Tag:

Connecticut

Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 11 In Connecticut Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 11 In Connecticut
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 11 In Connecticut The party is over for a popular chain store that's been in business for decades. Party City is “winding down” operations immediately at its approximately 800 locations, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees  in a video call on Friday, Dec. 20, CNN reports. Workers were told they will not receive severance pay, and that their benefits would end as the company goes out of business, CNN says. The company, headquartered in in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, is running low on cash and unable to pay rent in some locations, according to an earlier Bloomberg report. Party City was foun…
Ex-VA Nurse Who Stole Meds From Dying Patients In CT Will Avoid Jail Time: Feds Ex-VA Nurse Who Stole Meds From Dying Patients In CT Will Avoid Jail Time: Feds
Ex-VA Nurse Who Stole Meds From Dying Patients In CT Will Avoid Jail Time: Feds A former nurse at a Connecticut Veterans Administration hospital's intensive care unit who admitted to stealing medications from terminally ill patients will not serve prison time, authorities said. Tara Severino, 58, of West Haven, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and two years of probation on Thursday, Dec. 19, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  Severino was a nurse at the West Haven VA Medical Center, where she stole pain medications like fentanyl and hydromorphone from patients under her care, according to prosecutors. She accomplished this in several ways, inclu…
CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business.  The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including six locations in Connecticut. The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While official store closing sales have not yet begun, all Christmas items are currently 50% off, offering shoppers a chance to stock up before the doors shut for good. The closures mark the end of an era for the budget-frien…
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…
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots has announced plans to close all of its remaining 963 stores, initiating "going out of business" sales following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The company says it's started the process of closing stores in 48 states and liquidating inventory under its court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The decision comes as the retailer seeks to maximize value for stakeholders while exploring potential going-concern sale opportunities. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Big Lots' President and Chie…
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend Across CT: Here's Your Forecast 2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend Across CT: Here's Your Forecast
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend Across CT: Here's Your Forecast A winter storm is poised to bring light to moderate snowfall to eastern New York, western Massachusetts, and parts of Connecticut from Friday morning, Dec. 20 through Saturday evening, Dec. 21, according to the National Weather Service. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for the region, warning of slippery travel conditions, particularly during the Friday evening commute. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain below advisory levels—less than 4 inches—hazardous road conditions are likely. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high near 39°F and northwest winds of 7 to 10 mph, …
Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at CT I-95 Rest Stop: Cops Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at CT I-95 Rest Stop: Cops
Baby Injured By Glass As Man Smashes Truck Window, Strangles Mom at CT I-95 Rest Stop: Cops A Dominican Republic man is accused of strangling a woman and hurting her baby with falling glass after he smashed his way into a truck at a Connecticut rest stop on I-95, authorities said.  Ariel Dejesus Valdez, 28, who was in the US on a temporary visa, was extradited from Rhode Island on Monday, Dec. 16, following an alleged attack at the North Fairfield Service Plaza on I-95 on Dec. 7, Connecticut State Police said.  A woman who was riding with Valdez said they were returning to Massachusetts from transporting vehicles when they stopped at the Fairfield County rest stop t…
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…
Snow, Wintry Mix Delays CT School Openings: Here's Where Snow, Wintry Mix Delays CT School Openings: Here's Where
Snow, Wintry Mix Delays CT School Openings: Here's Where Dozens of schools across Connecticut had delayed openings due to a wintry mix that fell into Monday morning, Dec. 16. Some parts of the state saw 4 inches of snow, while others got a light dusting. According to the National Weather Service, the highest amount of snow fell in New Milford (4 inches); Cornwall saw 2.5 inches; Litchfield saw two inches, Waterbury saw 3 inches; Meriden saw 2 inches, and Hartford saw 1.3 inches. According to NBC Connecticut, the following districts had delayed openings: Berlin Public Schools Bethel Public Schools Brooklyn Public Schools Canton Public Schools E…
Ex-Yale New Haven Hospital Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Patients' Meds: Feds Ex-Yale New Haven Hospital Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Patients' Meds: Feds
Ex-Yale New Haven Hospital Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Patients' Meds: Feds A nurse in Connecticut has pleaded guilty to tampering with medications at a prominent hospital, putting patient safety at risk in a disturbing case of drug theft, authorities said.  Sean Falzarano, 38, admitted in federal court to stealing and altering vials of Lorazepam while working at Yale New Haven Hospital, according to the US Attorney for Connecticut.  Lorazepam is the generic version of Ativan, a sedative used to treat anxiety,  Prosecutors said Falzarano used his access to an area where the drugs were stored on Jan. 31, 2022, stole one vial of the drug, and siphoned…
Drones Spotted Over Hartford/Glastonbury: 'Very Odd' Drones Spotted Over Hartford/Glastonbury: 'Very Odd'
Drones Spotted Over Hartford/Glastonbury: 'Very Odd' 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…
