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Wednesday, jan 29
News
Trump Clears Air On Mystery Drones In CT Skies: 'Not The Enemy'
After months of speculation and sky-high conspiracy theories, the mystery around those mysterious drones has finally been grounded. Sort of. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt relayed a message “directly” from President Donald Trump during her first press briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 28, addressing the drones that have been seen over the tri-state since late last year. “After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt quoted Trump as sayi…
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Rare Strain Of Bird Flu Discovered As Egg Prices Soar, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Fowls Killed
The detection of a different more rare strain of avian influenza is raising alarm as record egg prices soar to new highs. A farm in California where the new H5N9 strain was detected had to kill 119,000 birds after the more common H5N1 strain had been detected earlier. In New York, a farm on Long Island culled 100,000 ducks after a bird flu outbreak. “Whether this novel H5N9 virus will cause human infections from its avian host and become a pandemic subtype is not known yet,” the US National Library of Medicine said. “It is therefore imperative to assess the risk of emergence of t…
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Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide
Flu activity remains high and is increasing across many parts of the country. For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, 25 percent of tests returned positive for flu, up from 19 percent the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than five percent of emergency-room visits were flu-related, with notable increases among infants, older children, and teens, nearing pre-holiday surge levels. "The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity and that is expected to continue for several more weeks," the CDC said. Elev…
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CT Couple Killed In PA Hit-And-Run; Driver Sentenced To Up To 56 Years
A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 26 years, nine months to 56 years, 10 months in state prison for causing the high-speed hit-and-run crash that killed a Connecticut couple in Bucks County last February. John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., 32, of Bensalem, received the sentence from Common Pleas Judge C. Theodore Fritsch on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at the Bucks County Justice Center. He was also ordered to pay $14,971.11 in restitution and $8,100 in fines for the crash that killed Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and her husband Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, CT. Crash And Aftermath On Feb. 24, 2024, Wa…
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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…
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Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump
A man accused of threatening to kill President Trump has been apprehended following a tip to federal authorities. The investigation began on Inauguration Day on Monday, Jan. 20, after a tip to the FBI National Threat Operations Center reported violent online posts targeting the former president. Federal agents traced the posts to Shannon Depararro Atkins, age 46, of West Palm Beach, Florida, near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Atkins was arrested just before 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 near his home after being pulled over in a white 2013 BMW 750Li, said Public Informat…
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CT Couples Expect Second-Most Expensive Wedding Gifts In U.S.: How Much Should You Spend?
Newlywed couples in Northeast and mid-Atlantic states expect some of the most generous wedding gifts in the country, a new study said. Couples in New York expect the most expensive gifts in the U.S. at an average of $204.60 per guest, according to the study by fine jewelry brand Shane Co. The survey, based on responses from more than 3,000 Americans, also highlights regional trends in gift expectations, budgets, and wedding traditions. Connecticut newlyweds had the nation's second-highest expectations of $202.40 per gift, while New Jersey ranked fourth at $172.30. Pennsylvani…
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'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing
Natalie DiDonato, a cast member from Season 5 of "Mob Wives", has been found safe in Nevada, ending a brief missing-persons search, NBC News reported. DiDonato, 44, contacted her mother, Denise Fuoco, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and assured her she was safe and not being held against her will. "My daughter's been found," Fuoco told NBC News. "She's fine right now. We're trying to get her home." The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that its search for DiDonato was officially over. In a statement released on Thursday, Jan. 23, the LVMPD said, "This case has been closed. We …
News
CT Man's Attack On Ex-Girlfriend, Robbery Of Intervening Victim Lands Him Jail Time
A 41-year-old Connecticut man will spend years behind bars for a violent attack against his ex-girlfriend and robbery of a victim who tried to stop him in Westchester, officials announced. Litchfield County resident Paul Price of Torrington was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 23 to 10 years in prison on charges connected to an August 2023 incident where he repeatedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend in Yonkers, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Jan. 24. The harrowing ordeal began when Price confronted his ex-girlfriend at her Yonkers workplace on…
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Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get?
Purdue Pharma will pay more than $7 billion for the corporation's role in fueling the opioid epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma reached a $7.4 billion settlement with attorneys general from 15 states on Thursday, Jan. 23. The Sacklers have owned the company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, for decades. The settlement includes $6.5 billion from the Sackler family, with $1.5 billion to be paid immediately, and nearly $900 million from Purdue Pharma. Funds will be distributed to states, local governments, and victims ov…
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Newly Minted Millionaire: Mohegan Sun Guest Wins $1.3M on $3 Slot Machine Bet
A Mohegan Sun gambler is celebrating a life-changing win after hitting a $1.37 million jackpot from a $3 bet earlier this month. The massive payout came on an IGT-developed movie-theme slot machine, based on the hit film "Jumanji: The Next Level." The winner celebrated the jackpot with everyone on the casino floor. Related: $10.8M Lottery Ticket Sold In Connecticut The winner's name was not released. Mohegan Sun in Uncasville offers slot games, high-limit lounges, and many other games and experiences. Find more details at mohegansun.com/playing.
