$25M Lottery Payday: Boston Woman Claims Her 2nd Lottery Jackpot $25M Lottery Payday: Boston Woman Claims Her 2nd Lottery Jackpot
$25M Lottery Payday: Boston Woman Claims Her 2nd Lottery Jackpot A Boston woman who had previously won $1 million in the Massachusetts Lottery in 2006 claimed a $25 million grand prize this week.  Desiree Fortini-Craft, of Hyde Park, was the eight-figure payday playing the “Billion Dollar Extravaganza” $50 scratch-off game.  Fortini-Craft opted to take the lump sum payment of $16,250,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  Fortini-Craft said she wants to use the money to enjoy life. She plans to spend Christmas in Aruba with her fiance, Jason Perkins, and looks to pay off her three daughters' student loans, buy a new car, a…
This Is CT's Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Report This Is CT's Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Report
This Is CT's Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Report A new report based on the most-searched side dishes has revealed each state’s preferred dish. Pass the mashed potatoes. Online recruitment company Zippia released its report on the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state on Thursday, Nov. 9. The company used Google Trends to observe which of 20 chosen classic Thanksgiving sides each state searched the most during the month of November 2022. While some states (think Rhode Island, North Dakota, and Missouri) had some non-typical favorites such as glazed carrots, fruit salad, and charcuterie trays, Connecticut’s favorite sid…
Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans
Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans The homemaking guru and queen of Thanksgiving has spoken: she’s canceled the holiday get-together at her home, not the holiday itself. No need to fear — Thanksgiving is not actually canceled, Northern Westchester County resident and cooking icon Martha Stewart has announced, days after she professed that she was simply “turkeyed out.” In a three-slide Instagram carousel posted on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 21, she clarified to worried fans that she had not, in fact, given up the festive holiday altogether. Earlier Report: Katonah Resident Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving “What…
Former Westport Resident Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving Former Westport Resident Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving
Former Westport Resident Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving Iconic homemaker and longtime New Yorker Martha Stewart said in an interview that she’s canceling Thanksgiving this year. Too much turkey? New, updated story - Turkey Day Saved: Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans On Thursday, Nov. 16’s episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the Northern Westchester County resident and lifestyle guru revealed that she will not be hosting Thanksgiving this year. “Oh, I gave up Thanksgiving,” Stewart told Clarkson during her interview. Related: Martha Stewart's Bedford Home Available To Rent For Thanksgiving-Inspired Vacation “Nine guests c…
Gilgo Beach Murders: Notorious 'Happy Face Killer' Reveals Letter He Says Rex Heuermann Wrote Gilgo Beach Murders: Notorious 'Happy Face Killer' Reveals Letter He Says Rex Heuermann Wrote
Gilgo Beach Murders: Notorious 'Happy Face Killer' Reveals Letter He Says Rex Heuermann Wrote A letter from prison allegedly written by Gilgo Beach serial murders suspect Rex Heuermann has been shared by notorious "Happy Face Killer" Keith Jesperson.Jesperson, now 68 years old, murdered at least eight women in the United States during the early 1990s. The former truck driver is in prison in Oregon. Heuermann is behind bars on Long Island, at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead. In a video posted by the Okaloosa County (Florida) Sheriff's Office (where Jesperson admitted to having committed one of the murders), he says he wrote to Heuermann. "Like I …
SNL Needs Muscular Man, Person With 70s Haircut As Extras SNL Needs Muscular Man, Person With 70s Haircut As Extras
SNL Needs Muscular Man, Person With 70s Haircut As Extras If you're a muscly man or still rocking a 70s-style haircut, "Saturday Night Live" needs you. The NBC show is looking for extras for an upcoming episode, according to a new casting call. The muscular man should be between 18 and 40 years old, while the person with 70s hair should be between 18 and 75. The gig pays between $220 and $1,700. Click here to apply.
