Tag:

Newington, CT

Starbucks To Shutter Newington Location In Round Of Layoffs, Store Closures Starbucks To Shutter Newington Location In Round Of Layoffs, Store Closures
Starbucks To Shutter Newington Location In Round Of Layoffs, Store Closures In a cost-cutting move, Starbucks announced it will eliminate about 900 jobs and shut down 100 stores across North America as it struggles with declining sales. Two of those closures are in Connecticut. CEO Brian Niccol shared the news with employees on Thursday, Sept. 25, calling the restructuring effort the "Back to Starbucks" plan. He said the initiative is aimed at improving customer engagement and streamlining corporate operations. The company said it plans to close underperforming stores—locations that fail to meet Starbucks’ standards or show limited financial potential. In Connecti…
Newington CT Prison Guard Choked Wife, Kidnapped Kids In 7-Hour Police Standoff: Cops Newington CT Prison Guard Choked Wife, Kidnapped Kids In 7-Hour Police Standoff: Cops
Newington CT Prison Guard Choked Wife, Kidnapped Kids In 7-Hour Police Standoff: Cops A Connecticut correction officer is in custody after police say he choked his wife and took two children from a home in Newington. John Lacen-Romero, 36, was identified by officers as the suspect when they responded to a 911 call around 12:10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, Newington police said. During the altercation, Lacen-Romero is accused of threatening to harm himself, his wife, and the two children inside the home. Officers said the woman was trying to escape from Lacen-Romero and had loaded the two children — ages 8 and 11 — into her car. That's when police said Lacen-Romero attacked he…
‘He Lived Life To Fullest’: Father Of 2 ID'd As Victim In Fatal, Intentional Hit-Run Crash ‘He Lived Life To Fullest’: Father Of 2 ID'd As Victim In Fatal, Intentional Hit-Run Crash
‘He Lived Life To Fullest’: Father Of 2 ID'd As Victim In Fatal, Intentional Hit-Run Crash A 44-year-old father of two who police say was the victim of an intentional hit-and-run crash in West Hartford has died from his injuries, and now his family is asking for the public’s help. John Marczak, a Plainville resident and Newington native, was struck by a vehicle near 202 South Main St. in West Hartford on June 7, according to police. He died of his injuries three days later, on June 10. Juan Pablo Novoa, 22, is accused of intentionally hitting Marczak with his car, prosecutors said during a court hearing earlier this month, according to the CT Post. Novoa is currently charged with…
CT 'Bombshell' Becomes First American To Join Cast Of UK's 'Love Island' CT 'Bombshell' Becomes First American To Join Cast Of UK's 'Love Island'
CT 'Bombshell' Becomes First American To Join Cast Of UK's 'Love Island' A Connecticut native has been introduced as the first American "bombshell" contestant on the popular UK reality show "Love Island." Toni Laites, a Newington native who spent the last several years working as a cabana server at a high-end Las Vegas club, joined the series earlier this month.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Love Island (@loveisland) While the "Love Island" brand has been franchised across the globe, the UK's revival version has been selective about who producers allow to appear. The 24-year-old is the first Yank t…
Multiple People Seriously Hurt After Car Rolls Over Repeatedly On Route 2 In Marlborough Multiple People Seriously Hurt After Car Rolls Over Repeatedly On Route 2 In Marlborough
Multiple People Seriously Hurt After Car Rolls Over Repeatedly On Route 2 In Marlborough Multiple people were rushed to the hospital after a car hit an embankment and rolled over several times, authorities said.  The crash was reported around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, near Exit 15 on Route 2 in Marlborough, Connecticut State Police said.  Troopers said the Nissan Altima — owned by a Newington business — veered off the right side of the road, struck the embankment, and rolled. Investigators are not sure why it left the highway.  All four people inside were taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment. They were all last listed in serious condition. Invest…
Southington Students Charged After Setting School Laptops On Fire In Dangerous TikTok Trend Southington Students Charged After Setting School Laptops On Fire In Dangerous TikTok Trend
Southington Students Charged After Setting School Laptops On Fire In Dangerous TikTok Trend Two Connecticut high school students have been arrested and charged after police said they triggered an evacuation last week by causing their school-issued laptops to produce toxic smoke as part of a viral social media trend, according to reports. Southington High School was evacuated on Wednesday, May 7, after two teens reportedly inserted metal objects into the laptops’ ports, causing the electrical components inside to spark and catch fire, Southington police said. The dangerous trend is known as the "Chromebook Challenge." Multiple schools in Connecticut have been evacuated or disrupted…
