Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees
Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees Southwest Airlines is grounding one of its most famous perks, marking a major shift in its identity after more than five decades. Southwest will no longer offer free checked bags for all passengers, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The new luggage policy will begin for tickets purchased on or after Wednesday, May 28. The airline has had its well-known "Bags Fly Free" perk since it was founded in 1971. "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profita…
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an urgent warning about a widespread text message scam designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), the scam involves fraudulent texts impersonating toll and package delivery services to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. According to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 fraudulent domains as part of this operation, targeting at least 11 states and one Canadian province. Key…
Blood Moon Eclipse Coming This Week: Here's When, What To Know Blood Moon Eclipse Coming This Week: Here's When, What To Know
Blood Moon Eclipse Coming This Week: Here's When, What To Know Skywatchers across North America are in for a treat as the moon prepares to undergo a stunning transformation during a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a blood moon.  This remarkable phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the moon and the sun, casting a shadow that turns the moon a captivating reddish hue. This celestial event is scheduled to take place overnight from Thursday, March 13, into Friday, March 14.  Enthusiasts in North America will have an excellent opportunity to observe the peak of the eclipse, which is expected to occur between 2:26 a.m. an…
Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’ Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’
Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’ Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys legend Brian Littrell, took a major step in his music career Sunday night, March 9, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood on ‘American Idol.’ The 21-year-old from Atlanta, GA, performed an original song before judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie during the season premiere on FOX. “Something about you looks familiar,” Underwood told Littrell during his audition. Littrell, who grew up surrounded by music, said he hopes to “do his dad justice” with his talent. “I guess you can say music runs in our family,” he said. Despite his musica…
Free Pints Of 'Lighter' Ice Cream Aim To Make Spring Sweeter: How You Can Get Yours Free Pints Of 'Lighter' Ice Cream Aim To Make Spring Sweeter: How You Can Get Yours
Free Pints Of 'Lighter' Ice Cream Aim To Make Spring Sweeter: How You Can Get Yours A company specializing in a "lighter" type of ice cream is celebrating spring's arrival with free pints. Halo Top will give away 80,000 pints of its ice cream, the company announced on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The pints with mix-ins have 490 calories, which Halo Top says is about half as many calories as other leading ice creams. The promotion runs through Thursday, Mar. 20, in celebration of International Happiness Day. "Halo Top has always been about giving ice cream lovers everything they crave – all the rich, creamy indulgence of traditional ice cream without compromise," said Halo Top b…
Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study
Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study A new study has revealed a staggering surge in fentanyl poisonings among children and teens across the US, with cases skyrocketing by more than 1,100 percent between 2015 and 2023. The findings, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, highlight the growing threat posed by the deadly synthetic opioid, particularly as counterfeit pills flood the illicit market. The study examined nonfatal fentanyl exposures reported to US poison centers from 2015 to 2023, analyzing cases involving children and adolescents aged 0–19.  Researchers found a dramatic increase in poisonin…
Winning Numbers For Monday, March 10 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $336M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, March 10 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $336M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, March 10 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $336M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, March 10 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $336 million with a $157.6 million cash option after no jackpot was claimed. The jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 with a $353 million prize. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 17-40-47-50-55 with a Powerball of 06 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes t…
