Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know A highly contagious strain of norovirus, GII.17, is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueling an unusually high number of outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts Record Outbreaks: The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December, the highest for this time of year in recent history. Dominant Strain: GII.17 accounts for nearly 70 percent of US cases and has driven a similar surge in Britain. Foodborne Threats: Contaminated oysters from a Los Angeles event sickened at least 80 people. Recall…
IRS Sending $2.4B In Unclaimed Stimulus Payments: Here's Who's Eligible IRS Sending $2.4B In Unclaimed Stimulus Payments: Here's Who's Eligible
IRS Sending $2.4B In Unclaimed Stimulus Payments: Here's Who's Eligible Around $2.4 billion in automatic payments will be issued to nearly one million taxpayers, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The agency said they will go to those who missed out on claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.  These payments, with a maximum of $1,400 per individual, aim to ensure eligible Americans receive money they may have overlooked when filing their tax returns. Automatic Payments, Eligibility No action is required for eligible taxpayers to receive the payments, which will be issued automatically.  The funds, based on IRS data, will be sent via …
Man Killed In CT Home Explosion ID'd As 56-Year-Old Man Killed In CT Home Explosion ID'd As 56-Year-Old
Man Killed In CT Home Explosion ID'd As 56-Year-Old Police have identified the man who died following an explosion and fire at his Connecticut home over the weekend.  Thomas Cianciola, 56, of Waterbury, died on Sunday, Jan. 12, after an explosion at his 220 Horseshoe Drive home, authorities said on Tuesday.  The fire was reported around 5:45 p.m. Responders rushed Cianciola to Saint Mary's Hospital, where he died of his injuries the following day, Waterbury police said.  Investigators said the explosion happened inside of Cianciola's home, but the cause remains unknown.  Multiple law enforcement agencies are invest…
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease
FDA Proposes Nutrition Labels On Front Of Food Packages To Fight Chronic Disease The Food and Drug Administration has proposed moving nutrition labels to the front of most packaged foods, aiming to help consumers make healthier choices, officials said. The FDA officially unveiled its proposal requiring front-of-package nutrition labels, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This effort is part of a broader strategy to combat chronic diseases, which affect about 60 percent of Americans and account for $4.5 trillion in annual health care costs. The proposed "nutrition info box" would display saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content i…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says
Human Ear Evolved From Gills Of Ancient Fish, New Report Says It turns out the human ear got off to a fishy start. Literally. A fascinating new study reveals that the mammalian outer ear has its evolutionary roots in the gills of ancient fish.  This surprising discovery sheds light on how structures can adapt over millions of years to serve entirely new functions. Published in Nature by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the study connects the elastic cartilage in mammalian ears to the same rare tissue found in fish gills.  To explore this link, scientists used gene enhancers — DNA sequences that control tissue development.…
$10.8M Lottery Ticket Sold In CT; Winner Remains Unknown $10.8M Lottery Ticket Sold In CT; Winner Remains Unknown
$10.8M Lottery Ticket Sold In CT; Winner Remains Unknown Connecticut Lottery officials are asking players to check their tickets after a nearly $11 million jackpot was bought last week, but no one has come forward to claim it.  The winning Lotto! ticket was sold in Wilton. The winner correctly guessed all six numbers in the Friday, Jan. 10, drawing . They are: 4-27-32-37-40-44. The winner of the $10.8 has not come forward as of Monday.  They will receive a lump-sum payment of $7.785 million or the full amount paid out over 21 years, per the lottery.  The winning ticket was sold at PVC Gulf, at 287 Danbury Road in Wilton. The…
CT Ranked Among Best States For Raising Families In New Study: Find Out Why CT Ranked Among Best States For Raising Families In New Study: Find Out Why
CT Ranked Among Best States For Raising Families In New Study: Find Out Why Massachusetts leads the U.S. as a place for raising families and two other Northeast states are among the nation's best, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of best and worst states to raise a family on Monday, Jan. 13. The personal finance website ranked each state on family-friendliness, evaluating factors like housing affordability, healthcare quality, job security, and education. Massachusetts claimed the top spot, excelling in education and healthcare. The state boasts the nation’s best public schools, the highest rate of children with health insurance, and …
Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It
Rare Comet Could Shine As Bright As Venus: Here’s When You Can See It A celestial event 160,000 years in the making will grace the night sky this week, as Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) makes its rare appearance.  Expected to be the brightest comet in nearly 20 years, it could shine as brightly as the planet Venus, offering a spectacular sight for skywatchers. Until now, the comet has only been visible in the Southern Hemisphere. However, stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, including those in the US and Europe, will get their chance to view it as it travels back toward the Sun. The best time to catch a glimpse of the comet is around half an hour before sunr…
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
Ex-Mass Officer Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds Ex-Mass Officer Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds
Ex-Mass Officer Busted in $3M Fake Luxury Watch Conspiracy Gets 60 Days In Jail: Feds If you bought a luxury watch from a Massachusetts police officer for a steal, you may have been duped. That’s what former cop Klevis Nako, 24, admitted to in a Connecticut federal court this week, according to federal authorities. Nako was convicted of conspiracy to sell counterfeit goods after he imported fake designer watches from China and sold them across the U.S. through Instagram and Facebook, the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut said. He has been sentenced to 60 days in federal prison, authorities said. His operation unraveled after federal agents intercepted dozens of shipments and con…