Jersey Mike's Sub Shop Opens Brand-New Location In Fairfield County Jersey Mike's Sub Shop Opens Brand-New Location In Fairfield County
Jersey Mike's Sub Shop Opens Brand-New Location In Fairfield County Sub fans can now bite into a giant sub full of goodies when Jersey Mike's Subs opens a brand-new location in Fairfield County. Known for its fresh sliced meats and grilled subs, the new shop opened in Monroe on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 143 Purdy Hill Road. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread. Store officials said Jersey Mike’s fans crave their subs made Mike’s Way with the freshest vegetables – onions, lettuce, and tomatoes – topped off with an exquisite zing of “the juice,” red wine vinegar, and an olive oil blend.  Authenti…
These Zip Codes In Northeast Among Top 10 Most Expensive In US, New Report Says These Zip Codes In Northeast Among Top 10 Most Expensive In US, New Report Says
These Zip Codes In Northeast Among Top 10 Most Expensive In US, New Report Says Four zip codes in the Northeast rank in the Top 20 for most expensive in the United States, according to a brand-new report. The findings by RealtyHop were determined by real estate listings so far this year. The majority of the wealthiest Americans live in California and New York. The two New York zip codes making the Top 10 are both in the Hamptons on Long Island: No. 3 Sagaponack (11962) with a median home listing price of $5.9 million. No. 5 Water Mill (11976) where the median price in 2023 is $4,950,000. Area code 10013, the SoHo section in Manhattan, ranks 20th with a med…
Martha Stewart's NY Home Available To Rent For Thanksgiving-Inspired Vacation Martha Stewart's NY Home Available To Rent For Thanksgiving-Inspired Vacation
Martha Stewart's NY Home Available To Rent For Thanksgiving-Inspired Vacation If you’ve ever wanted to peek into the life of lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, this may be your chance — and only costs $11.23. Now you can try Martha Stewart living. In a partnership with travel company Booking.com, the media mogul is offering up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay at her Northern Westchester County guesthouse the weekend before Thanksgiving. The home, located in the hamlet of Katonah in the town of Bedford, is only one part of the November 18-19 experience, dubbed “Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving-Inspired Farm Stay.” In addition to spending the night in the guestho…
Podcaster Alex Cooper Says Boston U Soccer Coach Left Her ‘Traumatized,’ ‘Scarred’ Podcaster Alex Cooper Says Boston U Soccer Coach Left Her ‘Traumatized,’ ‘Scarred’
Podcaster Alex Cooper Says Boston U Soccer Coach Left Her ‘Traumatized,’ ‘Scarred’ Alex Cooper, host and creator of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” revealed she is working through a traumatic experience she had with a coach while playing soccer at Boston University. In a profile interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, Cooper of Newtown, Pennsylvania, addresses the incident but would not go into detail or name the coach. Instead, the 29-year-old focused on healing, “which I’m proud of myself for.” “Now that I’ve created this platform, I feel new wisdom in certain aspects of my life, from experience and therapy and people I surround myself with,” Cooper told the magazi…
Diane Sawyer Sells 'Chip Chop' On Martha's Vineyard For Nearly $24M: Report Diane Sawyer Sells 'Chip Chop' On Martha's Vineyard For Nearly $24M: Report
Diane Sawyer Sells 'Chip Chop' On Martha's Vineyard For Nearly $24M: Report Veteran news anchor Diane Sawyer sold her 20-acre “Chip Chop” on Martha’s Vineyard for just under the asking price to investor David Malm, reports said.  Malm, who spent over $100 million on properties in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket over the past few years, paid $23.9 for the 10-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate, Boston.com reported.  The main home at the estate Bob Gothard/ Wallace and Co. Sotheby's International Realty Related: Diane Sawyer Puts Massive Martha's Vineyard Property Up For Sale Sawyer first bought the luxury property for $5.3 million in 1995 with her husband, acclaim…
Guy Fieri Teaming With Popular Fairfield County Brewery On New Offering Guy Fieri Teaming With Popular Fairfield County Brewery On New Offering
Guy Fieri Teaming With Popular Fairfield County Brewery On New Offering Food Network star Guy Fieri has made numerous visits to Connecticut in an effort to perfect a new spiked malt beverage developed with a Fairfield County brewery. Named Flavortown Spiked, the "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," star teamed up with Two Roads Brewing Co., of Stratford, after the company emailed the spiked hair star with the idea for a spiked malt beverage, reported People magazine.  Fieri liked the idea and when the group met in person it was kismet. The first in the line to come out is a hard fruit punch that Fieri described to People as an "adult Kool-Aid, but not as sweet…
