'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Homes, Leave Apocalyptic Scenes 'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Homes, Leave Apocalyptic Scenes
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Homes, Leave Apocalyptic Scenes As a 3,000-acre wildfire that is ravaging Los Angeles rages, many, including a host of celebrities, have shared their devastating experiences on social media. The first blaze erupted late Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood.  Since then, hundreds of homes have been reduced to ashes, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and thousands evacuated. Over 1,000 structures and 25,000 acres have been destroyed. Panicked motorists abandoned vehicles in streets as they rushed to flee the inferno. At least two additional wildfires have ignited in Los Angeles County…
Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At CT Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At CT Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info
Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At CT Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info An animal rights group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals who left a cat locked in a crate in a Connecticut park, where it froze to death. Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates announced the reward after learning that a tabby cat had died in Rockwell Park on Dec. 28. Related: Group Offers Reward to Find Who Left Dog, 6 Pups to Die in CT Parking Lot The group stated it would pay $5,000 for tips that result in the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The reward is valid for 90 days. ‼️‼️‼️REWARD‼️‼️‼️ Desmond's Army…
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday. Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .  He has been covering his hometown community since 2006. Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided. "We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In CT Parking Lot 'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In CT Parking Lot
'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In CT Parking Lot As news leaked about an in-labor dog left to die in a Connecticut parking lot, snuffing out her life and the lives of her six puppies, the reaction from the community has been overwhelming.  The French bulldog mix was found on Dec. 19 at 8 Turtle Creek Lane in East Hartford. She was in active labor and struggling to breathe, and she died before emergency veterinarians could help her.  East Hartford police said on Monday, Jan. 6, no arrests had been made and there were new updates to the story. Investigators are expected to discuss the case's progress on Tuesday. Original Report:…
Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In CT Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: State Police Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In CT Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: State Police
Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In CT Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: State Police An intoxicated driver operating a vehicle on a suspended license was arrested over the weekend after a witness reported an attempted vehicle break-in at a commuter lot, Connecticut State Police said. At approximately 12:28 p.m., the Harwinton Resident Trooper was conducting motor vehicle enforcement near the Exit 46 (formerly Exit 42) commuter lot when they were flagged down by a witness on Sunday, Jan. 5, state police said. The witness reported seeing a man, later identified as Lawrence Patterson, 71, of Meriden, trying to force entry into a red Jeep Wrangler parked in the lot. The trooper…
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, Cfpb Says About 15 million Americans will see their credit reports cleared of medical debt under a new rule approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has finalized a landmark rule that removes $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, the bureau said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The regulation also prohibits lenders from using medical information in lending decisions when evaluating loan applications. The rule is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable the approval of 22,000 additional mortgages annually. "People …
CT Ranks Among Top States For Cancer Research With High Clinical Trial Access CT Ranks Among Top States For Cancer Research With High Clinical Trial Access
CT Ranks Among Top States For Cancer Research With High Clinical Trial Access Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport 2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Airport Two unidentified bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport late Monday night, Jan. 6.  The airline confirmed the news in a statement released on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, noting that the bodies were discovered during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection. "At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue said. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working c…
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections against offshore oil and gas drilling along key US coastlines, including the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. President Biden has taken decisive action to protect about 625 million acres along the U.S. coastlines from the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling, according to a White House statement on Monday, Jan. 6.  The move withdraws areas along the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future drilling, citing potential environmental, economic, and public …
