After temperatures fell into the teens and low 20s Monday night, Tuesday will warm up with highs around 40 degrees.

Clouds will increase on Wednesday with a few rain or snow showers by the evening.

A burst of snow and rain overnight into Thursday morning is likely, and the morning commute could be tricky.

We could see a coating to as much as 2 inches of snow away from the shoreline. In some of the higher hill towns along the Massachusetts border, 2 to 4 inches could stick by Thursday morning.

Snow is expected to start around 9 p.m. on Wednesday and continue through to 8 a.m. on Thursday.

The shoreline is expected to see slightly higher temps, meaning snowfall accumulation will be little if anything.

Friday and the weekend will be cold.

You can get the latest forecast anytime here.

Authorities said it happened in a parking lot near George Street and Winthrop Avenue around 3:30 p.m.

A 25-year-old man was shot in the chest and later died at the hospital. He has since been identified as Christopher Santana, of New Haven.

Detectives said Santana drove a friend to the back of 730 George St. where they were approached by two men wearing masks. One of them abruptly shot Santana before running away, according to police.

Police Chief Karl Jacobson said the incident may have stemmed from an argument, possibly a robbery. Authorities have not yet identified a motive, but they believe the incident is isolated.

The shooter has not yet been located, but it seems as though they knew the victim, according to police.

Mayor Justin Elicker said authorities will “work hard to find the person who took this young man’s life and bring them to justice.”

“Almost all the violence we see in the city is people who know each other or are targeting each other,” Elicker said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 203-946-6304.

Authorities said it happened at RK Food Mart on Boswell Avenue just before 2:30 p.m.

A store clerk reported that they were robbed at knifepoint. Surveillance images released by police show the suspect.

The thief allegedly fled with an unknown amount of money, according to police.

No injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police at 860-886-5561 ext. 4.

In a court filing challenging Hunter Biden’s request to dismiss the California indictment against him in light of his father’s pardon Sunday night, Weiss noted that a number of judges had already rejected the younger Biden’s claims of vindictive prosecution.

In a statement announcing the “full and unconditional” pardon, the president said, “I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” referring to the cases brought by Weiss that led to a guilty verdict on gun-related charges in Delaware and a guilty plea on tax and fraud charges in California.

“I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” Biden said.

In the court filing, Weiss’s office did not directly mention the president’s statement but noted that Hunter Biden filed eight motions to dismiss the California indictment, “making every conceivable argument for why it should be dismissed, all of which were determined to be meritless.”

“Of note, the defendant argued that the indictment was a product of vindictive and selective prosecution. The Court rejected that claim finding that ‘[a]s the Court stated at the hearing, Defendant filed his motion without any evidence.’ And there was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case,” the filing said.

It noted that Hunter Biden “made similar baseless accusations” in the Delaware case, which that judge rejected, as well. Three appeals court panels also rejected Hunter Biden’s arguments, the filing said.

“In total, eleven (11) different Article III judges appointed by six (6) different presidents, including his father, considered and rejected the defendant’s claims, including his claims for selective and vindictive prosecution,” the filing said. 

In filings Sunday night, Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell argued the presidential pardon “requires an automatic dismissal of the Indictment.”

Weiss argued in the California filing and a separate filing in Delaware that courts typically “do not dismiss indictments when pardons are granted.”

“The Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. That does not mean the grand jury’s decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred,” the Delaware filing said.

“It also does not mean that his charges should be wiped away because the defendant falsely claimed that the charges were the result of some improper motive or selective prosecution. No court has agreed with the defendant on these baseless claims, and his request to dismiss the indictment finds no support in the law,” it added.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Responding to Weiss’ filing late Monday, Lowell argued the judge has the right — and reason — to dismiss the underlying indictment.

“Mr. Biden has not been sentenced and no judgment has been entered in this case. Because no judgment has been or will be entered in this case, the appropriate resolution is to dismiss the Indictment while noting that is due to a pardon,” Lowell wrote. 

Hunter Biden had been scheduled to be sentenced in both cases this month.

This article first appeared on NBCNews.com. Read more from NBC News here:

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Two men made four explosives and one exploded sooner than expected, injuring one man’s hand, police said.

He was taken to a local hospital by the other man, who then left and went out-of-state, according to police.

Police said they evacuated several homes in the Pine Creek Marsh area out of precaution and residents were able to return home that evening.

Authorities said one of the undetonated explosives was left at the marsh. All of the explosives were properly disposed of, according to police.

Police said that the young men had no intentions of harming themselves or anyone else.

“Homemade explosive devices pose significant risks to those handling them and can result in severe injuries or even death,” police said in a statement.

The FBI is involved in the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

 “I feel so bad. It’s just sad for a football player to just die on the spot,” Jake Gebbia, of Watertown, said.

Gebbia, 12, is part of the Water-Oak Pop Warner Football and Cheer.

On Monday, the organization held a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings in Waterbury to benefit the family of Jahkye.

“We’re trying to raise as much money as we can to try and help his family after the terrible tragic incident that happened in Bloomfield,” Matt Geer, Water-Oak Pop Warner Football and Cheer president, said.

Officials say Jahkye died after collapsing at a practice last Wednesday for the Bloomfield Junior Warhawks football team.

While he started his freshman year at Bloomfield High School, he had recently transferred to Manchester High.

In a message to the community, Manchester Superintendent Matt Geary wrote:

“While this student was new to the Manchester community, we know that a loss like this has a deep impact on all those who knew and loved the student as well as on young people and families. As a community, I am certain we will be there to support each other in the days ahead.”

Pop Warner teams are pulling together, including Water-Oak.

Coaches recently wore a ribbon with blue and orange – the colors for Bloomfield – and players had Jahkye’s number 10 on their helmets.

“It’s a tragic situation what they’re going through. A lot of us have 13-year-old players that are playing as well. I just can’t imagine what the family is going through,” Michael Hinckley, Water-Oak Pop Warner Football and Cheer vice president, said.

Officials are still looking into what led Jahkye to collapse.

There’s one obvious holiday classic that has yet to play in Kieran Culkin’s home.

The “Succession” star — who shares daughter Kinsey, 5, and son Wilder, 3, with wife Jazz Charton — revealed why he’s hesitant to introduce his children to “Home Alone,” the 1990 hit which starred their uncle Macaulay Culkin in his breakout role.

“There’s still some scary parts,” Kieran Culkin explained to E! News Dec. 2 at The Gothams 34^th Annual Film Awards in New York. “For the 3-year-old, there’s the tarantula [and] there’s the guy at the end who said, ‘I’m gonna bite off all your fingers.’ That’s scary for a 3-year-old.”

However, the actor says there’s only one way to find out.

“We think they might be ready for ‘Home Alone’ this year,” he revealed. “If not, next year.”

