CT's First Anonymous Jury Convicts Man Of Murder In 2019 Killing CT's First Anonymous Jury Convicts Man Of Murder In 2019 Killing
CT's First Anonymous Jury Convicts Man Of Murder In 2019 Killing A jury has found a Connecticut man guilty of murder by Connecticut's first-ever anonymous jury, marking a historic case that ended with convictions on multiple charges but was deadlocked on one count.  Joseph Stokes, 26, was convicted on Monday, June 29, of the 2019 shooting death of Aaron Ormsby in Meriden. Stokes was found guilty of murder, attempted illegal transfer or purchase of a firearm, conspiracy to commit illegal transfer or purchase of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit, authorities said.  Jurors, however, could not reach a unanimous verdict on …
July 4th Forecast Update Shows Latest Storm Chance Amid Dangerous Heat Wave July 4th Forecast Update Shows Latest Storm Chance Amid Dangerous Heat Wave
July 4th Forecast Update Shows Latest Storm Chance Amid Dangerous Heat Wave The holiday forecast is coming into sharper focus, but it is not getting any simpler. Oppressive heat and scattered pop-up storms are both in play for the Northeast on America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, according to the National Weather Service. The holiday is not expected to be a total washout. Still, a 20 to 40 percent chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms could affect outdoor plans, beach trips, barbecues, travel, and fireworks in some communities. The main window for storm development is expected from mid-afternoon into late evening. The threat will com…
'Harry Potter,' 'Indiana Jones' Actor Michael Byrne Dies At 82 'Harry Potter,' 'Indiana Jones' Actor Michael Byrne Dies At 82
'Harry Potter,' 'Indiana Jones' Actor Michael Byrne Dies At 82 A British actor known in the US for his roles in the "Harry Potter" and "Indiana Jones" film franchises has died. Michael Byrne died at 82 years old on Saturday, June 20. The Guardian first reported Byrne's death on Wednesday, July 1. Byrne's cause of death wasn't immediately released. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Byrne," a representative for Byrne said in a statement to NBC News. "Michael will be remembered as an extraordinary actor whose talent, warmth, and sense of humour touched so many." "Harry Potter" fans knew Byrne as the older Gellert Gri…
Kathie Lee Gifford On Why She's Selling $100M Connecticut Mansion: 'My World Went Silent' Kathie Lee Gifford On Why She's Selling $100M Connecticut Mansion: 'My World Went Silent'
Kathie Lee Gifford On Why She's Selling $100M Connecticut Mansion: 'My World Went Silent' Kathie Lee Gifford says she's selling her sprawling Connecticut estate because the home no longer feels the same after the loss of her husband and her children starting families of their own. The Greenwich property, known as Cedar Cliff, hit the market in May with a $100 million asking price, making it the most expensive home currently listed in Connecticut. Related: Tour Kathie Lee Gifford's Greenwich Mansion The former "TODAY" and "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" host said the decision comes down to the memories tied to the home she shared with her late husband, Frank Gifford. Th…
145 People Sickened In Norovirus Outbreaks On Cruise Ships: What To Know 145 People Sickened In Norovirus Outbreaks On Cruise Ships: What To Know
145 People Sickened In Norovirus Outbreaks On Cruise Ships: What To Know At least 145 people were sickened in separate norovirus outbreaks aboard two cruise ships, federal health officials said. The outbreaks happened on the National Geographic Sea Bird and the Ruby Princess, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Both outbreaks were reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program on Sunday, June 28. The main symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea. The CDC said norovirus caused the illnesses. On the Ruby Princess, 102 of 3,032 passengers reported being ill during the Princess Cruises trip, along with 23 of the 1,144 crew members. The Pacific Oce…
Get $2.50 Car Washes For Nation's 250th Birthday: Here's How Get $2.50 Car Washes For Nation's 250th Birthday: Here's How
Get $2.50 Car Washes For Nation's 250th Birthday: Here's How Speeders Car Wash is celebrating the nation's 250th birthday with a special discount for drivers. Customers can buy any wash package for just $2.50, the chain announced in a news release on Monday, June 29. The offer will be valid at any Speeders location in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York through Friday, July 31. To get the discount, you must claim it on Speeders' website between Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5. "As our nation marks 250 years of history, we wanted to recognize this milestone by giving back to the customers and communities who support us year-round," sai…
Suspect Lusted After Sister-In-Law For Years Before Murder, Sex Assault On Long Island: Police Suspect Lusted After Sister-In-Law For Years Before Murder, Sex Assault On Long Island: Police