Marshalls Opening New Store In Fairfield County Marshalls Opening New Store In Fairfield County
Marshalls Opening New Store In Fairfield County Just in time for holiday shopping, Marshalls, one of the nation’s leading off-price retailers with more than 20 stores in Connecticut is opening a new location in Fairfield County. Located in Ridgefield in the Copps Hill Plaza on Danbury Road, the grand opening is set for Thursday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., said Cassidy Kelly, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts-based company. The 24,999-square-foot Ridgefield store will be the company's 23rd location in Connecticut and the third in Fairfield County with other locations in Norwalk and Stamford. It will replace the former Kohl's D…
Popular Beauty/Spa Business Bluemercury Reopens New Fairfield County Location Popular Beauty/Spa Business Bluemercury Reopens New Fairfield County Location
Popular Beauty/Spa Business Bluemercury Reopens New Fairfield County Location A popular Fairfield County business known for its spa, makeup, perfumes, and luxury skincare solutions has reopened in its new location. Bluemercury recently opened in New Canaan with a glittery store featuring an updated design concept and evolved retail experience. The store features personalized services and offerings, dedicated to premium service and anchored by the “Center Bar” where clients can enjoy consultations, tutorials, and new offerings and discover brands with Bluemercury’s trained beauty experts. Fans of the business will find a new fragrance wardrobe (with brands like D.S.…
Video: 4 Kittens Saved From High-Voltage Area In Stamford By Eversource Worker Video: 4 Kittens Saved From High-Voltage Area In Stamford By Eversource Worker
Video: 4 Kittens Saved From High-Voltage Area In Stamford By Eversource Worker Ready for a new kitten? Soon there will be four up for adoption after the little ones were saved from a high-voltage area in Fairfield County when an Eversource worker spotted the babies while working. The incident occurred in Stamford where Eversource lineworker Branden Collins was working when he noticed a ball of fur and realized there were kittens in a dangerous area with energized lines and transformers, said Jamie Ratliff, Eversource spokesperson. Collins de-energized the area and made it safe to enter so he could grab the kittens.  With the help of Stamford Police and Ani…
COVID-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals COVID-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals
Covid-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals Adult Americans are still experiencing "collective trauma" nearly four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a brand-new poll. The long-term stress sustained since the outbreak began has had a significant impact on well-being, evidenced by a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses, according to the results of the nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association (APA) among more than 3,000 US adults age 18 and older. Those ages 35 to 44 reported the most significant increase in chroni…
CT Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest CT Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest
CT Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest Forget those New York bagels you dreamed of shoving in your face. There's a new king of dough in town and it's located in Connecticut. Olmo Bagels in New Haven has walked away with not only bragging rights but with a chest full of love for the city they are made in with the big win of "Best Of The Fest" at the 2023 NYC BagelFest. But that's not all the upstart little bagel shop brought home from the annual competition that really crowns the king of bagels. They also brought home "Best Beyond the Boroughs," and "Best Schmear," said Olmo chef and owner Craig Hutchinson. "The fest was like …
‘So Grateful’: Student Injured In Deadly I-84 Bus Crash Reunites With Surgeons, Medics ‘So Grateful’: Student Injured In Deadly I-84 Bus Crash Reunites With Surgeons, Medics
‘So Grateful’: Student Injured In Deadly I-84 Bus Crash Reunites With Surgeons, Medics Audrina Crocitto doesn’t remember much about the charter bus crash that killed her band director and a retired teacher, and injured dozens of her fellow marching band students. The 15-year-old Farmingdale High School student on Long Island only remembers the initial impact of the bus careening off of I-84 in Orange County, in the town of Wawayanda, before it rolled several times down an embankment Thursday, Sept. 21. Following the crash, Crocitto was airlifted to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where X-rays and MRIs revealed that titanium screws and rods would be needed to hold her spine …
Poll: Ready For A Scary Movie For Halloween Made In CT? Website Picks Its Favorite Poll: Ready For A Scary Movie For Halloween Made In CT? Website Picks Its Favorite