While the Christmas favorite sparks nostalgia for most viewers, Kieran Culkin previously recalled how the film’s massive success made his brother an overnight sensation — a status he did not envy.

“Even at that time, as a kid, I remember thinking, ‘That sucks for him,’” Kieran Culkin told Esquire in March 2023. “Poor f–king guy. He was little and having to try to accept that level of fame as reality.”

But as for Macaulay Culkin himself, the former child star didn’t wait long to screen the movie for his son Dakota, 3, whom he shares with fiancée Brenda Song.

“I already showed it to him last year, he thinks it’s so funny,” Macaulay Culkin said in a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I convinced my oldest that he’s the kid in the movie. I said, ‘Remember you had yellow hair? Remember when you were getting the bad guys?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah!’ He is such a liar. I’m like, ‘You don’t remember any of that.’”

— Reporting by Emily Curl

Electronic signs have been informing motorist about the number of people who have died on roadways statewide – 303 as of Nov. 26, the latest numbers.

“My heart sinks, honestly,” Stephen Panus said of his reaction when he saw those signs.

Panus’s son, Jake, died in 2020 at the age of 16. Jake was the passenger in a drunk driving accident on Block Island.

Panus has since become an advocate for roadway safety efforts, especially lowering the blood-alcohol content level, or BAC, from 0.08 to 0.05.

“It’s changed our life in every way, shape or form possible – completely devastating,” Panus said.

The signs are getting attention – at least from lawmakers.

“My first thought was ‘that’s dark,’” Rep. Aimee Berge-Girvalo (D-Ridgefield) said. “It certainly has me slowing down.”

The 303 deaths so far continues a deadly trend in Connecticut.

Motor vehicle deaths eclipsed 300 in 2021, at 302, and then skyrocketed to a 40-year high of 367 in 2022. The number dipped to 303 last year.

But Eric Jackson, executive director of UConn’s Connecticut Traffic Institute, estimates Connecticut will see roughly 330 traffic-related deaths by the end of the year.

He said fatal accidents have a variety of causes: speeding, distracted or impaired driving, and wrong-way drivers.

They can also happen on any type of roadway, but Jackson said they’re more common on local roads than on highways.

“Our interstates are designed to be safe because they don’t have intersections, everybody’s traveling in the same direction,” he said.

Berger-Girvalo said lawmakers need to address all types of accidents, but she was especially concerned about impaired driving.

Impaired driving accounts for nearly 40% of fatal accidents in Connecticut, according to the DOT, well above the national average of 30%.

Experts say alcohol remains the primary substance.

“We have no choice but to look very closely at that,” said Berger-Girvalo, vice-chair of the legislature’s Transportation Committee.

She expressed concern that tougher penalties and more policing won’t be enough to deter drivers, though. Lawmakers could also look to newer technologies.

The state has started installing alert systems for wrong-way drivers and now allows towns to utilize red light cameras.

The DOT is testing a car that uses infrared technology to detect when a driver is above the BAC limit. It can even detect if someone’s BAC is going up after they’ve started driving.

“The goal is to just really try to crack down and eliminate the vehicle’s ability to operate if that driver is impaired,” Jackson said.

The company said they found someone attaching a skimming device to a single terminal at their Milford location on Oct. 29.

Then a few days later, on Nov. 1, the company learned that the same person attached a skimming device to a single terminal at their Stratford location.

A Big Y spokesperson said they are actively investigating, and they are working with police. The company said they’ve inspected all of their terminals and will continue to do so.

“If we learn that any particular customer’s information was compromised, we will promptly notify them and provide them with additional information so that they can take steps to protect themselves,” the spokesperson said.

Big Y recommends that all customers review their bank and credit card statements for any signs of fraudulent activity.

The company found skimming devices at their Naugatuck and Plainville locations earlier this year.

Any customers with questions or concerns can contact Big Y by calling 800-828-2688 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Jayhawks earned 35 of 61 first-place votes in the poll, while the Tigers got the remaining 26 and climbed two spots to No. 2 after wining the Maui title. The Huskies fell all the way to No. 25, barely avoiding becoming only the second team to go from No. 2 to unranked in a week in nearly four decades.

It was part of a turbulent week with holiday-week tournaments, leading to six new teams entering the rankings headlined by No. 12 Oregon and No. 16 Memphis.

Kansas (7-0), which beat Duke last week, had increased its margin on the No. 2-ranked team each week since the preseason poll and had a 107-point margin on the Huskies last week. But with the Tigers — ranked No. 1 in KenPom’s metrics — beating ranked Iowa State and North Carolina teams in the Maui title run, that margin is just nine points this week.

Auburn was joined by fellow SEC schools No. 3 Tennessee and No. 4 Kentucky, with each team climbing four spots. Marquette was next at No. 5, followed by Iowa State, Gonzaga, Purdue, Duke and Alabama to round out the top 10.

UConn’s slide

The Huskies (5-3) had won 17 straight games entering the Maui Invitational, but things quickly went awry with an opening-round overtime loss to Memphis in a game that had coach Dan Hurley fuming about officiating. UConn lost the next day to Colorado, then lost to Dayton in the seventh-place game to finish last in the prestigious tournament.

The Huskies dropped from No. 2 to No. 25 in this week’s poll.

It was reminiscent of No. 2 Arizona’s 0-3 crash at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas in November 2017. But the Huskies avoided the same poll fate as the Wildcats, who became the first team to go from No. 2 to unranked in a week since Louisville in November 1986 after its tournament flop in the Great Alaska Shootout.

Rising and falling

While Oregon jumped 26 spots to enter the AP Top 25, Marquette, Purdue and No. 13 Florida had the week’s biggest climbs within the poll, each rising five spots. No. 11 Wisconsin joined Tennessee and Kentucky with four-spot jumps as 10 teams rose from their spots in last week’s poll.

In all, seven teams fell from last week’s poll.

While UConn’s tumble stood out, No. 17 Houston fell 11 spots after losses to Alabama and now-No. 24 San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

North Carolina also had a big fall, sliding eight spots to No. 20 after losses to Auburn and Michigan State in Maui. Gonzaga tumbled four spots to seventh after losing its Battle 4 Atlantis opener to West Virginia.

Status quo

No. 23 Mississippi joined Kansas as the only teams to hold their position from last week.

Welcome

Oregon led the week’s six new teams after beating Alabama to win the Players Era Festival championship, followed by Memphis after finishing second to Auburn in Maui.

No. 18 Pittsburgh, No. 19 Illinois, No. 21 Oklahoma – which won the Atlantis title – and San Diego State were the week’s other new additions.

Farewell (for now)

Indiana (No. 14), Arkansas (No. 19), Creighton (No. 21), Xavier (No. 22), Arizona (No. 24) and Mississippi State (No. 25) fell out of the poll.

Conference watch

The SEC led all conferences with eight ranked teams, followed by the Big 12 with five. The Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference each had three ranked teams, while the West Coast, American Athletic and Mountain West conferences each had one.

