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Kosta Diamantis Gets 7 Years For CT School Bribery Conviction After Fleeing To Greece Kosta Diamantis Gets 7 Years For CT School Bribery Conviction After Fleeing To Greece Kosta Diamantis Gets 7 Years For CT School Bribery Conviction After Fleeing To Greece
Kosta Diamantis Gets 7 Years For CT School Bribery Conviction After Fleeing To Greece A former Connecticut official who took bribes from contractors while overseeing school construction grants received a seven-year prison sentence while he remains a fugitive in Greece. Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, 70, was sentenced in absentia in a Bridgeport federal court on Wednesday, Sept. 30, according to CT Mirror. He was previously convicted on 21 counts, including bribery, extortion, conspiracy, and lying to investigators. His crimes involved a state program that helps fund school construction. Two weeks before his sentencing, Diamantis fled the country to Greece, where his dual c…

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by Josh Lanier

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Tiny Paws, Big Milestone: Beardsley Zoo’s First Red Panda Cub Gets A Name Tiny Paws, Big Milestone: Beardsley Zoo’s First Red Panda Cub Gets A Name Tiny Paws, Big Milestone: Beardsley Zoo’s First Red Panda Cub Gets A Name
Tiny Paws, Big Milestone: Beardsley Zoo’s First Red Panda Cub Gets A Name This little "fluffball" has a new name. Meet Pabu. Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport announced the winning name Wednesday, Sept. 30, after a public vote to name the zoo’s first red panda cub. Voters chose Pabu, a Tibetan word meaning "fluffball." The name beat Ravi and Tashi as a potential panda pen name.  View this post on Instagram Pabu was born on June 24 at Beardsley Zoo to Ponya and Pilot. Red pandas are an endangered species. The zoo paired Ponya and Pilot through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Panda Species Survival Plan.&n…

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by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
Fake Gun, Real Charges: Trumbull Man Accused In Shelton Store Robbery Fake Gun, Real Charges: Trumbull Man Accused In Shelton Store Robbery Fake Gun, Real Charges: Trumbull Man Accused In Shelton Store Robbery
Fake Gun, Real Charges: Trumbull Man Accused In Shelton Store Robbery A Connecticut man accused of robbing a convenience store with a fake gun was arrested soon after the heist, police said. Paulo Dias, 54, of Trumbull, is accused of robbing In & Out Mini Market on Howe Avenue in Shelton on Wednesday, Sept. 30, police said. Dias walked into the store, aimed a black handgun and demanded cash. The clerk handed over money, and Dias ran away, Shelton police said.  Police said the gun was fake.  Detectives found Dias about seven hours later with the stolen cash, a gun, and gloves, police said. He also had clothing that police believed he wore durin…

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by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
CT Murder Suspect Had 4 Prior No-Contact Orders Against Him: Warrant CT Murder Suspect Had 4 Prior No-Contact Orders Against Him: Warrant CT Murder Suspect Had 4 Prior No-Contact Orders Against Him: Warrant
CT Murder Suspect Had 4 Prior No-Contact Orders Against Him: Warrant A Connecticut man accused of killing a woman in Middletown on Tuesday, Sept. 29, was jealous and angry that she planned to move out of their apartment, according to an arrest warrant. Barrington Oneil Brown Jr., 43, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of murder, second-degree stalking and unlawful discharge of a firearm. His bond was set at $3 million, authorities said. The woman suffered a fatal gunshot wound at the Northwoods Apartments on Town Colony Drive in Middletown's West Lake section. Her sister found her around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday next to an open suitcase in the apartment, according …

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by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals
School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals A Connecticut school bus carrying students crashed into a building, sending 11 people to local hospitals with minor injuries, authorities said. Police responded to 425 South Grand St. in Suffield around 9:49 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, after a report of a crash with possible injuries. The Region 12 School District bus was driving north toward Mountain Road when it went off the right side of South Grand Street and struck a building, according to the preliminary investigation. Suffield police said paramedics took 11 people to two local hospitals to treat minor injuries. Authorities did not p…

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by Josh Lanier

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CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking
CT Retirement Costs Revealed In New Nationwide Ranking Retirees in several Northeast states face some of the highest costs in the country, according to a new study. Retirement Living released its 2026 list of the most affordable states to retire, comparing all 50 states based on housing costs, everyday expenses, and tax-friendliness. The study looked at median rent for a one-bedroom home, median home sale prices, grocery spending, gas prices, and average Medicare Advantage premiums. Researchers also considered whether states tax Social Security benefits, along with income and property tax rates. "Affordability plays a major role in retire…

