CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business.  The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including six locations in Connecticut. The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While official store closing sales have not yet begun, all Christmas items are currently 50% off, offering shoppers a chance to stock up before the doors shut for good. The closures mark the end of an era for the budget-frien…
1 Dead In Fire At CT Family-Owned Apple Orchard 1 Dead In Fire At CT Family-Owned Apple Orchard
1 Dead In Fire At CT Family-Owned Apple Orchard Firefighters found a man dead inside a Connecticut home on Friday morning, Dec. 20, following an early morning fire at a New London County family-owned orchard, authorities said.  The fire was reported shortly before 3:30 a.m. at 20 Kitemaug Road in Montville, and multiple other agencies were soon called to assist in battling the blaze, the Norwich Fire Department reported. Crews reported a partial collapse about 20 minutes later, forcing firefighters to withdraw.  Once firefighters were able to get inside they found the man — who was in his 80s— dead inside,  Authorities did…
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies Move over gingerbread and sugar cookies — sesame balls are quietly making their way onto holiday dessert tables this year.  Traditionally found in Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines, these golden, chewy orbs are earning a buzzworthy reputation as a standout complement to classic Christmas sweets. Known as Jian Dui in Chinese cuisine and Bánh Cam in Vietnamese culture, sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean or lotus paste, and fried to perfection.  The result? A crispy exterior coated in toasted sesame seeds, with a sa…
Bursts Of Snow Could Cause Slippery Travel As Clipper System, Coastal Storm Combine Bursts Of Snow Could Cause Slippery Travel As Clipper System, Coastal Storm Combine
Bursts Of Snow Could Cause Slippery Travel As Clipper System, Coastal Storm Combine A coastal storm will merge with an Alberta Clipper system bringing a wintry mix to the region with some areas seeing bursts of snow that could cause slippery travel. The merging of the two low pressure systems will occur late in the afternoon and into the evening on Friday, Dec. 20, the National Weather Service says. Prior to that, there will be a chance for a mix of rain and slow in the morning. Light snow is expected inland, while rain changing over to snow is expected along the coast. "The danger is the snow can quickly erupt and come down at a steady clip in some areas during the…
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
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.
Bear With Us: Furry Visitor Creates a Buzz in CT Community Bear With Us: Furry Visitor Creates a Buzz in CT Community
Bear With Us: Furry Visitor Creates a Buzz in CT Community West Hartford residents are being treated to an unexpected guest — a young black bear who seems to enjoy a particular neighborhood. While there’s no immediate danger, officials are asking everyone to stay calm, stay safe, and be "bear aware." The bear, who’s been spotted lounging in trees and exploring Quaker Lane South, Flatbush, Sidney, and Edgemont areas, has become quite the celebrity. West Hartford Animal Control said they've received a flood of calls about the curious creature.  However, they urge residents to resist the urge to get too close. “Do not run up to the tree to t…
How The Grinch Lit Up A Trumbull Neighborhood To Create 'Santa's Runway' How The Grinch Lit Up A Trumbull Neighborhood To Create 'Santa's Runway'
How The Grinch Lit Up A Trumbull Neighborhood To Create 'Santa's Runway' What started as a neighborly idea to spread Christmas cheer during a national low point has become a dazzling community tradition that draws fans from across Connecticut. It's called "Santa's Runway" and consists of about two miles of lights and decorations across some 90 homes beginning along Sterling Road in Trumbull. The project started in 2021 as the brainchild of Zoli Szabow (pronounced Zay-bo), a lifelong Fairfield County resident and firefighter. "It was the height of the pandemic. Everyone was trapped in their houses, and we just wanted to give the community something to ride around…
Here's Timing As Coastal Storm Will Merge With Alberta Clipper System Here's Timing As Coastal Storm Will Merge With Alberta Clipper System
Here's Timing As Coastal Storm Will Merge With Alberta Clipper System A coastal storm will merge with an Alberta Clipper system, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and rain, causing slippery travel at the tail end of the workweek. The merging of the two is expected late in the afternoon and into the evening on Friday, Dec. 20, the National Weather Service says. Prior to that, there will be a chance for a mix of rain and slow in the morning. "As the clipper storm nears the Atlantic coast later Friday and Friday night, a transformation will take place," according to AccuWeather. See the first image above, to see track of the Alberta Clipper system, and the s…
