IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will issue automatic payments this month to nearly one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.  These payments aim to assist eligible individuals who missed claiming the credit, which provides up to $1,400 per person for those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Who Will Receive Payments? Eligible taxpayers include those who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 despite qualifying. Payments wil…
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In 15 States Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In 15 States
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In 15 States New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
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…
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…
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…
Middletown Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says Middletown Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says
Middletown 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…
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…
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4.  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
Drones Could Be Looking For Missing Radioactive Material, NJ Mayor Says Drones Could Be Looking For Missing Radioactive Material, NJ Mayor Says
Drones Could Be Looking For Missing Radioactive Material, NJ Mayor Says Belleville Mayor Michael Melham has his own theory about the drones over New Jersey. He says they may be looking for radioactive material that went missing earlier this month. "We know we have drones flying in a grid-like pattern. In my opinion, they're looking for something. What might they be looking for? Maybe that's radioactive material," Melham said on Good Day New York. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daily Voice NJ (@dailyvoicenewjersey) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued an alert on Friday, Dec. 13, confirming radi…
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was formally charged with murdering a seventh victim. Heuermann, 60, of Massapequa Park, was indicted for second-degree murder in the killing of Valerie Mack in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. Mack, a 24-year-old Wildwood, NJ woman was working as an escort when she disappeared in 2000. A group of hunters discovered her skeletal remains wrapped in a plastic bag in a wooded area of Manorville in November 2000. She had been decapitated, and both of her hands had been severed from her body, prosecutors said. Her right leg had a…
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans A new national poll from Emerson College reveals a startling trend among young American voters: More respondents aged 18 to 29 believe the targeted assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was acceptable than those who do not. The poll highlights a sharp generational divergence on the issue. A total of 41 percent of voters aged 18-29 find the killer’s actions acceptable, 24 percent somewhat acceptable and 17 percent completely acceptable), while 40 percent find them unacceptable. Noting that 68 percent of voters overall reject the killer’s action, Spencer Kimball, executiv…
Scammers Posing As Police Demand Payments, CT Authorities Warn Scammers Posing As Police Demand Payments, CT Authorities Warn
Scammers Posing As Police Demand Payments, CT Authorities Warn Authorities in Connecticut are warning residents about phone scammers posing as police or special agents, accusing them of a crime, and demanding they pay a fine. Multiple people across the state — and even as far away as Virginia — have reported receiving calls from the Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney Office, with someone claiming to be an "investigator" or "special agent." This so-called "agent" says the victim has been named or identified in a human trafficking, prostitution, or another criminal investigation and must pay a fine or face potential jail time. That is not how t…
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When An iconic New York hotel will soon be reopening after a years-long renovation. The Waldorf Astoria is on track to be up and running in the spring. It has been closed for renovation since February 2017. The hotel's online reservation system went live last week. An announcement on its website states, "We are opening Spring 2025 and are now accepting reservations for stays and groups beginning September 2025." Known for its Art Deco design and rich history, the Waldorf Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since its original opening in 1931. Over the decades, it has hosted countless celebriti…
After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help
After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help A Connecticut community is rallying around a bakery that was destroyed after a car crashed through the storefront last week, sending four people to the hospital, including one with life-threatening injuries. Torrington police were called to Rosa Vega Bakery de Puerto Rico at 266 Main Street around 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, after a 58-year-old man crashed his car through the front of the building, authorities said. Gladys Medina, the 65-year-old mother of the bakery's owner, was taken to the hospital with burns after hot oil splashed onto her when the car hit the building, CT Insider re…
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Investigators in the Gilgo Beach serial murders are gearing up to announce a major break in the case. The Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force – which includes the Suffolk County DA’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police – will reveal a “new significant development in the investigation” during a press conference planned for Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. It will follow a scheduled appearance by accused serial murderer Rex Heuermann inside a Suffolk County courtroom in Riverhead, the DA’s Office said. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney, Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr, Acting Suf…
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who could mount a defense centered on Mangione's mental state. Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney turned criminal defense lawyer, suggested a possible strategy even before formally joining Mangione’s legal team.  “It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they’re going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did wh…
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense The man accused of gunning down a health insurance titan on a bustling New York City street is now at the center of another storm— this one inside a courtroom.  Facing a murder charge that could lead to life in prison, Luigi Mangione has turned to one of the most seasoned legal minds in the country to fight for his freedom. Enter Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the former Manhattan prosecutor who’s now tasked with defending the 26-year-old Mangione against allegations of ambushing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4.  With…
It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A Problem: US, CT Senator Demand Answers On Mysterious Drones It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A Problem: US, CT Senator Demand Answers On Mysterious Drones
It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A Problem: US, CT Senator Demand Answers On Mysterious Drones US Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut leaders are demanding answers as more people report spotting strange lights in the night sky that appear to be drones. Some were seen over Fairfield earlier this week, following sightings across the Northeast in recent weeks. In a letter to the heads of the FBI, FAA, Homeland Security, and Department of Defense, Blumenthal demanded answers about the drones, stating that leaders need more information because he believes they pose serious safety and national security concerns. Related: Video of mysterious drones above CT shared on X  “The proli…
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change The head of UnitedHealth Group is calling for change in the healthcare industry after the targeted killing of the CEO of one of its two subsidiaries. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel in Manhattan at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. On Monday, Dec. 9, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. At the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mangione was found to be in possession of a three-page manifesto critical of healthcare companies. He condemned UnitedHealthcare's increasing ma…
Drones Spotted In CT Skies, Resident Shares Video From Train Station Drones Spotted In CT Skies, Resident Shares Video From Train Station
Drones Spotted In CT Skies, Resident Shares Video From Train Station The mysterious drones that have puzzled New Jersey residents for weeks were spotted in Connecticut for the first time on Thursday night, Dec. 12. Lucy Biggers shared multiple videos on X (formerly Twitter), saying she saw five drones hovering over the Fairfield Train Station around 6:45 p.m. "No one else noticed them because unless you're looking for them, they just look like planes or drones!" she wrote. "But I swear these were something different!!" I saw 5 drones over the Fairfield Connecticut train station tonight at 6:45! pic.twitter.com/dl7xP99mZs — Lucy Biggers (@LLBiggers) Decem…
Hartford Golf Club Wins Approval for Expanded Outdoor Options Hartford Golf Club Wins Approval for Expanded Outdoor Options
Hartford Golf Club Wins Approval for Expanded Outdoor Options The Hartford Golf Club is moving forward with an expansion after receiving approval for new amenities from the Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission unanimously approved the club's plans to renovate an existing fire pit area, add a second fire pit, and construct a new 1,200-square-foot patio, according to notes from a recent meeting. The approval includes specific conditions to ensure the project aligns with West Hartford’s ordinances. Commissioners agreed that the fire pits and patio would not disrupt nearby properties, and no neighbors raised concerns during the public c…
CT Lottery Player Hits Jackpot 5 Times in 1 Night For $125K In Winnings CT Lottery Player Hits Jackpot 5 Times in 1 Night For $125K In Winnings
CT Lottery Player Hits Jackpot 5 Times in 1 Night For $125K In Winnings A Connecticut lottery player struck gold five times during a Play4 night drawing earlier this week, winning $125,000 all with the exact same numbers. The Connecticut State Lottery announced that this historic feat marks the largest win ever recorded on the state’s new iLottery platform.  The winner, who purchased the tickets through iLottery, chose the combination 0-8-1-5 in the Play4 drawing. It was his wife’s birthday. Each ticket brought in $25,000, making his unique approach to the lottery a lucrative decision.  The winner was not named.   Play4’s odds var…
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes Hours after a Meta outage left Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users in the dark, ChatGPT seems to be following suit. Users of the AI website began experiencing technical difficulties sometime around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. A message on the website as of 9:20 p.m. reads: "ChatGPT is currently unavailable. Status: Identified - We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix." Naturally, X users had a field day. #ChatGPT is down. Looks like everyone will have to finish their assignments the old fashioned way. pic.twitter.com/68xVq9DNf8 — Xon Kurama (@XonKurama) Decemb…
CT-Owned Cars Were Clocked At 113 MPH, Now This Law Firm Is Investigating: See The Contract CT-Owned Cars Were Clocked At 113 MPH, Now This Law Firm Is Investigating: See The Contract
Ct-owned Cars Were Clocked At 113 MPH, Now This Law Firm Is Investigating: See The Contract Gov. Ned Lamont has hired a law firm to investigate the alleged misuse of two state-owned vehicles following a report that an SUV and sedan driven by members of his staff were driven for personal use and at speeds above 100 miles per hour, Daily Voice has learned. Lamont on Tuesday, Dec. 10 signed a contract with the Hartford law firm of Shipman & Goodwin LLP to collect and review relevant records, mileage reports, and other documentation and report their findings and recommendations, according to the contract (see attached) obtained by Daily Voice. The investigation will be helmed …
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is hoping to delay his federal sex trafficking case. An attorney for the 80-year-old Jeffries filed a motion on Monday, Dec. 9, asking a Manhattan judge to schedule a hearing to determine whether Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial. “[The motion] will be dealt with in court as, and when, appropriate – according to the judge,” Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, told Daily Voice. Federal prosecutors are expected to challenge the move, potentially delaying the case by months. An indictment unsealed in October accused Jeffries of pr…
Know Any CT Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Know Any CT Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays
Know Any CT Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Do you know someone who goes all out for the holidays? Daily Voice wants to see the best Christmas light displays in your neighborhood—and we need your help! Calling all holiday enthusiasts! The most wonderful time of the year is here, and Daily Voice is on the hunt for the most festive, over-the-top, and downright dazzling holiday decorations in the tri-state area (scroll down for instructions on how to submit). Whether it's a house covered in lights, an inflatable Santa village, or a synchronized music-and-lights extravaganza, we want to know where to find it! Is there a house on yo…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was found in possession of a handwritten manifesto that sheds light on his alleged motives.  CNN was first to report the discovery.  The three-page document opens with a confession and asserts that Mangione acted independently, according to a report published Wednesday morning, Dec. 11 by The New York Times. He condemns UnitedHealthcare's increasing market capitalization amid declining American life expectancy and criticizes corporations for exploiting the country for pr…