Here is a list of some festive lights that your family and friends can enjoy:

Nov 16 – Dec 31: Fantasy of Lights, located in New Haven – take a drive through holiday lights on display from 5 – 10 p.m.

Nov 22 – Jan 4: Magic of Lights, located in East Hartford – take a drive through different scenes of festive lights.

Nov 22 – Feb 9: Winter Lantern Festival, located at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, open Fridays to Sundays 5 – 9 p.m. – walk through sights of festive lights.

Nov 29 – Dec 22: Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights, located at Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, open 5 – 9 p.m. – a drive featuring over 10,000 lights with plenty things to see.

Nov 30 – Dec 23: Night of Lights, located at Fairview Tree Farm in Shelton – a Christmas hayride from 5 – 8:30 p.m. with sights of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Dec 6: Night of Lights, located in Newington – a one-night festival of holiday lights, train rides, smores, and more from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Dec 6 – 22: Festival of Lights, located at Hope River Farm in Fairfield on the weekends from 6 – 9 p.m. – a light show with concession stands and fire pits.

Dec 14: Niantic Light Parade, located in East Lyme – celebrating and spreading holiday cheer starting at 6 p.m.

“What is clear to us is that they’ve continue to drag their feet,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam.

The city is currently funding the housing for the residents and estimates over $750,000 has been spent in totality.

On Monday, it announced that it is extending the deadline for residents to move out of the temporary housing from Dec. 10 to Jan. 10.

“We want to thank the mayor for finding in his heart to give us an extension, so most of us are not homeless for Christmas,” said Marisol Navarro.

The city says it hopes that residents find a permanent housing solution. Currently, the city is offering residents up to $4,000 to each tenant to help with a security deposit and first month’s rent.

“I’ve been trying,” said Dave Richardson. “With my income, I can’t afford a new place, so the best thing for me to do is go back there or be homeless.”

NBC Connecticut reached out to the GreyHill Group, which says it is working towards the Dec. 10 goal to complete the restoration. However, the City of Hartford says the company hasn’t selected a contractor to complete the restorations.

“The GreyHill Group has held the City of Hartford and these poor tenants hostage for too long,” said Arulampalam. “We cannot continue to subsidize the cost of the GreyHill Group.”

“From the moment Catherine could exercise any sort of independence, her passion was animals, she was drawn to them, she loved them, she promised to take care of them,” Catherine’s mom and Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary President Jenny Hubbard said.

Catherine was one of the 20 students killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

It was Catherine’s care that led her mom to create the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. The mission is to create a space where animals are attended to and where people can learn to care for animals.

“We have a curriculum that teaches empathy and kindness towards animals. We believe when people can care for animals and they know how to care for animals and give them safe haven and appropriate habits, there is something transformative in the person,” Hubbard said.

On Monday afternoon, Hubbard was on The Kelly Clarkson Show, being recognized for her work in the Senior Paw Project that helps financially insecure older adults keep their pets.

Next Tuesday, Dec. 10, the foundation will host a barn raising for what will be Catherine’s Learning Barn.

“The barn raising for me is just so significant in so many different ways in just showing how the community can come together, how healing begins and continues, it’s exciting,” Hubbard said.

The barn will serve as a multi-functional building. It will be used to host students taking field trips, workshops, corporate events and much more.

The learning facility will allow for programs that have been previously held outdoors to have an indoors location. More than 150,000 adults and kids have participated in learning programs at the sanctuary.

“Allows us to expand on those community workshops and the educational initiatives that we have been focused on,” Hubbard said.

Tuesday’s event is being held a few days before the 12th year remembrance of the Sandy Hook mass shooting. If Catherine was alive today, she would have been 18 years old and would have recently graduated high school.

“While it’s a sad day for us as a family and her loss is palpable, it is also a day of hope and celebration that we can continue to honor her life and her legacy in such a remarkable way,” Hubbard said.

The foundation is actively fundraising for Catherine’s Learning Barn that is expected to open next spring.

Police said they arrested a man after executing a search and seizure warrant at his apartment on Wilson Street.

Detectives seized electronics in the apartment and found multiple images of child pornography, according to police.

The man was arrested on Nov. 27. He faces possession of child pornography charges.

Specific information about the incident wasn’t immediately available.

Troopers say there were 5,825 calls for service from Nov. 27 through late night Dec 1, resulting in a total of 1,310 traffic stops.

Here are additional statistics provided by state police for their activities from 12 a.m. Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday:

• Traffic services: 384
• DUI: 33
• Motor vehicle crashes: 501
• Crashes with injuries: 29
• Crashes with serious injuries: 1
• Crashes with fatal injuries: 1

The concert series had been part of the city’s summer entertainment scene since 1997 and it brought bands including Abba, America, Blind Melon, Blues Traveler and many more to downtown Stamford.

In 2006, Hootie & the Blowfish performed during a citywide blackout thanks to a generator that allowed the show to go on.

Stamford Downtown, which has produced and promoted the event since 1999, said it has decided the concert series will not return for another season.

“Stamford Downtown is re-imagining its event and marketing programming to be more responsive to the tastes of the rapidly growing day- and night-time populations within Downtown and to continue to position Downtown as the center for dining and entertainment for Stamford, surrounding communities, and the region,” Michael Moore, president of Stamford Downtown, said in a statement.

Greg Caggainello, chairman of the Stamford Downtown Board of Commissioners, said they picked the name “Alive At Five” to combat a perception in the late 90s that the Downtown effectively shut down at 5  p.m. when office workers went home.

“That is no longer the case and hasn’t been for a long time. Alive At Five accomplished its original goal beyond all expectations and helped pave the way for Stamford Downtown to become the 24/7 destination and home to thousands that it is today,” he said.

The concerts were initially held in Columbus Park for many years and then moved to Mill River Park in 2021 to allow the concert series room to grow.

“Am I sad to see it go? You bet! When we began the series there wasn’t a venue for miles to see the level of national talent that we brought to the Alive At Five stage. We started modestly with local favorite Sharkey and the Unknowns and built the shows over the years that included Southside Johnny, America, Joe Bonamassa, and The Bacon Brothers,” Lynne Colatrella, senior vice president of events and marketing for Stamford Downtown, said in a statement.

“In 2006 in a citywide blackout, Hootie and The Blowfish took the stage. I was most proud of that show because we had a generator and, even though there was no power for miles, we had a major concert in our Downtown with a national artist! We loved bringing Boyz II Men to our stage as well as Sugar Ray, The Beach Boys, and Third Eye Blind, who shut down the Downtown with lines around the block,” Colatrella added.

