'Oscars Of Teaching': CT Teacher Earns Prestigious Award For Her Work In, Out Of Classroom 'Oscars Of Teaching': CT Teacher Earns Prestigious Award For Her Work In, Out Of Classroom
'Oscars Of Teaching': CT Teacher Earns Prestigious Award For Her Work In, Out Of Classroom A Connecticut teacher was honored among the nation’s top educators in what is nicknamed the "Oscars of teaching." Jessica Chapman who teaches at  Norwich Free Academy in New London County was named a Milken Educator Award recipient, the organization announced. She found out she had won the prestigious award at a schoolwide assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 12, surrounded by her students and colleagues who gave her a standing ovation.  Chapman, a social studies teacher at the Norwich school is known for her innovative approach and was the only educator in Connecticut to receive this n…
$3M Lottery Jackpot: Massive Winning Ticket Sold In Southington $3M Lottery Jackpot: Massive Winning Ticket Sold In Southington
$3M Lottery Jackpot: Massive Winning Ticket Sold In Southington It was a very lucky week for several Nutmeggers after more than 1,100 people collected cash playing games, but the biggest jackpots were a $3 million ticket and a $242,000 winner.  The $3 million ticket was sold in Hartford County at Cumberland Farms at 1978 West Street in Southington.  The winner correctly guessed all the white balls in the Mega Millions drawing on Saturday, Nov. 9, which earned them $1 million. The multiplier was x3, tripling the prize money.  The store will get a $100,000 bonus for selling the ticket. The $242,930 was a $10 Fast Play Stacks of Ca$h …
Supported By Sandy Hook Parents, Satire Site The Onion Buys InfoWars Out Of Bankruptcy Supported By Sandy Hook Parents, Satire Site The Onion Buys InfoWars Out Of Bankruptcy
Supported By Sandy Hook Parents, Satire Site The Onion Buys InfoWars Out Of Bankruptcy In a bizarre twist of fate The Onion, the wildly popular satire news website, has purchased InfoWars out of bankruptcy. according to multiple reports. Conspiracy and supplement huckster Alex Jones announced the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee had finalized the sale on Thursday, Nov. 14, NBC News said. “I just got word 15 minutes ago that my lawyers and folks met with the U.S. trustee over our bankruptcy this morning and they said they are shutting us down even without a court order this morning,” Jones said, per NBC.  “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m going to be here u…
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys CT Police SUV Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys CT Police SUV
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys CT Police SUV A Connecticut police cruiser was destroyed when a brush fire leaped onto the vehicle and burned it completely.  A Greenwich police officer was out of the car and responding to a medical call on Wednesday morning when the brush fire crept onto their vehicle, authorities said.  No one was injured.  Related: Brush Fire Destroys Two-Family Home Greenwich Police used the blaze to remind residents to be aware of potential brush fires as Connecticut remains under a red flag warning. Multiple small fires have turned into potentially life-threatening ones in recent weeks because of …
The Beaver Moon — Last Supermoon of 2024 — Will Dazzle Skywatchers Soon: Here's When To Look Up The Beaver Moon — Last Supermoon of 2024 — Will Dazzle Skywatchers Soon: Here's When To Look Up
The Beaver Moon — Last Supermoon of 2024 — Will Dazzle Skywatchers Soon: Here's When To Look Up Local skywatchers, mark your calendars. The final supermoon of 2024 — known as the Beaver Moon — will light up the night sky this week.  The moon will reach peak brightness at 4:29 p.m. EST on Friday,  Nov. 15, and promises to be one of the brightest nighttime displays of the year, according to USA Today.  Related: Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Thousands  Click here to find out exactly when the moon will be at its most encouraging where you live.  A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and closest to the Earth in its orbit, according to N…
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across CT Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across CT
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across CT A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
Rocky Hill Police Officer Steals Show On ‘Wheel of Fortune’ With Bad Guess, Last-Second Heroics Rocky Hill Police Officer Steals Show On ‘Wheel of Fortune’ With Bad Guess, Last-Second Heroics
Rocky Hill Police Officer Steals Show On ‘Wheel of Fortune’ With Bad Guess, Last-Second Heroics A former US Coast Guard member and Connecticut school resource officer appeared on the Veteran's Day episode of "Wheel of Fortune." While he finished in third place, he had the most memorable moments on the game show.  Rocky Hill Police Officer Will Jordan took his turn at the wheel on Monday's episode, Nov. 11, where he walked away with $8,000 in prize money.  Related: Internet Roasts Rocky Hill Officer Following "Wheel Of Fortune" Faux Pas Jordan struggled with the puzzles throughout the game. He was in a position to answer three of them but misspoke one — reading "give yoursel…