Plainville Middle School Student Hospitalized, Charged After TikTok Laptop Fire Stunt: Police Plainville Middle School Student Hospitalized, Charged After TikTok Laptop Fire Stunt: Police
Plainville Middle School Student Hospitalized, Charged After TikTok Laptop Fire Stunt: Police A Connecticut middle school student who was hospitalized for smoke inhalation has now been charged with intentionally setting the laptop fire that led to the emergency, authorities said. Plainville firefighters responded to the Middle School of Plainville on Thursday, May 8, around 10:15 a.m., after a school-issued laptop began smoking. The school was evacuated, but students were later allowed to return once the building was deemed safe, Plainville police said.  The teen was reportedly following a social media trend called the "Chromebook Challenge" when he stuck scissors into the mac…
Family Killed In Newington Crash Will Be Laid To Rest Together Family Killed In Newington Crash Will Be Laid To Rest Together
Family Killed In Newington Crash Will Be Laid To Rest Together A mother, her teenage daughter, and her sister who were killed in a crash on Saturday, April 19 in Connecticut will be laid to rest together this weekend. Services for Florinda Antonia Tineo, 50, her daughter Gabriela Johailiz Difo, 17, and her sister Jeannette Tineo, 48, will be held Friday, April 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 626 Willard Ave., with burial at West Meadow Cemetery. Maritza Smith, 56, of New Britain also died in the cra…
4 Dead In Crash: Newington Teen, Family Members of Dominican Senator, ID'd As Victims 4 Dead In Crash: Newington Teen, Family Members of Dominican Senator, ID'd As Victims
4 Dead In Crash: Newington Teen, Family Members of Dominican Senator, ID'd As Victims A 17-year-old senior at Newington High School was among four people killed in a two-car crash over the weekend in Connecticut, authorities said. The collision occurred at the intersection of Willard Avenue and Greenlawn Avenue in Newington around 9 a.m. Saturday, April 19, according to police. The victims were identified as Gabriela Difo, 17; Florinda Tineo, 50; Jeannette Tineo, 48, all of Newington; and Maritza Smith, 56, of New Britain, Newington police said. Newington Public Schools confirmed that Difo was a senior at Newington High School. Tineo was her mother, and Jeannette Tineo was …
Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu
Taco John's Expanding Into MA, CT With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu A Tex-Mex fast food chain popular in the Midwest and Great Plains is making a sharp move east with expansion plans in New England. Taco John's is in the process of opening 22 restaurants across Massachusetts and Connecticut, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, April 9. Three locations have already opened in the Bay State, with the newest one at 77 Summer Street in Boston's Downtown Crossing section. The chain began its New England expansion in 2023 with the opening of restaurants in Lawrence and Leominster. Before 2023, the nearest Taco John's to Massachusetts was in Ohio.…
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Busted In Wethersfield, Charged With 3rd OUI: Police Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Busted In Wethersfield, Charged With 3rd OUI: Police
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Busted In Wethersfield, Charged With 3rd OUI: Police A Connecticut man with two prior DUI convictions was arrested for his third after police said multiple people reported seeing him driving the wrong way on I-91 and another major highway. Aaron Miranda, 39, of Newington, is facing six charges, including third-offense operating under the influence, reckless driving, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway, Connecticut State Police said. Troopers received 11 separate 911 calls just before 1 a.m. reporting a black Nissan Maxima traveling in the wrong direction on Route 5/15 and I-91 northbound. The last caller said they saw the vehicle n…
Apizza Fights Dystopia: New Haven Shop's '1984' Parody Promotes New Westfarms Location (WATCH) Apizza Fights Dystopia: New Haven Shop's '1984' Parody Promotes New Westfarms Location (WATCH)
Apizza Fights Dystopia: New Haven Shop's '1984' Parody Promotes New Westfarms Location (Watch) A famous New Haven pizza restaurant is parodying an iconic Super Bowl commercial to build hype for its newest location in Farmington. Sally's Apizza will open its restaurant at the Westfarms mall on Thursday, Feb. 13. Located on the ground level of Jordan's Furniture, the pizzeria will feature an 80-foot-wide, high-resolution LED screen and an expanded menu. To promote the new location, Sally's released an AI-generated parody of Apple's famous 1984 Super Bowl commercial called "Sally's Farmington: THE VISION". The pizzeria will open four days after Super Bowl LIX. The 90-second promo imagi…
Iconic New Haven Apizza Shop Preparing To Open Newest Restaurant In Norwalk Iconic New Haven Apizza Shop Preparing To Open Newest Restaurant In Norwalk
Iconic New Haven Apizza Shop Preparing To Open Newest Restaurant In Norwalk An iconic New Haven pizzeria will soon serve its delicious coal-fired pies in Norwalk. Sally's Apizza is preparing to welcome customers to its newest restaurant inside The SoNo Collection mall. The pizzeria is expected to open between April and June, a Sally's spokesperson told the Daily Voice. Sally’s is known for its thin, crispy, and chewy New Haven-style "apizza"—pronounced "ah-beetz"—made in custom-designed coal-fired ovens. Fans travel from all over for its signature sauce-forward pies with a distinctive oven-kissed char. The original restaurant on Wooster Street in New Haven wa…
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester 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…
Quick-Thinking Newington Store Employee Saves Woman Held Captive for 2 Days: Police Quick-Thinking Newington Store Employee Saves Woman Held Captive for 2 Days: Police
Quick-Thinking Newington Store Employee Saves Woman Held Captive for 2 Days: Police A Connecticut duo kidnapped a woman and held her for two days, forcing her to withdraw money from her bank during the terrifying ordeal, police said. She can thank her release to a Shop & Shop employee who felt something was wrong and contacted police.  Amanda Ditommaso, 37, and Tylone Graham, 41, both of New Britain were arrested by Newington police after an investigation into a disturbing incident reported on Oct. 28, 2024, officials said.  A concerned Newington store employee called police that day when he noticed the two forcing a woman to withdraw money. When officers arr…
Pair Lead High-Speed Pursuit In Stolen Car Through 4 Towns After Newington Armed Robbery: PD Pair Lead High-Speed Pursuit In Stolen Car Through 4 Towns After Newington Armed Robbery: PD
Pair Lead High-Speed Pursuit In Stolen Car Through 4 Towns After Newington Armed Robbery: PD A high-speed police chase that spanned several Connecticut towns on Sunday, Dec. 29, ended with two people in custody, Connecticut State Police said. The incident began when Newington police responded to an armed robbery at Lowe's on the Berlin Turnpike just after 8:20 a.m., according to Newington police. The suspects, later identified as Scott A. Tenney, 35, of East Hartford, and Samantha K. Tobey, 34, of Enfield, fled in a black Honda CR-V, police said. The vehicle was later confirmed to be stolen from Hartford. Police attempted a traffic stop after Tenney — who also has ties to…
IT Manager Who Used Low-Tech Hack to Embezzle $2M From Newington Business Going to Prison: Feds IT Manager Who Used Low-Tech Hack to Embezzle $2M From Newington Business Going to Prison: Feds
IT Manager Who Used Low-Tech Hack to Embezzle $2M From Newington Business Going to Prison: Feds A Connecticut man will spend two years in federal prison after stealing nearly $2 million from his employer and dodging hundreds of thousands in taxes over a seven-year scheme, authorities said. Evan Bobzin, 39, of Chester, was sentenced to 24 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, after admitting to embezzling $1.9 million from Hoffman’s Gun Center in Newington, where he worked as head of information technology, according to the US Attorney for Connecticut. Prosecutors said Bobzin used his insider access to methodically steal cash receipts from the store's safe …
Fugitive Caught After Well-Being Check In Bolton Commuter Lot Fugitive Caught After Well-Being Check In Bolton Commuter Lot
Fugitive Caught After Well-Being Check In Bolton Commuter Lot A well-being check at a commuter lot in Connecticut led to the arrest of a woman wanted as a fugitive in Colorado. Troopers patrolling a commuter lot in Tolland County, along Route 44 in Bolton, around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, observed a vehicle with blankets covering the windows and a sunshade on the windshield.  Concerned for the occupant’s well-being, they made contact and spoke with a woman identified as Hartford County resident Cynthia Conant, age 26, of Newington, according to police. Conant, who told troopers she had been parked there since 8 p.m. Saturday, provided her C…
Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of New Britain Car Dealership, Feds Say Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of New Britain Car Dealership, Feds Say
Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of New Britain Car Dealership, Feds Say A federal investigation dismantled a drug trafficking operation allegedly run out of a Connecticut car dealership, leading to the arrest of 13 people on narcotics distribution charges, authorities said.  Investigators seized more than 10 pounds of cocaine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of heroin, seven firearms, $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles during searches of the Supreme Automotive dealership in New Britain and locations linked to those arrested, said the United States District Attorney for Connecticut.  The investigation, led by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Tas…
Greenwich Restaurant Ranks As One Of Best Spots In State To Grab Burger Greenwich Restaurant Ranks As One Of Best Spots In State To Grab Burger
Greenwich Restaurant Ranks As One Of Best Spots In State To Grab Burger It's National Cheeseburger Day. And if you're looking for a great burger to celebrate, here are some of the best-reviewed spots in Connecticut according to Yelp.  Hungry Bull Burger Co. — 381 Farmington Ave. in Plainville View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hungry Bull Burger Co. (@hungrybullburgerco) This Hartford County burger joint boasts a nearly perfect score on Yelp! with a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating. In fact, 80 of the restaurant's 94 reviews gave it a perfect score.  Highlighted review: "Awesome first visit t…
Big Lots Files For Bankruptcy As List Of Store Closures Expands To 10 In NY Big Lots Files For Bankruptcy As List Of Store Closures Expands To 10 In NY
Big Lots Files For Bankruptcy As List Of Store Closures Expands To 10 In NY Discount retail chain Big Lots has filed for bankruptcy as its list of planned store closures expands. It currently has around 1,425 stores nationwide. The company announced on Monday, Sept. 9 that it will sell its assets to an affiliate of private equity firm Nexus Capital Management. In announcing initial store closures late in late July, Big Lots said a bankruptcy filing could be coming. Stores in the Northeast now slated for closure are as follows: New York Delaware Avenue, Buffalo South Ogden Street, Buffalo Route 5 & 20, Canandaigua  Voice Road, Carle Place Centereach …
Man Admits To Embezzling $2M From Newington 'Good Guy' Gun Store: Feds Man Admits To Embezzling $2M From Newington 'Good Guy' Gun Store: Feds
Man Admits To Embezzling $2M From Newington 'Good Guy' Gun Store: Feds A Connecticut man faces more than a decade in prison after he admitted to stealing over $2 million from his former employer, authorities said.  Middlesex County resident Evan Bobzin, age 39, of Chester, pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of stolen money and tax evasion, the US Attorney General for Connecticut said.  Bobzin worked as the head of information technology at Hoffman’s Gun Center in the Hartford County city of Newington. The store also goes by the name Hoffman’s Guns For The Good Guys. The prosecutor said Bobzin stole cash from the 2686 Berlin Turnpike…
Famous CT Pizzeria Expanding To Wethersfield, 3 Other Locations Famous CT Pizzeria Expanding To Wethersfield, 3 Other Locations
Famous CT Pizzeria Expanding To Wethersfield, 3 Other Locations Sally’s Apizza, the iconic New Haven restaurant and bar founded by Salvatore “Sally” Consiglio in 1938, is expanding. The restaurant announced a new shop will open in Hartford County in Wethersfield on Thursday, Aug. 29. Located on the ground level of a residential complex, The Borden at 1178 Silas Deane Highway, Sally’s Apizza in Wethersfield marks the first of four Hartford area locations, including Farmington, Newington, and South Windsor. Stein said that in addition to the Hartford locations, a new restaurant will soon open in Fairfield County at the SoNo Mall in South N…
Big Lots To Close Hundreds More Stores, Including Several In Massachusetts Big Lots To Close Hundreds More Stores, Including Several In Massachusetts
Big Lots To Close Hundreds More Stores, Including Several In Massachusetts It's more bad news for discount retailer Big Lots. The nationwide chain announced in June that it would close 40 stores following dismal sales and rising costs, but in a new filing last week, the company said it may need to shutter nearly 300 locations — several of them in the Northeast.  Big Lots announced in a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday, Aug. 2, that under an updated term sheet, the company would need to close 20 percent of its 1,392 stores — about 290 in all.  Here are some of the local closures. Connecticut — Eight stores Manchester — 1…
Ex-CT Swim Coach Accused Of Voyeurism Ex-CT Swim Coach Accused Of Voyeurism
Ex-CT Swim Coach Accused Of Voyeurism A former Connecticut swim coach wanted for voyeurism on an out-of-state warrant was nabbed by US Marshals. Hartford County resident David Laudati, age 41, of Newington, was arrested on Monday, July 29, by the US Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Newington Police Department at his home in Newington. According to Matthew Duffy, spokesman for the US Marshals, Laudati is charged in Maricopa County, Arizona, with 11 counts of voyeurism and eight counts of attempted voyeurism stemming from allegations following a September 2023 investigation by the Buckeye Police Department.  Bef…