News
Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse In NY, Lawsuit Says
Baseball icon Mariano Rivera and his wife are both named in a new lawsuit alleging that the couple did not protect a young victim from being sexually abused by members of a Westchester-based church, some of which happened at their home. The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court in Westchester County on Thursday, Jan. 16, alleges that a child referred to as "Jane A Doe" because of her young age was sexually abused by two people affiliated with New Rochelle-based Refuge of Hope Church. The church began as a small ministry in Rivera's home and his wife, Clara, still works a…
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$44M COVID Tax Scheme: 7 Nabbed In Largest US Case Ever
Seven New Yorkers have been charged in a sweeping tax fraud scheme, accused of exploiting pandemic relief programs to steal over $44 million, federal prosecutors announced. The indictment by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, unsealed Wednesday, Jan. 22, alleges that the defendants filed over 8,000 fraudulent tax returns, seeking more than $600 million in COVID-19 relief funds through the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and related programs. Investigators determined the group successfully secured $44 million from the federal government. Defendants Long Island …
News
Branford Woman Stole $61K From Disabled Medicaid Recipient: Prosecutor
A Connecticut woman has been charged with stealing over $61,000 from a trust account meant to support a disabled Medicaid recipient, authorities said. Jennifer Rose, 47, of Branford, was arrested by state Inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after an investigation revealed she allegedly drained the trust account during her time as trustee from Jan. 2020 to Jan. 2021, state prosecutors said. According to court documents, Rose used the funds, intended to cover the care and well-being of the disabled beneficiary, for personal expenses, including trips and other purchases…
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'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Vanishes After Missing PA Flight: Report
Natalie DiDonato, known for her appearance on Season 5 of "Mob Wives," has been reported missing after failing to show up for two flights home, according to TMZ. The Las Vegas Police Department confirmed that a missing person report for DiDonato, 44, was filed on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2025. However, Philadelphia Police did not respond to our request for comment. **UPDATE: DiDonato was found, click here to read out the our full report** According to TMZ, DiDonato’s family is deeply concerned after she failed to board a Jan. 5 flight from Philadelphia to her home in Florida. Friends and family sa…
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Real
ID Enforcement Set To Begin Nationwide: Here's When
Travelers and those accessing federal facilities will soon need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification under new security requirements. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 in response to 9/11 Commission recommendations, requires stricter security standards for state-issued licenses and ID cards. These credentials will be essential for boarding commercial flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing certain restricted facilities. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske emphasized the importance of compliance, …
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Mystery Drones Over NJ? Trump Says 'I Just Got Here! But Promises Answers
Since November, New Jersey skies have been abuzz with mystery drones. And now President Donald Trump promises answers. Shortly after his inauguration, Trump addressed the peculiar sightings, including reports of drones flying over his Bedminster golf club, calling the activity “interesting” and vowing to get to the bottom of it. "In fact, I’d like to know because I just got here. I just came here. I would like to find out what it is and tell the people," he said Monday, Jan. 20 after an inquiry from a reporter. "In fact, I’d like to do that. Can we find out what that was, Susie? OK? W…
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Nasal Spray Treating Major Depression Receives FDA Approval For Standalone Use
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Johnson & Johnson's nasal spray as a standalone treatment for severe forms of depression, officials said. The FDA granted approval to Spravato (esketamine) as the first monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression, J&J said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The decision came after a priority review of clinical data showing significant improvements in depression symptoms as early as 24 hours and sustained progress through four weeks. According to J&J, treatment-resistant depression affects about one-t…
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Drunk CT Woman Driving Wrong-Way On Route 9 Leads Cops On Slow-Speed Chase: Police
A Connecticut woman was arrested after allegedly driving the wrong way on Route 9 in Old Saybrook while intoxicated, according to police. Patricia Shanahan, 58, was taken into custody on Saturday, Jan. 18, around 10:30 p.m., following a slow-speed chase between Exits 2 and 3 on Route 9, Connecticut State Police said. Troopers said they spotted Shanahan driving north in the southbound lanes and stopped their cruiser in front of her vehicle to pull her over. Shanahan reportedly told the trooper she didn’t realize she was driving in the wrong direction. Click here to watch police confront&nb…
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How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From New Haven County
A quick-moving Nor'easter brought accumulating snowfall throughout the region Sunday night, Jan. 19 into Monday morning, Jan 20. Here's a rundown of totals from the National Weather Service. New York Nassau County 2 ENE Roosevelt 4.1 inches 1018 PM 01/19 Public Syosset 4.0 inches 1000 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter East Williston 3.9 inches 1015 PM 01/19 Public 1 W Plainview 3.9 inches 1250 AM 01/20 Public 1 ESE East Meadow 3.8 inches 1117 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter 1 ENE Glen Cove 3.8 inches 0817 AM 01/20 Public Sea Cliff 3.6 inches 1042 PM 01/19 Public Plainview 3.2 inches 081…
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TikTok Access Restored In United States
Americans regained access to TikTok after a 14-hour ban left the popular app unavailable. As of Sunday, Jan. 19, it remained unclear why the app was once again operational in the United States. The Supreme Court had previously upheld a ruling to enforce the ban, citing national security concerns linked to TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance. President Trump reportedly said he planned on issuing an executive order giving ByteDance more time to sell the video-sharing platform.