These Are CT's Top 5 Public Elementary Schools: New Rankings Released These Are CT's Top 5 Public Elementary Schools: New Rankings Released
These Are CT's Top 5 Public Elementary Schools: New Rankings Released One school district in Connecticut scored three of the top five elementary schools in the state in a new ranking.  New Canaan Public Schools have clinched the top spots in Niche’s annual ranking of the best public elementary schools in Connecticut.  Leading the way is West School, ranked as the best elementary school in the state, with East School and South School following close behind in the second and third positions, respectively. These schools shine because of their student-to-teacher ratios, dedicated faculty, and community support. West School, which serves students from p…
Family Pleads for Justice After Man Left in Coma from Hit, Run Crash Family Pleads for Justice After Man Left in Coma from Hit, Run Crash
Family Pleads for Justice After Man Left in Coma from Hit, Run Crash The family of a 66-year-old Connecticut man who was left in a coma after a car crashed into him and sped off is asking for the public's help to find out who was behind the wheel.  Rene Beaudette, of Norwich in New London County, was hit around 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 655 East Main St. in Norwich, authorities said.  Original Report: Police Searching For Driver Who Left Hit, Run Victim In Coma Paramedics rushed Beaudette to William W. Backus Hospital and later to Hartford Hospital, where he was in critical condition.  A GoFundMe to help pay for his medica…
Hartford Hospital Ranks Among Best In State In New Report Hartford Hospital Ranks Among Best In State In New Report
Hartford Hospital Ranks Among Best In State In New Report Connecticut's top hospitals for 2025 have been named, showcasing the best facilities in the state according to a new ranking. Released by Statista, the list ranks hospitals based on patient care, reputation, and quality indicators. Yale New Haven Hospital took the top spot on the list. The New Haven hospital was touted for its comprehensive medical services and advanced research facilities. John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington ranked second and claimed the Patient Experience Award for its dedication to providing ranking highest in those metrics.  Midstate Medical Center in Meriden fini…
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies The Federal Bureau of Investigations said it has seen a rise in fake stories using the agency's name and insignia being shared online in an attempt to undermine the recent presidential election.  The FBI cited four fake stories being shared on social media trading on the agency's reputation to give credence to lies.  Those included a video stating that “at least 301 electors reported attempted bribery and blackmail" from a political party, the agency said in a news release. Another claimed that agents had tried to cover up the bribery scheme by pressuring news media outl…
Newly Minted Millionaire: $3M Lottery Ticket Sold In CT Newly Minted Millionaire: $3M Lottery Ticket Sold In CT
Newly Minted Millionaire: $3M Lottery Ticket Sold In CT A Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $3 million was sold in Connecticut on Friday, Nov. 8.  The winner correctly matched all five numbers in the drawing, which were: 25-28-42-64-69. The Mega Ball was 19 and the Megaplier was X3.  Related: See Winning Numbers In The $92 Million Powerball Lottery The winner has not come forward, and the lottery officials haven't disclosed where the ticket was sold yet. However, the store will receive a $30,000 bonus for the sale.  Another Connecticut player scored a $30,000 win in the same drawing, officials added. They matched four of…
New Images Of Stranded New England Astronaut Spark Concerns New Images Of Stranded New England Astronaut Spark Concerns
New Images Of Stranded New England Astronaut Spark Concerns NASA is assuring the public that a Massachusetts astronaut is in good health after recent photos of the woman sparked concerns to the contrary. Pilot Suni Williams, from the town of Needham in Norfolk County, has been stuck aboard the International Space Station since early June after NASA discovered multiple problems with the Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft. The 59-year-old retired Navy officer, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, were originally scheduled to return home after eight days. They’ll now hitch a ride back to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025. Earlier …
Racist Texts Sent To CT Students, Kids Across Country Promises Return Of Slavery Racist Texts Sent To CT Students, Kids Across Country Promises Return Of Slavery