Poll: Ready For A Scary Movie For Halloween Made In CT? Website Picks Its Favorite Most people could argue all night about the best horror movie filmed in Connecticut.  But one website has made it easy by listing what "they" think is the scariest flick filmed in the Nutmeg State. The Hard Times picked Ty West's "The Innkeepers," as an "instant classic of New England horror." Mostly because it was filmed in what many say is a really haunted Inn, and because it gets under your skin and lingers there for a while.  That being the fact, many may say the movie filmed in Litchfield County in Torrington, is a more psychological thriller than a horror movie with al…
CT Staple Pepe's Pizza Offers New Fall Pie: Here's What's Cooking CT Staple Pepe's Pizza Offers New Fall Pie: Here's What's Cooking
CT Staple Pepe's Pizza Offers New Fall Pie: Here's What's Cooking Now that fall has arrived along with the cooler temperatures what better way to warm up than with a hearty slice of pizza? Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, known for its New Haven-style coal-fired pizza, feels the same way and has introduced its annual seasonal pie, this time featuring potatoes and bacon. Named the "Patata Rustica," the white pizza includes sliced, gold potatoes and bacon pieces, smothered with asiago, mozzarella, and grated Pecorino Romano cheeses, and finished with a touch of imported olive oil. The pizza costs $16.75 for a 12-inch small pie and is available at …
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan It was Swiftie Mania day in a Connecticut town after a rumor started that the mega pop queen Taylor Swift was lunching in town with her new boyfriend Travis Kelce. In the heart of Fairfield County, hundreds of teens, moms, and well, guys, turned up in the town. of New Canaan outside the popular Elm Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 20 where Swift was supposed to be inside dining with boyfriend Kelce (the Kansas City Chiefs tight end), Swift's BFF actor Blake Lively, and Lively's hubby actor Ryan Reynolds who live in neighboring Pound Ridge in Northern Westchester County.  Once the rumor made it…
Coffee Shop With Location In Greenwich Opens Second CT Store In Darien Coffee Shop With Location In Greenwich Opens Second CT Store In Darien
Coffee Shop With Location In Greenwich Opens Second CT Store In Darien A popular coffee shop founded in New York is quickly becoming known in Connecticut for its freshly brewed drip coffee. Gregorys Coffee opened its second location in Connecticut on Friday, Oct. 13 in the Darien Commons. Gregorys' other Connecticut locale is in Greenwich, at 343 Greenwich Ave. Gregorys is known for its freshly brewed drip coffee, specialty handcrafted drinks, and house-made pastries. Its everyday blend, Gregs House, has been hailed as smooth, naturally sweet, and balanced.  Start your day with a freshly brewed cup of Gregorys Coffee which just opened in Darien.Gregorys…
Norwalk Donut Shop Named Best Hole-In-Wall Breakfast Spot In State Norwalk Donut Shop Named Best Hole-In-Wall Breakfast Spot In State
Norwalk Donut Shop Named Best Hole-In-Wall Breakfast Spot In State Yum, yum, yum.  That's all it takes to describe a Connecticut eatery that has been voted the best hole-in-the-wall breakfast in the state by Cheapism.com. Located in Norwalk on Connecticut Avenue, the family-owned Speedy Donuts has been around since 1969 making hundreds of luscious donuts and egg sandwiches nestled in fresh rolls and pancakes.  An odd-ball choice on the menu is soup, go figure, but I hear the chicken orzo rocks.  For Norwalkers, the airy, very chic French Cruller is a favorite along with the fluffy jelly stuffed and cinnamon twists.  In case you are in…
Paul Newman's Daughter Unveils New Book About Parents At Westport Library Paul Newman's Daughter Unveils New Book About Parents At Westport Library
Paul Newman's Daughter Unveils New Book About Parents At Westport Library Fairfield County's own Melissa Newman will unveil the launch of her new book, "Head Over Heels: Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman, a Love Story In Words and Pictures," at her hometown library. The Newman family has been a Westport institution for decades, so was only fitting that she hosted the launch of the book at the Westport Library on Tuesday, Oct. 10. During the event, Newman was joined by her longtime friend and filmmaker Doug Tirola, sharing insights into her parents, both local and Hollywood legends. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and is free to attend. Copies of Head Over Heels wi…
Planet Pizza In Greenwich Loving New Home Planet Pizza In Greenwich Loving New Home
Planet Pizza In Greenwich Loving New Home A popular pizzeria in Fairfield County is loving its new home a month after its move and gaining new customers at the same time. Planet Pizza in Greenwich, the home of the Grandma Pizza, which had been on Railroad Avenue for 30 years, has moved to 139 West Putnam Ave. due to a renovation to the train station and the plaza. Since the move, co-owner Sam Silva says business is great and his former customers are beginning to find him as he gains new ones at the same time. Chicken salad pizza.Planet Pizza "In the month since we moved we have gained new customers by having additional parkin…