CT Has Nation's Largest Energy Bills: Residents Struggling To Keep Up, Data Shows CT Has Nation's Largest Energy Bills: Residents Struggling To Keep Up, Data Shows
CT Has Nation's Largest Energy Bills: Residents Struggling To Keep Up, Data Shows Nearly a third of Connecticut residents said they couldn't afford to pay a utility bill over the past year, according to a recent report based on data collected by U.S. authorities. That might be because Connecticut has the highest monthly electric bills in the nation. LendingTree released a report earlier this month on how Americans have struggled to make ends meet amid rising prices after analyzing data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). They found that 34 percent of people nationwide have skipped purchasing house necessities like food or medicine to cover a utility bil…
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots has announced plans to close all of its remaining 963 stores, initiating "going out of business" sales following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The company says it's started the process of closing stores in 48 states and liquidating inventory under its court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The decision comes as the retailer seeks to maximize value for stakeholders while exploring potential going-concern sale opportunities. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Big Lots' President and Chie…
Dual-Wielding, ‘Moaning’ Man Stabbed CT Friend Who Took Him In: Police Dual-Wielding, ‘Moaning’ Man Stabbed CT Friend Who Took Him In: Police
Dual-Wielding, ‘Moaning’ Man Stabbed CT Friend Who Took Him In: Police An argument between friends escalated into a grisly stabbing incident earlier this week when an intoxicated man, wielding two knives, attacked another, authorities said. Alan Frazier, 44, of Jewett City, faces charges of second-degree assault, threatening, and reckless endangerment following the alleged attack on Dec. 18, Connecticut State Police said. A Griswold man called police around 6:15 p.m. to report that Frazier, a homeless friend he had allowed to stay at his Main Street home, had attacked him with two knives and punched him in the face, according to a police report. The argument …
West Hartford Shooting: High-Capacity Mag Seized, 2 Arrests Made, Police Say West Hartford Shooting: High-Capacity Mag Seized, 2 Arrests Made, Police Say
West Hartford Shooting: High-Capacity Mag Seized, 2 Arrests Made, Police Say Two men have been arrested in connection with a shooting that left one person injured Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, in West Hartford, and one of the suspects was found with a high-capacity magazine, police said. Richard Aponte, 19, was found at the scene with a high-capacity magazine following the 2:49 p.m. shooting near 134 Hillcrest Ave., Capt. Peter Juda said. One person was found having suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, Juda said. Medical aid was provided at the scene by police and fire personnel, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for evaluati…
Clinton Driver Killed, Another Hospitalized In Westbrook Crash Clinton Driver Killed, Another Hospitalized In Westbrook Crash
Clinton Driver Killed, Another Hospitalized In Westbrook Crash A Connecticut man was killed and another person was hospitalized in a crash this week.  Michael Sutyla, 76, of Clinton, died on Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Westbrook Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, Connecticut State Police said.  Police believe Sutyla ran a stop sign at the intersection of Boston Post Road and Hammock Road, causing a crash with another car around 4 p.m.  Paramedics took Sutyla to Middlesex Shoreline Clinic, where he later died of his injuries. The passenger in another vehicle, who is from Louisa, Virginia, was taken to the same hospital with min…
9/11 Responder, CT Dad Of 4 Dies: Remembering 'Good Time Guy' Rick Stueber Jr., 50 9/11 Responder, CT Dad Of 4 Dies: Remembering 'Good Time Guy' Rick Stueber Jr., 50
9/11 Responder, CT Dad Of 4 Dies: Remembering 'Good Time Guy' Rick Stueber Jr., 50 A 50-year-old Connecticut father of four who served as one of New York's Finest during its most trying day has died. Richard "Rick" Stueber Jr. died on Dec. 10. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Stueber had been living in Stratford, CT but was born in Queens, New York, and had deep roots in Long Island law enforcement, according to his obituary shared by Riverhead News and Riverhead Local. Stueber joined the New York Police Department in 1996 and served through 2002 and was one of the thousands who selflessly rushed toward danger on Sept. 11, 2001, while the nation struggled t…
