ICE Arrests 65 In CT In Retaliatory Operation, Leaders Say Agents Weaponizing Fear ICE Arrests 65 In CT In Retaliatory Operation, Leaders Say Agents Weaponizing Fear
ICE Arrests 65 In CT In Retaliatory Operation, Leaders Say Agents Weaponizing Fear Federal immigration agents launched a sweeping, multi-day raid across Connecticut last week, arresting 65 people in what officials openly admitted was a direct response to the state’s new sanctuary law. The move drew swift condemnation from community leaders, who accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of spreading fear through intimidation. ICE’s Boston field office confirmed the crackdown — dubbed “Operation Broken Trust” — was designed to send a warning to lawmakers after Connecticut passed the Trust Act in May. The law limits cooperation between local police and federal immigra…
Cracker Barrel Unveils New Logo, Menu Changes Despite Large Fan Pushback Cracker Barrel Unveils New Logo, Menu Changes Despite Large Fan Pushback
Cracker Barrel Unveils New Logo, Menu Changes Despite Large Fan Pushback Cracker Barrel is rolling out sweeping updates, even though many loyal fans say they want things left the way they were. The Tennessee-based chain unveiled its first new logo in nearly 50 years on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The familiar image of a man sitting beside a barrel is gone, replaced with a simplified, text-only design. Cracker Barrel said the refreshed look is even closer to the company's early days, when it also had a text-only logo. "Anchored in Cracker Barrel's signature gold and brown tones, the updated visuals will appear across menus and marketing collateral, including the…
Walgreens To Close 3 More Pharmacies After Shuttering 8 Earlier This Year Walgreens To Close 3 More Pharmacies After Shuttering 8 Earlier This Year
Walgreens To Close 3 More Pharmacies After Shuttering 8 Earlier This Year Walgreens is not finished with its round of Connecticut closings. The company announced this week that it would close three more stores in the Nutmeg state, as the pharmacy giant reduces its nationwide footprint.  A company spokesperson said Walgreens would close stores in Hamden, Meriden, and Torrington in the coming weeks.  The company has already shut down eight locations across Connecticut this year, including East Hartford, East Haven, New Britain, and New Milford. The schedule for the next round of closures is:  The Walgreens at 1191 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden wi…
Massive $6.2B Merger Would Reshape Local TV: See Which Stations Are Affected Massive $6.2B Merger Would Reshape Local TV: See Which Stations Are Affected
Massive $6.2B Merger Would Reshape Local TV: See Which Stations Are Affected Two companies that together own more than 260 local TV stations have agreed to a massive merger that could reshape their industry. Nexstar Media Group will acquire Tysons, Virginia-based TEGNA in a $6.2 billion cash deal, the companies announced in a joint news release on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Nexstar will purchase TEGNA for $22 per share, a 31% premium over TEGNA's 30-day average stock price before reports of the deal surfaced. The overlap is significant in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, where Nexstar and TEGNA already own major affiliates. If approved, the merge…
Trump Is Blocking Crime Victim Funds Over Immigration Laws: CT Fights Back Trump Is Blocking Crime Victim Funds Over Immigration Laws: CT Fights Back
Trump Is Blocking Crime Victim Funds Over Immigration Laws: CT Fights Back New Jersey is leading a coalition of 21 attorneys general from states including New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts in suing the Trump Administration over what officials call unlawful conditions placed on federal funding for crime victims, officials announced Monday, Aug. 18. The lawsuit challenges the Trump Administration’s move to withhold Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant money from states unless they comply with federal immigration enforcement priorities, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said.  VOCA funds are used for advocacy services, sexual assault forensic exams, funera…
CT Trails Northeast Neighbors In Best States to Live In Rankings, Here's Why CT Trails Northeast Neighbors In Best States to Live In Rankings, Here's Why
CT Trails Northeast Neighbors In Best States to Live In Rankings, Here's Why From the best schools in the nation to some of the highest incomes, several Northeast states are among the best places to live, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of "Best States to Live In" on Monday, Aug. 11. The study ranked all 50 states using 51 measures of livability, from housing affordability and income growth to education, health, and safety. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said it's important to look beyond just economic factors. "When deciding on a place to move, you should first consider financial factors like the cost of living, housing prices, and…
