Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products sold in the parts of the Northeast are being recalled. Connecticut-based Gracie’s Kitchens Inc., located in New Haven, has issued the recall due to potential contamination with Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious health risks, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products manufactured between Monday, Nov. 4 and Wednesday, Nov. 13, and sold under the Gracie’s Kitchens, King Kullen, and Wild By Nature brands.   The products were distributed to grocery stores in New York and Connecticut. Items …
Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues
Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues Actor Alec Baldwin – no stranger to controversy – is once again drawing the internet’s ire after recent comments on Americans’ intelligence. The 66-year-old New York native is facing backlash after suggesting that US citizens are ignorant about important world events and that watching films is the remedy to bridge the information gap. “Americans are very uninformed about reality, what’s really going on – with climate change, Ukraine, Israel, you name it, all the biggest topics in the world. Americans have an appetite for a little bit of information,” the Beetlejuice star told reporters at a…
Separate Snowmaking Systems Could Be Coming In First Weeks Of December Separate Snowmaking Systems Could Be Coming In First Weeks Of December
Separate Snowmaking Systems Could Be Coming In First Weeks Of December The arrival of an Arctic blast of cold air could be followed by separate snowmaking storms during the first two weeks of December. Tuesday, Dec. 3, will mark the start of a string of days in which Alberta Clipper systems with fast-falling snowfall are possible in these areas shown in pink and blue in the image above from AccuWeather. According to current forecast models, the highest likelihood for snowfall in the Northeast is overnight Wednesday, Dec. 4 into Thursday, Dec. 5, according to the National Weather Service. Areas farther south will likely see mainly snow showers but accumul…
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers distributed throughout the US and Canada and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in several states have been recalled due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. Cucumber recall SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V." The recalled cucumbers were sold between Saturday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 26, 2024. The whole fresh America…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Nov. 29 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $514 million with a $244.7 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-29-34-36-37 with a Mega Ball of 17 and a Megaplier of 2X. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 million to $2.&n…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Fairfield County’s Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Fairfield County’s Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Fairfield County’s Best! Fairfield County, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Fairfield County a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the bu…
Alberta Clippers With Quick-Hitting Snow Will Be Triggered By Arctic Blast: Here's Timing Alberta Clippers With Quick-Hitting Snow Will Be Triggered By Arctic Blast: Here's Timing
Alberta Clippers With Quick-Hitting Snow Will Be Triggered By Arctic Blast: Here's Timing A blast of Arctic air will lead to quick-hitting snowfall from Alberta Clipper systems in the days ahead. "These storms will briefly disrupt the lake-effect snow machine and bring more widespread accumulations of a coating to a few inches," according to AccuWeather. Blasts of cold conditions will arrive overnight Friday, Nov. 29 into Saturday, Nov. 30, with temperatures dipping into the upper 20s, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday will be sunny, with a high temperature of around 40 degrees. But it will feel colder, with wind gusts between 20 and 25 miles per hour. As …
Turkey Fryer Fire Destroys $4M Weston Mansion on Thanksgiving; Family of 20 Escapes Turkey Fryer Fire Destroys $4M Weston Mansion on Thanksgiving; Family of 20 Escapes
Turkey Fryer Fire Destroys $4M Weston Mansion on Thanksgiving; Family of 20 Escapes A Connecticut mansion valued at more than $4 million was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving as a family of 20 was about to sit down to enjoy their holiday meal, authorities said. The fire ignited shortly before 4 p.m. in Fairfield County at a two-story, nearly 9,300-square-foot residence in Weston on Weston Road, near the intersection with Broad Street. All occupants escaped unharmed, Weston firefighters reported. On the rainy Thanksgiving afternoon of Thursday, November 28, 2024, most firefighters in lower Fairfield County were... Posted by Sayje Benjamin on Friday, November 29, 20…
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? How Much Should I Spend On My First Home?