Suspect Lusted After Sister-In-Law For Years Before Murder, Sex Assault On Long Island: Police The Long Island man accused of strangling and sexually assaulting his sister-in-law had lusted after her for years, authorities said. Joseph Horner, 27, and his wife lived in the same building as 25-year-old Victoria Castle in North Massapequa but in different apartments, the Nassau County Police Department said. Cops said Horner confessed to the crime when they first interviewed him Monday, June 29, according to News 12 Long Island. He told investigators that he’d had “sexual desire” for his wife’s sister since 2017, police said. Authorities said that while Horner’s wife was off on a trip…
Former Connecticut College Football Player Dies: Remembering Louis DiRienzio Former Connecticut College Football Player Dies: Remembering Louis DiRienzio
Former Connecticut College Football Player Dies: Remembering Louis DiRienzio Louis DiRienzo, the defensive coordinator at Monmouth University, died at the age of 34, the university announced Wednesday, July 1. DiRienzo joined Monmouth as a linebackers coach in February 2025 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in January. A native of Yonkers, DiRienzo grew up in New Rochelle, attending New Rochelle High School, where his father, Lou DiRienzo, Sr. served as head coach. While playing for the Huguenots, he earned All-State, All-County, All-Section and All-League honors. He played college football at Southern Connecticut State University, getting a degree in…
NFL Defensive Star's Brother Killed Mother In Her Home, Police Say NFL Defensive Star's Brother Killed Mother In Her Home, Police Say
NFL Defensive Star's Brother Killed Mother In Her Home, Police Say The brother of longtime NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell was accused of killing their mother, authorities said. Ciarre Campbell, 41, was charged with several crimes, including murder and aggravated assault, ESPN reported. He was charged after police discovered his mother, 71-year-old Nateal Campbell, dead while conducting a welfare check at an Atlanta home at around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. According to arrest warrants, Nateal Campbell was found with her throat slashed, and Ciarre Campbell possessed a knife. He will remain in Fulton County Jail after waiving his first&…
New Rankings Reveal Best Places To Live In US New Rankings Reveal Best Places To Live In US
New Rankings Reveal Best Places To Live In US A new ranking is putting some of America’s most desirable communities in the spotlight. Niche released its 2026 Best Places to Live in America rankings, naming top cities, neighborhoods, suburbs, and towns across the US. The rankings analyze more than 230 cities and 18,000 locations nationwide, according to Niche. Niche said the rankings use public data and millions of resident reviews to weigh factors such as cost of living, school quality, job opportunities, safety, diversity, walkability, and housing. The top overall place to live in America was Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia. C…
Tesla Clocked At 120 MPH On I-395 In CT, Mass Driver Arrested: Police Tesla Clocked At 120 MPH On I-395 In CT, Mass Driver Arrested: Police
Tesla Clocked At 120 MPH On I-395 In CT, Mass Driver Arrested: Police A Massachusetts woman is accused of driving as fast as 120 mph on Interstate 395 before a Connecticut state trooper stopped and arrested her, according to police. Emily Ferreira, 20, of Framingham, was charged with reckless driving, failure to comply with pass-on-right rules, and following too closely after she was arrested on Sunday, June 28, in Montville, Connecticut State Police said. According to investigators, a trooper was driving north on I-395 when a Tesla blew past them around 6 p.m. at a high rate of speed. Authorities said the trooper followed the vehicle for more than two miles…
Famous Daredevils Illegally Climb Empire State Building To Get Engaged Famous Daredevils Illegally Climb Empire State Building To Get Engaged
Famous Daredevils Illegally Climb Empire State Building To Get Engaged Two people have climbed the spire atop the Empire State Building to hang a peace flag and get engaged.  Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, artists who gained a social media following for climbing skyscrapers around the world, stayed on top of the Manhattan monument for more than 45 minutes on Wednesday, July 1, according to NBC New York.  Just after noon, the Russian duo unfurled a massive black banner with white lettering that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." They were dressed in all black with face coverings.  …
Ex-New Britain Mayor Stewart Faces Deadline To Repay City More Than $100K In Legal Fees Ex-New Britain Mayor Stewart Faces Deadline To Repay City More Than $100K In Legal Fees