Road Rage: CT Man Who Shot Gun At Other Driver On I-95 Gets Years In Prison Road Rage: CT Man Who Shot Gun At Other Driver On I-95 Gets Years In Prison
Road Rage: CT Man Who Shot Gun At Other Driver On I-95 Gets Years In Prison A Connecticut man who fired a gun at another motorist during a road rage incident on I-95 in Westchester County will spend over a decade in prison, officials announced.  New Haven County resident Stephen Escoffery, age 45, of Waterbury, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Friday, Jan. 10 in connection with a December 2022 incident on I-95 in Harrison, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced.  According to the DA's Office, Escoffery fired a gun at another driver’s vehicle during a heated encounter on the northbound lanes of the interstate.  Pr…
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms
TikTok Ban: Fate Of Video App Unclear As Deadline For Chinese Parent Company To Divest Looms The future of TikTok in the United States is facing a critical juncture as the Supreme Court deliberates on whether to delay a looming ban on the popular video-sharing app. On Friday morning, Jan. 10, the Court heard oral arguments regarding the Biden administration's law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance to separate from TikTok, and whether or not it's in violation of the First Amendment. ByteDance, which is headquartered in China, has until Jan. 19 to separate from the video-sharing app under the law passed last year over national security concerns. Noel Francisco argued on be…
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know A virus causing cold-like symptoms is making its seasonal rounds, and health officials are urging everyone to take preventive measures.  With no vaccines or specific treatments currently available, vigilance is key to avoiding infection of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is key. HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic, usually causes symptoms similar to a cold, such as coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat.  However, certain groups—young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe complications, including lung infe…
'School Of Rock' Cast Reunites For Epic NJ Wedding Of Two Co-Stars 'School Of Rock' Cast Reunites For Epic NJ Wedding Of Two Co-Stars
'School Of Rock' Cast Reunites For Epic NJ Wedding Of Two Co-Stars They're getting the band back together! And this time, it's for love. Caitlin Hale and Angelo Massagli, both cast members of the ever-popular Jack Black movie "School of Rock" (about a substitute teacher who forms a rock band with his students after being fired from his own band) recently tied the knot at the Park Chateau in East Brunswick, NJ.  The luxurious venue, also famous for hosting Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas’ wedding, served as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s magical day. Caitlin Hale and Angelo Massagli. caitlinmhale Instagram According to the New York Times…
Wethersfield Diner Announces It Will Close: 'All Good Things Come To An End' Wethersfield Diner Announces It Will Close: 'All Good Things Come To An End'
Wethersfield Diner Announces It Will Close: 'All Good Things Come To An End' A popular Connecticut diner that has been a community staple for 75 years will close its doors for good by the end of the month. The Wethersfield Diner announced in a Facebook post that its owners have been unable to secure a new location and will close their restaurant at 718 Silas Deane Highway by the end of January. The Pribyson/Rivera family, who owns the diner, said the restaurant will continue serving its full menu through Friday, Jan. 17. After that, it will reopen Monday and fulfill as many orders as possible until its food supply runs out on Wednesday. The owners claimed the town …
Getaway Driver Pleads Guilty In 2017 CT Murder Conspiracy, Gets 14 Years: DA Getaway Driver Pleads Guilty In 2017 CT Murder Conspiracy, Gets 14 Years: DA
Getaway Driver Pleads Guilty In 2017 CT Murder Conspiracy, Gets 14 Years: DA A Connecticut man has admitted his role in a deadly 2017 shooting, State’s Attorney Margaret E. Kelley announced. Rhameir Bush, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in Milford Superior Court. The plea comes nearly eight years after 21-year-old Jajuan Benavides was gunned down in the early hours of August 11, 2017, prosecutors said. Surveillance footage and phone records revealed Bush and Jacob “Jewla” Freeman, the gunman, met with Benavides late on August 10, 2017. Just hours later, Freeman, masked and dressed in black, chased Benavides down Anson Street and shot him three time…
Teen Had Been Drinking, Speeding Before Crash That Killed CT 14-Year-Old: Police Teen Had Been Drinking, Speeding Before Crash That Killed CT 14-Year-Old: Police
Teen Had Been Drinking, Speeding Before Crash That Killed CT 14-Year-Old: Police A 17-year-old driver in Connecticut has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that killed a 14-year-old boy and critically injured three other passengers, authorities announced Thursday, Jan. 9. The crash happened just before 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, on Fishtown Road. Groton police said the Toyota 4Runner was traveling at a high speed when it veered off the road and struck a tree, leaving all four occupants with serious injuries. Carson Wilson, 14, of Groton, died shortly after being taken to L+M Hospital. His older brother, Skyler Wilson, along with Kais Shiman, of Mystic, and…
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes 'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds Of Homes, Causing Apocalyptic Scenes As wind-whipped wild fires spreading over thousands of acres ravage Los Angeles, many have shared their devastating experiences on social media, including a host of celebrities. 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 in apocalyptic scenes that seemed like something in…
Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At Bristol Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At Bristol Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info
Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At Bristol 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 East Hartford 'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In East Hartford
'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In East Hartford 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 Harwinton Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: Police Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In Harwinton Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: Police
Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In Harwinton Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: 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…