CDC Flags Mutations in H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Amid Heightened Surveillance CDC Flags Mutations in H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Amid Heightened Surveillance
CDC Flags Mutations in H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Amid Heightened Surveillance The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the H5N1 bird flu virus that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird samples, suggesting they…
Investigation Uncovers Violations At CT Animal Control Facility: Read The Consent Order Investigation Uncovers Violations At CT Animal Control Facility: Read The Consent Order
Investigation Uncovers Violations At CT Animal Control Facility: Read The Consent Order The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is implementing major reforms at the Town of Cheshire Animal Control facility after an investigation revealed multiple violations of state animal welfare laws and regulations, according to a news release shared earlier this wee. The investigation, initiated in response to complaints about the facility’s conditions and animal care practices, uncovered apparent violations during a thorough inspection, the DoAG said. As a result, the town entered into a Consent Order (attached) with CT DoAg on Dec. 24, agreeing to a detailed plan for addressin…
1 Dead In CT Barn Fire: Officials 1 Dead In CT Barn Fire: Officials
1 Dead In CT Barn Fire: Officials A barn fire in Connecticut claimed one life on Thursday evening, Dec. 26, fire officials said. At approximately 6:22 p.m., Branford 911 received reports of a fire at 155 North Ivy Street in Branford, near unit #24, the fire department said. Initial calls described a barn on fire, with additional reports indicating the flames were spreading to nearby structures and that one person was unaccounted for and may have been inside the barn. Fire crews arrived to find a 12x20 barn-style shed fully engulfed in flames, with the fire extending to an adjacent building, the township fire department said…
Erratic DUI Christmas Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 Hit-Run Crash: CT State Police Erratic DUI Christmas Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 Hit-Run Crash: CT State Police
Erratic DUI Christmas Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 Hit-Run Crash: CT State Police A Massachusetts woman was intoxicated and had two babies and another adult in the vehicle when police say she caused a crash and then fled the scene on I-84 in Connecticut on Christmas. Pheak Si, 40, of Lowell, was behind the wheel of a purple Honda Accord when she struck a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of I-84 in Vernon then continued east near Exit 67 around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, Connecticut State Police said. Troopers found the vehicle driving erratically near Exit 72, and failing to stay in its lane, police said. They conducted a motor vehicle stop and identified the driver as …
Freezing Rain Could Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions: Here's Timing Freezing Rain Could Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions: Here's Timing
Freezing Rain Could Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions: Here's Timing A brief period of freezing rain could create hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service forecasts this system from Friday night, Dec. 27, into early Saturday morning, Dec. 28. Areas expected to experience a wintry mix and ice are indicated in the image above from AccuWeather. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek warns that a glaze of ice may form from western Maryland to north-central and northeastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, upstate eastern New York, interior Connecticut, western and central Massachusetts, and the southern and central parts of Vermont a…
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help More than ever, success in business is determined by reach in your community. Daily Voice provides a direct line of communication to your neighbors. Whether you’re a new business or an experienced marketer, we want to work with you. Our products make it easy to reach local customers. Our team of experts can fit any budget. We’re your trusted source for news and information. We also want to be your trusted partner in advertising. Reach out whenever you're ready—we'll be here.