Ex-New Britain Mayor Stewart Faces Deadline To Repay City More Than $100K In Legal Fees Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart is facing the first deadline to repay more than $100,000 that the city says it spent investigating her alleged improper payments and spending. In a letter to Stewart last month, New Britain laid out a payment schedule for more than $240,000 officials say she owes in attorneys' fees linked to the investigation, along with what the city called an improper severance payout and tuition reimbursement. The city said the first payment of $102,294 is due Wednesday, July 1. The demand follows the collapse of Stewart's campaign for governor after allegations she…
New Development Emerges In Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note Investigation New Development Emerges In Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note Investigation
New Development Emerges In Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note Investigation A troubling part of a high-profile disappearance case may have taken a major turn. The FBI has determined that ransom notes tied to the disappearance of missing mom Nancy Guthrie are not genuine, Reuters reported Wednesday, July 1, citing a source familiar with the investigation. Guthrie, 84, is the mother of NBC "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. She vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home on Sunday, Feb. 1. Reuters reported that investigators determined the notes, including a third message sent later, were not linked to the people responsible for Guthrie’s disappearance. The repor…
Mom Kidnapped, Killed While Delivering Mail On Route: Investigators Mom Kidnapped, Killed While Delivering Mail On Route: Investigators
Mom Kidnapped, Killed While Delivering Mail On Route: Investigators A US Postal Service mail carrier and mother of two was kidnapped and killed while delivering mail just months after her husband's death, authorities said. Brandi Reynolds, 35, was found dead at about 4:16 p.m. on Friday, June 26, the US Postal Inspection Service said in a news release. Her body was discovered in Hays, North Carolina, about 90 minutes west of Greensboro. William Durham, 56, was arrested in connection with Reynolds' death. He was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, NBC News reported. Durham was accused of unlawfully restraining R…
(Update) Missing Massachusetts Teen Seen Walking Toward CT Found Alive After Day Of Searching (Update) Missing Massachusetts Teen Seen Walking Toward CT Found Alive After Day Of Searching
(Update) Missing Massachusetts Teen Seen Walking Toward CT Found Alive After Day Of Searching Update: Authorities say they have found a 16-year-old non-verbal boy who went missing on Tuesday, June 30. The Worcester County District Attorney's Office announced the boy was located and taken to a hospital as a precaution.  The dogs were also found alive with him just over the Connecticut border.  Original: A major search is underway for a missing 16-year-old boy after investigators tracked him to an area near the Massachusetts-Connecticut border, prompting officials to ask nearby residents to check their properties and security cameras. The teenager, only identified as M…
Feds Crack $10M Cargo Theft Operation, NJ And NY Men Among Suspects Feds Crack $10M Cargo Theft Operation, NJ And NY Men Among Suspects
Feds Crack $10M Cargo Theft Operation, NJ And NY Men Among Suspects A $10 million cargo theft ring with operations in New Jersey, New York, and across the country has been busted after three years of operation, federal investigators said Tuesday, June 30. Two Brooklyn residents — Sevak Kocharian and Arkadiy Pastin — and one New Jersey man, Jashanpreet Singh, were among the eight people charged in the wide-ranging scheme, which stole everything from electronics to liquor to clothing, the Justice Department said. Singh was nabbed in Pennsylvania and will initially face charges there, authorities said. Beginning in March 2023, the crew operated with a relative…
Nation's Best Regional Hot Dog Crowned In New Taste Test: See What Won (POLL) Nation's Best Regional Hot Dog Crowned In New Taste Test: See What Won (POLL)
Nation's Best Regional Hot Dog Crowned In New Taste Test: See What Won (Poll) A special taste test led by a world-renowned chef has picked the nation's best hot dog style right before the Fourth of July. Wirecutter, a product review service from The New York Times, released a video sampling hot dog topping varieties nationwide. The Wirecutter staff was joined by chef José Andrés, a restaurateur and founder of World Central Kitchen. The taste test was inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is continuing through Sunday, July 19. Eight regional favorites were placed in a knockout round-style bracket to determine the top dog. The winner was the Seattl…
Trump Cites 'Y.M.C.A.' Revival At His Rallies In Tribute To Village People Frontman Trump Cites 'Y.M.C.A.' Revival At His Rallies In Tribute To Village People Frontman
