Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Nominations concluded. Finalists are being selected. Sign up for alerts to stay updated.
65° Fair
Breaking News
CT Brewery Files For Bankruptcy, But Owner Says Doors Will Stay Open CT Brewery Files For Bankruptcy, But Owner Says Doors Will Stay Open CT Brewery Files For Bankruptcy, But Owner Says Doors Will Stay Open
CT Brewery Files For Bankruptcy, But Owner Says Doors Will Stay Open Alvarium Beer Company has filed for bankruptcy protection, but its New Britain brewery owner says customers can still stop in for a beer. Owner Brian Bugnacki announced the Chapter 11 reorganization in a social media post on Monday, Oct. 12. He wanted to make one thing very clear to patrons: "WE ARE NOT CLOSING OUR DOORS." Bugnacki said the decision was to secure the brewery’s future.  "I know that sounds scary ..." he wrote. "This step is a strategic move to ensure Alvarium's future." For customers, that means the New Britain brewery plans to keep its taproom running as it reor…

SHARE

by Josh Lanier

Get Daily Voice
In
Your Inbox

Get important news about your town as it happens.

Your Daily Voice Site

Breaking News
Connecticut Man, 23, Dies After Hit-And-Run; Family Remembers His ‘Beautiful Soul’ Connecticut Man, 23, Dies After Hit-And-Run; Family Remembers His ‘Beautiful Soul’ Connecticut Man, 23, Dies After Hit-And-Run; Family Remembers His ‘Beautiful Soul’
Connecticut Man, 23, Dies After Hit-And-Run; Family Remembers His ‘Beautiful Soul’ A Connecticut man known for his love of dancing and spending time with family has died after a hit-and-run crash. He was 23. Kelvin Omar Flores Benitez, of New Britain, died Sept. 26, three days after the crash near East Lawlor Street in New Britain, according to police. Investigators said two vehicles collided around 5:45 p.m. Benitez was thrown from his motorcycle, and officers found him unresponsive when they arrived. Police are searching for the other driver. The crash left Benitez on life support, according to a GoFundMe supporting his family. He died despite efforts to save him, the …

SHARE

by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
11-Year-Old CT Girl On Bike Seriously Hurt In Hit-And-Run Crash, Police Hunting SUV 11-Year-Old CT Girl On Bike Seriously Hurt In Hit-And-Run Crash, Police Hunting SUV 11-Year-Old CT Girl On Bike Seriously Hurt In Hit-And-Run Crash, Police Hunting SUV
11-Year-Old CT Girl On Bike Seriously Hurt In Hit-And-Run Crash, Police Hunting SUV An SUV driver crashed into an 11-year-old girl riding her bike and drove away, leaving her unconscious on the pavement with serious injuries, police said.  The crash happened around 4:20 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Washington and Hosford streets in Wallingford, police said. Investigators described the SUV as an older model with black or gray paint. Police said the girl was unconscious after the crash. Emergency crews treated her for a possible head injury before rushing her to a nearby children's hospital for more care. The girl's mother posted on social media that the child w…

SHARE

by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
Man Indicted On Murder Charges In DUI Crash That Killed Father, 8-Year-Old Daughter: DA Man Indicted On Murder Charges In DUI Crash That Killed Father, 8-Year-Old Daughter: DA Man Indicted On Murder Charges In DUI Crash That Killed Father, 8-Year-Old Daughter: DA
Man Indicted On Murder Charges In DUI Crash That Killed Father, 8-Year-Old Daughter: DA A Massachusetts man faces two second-degree murder charges after prosecutors say he crashed into a Honda at nearly 100 mph while intoxicated, killing an Andover father and his 8-year-old daughter in North Reading. Matthew Sweeney, 21, of Paxton, was indicted by a Middlesex County grand jury in connection with the Aug. 22 crash on Route 28, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and North Reading Police Chief Mark Zimmerman announced Tuesday, Oct. 13. Samir Naili, 35, and his daughter, Kashmira Naili, 8, died at the scene. Both lived in Andover. Kashmira was preparing to start third gr…