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend Across CT: Here's Your Forecast 2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend Across CT: Here's Your Forecast
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend Across CT: Here's Your Forecast A winter storm is poised to bring light to moderate snowfall to eastern New York, western Massachusetts, and parts of Connecticut from Friday morning, Dec. 20 through Saturday evening, Dec. 21, according to the National Weather Service. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for the region, warning of slippery travel conditions, particularly during the Friday evening commute. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain below advisory levels—less than 4 inches—hazardous road conditions are likely. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high near 39°F and northwest winds of 7 to 10 mph, …
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon As the holiday season peaks, the Teamsters Union has initiated a significant strike against Amazon, targeting facilities in four states. This action is described as the largest labor movement in the company’s history. On Thursday morning, December 19, union members began protests at a fulfillment center in Queens, New York, with additional strikes occurring in Atlanta, Southern California, and Skokie, Illinois. The union aims to highlight unacceptable working conditions and Amazon’s refusal to engage in collective bargaining.  Their demands include better wages, hours, and benefits fo…
CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When
CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When A shocking crime that has captivated the nation is the focus of a new TV special. ABC News Studios primetime one-hour program, "Manhunt: Luigi Mangione and the CEO Murder – A Special Edition of 20/20" premieres Thursday, Dec. 19, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. The program examines the case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Manhattan, a story that sparked national attention and a surprising social media movement hailing suspect Luigi Mangione as a folk hero for some. Featuring a detailed breakdown…
National Guard Recruit, 19, ID'd As Victim Pinned Under Car, Left Critical In CT Bakery Crash National Guard Recruit, 19, ID'd As Victim Pinned Under Car, Left Critical In CT Bakery Crash
National Guard Recruit, 19, ID'd As Victim Pinned Under Car, Left Critical In CT Bakery Crash The 19-year-old man critically injured when a car slammed through the front of a Connecticut bakery last week has been identified by family as a National Guard recruit. Eric Fernandez was inside Rosa Vega Bakery in Torrington enjoying lunch when a 58-year-old man crashed his car through the front of the building around 11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, according to a GoFundMe campaign and details previously reported by Daily Voice. Fernandez became pinned underneath the vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries.  After a lengthy extrication process, Fernandez was airlifted to the…
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $71 million with a $33 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 06-15-18-33-49 with a Powerball of 07 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 millio…
Squatter Found Dead At New Haven Hospital ID'd As 38-Year-Old Man: Report Squatter Found Dead At New Haven Hospital ID'd As 38-Year-Old Man: Report
Hassau Powell Lived In Empty Hospital Building Before Dying A man discovered dead in an unused office at a Yale New Haven Health clinic had been living there undetected, according to police, raising questions about how long he went unnoticed in the medical facility.  Hassau Powell, 38, was found last week on the sixth floor of the clinic on Howard Avenue in New Haven, according to a report from NBC Connecticut. Police say Powell was a squatter, but they have not determined how long he had been living in the building. “It does not appear that he was a danger to anyone at the hospital,” said New Haven Police Public Information Officer Christian B…
Passenger Killed In Crash With West Haven Officer ID'd As 23-Year-Old Man: Police Passenger Killed In Crash With West Haven Officer ID'd As 23-Year-Old Man: Police
Passenger Killed In Crash With West Haven Officer ID'd As 23-Year-Old Man: Police Police in Connecticut have identified the man who was killed in a fatal high-speed crash earlier this week when the car he was in careened into a police cruiser parked at a gas station, sending two others to the hospital, authorities said.  Panjala Neeraj Goud, 23, was killed early Monday morning, Dec. 16, when the driver of a Hyundai he was riding in lost control of the car and crashed into a West Haven police officer's cruiser, authorities said. Officers did not say where Goud lived.  The high-speed crash had left the officer seriously wounded and would likely be out of work for…
