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Connecticut

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…
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …
Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Across US Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Across US
Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Across US Macy’s, Inc. confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 9, the closure of 16 stores across Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy. The closures are among 66 Macy’s locations set to shutter nationwide, a move designed to return the company to "sustainable, profitable sales growth." The stores closing in these states include: Virginia Southpark Mall Pennsylvania Logan Valley Mall Exton Square Mall Wyoming Valley Mall Philadelphia Center City Store in the Wanamaker Building New Jersey Essex Green Shopping Center New York Lake Success Melv…
Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At Bristol Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At Bristol Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info
Cat Freezes To Death Locked In Crate At Bristol Park; Group Offers $5K Reward For Info An animal rights group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals who left a cat locked in a crate in a Connecticut park, where it froze to death. Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates announced the reward after learning that a tabby cat had died in Rockwell Park on Dec. 28. Related: Group Offers Reward to Find Who Left Dog, 6 Pups to Die in CT Parking Lot The group stated it would pay $5,000 for tips that result in the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The reward is valid for 90 days. ‼️‼️‼️REWARD‼️‼️‼️ Desmond's Army…
Raw Kitten Food Sold In CT Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Raw Kitten Food Sold In CT Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says
Raw Kitten Food Sold In CT Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 pounds of its raw cat food sold across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic after the product tested positive for salmonella, officials said. The Food and Drug Administration said the recall impacts two-pound logs of Blue Ridge Beef's kitten mix with lot number N25-0716 (UPC 854298001436). A customer complained about a cat getting sick after eating the mix and a food sample was collected on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the product tested positive for salmonella on Friday, Jan. 3. The FDA said the food …
Hartford Felon on Probation Rams Cop Cars During Chase, Tries To Push Car Off Road In Windham Hartford Felon on Probation Rams Cop Cars During Chase, Tries To Push Car Off Road In Windham
Hartford Felon on Probation Rams Cop Cars During Chase, Tries To Push Car Off Road In Windham A convicted felon on probation faces a long list of charges after a chaotic police chase across multiple Connecticut towns ended with a dramatic arrest late last week, authorities announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8.  Julian Ramos, 24, of Hartford, is accused of ramming two police cruisers, trying to run a civilian off the road, and endangering countless lives during the high-speed pursuit, authorities said. The chase began when Willimantic Police alerted State Troopers about a Honda Civic linked to multiple recent traffic stops. Ramos, the driver, was spotted at a gas station on Boston Pos…
'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In East Hartford 'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In East Hartford
'This Is Disgusting': Community Fumes After Pregnant Dog, 6 Pups Left To Die In East Hartford As news leaked about an in-labor dog left to die in a Connecticut parking lot, snuffing out her life and the lives of her six puppies, the reaction from the community has been overwhelming.  The French bulldog mix was found on Dec. 19 at 8 Turtle Creek Lane in East Hartford. She was in active labor and struggling to breathe, and she died before emergency veterinarians could help her.  East Hartford police said on Monday, Jan. 6, no arrests had been made and there were new updates to the story. Investigators are expected to discuss the case's progress on Tuesday. Original Report:…
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, Cfpb Says About 15 million Americans will see their credit reports cleared of medical debt under a new rule approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has finalized a landmark rule that removes $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, the bureau said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The regulation also prohibits lenders from using medical information in lending decisions when evaluating loan applications. The rule is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable the approval of 22,000 additional mortgages annually. "People …
CT Ranks Among Top States For Cancer Research With High Clinical Trial Access CT Ranks Among Top States For Cancer Research With High Clinical Trial Access
CT Ranks Among Top States For Cancer Research With High Clinical Trial Access Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
CT DOT Warns Of Treacherous Roads; Crashes Reported Across State From Icy Conditions CT DOT Warns Of Treacherous Roads; Crashes Reported Across State From Icy Conditions
CT DOT Warns Of Treacherous Roads; Crashes Reported Across State From Icy Conditions The Connecticut State Department of Transportation is asking drivers to take extra precautions to protect themselves while driving because of icy roads.  Gov. Ned Lamont ordered the state into its severe cold weather protocol that will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, and run through noon Thursday.  Those cold temperatures have wreaked havoc on several roads across the state. Facebook groups across the state are littered with reports of black ice, crashes, and bad conditions in multiple locations.  With inclement weather happening across the state today, be careful! Drive …
CT Teen Critically Injured After Crashing Stolen Car; 2nd Suspect On Run: Report CT Teen Critically Injured After Crashing Stolen Car; 2nd Suspect On Run: Report
CT Teen Critically Injured After Crashing Stolen Car; 2nd Suspect On Run: Report A 15-year-old Connecticut boy is fighting for his life after crashing a stolen car into a telephone pole early Thursday morning, Jan. 2, authorities said.  The crash happened around 3 a.m. on Quinnipiac Avenue near Hemingway Street in New Haven, according to an NBC Connecticut report.  Officers arrived to find a Hyundai Elantra down an embankment with severe damage. Emergency crews pulled the teen from the wreckage and rushed him to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, the report said.  Police say the car's ignition was tampered with, and the…
18-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Glastonbury New Year's Eve Crash 18-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Glastonbury New Year's Eve Crash
18-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Glastonbury New Year's Eve Crash An 18-year-old Connecticut woman was seriously injured after she crashed into multiple trees on New Year's Eve, authorities said.  The Manchester teen was driving west on Route 2 in Glastonbury when for an unknown reason her Mazda2 left the road near Exit 10 and crashed into some nearby trees, authorities said. The woman's name was not released.  Responders were called to the scene around 9:15 p.m.  The woman was airlifted to Hartford Hospital for emergency treatment.  Police closed a portion of the road for several hours as they cleaned, cleared, and investigated the …
Speeding Driver Sends Truck Into River, Canton Police Say: 'Tragedy Averted' Speeding Driver Sends Truck Into River, Canton Police Say: 'Tragedy Averted'
Speeding Driver Sends Truck Into River, Canton Police Say: 'Tragedy Averted' A speeding Connecticut driver and their passenger narrowly avoided catastrophe over the weekend when the truck they were in crashed into a river, authorities said.  Canton Police Chief Christopher Arciero said the wreck happened just after midnight on Sunday, Dec. 29, after a speeding truck careened off Torrington Avenue and into the Farmington River. Both people inside were able to climb out of the crashed truck before authorities arrived.  Arciero noted that the outcome could have been much worse. "Tragedy averted, frankly," he told the Daily Voice. Late last night Fire &a…
'It's Chaos': 2 Hospitalized After Car Crashes Into Them During CT Street Takeover 'It's Chaos': 2 Hospitalized After Car Crashes Into Them During CT Street Takeover
'It's Chaos': 2 Hospitalized After Car Crashes Into Them During CT Street Takeover Two suspected spectators of a Connecticut street takeover were hospitalized after a car performing doughnuts in the street crashed into them, video of the incident shows. Related: Teen Steals City Car To Use In Street Takeover In Norwalk North Haven police released video of the crash, which occurred early Saturday, Dec. 28, on Montowese Avenue at the I-91 North on-ramp intersection. Authorities were called to the scene, but the crowd dispersed before officers arrived. A short time later, an area hospital contacted police to report that two men in their 20s had been injured after being hit b…
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores 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…