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35°
Friday, dec 20
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Immigration
Police & Fire
Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at Fairfield Rest Stop: Cops
A Dominican Republic man is accused of strangling a woman and hurting her baby with falling glass after he smashed his way into a truck at a Connecticut rest stop on I-95, authorities said. Ariel Dejesus Valdez, 28, who was in the US on a temporary visa, was extradited from Rhode Island on Monday, Dec. 16, following an alleged attack at the North Fairfield Service Plaza on I-95 on Dec. 7, Connecticut State Police said. A woman who was riding with Valdez said they were returning to Massachusetts from transporting vehicles when they stopped at the Fairfield County rest stop t…
Politics
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
Politics
Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States
Crucial triumphs in the key battleground states have lifted former President Donald Trump back to the White House. The 78-year-old Trump was declared winner of the 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris just before dawn on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Trump has been projected to win all three "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. With big additional wins in North Carolina and Georgia, he has secured the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the presidency, becoming the first president who will serve non-consecutive terms since former Democratic New York Gov. Grover…
Politics
Did You Miss Bret Baier's 'Special Report' With Kamala Harris On Fox News? Here's How To Watch
Fox News' Bret Baier sat down with presidential hopeful Kamala Harris for an exclusive "Special Report" interview on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Baier, who hails from Rumson, NJ peppered the Democratic candidate with questions on immigration, the use of taxpayer money to help inmates and illegal aliens transition to another gender, economic policies, how she differs between both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and more. The interview has been posted to Fox News' YouTube channel. You can click here to watch.
Politics
VP Debate: Stamford Native Moderator's Exchange With Sen. Vance Goes Viral
The vice presidential debate Tuesday night, Oct. 1, lacked the explosive hallmarks of this election cycle's presidential forums. There was no yelling, cursing, or name-calling. The candidates even exchanged compliments at times. The most contentious moment of the night came from Sen. JD Vance and CBS moderator Margaret Brennan, a Stamford native. The exchange has since gone viral with Republicans up in arms over what they consider unfair treatment and Democrats applauding her. Related: Stamford Native Margaret Brennan Taking On Larger Role At CBS The moment happened after Vance brought …
Politics
Presidential
Poll
: Harris Leads Trump In PA Battleground
The latest Franklin & Marshall College poll of registered voters finds Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly leading former President Donald J. Trump by 49% to 46%. The state of the economy was a leading concern, the Lancaster-based poll found after analyzing the responses of 890 voters. The poll was released on Thursday, Sept. 19. Pennsylvania is the largest of seven key battleground states in the presidential race, with 19 Electoral College votes. A total of 270 electoral votes are needed to win the Nov. 5 election. Voting began this week in Pennsylvania with the mailing of pape…
Politics
Harris, Trump Come Out Swinging In Presidential Debate In Philadelphia
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump came out swinging at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in their first and possibly only presidential debate before the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election. Harris made the first move by shaking Trump's hand on stage — in their first face-to-face encounter. Political observers noted how Harris "baited" the former president, prompting him to look increasingly angry. But Trump entered the "spin room" less than an hour after the debate, saying, "I think it was the best debate, personally, that I've ever …
Politics
New Poll: Undecided Voters At Stake In Presidential Debate, Why It Matters Here
The one and possibly only presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump is on Tuesday, Sept. 10 on ABC News from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. How Democrat Harris and Republican Trump perform from the City of Brotherly Love could be critical to how about 15 percent of undecided voters in Pennsylvania feel about their choice — assuming they watch or later hear about the debate, a political expert said. Early voting begins in Pennsylvania on Monday, Sept. 16 and Election Day is just eight weeks away. The Keystone State i…
Police & Fire
Duo Accused Of Drug Sales, Running Gambling Machines At Norwalk Store
Two Fairfield County men were busted for allegedly selling cocaine and running gaming machines out of a liquor store. The arrests occurred in Norwalk on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Cocchia’s Liquor Store at 23 Ely Ave. According to Sgt. Ryan Evarts of the Norwalk Police Department, the department received information that a man named "Felix" was selling large quantities of cocaine from the store. An investigation involving controlled purchases of cocaine was conducted, and “Felix” was identified as Felix Galindo-Castillo, aka Cocchie, age 48, of Norwalk, Evarts said. Evarts said…