Trump Cites 'Y.M.C.A.' Revival At His Rallies In Tribute To Village People Frontman A disco anthem tied to decades of parties, parades, and campaign rallies is now part of a presidential tribute. President Donald Trump remembered Victor Willis, the original lead singer of Village People, in a Truth Social post on Wednesday morning, July 1, after Willis’ death at age 74. Willis, the voice of "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," and "In the Navy," died Tuesday, June 30, after a short illness, Daily Voice reported earlier Wednesday. "Y.M.C.A." became closely associated with Trump’s rallies, often playing as his closing song while he performed his familiar arm-pumping dance. The song, r…
Weather May Play Role In Mental Health, Study Shows Weather May Play Role In Mental Health, Study Shows
Weather May Play Role In Mental Health, Study Shows The forecast may affect more than weekend plans. Fewer hours of sunshine were linked to more mental health-related health care contacts in a large study of England’s National Health Service data, StudyFinds reported. The study analyzed about 4.6 million unscheduled mental health-related health care contacts across England from January 2014 through December 2022. The findings were published in the journal "Frontiers in Psychiatry," according to StudyFinds. Researchers looked at emergency department visits, NHS 111 calls, and after-hours general practitioner contacts. NHS 111 is a medi…
What's Cooking? Dinner Decisions Are Complicated, New Survey Reveals What's Cooking? Dinner Decisions Are Complicated, New Survey Reveals
What's Cooking? Dinner Decisions Are Complicated, New Survey Reveals Figuring out dinner can feel like its own full-time side quest. A new survey of 2,000 adults found that the average respondent spends nearly 16 minutes a day deciding what to have for dinner, according to Talker Research. That adds up to more than an hour and a half each week, or about four full days a year. The survey, conducted by Talker Research for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, examined the daily “dinner decisions” Americans make and what makes a meal feel worth the wait. For many, food is also a mood boost. More than half of respondents, 58 percent, said splurging on a lav…
First Name With Most Negative Baggage Revealed In New Survey First Name With Most Negative Baggage Revealed In New Survey
First Name With Most Negative Baggage Revealed In New Survey First impressions may begin before anyone says a word. A new survey finds that many Americans admit they make assumptions about people based solely on a first name, and one name stood out above all the others. Karen was named the most-judged first name in the survey by Talker Research. The survey of 2,000 Americans found that 18 percent of respondents said they make assumptions about someone based entirely on a first name. Gen Z respondents were the most likely to do it. Twenty-nine percent of Gen Z respondents said they judge people by first name alone, compared with 21 percent of m…
Victor Willis Dies: Voice Of Village People Helped Shape Disco Era, Co-Wrote 'Y.M.C.A.' Victor Willis Dies: Voice Of Village People Helped Shape Disco Era, Co-Wrote 'Y.M.C.A.'
Victor Willis Dies: Voice Of Village People Helped Shape Disco Era, Co-Wrote 'Y.M.C.A.' A voice behind some of disco’s most enduring anthems is gone. Victor Willis, 74, the original lead singer and a founding member of Village People, died Tuesday, June 30, after a short illness, the band announced. Click here for a new, updated story: Trump Cites 'Y.M.C.A.' Revival At His Rallies In Tribute To Village People Frontman Village People said in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, July 1, "We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People." The group said Willis died after a "short but aggressive illness" and requested privacy. …
Popular Supplement Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk Popular Supplement Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk
Popular Supplement Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk A popular organic supplement is being pulled from online shelves nationwide. Total Nutrition Inc. of Deer Park, New York, voluntarily recalled two TNVitamins moringa products due to possible Salmonella contamination, according to a company announcement posted by the FDA on Friday, June 26. No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the announcement. The recall covers TNVitamins 100 percent Organic Moringa 1,200 mg Capsules and TNVitamins 100 percent Organic Moringa Powder. The recalled products were distributed nationally through Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, Target, and the co…
Penn State Senior's Suspected Killers ID'd, Warrants Issued Penn State Senior's Suspected Killers ID'd, Warrants Issued
Penn State Senior's Suspected Killers ID'd, Warrants Issued Arrest warrants have been issued for two teenagers in the fatal shooting of a Penn State senior during an apparent robbery in South Philadelphia, police announced on Tuesday, June 30. The Philadelphia Police Department has obtained warrants for two 16-year-olds in connection with the June 6 killing of William "Billy" Schmidt, according to Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore. Both teens are wanted on murder and related charges. Schmidt, 22, was walking home when he was shot on the 1900 block of Durfor Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, police said. Officers responding to a …