“Foreigner, Creedence, Bret Michaels, Michael McDonald, Shaggy, OAR, and Jon Batiste were a mix of treasured artists and ones just receiving Grammy gold. Ashanti and All-American Rejects both sold out their shows at Mill River, with 7,500 fans dancing in the park. I’d have to say my favorite artist and the one show I am most honored to have presented was BB King. To have that legendary artist in our backyard was beyond magical. We accomplished what our mission was and what we set out to do was beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. It was an amazing ride,” Colatrella added.

Stamford Downtown said it remains committed to hosting events year-round, including the festive Heights & Lights on Dec. 8.

M. Jodi Rell died on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at a Florida hospital after a brief illness, her family said. She was 78 years old. 

Gov. Ned Lamont shared details about funeral plans on behalf of the Rell family.

Gov. Rell will lie in state at the Connecticut State Capitol at 210 Capitol Ave. in Hartford from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to pay tribute during this time, according to Lamont’s office.

The funeral services will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph at 140 Farmington Ave. in Hartford at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Traffic in the eastern part of Farmington Avenue and Asylum Avenue surrounding the cathedral will be impacted from around 2 p.m. to around 5 p.m.

Farmington Avenue will be closed between Broad Street and Sigourney Street during that span.

The Hartford Police Department is encouraging people who are going to carpool and commute responsibly.

A private interment ceremony will be at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. The date yet to be determined.

She will be buried alongside her husband Lou Rell, a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Face the Facts Nov 24

Face the Facts: Reflecting on Jodi Rell's legacy in Connecticut

Connecticut Nov 21

Rowland, other governors fondly remember ‘marvelous' Jodi Rell

Connecticut Nov 21

Remembering former Gov. M. Jodi Rell and her legacy

Rell was the 87th governor of Connecticut and the second female governor in state history.

She was the first Republican woman to serve as governor of the state.

Rell served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1985 to 1995.

She served as lieutenant governor from 1995 to 2004 and became governor when Gov. John Rowland resigned in 2004.

Rell was re-elected to a full term as governor in 2006 and held the office until 2011.

A state trooper who was conducting speed enforcement on I-91 North saw a gray Hyundai going much faster than the speed limit around 7:47 p.m. and clocked it at 98 miles per hour, according to state police.

When state police tried to stop the driver, he kept going, sped up to 122 miles per hour, and was weaving in and out of traffic, nearly hitting other vehicles, state police said.

State police then turned off the lights and sirens, went to the home of the registered owner of the vehicle in Waterbury, where they found the car with a Florida plate that didn’t belong to the vehicle, police said.

The driver admitted to troopers that he was driving the vehicle and changed the plate when he got home so police could not find it, police said.

He was charged with reckless driving, operating under suspension, engaging police in a pursuit and interfering with an officer.

He was held on a $20,000 bond.

Uzziah Shell was shot near Goffe Street just after 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 and he was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died from the injuries, police said.

A bullet also struck a school bus and no one on board was hurt.

The New Haven school district said Shell went to Riverside Academy, and his death was the result of “senseless gun violence.”

“Uzziah was a member of our ‘family,’ and as such has left a tremendous void. As a student, Uzziah was always engaged and eager to learn, but moreover, as a young man, he exuded charisma, respect and an unassuming demeanor which was always led by an infectious smile,” Principal Derek Stephenson said.

Stephenson went on to say that Shell will be forever missed and remembered by family, friends, the community and more.

“As we mourn this monumental loss, we find solace knowing he will always live in our hearts, as an indelible mark has been left on all who knew and loved him,” Stephenson said.

Police ask anyone who saw the shooting or who has information valuable to investigators to call detectives at 203-946-6304 or the department’s anonymous tip-line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).

Officials said nearby businesses were evacuated while crews worked to bring the leak under control.

Woodmont Road was closed for a few hours but has since reopened, according to fire officials.

The bottom section of Research Drive will remain closed for the time being for construction crews to work, they said.

People were also being allowed to return to the businesses that were evacuated.

WalletHub used 65 metrics to form the list, which takes into account the most fun yet cost-effective activities. The metrics include the number of fitness centers per capita, movie costs and the average business hours of breweries.

Top 5 most fun cities in the U.S.

1. Las Vegas, NV
2. Orlando, FL
3. Miami, FL
4. Atlanta, GA
5. New Orleans, LA

Two Connecticut cities are on the list. Here’s how the state ranks against the others.

How Connecticut cities compare:

154: New Haven
175: Bridgeport

According to police, 23-year-old Priyanshu Agwal, of West Haven, was riding an electric scooter in the area of Whalley Avenue and Amity Road on Oct. 18, 2023 around 11 p.m. when he was hit by a driver who left the scene.

The University of New Haven said Agwal was taking his final classes in business analytics to complete his degree.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Agwal was an international student who was a couple months away from graduating. He was applying fort jobs and he had big dreams of a life in the United States.

Through their grief, Agwal’s family made the decision to donate his heart. Now, it is now beating in someone else’s body, Elicker said.

Agwal’s brother was emotional as he spoke during a news conference, thanked police and spoke about what the family has gone through in the months since losing their loved one.

“I miss my brother every day,” Aman Agwal said.

“We used to fight a lot, we used to laugh, cry and I’m mad at him because I needed support in the U.S. I was alone here. It’s been almost 13 months and I miss him every day,” he added.

Authorities said an arrest warrant was secured for Jill Augelli.

She was arrested on Nov. 18, 2024. She is facing charges including evading responsibility resulting in death and her bond was set at $250,000.

Police said they located a Nissan Rogue in Naugatuck and it had DNA consistent with Priyanshu Agwal. They also said cell phone tracking data showed a phone registered to Augelli in the vicinity of the crash when it happened.

During a news conference on Monday morning, Elicker said the city is doing what it can to reduce incidents of driving dangerously in New Haven, including installing red light cameras.

The winning numbers are 3-29-34-37-38. The Mega Ball was 17 and the Megaplier is X2.

The winning ticket matched four numbers and the Mega Ball. It also had the Megaplier.

No information was available on where the ticket was sold.

No one won the jackpot on Friday and it is up to $541 million for the drawing on Tuesday night.

Tickets, which are $2 each, are are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The drawings are held at 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are one in 24 and the odds of winning the jackpot are one in 302.5 million, according to Mega Millions.

In May, the state Dept. of Transportation was estimating it would take up to a year to get the bridge replaced, but it has been closer to seven months.

It was initially closed in May after a car sideswiped a tractor-trailer and a fuel truck, causing the fuel truck to catch on fire. It burned under the bridge and damaged the structural integrity.

Initially, crews focused on tearing the concrete and beams down so they could repave and reopen I-95.

Traffic was a nightmare with people waiting hours to drive the local roads around town with the detours in place. Construction crews completed that initial work in a matter of days and reopened I-95. Then the rebuilding process started.

DOT officials initially estimated the total project would cost $20 million and said the federal government was expected to pay 80 percent of that. State officials said the overall bridge replacement and demolition ended up being completed for $16.8 million.