Multiple Wegmans Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Fears Multiple Wegmans Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Fears
Multiple Wegmans Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Fears A popular cheese sold at a supermarket with locations across the East Coast has been pulled from shelves following a supplier alert that triggered a multi-state recall. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. announced it is recalling its Medium Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese and several products containing the cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms including high fever, sev…
Connecticut’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — Save on Clothing, Shoes & Online Orders Connecticut’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — Save on Clothing, Shoes & Online Orders
Connecticut’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — Save on Clothing, Shoes & Online Orders Are you ready, Connecticut shoppers? The state’s annual Sales Tax‑Free Week is back, running Sunday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. For seven days only, shoppers will skip Connecticut’s 6.35% state sales tax on qualifying clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item—and yes, online purchases count as long as they’re paid for during the week and shipped to a Connecticut address. That means now’s the time to refresh your closet and your cart. Think back‑to‑school fashion from Shein, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Amazon, or go after new Nike sneakers, Converse styles, and deals…
As Husband Sexually Abused Child, Wife — CT School Employee — Stayed Silent: Cops As Husband Sexually Abused Child, Wife — CT School Employee — Stayed Silent: Cops
As Husband Sexually Abused Child, Wife — CT School Employee — Stayed Silent: Cops A Connecticut man and his wife are accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a child, authorities announced.  David Desimone and Holly Desimone, of Plainfield, were the focus of the Plainfield Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit after a report was made in June.  Investigators determined that David Desimone had engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the victim on multiple occasions. Police said his wife, Holly Desimone, knew about the abuse but failed to report it or take steps to protect the victim, Plainfield police said.  David Desimone was arrested and char…
Cookies Sold At Target Stores In 20 States, Including CT, Pulled From Shelves Cookies Sold At Target Stores In 20 States, Including CT, Pulled From Shelves
Cookies Sold At Target Stores In 20 States, Including CT, Pulled From Shelves A sweet treat sold at one of the nation’s biggest retailers is now under a safety alert covering 20 states and Washington, DC. The recall involves Favorite Day Bakery Frosted Sugar Cookies, a 10-count product sold under Target’s private label brand.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, manufacturer Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp. of Canada pulled the cookies due to possible contamination with wood. A total of 803 cases are affected. The cookies were distributed through three Target distribution centers — in Connecticut, Maryland, and Ohio — and reached stores in: Connect…
Cracker Barrel's Remodel Plan Hits Nerves With Loyal Fans: 'Country Charm Is Gone' Cracker Barrel's Remodel Plan Hits Nerves With Loyal Fans: 'Country Charm Is Gone'
Cracker Barrel's Remodel Plan Hits Nerves With Loyal Fans: 'Country Charm Is Gone' Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is giving its restaurants a brighter, modern look, but the makeover is polarizing among the restaurant's biggest fans, with some saying the chain is losing its country charm. Cracker Barrel is in the process of remodeling dozens of its roughly 660 locations nationwide. The effort includes lighter paint, fewer antiques on the walls, updated menus, and streamlined cooking processes aimed at attracting a wider range of diners. Early remodels have already rolled out in multiple states, The Wall Street Journal reported in May. Cracker Barrel plans to update or re…
CT Ranked Among Best States To Have Babies, New Study Says: Here's Why CT Ranked Among Best States To Have Babies, New Study Says: Here's Why
CT Ranked Among Best States To Have Babies, New Study Says: Here's Why Families in some Northeast states may have a much easier time welcoming a new baby than others, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States to Have a Baby on Monday, Aug. 4. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 31 metrics, from average hospital bills to infant mortality rates and child-care availability. The leaders boast strong health care systems, parental support programs, and child care access. "The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their …