Obituaries
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion'
Tributes are pouring in for a beloved NYPD officer who was killed alongside three others in an alleged drunk driving crash at a New York nail salon. Emilia Rennhack was off duty and getting her nails done when an SUV came barreling through the front window of Long Island’s Hawaii Nail & Spa, located in Deer Park on Commack Road, on Friday afternoon, June 28. Rennhack was pronounced dead at the scene alongside the salon’s owner, Jiancai Chen, age 37, of Bayside, Queens, according to Suffolk County Police. Also killed were Yan Xu, age 41, and Meizi Zhang, age 50, both of Flushing, Queens.…
News
CT Man Lies About Knowing Terrorist Organization Associates During Citizenship Process
A 33-year-old Connecticut man has admitted to lying about knowing anyone involved with a terrorist organization during his citizenship process, federal officials announced. New Haven resident Mohamed Najm Kamash, also known as Mohamed Najm Mohamed Ali Kamash, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 25 to making a false statement in a naturalization proceeding, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced on Tuesday, March 26. According to federal officials, Kamash immigrated to the IS from Iraq in 2014 and became a lawful permanent resident. O…
Police & Fire
Wanted Venezuelan Murderer Caught Hiding On Cape Cod
A Venezuelan national living on Cape Cod has been arrested for a second time after failing to tell federal law enforcement officials about his previous murder conviction. The 38-year-old man had been staying in state-provided housing in Bourne at Joint Base Cape Cod when he was arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston on Friday, Oct. 27, according to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Police did not release his name. When confronted by immigration officials, the Venezuelan citizen admitted to his murder conviction and being wanted in his home country for v…
News
Child Porn: East Hartford Man Gets 22-Year Sentence For Video Recording Sexual Assault
A Connecticut resident has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 12 for more than two years and video recording the crimes. Saeed Mustapha Moussa, age 33, a citizen of Ghana last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced on Wednesday, Feb. 8 after pleading guilty to the production of child pornography, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2020, East Hartford Police received a report that Moussa’s cell phone contained videos of Moussa engag…
Police & Fire
Police Locate Car In Crash That Killed Fairfield County Man
Police have located a car that hit and killed a Connecticut man and then fled the scene. The crash took place in Litchfield County around 5:11 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8, in New Milford. Fairfield County resident Galo Rafael Guaman-Sarmiento, age 61, of Danbury, was crossing Danbury Road when he was struck by a 2013-2016 black Ford Fusion, said the New Milford Police. The driver, who has not been found, fled the scene, and Guaman-Sarmiento was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Police have been searching for the Fusion since the crash and located it on Saturday, Nov. 12, police said. …
Politics
Migrants Flown To Martha's Vineyard Sue FL Gov. DeSantis For 'Cowardly Political Stunt'
The Venezuelan migrants flown to Martha's Vineyard at the order of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have filed a class-action lawsuit against the Republican leader for using them as "pawns in a political stunt." Lawyers for Civil Rights filed the federal civil rights lawsuit working with the migrants from Joint Base Cape Cod along with Alianza Americas. The groups said these men, women, and children fled their home country out of fear and violence and made a harrowing journey to America only to be caught in a political tug of war and left stranded with no options. “No human being should be used…
News
Man Ordered To Pay Settlement After Tirade At Fairfield County Shop
A Fairfield County man who was sued by a smoothie job worker for throwing a drink at them in a tirade over the shop adding peanuts to a drink has been ordered to pay the employee. The incident took place on Saturday, Jan. 22, at Robeks Smoothie Shop in Fairfield when James Iannazzo became upset and began throwing things when his son was hospitalized for a nut allergy after peanuts were added to his drink. Iannazzo, age 48, of Fairfield, has agreed to pay the smoothie shop worker who sued him $7,500, said his spokesperson Brian Glicklich. The investment broker was arrested after polic…
News
Listen, Learn, Volunteer — A Night To Take Action Will Be Held In Ridgefield
First it was New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Then Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. And, finally, Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. These three US Supreme Court decisions, among others, handed down this past June cheered many while galvanizing many others into angry action. Count Glori Norwitt and Jessica Mancini among the latter. The two Ridgefield women have been friends since their children met in preschool some 15 years ago. Mancini is a former member of the Ridgefield Board of Finance and Norwitt is an employment attorney, chair of Ridgefield's E…
Politics
Biden Nominates Caroline Kennedy, Figure Skater Michelle Kwan For Ambassador Posts