The new bridge is now open to traffic. It spans approximately 170 feet in length over I-95, has sidewalks on both sides and reduces the width of the vehicle travel lanes to better accommodate bicyclists, the state said.

Troopers responded to Interstate 95 North near exit 43 around 12:15 a.m. Sunday for a report of a wrong-way driver and a head-on collision.

State police said the wrong-way driver nearly struck a trooper and kept on going. They eventually came to a stop after crashing into a car in the right lane of traffic.

Dash camera video shows the moment the wrong-way driver nearly struck a police cruiser.

Several people were reportedly transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

According to state police, the wrong-way driver has since been arrested for DUI and other charges.

The highway was briefly closed and has since reopened.

Emergency crews responded to East Street around 12:30 p.m. for a report of a crash involving what officials called an off-road motorcycle and a car.

According to fire officials, the off-road motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to an ambulance by LifeStar.

It’s unclear if the person in the car was injured.

The crash is under investigation.

Officers responded to the 2000 block of Main Street around 9 a.m. for a report of someone stabbed.

When police arrived, they said they found a man in his 60s with a stab wound.

He was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead. Police identified him as 63-year-old Preston Adams, of Hartford.

Police said a suspect was found and has been taken into custody.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the HPD Tip Line at (860) 722-TIPS.

Firefighters responded to the home on North Bridge Street around 1:30 a.m.

According to fire officials, crews found the second floor of the home fully involved in fire.

Two residents of the home and a pet parrot were reportedly able to safely escape. No injuries were reported.

The home has been deemed uninhabitable. The Red Cross has been called in to assist the residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“Nobody can prepare me for this moment,” Trevor Ford, President of the Bloomfield Junior Warhawks, a Pop Warner football team, said.

A moment of somber reflection for several dozen people gathered on the football field at Bloomfield High School. They were there for a vigil in memory of 14-year-old Jahkye Gale who started as a freshman there.

“Losing him is definitely like a shooting star leaving the sky,” Ford said.

Jahkye was a member of the Bloomfield Junior Warhawks. Ford says he was set to receive the lifetime achievement award through his work on the team.

“He was the bright light of the team. Every team has a comedian. Every team has a somebody who brings joy, laughter and that type of energy. That type of spirit,” Ford said.

A spirit Jahkye’s older brother knew very well.

“My little brother meant a lot to me. He was always a smart, helpful, and sweet kid. He always has high honors at school, and he was also very strong and talented,” Lamar Bennette said.

The team says on Wednesday, players were going through pre-warmups during practice when Jahkye suddenly collapsed. Staff and emergency personnel rushed to help, but Jahkye was unable to be revived. An unimaginable loss Jahkye’s mother is still processing.

“I shouldn’t be here. Like, I can’t prepare myself for this,” Stacey Haylett said.

Ford says the support and solidarity from other Pop Warner teams has been overwhelming.

“A couple teams made these ribbons and they put them on their jerseys, which I thought was very honorable of them. They didn’t have to do that,” he said.

He says the team will be in Florida next weekend trying to play for a Pop Warner championship. This time, they’ll be doing it for Jahkye.

“We want to continue to encourage our youth to live on for Jahkye because Jahkye was a bright light and his life is going to be a reflection of our team,” Ford said.

The team has created a fundraiser for the family which is available on their website to help raise money for the funeral and other memorial expenses.

Staff at Covenant Soup Kitchen say they found their walk-in cooler had stopped working Friday morning. This meant thousands of pounds of milk, meat, and other food had to be thrown in the garbage over food safety concerns.

The soup kitchen says they were able to get creative and still serve meals to people in need and not have to close. They are asking people to help donate any frozen or perishable food to replace what they lost.

“We’re definitely going to need some funds, but we’re also very thankful for our community all today. We’ve had wonderful support and people have been reaching out with great ideas, things like that to try and support us,” Anya Walikonis, Manager of Community Programs and Services said.

Staff says they hope to have the cooler repaired within the week, so they can store food again.

Details on how people can donate can be found on the soup kitchen’s website.

The shooting happened on Broad Street near West Preston Street around 8:15 p.m.

The suspect, a man in his 40s, was rushed to the hospital where he is listed in critical, but stable condition, police said.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released.

Police said they recovered a gun from the suspect after the shooting.

No officers were injured, according to police.

State police and the Office of the Inspector General have assumed the investigation.

No other details were immediately released.

Fagnano threw a 26-yard touchdown to Jasaiah Gathings with 12 seconds left in the third quarter to give the Huskies (8-4) a 33-28 lead and they led the rest of the way.

Not long after the start of the fourth, Fagnano threw a 3-yard touchdown Edwards to push the lead to 40-28, the largest margin either team built at that point in the game.

Each team scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth, the last coming from the Minutemen with 36 seconds left when reserve quarterback Will Perry threw a 7-yard touchdown to T.Y. Harding that ended a 13-play, 75-yard that lasted 1:42. UConn recovered the on-side kick attempt, recovered the ball and killed the clock.

UMass starting quarterback AJ Hairston threw for three touchdowns.

The Huskies finished above .500 for the first time in 14 years. In 2010, UConn went 8-4 playing in the Big East Conference.

In finishing 2-10, the Minutemen have now had 14-straight losing seasons. The last time UMass finished above .500 was 2010 when they went 6-5 and were members of the former Colonial Athletic Association.

According to a social media post, NHPD Officer Trevor Brown responded to a reported theft made by a man with autism. The man said his sneakers and hat were stolen from him by a group of young people.

Police said the reported theft occurred on Whalley Avenue on November 14.

Following coordinated efforts by Officer Brown, other members of the department, and New Haven’s Office of Youth Services, police say they were able to get two new pairs of sneakers and present them to the victim.

The shoes were given to the man by Officer Brown and fellow Officer Evans.

Police did not share any update on information regarding the group who allegedly stole the original items from the man.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Troopers say just north of Exit 13 in Wallingford, a vehicle was driving southbound when it was struck from behind by a motorcycle.

The driver of the motorcycle was Marcellino Phillip Anthony Turcio, 22, of the Northford section of North Branford. Police say Turcio was tossed from the motorcycle to the roadway after the collision.

Just after 2 a.m., troopers say Turcio was then struck by another vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries.

Turcio was pronounced dead by Wallingford emergency responders when they arrived on the scene.

According to police, the driver of the vehicle that hit Turcio left the scene. They do not know what type of vehicle it was nor the identity of the driver.

State police ask anyone with information to contact them as they continue their investigation.

Troopers say there have been 3,845 calls for service from Nov. 27 through early on the 30th, resulting in a total of 845 traffic stops.