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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 …
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Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About
Hmpv
A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China is sparking concerns five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, drawing attention to another respiratory virus circulating in the population. HMPV, a known virus, usually causes cold-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. The new rise in cases, particularly among children under 14 in northern China, has officials urging caution as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, a time when travel and gatherings often lead to spikes in illness. Data from China’s state news agency, Xinhua, shows …
News
CT Smokers Have Highest Healthcare Costs In U.S., New Study Says
Northeast and mid-Atlantic states are among the most expensive in the U.S. for smoking tobacco, according to a new study. New York topped the 2025 list from WalletHub called "The Real Cost of Smoking by State", with residents losing an estimated $5.4 million over their lifetime. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were also ranked in the top five. The study calculated smoking-related costs by combining out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, increased insurance premiums, and missed financial opportunities, such as investing in the stock market instead of …
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Ex-Bridgeport Firefighter Found Dead Day Of Sexual Assault Sentencing
A former high-ranking fire official was found dead Friday, Jan. 17, after he failed to show up for his sentencing on a sexual assault conviction, authorities announced. The body of Harold Clarke Sr., a 34-year veteran of the Bridgeport Fire Department, was found using GPS after a court official contacted town police, authorities said. Previous Report: High Ranking Bridgeport Fire Official Charged With Sexual Assault Clarke had been convicted last year of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and stood to face up to 20 years in prison during Friday's hearing, NBC Con…
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MD Supreme Court Attorney Failed To Report Millions In Poker Winnings: Feds
A supreme court attorney attorney from Maryland who made his name arguing before the Supreme Court is now facing serious legal trouble of his own. Thomas Goldstein, 53, a prominent appellate lawyer and high-stakes poker player known to play in games involving millions, was indicted on Thursday, Jan. 16 on multiple charges for failing to report his winnings, authorities announced It is alleged that Goldstein failed to report millions of dollars in poker winnings and omitting over $14 million in debt to secure a multimillion-dollar home loan in DC. Specifically, a federal grand jur…
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'Highly Pathogenic' Bird Flu Found In CT Backyard Flock
A family flock in Connecticut has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, prompting state and federal health officials to step in to contain the spread. The affected flock, which included chickens, ducks, and peacocks, were family pets in New London County that came into close contact with wild waterfowl near a pond, according to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. The virus was confirmed by tests on Wednesday, Jan. 15. While these were not commercial poultry, the virus is highly contagious among domestic birds and poses a signif…
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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…
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Dramatic Videos Capture SpaceX Starship Flight 7 Explosion
Videos are circulating of SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 meeting an explosive end over the Atlantic Ocean during its Thursday, Jan. 16 test launch. The flight, conducted at 4:37 p.m. CT from Starbase, TX, aimed to achieve major milestones but faced setbacks in its journey to space. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, commented on the test, saying, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed! ✨” Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed! ✨ pic.twitter.com/nn3PiP8XwG — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025 The launch was streamed live by SpaceX on X in a video that had …
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$400M Lawsuit: Justin Baldoni Accuses Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds Of Smear Campaign
In an escalating legal battle featuring Hollywood heavyweights, actor Justin Baldoni is suing Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million allegedly orchestrating a smear campaign to ruin his career. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Lively and Reynolds used their influence to seize control of Baldoni's film "It Ends With Us," an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. Baldoni directed, co-starred in, and co-financed the production through his company, Wayfarer Studios. “This is not a case about celebrities sniping at each …
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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 …
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