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by Chris Spiker
Your Community
These CT Communities Rank Among Nation's Best Small Cities: New Study These CT Communities Rank Among Nation's Best Small Cities: New Study These CT Communities Rank Among Nation's Best Small Cities: New Study
These CT Communities Rank Among Nation's Best Small Cities: New Study Several Northeast communities are among the best small cities to live in the US, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2026 Best Small Cities in America ranking on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The list compared 1,318 cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 using 45 measures of livability. The personal finance website based its rankings on five main categories: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Each category accounted for 20 points in a city's overall score. The Boston suburb of Lexington, Massachusetts, took the top spot nat…

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by Chris Spiker
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Introducing Daily Voice Events! Introducing Daily Voice Events! Introducing Daily Voice Events!
Introducing Daily Voice Events! There’s always something happening in your community. Now, Daily Voice makes it easier to find it. With Daily Voice Events, you can discover hundreds of events happening near you, from festivals and family activities to live music, fundraisers, community gatherings and more. Hosting an event of your own? Post it for free and get it in front of thousands of local readers looking for things to do in their area. Whether you’re looking for something to do or want to spread the word about an event, Daily Voice Events helps you connect with your community. Click here to explore local events or …

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Breaking News

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Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Gold Scam; More Victims Sought: PA Police Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Gold Scam; More Victims Sought: PA Police Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Gold Scam; More Victims Sought: PA Police
Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Gold Scam; More Victims Sought: PA Police Scammers posing as federal agents have stolen approximately $6.5 million from victims across the country, Pennsylvania State Police said. Investigators have now identified an 87-year-old woman who reported handing over $1.5 million in gold. The newly identified victim, from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, confirmed meeting a suspect traveling in the Honda linked to the investigation on Friday, Aug. 28, according to an update shared on Thursday, Oct. 1. Police announced the $6.5 million nationwide total on Friday, Sept. 25, identifying victims in Maryland and Washington State. The latest update…

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by Jillian Pikora
Breaking News
Escaping Car Crashes In CT Home, 2 Schools Enter Secure Mode After Gas Station Theft Escaping Car Crashes In CT Home, 2 Schools Enter Secure Mode After Gas Station Theft Escaping Car Crashes In CT Home, 2 Schools Enter Secure Mode After Gas Station Theft
Escaping Car Crashes In CT Home, 2 Schools Enter Secure Mode After Gas Station Theft Two Connecticut schools entered secure mode during a search for gas station theft suspects whose car crashed into a home, police said. The investigation began around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when police received a report of a theft at Admore Fuel Station on Norwich Road in Plainfield. An employee gave officers descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. Plainfield officers spotted the car behind another nearby business, but when they approached, the driver sped away, police said.  An officer assigned to traffic duty later saw the car speeding on Cemetery Road. Police la…

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by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
Former New England Goodwill Supervisor Turned Teacher Killed While Trying To Catch Bus: Police Former New England Goodwill Supervisor Turned Teacher Killed While Trying To Catch Bus: Police Former New England Goodwill Supervisor Turned Teacher Killed While Trying To Catch Bus: Police
Former New England Goodwill Supervisor Turned Teacher Killed While Trying To Catch Bus: Police A 26-year-old teacher was killed when an Audi struck her as she crossed a city street while trying to catch a bus early Wednesday, Sept. 30, authorities announced the following day. Zoe Schemm, of the 1200 block of North Fifth Street, was crossing Lombard Street northbound at 19th Street around 6:42 a.m. when she was struck by a white 2023 Audi A4 traveling west, according to Philadelphia police. Schemm became trapped beneath the vehicle and suffered severe injuries. Philadelphia Fire Department medics pronounced her dead at the scene, police said. Schemm was teaching in Philadelphia at th…

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by Jillian Pikora
Breaking News
Police ID Woman Killed In Hartford Motorcycle Hit-And-Run Police ID Woman Killed In Hartford Motorcycle Hit-And-Run Police ID Woman Killed In Hartford Motorcycle Hit-And-Run
Police ID Woman Killed In Hartford Motorcycle Hit-And-Run Police have identified the Connecticut woman who was killed in a hit-and-run crash.  Deborah Cooper, 56, was found lying in the road on Albany Avenue in Hartford when officers responded to a reported crash around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, police said. She suffered “serious injuries” and was taken to a local hospital, where she died. Police said the motorcycle appeared to be a black and red Can-Am Spyder. It traveled north on Irving Street and left before officers arrived. Authorities ask anyone with information about the crash to call the Hartford Police Department’s tip line at 8…