A pair of prominent public figures have been tabbed for ambassadorships by President Joe Biden. The White House announced that Caroline Kennedy, age 64, the last surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy, has been nominated to serve as an ambassador to Australia after previously filling the same role in Japan for former President Barack Obama. “I am always grateful to the courageous Solomon Islanders and Australian coast watchers who rescued my father during World War 2, and if confirmed, I will work hard to repay this debt," Kennedy said in a statement. "I look forward to collabo…
News
New Reports Surface Of Underage Migrants Being Flown Into The Area
Hundreds of more migrants have reportedly been flown into New York airports as part of President Joe Biden’s administration’s efforts to resettle them across the East Coast. Over the summer, former County Executive and potential gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino first broke the news that undocumented immigrants were being flown in “secret flights” into the Westchester County Airport. Original story - Undocumented Immigrants Flown Into Westchester County Airport On Private Flights, Reports Say In more recent weeks, planeloads of immigrants have been flown into New York airports, with f…
Business
Fairfield County Barber Retiring When Building He's Worked At For 49 Years Is Torn Down
A barber who has been cutting the hair of Fairfield County men for more than 49 years will be hanging up his shears when the building where the shop is located is torn down at the end of the month. Aldo "Al" Melchionno, the former owner and current barber at Colonial Unisex Haircutters in Fairfield, who turns 80 on Saturday, June 26, has decided to retire when the building at 788 Post Road is torn down to make room for new development. The barbershop.Clara Cavalli-Chiappardi Melchionno, who learned to cut hair in Italy, "one-step-at-a-time," has been working since he was 14-years-old wh…
Obituaries
Popular Fairfield County Restaurant Owner Dies At Age 80
A much-beloved restaurant owner and philanthropist in Fairfield County has died. Dimitrios Paschalidis, age 80, died Thursday, April 1, at his home in Norwalk. He was born August 20, 1940, in the northern village of Saint Dimitrios, Kozani, Greece. The co-owner of Dimitri’s Diner and Gyro on Pita, both in Ridgefield, Paschalidis died after surgery performed due to aggressive cancer, according to Dimitri's staff. "We are beyond saddened by the loss of Dimitri," the staff at Dimitri's said. "There is a hole in our hearts" Before moving to the United States in 1968 in search of a bette…
Police & Fire
Two Men, Woman Nabbed For String Of Burglaries In Tristate Area
Two men and a woman associated with a Chilean ring who are allegedly are responsible for multiple burglaries on Long Island and throughout the tristate area have been arrested, police said. For weeks, Nassau County Burglary Squad detectives have been investigating a string of residential burglaries, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder announced on Thursday, Jan. 23. The burglaries are allegedly tied to an organized burglary ring based out of Chile. Ryder said that two days ago, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, detectives were on Sixth Avenue in College Point following intel involving a burg…
News
Alleged Kidnapper Admits To Lying To Hide Identity, Get Federal Benefits
A Canadian man who allegedly kidnapped his toddler in Canada before changing his name and hiding in America for three decades before his arrest in Connecticut has pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court. Allan Mann, Jr., also known as Hailee Randolph DeSouza and Hailey R. DeSouza, 66, pleaded guilty to a false statement offense related to his living in the U.S. under an assumed name for approximately 30 years. Mann abducted his 21-month-old, Jermaine Allan Mann, in Canada in 1987 during a court-ordered visit in Toronto. He then came to America, and acquired counterfeit birth certificates …
Politics
Simmering Tensions Between Pelosi, Ocasio-Cortez Boil Over Border Aid Package, Trump
U.S. Rep. and Westchester County high school grad Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are more divided than ever following congressional funding of security at the U.S.-Mexican border. Pelosi criticized Ocasio-Cortez and three other liberal House Democrats for failing to support a Democratic leadership-backed immigration measure during a Capitol Hill dispute with the White House over funding for the border crisis. During a closed-door caucus on Wednesday, July 10, Pelosi reportedly asked House members not turn to Twitter to criticize moderate Democrats. "Do not tw…
News
NY Attorney General Vows To Protect Undocumented Immigrants During Planned ICE Raids
New York is among as many as 10 cities nationwide that are going to be the target of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting illegal immigrants, which are expected to begin this weekend and the state's attorney general is vowing to protect those undocumented immigrants. The raids come weeks after President Donald Trump tweeted ICE’s plans to conduct them, forcing the commander-in-chief to postpone the operation due to the leaked information and public outcry. They have now been re-scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 14, though few details have been released. The raids, which w…
Politics
Vote Now: Who Won Second Democratic Presidential Debate?