Ex-CT Exec Who Stole $4.4M From CT Company In Crypto Scam Gets 4 Years: Feds Ex-CT Exec Who Stole $4.4M From CT Company In Crypto Scam Gets 4 Years: Feds
Ex-CT Exec Who Stole $4.4M From CT Company In Crypto Scam Gets 4 Years: Feds A former Connecticut finance executive will serve four years in prison for embezzling more than $4 million from his employer in a slapdash cryptocurrency fraud scheme, federal authorities said.  Dylan Meissner, 31, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by two years of probation, after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges, The US District Attorney for Connecticut said this week. Meissner must also repay the company $4,633,424.99 — $4.4 million of which he stole, and the rest is for a loan, authorities said.  As vice president of finance at a cryptocurrency …
Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says
Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says A Connecticut family that had been preparing to celebrate the holidays is now struggling to cope with the unexpected death of a beloved father, son, uncle, and friend. David Shaw, a 32-year-old Middletown father of three, died on Dec. 10 after suffering from acute kidney and liver failure, his family said in his obituary. Along with his three children, he leaves behind his parents, stepfather, and sisters. David was best known for his beautiful blue eyes, unforgettable smile, and manners. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends, especially his children. David was always happy, goofy…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
CT Teen Killed In Car Crash Remembered For His Kind Heart, Promising Future CT Teen Killed In Car Crash Remembered For His Kind Heart, Promising Future
CT Teen Killed In Car Crash Remembered For His Kind Heart, Promising Future A 16-year-old Connecticut boy killed in a car crash earlier this week is being remembered for his work ethic, leadership, and compassion for his peers. Will Neeb died Monday, Dec. 16, when his car veered off Pickett District Road in New Milford around 8:10 a.m. and crashed into a fence, NBC Connecticut reported. Police said he died at the scene. New Milford High School identified Neeb as the driver on Tuesday. New Milford Public Schools Superintendent Janet Parlato released a statement mourning the loss and offering support to grieving students. "Will was an excellent student who carried …
Coastal New England Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In U.S. News Rankings Coastal New England Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In U.S. News Rankings
Coastal New England Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In U.S. News Rankings A charming coastal location has been crowned the best small town to visit in the United States, earning the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released rankings. The annual list highlights destinations that capture the essence of small-town America with their scenic beauty, cultural offerings, and laid-back atmosphere. T his year, Bar Harbor, Maine, claimed the No. 1 position, praised for its idyllic setting, stunning coastal views, and gateway to Acadia National Park. Nestled along Maine’s rugged coastline, Bar Harbor attracts visitors year-round with its fresh seafood, bout…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 17 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $760 million with a $352.1 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 56-66-67-68-69 with a Mega Ball of 18 and a Megaplier of 4X 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. 20.  MegaMillions 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…
Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at CT I-95 Rest Stop: Cops Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at CT I-95 Rest Stop: Cops
Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at CT I-95 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…
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment As accused serial killer Rex Heuermann faces his seventh murder charge, the stories of his alleged victims – young women whose lives were tragically and violently cut short – offer a haunting reminder of the human toll behind the Gilgo Beach case. Here’s a closer look at the seven victims named in the indictment: Melissa Barthelemy, 24 Melissa Barthelemy Suffolk County Police Described by family as a talented hair stylist from the Bronx, she dreamed of opening her own salon. She was last seen alive on July 10, 2009, in her basement apartment on Underhill Avenue.  Barthelemy’s…