These CT Eateries Named Best Restaurants For Wine, New Rankings Say These CT Eateries Named Best Restaurants For Wine, New Rankings Say
These CT Eateries Named Best Restaurants For Wine, New Rankings Say Several Connecticut restaurants are the cream of the crop when it comes to their wine offerings, according to new rankings released by Wine Spectator. A total of 36 eateries were recognized as winners of the 2024 Restaurant Awards released by Wine Spectator, a publication that serves as a leading authority on wine. The restaurants named as winners of the awards, which were made public on Tuesday, June 25, are (by county):  Fairfield County: L'Escale Restaurant, Greenwich; Tony's at the J House, Riverside; Barcelona Wine Bar, Stamford; The Restaurant At Rowayton Seafood, …
Family Of Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie At Danbury Stew Leonard's Files Lawsuit Family Of Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie At Danbury Stew Leonard's Files Lawsuit
Family Of Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie At Danbury Stew Leonard's Files Lawsuit The family of a 25-year-old woman who died in Connecticut has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stew Leonard’s and an independent manufacturer for their alleged negligence in not properly labeling a cookie made with peanuts. Órla Baxendale, a dancer from New York City, died in Connecticut as a result of "gross negligence and reckless indifference" after she ate a mislabeled cookie sold by grocery chain Stew Leonard’s, according to a lawsuit reported by ABC News. Earlier Report: ID Released For 25-Year-Old Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie Sold In Danbury The 25-yea…
Stew Leonard's Eyes This Location For Next New Store Stew Leonard's Eyes This Location For Next New Store
Stew Leonard's Eyes This Location For Next New Store Stew Leonard's is eyeing a familiar location as a possible location for its next new supermarket. The Connecticut-based company confirmed on Wednesday, May 8, that the town of Orange in New Haven County is one of several locations being "looked at" for the family-owned grocer's ninth location, according to Meghan Bell, a spokeswoman for the company. Bell said that, at this point, several options are being considered, and an announcement would be made by the end of the year.  Stew Leonard's also has Connecticut stores in Norwalk (where the company has its headquarters), Danbury, and Ne…
21-Year-Old Leader Of CT Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Charged: Police 21-Year-Old Leader Of CT Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Charged: Police
21-Year-Old Leader Of CT Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Charged: Police A 21-year-old man is accused of leading criminal activity across Connecticut, including the theft of catalytic converters, wheels, all-terrain vehicles, and commercial burglaries, police announced. Hartford County resident Ethan Angel Nieves of Newington was arrested on Monday, April 29 following a nine-month investigation into a ring of thefts and burglaries across the state, Southington Police announced on Thursday, May 2.  According to the department, the investigation determined that Nieves had been using a gray 2023 Honda Odyssey stolen from Farmington to commit crimes in Southing…
Medicaid Fraud Scheme: CT Man Sentenced For Stealing $900K Medicaid Fraud Scheme: CT Man Sentenced For Stealing $900K
Medicaid Fraud Scheme: CT Man Sentenced For Stealing $900K A Connecticut man who posed as a counselor was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay back more than $900,000 after pleading no contest to a large Medicaid fraud scheme.  Hartford County resident Ramon Apellaniz, 39, of East Hartford, will serve 15 months in prison for submitting thousands of fraudulent claims to Medicaid for services provided by unlicensed personnel and services not provided, as well as for stealing the identity of a licensed professional to submit the fraudulent claims.  Apellaniz, who has paid $156,000 in restitution, was also ordered to repay with the remainin…
Popular CT Eateries Hatch Unique Chicken Sandwich Creation Available At 9 Locations Popular CT Eateries Hatch Unique Chicken Sandwich Creation Available At 9 Locations
Popular CT Eateries Hatch Unique Chicken Sandwich Creation Available At 9 Locations Call it a hen-semble worth shaking your tail feathers over. Two Connecticut food brands have teamed up to hatch a new chicken sandwich creation sure to get any carnivore’s mouth watering. New Haven-based Haven Hot Chicken and bakery Chabaso officially launched their Garlic Parm Sandwich on Monday, March 18. It is now or will soon be available for a limited time only at these nine Hot Chicken locations: Downtown New Haven (21 Whitney Ave.),  Orange (550 Boston Post Road),  Norwalk (596 Westport Ave.),  North Haven (146 Washington Ave.),  Storrs (1206 Storrs Road),&nbs…