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? One of the biggest questions for first-time homebuyers is, "How much can I afford?" Before you start looking for a home, you should absolutely have your budget in mind. You don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of your price-range only to be disappointed that you can’t afford it. Here are some tips on how to determine your home-buying budget. Can you use your rent as a good indicator of a monthly payment? When determining a budget, there are two questions: What can I afford to pay every month? And, what can I afford to purchase? Some buyers might start their search thinking t…
Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake
Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake Lindsay Lohan has officially weighed in on a viral NFL moment that paid homage to one of her most popular movies. Appearing on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the 38-year-old actress reacted to Minnesota Vikings players Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus performing the iconic handshake from her 1998 hit, “The Parent Trap.” The footballers acted out the intricate moves – a secret handshake between Lohan’s character Annie and her butler – after intercepting a pass from Aaron Rodgers against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 6. “They did your handshake from ‘The Parent Trap,’” Fa…
Thanksgiving Day Crash Sends Driver To Hospital After Vehicle Plunges Off Hutchinson Parkway Thanksgiving Day Crash Sends Driver To Hospital After Vehicle Plunges Off Hutchinson Parkway
Thanksgiving Day Crash Sends Driver To Hospital After Vehicle Plunges Off Hutchinson Parkway A Thanksgiving Day crash on the Hutchinson River Parkway in Westchester County left a driver hospitalized after their vehicle veered off the roadway into a wooded area, according to authorities. The incident happened just before 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, prompting a large emergency response from fire departments in Purchase and Port Chester, as well as EMS teams from Port Chester and Rye Brook. Firefighters arrived to find the vehicle deep in the woods, requiring stabilization and extrication efforts to free the trapped driver, according to the Purchase Fire Department. To assist w…
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amid the busiest shopping weekend of the holiday season, workers for Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, have gone on strike. Protesting under the banner of “Make Amazon Pay.” employees have walked off the job across six continents in 20 countries, including the United States. The strike is scheduled to last from Black Friday on Nov. 29 through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, the UNI Global Union announced, saying protests will be held in majors cities in the US, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and elsewhere. The strike could cause customers' holiday deliveries …
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
IT Manager Who Used Low-Tech Hack to Embezzle $2M From CT Business Headed to Prison: Feds IT Manager Who Used Low-Tech Hack to Embezzle $2M From CT Business Headed to Prison: Feds
IT Manager Who Used Low-Tech Hack to Embezzle $2M From CT Business Headed to Prison: Feds A Connecticut man will spend two years in federal prison after stealing nearly $2 million from his employer and dodging hundreds of thousands in taxes over a seven-year scheme, authorities said. Evan Bobzin, 39, of Chester, was sentenced to 24 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, after admitting to embezzling $1.9 million from Hoffman’s Gun Center in Newington, where he worked as head of information technology, according to the US Attorney for Connecticut. Prosecutors said Bobzin used his insider access to methodically steal cash receipts from the store's safe …
Thanksgiving Bomb Threats: 5 CT Democrat Lawmakers Targeted Amid Political Unrest Thanksgiving Bomb Threats: 5 CT Democrat Lawmakers Targeted Amid Political Unrest
Thanksgiving Bomb Threats: 5 CT Democrat Lawmakers Targeted Amid Political Unrest Five Democratic lawmakers in Connecticut were targeted by bomb threat hoaxes on Thanksgiving, marking an alarming escalation in politically motivated attacks. Reps. Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, Joe Courtney, and John Larson all announced that they received bomb threats requiring police intervention early Thursday morning, Nov. 28. Sen. Chris Murphy also received a threat.  Related: Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks Rep. Hayes, who represents Connecticut's 5th District, posted on X that police contacted her just before 8 a.m. about the threat.  My …
Fairfield County Man Accused Of Attempted Identity Theft At Bank Fairfield County Man Accused Of Attempted Identity Theft At Bank
Fairfield County Man Accused Of Attempted Identity Theft At Bank A man was caught in Connecticut after allegedly using a fake driver’s license to try to access another person’s bank account information at a local bank, according to police. The incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 22, at approximately 3:40 p.m., when Oxford Police responded to the bank after a report of suspicious activity. Officers found a man, later identified as Oronde S. Homan, age 42, seated at the customer service desk.  Police said no other customers were present at the time. According to authorities, a bank employee told officers that Homan presented a Connecticut driver’s lice…
Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police
Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police A former Connecticut middle school employee faces a felony charge after police say she exchanged inappropriate text messages with a student, authorities said.  Tamara Johnson, 37, turned herself over to the Meriden Police Department on Thursday, Nov. 21, following an investigation that began in late October. The police's Special Crimes Unit launched the probe after receiving a report about the alleged messages. Johnson, a former climate specialist at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden, was arrested after police conducted multiple interviews and forensic analysis of cell phones, Meri…
Popular Brand To Open New Store Celebrating 'Local Pride' In Stamford Popular Brand To Open New Store Celebrating 'Local Pride' In Stamford
Popular Brand To Open New Store Celebrating 'Local Pride' In Stamford A beloved brand is set to open a new retail store in Connecticut where it will offer community-inspired merchandise to residents and visitors alike. Hey Stamford!, a popular local brand known for its neighborhood pride and community spirit, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Fairfield County retail store at the Stamford Town Center at 100 Greyrock Pl., on Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m.  The store will feature a curated collection of exclusive Hey Stamford! merchandise, including branded apparel and accessories that "celebrate Stamford’s unique neighborhoods and local pride," store…