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by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
CT Man Charged After Police Find 2 'Severely Malnourished' Dogs At His Home CT Man Charged After Police Find 2 'Severely Malnourished' Dogs At His Home CT Man Charged After Police Find 2 'Severely Malnourished' Dogs At His Home
CT Man Charged After Police Find 2 'Severely Malnourished' Dogs At His Home Two severely malnourished dogs are receiving care after police in Connecticut arrested their owner on animal cruelty charges, authorities said. Isaiah Ortiz, 23, of Waterbury, was arrested after officers responded to his Marley Place home around 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30,  to investigate a report of animal neglect, officers said.  Police found his pit bull mix and husky mix extremely thin and living in poor conditions, authorities said. Waterbury animal control officers removed both dogs and are caring for them. Police had checked on the same animals about a month earlier …

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by Josh Lanier

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Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination
Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination A pasta brand sold nationwide is being recalled over a contamination risk that can cause serious illness or death. Gias Foods, based in New York City, is recalling two lots of Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart, according to the company’s announcement on the FDA website. The frozen pasta may contain Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. The affected pasta comes in a yellow, 22-ounce plastic container. Shoppe…

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by Joe Lombardi
On Your Side
Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes
Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes A popular grill brush is being recalled because metal bristles can break off and cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. Walmart recalled about 4.48 million Expert Grill metal wire bristle grill brushes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Oct. 1. Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to a grill or food. If swallowed, the bristles can cause serious internal injuries that may require surgery. The brushes have black plastic or stainless-steel handles. Some also have metal scrapers attached. The recall covers five Expert Grill product…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall
Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Nearly 30,000 Cadillac SUVs are being recalled because a power window problem can cause someone to get pinched, federal regulators said. General Motors issued the recall for 29,347 Cadillac OPTIQ electric vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report filed on Thursday, Sept. 24. The recall affects certain 2025 through 2027 models. The issue involves the front windows when they're closed with the key fob's express-up function, according to the NHTSA. The windows may fail to detect an obstruction and automatically reverse during the final 13 millimeters of upwa…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List
Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Dozens of Starbucks cafés across the Northeast have closed as the coffee giant moves ahead with a major restructuring plan. StarbucksEverywhere.net, a website tracking the chain's locations, published a list of the roughly 250 locations closing in late September. Starbucks announced plans to shutter the North American cafés on Thursday, Sept. 24. The shutdowns are part of the company's ongoing "Back to Starbucks" plan, which is focused on improving the customer experience. Starbucks is in the middle of a major remodeling push, upgrading more than 1,000 coffeehouses since late 2025…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu
Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' is getting into the Halloween spirit with a new lineup of spooky drinks. The coffee chain launched its Halloween menu on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The limited-time lineup is available nationwide at participating Dunkin' locations while supplies last. The menu is led by the new Green Apple Dunkin' Zero, a zero-sugar energy drink made with green apple flavor and sparkling water. Dunkin' is also using the drink as the base for three other new options: Midnight Apple Dunkin' Zero with blackberry flavor, Candy Kiss Dunkin' Zero with mango flavor, and Orchard Twist Dunkin' Zero with peach…

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by Chris Spiker

On Your Side

On Your Side
Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination
Pasta Recall Prompts Warning Over Potentially Deadly Contamination A pasta brand sold nationwide is being recalled over a contamination risk that can cause serious illness or death. Gias Foods, based in New York City, is recalling two lots of Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart, according to the company’s announcement on the FDA website. The frozen pasta may contain Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. The affected pasta comes in a yellow, 22-ounce plastic container. Shoppe…