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know Driving in New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll now be paying for it. New York City has become the first city in the nation to implement a congestion pricing plan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas while funding crucial public transit improvements. This plan went into effect on Sunday, January 5. It seeks to lower traffic congestion, improve air quality, and finance important upgrades to public transportation. Key Details of the Plan Toll Rates: Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll starti…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Jeff Baena, a director and screenwriter married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead in his Los Angeles home, Fox News reports. He was 47 years old. Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on projects. She starred in Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017), both written by Baena. He also directed Spin Me Round, which featured Plaza (Parks & Rec, White Lots) in a leading role. Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU. Plaza also attended NYU, however, it is not clear how they met. The two reportedly began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in 2020. The couple was …
Community Rallies After Coyote Attack In West Hartford Leaves Family Dog Fighting For Its Life Community Rallies After Coyote Attack In West Hartford Leaves Family Dog Fighting For Its Life
Community Rallies After Coyote Attack In West Hartford Leaves Family Dog Fighting For Its Life A routine evening for a Connecticut family turned into a nightmare when their beloved dog, Piper, was attacked by a pack of coyotes, nearly killing the four-year-old Cairn Terrier and saddling her owners with thousands in veterinary bills. But a fundraiser has the community chipping in to help Piper recover.  Maggie Bourgoin, of West Hartford, said she let the family dog out to use the bathroom as usual around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Nothing seemed amiss until the phone rang. "I got a call from my neighbor across the street asking if Piper was outside because they heard crying nois…
NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack
NJ Native, PA College Lacrosse Star Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Chestnut Hill College and Holmdel High School are mourning the loss of alumnus Billy DiMaio ’22, a standout lacrosse captain and respected community leader, who was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday, Jan. 1. DiMaio, 24, of Holmdel, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. As captain of the college’s lacrosse team in his senior year, he was known for his leadership, determination, and positive influence on teammates and peers. Posted by Billy Dimaio on Monday, July 31, 2023 "We are devastat…
CT Mom Dove Into Frozen Pond After Kids Fell Through Ice (UPDATE) CT Mom Dove Into Frozen Pond After Kids Fell Through Ice (UPDATE)
CT Mom Dove Into Frozen Pond After Kids Fell Through Ice (Update) New details have emerged in an incident on a frozen Connecticut pond that sent three family members and three first responders to the hospital on New Year's Eve. The 911 call came in around 2 p.m. after two children, ages 6 and 8, plunged into freezing water on a small pond about 200 yards from Hackmatack Street in Manchester, fire officials reported. The kids had been playing on the ice when it gave way, sending them into water six feet deep. Hearing their screams, the mother raced to the scene and jumped into the frigid water to save them. One child had gone under, while the other was sho…
NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone' NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone'
NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone' A New York native who was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans is being remembered for his positive spirit. Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was shot to death in the ensuing chaos after an Army veteran rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers in the city’s French Quarter at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, relatives revealed on GoFundMe. “On January 1, 2025, our lives were shattered…” Tenedorio’s cousin’s Greg and Christina Bounds wrote on the fundraiser, created to help the family with funeral expenses. “Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and f…
Fatal I-684 Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage Near CT, New Report Says Fatal I-684 Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage Near CT, New Report Says
Fatal I-684 Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage Near CT, New Report Says Federal officials have released more information about a small plane crash on Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT, and Westchester, NY counties.   The information, which centered on a fatal plane crash on I-684 on Thursday, Dec. 12, was released in a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Rockland County resident and commercial pilot Jacob Yankele Friedman of Monsey, age 32, was killed in the crash, while the 26-year-old private pilot, Kalmen Goldberger, of Linden, NJ, was hospitalized with serious injuries. On the night…
Driver, Passenger Escape Burning Car Fire In Brookfield Driver, Passenger Escape Burning Car Fire In Brookfield
Driver, Passenger Escape Burning Car Fire In Brookfield People inside a car that burst into flames on New Year's Day escaped without injury, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to Sandy Lane in Brookfield around 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday to reports of a car fire. Crews said the vehicle was completely engulfed when they arrived, but the two people inside had escaped.  Firefighters quickly contained the blaze and contained a fuel leak. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also responded to determine whether the leak had any environmental impacts.  The cause of the blaze is under investigation. 