It's a wrap. The second Democratic Party presidential debate is over and it's time to let us know who you think won. A record field of Democrats is competing to become the party's nominee in 2020. Both debates were broadcast live by NBC-TV, Telemundo and MSNBC. Ten candidates appeared on two consecutive nights. Former Vice President Joe Biden squared off against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and seven other Democrats on Thursday night, June 27. Their exchanges got heated at times, especially when discussion shifted to private health insurance versus "Medicar…
Politics
Vote Now: Who Won First Democratic Presidential Debate?
The gloves finally came off on Wednesday night -- and Americans got to learn more about 10 presidential candidates -- during the first Democratic Party debate. A record field of Democrats is competing to become the party's nominee in 2020. Debates are being held on two consecutive nights in Miami this week -- with a total of 20 candidates appearing during live broadcasts. Wednesday's debate covered a wide range of topics, from health care costs, corporate greed, tensions in the Middle East and climate change to immigration, gun control and equal rights -- with some answers delivered in Spani…
News
Mexican National Living In Fairfield County Convicted Of Illegal Reentry For A Third Time
A citizen of Mexico illegally living in Fairfield County will spend time behind bars after being busted for the third time by police following a motor vehicle crash. Fabiola Bastian Mojica, 38, who had been living in Stamford, pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien. It is her third conviction for illegally entering the country. In May 2003, Bastian Mojica, while a legal resident of the country, was convicted in Stamford of possession of a hallucinogen, leading to her lawful permanent residence status to be revoked. In November that year, she was …
Politics
Kellyanne Conway Spars With Ocasio-Cortez Over Response To Mass Shootings
Freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway went to war on Twitter over the weekend over the Easter Sunday church bombings in Sri Lanka. On Sunday morning, April 28, Conway was a guest on CNN’s “State of the Union” show, telling the host that Ocasio-Cortez, a 2007 Yorktown High School graduate, had tweeted “many times” about the shootings at two New Zealand mosques last month that left dozens dead, but "never once" tweeted about the Sri Lanka bombings. The spar came following Ocasio-Cortez's remarks regarding President Donald Tru…
News
Mexican Living In CT Sentenced For Illegally Reentering US
A citizen of Mexico living in Connecticut has been sentenced for reentering the country for the third time after being busted on drug charges. Simon Rodrigo Toral-Contreras, a Mexican citizen last known to live in Waterbury, has been sentenced in New Haven district court to five months in prison, time already served, for illegally reentering the United States after being deported. In May last year, Toral-Contreras was arrested by officers from the Waterbury Police Department for misdemeanor offenses, U.S. Attorney John Durham said. He was deported back to Mexico the following month. In…
Police & Fire
Man With Bench Warrant From Stamford, Detainer By ICE Nabbed In Darien
A man from Bridgeport with a Stamford bench warrant and a detainer by ICE was arrested in Darien, according to Darien Police. Officers responded to the Trader Joe’s parking lot at 436 Post Road on the report of a minor vehicle accident. One of the drivers, whom police identified as 48-year-old Nelson Berganza, was determined to have an outstanding bench warrant for failing to appear in court for an arrest made by Stamford Police. After police confirmed the warrant, Berganza was arrested, transported and processed at headquarters. During his booking, police say they discovered that Berganza …
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