'So Grateful I Could Puke': Jeopardy! Champ From New England Returning To Iconic Quiz Show 'So Grateful I Could Puke': Jeopardy! Champ From New England Returning To Iconic Quiz Show
'So Grateful I Could Puke': Jeopardy! Champ From New England Returning To Iconic Quiz Show Of the thousands of contestants to appear on Jeopardy! over the years, not many get asked back a second time; Brendan Sargent is among the lucky few. The 34-year-old Massachusetts native, originally from Worcester and now living in Los Angeles, will return to the iconic quiz show, appearing on a “Champions Wild Card Tournament” episode airing Thursday, Oct. 5. “It happened again. I’m back on Jeopardy! Babyyyyy!!!” Sargent said on Facebook. The St. John’s High School and Boston University alum first competed on the show in March 2021, appearing in two episodes and going home with $9,600. …
Hey Norwalk, Missing Your Chick-fil-A? Here's Why It's Closed Hey Norwalk, Missing Your Chick-fil-A? Here's Why It's Closed
Hey Norwalk, Missing Your Chick-fil-A? Here's Why It's Closed Fairfield County Chick-fil-A fans who are missing their daily dose of chicken wonderfulness and wondering why their favorite fast food shop is closed, here's the lowdown. The Norwalk Chick-fil-A at 467 Connecticut Ave., closed on Monday, Sept. 25 for a remodeling project and is moving right along with progress. A Facebook post by the restaurant said the remodeling is inside the eatery, to add guest seating as well as improving the parking lot and drive-thru area. The plan is to reopen in just a few weeks. No exact date was provided.
James Beard Award-Winning Chef To Speak At Stamford's Ferguson Library James Beard Award-Winning Chef To Speak At Stamford's Ferguson Library
James Beard Award-Winning Chef To Speak At Stamford's Ferguson Library Iconic chef Jacques Pépin returns to his old stomping, or stirring grounds to promote his new cookbook and talk cooking. Pépin, the former owner of the Dressing Room restaurant in Westport, will appear in Stamford at the Ferguson Library on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. to discuss his latest book, Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking.  The evening presentation, to be moderated by Michel Nischan, a four-time James Beard Award winner, will be held at the Main Library, DiMattia Building. In Cooking My Way, Pépin offers insights and cooking techniques that save money…
Support Swells For Son Of Band Director Killed In I-84 Bus Crash: 'Carry On Gina's Legacy' Support Swells For Son Of Band Director Killed In I-84 Bus Crash: 'Carry On Gina's Legacy'
Support Swells For Son Of Band Director Killed In I-84 Bus Crash: 'Carry On Gina's Legacy' As students, colleagues, and loved ones gather to say their final goodbyes to a beloved high school band director killed in a New York bus crash, the community is coming together to ensure that her only child is taken care of financially. Gina Pellettiere, age 43, of Massapequa, died Thursday, Sept. 21, when a charter bus carrying students from Farmingdale High School on Long Island to a band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania crashed on I-84 in Orange County. The rollover wreck also killed 77-year-old Farmingdale resident Beatrice Ferrari, a retired social studies teacher and longtime camp cha…
This Town Is Most Underrated In CT, New Rankings Say: Do You Agree? Vote Now This Town Is Most Underrated In CT, New Rankings Say: Do You Agree? Vote Now
This Town Is Most Underrated In CT, New Rankings Say: Do You Agree? Vote Now Of all the wonderful places to go in Connecticut, there's one town that gets looked over too often, according to a new ranking. Cheapism.com, a blog covering affordable travel, items, and more, ranked the New Haven County town of Guilford as the state’s most overlooked place in its new ranking, “The Most Underrated Town in Every State.” In order to determine this, the site combed through online reviews and rankings to find places that don't usually get national attention but still have "tremendous value to visitors and locals alike," according to Cheapism.  The over 375-year-old tow…
This Westchester Restaurant To Appear On Gordon Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares' This Westchester Restaurant To Appear On Gordon Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares'
This Westchester Restaurant To Appear On Gordon Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares' Fans of Gordon Ramsay will want to look out for an episode of the famed celebrity chef's revived "Kitchen Nightmares" that will feature a Puerto Rican restaurant in Westchester.  El Cantito Cafe, located in Yonkers at 1550D Central Park Ave., will appear on an episode of "Kitchen Nightmares" that is set to air on Monday, Nov. 13, Yonkers officials announced.  During the episode, Ramsay will help the eatery's owners recover from challenges posed by the pandemic, city officials said. No further details have been released by the network, so those interested will have to tune in to learn more.…