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, along with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, and Pirates Pitcher Bubba Chandler were in New Orleans hours before the deadly pickup truck attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Dunne, a native of Bergen County, New Jersey, shared photos on social media of herself, Skenes, and Chandler enjoying the New Orleans nightlife. In one image, the group is seen inside a bar, smiling and seemingly enjoying their evening. Shortly after, Dunne posted another photo of New Orleans with a broken heart emoji, indicating h…
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Jeremi Sensky, a 51-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, survived the New Orleans attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1, despite being struck by the vehicle and suffering severe injuries. Sensky, who uses a wheelchair, was struck by the pickup truck during the attack in the French Quarter, breaking both legs and ejecting him from his chair, his daughter Heaven Sensky Kirsch told Daily Voice on Thursday, Jan. 2. “By the grace of God, he is alive,” Heaven said. “He’s currently in surgery. I want people to know my dad is alive, full of life, resilient, and I’m sure he’l…
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Ryan Quigley, a 2020 Princeton University graduate and former classmate and coworker of Tiger Bech, was injured in the deadly New Orleans pickup truck attack early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Quigley, a Lansdale Catholic High School graduate from the Class of 2016, was hospitalized following the attack, which claimed at least 15 lives, including Bech’s, in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Quigley and Bech both worked at Seaport Global Holdings LLC, a financial services firm in New York, and had remained close since their time at Princeton. Ryan Quigley Facebook/Ryan Quigley @ryan.quigley.3…
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act Authorities are investigating a deadly explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The explosion claimed the life of one individual and left seven others injured, prompting a joint inquiry by local law enforcement and the FBI. The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist act, ABC News and CNN are reporting. The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, near the hotel’s valet area.  Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a fire that engulfed the vehicle. First responders quickly arrived…
Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack
Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack Former Princeton University football player and All-Ivy League kick returner Tiger Bech was among the victims killed in a deadly pickup truck attack in New Orleans' French Quarter early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Bech, a 2019 Princeton graduate and standout receiver, was in New Orleans for the holidays when the attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. CT, authorities said. The incident left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. The driver of the vehicle, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42 of Texas, was killed in a firefight with police shortly after the attack, according to the FBI. Investigato…
Trumbull Teen Robbed at Gunpoint, Dirt Bike Stolen By Convicted Felon: Police Trumbull Teen Robbed at Gunpoint, Dirt Bike Stolen By Convicted Felon: Police
Trumbull Teen Robbed at Gunpoint, Dirt Bike Stolen By Convicted Felon: Police A 14-year-old Trumbull teen was robbed at gunpoint on New Year's Eve while riding his dirt bike on the Rails to Trails path, authorities said.  Giovanni DeJesus, 19, of Bridgeport, was arrested shortly after the incident, recovering the stolen bike and an illegal firearm, Bridgeport police said.  The robbery occurred around 5 p.m. near the pump station between White Plains Road and Quarry Road. Police say DeJesus, part of a group on dirt bikes, approached the 14-year-old victim, pointed a handgun at him, and ordered him off the bike before speeding off into Bridgeport. Trumbull p…
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver 42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver This story has been updated. An Army veteran has been identified as the man authorities say rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans early on New Year's Day morning, leaving 15 people dead and injuring approximately 35 others. Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, age 42, who was killed in a shootout with police officers after the incident at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 on Bourbon Street, was a US citizen born in Texas, where he lived at the time of the incident, the FBI said. The Ford truck, rented through an auto sharing company, displayed an ISIS flag on the tr…
Meet Fairfield County's First Babies Of 2025 Meet Fairfield County's First Babies Of 2025
Meet Fairfield County's First Babies Of 2025 The new year brought precious new arrivals to hospitals across Connecticut, with Yale New Haven Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital welcoming their first babies of 2025. At Yale New Haven Hospital, Rebecca Robles was born at 12:53 a.m., weighing six pounds, six ounces. Proud parents Irmaris and Dibamny Robles of New Haven celebrated the arrival of their fourth daughter. “The family is doing great and getting some well-deserved rest,” hospital officials said. Meanwhile, over at Bridgeport Hospital, the first baby of the year arrived just a couple of hours later. Phoniex Marrero was born at 2:3…
New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd
New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd This story has been updated. A pickup truck intentionally rammed into a New Year's crowd on New Orlean's Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens, according to authorities. Click here for a new, updated story: Army Vet ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver; FBI Searching For Other Suspects The incident in the city's French Quarter happened early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick called the driver's actions, "very intentional," saying, “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”  The man also sho…
Freezin’ for a Reason: Westport Polar Bear Plunge Makes Waves For Local Nonprofit Freezin’ for a Reason: Westport Polar Bear Plunge Makes Waves For Local Nonprofit
Freezin’ for a Reason: Westport Polar Bear Plunge Makes Waves For Local Nonprofit Chilly waters and warm hearts will collide at Compo Beach on New Year’s Day for the inaugural “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Bear Plunge to raise money for Abilis, a local nonprofit supporting over 800 individuals with disabilities and their families across Fairfield County. Organized by Weston residents Gena and Billy Mann, the plunge promises more than just a bracing dip — it’s an opportunity to help renovate Abilis Gardens & Gifts, a retail and training space offering meaningful job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The plunge takes place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1…