Racist Texts Sent To CT Students, Kids Across Country Promises Return Of Slavery Students in Connecticut were not spared a racist text message that has been received by children across the country threatening to put Black and Brown men and women into plantation slavery under the Donald Trump administration.  Authorities in Bloomfield in Hartford County posted a statement on Facebook saying the school system condemns "any and all forms of racism, prejudice, or hate within our community." Racist language, behavior, and rhetoric have no place in Bloomfield, and we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, valued, and respected. In c…
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says An Iranian operative and two associates living in America have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting United States citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump. Federal authorities have charged Farhad Shakeri, an alleged operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two New York City associates in a plot to assassinate a US citizen critical of the Iranian government.  The case highlights the continued threat posed by Iran’s attempts to silence dissidents and even target top US. officials. According to the Department of Justice criminal complai…
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says A common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines should be removed from the market because it doesn’t work, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. This follows an extensive review that found the drug ineffective for treating nasal congestion. Oral phenylephrine, widely marketed in cold and allergy medications, has been in use for decades as a go-to nasal decongestant.  However, an FDA review, backed by last year’s unanimous recommendation from the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee, found that phenylephrine in oral form does not deliver effective conge…
Woman Accused Of Killing Her Roommate In Florida Found Living In Hartford: Police Woman Accused Of Killing Her Roommate In Florida Found Living In Hartford: Police
Woman Accused Of Killing Her Roommate In Florida Found Living In Hartford: Police A Florida woman who is accused of killing her roommate just after Christmas 2022 was arrested this week in Connecticut, authorities said.  Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez, age 42, was busted in Hartford on Wednesday, Nov. 6 on an extradition warrant out of Orlando, the police blotter said. She is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, also 42, Orlando Police said. She also faces one count of tampering with physical evidence and one count of grand theft. Medina-Pacheco traveled from the Dominican Republic in December 2022 for an extended vacation and…
Man Sexually Assaulted 8-Year-Old Girl: Police Man Sexually Assaulted 8-Year-Old Girl: Police
Man Sexually Assaulted 8-Year-Old Girl: Police A 56-year-old Connecticut man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting and abusing an 8-year-old girl in Fairfield County, authorities said.  Armando Cruz-Zambrano, of Norwalk, is charged with first-degree sexual assault, illegal sexual contact with a victim under 16, assault in the third degree, and interfering with an emergency call, police said.  Norwalk Police said they were alerted to the alleged sexual assault on Sept. 29. They could not provide any details on the investigation because of the age of the victim and the sensitivity of the attack.  But authoritie…
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…
How The Internet Tracked Down New Britain Man's Stolen Car In Hours How The Internet Tracked Down New Britain Man's Stolen Car In Hours
How The Internet Tracked Down New Britain Man's Stolen Car In Hours The best true crime series happened in real-time this week on Reddit after a Hartford County man's car was stolen at a gas station, and his best friend decided to do something about it.  Juan Marrero, of New Britain, stopped to get gas around midnight on Monday, Oct. 28, at the Shell Station on the border of Plainville and New Britain. He left the car running as he filled his tank.  As Marrero waited, he noticed a friend a lane over and walked a few feet away to say hi. Within seconds, a black Mercedes pulls up, a man gets out, slips into the driver's seat of M…
Newly Minted Millionaires: Wethersfield Player Splits $2M CT Lottery Prize Newly Minted Millionaires: Wethersfield Player Splits $2M CT Lottery Prize
Newly Minted Millionaires: Wethersfield Player Splits $2M CT Lottery Prize Two Connecticut Lottery players split a $2 million jackpot after buying the ticket in New Haven County.  The players from Wallingford in New Haven County and Wethersfield in Hartford County won the money playing the "$2,000,000 Jackpot," a $20 scratch game. Related: Lottery Hot Streak: $3M In Prizes Won In 4 Days Across CT The players chose to take the lump sum payment of $1.5 million (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  They bought the ticket at Food Land at 250 S. Colony Road in Wallingford. The store will get a $20,000 bonus for the sale. 