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by Joe Lombardi
On Your Side
Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes
Breaking Metal Bristles Spark Recall Of Nearly 4.5M+ Grill Brushes A popular grill brush is being recalled because metal bristles can break off and cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. Walmart recalled about 4.48 million Expert Grill metal wire bristle grill brushes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Oct. 1. Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to a grill or food. If swallowed, the bristles can cause serious internal injuries that may require surgery. The brushes have black plastic or stainless-steel handles. Some also have metal scrapers attached. The recall covers five Expert Grill product…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall
Power Windows Can Hurt Passengers, Forcing Huge Cadillac Recall Nearly 30,000 Cadillac SUVs are being recalled because a power window problem can cause someone to get pinched, federal regulators said. General Motors issued the recall for 29,347 Cadillac OPTIQ electric vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report filed on Thursday, Sept. 24. The recall affects certain 2025 through 2027 models. The issue involves the front windows when they're closed with the key fob's express-up function, according to the NHTSA. The windows may fail to detect an obstruction and automatically reverse during the final 13 millimeters of upwa…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List
Starbucks Closes West Hartford, Manchester Cafés Amid Major Overhaul: See Full List Dozens of Starbucks cafés across the Northeast have closed as the coffee giant moves ahead with a major restructuring plan. StarbucksEverywhere.net, a website tracking the chain's locations, published a list of the roughly 250 locations closing in late September. Starbucks announced plans to shutter the North American cafés on Thursday, Sept. 24. The shutdowns are part of the company's ongoing "Back to Starbucks" plan, which is focused on improving the customer experience. Starbucks is in the middle of a major remodeling push, upgrading more than 1,000 coffeehouses since late 2025…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu
Dunkin' Enters 'New Territory' With Latest Drinks Joining Halloween Menu Dunkin' is getting into the Halloween spirit with a new lineup of spooky drinks. The coffee chain launched its Halloween menu on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The limited-time lineup is available nationwide at participating Dunkin' locations while supplies last. The menu is led by the new Green Apple Dunkin' Zero, a zero-sugar energy drink made with green apple flavor and sparkling water. Dunkin' is also using the drink as the base for three other new options: Midnight Apple Dunkin' Zero with blackberry flavor, Candy Kiss Dunkin' Zero with mango flavor, and Orchard Twist Dunkin' Zero with peach…

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by Chris Spiker

National Interest

National Interest
McDonald's Rolls Out Automated Employees: Meet Archy McDonald's Rolls Out Automated Employees: Meet Archy McDonald's Rolls Out Automated Employees: Meet Archy
McDonald's Rolls Out Automated Employees: Meet Archy McDonald’s is giving its drive-thru a new voice, and customers may notice a change before they reach the pickup window. The chain is testing Archy, an artificial intelligence ordering assistant, as part of a broader technology push, according to multiple reports. The system takes orders in English and Spanish and works with ArchIQ, McDonald’s AI-powered restaurant operating platform. McDonald’s told Moneywise, in a report published by Yahoo Finance, that Archy was getting orders right more than 90 percent of the time. The company said the goal is to give employees more time to help customer…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Former Football Player Dies Following Heat Stroke During Navy SEAL Prep Former Football Player Dies Following Heat Stroke During Navy SEAL Prep Former Football Player Dies Following Heat Stroke During Navy SEAL Prep
Former Football Player Dies Following Heat Stroke During Navy SEAL Prep A former football player remembered as a campus leader has died after a training emergency left his family holding onto hope for two weeks. Austin Stallman, 21, a Texas A&M University senior and son of Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, after suffering heat stroke in College Station, Texas, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Stallman previously played football at Angleton High School. The school said he became ill while trying out for a Navy SEAL preparation program, ABC13 Houston reported. He became disoriented during a 9-mile training run Tue…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
CT Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart CT Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart CT Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart
CT Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart New rankings reveal the nation’s highest-taxing states, with a sizable gap separating the leader from the pack. New York and its local governments collected more taxes per person than any other state, according to the Citizens Budget Commission’s “Top of the Charts 4” analysis. They also ranked second in spending per person, behind Alaska. The report uses fiscal year 2024 data, the latest available, to compare combined state and local finances. New York’s tax collections per person exceeded the national average by 71 percent and California, in second place, by 22 percent. The top 10 states…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
New Details Emerge In Sudden Deaths Of 2 College Students At Ole Miss New Details Emerge In Sudden Deaths Of 2 College Students At Ole Miss New Details Emerge In Sudden Deaths Of 2 College Students At Ole Miss
New Details Emerge In Sudden Deaths Of 2 College Students At Ole Miss New information has been released after the sudden deaths of two Ole Miss students, though investigators are still working to determine what killed them. Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, died Monday, Sept. 21. Hamilton was a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Strang was a junior from Atlanta, as Daily Voice previously reported. Hamilton was found unresponsive on campus, while Strang died off campus. Related report: Names, Hometowns Released Of 2 Out-Of-State Students Who Died Suddenly At Ole Miss Court records describe pills recovered from both locations and purchases inve…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Clocks 'Fall Back' Soon: Here’s When The Switch Happens Clocks 'Fall Back' Soon: Here’s When The Switch Happens Clocks 'Fall Back' Soon: Here’s When The Switch Happens
Clocks 'Fall Back' Soon: Here’s When The Switch Happens An extra hour is waiting in the wings, but it comes with a trade-off for anyone who enjoys daylight after work. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1. Clocks across most of the US will turn back to 1 a.m., according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The return to standard time means lighter mornings and earlier evening darkness by the clock. It also adds an extra hour that night, potentially giving you more time to sleep. The switch follows Halloween. Before going to bed on Saturday, Oct. 31, move manual clocks back one hour. Remember bedside…

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by Joe Lombardi