SHARE

by Josh Lanier
Breaking News
I-95 Hit-And-Run In Darien Causes Serious Injuries: Police Hunting Damaged Pickup I-95 Hit-And-Run In Darien Causes Serious Injuries: Police Hunting Damaged Pickup I-95 Hit-And-Run In Darien Causes Serious Injuries: Police Hunting Damaged Pickup
I-95 Hit-And-Run In Darien Causes Serious Injuries: Police Hunting Damaged Pickup Connecticut State Police are on the hunt for a dark-colored pickup truck investigators say was involved in a hit-and-run crash that caused serious injuries on Interstate 95, then sped away scene. The wreck forced police to close the northbound lanes for hours. The crash was reported to troopers around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, near Exit 13 in Darien.  A witness told police that the black or brown pickup drove away moments after the crash. Investigators described the damage the vehicle likely sustained in the wreck to help people identify it. “This vehicle should be missing a si…

SHARE

by Josh Lanier

Your Community

Your Community
Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals
Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals Northwell Health has launched a new initiative connecting services across its 28 hospitals to help older adults maintain their health, independence and quality of life as they age. The Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging brings together hospital services, physician practices, outpatient programs, research facilities, and community resources to better coordinate care for aging adults and their families. According to Northwell Health, the initiative focuses on preventing illness, addressing changing healthcare needs and supporting caregivers who help older adults manage their health. The i…

SHARE

by Daily Voice
Content Partner
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 …

SHARE

by Daily Voice

Breaking News

Breaking News
Power Grid Emergency Issued In Three States: What To Know About Unusual October Alert Power Grid Emergency Issued In Three States: What To Know About Unusual October Alert Power Grid Emergency Issued In Three States: What To Know About Unusual October Alert
Power Grid Emergency Issued In Three States: What To Know About Unusual October Alert The world's largest power grid operator has issued an emergency alert as unusually warm October weather and widespread equipment outages put pressure on electricity supplies across the region, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PJM Interconnection issued a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert for Tuesday, Oct. 13, as higher electricity demand and planned equipment outages put pressure on the regional power supply. The alerts mean power companies are being asked to keep as much equipment running as possible, including postponing maintenance that could take power plants or t…

SHARE

by Cecilia Levine
Breaking News
Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison
Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison The American Airlines passenger who had to be restrained with duct tape and zip ties during a flight that was diverted to Maryland is now facing a much bigger problem on the ground. Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, was indicted on charges stemming from a confrontation aboard a Dallas-to-Newark flight that was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Anne Arundel County on Thursday, Sept. 3. Federal prosecutors announced the indictment on Tuesday, Oct. 13, alleging that Lundeen assaulted a fellow passenger and interfered with flight attendants and cre…

SHARE

by Zak Failla and Cecilia Levine
Breaking News
Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports
Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports A Delta flight from John F. Kennedy Airport to Tel Aviv was evacuated on arrival Tuesday morning, Oct. 13 due to a bomb threat, according to multiple reports. Passengers on Delta Flight 234 were rushed off the plane shortly landing at Ben Gurion Airport, the main commercial airport in Israel, due to the anonymous claim that a bomb was on board, the Jerusalem Post reported. The plane was then moved to a remote parking area on the tarmac and searched by security teams, according to Israeli news source Ynet. Nothing suspicious was found in the aircraft, officials said. Normal operations resum…

SHARE

by Joe Wilkinson
Breaking News
WATCH: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’ WATCH: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’ WATCH: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’
Watch: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’ A giant humpback whale crashed into a boat off the coast of Long Island on Saturday, Oct. 10. The shocking collision was captured on video by Steven Heid, who shared the clip on social media. The whale approached Heid’s boat quickly as he was fishing in Moriches Inlet, the video shows. It appeared to be feeding, as dozens of fish are seen flying through the air in the moments before the whale slammed into the boat’s side. View this post on Instagram While the whale made solid contact with the side of the boat, appearing to even “bite” the sid…