Here are additional statistics provided by state police for their activities from 12 a.m. Wednesday through 8 a.m. Saturday:

• Traffic services: 257
• DUI: 22
• Motor vehicle crashes: 339
• Crashes with injuries: 19
• Crashes with serious injuries: 1
• Crashes with fatal injuries: 1

On Saturday, a social media post by Bloomfield’s Interim Superintendent of Schools and the Bloomfield Town Manager said that a student-athlete who played with the Bloomfield Junior Warhawk Football Team had passed away.

The statement indicated that on Wednesday, the athlete was at football practice and collapsed. Leaders say school staff and emergency personnel attempted to revive him, but were unsuccessful.

The family has confirmed to NBC Connecticut that his name is Jahkye Gayle, and he was 14 years old.

According to the post, Gayle started the year at Bloomfield High School, then recently transferred to Manchester High School.

He was a freshman in high school according to the district.

School leadership says counseling services will be available at both Bloomfield High School and Carmen Arace School on Monday.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

In the state’s capital, “Hartford Glow” – the interactive light display – is back for another season.

It opened last night at the convention center, and runs through December 29th.

Today is also “Holiday on Main” in downtown Manchester. The all-day event is one of many ‘shop local’ events across the state to occur on Small Business Saturday.

Tonight is also the annual Mystic Lighted Boat Parade, where watercraft of all shapes and sizes will parade down the Mystic River - all decked out in their holiday best.

The parade begins at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, and ends with Santa Claus trading in his sleigh for a tugboat! 

The lighting of the Mystic River Park Christmas tree will also take place tonight on the Stonington side of the river.

Down the road in Stonington, the lobster tree was lit up last week and will stay on display all season long.

For a look at even more annual Connecticut holiday happenings, check out “Connecticut’s Holiday Traditions,” a new streaming special premiering on Saturday, December 7th. You can watch in online right after our Foxwoods Tree Lighting special.

Thirman Milner died Friday at the age of 91. He was first Black elected mayor in Hartford and in New England and inspired a new generation of black leaders to run for public office.

Whether it was his approachable personality or gift of gab, Thirman Milner was known to talk to anyone he met.

“He liked to be around people, and he like to just share and be and just be in the midst,” Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke, (D-Windsor), said.

Black-Burke remembers the former Hartford mayor fondly as a trusted mentor. She takes to heart the advice he gave her about being an elected leader.

“To be able to be connected with the community, reach out to the community but first and foremost, also listen. Like, you must listen,” she said.

Former New Haven mayor Toni Harp served with Milner when they were both state senators. She says Milner becoming the first popularly elected Black mayor of Hartford and across New England was a watershed moment.

“It was really important for me to see that my people could be elected to one of the highest offices in the city, if not in the state,” she said.

Harp says Milner’s experience as mayor during a time of massive change for America, allowed him to give her advice on being an effective legislator.

“We should look at how he cared about people, those who had the greatest need and were willing to fight for them,” Harp said.

Former state treasurer Shawn Wooden saw Mayor Milner as a prolific writer who would send him notes letting him know how he was doing in office.

“His masterful use of the English language and how powerful that was in an age where you need to persuade people,” Wooden said.

He says the inspiration Mayor Milner left still holds today.

“You will still hear people talk about that feeling and that accomplishment,” he said.

The first happened Saturday morning just after 2:00 a.m. on I-91 in Wallingford.

That’s where troopers say a vehicle and motorcycle collided between exits 14 and 13 heading southbound.

State police say serious injuries were reported, with local emergency responders also assisting at the scene.

The highway was shut down until 7:30 as police conducted their investigation into the crash.

Over in Southington, a crash occurred around 7:00 a.m. Saturday on I-84.

Police say it was in the eastbound lanes where two vehicles were involved in the crash.

No injuries were reported, but a tow truck was on the scene and multiple lanes were closed during the response.

After about an hour, the scene between exits 28 and 30 was cleared up and lanes were reponed.

“I think that the rhetoric needs to be brought down, the heat and the kinds of words that are used make a difference,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) said during an unrelated press conference outside the state Capitol.

Blumenthal’s comments came a day after bomb threats were made to six of Connecticut’s federal delegation, all Democrats.

Sen. Chris Murphy and Reps. John Larson (D-1st District), Joe Courtney (D-2nd District), Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District), Jim Himes (D-4th District) and Jahana Hayes (D-5th District) all issued statements that they received threats on Thanksgiving.

None of those who received threats were available for comment Friday.

Blumenthal told reporters he was the only member of the delegation who did not, but he has received one in recent weeks.

“Yesterday’s threats were not an isolated incident,” Blumenthal said, adding he’s received threats throughout his political career, but they have ramped up over the last year.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Minority Leader) said the threats were signed “MAGA” at the end, a reference to President-Elect Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.

“America is a democracy,” Jeffries said in a statement. “Threats of violence against elected officials are unacceptable, unconscionable and have no place in a civilized society. All perpetrators of political violence directed at any party must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Earlier this week, some of Trump’s cabinet picks also received bomb threats.

University of New Haven professor and former FBI agent, Kenneth Gray, said such acts could be considered domestic terrorism.

“The definition of domestic terrorism includes these threatening acts to try to intimidate people or influence the government,” he said.

Gray said law enforcement will try to conclude their investigations and make arrests quickly as a deterrent to potential copycats.

He also noted police will be looking for more threats as we approach January, when Republicans will take control of Congress, lawmakers will certify the election results and Trump will return to the White House.

“Law enforcement will be extra vigilant in trying to identify anybody that is making such a threat,” he said.

“I just like being out here and it feels good,” said Maddox Quasnitschka, who is visiting from Lancaster, South Carolina.

This the 14th time the city has hosted Winterfest, which provides free skate rentals, skating lessons and access to an ice rink at Bushnell Park.

“It’s like really fun and almost everyone wants to go here in Hartford,” said Anika Rajawat, 6, from Glastonbury.

The rink is open daily and skaters must complete a waiver before skating.

NBC Connecticut is a proud sponsor of Winterfest, which will go through Jan. 6.

Star Hill Family Farm in Portland was buzzing with families Friday, with everyone choosing their favorite sized tree, enjoying apple cider donuts and feeding the farm animals.

“We always go pick out our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, so we’re doing our family outing,” Erika Glebocki, of Manchester, said. “First as a family of four!”

“Most years we do go out, every now and then we sneak in a fake tree in the middle,” Nadia Bailey, of West Hartford, said. “But we decided to really go for it this year.”

Owners Nino and Karen DiBiase get their trees from a farm in Vermont, but have planted about 2,000 of their own trees since purchasing the property in 2021. They hope to sell their own in five to six years once they’re big enough.

Thankfully with the dry weather this year, they haven’t lost too many.

They said they wanted to open the farm to get back to old-school family traditions around the holidays.

“This is what we really strive for, to give the real Christmas experience to every family. Both Nino and I had very strong family traditions growing up, lot of good memories of Christmas with our families, so we’re just trying to give that back,” Karen DiBiase said.