CT Paraprofessional Sexually Assaulted 2 Underage Students, Sent Lewd Texts: Police CT Paraprofessional Sexually Assaulted 2 Underage Students, Sent Lewd Texts: Police
CT Paraprofessional Sexually Assaulted 2 Underage Students, Sent Lewd Texts: Police A 24-year-old Connecticut paraprofessional has been accused of sexually assaulting two underage students and sending lewd, inappropriate texts, authorities said. Dean Allen Jones, of Hartford, worked at STRIVE (Success Through Responsibility, Initiative, Vision, and Education) High School in West Hartford, police said. School leaders contacted West Hartford police on Jan. 16 to report Jones had allegedly inappropriately touched two students, authorities said.  After an investigation, police said Jones not only touched the children but also sent one of them sexual text messages, author…
Wanted CT Man Caught Flying At 105 MPH On 1-84 Because Someone Gave Him The Bird: Police Wanted CT Man Caught Flying At 105 MPH On 1-84 Because Someone Gave Him The Bird: Police
Wanted CT Man Caught Flying At 105 MPH On 1-84 Because Someone Gave Him The Bird: Police A Connecticut man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested after state police say he was caught speeding at more than 100 mph on I-84 in West Hartford — and it all started because another driver flipped him off, authorities said.  Collin Demo, 21, of Manchester, was pulled over near Exit 37 around 11 p.m. Saturday, March 8, after a trooper clocked his Mazda 3 at 105 mph in a 65 mph zone, according to Connecticut State Police. Troopers say Demo was weaving through traffic and using all lanes before he was stopped. When asked why he was driving so fast, Demo admitted he knew he was …
Drunk CT Woman 'Just Having Fun' Driving 119 MPH On I-84 In Southington: Police Drunk CT Woman 'Just Having Fun' Driving 119 MPH On I-84 In Southington: Police
Drunk CT Woman 'Just Having Fun' Driving 119 MPH On I-84 In Southington: Police A Connecticut woman who was clocked at 119 mph on I-84 while intoxicated told police she was "just having fun" and wanted to see how fast her car could go since she couldn't afford to take it out on a track, authorities said.  Amanda Offerdahl, 27, of Cheshire, was pulled over around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, near Exit 31 in Southington after a state trooper spotted her BMW 430i weaving between lanes and passing traffic at an "extremely high rate of speed," Connecticut State Police said. As the trooper began pacing the vehicle, Offerdahl allegedly accelerated even more on open st…
Families Of 3 Mass Women Who Died In Belize Say They're 'Shattered,' Praying For Answers Families Of 3 Mass Women Who Died In Belize Say They're 'Shattered,' Praying For Answers
Families Of 3 Mass Women Who Died In Belize Say They're 'Shattered,' Praying For Answers The families of three Massachusetts women who died in a luxury Belize hotel last month said the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain "unclear and suspicious." The tragedy has left them "shattered, struggling to comprehend" their grief, they wrote.  In their first public comments, the families of Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad thanked the community for its outpouring of support after the women were found dead on Feb. 22. The lifelong friends from Revere had traveled to Central America to celebrate Wafae’s 26th birthday. In the weeks since their death, auth…
CVS To Open Pharmacy-Only Locations Amid Store Closings, Corporate Layoffs CVS To Open Pharmacy-Only Locations Amid Store Closings, Corporate Layoffs
CVS To Open Pharmacy-Only Locations Amid Store Closings, Corporate Layoffs CVS is rolling out a new wave of smaller-format pharmacies in select communities nationwide as it tries to adapt to changes in the retail world. CVS plans to open at least a dozen of these compact pharmacies nationwide in 2025, a spokesperson confirmed to Daily Voice on Monday, Mar. 10. The pharmacy-only locations aim to improve access to medications, immunizations, and pharmacist-provided health care services. Each location will average less than 5,000 square feet, with a full-service pharmacy and a limited selection of over-the-counter products tailored to a community. "By taki…
CT Man Who Stabbed Woman Repeatedly, Leaps From 2-Story Home In Failed Getaway: Cops CT Man Who Stabbed Woman Repeatedly, Leaps From 2-Story Home In Failed Getaway: Cops
CT Man Who Stabbed Woman Repeatedly, Leaps From 2-Story Home In Failed Getaway: Cops A 37-year-old Connecticut man jumped from a second-story window to escape police after he allegedly stabbed the mother of his children multiple times during an argument, authorities said. Robert Clark, of Waterbury, faces charges of first-degree assault, breach of peace, first-degree threatening, two counts of risk of injury to a child, and interfering with an officer in connection with the reported attack Monday morning, March 10, police said. Officers responded around 9 a.m. to reports of a disturbance at a home on Rose Street in Waterbury. Upon arrival, they found a 25-year-old woman suf…
Trump, CAIR, SJP Release Statements On Columbia Protest Organizer Held By ICE In NJ Trump, CAIR, SJP Release Statements On Columbia Protest Organizer Held By ICE In NJ
Trump, CAIR, SJP Release Statements On Columbia Protest Organizer Held By ICE In NJ A Columbia University graduate detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now at the center of a political firestorm as the Trump administration slashes federal funding to the school and enforces new visa restrictions targeting international students linked to protests. Mahmoud Khalil Detained Amid Federal Crackdown Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent Columbia graduate, was taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday, March 8, outside his university-owned apartment in New York City. ICE claims his student visa was revoked, but …
Elon Musk Blames Cyberattack After X Hit By Waves Of Outages Elon Musk Blames Cyberattack After X Hit By Waves Of Outages
Elon Musk Blames Cyberattack After X Hit By Waves Of Outages Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has experienced separate significant waves of outages which the billionaire entrepreneur attributes to a potential cyberattack. The issues began around 6 a.m. Eastern time on Monday, March 10 when approximately 20,538 users reported problems, according to DownDetector, a site that tracks outages,  The outages subsided briefly before resurging, with nearly 40,000 users reporting issues by 10 a.m. Since then, around 26,000 additional reports have been logged as of 12:30 p.m. ET. Many users said that the app would not load properly and posts were not…
Late-Night Gunshots Land CT Convicted Felon Back Behind Bars: Police Late-Night Gunshots Land CT Convicted Felon Back Behind Bars: Police
Late-Night Gunshots Land CT Convicted Felon Back Behind Bars: Police Reports of a late-night shooting prompted a high-stakes police response at a Connecticut home, where officers uncovered a stockpile of firearms and arrested a convicted felon, authorities said.  Ryan Ortiz, 39, was arrested at a home on Franklin Street in Ansonia after neighbors called police after seeing someone point a gun out a window and fire multiple shots into the woods, authorities said. Ansonia police arrived to find multiple shell casings outside the house, which prompted a deeper investigation. Officers found two handguns, a shotgun, three BB guns, and ammo inside, authoriti…
S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say
S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say A family attempting to make s’mores in their backyard accidentally sparked several brush fires that burned hundreds of acres on Long Island, authorities said. An investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives determined that high winds spread embers from a Manorville backyard on Cozine Road after the family attempted to start a fire for s’mores, the agency announced Monday, March 10. “It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires,” Suffolk County Police said. Detectives are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips,…
Steelers Legend, Broadcaster Craig Wolfley Dies At 66 Steelers Legend, Broadcaster Craig Wolfley Dies At 66
Steelers Legend, Broadcaster Craig Wolfley Dies At 66 Craig Wolfley, a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, broadcaster, and world-class strongman, has died at the age of 66, the team announced Monday, March 10. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Wolfley, a beloved member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family," Steelers President Art Rooney II said. Wolfley was a fifth-round draft pick out of Syracuse University in 1980 and played 10 seasons with the Steelers, forming a formidable bond with fellow lineman Tunch Ilkin. Off the field, his strength was legendary—he even placed fifth in the World’s Strongest Man competition in …
CT Man Critically Injured In Early Morning SUV Crash CT Man Critically Injured In Early Morning SUV Crash
CT Man Critically Injured In Early Morning SUV Crash A 40-year-old man is fighting for his life in a Connecticut hospital after being hit by an SUV while walking on Route 8, police said. The Seymour man was walking south near the Exit 9 on-ramp in Shelton when the SUV struck him on Sunday, March 9, shortly before 5:30 a.m., Connecticut State Police said. Paramedics rushed the victim to St. Vincent's Hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.  The SUV’s driver, a Waterbury resident, remained at the scene, police said. The crash remains under investigation. Police urge anyone with information, witnesses, or those with dashcam foot…
CT Helps Reach Major 2025 EV Target In Decade-Long Clean Energy Push CT Helps Reach Major 2025 EV Target In Decade-Long Clean Energy Push
CT Helps Reach Major 2025 EV Target In Decade-Long Clean Energy Push A group of states has reached its collective goal to get more drivers to use electric vehicles by 2025. More than 3.3 million EVs are now registered across the ten states, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management said in a news release on Monday, Mar. 10. The group includes Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Ten governors signed a memorandum of understanding in 2013, aiming to reach the 3.3 million mark by 2025. At the time, just 87,506 electric cars were on the road in those states. The new report confirmed that as of Tu…
Missing CT Man’s Car Found In Massachusetts River, Police Search Intensifies Missing CT Man’s Car Found In Massachusetts River, Police Search Intensifies
Missing CT Man’s Car Found In Massachusetts River, Police Search Intensifies A car driven by a missing 26-year-old Connecticut man was found at the bottom of a river in Massachusetts after he vanished over the weekend following a party there, police said. The search for him continues. Daniel Callahan was last seen by friends late Saturday, March 8, after attending a gathering in Chicopee, Massachusetts. When he failed to return home to East Windsor, his family grew concerned and contacted police early the next morning. As East Windsor police launched a missing person investigation, Chicopee police responded just after midnight Sunday to a report of a possible person…
Missing American Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Beach Walk In DR Missing American Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Beach Walk In DR
Missing American Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Beach Walk In DR The search is on for a University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia who vanished while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. An "exhaustive" international search involving the US and Dominican Republic officials has been launched for Chantilly native Sudiksha Konanki, 20, who has not been heard from since last week. Konanki was reported missing on Thursday, March 6, while vacationing with five friends at a resort in Punta Cana, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Konanki, a citizen of India and permanent US resident, has not been seen since around 4:15 a.m. that …
Guilty! Woman Smuggled Workers Into CT, Used Threats, Unpaid Debt To Exploit Them: DOJ Guilty! Woman Smuggled Workers Into CT, Used Threats, Unpaid Debt To Exploit Them: DOJ
Guilty! Woman Smuggled Workers Into CT, Used Threats, Unpaid Debt To Exploit Them: DOJ A Connecticut woman who smuggled immigrants into Connecticut and trapped them in a cycle of debt, labor, and fear has been sentenced to three years in federal prison, authorities announced. Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, 47, a Mexican national living in Vernon, pleaded guilty to her role in a human trafficking scheme that preyed on vulnerable immigrants, including minors, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. Investigators found that Ramos, her mother, and others smuggled at least 19 victims — many from Mexico — into the U.S., charging them up to $20,000 just to cross the border. Once in C…
CT Woman Repeatedly Stabbed In Serious Condition At Hospital CT Woman Repeatedly Stabbed In Serious Condition At Hospital
CT Woman Repeatedly Stabbed In Serious Condition At Hospital Update: A 37-year-old man, who is the father of the woman's children, is charged in the attack. Click here for more information on his arrest.  Original: A Connecticut woman who was stabbed repeatedly in a domestic dispute is recovering at an area hospital, officials said.  Waterbury police were called to a home in the area of Rose and Walnut Streets just before 9 a.m. on Monday, March 10, to find the 25-year-old woman suffering multiple stab wounds, authorities said.  Paramedics rushed the woman to an area hospital, where she is in serious but stable condition, Waterbury po…
CT Dad, Baby Killed In I-91 Crash With Fuel Tanker In Vermont: State Police CT Dad, Baby Killed In I-91 Crash With Fuel Tanker In Vermont: State Police
CT Dad, Baby Killed In I-91 Crash With Fuel Tanker In Vermont: State Police A Connecticut father and his 4-month-old son have been identified as the victims of a fatal crash with a fuel tanker on Interstate 91 over the weekend in Vermont. Taylor Binnington, 39, of North Haven, was behind the wheel of a Hyundai with his wife and two young children, traveling north through Rockingham, Vermont, on Saturday, Nov. 8, around 9:45 a.m., when he crashed into the rear of the tanker truck, Vermont State Police said. Binnington died at the scene, and his infant son, Lake Perry, was airlifted to a hospital in New Hampshire, where he succumbed to his injuries soon after, police…
Free Italian Ice Giveaway Celebrates Spring's Arrival: Here's How To Get Yours Free Italian Ice Giveaway Celebrates Spring's Arrival: Here's How To Get Yours
Free Italian Ice Giveaway Celebrates Spring's Arrival: Here's How To Get Yours An Italian ice company well-known throughout the mid-Atlantic is helping you begin spring with a cool treat. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard will hand out free six-ounce Italian ices at all of its locations, the company said in a news release on Monday, Mar. 10. It will happen on Thursday, Mar. 20, which is also the first day of spring. The one-day giveaway is a long-standing celebration for the popular frozen treat chain, which expects to serve around one million cups of Italian ice during the event. "Rita's First Day of Spring Giveaway has been more than just a tradition — i…
Red Robin May Close Dozens Of Struggling Restaurants: Here's What We Know Red Robin May Close Dozens Of Struggling Restaurants: Here's What We Know
Red Robin May Close Dozens Of Struggling Restaurants: Here's What We Know Red Robin may soon serve its last burgers and orders of bottomless steak fries at dozens of locations nationwide. Red Robin is considering closing up to 70 underperforming restaurants, the chain revealed in its latest earnings report. The announcement came after Red Robin posted a $77.5 million net loss in 2024. One restaurant already closed during the fourth quarter, the Colorado-based company said. "While financial results for 2024 fell well below our original expectations, we've made substantial improvements to the guest experience and believe we still have a significant …
Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List
Ex-Olympian Accused Of Ordering Murders Added To FBI's Most Wanted List In a stunning fall from grace, a former once celebrated for his prowess on the slopes, now finds himself at the center of a chilling manhunt. Accused of orchestrating a deadly drug trafficking operation that spans continents, Ryan Wedding, age 43, has been placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, joining the ranks of the most notorious criminals in America.
 Once an icon of athleticism, Wedding now faces serious allegations, including multiple murders linked to his alleged drug empire.  As authorities intensify their search, a $10 million reward has been offered for informat…
Serious Safety Risk Warning Issued For Americans In Mexico On Spring Break Serious Safety Risk Warning Issued For Americans In Mexico On Spring Break
Serious Safety Risk Warning Issued For Americans In Mexico On Spring Break As spring breakers head to Mexico, the US State Department is warning travelers about serious safety risks. Related story - US Travel Advisory Expanded: These 23 Nations Now Under Warning Recent incidents involving American tourists have raised alarms, necessitating immediate attention from those planning trips south of the border. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and informed to ensure their safety during this popular travel season. Important Safety Concerns Every year, thousands of US citizens visit Mexico for spring break, drawn by its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture…
Grocery Shoppers Pivot As Inflation Reshapes Spending Grocery Shoppers Pivot As Inflation Reshapes Spending
Grocery Shoppers Pivot As Inflation Reshapes Spending As inflation continues to strain household budgets, consumers are scaling back purchases of both name-brand and private-label snacks and drinks.  TreeHouse Foods, a leading manufacturer of private-label products for major retailers like Walmart and Trader Joe’s, is now feeling the pinch, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.  After initially benefiting from consumers shifting toward budget-friendly options, TreeHouse is now seeing slower sales growth as rising costs for essentials like coffee and eggs impact spending, the outlet said. Once a growth driver, private-lab…
Small Plane Crashes, Explodes At Pennsylvania Retirement Community: Officials Small Plane Crashes, Explodes At Pennsylvania Retirement Community: Officials
Small Plane Crashes, Explodes At Pennsylvania Retirement Community: Officials A plane crashed and exploded near a retirement community in Lancaster County, injuring multiple people and triggering a massive emergency response on Sunday, March 9, officials said. The aircraft, a Beechcraft A36TC Bonanza registered as N347M and owned by Jam Zoom Yayos LLC, went down near Fairview Drive and Meadowview Court in Manheim Township at 3:18 p.m., according to emergency dispatchers. The 1981-manufactured plane had five occupants, all of whom survived but sustained injuries of varying severity. New video from the plane crash site in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania. Reports of m…