SHARE

by Joe Wilkinson
Breaking News
Retired UConn Prof’s Son Faces CT Bomb Charges Years After Dad’s Arrest In Explosives Case Retired UConn Prof’s Son Faces CT Bomb Charges Years After Dad’s Arrest In Explosives Case Retired UConn Prof’s Son Faces CT Bomb Charges Years After Dad’s Arrest In Explosives Case
Retired UConn Prof’s Son Faces CT Bomb Charges Years After Dad’s Arrest In Explosives Case A Connecticut man charged with making bombs after police searched his home during a domestic disturbance investigation was previously accused of making explosives in a 2010 case that led to his father’s arrest.  Aleksi Javanainen, 30, was arrested on Oct. 3 at his home on Hanks Hill Road in Mansfield. He was charged with illegally possessing explosives, manufacturing bombs, and three misdemeanor counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, Connecticut State Police said. According to his arrest warrant, police began investigating after a woman told troopers that Javanainen kept unlocke…

SHARE

by Josh Lanier

Jobs

On Your Side

On Your Side
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall More than 30,000 Mercedes-Benz luxury cars are being recalled because a brake hose problem can make it harder for drivers to stop. Mercedes-Benz USA issued the recall for 30,064 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, Oct. 2. The affected vehicles include certain S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and AMG sedans from model years 2022 through 2025. The front brake hoses may weaken over time because of heat and mechanical stress. The hoses can eventually rupture and leak brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the distance neede…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Mexican Grill is going big with its takeout bags, giving customers a chance to win a massive three-foot-wide version. The chain unveiled its limited-edition "Big A** Chipotle Bag" on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The 170-liter tote bag celebrates the chain's Family Meals, which are designed to feed four to six people. The oversized bag measures 36 inches wide, 24 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. "A Big A** Meal deserves a Big A** Bag," said chief brand officer Fernando Machado. "We took one of the most recognizable parts of the Chipotle experience, gave it an outsized upgrade, …

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme is baking up dozens of new restaurants across the New York City region as the doughnut chain works to recover from financial struggles. The Charlotte, North Carolina, company announced plans to open 33 new shops across the metropolitan area over the next five years in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The expansion will also include communities surrounding the city, including on Long Island and in New Jersey. Krispy Kreme signed a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC, a longtime partner that already operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops.  "We lo…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Websites for Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and several other major grocery chains went offline on Monday, Oct. 12, after their parent company reported a cybersecurity incident affecting its network. Ahold Delhaize, the Netherlands-based grocery giant that operates thousands of stores across the United States, confirmed the security issue in a statement issued Monday. The company said it had taken some systems offline as a precaution while investigating the incident. "Our teams are taking steps to assess and mitigate the issue," the company said. "This includes taking some systems offl…

SHARE

by Jillian Pikora
On Your Side
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks is considering a massive takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill in what could become the largest restaurant acquisition in history, according to a report. The coffeehouse giant has worked with advisers for months on a possible purchase of Chipotle, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, Oct. 8. The potential deal would bring together two of the nation's biggest restaurant chains. It's unclear whether Starbucks has made a formal offer to Chipotle, which has a market value of about $41 billion. People familiar with the discussions told FT that a deal could face ma…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker

On Your Side

On Your Side
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall More than 30,000 Mercedes-Benz luxury cars are being recalled because a brake hose problem can make it harder for drivers to stop. Mercedes-Benz USA issued the recall for 30,064 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, Oct. 2. The affected vehicles include certain S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and AMG sedans from model years 2022 through 2025. The front brake hoses may weaken over time because of heat and mechanical stress. The hoses can eventually rupture and leak brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the distance neede…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Mexican Grill is going big with its takeout bags, giving customers a chance to win a massive three-foot-wide version. The chain unveiled its limited-edition "Big A** Chipotle Bag" on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The 170-liter tote bag celebrates the chain's Family Meals, which are designed to feed four to six people. The oversized bag measures 36 inches wide, 24 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. "A Big A** Meal deserves a Big A** Bag," said chief brand officer Fernando Machado. "We took one of the most recognizable parts of the Chipotle experience, gave it an outsized upgrade, …