“Bringing back old school Christmas traditions. That was the most important thing,” Nino said. “Today, you got the big box stores selling but there’s nothing family oriented or personable about that. The family experience and everything we do to bring the families closer and the community – it’s far from none. It’s what we wanna do and what we wanna strive for here.”

This weekend, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are visiting Star Hill Family Farm. The farm also has a petting zoo and horse-drawn carriage rides.

“It’s tough out here for people,” Angelo Gomez, of New London, said.

“We’re struggling on both sides. We’re struggling having enough rental properties, and we’re struggling, I know home ownership opportunities, yeah, to supply is way below the demand right now,” Felix Reyes, the city’s economic development and planning director, said.

In the city, Reyes said there are blighted properties that closed their doors well over a year ago from fire damage. He said there’s at least one or two in every neighborhood.

It turns from, like, you know, a tragic situation, and it turns into a frustrating situation,” Reyes said.

He said they want to figure out where each blighted property is in the reconstruction process, which he says can be complicated and long due to insurance holdups and a permitting construction process.

“Then we’ll determine in regard to a strategy moving forward. We’re not here to, you know, slap anybody on the hand or, you know, point anybody out, but just kind of figure out, how can we help to kind of move the process along,” Reyes said.

Some buildings on their radar include a boarded up 7/11 from a fire over a year ago, a former multi-use property from a 2021 fire on Montauk Avenue, and other properties on Greene Street and Lincoln Street.

Reyes said the housing crisis is the impetus for the blighted property inventory intake.

“To ensure that we create new opportunities that may have, you know, been degraded to, you know, towards fire and due to fire damages,” he said.

To see the City of New London’s 2022 blighted property ordinance, click here.

The Weston Volunteer Fire Department said they responded to a home on Weston Road after getting reports of a garage fire just before 3:45 p.m.

Firefighters found a mansion up in flames. Efforts to contain the fire were derailed because of a structural collapse and dangerous fire conditions.

Crews said a vehicle drove over the water supply hose while trying to put out the blaze, damaging the line and completely stopping the flow of water for several minutes.

Firefighters from several nearby towns helped put out and contain the blaze, which took about 16 hours.

No one was injured and the fire department said it appears that the fire started in the garage as a result of frying a turkey. The official cause of the fire is under investigation.

The house is deemed uninhabitable and the Red Cross is helping the family that lived there.

“Black Friday and Cyber Monday really are the best time of year to get the biggest discounts on pretty much everything,” said Samantha Gordon, the deals editor for Consumer Reports.

But if you didn’t find the deal you were looking for today or you didn’t feel like shopping, don’t sweat. You still have time to save with these tips.

Kyle James, the founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com, said make sure you’re using browser extensions like Honey, Capital One Shopping or Camel Camel Camel.

These help gather coupons for you while you’re shopping online.

“My parents are in their 80s. I help them set up the Honey browser extension on their computer, and it automatically gives them a coupon. And they’re like, ‘Wow, this is so easy. Why haven’t I been using it?’ So, check them out. They’re great right now, but have you can use them all year long, and you really save some money,” James said.

Another resource to help you save, try using an AI tool to give you a hand.

“If you use Chat GPT, it’s a great kind of starting point. I’ve noticed for Black Friday, you can go in, you can say, ‘Hey, what are the best Black Friday deals on TVs?’ It’ll quickly give you a list,” he said.

But, if you don’t see a good deal for an item on your shopping list this holiday season, don’t give up.

“Especially if you’re shopping online, you can’t seem to find a coupon or free shipping. And you’re like, ‘Man, I just can’t find a deal. I don’t really want to pay full price.’ Start a live chat,” James said.

That’s right, message customer service.

James said more often than not, that chat bot will give you a coupon code or free shipping because the store wants you to cash out.

Another strategy for savings, Rather-Be-Shopping.com suggests creating an account with the online retailer, then putting the item in your online shopping cart.

“And then basically, close your browser or log out of the account. And a lot of what that does is it triggers an email saying, ‘Hey, we noticed you have this item in your cart, here’s a coupon code to come back and complete your purchase,’” James said.

If you’re more of a shop in-person type, make a list and do your research ahead of time.

 “Plan ahead, stack your savings with cash back offers,” RetailMeNot retail insights expert Stephanie Carls said.

She said, “because this is going to help you stretch your budget and maximize those savings.”

Milner became the first African-American elected mayor in New England in 1981, serving the city of Hartford until 1987. He also served as a state representative and a state senator.

The Connecticut National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) said Milner will be remembered as a civil rights icon, community activist and dedicated public servant.

The NAACP said Milner broke barriers and paved the way for future leaders in the city and region, which had long been defined by racial and social injustices.

Milner served as president of the Greater Hartford NAACP and was a lifelong member.

“The Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP extends its heartfelt condolences to Mayor Milner’s family, friends and former constituents during this difficult time. His contributions to Hartford and the broader New England community have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed,” President of the Connecticut State Conference NAACP Scot Esdaile said in a statement.

Virginia Monteiro, who’s Milner’s step daughter and a part of the NAACP, said her “Pops” represented a fight that continues to ensure children are educated, and freedom.

“It’s very important for us to continue the legacy that he set for all of us,” Monteiro said. “He was very much devoted to ensuring that there was equity and justice for everyone.”

“He is a wonderful man for the people, never taking personal gain or being compromised in office as mayor and senator,” Carl Milner, Thirman’s nephew, said on Facebook.

There’s a middle school in Hartford named after him – called Thirman L. Milner Middle School.

The NAACP said they will provide information about funeral arrangements for Milner as soon as it’s made available by his family.

“He was a true servant of the people, and his impact will resonate for generations to come,” Esdaile said.

Community reaction

Current Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam provided the following statement:

“Today, we mourn the passing of former Mayor Thirman Milner, a trailblazer whose legacy as New England’s first popularly elected Black mayor continues to inspire us. His commitment to public service and civil rights transformed Hartford and paved the way for future leaders. Thirman embodied resilience and dedication, championing the needs of our community during challenging times. As we reflect on his contributions, let us honor his memory by continuing our work towards building a Hartford that works for all. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”

Gov. Ned Lamont said Milner will always be remembered as a civil rights icon.

“His upbringing here in Connecticut led him to a career in activism, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the sixties and using his passion for social justice as inspiration that led him to a career in politics. As a mayor, state representative, and state senator, he used his influence to enact positive change in Hartford, particularly focusing many of his efforts on the need to ensure that all children – no matter their family’s income level or the neighborhood where they grew up – have access to a quality education that prepares them for success. His passing is a true loss, and I encourage the residents of Connecticut to reflect on the many contributions Thirman Milner has provided our state. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz issued the following statement:

“Connecticut mourns the loss of a trailblazing civil rights activist and community leader who became the first Black mayor of Hartford and in New England. Thirman led our capitol city with civility, integrity, and grace, leaving a legacy that is memorialized with a school, Thirman L. Milner Middle School, named in his honor. His decades of activism and advocacy paved the way for other leaders of color, and I know that his life will continue to inspire generations to come. We are sending our sympathy and prayers to his loved ones.”

