manhattan Project" for a new…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 12 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $261 million with a $169.2 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 18-31-33-64-68 with a Mega Ball of 17 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. There ar…
Danbury Business Owner Sent to Prison For Evading Taxes On $1.5M In Earnings: Feds Danbury Business Owner Sent to Prison For Evading Taxes On $1.5M In Earnings: Feds
Danbury Business Owner Sent to Prison For Evading Taxes On $1.5M In Earnings: Feds A Connecticut business owner will spend seven months behind bars after he admitted to cheating the federal government out of the income tax on nearly $1.5 million in earnings, authorities said.  Bill G. Makros, 58, of Danbury in Fairfield County, pleaded guilty to tax evasion during the summer and was sentenced on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. Along with his prison term, he must also pay the federal government $137,672 in restitution.   Makros, who owned Budget Tree and Stump Removal Service, LLC in Danbury, asked customers to write checks for the co…
Internet Roasts CT Officer's 'Round Of Sausage' Faux Pas On 'Wheel Of Fortune' Internet Roasts CT Officer's 'Round Of Sausage' Faux Pas On 'Wheel Of Fortune'
Internet Roasts CT Officer's 'Round Of Sausage' Faux Pas On 'Wheel Of Fortune' A momentary lapse in judgment on "Wheel of Fortune" has turned a Connecticut police officer into the internet's latest obsession, garnering reactions from "Good Morning America" and thousands of people online.  Rocky Hill Student Resource Officer Will Jordan appeared on the Veteran's Day episode of the popular game show, but things didn't go as he had hoped.  Related: Rocky Hill Officer Appears On "Wheel Of Fortune," Steals The Show During one round, Will admits he got caught up in the moment and his mind went blank at the wrong time. When he went to solve the puzzle "Give Yourse…
Man Accused Of Pistol-Whipping Rival In Fight Outside Stamford Restaurant Man Accused Of Pistol-Whipping Rival In Fight Outside Stamford Restaurant
Man Accused Of Pistol-Whipping Rival In Fight Outside Stamford Restaurant A 36-year-old Connecticut man was arrested last week after police said he pistol-whipped someone outside of a Fairfield County restaurant last month.  Jean Prosper, of Stamford, was arrested on second-degree assault with a firearm, according to police.  Assistant Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin said Prosper and the alleged victim had an ongoing feud that erupted in violence when they got into an argument on Oct. 18 outside of Brennan's By The Beach at 82 Iroquois Road around 11 p.m.  The man who was attacked went to the hospital the next day to have doctors attend…
The Beaver Moon — Last Supermoon of 2024 — Will Dazzle Skywatchers Soon: Here's When To Look Up The Beaver Moon — Last Supermoon of 2024 — Will Dazzle Skywatchers Soon: Here's When To Look Up
The Beaver Moon — Last Supermoon of 2024 — Will Dazzle Skywatchers Soon: Here's When To Look Up Local skywatchers, mark your calendars. The final supermoon of 2024 — known as the Beaver Moon — will light up the night sky this week.  The moon will reach peak brightness at 4:29 p.m. EST on Friday,  Nov. 15, and promises to be one of the brightest nighttime displays of the year, according to USA Today.  Related: Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Thousands  Click here to find out exactly when the moon will be at its most encouraging where you live.  A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and closest to the Earth in its orbit, according to N…
Chick-fil-A Prepares To Open New CT Restaurant; Will Employ 100 People Chick-fil-A Prepares To Open New CT Restaurant; Will Employ 100 People
Chick-fil-A Prepares To Open New CT Restaurant; Will Employ 100 People Chick-fil-A is expanding its footprint in Connecticut with a new restaurant that will open this week in New Haven County.  The first Chick-fil-A in West Haven will open at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 487 Saw Mill Road.  Jose Marquez, a Connecticut native with a background in business and a 13-year tenure at Chick-fil-A, will lead the West Haven location as its owner-operator, the company said. Marquez, who began his career with Chick-fil-A as a teenager in Georgia, said he is eager to return to his home state and bring the fast food chain's trademark hospitality to th…
CT Driver Who Killed Scooter Rider Was Intoxicated At Time Of Crash: Police CT Driver Who Killed Scooter Rider Was Intoxicated At Time Of Crash: Police
CT Driver Who Killed Scooter Rider Was Intoxicated At Time Of Crash: Police Police in Connecticut said a 30-year-old man who crashed into two scooter riders — killing one of them — was intoxicated at the time of the wreck last month. Francha J. Francis was arrested last week and charged with manslaughter with a vehicle in the second degree, operating under the influence, driving with a suspended license, and operating without a license, New London Police said on Monday, Nov. 11.  Francis' last known address was listed as a halfway house in New London operated by a substance abuse and alcoholism dependence center, according to state records.  Police said …
CT Man, 56, Killed in I-91 Crash After Rear-Ending Trailer: Police CT Man, 56, Killed in I-91 Crash After Rear-Ending Trailer: Police
CT Man, 56, Killed in I-91 Crash After Rear-Ending Trailer: Police A 56-year-old Connecticut man was killed in a crash on I-91 in New Haven County, authorities said.  William Risley, of Watertown, died on Monday, Nov. 11, after he crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer truck on the interstate around 2 p.m., Connecticut State Police said.  According to the police report, Risley and the other vehicle were both in the center lane and had just passed exit 15 in Wallingford when the crash happened.  Paramedics rushed Risley to Midstate Hospital in Meriden, where he later died of his injuries.  The other driver, a 53-year-old man from S…
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across CT Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across CT
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across CT A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
Horror Icon, CT Legend Tony Todd Dies After Lengthy Illness Horror Icon, CT Legend Tony Todd Dies After Lengthy Illness
Horror Icon, CT Legend Tony Todd Dies After Lengthy Illness Tony Todd, the actor best known for his role in the "Candyman" films, died last week at his Los Angeles Home after a lengthy illness, his family said. He was 69.   Born in Washington, D.C. in 1954, Todd moved to Hartford during his childhood. He attended local schools, including Hartford Public High School, and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 450 at Mt. Calvary Church in Hartford's North End. A monumental loss for the horror community. Rest in Peace Tony Todd. pic.twitter.com/xbtMYRhsE5 — Blumhouse (@blumhouse) November 9, 2024 Todd's passion for acting led him to study at th…