Body Of Missing Woman Pulled From Waterbury Lake Days After Disappearance, Police Say Body Of Missing Woman Pulled From Waterbury Lake Days After Disappearance, Police Say
Body Of Missing Woman Pulled From Waterbury Lake Days After Disappearance, Police Say Police recovered the body of a 63-year-old Connecticut woman who was reported missing earlier this month in Lakewood Lake, authorities said.  Altragracia Gaton-Mateo's body was pulled from the water on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 10, when Waterbury police, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Dive Team, located her in the Great Brook Reservoir, also known locally as Lakewood Lake. Gaton-Mateo’s disappearance prompted a Silver Alert on Monday after family members reported her missing days earlier. She was last seen near Division Street and was believed to have been in the Garden Hil…
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…
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 …
CT Schools Dismissing Early Due To Extreme Weather Conditions CT Schools Dismissing Early Due To Extreme Weather Conditions
CT Schools Dismissing Early Due To Extreme Weather Conditions Schools across Connecticut have announced early dismissals on Wednesday, Dec. 11 due to a storm that is expected to bring up to 60 mph winds and coastal flooding to parts of the state. The following districts are dismissing early: Bolton Public Schools Colchester Public Schools East Hampton Public Schools Groton Public Schools Marianapolis Prep. School (Thompson, CT) Montville Public Schools Preston Public Schools Stonington Public Schools Did we miss one? Email clevine@dailyvoice.com The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for southeast Connecticut, with south winds r…
Loving CT Mother Known For Humor, Devotion To Teen Daughter Dies At 33 Loving CT Mother Known For Humor, Devotion To Teen Daughter Dies At 33
Loving CT Mother Known For Humor, Devotion To Teen Daughter Dies At 33 A 33-year-old Connecticut mother known for her sense of humor and endless love for her young daughter died on Saturday, Dec. 7. Lauren Dibble, a vibrant and cherished figure in the Danbury community, left an indelible mark on her family and friends with her warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to those she loved, her obituary on the Green Funeral Home website reads. Her family did not disclose her cause of death. "At 33 years old, Lauren held many roles," reads a GoFundMe campaign launched by Allison Smith. "Daughter, sister, friend, instigator of all the funniest cousin shenanigans, and …
Rabid Raccoon Found In CT: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents Rabid Raccoon Found In CT: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents
Rabid Raccoon Found In CT: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents A week after a fox tested positive, a raccoon in Connecticut also tested positive for the fatal virus and experts are warning caution around unfamiliar animals and extra protection for pets.  The Ledge Light Health District announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that the stray animal had tested positive for rabies in North Stonington. Related: Rabid Coyote Attacks Three Workers in Wallingford Last Week Rabies spreads through an infected animal's saliva, usually via bites or scratches, according to the Ledge Light Health District in a Facebook post. It can also be transmitted when infecte…
TikTok Star Rhuhama Shitrit Brings Middle Eastern Flavors To Farmington In Live Cooking Demo TikTok Star Rhuhama Shitrit Brings Middle Eastern Flavors To Farmington In Live Cooking Demo
TikTok Star Rhuhama Shitrit Brings Middle Eastern Flavors To Farmington In Live Cooking Demo Ruhama Shitrit, a Middle Eastern TikToker with more than 1 million followers on the video-sharing platform, is bringing her spice to Connecticut.  Shitrit will be holding a cooking demonstration at the Chabad House of Farmington on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Shitrit moved with her family from Israel to Boston and only recently began going viral for her simple yet delicious Middle Eastern recipes, that she dreams up herself. @ruhamasfood MY KIDS FAVORITE DINNER! This is one of the recipes that you will be repeating for your weekly meals. An easy one-pan dinner that my kids love! 🙌🏻🥰 I se…
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT New York and Connecticut residents can breathe easier: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage during procedures, officials announced Thursday, Dec. 5. The policy, initially set to take effect on Feb. 1, 2025, would have capped anesthesia coverage if a procedure exceeded an arbitrary time limit, regardless of medical necessity, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The decision applied to residents in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Facing backlash from patients, healthcare advocates, and state leaders, Anth…
DIY Bomb Experiment Gone Wrong Leaves CT Man Badly Hurt; FBI Steps In DIY Bomb Experiment Gone Wrong Leaves CT Man Badly Hurt; FBI Steps In
DIY Bomb Experiment Gone Wrong Leaves CT Man Badly Hurt; FBI Steps In Doctors are attempting to save a Connecticut man's hand after the homemade explosive he and another man built blew up prematurely, authorities said. The FBI is working with Fairfield Police to investigate the incident.  The chaos began just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, when the college-aged man and a friend built four homemade explosives and took them to a secluded area of Pine Creek Marsh to blow them up, Fairfield Police said.  Authorities did not release their names.  Two of the bombs exploded as planned, but the third erupted early, causing serious injuries to th…
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products sold in the parts of the Northeast are being recalled. Connecticut-based Gracie’s Kitchens Inc., located in New Haven, has issued the recall due to potential contamination with Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious health risks, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products manufactured between Monday, Nov. 4 and Wednesday, Nov. 13, and sold under the Gracie’s Kitchens, King Kullen, and Wild By Nature brands.   The products were distributed to grocery stores in New York and Connecticut. Items …
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers distributed throughout the US and Canada and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in several states have been recalled due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. Cucumber recall SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V." The recalled cucumbers were sold between Saturday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 26, 2024. The whole fresh America…