Man Slammed Kitten Against Table, Threw It Off Deck Because It Annoyed Him: Police Man Slammed Kitten Against Table, Threw It Off Deck Because It Annoyed Him: Police
Man Slammed Kitten Against Table, Threw It Off Deck Because It Annoyed Him: Police A Connecticut man horrifically beat a family member's kitten and left it to die in the cold in Fairfield County, then lied to cover it up, authorities said.  Krzystof Bakota, age 47, of Shelton, is charged with first-degree animal abuse and was being held on a $25,000 bond, police said.  Bakota was watching a kitten for a family member, but when they came to pick it up, he told them it had gotten out and was missing, Shelton Police said. Later on, they found the kitten's corpse in his backyard.  Bakota told them that the cat was annoying him, so he slammed it against a table…
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Cases of walking pneumonia have spiked significantly, especially among children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning in a brand-new advisory. The agency said increases in M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia infections began late this past spring, peaked in August, and have remained high.  The CDC said it's using various surveillance tools "to better understand any differences in demographics, severity of illness, and outcomes as compared to M. pneumoniae infections prior to the COVID-19 pandemic." The agency said it's also contacting heal…
Daughter 'Beyond Devastated' After Nurse Mom's Headstone Stolen From CT Cemetery Daughter 'Beyond Devastated' After Nurse Mom's Headstone Stolen From CT Cemetery
Daughter 'Beyond Devastated' After Nurse Mom's Headstone Stolen From CT Cemetery Tara Morgan is praying for a miracle. The 45-year-old Connecticut resident, of Waterbury in New Haven County, has done everything she can think of after thieves stole her late mother’s granite headstone from Fairfield County’s St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bethel over the summer, she said. “It happened sometime between Mother’s Day and, I’d say, the end of June,” Morgan told Daily Voice. Following several attempts to reach St. Mary Parish, which oversees the cemetery, she was finally assured by church leadership that the Diocese of Bridgeport’s insurance carrier had been notified “and everything …
Suspect In Murder At Hamptons Resort Found Dead 200 Miles Away As Friends Mourn 'Gifted Artist' Suspect In Murder At Hamptons Resort Found Dead 200 Miles Away As Friends Mourn 'Gifted Artist'
Suspect In Murder At Hamptons Resort Found Dead 200 Miles Away As Friends Mourn 'Gifted Artist' A Pennsylvania man suspected of murdering a woman at a high-end resort in the Hamptons was found dead hundreds of miles from the crime scene in New York. Thomas Gannon, age 56, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, according to Suffolk County Police. Gannon was considered the prime suspect in the killing of 33-year-old Sabina Rosas at the posh Shou Sugi Ban House, located in the Long Island hamlet of Water Mill, on Monday, Oct. 28. Earlier Report: Update: Woman Murdered At Water Mill Resort ID'd Rosas, a Brooklyn artist who also went by th…
Name Released Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Shooting Near NY/CT Border That Led To  Manhunt, Arrest Name Released Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Shooting Near NY/CT Border That Led To  Manhunt, Arrest
Name Released Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Shooting Near NY/CT Border That Led To Manhunt, Arrest This story has been updated. The name has been released of a teenage boy who was killed in a fatal shooting in Northern Westchester that led to a 12-hour manhunt and the arrest of a suspect. Fernando Jimenez, age 40, shot his girlfriend and her two children with an illegally possessed handgun in the Baldwin Place section of Somers during a domestic dispute at about 11:35 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, according to New York State Police. One of the children, a 10th-grade student at Somers High School now identified as Michael Raimondi, age 15, was killed.  The boy's brother, a 13-year-…
US Postal Service Urges CT Mail-In Voters To Send Ballots Ahead Of Election Day US Postal Service Urges CT Mail-In Voters To Send Ballots Ahead Of Election Day
US Postal Service Urges CT Mail-In Voters To Send Ballots Ahead Of Election Day The US Postal Service is deploying "extraordinary measures" to make sure it can handle an influx of mail-in ballots from Connecticut voters in the final weeks before Election Day, officials said. In an announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Connecticut postal officials said they will continue putting measures into place through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to "swiftly move" ballot mail and make sure votes are successfully delivered. Some of these measures include making extra deliveries and collections; special pick-ups; and adding specialized sort plans at processing facilities to quicken de…
McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders
McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders Health officials have pinpointed the specific ingredient that triggered an E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s that killed one person and sickened dozens more across several states. Testing done by the Colorado Department of Agriculture eliminated Quarter Pounder beef patties as the source of the outbreak, McDonald’s confirmed on Sunday, Oct. 27. That leaves the restaurant’s slivered onions, which are primarily used on Quarter Pounder hamburgers, as the likely source of contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Earlier Report: E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald'…
Woman Topped 100MPH With Kids In Car's Back Seat: Police Woman Topped 100MPH With Kids In Car's Back Seat: Police
Woman Topped 100MPH With Kids In Car's Back Seat: Police A woman who was clocked going more than 100 miles per hour along Route 2 with her two young children in the car told police she was speeding because she needed to heed the call of nature, authorities said.  Brianna Guerin, 21, of New London, is charged with driving with no insurance, reckless driving, risk of injury to a child (two counts), and reckless endangerment in the second degree, Connecticut State Police said.  Police spotted Guerin just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Route 2 in Marlborough driving at 109 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone, authorities said. …
Major Brush Fire In NY Spreads Smoke Into CT Major Brush Fire In NY Spreads Smoke Into CT
Major Brush Fire In NY Spreads Smoke Into CT A major brush fire over at least a dozen acres in the Hudson Valley produced smoke that spread across the New York border into Connecticut. The blaze broke out at around 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in Putnam County in the area of Route 301 and East Boyds Road in the town of Kent and was finally contained late in the day on Sunday, Oct. 27. While responding, crews observed a large fire on the mountain and immediately requested mutual aid from neighboring departments, according to the Kent Fire Department.  Responding crews located the large brushfire of approximately 5 to 6 acres…