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…
18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft  On Worldwide Stage 18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft  On Worldwide Stage
18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft On Worldwide Stage A native New Yorker projected to be the first pick in this year's National Hockey League is displaying his talents on a worldwide stage. Long Island resident James Hagens had two goals and two assists on Thursday, Dec. 26 as Team USA opened play at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships with a 10-4 win over Germany in front of over 13,000 fans in Ottawa, Ontario. Hagens' second goal, which he fired in from the slot, gave Team USA a 4-2 lead with six minutes to go in the second period. Hagens, who plays center, had the primary assist on the team's sec…
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…
Here's When Snow's Possible As Separate Storms Line Up Leading Into New Year Here's When Snow's Possible As Separate Storms Line Up Leading Into New Year
Here's When Snow's Possible As Separate Storms Line Up Leading Into New Year Separate storm systems are on track leading up to the start of 2025, with snow possible at times. “We’re going to be tracking multiple storms that will move across the eastern part of the United States during the final days of December and early part of January,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. The timing of one of the storms could be right around the traditional Times Square celebration in Manhattan on Tuesday, Dec. 31 into Wednesday, Jan. 1. Widespread rainfall is expected, with some areas farther north seeing a wintry mix.  “Rain could arrive before the ball …
Christmas Eve Joy-Ride In Stolen BMW Lands 2 CT Teens In Jail: Police Christmas Eve Joy-Ride In Stolen BMW Lands 2 CT Teens In Jail: Police
Christmas Eve Joy-Ride In Stolen BMW Lands 2 CT Teens In Jail: Police Two teenagers found themselves waiting for their presents in a jail cell after they were arrested riding around in a stolen BMW on Christmas Eve. Police spotted the teens inside a 2024 BMW X7 that had been reported stolen from Nassau County, New York, Waterbury police said. The arrest happened on Burton Street just before 12:30 p.m. when officers from several specialized units were conducting patrols in the area. The stolen vehicle was spotted parked near 76 Burton Street, and officers watched two boys entering the car, authorities said. The driver, a 17-year-old Waterbury resident, attemp…
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
Dog Found Tied To Tree In Enfield Park With No Room To Move; Police Seek Owner Dog Found Tied To Tree In Enfield Park With No Room To Move; Police Seek Owner
Dog Found Tied To Tree In Enfield Park With No Room To Move; Police Seek Owner Police in Enfield are asking the public for help to track down the owner of a pit bull mix that was found tied to a tree with only the ability to move a foot in any direction, authorities said.  The dog was found in Brainerd Park with no identifying information. It's unclear if the dog was abandoned, but police hope to locate it with its owner.  Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Enfield Police Department Animal Control at 860-763-8944
'MAYDAY': Firefighters Forced Out Of Burning Southington House Before Beating Back Flames 'MAYDAY': Firefighters Forced Out Of Burning Southington House Before Beating Back Flames
'Mayday': Firefighters Forced Out Of Burning Southington House Before Beating Back Flames It was a harrowing moment for Connecticut firefighters when an early morning fire sent them scrambling to escape a burning home when conditions took a turn for the worse while they were inside, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to a house fire around 3:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 25 Howard Ave. in Southington. A light fixture in the basement had sparked and sent flames creeping through the home. Luckily, everyone inside escaped thanks to two teen girls who smelled smoke and alerted their grandmother.  Fire crews moved quickly to put out the flames, but shortly after…
Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee
Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Family and friends of a 26-year-old woman killed just days before Christmas in a Connecticut apartment fire are remembering her as a "vibrant and loving presence." Fabienne "Fabbie" Laramee died just before 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, when a Bridgeport home in the 300 block of Connecticut Avenue caught fire, authorities said. Original report: 1 Dead, Several Others Injured in Bridgeport Fire Three others were taken to a hospital for treatment, and eight people, including four children, were left homeless after the blaze, authorities said. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. The ca…
Liquid Nitrogen Vapor Cloud, Overturned Tanker Shuts I-395 Liquid Nitrogen Vapor Cloud, Overturned Tanker Shuts I-395
Liquid Nitrogen Vapor Cloud, Overturned Tanker Shuts I-395 A stretch of I-395 is currently closed between Griswold and Plainfield due to an overturned tanker carrying liquid nitrogen on Thursday, Dec. 26, firefighters said. ⚠️ I-395 Closure UPDATE ⚠️ The overtuned TT tanker is carrying liquid nitrogen, which is an inert gas that is... Posted by Plainfield Fire Co. #1 on Thursday, December 26, 2024 As of 6:30 a.m., the roadway was closed between Exit 24 in Griswold and Exit 28 in Plainfield, according to Plainfield Fire Co. 1. The incident, reported overnight, has led to the tanker venting its contents, producing a visible vapor …