CT Among States Hit Hardest By National Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak CT Among States Hit Hardest By National Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak
CT Among States Hit Hardest By National Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak A summer illness linked to contaminated food is spreading across multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking 145 domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, according to the CDC’s surveillance page. The cases were reported in 17 states among people who became sick from Friday, May 1, through Tuesday, June 16, the CDC said. The CDC map shows New York as the most affected state in the nation. The map also shows cases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia, as well a…
Extreme Heat Wave Will Last Days, Include Scattered Storms: Here's Latest Extreme Heat Wave Will Last Days, Include Scattered Storms: Here's Latest
Extreme Heat Wave Will Last Days, Include Scattered Storms: Here's Latest A days-long stretch of dangerous heat is now closing in on the Northeast. Humidity will build overnight Tuesday, June 30, into Wednesday, July 1, as a frontal system moves in, bringing oppressive heat and the potential for strong showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts, lightning, localized flash flooding, and brief travel slowdowns will be the main concerns. The Storm Prediction Center says isolated to scattered strong-to-severe storms will again be possible in the Northeast on Wednesday, with severe wind gusts and large hail as the main hazard…
Beloved CT School Counselor Begins Cancer Battle, Community Rallies To His Side Beloved CT School Counselor Begins Cancer Battle, Community Rallies To His Side
Beloved CT School Counselor Begins Cancer Battle, Community Rallies To His Side A man who has spent his career helping children navigate difficult moments is now facing the biggest challenge of his own. Curtis Darragh, Connecticut's 2021 School Counselor of the Year and a counselor at Danbury's Westside Middle School, was recently diagnosed with ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. He will begin intensive chemotherapy in the coming days, according to a GoFundMe created to help pay for his treatment. The campaign has raised more than $25,000 in one day, as of Tuesday afternoon, June 30.  Darragh is known for the…
Grandmother, Mother, Toddler Die After Car Plunges Into River During Driving Lesson: Reports Grandmother, Mother, Toddler Die After Car Plunges Into River During Driving Lesson: Reports
Grandmother, Mother, Toddler Die After Car Plunges Into River During Driving Lesson: Reports A grandmother, her daughter, and her 2-year-old granddaughter were killed after their car plunged into the Seekonk River in Rhode Island, authorities said. The grandmother was trying to teach her daughter how to drive when the car went into the river in Pawtucket around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, according to WJAR.  Emergency crews searched for hours before suspending the operation around 1 a.m. Monday because of poor visibility and difficult water conditions. The Rhode Island State Police dive team resumed the search about seven hours later and recovered the submerged vehicle aroun…
Smoke Grenade Hidden In Peanut Butter Jar Discovered At Airport, TSA Says Smoke Grenade Hidden In Peanut Butter Jar Discovered At Airport, TSA Says
Smoke Grenade Hidden In Peanut Butter Jar Discovered At Airport, TSA Says Transportation Security Administration officers found a sticky surprise when they discovered two live smoke grenades, including one inside a jar of peanut butter. The grenades were located inside a checked bag while being screened at Indianapolis International Airport, TSA said in a news release on Thursday, June 25. A supervisory officer and explosives specialist searched the bag and found the grenades. Airport police were called to the checked baggage area, but TSA said airport operations weren't affected. "With the concealment method used, we had concern about the in…
Dangerous Heat Wave To Grip Connecticut For Days As Heat Index Could Top 110 Degrees Dangerous Heat Wave To Grip Connecticut For Days As Heat Index Could Top 110 Degrees
Dangerous Heat Wave To Grip Connecticut For Days As Heat Index Could Top 110 Degrees A dangerous stretch of extreme heat is expected to grip Connecticut, with heat index values climbing well above 100 degrees and prompting warnings across much of the state. Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocol beginning this week as a heat wave is expected from Wednesday, July 1, through Friday. National Weather Service forecasters say the worst conditions will likely arrive at the end of the work week. The heat index, which combines air temperature and humidity, could exceed 105 degrees Wednesday in Connecticut. It may reach or top 110 degrees Thursday and F…