Thanksgiving Bomb Threats: 5 CT Democrat Lawmakers Targeted Amid Political Unrest Thanksgiving Bomb Threats: 5 CT Democrat Lawmakers Targeted Amid Political Unrest
Thanksgiving Bomb Threats: 5 CT Democrat Lawmakers Targeted Amid Political Unrest Five Democratic lawmakers in Connecticut were targeted by bomb threat hoaxes on Thanksgiving, marking an alarming escalation in politically motivated attacks. Reps. Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, Joe Courtney, and John Larson all announced that they received bomb threats requiring police intervention early Thursday morning, Nov. 28. Sen. Chris Murphy also received a threat.  Related: Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks Rep. Hayes, who represents Connecticut's 5th District, posted on X that police contacted her just before 8 a.m. about the threat.  My …
Man Accused Of Attempted Identity Theft At CT Bank Man Accused Of Attempted Identity Theft At CT Bank
Man Accused Of Attempted Identity Theft At CT Bank A man was caught in Connecticut after allegedly using a fake driver’s license to try to access another person’s bank account information at a local bank, according to police. The incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 22, at approximately 3:40 p.m., when Oxford Police responded to the bank after a report of suspicious activity. Officers found a man, later identified as Oronde S. Homan, age 42, seated at the customer service desk.  Police said no other customers were present at the time. According to authorities, a bank employee told officers that Homan presented a Connecticut driver’s lice…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In CT, Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In CT, Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In CT, Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in Connecticut. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, sweet potato casserole is the most popular in the Constitution State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, sweet potato casserole is typically made with brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Home chefs…
Former CT Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Former CT Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Former CT Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…
Local Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including CT Local Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including CT
Local Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including CT A Connecticut couple has been accused of orchestrating a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise. Jadion Anthony Richards, age 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, age 45, both from Danbury, were charged in in Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 22, at Ramsey County District Court with organized retail theft, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Their alleged activities spanned over two months and involved thefts in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, the Star Tri…
CT Woman Leads Wrong-Way I-84 Pursuit Before Arrest 18 Miles Away: Police CT Woman Leads Wrong-Way I-84 Pursuit Before Arrest 18 Miles Away: Police
CT Woman Leads Wrong-Way I-84 Pursuit Before Arrest 18 Miles Away: Police A 24-year-old woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly turning around and driving the wrong way on I-84 before leading police on a pursuit in Connecticut, authorities said. The incident began on Sunday, Nov. 24, just before 1:30 p.m., when a vehicle driven by Tierra Turner was seen traveling erratically and in the wrong direction near Exit 62 on I-84 East in Manchester, according to Connecticut State Police.  The vehicle, a white 2012 Honda Accord, was first reported to have stopped on the left shoulder before it continued east in the right lane erratically, State Police said. …
Island Livin' In CT: Hedge Fund Exec. Puts Private Island On Market For $35M Island Livin' In CT: Hedge Fund Exec. Puts Private Island On Market For $35M
Island Livin' In CT: Hedge Fund Exec. Puts Private Island On Market For $35M If you've always dreamed of wasting away on a beach like Jimmy Buffett but can do without tropical heat — and happen to be a multimillionaire — a new opportunity awaits.  Welcome to Roger's Island. Part of the Thimble Islands archipelago off Connecticut's southeastern shore, Roger's Island is one of the eight islands that have been renovated over the years, according to the New York Post. The 8,700-square-foot mansion sits on 7.65 acres on an island in the Long Island Sound. Zillow Bridgewater Associates executive Greg Jensen recently listed his private Branford island for a h…
CT Women's Shoplifting Spree Ends In New Jersey Police Chase Crash: Cops CT Women's Shoplifting Spree Ends In New Jersey Police Chase Crash: Cops
CT Women's Shoplifting Spree Ends In New Jersey Police Chase Crash: Cops A shoplifting incident at an Ulta store in New Jersey led to a police pursuit, a crash, and the arrest of two Connecticut women after a chaotic chase, authorities said. Ramsey police responded to reports of a shoplifting in progress at Ulta, located at 1255 Route 17 South, around 4:09 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, according to Detective Jaclyn Sabatelli. Officers saw the suspect vehicle, a white 2023 Jeep Compass, driving erratically and entering Route 17 South in an unsafe manner. A brief police pursuit ensued but was terminated due to heavy traffic. The suspect vehicle continued south and ulti…
CT Hunter Dies After Falling From Tree Stand: Police CT Hunter Dies After Falling From Tree Stand: Police
CT Hunter Dies After Falling From Tree Stand: Police A Connecticut hunter was killed early Friday morning, Nov. 22, after they fell from a tree stand, authorities said.  Police in Harwinton are investigating the Terryville Road incident. Authorities were called to the scene just after 10 a.m., State Police said.  The fall remains under investigation, but no more information was released Friday afternoon. Police did not disclose the hunter's name or any details surrounding the fall.  State Police along with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection are investigating the fatal incident.  This is a developi…