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Homebuyers are increasingly considering political leanings when choosing neighborhoods, according to a brand-new report.  Real estate agents note that clients prioritize communities aligning with their political views, seeking compatibility beyond traditional factors like schools and safety, the Axios story says. This trend may lead to more politically homogeneous neighborhoods, potentially impacting local governance and community interactions. Additionally, new real estate platforms, such as Oyssey, provide insights into neighborhood political affiliations, further enabling buyers to…
NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, NYPD Says (UPDATE) NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, NYPD Says (UPDATE)
NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, Nypd Says (Update) A 9-year-old boy was among three people hospitalized when a taxi drove up onto the sidewalk and plowed into six pedestrians on Christmas Day in New York City, the NYPD says. The 58-year-old male taxi cab driver was heading north when his vehicle went onto the sidewalk at 34th Street and struck the six people just before 4 p.m., a spokesperson for the NYPD said.  Among those injured were a 9-year-old boy who suffered a cut on his right thigh, a 19-year-old female, a 37-year-old female, a 41-year-old female, and two 49-year-old women, one of whom suffered a leg injury.  Police did …
Christmas Save: Woman Airlifted After Falling Through Ice On CT Lake Christmas Save: Woman Airlifted After Falling Through Ice On CT Lake
Christmas Save: Woman Airlifted After Falling Through Ice On CT Lake Vernon emergency crews saved a woman’s life on Christmas morning after she fell through the ice on a lake in Connecticut, police said. At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, the Vernon Police Department received a call reporting a person in the water near 55 Llynwood Drive. Responding officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians found a woman in her 50s who had fallen through the ice on Bolton Lake. Life-saving measures were immediately performed on the scene. The woman was transported by Lifestar helicopter to Hartford Hospital for treatment, police said. Her…
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List The East Coast is well-represented on Yelp's just-released rankings of the best new restaurants in 2024. "For this list, the data team analyzed business rating and review volume for restaurants opened in the last 18 months," Yelp said. NY Well-Represented Leading the pack is Mēdüzā Mediterrania, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.  This top-ranked eatery specializes in “Mezze” dishes, which are typically served as appetizers or light meals in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines.  The menu is crafted for sharing and features a delightful variety of f…
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook The arrival of an unsettled weather pattern at the end of this week will bring a storm system that could deliver snow as the new year begins. Current long-range models indicate that the potential snowmaker may arrive on Wednesday, Jan. 1. If it arrives overnight, we could see accumulating snowfall. However, with daytime temperatures expected to be in the 40s, any snow during the day may mix with rain, or precipitation could be entirely rain. There’s also a chance for a wintry mix or snow on Thursday, Jan. 2. Before this unsettled weather begins, expect dry conditions from Christmas Day, W…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot It may be a merry Christmas for lucky Lottery players looking for a $1 billion jackpot under the tree. The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 24 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1 billion with a $448.8 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 11-14-38-45-46 with a Mega Ball of 03 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, Dec. 27.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chan…
Barricaded Man Says He'll Burn Down CT Home With Person Inside To 'Complete Mission': Police Barricaded Man Says He'll Burn Down CT Home With Person Inside To 'Complete Mission': Police
Barricaded Man Says He'll Burn Down CT Home With Person Inside To 'Complete Mission': Police An intoxicated Connecticut man barricaded himself inside a home in Norwalk and threatened to burn it down with someone inside because he had to "complete a mission," authorities said. Nabeel Osama Abdallah, 35, of Norwalk, was charged with disorderly conduct, first-degree threatening, interfering with an officer, and resisting arrest, police said. Authorities were called to a home on Adams Avenue just after 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, after Abdallah barricaded himself inside and refused to come out, claiming he had a "mission" to complete, Norwalk police said. He threatened to burn down the…
Rookie CT Racecar Driver Charged With Sexual Assault Of Juvenile Rookie CT Racecar Driver Charged With Sexual Assault Of Juvenile