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge Northeast Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme is baking up dozens of new restaurants across the New York City region as the doughnut chain works to recover from financial struggles. The Charlotte, North Carolina, company announced plans to open 33 new shops across the metropolitan area over the next five years in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The expansion will also include communities surrounding the city, including on Long Island and in New Jersey. Krispy Kreme signed a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC, a longtime partner that already operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops.  "We lo…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Websites for Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and several other major grocery chains went offline on Monday, Oct. 12, after their parent company reported a cybersecurity incident affecting its network. Ahold Delhaize, the Netherlands-based grocery giant that operates thousands of stores across the United States, confirmed the security issue in a statement issued Monday. The company said it had taken some systems offline as a precaution while investigating the incident. "Our teams are taking steps to assess and mitigate the issue," the company said. "This includes taking some systems offl…

SHARE

by Jillian Pikora
On Your Side
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks is considering a massive takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill in what could become the largest restaurant acquisition in history, according to a report. The coffeehouse giant has worked with advisers for months on a possible purchase of Chipotle, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, Oct. 8. The potential deal would bring together two of the nation's biggest restaurant chains. It's unclear whether Starbucks has made a formal offer to Chipotle, which has a market value of about $41 billion. People familiar with the discussions told FT that a deal could face ma…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker

National Interest

National Interest
New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where
New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where A brand-new nationwide No Kings mobilization is coming, with a different focus from the mass protests that brought the movement national attention. Organizers have scheduled No Kings: Vote Early for Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the official No Kings website. The day centers on voter participation ahead of the midterm elections Tuesday, Nov. 3. The coalition describes the events as nonpartisan gatherings intended to help eligible voters check their registration, understand their options, and make a voting plan. Readers can visit NoKings.org, select Find an Event, and search by ZIP code f…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Full Hunter’s Moon Will Brighten October Skies: When To Watch Full Hunter’s Moon Will Brighten October Skies: When To Watch Full Hunter’s Moon Will Brighten October Skies: When To Watch
Full Hunter’s Moon Will Brighten October Skies: When To Watch October’s full moon is preparing to light up the night, and catching its autumn glow won’t require staying awake until its official peak. The Hunter’s Moon arrives Monday, Oct. 26, according to NASA’s October skywatching guide. Its name reflects a season when hunters used bright moonlight to track game across fields cleared by the fall harvest. Peak illumination comes at 12:12 a.m. EDT, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. But the publication recommends heading outside Sunday evening, Oct. 25, around sunset for the best moonrise viewing opportunity. Find an open spot with a clear view to…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message
Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message A familiar voice in rock and metal has shared a heartbreaking health update, explaining the difficult weeks behind her silence. Amanda Somerville, 47, revealed an inoperable brain tumor in an Instagram announcement on Sunday, Oct. 11. “My dear Somervillains,” Somerville began. “I owe you a personal word. Many of you have heard by now - the news has been traveling faster than I have - and I'm sorry it's taken me this long to speak to you directly. "These past weeks have been a blur of hospitals, scans, biopsies and difficult conversations, and I needed time to understand what we're facing b…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs
Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs Flu activity is picking up as fall gets underway, putting this year’s protection timing in focus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu activity remains low nationally but is increasing. Its latest FluView report captures that trend. Clinical laboratories reported that 3.4 percent of tested respiratory specimens were positive for influenza. Flu diagnoses accounted for 0.4 percent of emergency department visits in a separate surveillance system. Those figures show flu is circulating, but they do not establish that a widespread early season is already underway. The CDC…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad' Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad' Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad'
Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad' Bryan Cranston is mourning the actor who played his son on “Breaking Bad,” sharing memories of a bond that continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. Cranston’s Instagram tribute follows the death of RJ Mitte, on Monday, Oct. 12, in Texas at 34. “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight,” Cranston’s post began. “RJ Mitte, my sweet son on ‘Breaking Bad’ has died. “I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm. “Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anythi…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi