IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams A new warning from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has taxpayers on high alert as the agency unveils its 2025 Dirty Dozen — a list of the most common and deceptive tax scams that could put financial and personal information at risk. With tax season in full swing, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money, sensitive data, and even taxpayer identities. From fake tax credits to social media-fueled misinformation, the schemes on this year’s list serve as a reminder that fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics. What Is the Dirty Dozen? Each year, the IRS compiles the Dirty Doze…
Billy Joel's Onstage Fall Stuns Crowd At Mohegan Sun Concert Billy Joel's Onstage Fall Stuns Crowd At Mohegan Sun Concert
Billy Joel's Onstage Fall Stuns Crowd At Mohegan Sun Concert Billy Joel stunned those on hand when he fell onstage at a concert in the Northeast. The incident happened Saturday, Feb. 22 in Connecticut at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville. The 75-year-old "Piano Man" fell while performing his classic hit, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.”
 As Joel engaged with the audience, he momentarily stepped away from his piano and began interacting with the microphone stand. In a dramatic flourish towards the conclusion of the song, he threw the stand into the air. However, this exuberance resulted in a loss of balance, causing him to t…
JD Vance Accuses Zelenskyy Of 'Campaigning For The Opposition' In Fiery Oval Office Clash JD Vance Accuses Zelenskyy Of 'Campaigning For The Opposition' In Fiery Oval Office Clash
JD Vance Accuses Zelenskyy Of 'Campaigning For The Opposition' In Fiery Oval Office Clash In a dramatic Oval Office confrontation on February 28, 2025, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance lambasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of disrespecting the United States. The tension escalated when Vance referenced Zelenskyy's September 2024 visit to Pennsylvania, suggesting it was a politically charged move that undermined U.S. support for Ukraine. Contentious Meeting in Washington, D.C. The meeting, intended to discuss ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, quickly turned confrontational. President Trump and Vice Presiden…
Hostile Oval Office Meeting Turns Into Shouting Match Between Ukraine President, Trump, Vance Hostile Oval Office Meeting Turns Into Shouting Match Between Ukraine President, Trump, Vance
Hostile Oval Office Meeting Turns Into Shouting Match Between Ukraine President, Trump, Vance In an unprecedented and explosive televised confrontation, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance loudly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting at the Oval Office which resulted in the cancellation of a planned agreement between the two nations. The exchange early Friday afternoon, Feb. 28 marked a dramatic departure from traditional diplomatic decorum between the United States and foreign leaders. During the heated exchange, Trump and Vance criticized Zelenskyy for what they perceived as a lack of gratitude for US support in Ukraine’s three-year-old war with…
Registered CT Sex Offender Busted With Over 500 Images Of Child Porn: Police Registered CT Sex Offender Busted With Over 500 Images Of Child Porn: Police
Registered CT Sex Offender Busted With Over 500 Images Of Child Porn: Police A Connecticut registered sex offender was arrested after police say he enticed a 15-year-old to send him nude photos, which is what he was convicted of doing in 2022.  Drew McFarland, 24, of South Windsor, turned himself in on Friday, Feb. 28, on charges of importing child sex abuse material and possession of child sex abuse material, South Windsor police said.  Police began investigating McFarland in July 2024 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children linked child sexual abuse material being shared online to his IP address, authorities said.  So…
Kim Kardashian Sued: Star Mistakenly ID'd Man's Photo As Death Row Inmate Kim Kardashian Sued: Star Mistakenly ID'd Man's Photo As Death Row Inmate
Kim Kardashian Sued: Star Mistakenly ID'd Man's Photo As Death Row Inmate Reality TV star and business mogul Kim Kardashian is facing a lawsuit over allegations that she falsely identified a New York man as a convicted murderer on Instagram, causing him serious emotional distress. Westchester County resident Ivan Cantu filed the lawsuit against the celebrity on Thursday, Feb. 20, alleging that Kardashian wrongfully posted his photo on Instagram to her 350 million followers, claiming he was a convicted murderer on death row, according to New York-based Sobo & Sobo Personal Injury Attorneys.  The case includes six counts, including libel, slander…
Update: 19 Injured After Delta Plane Traveling From US Flips In Toronto Crash Update: 19 Injured After Delta Plane Traveling From US Flips In Toronto Crash
Update: 19 Injured After Delta Plane Traveling From US Flips In Toronto Crash This story has been updated. A Delta Air Lines plane with 80 aboard that departed from the US ended up upside down after crashing at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, injuring 19 people, according to reports. The incident happened just before 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18. The flight had taken off a short time earlier from Minneapolis. Videos posted on social media showed passengers being freed from the plane after the incident on the snow-covered ground. The plane reportedly lost its wings after the crash. "Emergency teams are responding," Pearson Airport said on social media. "All…
White House Valentine's Day Post Playing Off 'Roses Are Red' Poem Sparks Controversy White House Valentine's Day Post Playing Off 'Roses Are Red' Poem Sparks Controversy
White House Valentine's Day Post Playing Off 'Roses Are Red' Poem Sparks Controversy A Valentine’s Day post from the White House social media accounts sparked controversy after featuring a rhyme about illegal immigration, drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. The post, shared across X, Instagram, and Facebook, reimagined the classic "roses are red, violets are blue" poem with a political twist: "Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally, and we’ll deport you." Set against a pink backdrop, the poem was accompanied by images of President Donald Trump and border czar Tom Homan, with the caption “Happy Valentine’s Day” followed by a red heart emo…
CT Man Accused Of Stuffing Teen In Trunk After Sexual Assault, Admits To Child Porn Charges CT Man Accused Of Stuffing Teen In Trunk After Sexual Assault, Admits To Child Porn Charges
CT Man Accused Of Stuffing Teen In Trunk After Sexual Assault, Admits To Child Porn Charges A 22-year-old Connecticut man who was accused of kidnapping a 16-year-old girl and sexually assaulting her before trying to cross into Canada, pleaded guilty this week to producing child pornography, authorities said.  Christopher Jesus Constanzo, of Torrington, faces up to 30 years in prison following his mea culpa, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  Constanzo was arrested on Dec. 2, 2021, at the U.S. Port of Entry at Highgate Springs, Vermont. The girl told customs officials that they'd met the night before at Stillwater Pond State Park in Torrington, where he sexually …
Gulf Of America Name Change Activated By Google Maps, FAA Gulf Of America Name Change Activated By Google Maps, FAA
Gulf Of America Name Change Activated By Google Maps, FAA The Gulf of America, the area that has been known for centuries as the Gulf of Mexico, is now being used by the US government and some online platforms. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Google Maps have implemented the controversial name change.  The shift follows an official update by the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and was reinforced by a proclamation from President Donald Trump, who on Sunday, Feb. 9, declared the date as the first-ever Gulf of America Day. The announcement came directly from US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who posted on social m…
Law Firm Founder Killed In Gore Mountain Skiing Accident Law Firm Founder Killed In Gore Mountain Skiing Accident
Law Firm Founder Killed In Gore Mountain Skiing Accident Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a prominent attorney and businessman following his untimely death in a skiing accident in the Adirondacks. Kevin Colwell, founder and CEO of the Albany-based Colwell Law Group, died at the Gore Mountain ski resort on Saturday, Feb. 8, the firm said in a statement. He was 53. “This tragic loss has deeply impacted all members of the organization.” Colwell was found severely injured by bystanders and ski patrol staff near the Sagamore Trail around 11 a.m. Saturday, New York State Police said. Despite their attempts at life-saving measures, he…
Former CT Resident Martha Stewart Busts Some Moves In Super Bowl Ad: 'That's How You Glide' Former CT Resident Martha Stewart Busts Some Moves In Super Bowl Ad: 'That's How You Glide'
Former CT Resident Martha Stewart Busts Some Moves In Super Bowl Ad: 'That's How You Glide' Right before Super Bowl LIX began, longtime New York and former Connecticut resident Martha Stewart entertained viewers with some impressive dance moves that were suspiciously spry for an 83-year-old.  Stewart appeared in a commercial for sneakers brand Sketchers that aired just before kickoff on Sunday, Feb. 9 in which she showed off her breakdancing skills.  As the ad begins, the longtime resident of Katonah in northern Westchester County highlights her Sketchers Glide-Step Slip-Ins, saying, "It almost feels like I'm gliding on air when I walk."  Soon after, she says,…
Eagles Seek Revenge, Kendrick Ignites Halftime, Free Stream Offered: Your Super Bowl LIX Guide Eagles Seek Revenge, Kendrick Ignites Halftime, Free Stream Offered: Your Super Bowl LIX Guide
Eagles Seek Revenge, Kendrick Ignites Halftime, Free Stream Offered: Your Super Bowl LIX Guide America's biggest unofficial holiday is here and Super Bowl Sunday offers so much beyond what happens on the field inside the Caesars Superdome. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9. This showdown is a rematch of the NFL's 2023 championship game when the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35 at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs have been slight betting favorites at -1.5 on most sportsbooks since the matchup was finalized. That's a reversal from when they were about two-point underdogs in Super B…
Here’s How To Watch Punxsutawney Phil’s 2025 Groundhog Day Prediction Here’s How To Watch Punxsutawney Phil’s 2025 Groundhog Day Prediction
Here’s How To Watch Punxsutawney Phil’s 2025 Groundhog Day Prediction Punxsutawney Phil is set to make his 139th annual weather prediction on Sunday, Feb. 2, and you don’t have to be at Gobbler’s Knob to watch the moment unfold. Whether you’re hoping for an early spring or preparing for six more weeks of winter, here’s how to catch the legendary groundhog live. 📺 Watch Live Online Can’t make it to Punxsutawney? No problem! The event will be live-streamed across multiple platforms: Visit PA Live Stream PAcast Facebook Live (7:15 AM) YouTube Live (7:15 AM) Instagram Live (7:15 AM) Will Phil see his shadow? Find out live!
Virginia Skating Sisters, Parents Die In DC Air Disaster: Virginia Skating Sisters, Parents Die In DC Air Disaster:
Virginia Skating Sisters, Parents Die In DC Air Disaster: An Ashburn figure-skating family with grand ambitions to represent Team USA was among those killed in a devastating mid-air collision over the Potomac River. Everly and Alydia died alongside their parents. https://www.instagram.com/ice_skating_sisters / Facebook photos Everly Livingston, 14, and her sister Alydia, 11—known as the "Ice Skating Sisters"—died alongside their parents, Donna and Peter, when an American Airlines flight crashed into an Army helicopter en route to Reagan National Airport. The family had been returning to the DMV from Kansas after the US Figure Skating Champ…
NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why
NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why Climate change is fueling a surge in rat populations across major US cities, with Washington, DC, seeing the worst increase over the past two decades, a new study said. The study published by Science Advances on Friday, Jan. 31 analyzed public records from 16 cities worldwide to determine why some urban environments are more infested with rats than others. The researchers found that 11 cities—including Washington, Boston, and New York City—had seen major rat population growth over an average of 12 years. Washington's increase was the most extreme, tripling compared to Bo…
Upcoming Gabby Petito Doc On Netflix Sparks Mixed Reaction Online: 'So Disrespectful' Upcoming Gabby Petito Doc On Netflix Sparks Mixed Reaction Online: 'So Disrespectful'
Upcoming Gabby Petito Doc On Netflix Sparks Mixed Reaction Online: 'So Disrespectful' A chilling new Netflix docuseries is set to reignite national interest in the murder of Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old aspiring social media influencer from New York whose life was cut short by her fiancĂ© during their cross-country road trip. American Murder: Gabby Petito promises an in-depth look beyond the headlines, exploring how an online #VanLife romance unraveled into a nightmare.  The three-part documentary promises exclusive interviews with Petito’s family and friends, revealing the devastating truth behind her allegedly “perfect” relationship with Brian Laundrie—one that was ri…
3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Connecticut, Multiple Other States 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Connecticut, Multiple Other States
3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Connecticut, Multiple Other States The US Geological Survey said a 3.8 magnitude earthquake shook much of the Northeast on Monday, Jan. 27. The quake occurred at 10:45 a.m. and was initially reported as a 4.1 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was located near York Harbor, approximately seven miles off the coast of Maine and about 13 miles underground. The tremors were felt across Massachusetts and reached as far as Upstate New York, parts of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey.  In all, residents in nine states felt the tremors.  According to the Maine Earthquake Database, this was the third-strongest eart…
Trendy Hot Chicken Spot With Millions Of TikTok Followers Opens In Milford, First CT Location Trendy Hot Chicken Spot With Millions Of TikTok Followers Opens In Milford, First CT Location
Trendy Hot Chicken Spot With Millions Of TikTok Followers Opens In Milford, First CT Location A Nashville-style hot chicken chain backed by huge celebrities is bringing its spicy tenders and sandwiches to Connecticut. Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its restaurant in Milford on Friday, Jan. 24. The location at 1611 Boston Post Road is the first Connecticut restaurant for the Los Angeles-area chain. The company has about 3.1 million followers on TikTok and 1.5 million on Instagram. "🔥 We can’t wait to see our #connecticut fam, so tag the crew, spread the word, and get there EARLY ‼️," Dave's posted on social media. View this post on Instagram …
Trump Ends All Jan. 6 Cases With Pardons, Dismissals, Commutations, Signs Flurry Of Orders Trump Ends All Jan. 6 Cases With Pardons, Dismissals, Commutations, Signs Flurry Of Orders
Trump Ends All Jan. 6 Cases With Pardons, Dismissals, Commutations, Signs Flurry Of Orders Newly sworn in President Donald Trump granted pardons to nearly all individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack and signed several executive orders marking an aggressive start to his second non-consecutive term. Some of the orders were signed in front of a crowd at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC shortly after his inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, and the others in the Oval Office. Here's a rundown: Pardons for Jan. 6 rioters
 Trump pardoned, commuted sentences, and dismissed charges for most of the approximately 1,600 individuals charged in the Capitol riots…
Trump Unveils Plan For TikTok After App Used By 170M Americans Goes Dark Trump Unveils Plan For TikTok After App Used By 170M Americans Goes Dark
Trump Unveils Plan For TikTok After App Used By 170M Americans Goes Dark President-elect Donald J. Trump announced Sunday, Jan. 19, that he plans to issue an executive order to delay the federal ban on TikTok, just hours after the app went dark for 170 million US users. UPDATE: TikTok Access Restored After 14 Hours In United States The popular social media platform ceased operations late Saturday, Jan. 18, as a federal law requiring its sale or ban took effect.  The legislation passed last year by Congress amid concerns over TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, raised fears that the app could enable data collection or propaganda by the Chinese gover…
Earn Your Scroll: New App Makes You Walk To Unlock Social Media Earn Your Scroll: New App Makes You Walk To Unlock Social Media
Earn Your Scroll: New App Makes You Walk To Unlock Social Media A new app is fighting against doomscrolling and helping users get active by turning steps into screen time. Steppin' blocks you from using certain apps unless you walk a certain number of daily steps. The app was founded by Boston entrepreneur Paul English, who's also a co-founder of travel search engine Kayak.com. Steppin' rewards physical activity by tying screen time to movement. For every 100 steps, users earn one minute of access to restricted apps, including social media apps like Facebook and Instagram, as well as other platforms like Netflix. The app's settings are fully …
Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban: How The App Could Survive In The U.S. Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban: How The App Could Survive In The U.S.
Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban: How The App Could Survive In The U.S. The Supreme Court has upheld a new law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. unless its Chinese parent company divests from the very popular video-sharing social media app. The justices said the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" doesn't violate the First Amendment, according to the court's decision on Friday, Jan. 17. The ruling allows for TikTok to potentially be banned in the U.S. as early as Sunday, Jan. 19. TikTok, which has more than 170 million users in the U.S., has come under scrutiny over fears that ByteDance could allow the Chinese gov…
FDA Approves ZYN Nicotine Pouches For Sale, Restricts Ads Targeting Teens FDA Approves ZYN Nicotine Pouches For Sale, Restricts Ads Targeting Teens
FDA Approves ZYN Nicotine Pouches For Sale, Restricts Ads Targeting Teens The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the sales of 20 types of ZYN nicotine pouches amid concerns about children and teens using the products. The decision allows ZYN nicotine pouches to be legally marketed in the U.S. to adults aged 21 and older, the FDA said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 6. The small natural fiber pouches are designed to be placed between the gum and lip. The FDA said the pouches contain substantially lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes and most smokeless tobacco products, reducing risks of cancer and other serious …
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta will cut thousands of employees in the latest move for the controversial company that owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram, according to reports. An internal memo sent to Meta workers said five percent of low-performing employees will be terminated, Bloomberg News reported. The company that also owns WhatsApp and Threads has more than 72,000 employees, according to Meta's most recent quarterly report. A five-percent reduction would mean about 3,600 people could lose their jobs. "I've decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,…
CT Dad’s Epic Meltdowns Are Blowing Up On TikTok CT Dad’s Epic Meltdowns Are Blowing Up On TikTok
CT Dad’s Epic Meltdowns Are Blowing Up On TikTok When Michael Bambino, 20, posted his first prank video on his dad, he never imagined it would become a viral sensation. The clip — featuring his father’s short fuse and trademark over-the-top reactions — racked up 200,000 views overnight. Now, Michael’s playful antics with his 56-year-old, Brookfield-based construction worker dad, Anthony Bambino, have become social media gold. Their TikTok handle, @theragingitalian_, and Instagram page, @theragingitalian, are closing in on 2 million followers combined — just six months after launching. The channel’s name says it all. Most videos show Micha…
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…
Fresh Catch: Seafood Market Expanding With Takeout Venture Along CT Shoreline Fresh Catch: Seafood Market Expanding With Takeout Venture Along CT Shoreline
Fresh Catch: Seafood Market Expanding With Takeout Venture Along CT Shoreline A seafood market is casting a bigger net by opening a restaurant in a popular destination for foodies along the Connecticut shoreline. J&R Seafood Market will open a takeout restaurant in Mystic called Off The Hook, the shop said in a Facebook post. The spot will be on West Main Street in the former home of Young Buns Doughnuts, which closed at the end of 2024. The new grab-and-go concept promises a curated menu of fresh and flavorful seafood dishes, maintaining the same quality and dedication customers of the Williams Avenue store have come to expect. "The fish market is STAYING …