Rookie CT Racecar Driver Charged With Sexual Assault Of Juvenile A New London County stock car racer has been arrested and charged in connection with a sexual assault investigation reported earlier this year, Connecticut State Police announced. Ashton Young, 20, of Griswold, surrendered to Troop E-Montville on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at approximately 7:50 p.m., police said. A warrant had been issued in connection to allegations reported in August.  Earlier this year, Young was named the 2024 RAD Auto Machine Street Stock Rookie of the Year, according to a video shared by Stafford Motor Speedway on Facebook. "Ashton Young had never set foot in a race…
CT Driver Hits 119 MPH On I-91 — Nearly Twice Speed Limit, Police Say CT Driver Hits 119 MPH On I-91 — Nearly Twice Speed Limit, Police Say
CT Driver Hits 119 MPH On I-91 — Nearly Twice Speed Limit, Police Say A Connecticut man was clocked at the blistering speed of 119 mph — nearly twice the speed limit — on I-91 earlier this week, authorities said. Evan Waycott, 24, of Wallingford, faces charges of reckless driving and improper passing, Connecticut State Police said. Troopers have been enforcing speeding laws as part of the agency's Aggressive Driving/Fatal Accident Mitigation Initiative. Police were patrolling I-91 on Sunday, Dec. 22, around 5:30 p.m. in Wallingford when they observed a Hyundai Santa Fe driving 119 mph near Exit 13, authorities said. The speed limit in the area is 65 mph. Po…
Intoxicated Driver Crashes Into Semi On I-91 In Rocky Hill: Police Intoxicated Driver Crashes Into Semi On I-91 In Rocky Hill: Police
Intoxicated Driver Crashes Into Semi On I-91 In Rocky Hill: Police A 29-year-old Connecticut driver was arrested earlier this week after he allegedly crashed into a tractor-trailer on I-95 while intoxicated, authorities said. Christopher Oblon, of Meriden, was driving south on I-91 just before midnight on Monday, Dec. 23, near Exit 23 when he crashed into the truck, Connecticut State Police said. Few details are available at this point, as police have not completed the crash report. However, investigators said Oblon was under the influence when he hit the truck.  No one was injured in the crash.  Police shut down the southbound lanes at Exit 23…
Driver Killed Friend In 100MPH+ CT Police Chase; Charged With His Death: Cops Driver Killed Friend In 100MPH+ CT Police Chase; Charged With His Death: Cops
Driver Killed Friend In 100MPH+ CT Police Chase; Charged With His Death: Cops A 20-year-old Connecticut man has been charged with killing his teenage friend after losing control of his car at speeds over 100 mph during a police chase that ended in a crash into an embankment earlier this year, authorities said. Michael Cream, of Norwich, is charged with second-degree manslaughter, engaging in a police pursuit, reckless driving, and other traffic infractions, according to Connecticut State Police. Police first spotted Cream driving on Route 2 in Bozrah on April 7 at around 3:45 p.m. His Mazda 3i was clocked at 105 mph in a 65 mph zone, police said. Troopers turned on …
One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In CT Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In CT Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report
One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In CT Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report An afternoon fire sent three people to the hospital, left one person dead in Connecticut, and displaced four others, a report said.  The blaze began just before 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, on Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport, according to NBC Connecticut.  The cause of the fire was not released.  Paramedics rushed three people to an area hospital with unknown injuries and a fourth was taken to a morgue, per the report. The deceased's name was not released as of Thursday morning. The American Red Cross is assisting eight people—four adults and four children—who were displaced…
Naughty List: 8 Santas Busted During NJ SantaCon Over Fights, Crashes, Chaos Naughty List: 8 Santas Busted During NJ SantaCon Over Fights, Crashes, Chaos
Naughty List: 8 Santas Busted During NJ SantaCon Over Fights, Crashes, Chaos Some people attending SantaCon 2024 in Hoboken, including several from out of state, couldn't help but end up on the naughty list. Hoboken police said eight people were arrested at the annual event on Saturday, Dec. 21, where people dress up as Santa Claus for a bar crawl, a spinoff of the popular event held every year in New York City (scroll down for details).  Overall, police issued 16 traffic summonses, dealt with 13 fights, and responded to three motor vehicle crashes, police said. Last year saw only two arrests. Those arrested this year were: 21-year-old Derek Nolan, 21 of Sad…
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised its recall alert for a brand of eggs to the highest level due to potential Salmonella contamination, which could lead to severe health risks or even death. The brand, Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, were sold at Costco. This follows a voluntary recall initiated by New York City-based manufacturer Handsome Brook Farms in late November. Earlier Report: Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination The affected eggs, bearing UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2…