Duo Accused Of Stealing Cooking Oil From Businesses In CT: Police Duo Accused Of Stealing Cooking Oil From Businesses In CT: Police
Duo Accused Of Stealing Cooking Oil From Businesses In CT: Police Two men are facing charges in Connecticut after allegedly stealing over 100 gallons of cooking oil from multiple businesses, police said. The incidents leading to the arrests began in Windham County just before 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, when a business on Providence Turnpike in Brooklyn reported an active larceny, according to Connecticut State Police. The person who called in the incident reported seeing the suspects in a white van with a temporary New Jersey registration taking cooking oil from several businesses and restaurants. The complainant then followed the van to a parking l…
4th Stamford Suicide In Week Has Police Alarmed, Officers Offer Support 4th Stamford Suicide In Week Has Police Alarmed, Officers Offer Support
4th Stamford Suicide In Week Has Police Alarmed, Officers Offer Support Stamford Police are asking residents to reach out to their loved ones to check on them after four residents have committed suicide over the past week.  Assistant Chief Richard Conklin said a spike like this is unheard of for the Fairfield County town. For context, Stamford had three suicides for the entire year in 2022, two in 2023, and only one in 2024 until this past week.  "I've never seen anything like it during my time with the department," Conklin said.  With the holidays approaching, Conklin worries the trend could continue.  "The holidays tend to exacerbate or …
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team on Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the team s…
Man Killed In 4-Car Crash, Snarling Traffic On Merritt Parkway In New Canaan Man Killed In 4-Car Crash, Snarling Traffic On Merritt Parkway In New Canaan
Man Killed In 4-Car Crash, Snarling Traffic On Merritt Parkway In New Canaan A man was killed following a multi-vehicle collision that caused lengthy delays on a busy Connecticut highway. The crash happened in Fairfield County on Tuesday, Nov. 26 just after 3 p.m., when four vehicles became involved in an incident on the northbound Merritt Parkway (Route 15)  in New Canaan just before Exit 37, Connecticut State Police announced on Wednesday, Nov. 27. According to authorities, the incident began when a 2015 Lexus 350 RC struck a 2020 Kia Forte in the right lane that had been slowing down. The Kia then hit the 2015 Ford F-150 pickup it had been traveling behind i…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 26 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $489 million with a $229.3 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-22-24-39-42 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, Nov. 29.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. There ar…
From Gymnast To Ninja Gym Owner: How CT Coach Builds Obstacle Courses For All Ages From Gymnast To Ninja Gym Owner: How CT Coach Builds Obstacle Courses For All Ages
From Gymnast To Ninja Gym Owner: How CT Coach Builds Obstacle Courses For All Ages Thomas Alberti is on a mission to redefine fitness, transforming workouts into challenges that are as rewarding as they are fun. The former gymnast-turned-entrepreneur has opened three gyms in Hamden, Windsor, and Stamford since 2015, inspired by a chance encounter with a popular NBC show that sparked his passion for a new sport. Alberti discovered the sport after catching an episode of "American Ninja Warrior" in 2014. The show features contestants competing on grueling obstacle courses that test strength, endurance, all-around athleticism, and contestant's problem-solving skills.  “…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In CT, Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In CT, Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In CT, Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in Connecticut. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, sweet potato casserole is the most popular in the Constitution State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, sweet potato casserole is typically made with brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Home chefs…
Former Westport Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Former Westport Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Former Westport Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…
Norwalk Man, 2 Others Caught With Gun, Drugs After Threatening Group Norwalk Man, 2 Others Caught With Gun, Drugs After Threatening Group
Norwalk Man, 2 Others Caught With Gun, Drugs After Threatening Group Three men, including a Fairfield County resident, are facing charges after officers found them with a loaded handgun and drugs after they allegedly threatened a group with a firearm in Westchester, officials said. The incident began on Sunday morning, Nov. 24, when witnesses flagged down Port Chester officers while they were on patrol on North Main Street, according to the department.   Witnesses reported a man menacing a group with a firearm, and as officers approached the area near Abendroth Avenue, they also pointed out a vehicle leaving the scene. Police then pulled it over an…
Wrong-Way Driver Apprehended After I-95 DUI Crash In Darien: Police Wrong-Way Driver Apprehended After I-95 DUI Crash In Darien: Police
Wrong-Way Driver Apprehended After I-95 DUI Crash In Darien: Police Connecticut State Police say a wrong-way driver caused a multi-car crash on I-95 that led to his arrest. Troopers from Troop G in Fairfield County responded to the northbound lanes near the Darien rest area at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, after receiving reports of a collision.  Upon arrival, they found a Jeep Liberty SUV facing the wrong direction, police said.  Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been traveling southbound in the northbound lanes prior to the crash. The driver, identified as Fairfield County resident Ramon Tusa Llivicosa, age 36, of St…
Spilled Water To Millions: How 2 Westport Moms’ Bags Became Oprah-Approved Best-Sellers Spilled Water To Millions: How 2 Westport Moms’ Bags Became Oprah-Approved Best-Sellers
Spilled Water To Millions: How 2 Westport Moms’ Bags Became Oprah-Approved Best-Sellers It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and two Connecticut moms have proven that true. What started as a soggy laptop bag disaster has grown into a thriving business, twice featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things and becoming an Amazon best-seller. Westport neighbors and best friends Katie Hill and Lisa Watkins founded WanderFull in 2022 to create a stylish, functional bag that could hold everything from a water bottle to a phone and other essentials. Click here to see WanderFull's Amazon page The idea stemmed from Hill, a former buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, who noticed w…