Temperatures will drop into the 50s tonight as comfortable conditions continue.

Clouds and humidity values will increase through Sunday, but most of the rain should hold off until Sunday night.

Pockets of moderate rain are possible into Monday morning before we dry out early in the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday look dry and a little warmer before another chance for rain into Thursday.

At approximately 2:24 p.m., the East Windsor Police Department received a call for an unresponsive one-year-old child at Rockville Road.

The father stated that he left his son alone in the vehicle, and when he returned the child was blue and not breathing.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found the father performing CPR on his son. Crews continued to administer CPR upon arrival.

The child was transported to Connecticut Children’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The father was identified as Kevin Pell.

Pell was arrested and charged with risk of injury to a minor. He is being held on a $1 million bond.

Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.

The investigation remains active.

“Well, it’s been really hard because I miss him a lot.” Said Kainsley, who is waiting for her father. “I really, really, miss him.” 

As kids are patiently waiting for their super hero to arrive home, so are other family members who say the deployment, doesn’t get any easier. 

“This isn’t our first rodeo. This is his third time being deployed. Doesn’t get any easier, by any means.”said Bonnie Palermo. “It’s tough for any parent to go through. You just can’t wait for the day they do come back.” 

Bonnie and her family showed up with “Welcome Home” balloons. In the pile, it was mixed in with “Happy Birthday” ones too. Bonnie’s family wanted to celebrate her son returning home, and his birthday that was two days ago. 

As the soldiers started to deboard the plane, the National Guard Base was filled with hugs, tears of joy, and smiles. 

For the soldiers, it’s back to enjoying the little things. 

“It’s awesome being back home and seeing the grass, seeing the trees. Seeing my family. Just filled with emotion.” said Trey Ayotte. “Everyone got home safe and that’s all that matters.”

Camron Harris of Henrico County, Virginia, is not a student on campus nor were four of the people injured, Chesterfield County Police said in a statement. They ranged in age from 17 to 23. One of the injured, a 20 year old, is a student and has now been released from the hospital, authorities said. The victims’ names have not been released.

Authorities have given no information about a possible motive. Police obtained eight felony warrants for Harris, including for malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. Efforts to reach Harris’ family by phone were unsuccessful.

The university said in an earlier statement that authorities were searching for multiple suspects, but police provided no additional information Saturday evening about the search. University officials said earlier in the day that law enforcement did not believe there was an immediate threat to the campus community, and a campus lockdown had been lifted.

The shooting, just after 1:30 a.m. Saturday, prompted a campus lockdown and came as students were getting ready for the new school year.

It happened near the university’s Quad Annexes, where campus police and Chesterfield County officers discovered five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside campus dormitories.

According to the university’s website, residence halls opened for students a week ago, and classes resume on Monday. Many students had just completed the university’s “New Trojans Experience” for incoming students.

“We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends, and the broader VSU community,” the university statement said. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”

The campus had a large law enforcement presence on Saturday morning, and the university informed students that they should monitor their email for additional safety measures and information about support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were assisting, county police said.

Virginia State University is a historically Black university located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 24 miles (39 kilometers) south of the state capital of Richmond. The public university has about 5,700 students and was the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans. Most of its students are undergraduates.

The university has grown in recent years while attempting to improve safety and retain its historic charm, said Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, who lives near the campus and visits regularly. A shooting like this just as students return for classes is heartbreaking for the community, he said.

“To start a new year with this event is very tragic. It casts a shadow in the minds of all students, and for some it will be difficult to rid their minds of this term,” Fridrich said. “For those that were shot, my heart bleeds. I hope that they all mend and somehow do not let this event define their lives.”

___

Whittle reported from Portland, Maine.

Officers responded to Howard Avenue and 2nd Street around 11:15 p.m. for a report of a crash involving a bicyclist. Investigators said the vehicle fled the scene after the crash.

In the area, police said they found an unresponsive man in the road with apparent injuries. The man, identified as a 53-year-old from New Haven, was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital where he later died. His identity has not yet been released.

Authorities said it appears the bicyclist was attempting to cross the street when he was struck by the vehicle.

Police later found the vehicle involved in the collision in another area of the city, but it was unoccupied, according to investigators.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (203) 946-6304 or through the department’s anonymous tip line at 866-888-TIPS.

The primary lineup pushes Iowa from the traditional top spot and makes South Carolina the leadoff state, voting on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia round out the early states, throughout February, according to the plan endorsed by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting in Texas.

DNC Chairman Ken Martin said that to win the general election, “You have to be battle-tested in a way that you already have campaigned in front of and for the support of various communities throughout the country.” That is why the calendar designed by the party matters, he said in an interview.

Some potential candidates in what is expected to be a large field have visited early-voting states such as South Carolina. Party leaders have said the order give candidates the best shot at winning back the White House after Republican President Donald Trump’s second term.

“They have to show that they can go to the South and talk to Black voters and rural voters, as well as out west, talking ranching and mining issues, to a border state, to union members,” said party strategist Karen Finney, who has worked on multiple presidential campaigns. “Whoever survives will be battle-tested.”

Former presidential candidate Howard Dean, a onetime Vermont governor, recalled his tenure as national party chairman, when Democrats solidified Nevada and South Carolina as early states behind Iowa and New Hampshire. The latest change is even better, he said.

“These states look more like the country,” as a whole, he said, “whereas Iowa and New Hampshire don’t.”

Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, said bypassing her state in the early going would sideline important voter voices and give a political edge to Republicans, who are expected to keep Iowa atop their calendar.

Nonwhite voters claim top billing

As the first-in-the-South primary, South Carolina was more decisive than Iowa and New Hampshire for nominees Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. All three dominated among South Carolina’s large Black population, which can yield more than half the state’s Democratic primary electorate.

With Nevada and New Mexico following, that will require candidates to court more Latino voters early in the process.

Shifting from Iowa and New Hampshire does not mean little-known candidates cannot catch fire, as Pete Buttigieg did in Iowa and New Hampshire in 2020, when he was a 37-year-old former mayor. They just will not be able to do it with an almost entirely white audience.

“If you can’t go to every part of this country and make your case, you should not be running for president,” Finney said.

The progressive vs. establishment dynamics may shift

There is disagreement over how Democrats’ split between progressives and mainstream liberals may or may not surface in the nominating calendar.

“I think our primary voters up north are probably a little different than primary voters in South Carolina,” said Boyd Brown, a former DNC member from South Carolina. “It’s not the woke ideologies that we just can’t get away from” in other places.

Nina Smith, a former Buttigieg adviser who now works closely with progressive causes, disagreed. Smith said Black South Carolinians, especially, have gravitated to more moderate candidates – twice rejecting Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in favor of Clinton and Biden.

But, she said, “Southern Black voters are more progressive than they’re given credit for” on policy but also “realists” about what is possible.

“Living through Jim Crow and other oppressive structures will force you to be take that approach,” she said.

Smith said that with South Carolina leading off and many Southern states following on Super Tuesday soon after the early lineup concludes, progressives will have to take the time to listen and then tailor their messages.

“A lot of Black voters don’t necessarily see themselves in the ideas and arguments that progressives put forward,” she said.

Unions will get a spotlight in the early-voting states

Nevada has the service industry unions because of Las Vegas; Michigan has the auto industry and associated manufacturing support industries; Virginia is home to more federal workers than any other state.

“Labor is still so important,” Dean said.

Beyond seeking the backing of organized labor, the campaigns and the party will look to unions for help in spreading Democrats’ message to voters and getting people to the polls.

More scheduling efficiency for candidates

Campaigns struggle to balance many demands such as meeting voters in person, raising money and the logistics of travel. As a result, places such as Nevada have gotten short shrift in the past because candidates, most from the eastern part of the country, have concluded the investment of time is not worth it.

An expanded calendar offers more clustering opportunities.

A swing to the West could hit two early states — Nevada and New Mexico — and include a fundraising stop in California, full of Democratic donors. A South Carolina trip could mean fundraisers and public appearances in Atlanta, Charlotte and Raleigh, both in North Carolina. Virginia offers proximity to donors and national TV studios in Washington; the same options are available by adding a New York City stop on the way to New Hampshire.

Bre Maxwell is a DNC member from South Carolina who said the state’s smaller size and lower media costs are a financial equalizer, allowing not only the best-funded candidates to have an impact.

“They can campaign from the top to the bottom in a day,” Maxwell said.

It’s about primaries, with a clear look to November

Of the six early states, all but South Carolina have been competitive in general elections.

That means that even before Super Tuesday, the Democratic candidates will have spent significant time and resources in states worth a combined 43 Electoral College votes. That is not insignificant on the way to the 270 needed to win.

Television ads and news coverage can spill over, as well. Markets targeting parts of South Carolina also reach portions of North Carolina and Georgia.

After all, Brown said, the point is to put a Democrat in the White House.

“This is not a social or a debate club. It is a political party,” he said.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, S.C., contributed to this report.

State Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Police responded to a report of swimmers in distress in the lake in the afternoon.

According to EnCon Police, several people were swimming from an anchored boat to Chicken Rock when an 18-year-old male had difficulty and went underwater.

Investigators said four of the teen’s friends and a 15-year-old Good Samaritan helped pull the 18-year-old from the water and the 15-year-old performed CPR.

The 18-year-old who was pulled from the water and a 21-year-old who helped were transported to the hospital. Both were reportedly conscious and alert at the hospital.

Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls about gunfire and a man bleeding inside of a car on Catherine Street around 6:45 p.m. on July 27.

Responding officers said they found 18-year-old Leon Richardson in the driver’s seat of a Honda with a head wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said a 17-year-old male from Bridgeport turned himself into homicide detectives at police headquarters on Friday. He is facing charges including murder and carrying a pistol without a permit. He is scheduled to go before a judge in juvenile court on Monday.

Due to the murder charge, authorities said the case is expected to be transferred to adult court, where he will receive a bond.

Officers said the homicide happened midway between Washington Avenue and Harral Avenue on Catherine Street.

According to police, Catherine Street is two blocks from the Greene Homes public housing complex. Detectives said they believe the homicide is connected to the complex as the 17-year-old who was arrested is a former resident of the Greene Homes.

Richardson’s death marks the fifth homicide of the year in Bridgeport.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Thomas Harper at (203) 581-5239 or the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at (203) 576-TIPS.

Emergency crews were called to Route 15 North before exit 42A around 5:15 a.m.

According to fire officials, the driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. The injuries were described by state police as non-life threatening.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Officers responded to Hartford Hospital around 5:10 a.m. for a report of a walk-in stabbing victim.

Authorities said a man was near the Gulf gas station in Franklin Avenue when he was surrounded by five to six men and assaulted.

During the assault, the man was stabbed in his arm and hand, police added. His iPhone 13 was also reportedly taken.

The man is listed in serious, but stable condition.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

The 25th Dragon Boat Races and Asian Festival brought teams together to compete for medals, chase personal bests and, for some paddlers, simply make it across the finish line.

Michael Zaleski, president and CEO of Riverfront Recapture, described it as “one of the largest events in the country.”

For many of the competitors, the combination of teamwork and competition keeps them coming back.

“So, Dragon boats are not for everyone but the people that get into a dragon boat, the paddling, the teamwork, the competition? They’re in it because they love to compete. They love the Connecticut River,” Zaleski said.

A typical dragon boat features 20 paddlers sitting together, with no more than 10 men on a team. A drummer sits at the front of the boat, setting the rhythm for paddlers to follow, while a steersperson stands at the back and guides the boat down the river.

Riverfront Recapture says the event has continued to grow over the years, attracting more teams from a wide range of backgrounds.

Among those competing Saturday was the NYPD Dragon Boat Team.

“I’m the team captain of the NYPD Dragon Boat,” Tim Chin said.

The team has traveled from New York to compete in Hartford’s event since 2015.

“This is a great sport for us to decompress and also you can say get our frustration out on the water,” Chin and teammate Elizabeth Pizarro said, laughing. “To win.”

The racing was only one part of Saturday’s event, with the Asian Festival bringing an additional celebration to the riverfront as dozens of teams and spectators gathered in downtown Hartford.

Couples with upcoming weddings at Connecticut’s Lighthouse Point Park are scrambling to find alternate venues after Thursday morning’s storms leveled the popular Carousel House wedding venue.

The destruction comes during the height of wedding season, including just days before Steph Wilson’s Aug. 22 wedding. Wilson said the New Haven venue held special meaning for the couple.

“It was there on the water,” Wilson explained. “It had personal sentimental ties for my fiancé, who grew up going there and riding the carousel as a kid.”

Wilson learned about the damage and searched online for more information.

“I scroll, and I get to the photos of the carousel building, and I just gasped. I was in such shock,” Wilson explained.

With the wedding just a week away, Wilson has been making calls and searching for another option.

The couple is in Washington, D.C., making the last-minute planning a remote effort. Wilson said they have connected with the Eli Whitney Museum, one of several venues looking to help couples affected by the storm damage.

Ryan Paxton, director of the Eli Whitney Museum, said the situation is something no couple would expect.

“I can imagine where they are; this is tragic. Nobody would expect a wedding venue to be demolished overnight,” Paxton said.

Paxton said the museum wants to help couples salvage their celebrations.

Anthony’s Ocean View, just around the corner from Lighthouse Point Park, is also fielding calls from couples looking for alternate wedding venues.

Tara Amodio, with Anthony’s Ocean View, said the venue has been working with affected couples.

“We are devastated for them; we know what it takes to plan a wedding, all the dedication, time it takes to plan a wedding,” Amodio said.

It remains unclear how long Lighthouse Point Park will be out of commission, leaving couples with upcoming events searching for other options.

Wilson said the response from people willing to help has been a silver lining.

Despite losing the venue they had planned on, Wilson said the couple is keeping the situation in perspective.

“Whatever happens, we host them well and give them a good time while also having… if not our ideal wedding of our dreams, still a wedding that we are going to love and enjoy and look back on fondly, and be a good story,” Wilson said.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal toured the damage Friday and said he will work to secure federal funding for repairs at the park.

The goal is to stop people from driving over the middle of the roundabout, which was originally designed very low to the ground. That was purposely so trucks and buses could safely navigate it, but drivers would go right over the center instead.

The latest work is part of a series of changes to the roundabout over the past year. When it opened last October, cars were driving over the center circle. The town then added orange barrels to stop drivers from doing so. Since December, yellow bollards have been in place.

“The plastic yellow bollards were installed as a temporary measure to direct motorists properly around the roundabout. The curbing serves that same function but is a permanent solution and the colored/stamped concrete in the center provides a visual contrast and a more aesthetically pleasing treatment,” explains Town Engineer Gregory Sommer. “The curbing is designed to be mountable so larger trucks can navigate the roundabout, and for this reason we could not install any plantings or other raised features.”

The town said in October the intersection was ranked 6th for the highest number of crashes in town, and federal data show roundabouts decrease crashes by 82%.

The town said its mission has been accomplished because speeds have been reduced, which benefits multiple schools nearby.

Cyclospora, the “explosive diarrhea parasite” has been spreading around the country since early July and has been linked to fresh produce.

The new data, released on Friday, said that there are now 94 cases in the state. DPH said that 43 were acquired domestically and 12 were acquired internationally, while the origin of the other 39 cases is unknown.

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Four people in the state who contracted cyclosporiasis have been hospitalized, DPH said.

In 2025, the state only saw 32 total cyclosporiasis cases.

Buying refurbished or pre-owned technology could help students save. Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, eBay and Walmart all have refurbished technology shops offering like-new products at steep discounts.

Websites such as Back in the Box and Back Market have built their businesses around selling almost-new electronics. Back Market, for example, lists a Microsoft Surface laptop that it says originally retailed for about $1,000 for $400.

Before buying refurbished technology, shoppers should first check the condition of the device. Condition standards can vary among retailers, so buyers should review what each label means. On eBay, for example, its “Certified” condition is ranked above “Excellent” or “Very Good.”

Shoppers should also review the return policy. Some websites allow returns within 30 days, while others provide a 90-day window.

A warranty is another important consideration. A one-year warranty is typical, while eBay offers a two-year warranty on devices listed as “Certified.”

Buyers should confirm that necessary accessories are included and check the reliability of the battery before completing a purchase.

Some retailers also allow shoppers to trade in old devices for a discount toward a new purchase, creating another opportunity to save.

Jose Raul Cornejo, 56, turned himself in to the Middletown Police Department on Monday on an active arrest warrant with the Connecticut State Police.

He was charged with manslaughter with a motor vehicle in the second degree, misconduct with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to drive right, operating a motor vehicle with tinted or darkened windows, and failure to wear a seat belt.

The charges stem from a crash on Route 66, also known as Meriden Road, shortly before midnight on Aug. 29, 2025. Venancio Papalotzi-George, of Meriden, was killed in the crash at 46.

Cornejo was sent to the hospital after the crash. While at the hospital, he told state police that he had consumed 5 shots of tequila before the collision. A trooper also noted that Cornejo had watery and bloodshot eyes and that there was a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, according to an arrest warrant.

Cornejo had a blood alcohol content of 0.17% to 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08%, the arrest warrant stated.

Investigators determined that Cornejo’s Jeep crossed almost 7 feet into the opposing lane and identified his failure to remain in his lane as the cause of the crash. They also listed alcohol impairment as a contributing factor, according to the arrest warrant.

The arrest warrant also said that the Jeep’s windshield had an illegal tint that allowed about 31% of visible light to pass through, limiting Cornejo’s visibility on the dark roadway. Police also determined Cornejo was not wearing his seat belt.

He posted a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in Middletown on Aug. 25.

“The iconic Stanley Cup will be at Dunkin’ Park on August 18!” The team wrote on Instagram.

Fans will be able to take photos with the championship trophy at Dunkin’ Park on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the Yard Goats.

It’s being brought to Hartford by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Fans do not need to purchase a ticket to go see it, but the Yard Goats said they will be accepting donations to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children.

To find where you can take photos with the Stanley Cup, enter through the main gate on the corner of Trumbull Street and Main Street, the Yard Goats said.

“Thank you to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and former Whalers Equipment Manager Bob Gorman for making this happen for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said in a statement. “Hartford is a special place, and the Yard Goats take great pride in continuing the tradition of professional sports in the capital city.”

More information can be found on the Yard Goats’ website.

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Firefighters were called to 26 West St. around 4:30 p.m. after a caller reported a partial collapse of the building.

When they arrived, they found that a large part of the church had collapsed. No one was trapped in the building, and no one was injured, firefighters said.

Eversource secured the building’s electrical and natural gas services, according to firefighters.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the collapse, and the church’s owners are working with contractors to stabilize the remaining part of the structure.

Lighthouse Ministries International said that services will be held at 2 National Place on Sunday at 11 a.m.

“There are moments in life that can feel overwhelming and for which we can feel completely unprepared,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “This feels like one of those moments.”

The Ink Theory slam poetry team gained national recognition when they were crowned the 2026 Brave New Voices Poetry Slam Champions in San Francisco in July. The team is part of The Word, a New Haven-based adult slam team.

The team — Shawn Douglas, Lucky Francis, Jayden Barrett, Lincey Violette, and Journey Rosa — has only been working together since the spring, but together they have accomplished what teams who have spent years together are working toward.

For Douglas, slam poetry has helped him overcome adversity, including a stutter he had growing up.

“I grew up with a stutter, a really hard stutter, and I couldn’t really speak properly,” Douglas said. “It forces me to have to shed a bit of my ego and work with others.”

Yexandra Diaz, The Word’s artistic director and one of Ink Theory’s coaches, said the national title is a first for the team and for Connecticut.

“They’re very proud of themselves,” Diaz said. “We’re very proud of them.”

Diaz and Tarishi Shuler, another Ink Theory coach, say they are using their passion for poetry to deliver an inspiring message and educate the next generation of slam poets.

“We are passing the baton of storytelling, and they are handling that with integrity, with dignity, with pride, with immense talent,” Diaz said.

Ink Theory is gearing up for more performances and already looking ahead to next year’s competition.

“Whatever God has in store for us,” Douglas said. “I can’t say, but all I know is that I’ll be there.”

One team member is also aging out of the youth program and hopes to join The Word, continuing to help make the Elm City a name in the world of slam poetry.

The mother from Duxbury, Massachusetts is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children. The commonwealth has called dozens of witnesses in the last three weeks.

There was no court Friday, but prosecutors are expected to rest Monday after making their case to jurors.

Watch the full trial on NBC10 Boston’s YouTube channel

“They spent a lot of time trying to inflame the passion of the jury and really not putting forward a cohesive case as to first-degree murder,” said legal analyst Michael Coyne.

Clancy has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, saying she’s not criminally responsible because she suffered from postpartum psychosis.

“The prosecution was, indeed, effective in making the point that none of the caregivers realized that she was suffering from a psychosis,” said legal analyst Peter Elikann.

Elikann, a defense attorney, says the charges brought by District Attorney Timothy Cruz would be difficult for any prosecutor to prove.

“The number of people in the criminal justice field that I’ve spoken to across the spectrum here have questioned whether this case should’ve been brought it all,” he said.

In cross-examination, the defense has argued Clancy was a caring mother who harbored thoughts of suicide and tried to get help.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

“All of that, I believe, helps to create that reasonable doubt that the defendant needs, and that’s obviously really problematic for the government,” Coyne said.

While defense attorney Kevin Reddington is the most experienced lawyer in the courtroom, Coyne says prosecutors have tried a reasonably good case.

“I don’t believe they’re overmatched,” he said. “I don’t particularly believe that the trial strategy is appropriate … simply because too much time has been spent playing to the jury’s sympathy and potential anger towards her.”

The prosecution is expected to call one more witness Monday before the defense begins to present its case.

urn on Monday, when the prosecution could rest its case.

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The humidity levels are fairly nice for August.

By Sunday afternoon the clouds will increase with a chance of rain at night.  

The crash happened just after 9:30 p.m. on Thursday on Route 202 (East Main Street) in the area of Torringford Street.

Police said the pedestrian was hit by a Subaru that was driving eastbound on the road. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released their identity at this time.

The driver of the Subaru remained at the scene, police said, and is cooperating with the investigation. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported.

Officials said it’s unknown at this time if the pedestrian was in a crosswalk or if any charges will be filed. The road is expected to be closed for several hours as police investigate.

Anyone who has information related to the crash is asked to call the Torrington Police Department at 860-489-2000.

Non-electronic school supplies purchased for a nonbusiness purpose are no longer subject to Connecticut’s 6.35% sales tax. The exemption includes common classroom essentials such as notebooks, pencils, folders and binders.

For families already watching their back-to-school budgets, the savings are welcome.

“Everything is more expensive, but we make it work. We budget, we see, we buy what’s on sale when it comes up,” Rocky Hill resident Anna Szaro said.

The tax exemption could also help teachers who spend their own money outfitting their classrooms.

Cathy Lungarini, a music teacher in Naugatuck, said she spends about $500 a year on supplies for her students.

“We spend money on just simple things, folders, pencils, pencil boxes for our kids, markers, even books for our classroom,” Lungarini said.

Lungarini said she was grateful to learn about the new exemption.

“I was very grateful. Teachers, educators, we spend a lot of money on supplies for our students,” Lungarini said.

Szaro also welcomed the change.

“So that’s great. Good to know. That’s going to save us some money, of course,” Szaro said.

The savings can add up when teachers are buying supplies for an entire classroom. School supplies costing just over $30 per student would total about $600 for a class of roughly 20 students. At Connecticut’s 6.35% sales tax rate, the tax would amount to nearly $40.

Lungarini said any savings can help with the other expenses teachers face.

“It’s just helpful all the way around, even paying gas for our cars to get from the store, get into our schools,” she said.

For families, even a few dollars saved on school supplies can be put toward other expenses.

“We can buy more food, we can go on trips. It helps, especially with the economy, the way it is right now,” Szaro said.

“Nine years ago, we started the company for a really simple reason,” said Garrett Langley, the CEO of Flock Safety. “How do we build safer neighborhoods? How do we build safer cities?”

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers. They capture details like a car’s color, make, and model. Information Flock said can help solve crimes.

“Last month alone, we helped detect over a thousand missing people, you know, over 20,000 stolen cars,” said Langley.

But some people, like residents in Milford where police are using the technology, have said that this type of surveillance is unacceptable.

Andrew Rice from Milford said this technology can lead to a slippery slope.

“We are entering an unprecedented phase in American history and technology,” said Rice. “We are building a surveillance state that is not here to protect us or to keep us safe, but, in fact, to control us.”

Now, Flock is tightening its policies.

The company announced Thursday they will flag any questionable use, require police to document why they are looking up a vehicle, and cut down data storage from 30 days to 7.

“We’ve realized our responsibility, and our opportunity to set a new standard for safety and privacy has grown with it,” Langley said.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Groton’s chief of police, L.J. Fusaro Jr., said they are closely monitoring how the technology is being used.

“It’s important to us as police chiefs as police leaders to make sure that we make sure there are provisions not just in policy but in law. If there is a problem where someone is accessing data that shouldn’t, or it’s being shared where it should not be, we will take prompt action,” said Fusaro Jr.

Erin Gore from Milford said she believes local police and officials have the right intentions, but she’s not worried about them.

“The system requires trust not only in local government,” said Gore, “but also in private companies whose sole purpose is to collect, manage, and profit from our data.

Federal Judge Vernon Oliver on Monday rejected a request from the platform Kalshi to block the Department of Consumer Protection (CT DCP) from applying those laws. 

Oliver said in his ruling that he found it unlikely Kalshi would succeed in convincing a court that Connecticut lacked the legal authority to regulate Kalshi’s sports predictive markets. 

The ruling does not apply to other markets available on Kalshi, including elections and news events.  

Kalshi and Polymarket claim their platforms are more like a stock market. 

The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has jurisdiction over such trading, and it has filed lawsuits against Connecticut and several other states seeking to block them from imposing state gambling rules.  

“Connecticut has a right and a duty to protect consumers through the enforcement of our sports betting and gaming laws,” spokesperson Cathryn Vaulman said in a statement. “Kalshi has tried to dress up its unregulated gambling as something else entirely, but Connecticut and the court are not buying it.” 

It’s not clear if or when CT DCP will seek to impose its regulations. State law only allows three licenses for sportsbooks and the operators must partner with the CT Lottery or either of the tribal casinos.  

All three licenses are currently in use, meaning no new companies can operate in Connecticut without a change.

Kalshi claimed in legal filings that it sells derivative contracts, which are financial agreements tied to events with financial or economic impacts.  

A common example when farmers agree to sell crops at a certain price for predictability. Those contracts can be traded or sold under the rules of the CFTC.  

Traditional sportsbooks, meanwhile, post lines for outcomes and users compete against the company.  

Oliver said Kalshi’s sports-related markets failed to meet that definition. He said the outcomes of games are not events and the money wagered does not meet the definition of a financial impact.  

“Kalshi characterizes its sports-related event contracts in various ways, but at bottom, they are sports wagers,” Oliver wrote in the ruling, citing another judge who made similar findings.  

Oliver also concluded that even if Kalshi could prove sold contract “swaps,” CTFC regulations do not prevent states from imposing additional rules.  

Kalshi already filed an intent to appeal.  

“We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and are considering all legal options,” a company spokesperson said.  

Lawmakers said they will look at additional regulations to address some of the other marketplaces Kalshi offers.  

“When it comes to gaming, there are other operators that are following the laws that have been in place,” Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven) said. “I don’t think somebody should come in and circumvent that.” 

Kalshi and Polymarket have been facing legal challenges all over the country as many states seek to regulate or block the operators.  

Oliver noted the companies have had mixed success in federal court but little success in state courts.  

The fight comes as problem gambling is on the rise.  

A survey from financial advisors Betterment found 26% of Gen Z are using sports betting as an integral part of their long-term financial strategy.  

Critics have warned predictive markets are rife with insider trading, leading most users to lose money.  

Rep. Roland Lemar (D-New Haven) said he’s open to conversations about how new companies in Connecticut can operate, but he wants regulations that protect consumers. He welcomed Monday’s ruling.  

“The predictive markets have found a loophole in federal statute that allows them to exploit what our regulations are in Connecticut,” he said. “Anyone who’s gone onto their sites knows what they’re doing.” 

The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. First responders were called to a serious crash on Route 17 (Gospel Lane).

According to officials, a motorcycle, operated by 36-year-old David Garneau, was riding north on Route 17 when he struck the side of an SUV turning left into Portland Golf West.

Police said Garneau was thrown from the bike and was hit by another vehicle driving southbound.

Garneau was taken to Middlesex Hospital before he was flown to Hartford Hospital via LifeStar with life-threatening injuries. He later died from his injuries, police said.

Other minor injuries were reported in the crash.

The crash is still under investigation. Anyone who has information is asked to call the Portland Police Department.

Friends of Pachaug Forest is hosting a free scientific campout at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, offering people a dark and safe place to watch the Perseid meteor shower.

“Pachaug State Forest is your state’s largest state forest. It’s nearing 30,000; it might even be over 30,000 acres,” Friends of Pachaug Forest President Ryan Snide said.

The forest’s size and rural location make it an ideal spot for viewing the Perseids.

Friends of Pachaug Forest partnered with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and The Last Green Valley to organize the event.

“It all started because they came to us, had this gentleman that wanted to offer this, and they didn’t have a dark place to do it,” Snide said. “And they offered like, this is close enough to home. Let’s see if the Friends of Pachaug Forest will help support that. And then it turned into, well, let’s do the whole weekend.”

For the best view of the night sky, stargazers should find a large, rural area away from city light pollution. But because many parks close after sunset, finding a safe place to watch a meteor shower can be a challenge, unless you camp out.

Pachaug State Forest is a great place for people to camp. Those who are new to camping and don’t own a tent can even have one provided for them.

Snide said the event also creates a welcoming atmosphere where experienced campers and first-timers can come together.

“We come here and it’s this big camping event and seeing people that don’t normally visit together, all mingling and bonding and around the campfire telling stories or listening to stories,” Snide said.

The event is completely free, but participants should sign up in advance.

Those attending could get the chance to see up to 100 meteors per hour.

For people hoping to catch the meteor shower on their own, look toward the northeast between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. each night through Aug. 24.

Firefighters were called to the area of Marsh Hill Road and Executive Boulevard at 1:20 a.m. for a report of a vehicle that hit a telephone pole that had come down. There were live wires on the vehicle.

The driver was not injured, and the vehicle was not damaged, but the driver was trapped in the car, according to Vaughn Dumas, chief of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department.

They were able to safely get the driver out of the vehicle, but on the way to the crash, they noticed significant damage to the roof of a building on Cascade Boulevard, Dumas said.

A peak wind gust of 103 mph was measured at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven around 1:30 a.m., with another nearby gust reaching 86 mph.

Crews responded and also found an active gas and water leak in the area, according to Dumas

Firefighters also found downed power lines on railroad tracks. Dumas said that Metro North is handling that.

The damage was caused by straight-line winds, not a microburst or tornado, according to our meteorologists and the National Weather Service.

Marsh Hill Road is closed from Executive Boulevard to the Milford town line due to numerous downed trees and utility poles. Drivers were asked to avoid the area, the Orange Police Department said.

Orange police said cleanup from the early morning storms is well underway, but it will take time for the area to return to normal. Multiple utility poles were snapped in half along Marsh Hill Road, and dozens of trees were damaged on Marsh Hill Road, Executive Lane, and Cascade Boulevard in Orange and Milford.

Police said similar damage was reported in nearby areas of Milford and West Haven. Marsh Hill Road and other affected roads in the area were completely closed and were expected to remain closed for most of the day as crews worked to clear debris.

NBC Connecticut StormTracker Meteorologists say that the path of damage stretches from Milford through Orange and continues into New Haven and East Haven near Cosey Beach.

Several police officers testified Thursday as the Lindsay Clancy murder trial continues following an emotional day in court.

The first two witnesses were state police sergeants who testified about information pulled from the Clancy family’s laptop computer and Lindsay’s cellphone, the last was the case officer, who confirmed his involvement in the investigation through images from the scene.

Prosecutors say Clancy, 36, strangled her children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — on Jan. 24, 2023, after sending her then-husband Patrick out for some errands. She then jumped out of the home’s second-story window and was paralyzed from the waist down in the fall. The defense says she was in the grip of bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible.

There’s no court on Friday, jurors are set to return Monday.

See below for a recap of what happened in the courtroom on Thursday:

 Tomorrow looks nice and the weekend looks fair as of now.

The issue is particularly concerning residents in Warren, where about 10 bear break-ins have been reported this year. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) met with residents Wednesday night to address concerns and offer advice on keeping bears away from homes.

One Warren homeowner recently found his pantry ransacked after a bear got inside his home about two months ago. Video showed the mess left behind.

“They’re big and they are so quiet,” Warren resident Pat Moore said.

Warren First Selectman Greg LaCava said residents have increasingly contacted his office about bears getting onto their properties.

“Quite a few videos have surfaced over the last month or two, and more people [are] calling my office of bears going into their garage,” LaCava said.

State wildlife officials said Connecticut’s bear population is thriving in the western part of the state, increasing the chances of interactions between bears and people. Bears have been spotted in every town and city in Connecticut, according to wildlife officials.

DEEP officials told Warren residents that bears generally approach homes and other properties because they are looking for food.

“Think like a bear. If a bear is coming over to your house, it’s not because it likes you or it wants to be around people. It’s because there’s food,” DEEP’s Jason Hawley, a wildlife biologist, said.

Officials recommend removing potential food sources that could attract bears.

“Take birdfeeders down. Make sure the garbage is secure,” Hawley said.

DEEP deputy commissioner Mason Trumble said the number of bears entering homes this year has already surpassed the total for all of last year.

“So far this year to date, we’ve had 50 home entries. That’s bears entering people’s homes. That’s more than we had the entire year last year, which is concerning to us,” he said.

Some Warren residents said they are already taking precautions.

“We’re very careful with the garbage can. We don’t feed the birds,” resident Jerry Frisbie said.

American citizens were paid as much as $30,000 to enter into bogus marriages with immigrants seeking lawful permanent resident status as part of the scheme orchestrated from New York, according to court papers. The defendants charged up to $100,000 per green card, bringing in tens of millions of dollars over the course of the decade-long scheme, according to officials.

Authorities say they believe the group arranged more than 1,000 sham weddings, describing it as one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions in U.S. history.

“This scheme was not a quick, fly-by-night operation but rather a yearslong, multibillion dollar cottage industry to criminally assist people who would not, or legally could not, otherwise become citizens of the United States,” Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters.

The charges come against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s restrictions on both legal and illegal immigration that have sought to crack down on who is able to enter the country or become a citizen.

After recruiting U.S. citizens, the defendants would arrange fake weddings and in some cases stage photos of families at places such as restaurants afterward to make them look legitimate, according to officials. The defendants would then help the immigrants through the lawful permanent status application process.

“These schemes have real cost. They rob our country of its ability to know who should be and who should not be allowed in America,” Blanche said.

The 11 defendants, including people accused of officiating the sham weddings, are charged in an indictment filed in New York. It was not immediately clear Wednesday whether they had lawyers to speak on their behalf.

Police said officers responded to the sixth floor of an apartment building on Orange Street just before 3:30 p.m. after a woman reported that she had been stabbed by her ex-boyfriend. The woman told dispatchers that the suspect lived in the building and had left her apartment with the weapon.

When officers arrived, they found the woman, 40-year-old Tisha Marinoccio, inside her apartment with a stab wound on her left side. She was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she later died.

Officers located the suspect, 39-year-old Matthew Almontes, outside the building and immediately detained him, police said.

They also found the knife he used in a dumpster in the back alley of the building. Surveillance video showed Almontes entering and leaving Marinoccio’s apartment and later exiting the rear of the building, where he threw an unknown object into the dumpster.

Almontes was taken into custody and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond.

Police were also investigating a fatal stabbing of a 37-year-old man by the New Haven Green. Officials said the stabbings were separate, and the one on Orange Street happened just before 3:30 p.m., with the one on Elm Street happening just before 3 p.m.

According to officials, 37-year-old Michael Spencer from New Haven was stabbed in the area of Elm and Temple Streets on the edge of the New Haven Green. After initially reporting life-threatening injuries, police said the stabbing was now being investigated as a homicide.

Spencer was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he later died.

Police said the stabbing happened after the suspect and the victim got into an argument inside the library, and it continued outside on the New Haven Green. It’s unknown if the two knew each other, but officials said both have frequented the area.

Police released surveillance images of the person they say is a suspect in the stabbing and that they were last seen walking in the area of Howe Street toward George Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives with the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304 or through the department’s anonymous tip line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).

At the time, police were also investigating a separate deadly stabbing on Orange Street that happened earlier.

This is a developing story.

Personal injury law firm Trantolo & Trantolo is promoting its business and road safety awareness by stenciling messages like “Look both ways before you cross” and “There have been 12,418 motorcycle accidents in the state in the last 10 years,” in Hartford and West Hartford.

But both municipalities say the advertisement was done without authorization.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam told NBC Connecticut that the city has seen at least 15 messages from Trantolo & Trantolo on sidewalks. He said the city is looking into filing a complaint with the state grievance committee for improper attorney advertising.

Hartford police confirmed that the firm has been cited by police for advertising without written consent.

Police said the law firm violated Hartford City Ordinance 3.1, which states: “No person shall place or maintain any poster, placard, sign or advertising device of any kind upon any private premises, pole or tree or in any public place, without obtaining the written consent of the owner of the property. If the property is owned by the city, the written consent of the director of the department having charge of such property shall be obtained.”

Arulampalam explained that the city has requested the law firm clean up the messages, but as of Wednesday afternoon, many were still present in Hartford.

“People don’t want to walk through city streets or down Bushnell Park and think about slip and falls,” said Arulampalam.

The West Hartford Department of Public Works said there were markings at around 24 crosswalk locations throughout West Hartford center, also unauthorized. Public works staff cleaned them up by powerwashing.

“The unauthorized tagging required Public Works to divert staff and resources from scheduled maintenance activities in order to address this unexpected cleanup,” said John Phillips, of the Department of Public Works. “The Department is currently documenting the work performed and associated costs and will be preparing an invoice for the unanticipated maintenance required to restore the affected public sidewalks”

Trantolo & Trantolo responded to NBC Connecticut in a statement:

“Hartford has a serious road safety problem. That is the story we set out to tell. Working with an outdoor advertising company that has executed similar temporary sidewalk campaigns in cities across the country, Trantolo & Trantolo recently placed a series of temporary stencils throughout Hartford and West Hartford highlighting important local and statewide safety statistics. The stencils were created using either power washing or temporary chalk—not spray paint—and were always intended to be temporary. We had planned and scheduled the removal of any remaining chalk stencils at the conclusion of the campaign.”

“The chalk will disappear. The need for safer roads will not,” said Scott Trantolo of Trantolo & Trantolo

“If you have to look down to see it, it doesn’t really speak safety to me,” said Khris Taschereau of New Britain.

“Why would anyone wanna put their advertisement on the floor? All they’re gonna do is step over it,” said Cheena Rivera of Hartford.

Others said the real problem is road safety in Connecticut, not the messaging bringing attention to the topic.

“It’s just paint. It would be nice if they created real infrastructure to avoid pedestrian deaths,” said Serge of New Haven.

“I don’t mind that message. I think that actually helps,” said Manu Mazumdar of South Windsor.

NBC Connecticut has reached out to the marketing agency working with Trantolo & Trantolo for a comment in response to the City of Hartford’s citation but have not heard back at this time.

The crash happened near Exit 41 around 6:17 p.m. State police said Trooper Trainee Justin Tetreault, 23, of Danielson, was driving a 2024 Ford Interceptor Utility in the left lane with its emergency lights and sirens on.

A box truck traveling in the right lane began merging into the left lane directly in the path of the Interceptor, according to the crash report.

Tetreault swerved partially into the median to avoid hitting the truck and lost control of his vehicle, state police said. The Interceptor then struck a metal beam guide rail and a concrete bridge wall in the center median.

Tetreault was injured and treated at Day Kimball Hospital. The Interceptor was towed from the scene.

State police identified the driver of the box truck as an 18-year-old from Wallington, New Jersey. He was found at fault and was issued an infraction for failure to maintain the proper lane.

A Level 2 commercial vehicle inspection was also conducted on the box truck. Inspectors discovered multiple out-of-service violations, and the truck was towed from the scene.

Stuar Lopez-Reyes, 25, and Ivan Barias-Florimon, 24, have been arrested in connection with the June 3 home invasion at a home on East Broadway.

According to an arrest warrant for Lopez-Reyes, investigators are looking at whether the attack may have been connected to a dispute involving the woman who survived the shooting.

The 69-year-old woman and her companion, Frederick Werner, were sleeping when two men entered the home through a rear sliding door around 2:56 a.m., according to police. The woman was shot once in the head and survived. Werner was shot multiple times and died from his injuries. Police said the woman was able to call 911 after she was shot and the suspects fled.

The warrant says the woman told investigators she suspected a former employee was somehow involved. She said she had recently fired the employee on suspicion of stealing money from her business.

According to the warrant, Barias-Florimon had a personal connection to the former employee and had previously done landscaping work at the East Broadway home. The former employee told investigators Barias-Florimon knew she had been fired and did not like her former employer.

During an interview, investigators asked the former employee whether she thought Barias-Florimon might feel like he had to stick up for her. The warrant says she became emotional and responded, “Of course I feel that way.”

When asked whether she thought Barias-Florimon was capable of shooting someone, she responded, “Yes, I’m sure,” according to the warrant. When asked why, she said she had the impression he “is in a gang.”

Investigators also obtained text messages between Barias-Florimon and the former employee from the days after she was fired. In one exchange cited in the warrant, Barias-Florimon wrote, “I’ll make her life hell,” referring to the woman who survived the shooting.

Lopez-Reyes, of Bridgeport, was arrested in New Haven on July 31. Barias-Florimon, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested in New York City on Aug. 4.

Both men have been charged with murder, murder in commission of a felony, home invasion, and assault in the first degree of an elderly victim.

Erin Jones, of South Windsor, and Benjamin Hallmark, of Westfield, Massachusetts, met through an online dating app in January 2021 after both had nearly given up hope of finding the right person.

Erin tragically lost her boyfriend, South Windsor police officer Matthew Mainieri, in 2018, when he died after he was assaulted while attempting to break up a fight at a bar in South Carolina.

When she was finally ready to start dating again, she was greeted with one disappointing online profile after another.

Erin said Ben’s profile stood out because he was genuine, upfront, and looking for a serious relationship.

Ben was drawn to Erin’s resilience and life experience, along with her warm personality.

Their first date took place on Jan. 25, 2021, at The Barn in Granby during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the awkwardness of masks and meeting a stranger for the first time, both say the conversation flowed easily, and they felt comfortable with each other right away.

Four years later, on the anniversary of that first date, Ben proposed.

“She was there for me every step of the way through some difficult times in my life,” Ben said. “That showed her true character. I knew she was the one.”

Now, with their wedding just weeks away, the couple is embracing what they describe as a real-life Hallmark romance.

The idea took shape during an engagement trip to Old Forge, New York, where light snowfall, Christmas lights, and picturesque scenery made Erin feel like she was living inside one of the feel-good movies the network is known for. Little did she know, a proposal was coming the next day.

As they planned their wedding, the Hallmark connection became even more fitting. After all, it is Ben’s last name.

The couple tracked down a vintage Hallmark sign on eBay to display at their head table, and they’ve even mailed wedding invitations and engagement photos to Hallmark, hoping someone at the company might take notice.

“I’d be thrilled if they even sent us a card,” Erin said.

So far, they haven’t received a response, but they’re staying optimistic.

Beyond the Hallmark connection, the couple says their story proves it’s never too late to find love.

“I’d say it’s definitely never too late to start over again and take a chance, and I’m glad I did because at 44 I didn’t think I’d ever be getting married, ” said Erin. “Ben’s 49, and he’s never been married either. It’s definitely never too late to find love or start over and take a chance.”

Ben agrees, encouraging others who may be discouraged by dating later in life not to give up hope.

“Eventually you meet that special somebody,” he said.

The couple will marry in South Windsor later this month, and one very special guest is already confirmed. Their beloved dog, Adora, a Dogo Argentino who helped catch Erin’s attention when she first saw Ben’s dating profile, is set to walk down the aisle wearing a floral collar made by Erin’s mother.

Whether Hallmark ultimately responds or not, Erin and Ben say they already have the happy ending they were searching for.

Lamont announced Wyman’s death Wednesday morning and ordered that U.S. and state flags on Connecticut state government buildings be lowered to half-staff, effective immediately.

Wyman served as the 108th lieutenant governor under Gov. Dannel Malloy from 2011 to 2019 and as state comptroller from 1995 to 2011. She previously represented the 53rd Assembly District and began her public service career on the Tolland Board of Education.

She was also the first woman elected state comptroller in Connecticut.

“Nancy Wyman was a good friend to me, a good friend to Democrats, and a good friend to the people of Connecticut,” Lamont said.

Luke Bronin, who won the Democratic nomination in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday night, said “it was an honor to work with” Wyman while she served.

“Nancy Wyman had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met, and there are few people who do this work with greater compassion, more care, or a deeper commitment to making people’s lives better,” Bronin said. “It was an honor to work with her in the Malloy-Wyman administration, and she was a mentor and a friend, as she was to so many people.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz called Wyman a “trailblazing political leader” and mentor.

“Connecticut has lost a little sparkle today, and I know of no one that can fill her stilettos,” Bysiewicz said.

Sen. Stephen Harding called Wyman “classy. Smart. Tough. Humble,” on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus.

“Lt. Gov. Wyman loved Connecticut,” Harding said. “She dedicated decades of her life to public service and helping people in ways large and small. We are all grateful for that service.”

State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said Wyman’s work “changed lives.”

Senate leaders Martin Looney and Bob Duff remembered Wyman as a longtime friend and dedicated public servant.

“Nancy was a kind, thoughtful, and generous friend, high-spirited and quick-witted. She also had great exuberance and loved to dance,” Looney said.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the date of Wyman’s interment, which has not yet been announced.

Testimony continued on Wednesday in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial as the prosecution draws closer to resting its case. A state police trooper, a therapist, a Duxbury police officer, a sheriff’s office manager and two medical examiners took the stand.

Prosecutors say Clancy, 36, strangled her children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — on Jan. 24, 2023, after sending her then-husband Patrick out for some errands. She then jumped out of the home’s second-story window and was paralyzed from the waist down in the fall. The defense says she was in the grip of bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible.

There’s a recap of the day’s proceedings below, plus you can find the latest in our Friday recap here — there’s no court to end the week, jurors are set to return Monday.

State police said troopers were first called in around 7:20 a.m. for what they described as a “suspected hostage-by-firearm situation.”

Troopers found the vehicle near exit 9 northbound and gave chase. The driver crashed into eight other vehicles on the highway before stopping and trying to run off on foot, police said. The suspect was taken into custody, and the victim was offered medical care. A gun was found in the vehicle, police said.

Over a half dozen police cruisers could be seen converged on an area of the highway northbound as of 8 a.m. A black SUV was also spotted at the scene with heavy front end damage.

Massachusetts State Police said the suspect, identified Wednesday evening as 31-year-old Dominic Hampton-Boyd of Roxbury, is scheduled to be arraigned on multiple charges in Quincy District Court. Police did not say what charges he is facing.

Major traffic delays were being reported as a result of the police activity.

Further details were not immediately available.

Crews responded to the incident around 4:07 a.m. Officials said the fire originated in the breezeway of a single-family home and was brought under control within an hour.

New Britain Assistant Fire Chief Peter Towey said the three occupants inside the house were evacuated by the time crews arrived.

Assistant Fire Chief Towey said there is substantial damage throughout the structure.

Both people have been discharged from the hospital, firefighters said. No firefighters were injured while putting out the fire.

The Fire Marshal is investigating this incident.

There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms possibly tonight or early tomorrow.

As of now it looks mostly fair Friday through Sunday.

It comes after dry conditions with little to no rain and infrastructure problems on the island. As a result, some cities are implementing water rationing measures. More than 180-thousand people have faced water shutoffs lasting up to 48 hours. Shutoffs started on Friday, as part of an alternating schedule. 

Connecticut is home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the country. It’s difficult for people to see what’s happening there.

“A lot of my family members are in their 60s and 70s, and this drought is very difficult for them to do their basic necessities. Everything from toileting, showering, cooking, and that’s a concern,” said Jose Crespo. 

Crespo was born in Puerto Rico and came to the states when he was five years old. He still has family there, and he’s trying to figure out how he can help. 

“I’ve even thought of taking at least a week or two to go to Puerto Rico with water or sending water over there. At least making a purchase to send there and then picking it up and helping those that I can,” said Crespo. 

Lisette Colon, a leader for the Connecticut Puerto Rico Commission, said this is not just about the lack of water; it’s about a systemic foundation that needs change. 

“It’s not simply an emergency response issue, but an infrastructure, economic development, and public health issue. For that, this needs to be taken seriously,” said Colon. 

The Puerto Rican community in Connecticut wants to see the island get help as soon as possible. 

“Water is a basic necessity, but it’s an essential necessity as an essential component of life everywhere in the world.” said Crespo. “Puerto Rico is another one of our community members. Let’s help them out as well.” 

NBC News reports the high-magnitude earthquake hit Western Colombia on Monday, killing more than 180 people and devastating several cities.

Aura Maria Leiva is the owner of Sabores Restaurant in Bridgeport and Orange.

Leiva grew up in Cali, Colombia, one of the worst-hit cities. She said thankfully her family is safe, but it’s painful to see her childhood home turn to rubble.

In response to the widespread impact, Leiva is organizing a fundraising event with live music, food for sale, and free games for kids.

“The best help in this moment is money,” Leiva said.

As Leiva begins with monetary donations, she said they will also be collecting items to send to Colombia with the help of the Association of Venezuelans in CT (Asoven CT).

Dr. Pedro Falcon, vice-president of Asoven CT, said the organization felt compelled to help since they recently experienced a similar situation with back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s northern region in late June.

“The first people who reacted to help us when we had the double earthquake in Venezuela four weeks ago were the Colombians. It was Aura from Sabores Restaurant who stopped the restaurant and she started to collect humanitarian aid for Venezuela,” said Falcon.

Falcon said their experience with the recent earthquakes allows Asoven CT to help Leiva be more coordinated and efficient in her relief efforts.

“We have developed the logistics for four weeks, and we’ve been learning through trial and error. Now we’re able to provide help that will be more effective and efficient to the Colombian community and we are here to help,” Falcon explained.

Sabores Restaurant will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, August 16 at 200 Boston Post Rd in Orange.

Anthony Mastrangelo, 27, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault of a minor and five counts of risk of injury to a child in connection with incidents dating back to 2022.

The girls said Mastrangelo sexually assaulted them at summer camp or while he was babysitting them.

He was first arrested in May 2024 and charged with sexually assaulting one victim. He was arrested a month later and charged with the sexual assault of four other victims.

He was an employee of Bethany’s Parks and Recreation Department. He had also worked in the school district and as a babysitter.

In addition to four years behind bars, Mastrangelo was sentenced to 10 years of probation and will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

During Tuesday’s sentencing in New Haven, Judge Tracy Lee Dayton had strong words for Mastrangelo and described his behavior as “shockingly predatory in nature.”

“I don’t know if anyone can steal anyone’s innocence. There’s only one guilty party here: Anthony Mastrangelo,” Dayton said.

Dayton also said she found it difficult to believe that there were only five victims.

Victims and their family members addressed the court during the sentencing. NBC Connecticut was not permitted to record the victims or their impact statements.

One victim told Mastrangelo that she cannot forgive and cannot forget, but that she can move forward and will never stop speaking up for herself.

One parent called Mastrangelo a “monster” and said he “deserves every bit of mental suffering he will endure.”

As she imposed the sentence, Dayton acknowledged that the amount of prison time may not provide solace to the victims and their families.

“I don’t feel it’s enough time,” Dayton said.

When the case broke in 2024, an independent report commissioned by the town later found that Bethany’s first selectwoman knew about allegations involving Mastrangelo as far back as two years before his arrest but did not remove him from his Parks and Recreation job.

She resigned last June.

The case also prompted a new Connecticut law adding oversight to municipally operated summer camps.

Mastrangelo’s family attended Tuesday’s sentencing. He and his family did not speak outside of court.

State police said they were assisting EMS with a medical call on Baxter Road in Tolland around 1:51 p.m. Saturday when a 58-year-old man drove up in a blue Mazda SUV with red and blue flashing lights.

The man asked state police if they needed any assistance. When officers asked what agency the man represented, he said he was a federal officer and then left the immediate area, state police said.

Troopers saw the same SUV parked behind state police cruisers with the red and blue lights on a short time later, according to state police.

When police questioned the man further, he said he worked for “Special Forces.” Police said he was unable to provide legitimate law enforcement credentials when asked.

State police said an inspection of the SUV revealed multiple red and blue light bars attached to the front and rear windshields, more flashing lights underneath the vehicle, a radio communications scanner, and two sets of handcuffs and keys on the front passenger seat.

They also found another pair of handcuffs in a pouch on the man’s belt, according to state police. All of the items were seized as evidence.

The man was arrested and charged with impersonation of a police officer and improper use of colored or flashing lights.

He was held on a $25,000 bond and was taken to the Hartford Correctional Center after he was unable to post bond, state police said.

He was scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Rockville Superior Court.

Norwalk Patrol Officers were called to the intersection of Osborne Avenue and Fort Point Street around 2:41 p.m. after receiving a report of a motor vehicle accident involving an e-bike.

The e-bike operator was seriously injured and sent to Norwalk Hospital, according to police.

The Norwalk Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit and Identification Unit has taken over the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has any video, photos, or other evidence is asked to contact the Norwalk Police Department.

Desmond’s Army is also offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to find whoever is responsible. The reward was previously set at $5,000, but they bumped it to $6,000 on Aug. 14.

Officers responded to a walking trail near Woodtick Road and Boundline Road on Saturday after receiving a report that two garbage bags were emitting a “very strong, foul odor,” police said in a Facebook post.

When they arrived, officers opened the bags and discovered two dead pitbulls, according to police.

The dogs are being transported to UConn’s Pathobiology and Veterinary Science program for necropsies to help determine the cause of their deaths, police said.

“Desmond’s Army is generously paying for the cost of both necropsies in an effort to help uncover what happened to these poor dogs,” police said.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the dogs is asked to call Detective Tim Jackson, the lead investigator on the case, at 203-879-1414.

“These dogs deserve justice, and someone knows what happened to them,” police said. “Even the smallest piece of information could help investigators identify the person responsible.”

Connecticut voters headed to the polls on Tuesday to determine candidates for governor, U.S. Congress, and other offices on the ballot. Results can be found on NBC Connecticut’s website.

Here’s a recap of the results, reaction, and key moments from Connecticut’s 2026 primary election.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner Julie Paul returned to the stand to be cross examined by the defense on Tuesday, the eleventh day of the Lindsay Clancy trial.

Another psychiatric nurse practitioner who treated Clancy at South Shore Hospital, Rebecca Jollatta, testified and was cross examined as well.

It came after a pivotal day in court on Monday, where Dr. Jennifer Tufts, Clancy’s main psychiatrist, was grilled by defense attorney Kevin Reddington about her expertise and treatment decisions.

Prosecutors say Clancy strangled her children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — on Jan. 24, 2023, after sending her then-husband Patrick out for some errands. She then jumped out of the home’s second-story window and was paralyzed from the waist down in the fall.

Read below for what happened in court on Tuesday, and follow along with Wednesday’s live blog here.

Officers arrived at the incident around 10:50 p.m. The male victim sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, according to police.

Police said they are not releasing further details including names at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

The Criminal Investigations Bureau is investigating the incident.