Former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin said Milner lived a life of extraordinary service.

“Last year, the community came together to celebrate Mayor Milner’s life and legacy on his 90th birthday, and the outpouring of love, admiration and affected was such a beautiful testimony. Not just to the fact that he made history, but to the fact that he made a huge difference in so many lives and in the community that he loved, and that loved him back.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Milner was a caring and courageous leader.

Thirman Milner gave caring, courageous leadership as Mayor of Hartford, civil rights champion, & legislator. His deeply meaningful impact on countless CT lives will be an enduring legacy. https://t.co/TxvD3qBPCp

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) November 29, 2024

Eddie Perez, a former Hartford mayor, said Milner was “a soldier in the fight for equality for all human beings.”

“To lose an icon like Mayor Milner, most people read about history, I grew up and it was down the block. Thirman was creating history for the city of Hartford,” Perez said.

“He always had a twinkle in his eye,” said Mike McGarry, a republican who ran against him in 1981. “I ran against him and I knew I couldn’t win. We became good friends. Great guy, sad to see him go.”

Milford police said they responded to Dave and Busters on Boston Post Road around 8:50 p.m.

Authorities said a New Haven man allegedly caused a scene inside and threatened to “shoot up the place.”

He faces charges including breach of peace and threatening. The incident is under investigation.

Milford police said they responded to a crash on Kinlock Street in the area of Rogers Avenue just after 11 p.m.

Authorities said a car crashed into a metal guardrail, and the driver was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police at 203-878-4775.

State police said an officer in the area of exit 12 on I-91 North saw a man driving well over the speed limit. They activated their lights to pull the car over, but they drove faster, reaching 126 mph.

Troopers said the man drove in the shoulder and nearly struck other vehicles while trying to flee.

The officer stopped their pursuit for public safety, but later arrested the driver after going to their home in West Haven.

He faces charges including reckless driving, interfering with an officer, reckless endangerment and more. He was held on a $10,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on Dec. 20.

“That’s what we’re hoping for. Hoping to get more bargains,” Cheryl Morton said.

Black Friday shopping began at 5 a.m. at WestFarms Mall in West Hartford.

Even in the cold, dozens of shoppers were standing at the door in a line waiting to get their hands on what J.C. Penney had to offer. It was an hour later when Macy’s opened its doors.

“You’re going to see store-wide savings at our retailers. Anything from 30, 40, up to 50% off store-wide, so it definitely pays to shop the savings on Black Friday,” Amanda Sirica, WestFarms spokesperson, said.

For shoppers, it wasn’t just about the deals though. It was more about the fellowship.

“Being together and having fun, just being silly,” Kim Barber said.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts shoppers will spend an average of $902 per person this holiday shopping season, setting a record.

“So make a list, traditionally like we used to do. The days of browsing are behind us,” Sirica said.

The NRF also said 57% of shoppers are opting for online shopping, however, looking at the crowds at WestFarms, it was clear in-person shopping is still a thing.

“You know, getting to see how things look in real life. Getting to try them on,” Zoe Kindt said.

“I think it’s the activity of being in person. It’s something fun for us to do. We’ll do online shopping later,” Barber said.

Sirica said it’s best to plan ahead by checking the deals stores offer and coming up with a game plan before arriving at the mall. She suggested downloading the WestFarms app, which has that information and more.

Yet, the Barbers and a crew with shirts that had dubbed themselves “The Black Friday Shopping Crew” said they’re just playing it by ear and enjoying the fellowship.

“Oh yeah, it’s still early. We’re just getting started,” Jordan Barber said.

WestFarms closes at 9 p.m. Friday night.

It’s to honor their son, brother and friend, Connor Johnson, in a way that helps families connect and check in with one another.

“My dream is millions of walkers on the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” Scott Johnson, executive director of the Honor Connor Walk and Talk for Hope, said.

The Johnson family has spent the Saturday after Thanksgiving the same way for four years now.

“Saturday take a walk and talk with friends about the stuff that really matters,” Scott said.

He is a founding member of the Honor Connor Walk. Connor is his son.

“He was very sensitive, loving, compassionate, cared about everyone, but he struggled,” Scott said.

Connor lost his son to suicide back in 2016. The walk and talk, now in its fourth year and totally free to participate, is about honoring Connor’s legacy.

“He always wanted to help others who were struggling with mental health issues, addiction issues,” Scott said.

In just four years, they have amassed thousands of participants spread out all over the globe for virtual walks, or right at the Simsbury meadows walking with Connor’s family.

Walkers get cards with questions and topics meant to spark meaningful conversations.

“Have real impactful conversations, you show someone you really care and talk about it, it makes a big difference in their life,” Scott said.

Experts believe this concept is a solid one around the holidays.

“Being together in person definitely helps, not to say you shouldn’t always check in if you’re apart,” Charlotte Schwarz with the Yale School of Medicine said.

Schwarz loved the concept of the walk, saying the conversations are important this time of year.

“If you are lucky enough to be together with family, I think it’s a great time to keep that communication open,” she said.

Johnson sees the walk continuing to grow, hoping more and more families continue to come out and participate, or register to walk virtually and bring the concept to their area.

The family has also launched the “Dinks-giving” pickleball tournament in Simsbury, at the new Dill Dinkers pickleball facility. It’s a three-day event and the proceeds go directly to the Honor Connor cause.

He sees pickleball as another tremendous avenue to have conversations and support overall health.

“Physical health, social health and mental health,” he said of the support the sport offers.

Scott sees the walk continuing to grow in various ways, hoping more and more families come out each year.

It’s a holiday tradition that helps the family heal, and they hope it will inspire and help millions someday as it continues to grow.

“We miss him, we love him, and we are honoring him every day with honor Connor,” Scott said.

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.

Certain flights out of Tweed-New Haven Airport and Bradley International Airport are marked down to $29 through Dec. 1.

The discounted fare applies to travel from Dec. 4 through May 22, 2025, with some blackout dates for holidays.

You can get discounted tickets to the following locations:

Tweed Airport

• Fort Myers, FL
• Jacksonville, FL
• Orlando, FL
• Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
• West Palm Beach, FL
• Raleigh-Durham, NC
• Norfolk, VA
• Richmond, VA

Bradley Airport

• Daytona Beach, FL
• Jacksonville, FL
• Savannah, GA
• Coastal Carolina/New Bern, NC
• Wilmington, NC

The price includes taxes and government fees.

Breeze Airways starts flying from Tweed-New Haven Airport in December. More destinations will be added in February 2025.

Click here for more information.