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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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Danbury Man Stole $1.1M In Home Improvement Scheme Targeting Monroe Woman: State Danbury Man Stole $1.1M In Home Improvement Scheme Targeting Monroe Woman: State Danbury Man Stole $1.1M In Home Improvement Scheme Targeting Monroe Woman: State
Danbury Man Stole $1.1M In Home Improvement Scheme Targeting Monroe Woman: State A Connecticut woman was billed more than $900,000 for work on her 988-square-foot home, but investigators say they found only small changes to its appearance.  Trevor Bridle, 49, of Danbury, was arrested last week on charges of first-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, state authorities said.  Investigators accuse Bridle and others of taking more than $1.1 million from the Monroe homeowner between December 2023 and April 2026. Most of the alleged scheme involved charges for home improvements, authorities said. The renovation bills alone topped $900,000. …

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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
CT School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals CT School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals CT School Bus Crashes Into Building, Sending 11 To Hospitals
CT 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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by Daily Voice

Breaking News

Breaking News
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
Andrew Cuomo Drops Nearly $10 Million On Hamptons Estate — With Surprising Feature Andrew Cuomo Drops Nearly $10 Million On Hamptons Estate — With Surprising Feature Andrew Cuomo Drops Nearly $10 Million On Hamptons Estate — With Surprising Feature
Andrew Cuomo Drops Nearly $10 Million On Hamptons Estate — With Surprising Feature Former New York governor and NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has purchased a $9.6 million property in the Hamptons, according to multiple reports. The property lies on the western edge of the Hamptons in Remsenburg, the New York Times reported Wednesday, Sept. 30. The transaction closed back on June 23, sources told the paper. Cuomo’s purchase includes four parcels of land, including two homes, according to the New York Post. He’s planning to use it as a summer home and investment property, the Post reported. The ex-governor still maintains an apartment in Manhattan; his living situa…

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by Joe Wilkinson
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
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
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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IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works
IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new app to give taxpayers more ways to manage their accounts. The agency has replaced its longtime IRS2Go app with a new IRS app that includes expanded access to refunds, payments, notices, tax records, and other account information. The app launched on Friday, Sept. 25. Taxpayers can use it to check the status of refunds and amended returns, view balances, make payments, and review payment activity. They can also access certain notices, letters, tax records, and transcripts. Users can also manage some profile and communication settings and …

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies
Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Amazon Prime customers could start getting settlement money as millions of additional consumers become eligible for automatic refunds. Amazon began issuing the expanded payments on Thursday, Oct. 1, under the $2.5 billion settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission in September 2025, USA Today reported. The online retailer was required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and refund up to $1.5 billion to consumers. Amazon was accused of enrolling millions of consumers in Prime subscriptions without their consent and knowingly making it difficult for customers to cancel. More than…

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by Chris Spiker
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

On Your Side
IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works
IRS Launches New Tool To Help Taxpayers: How It Works The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new app to give taxpayers more ways to manage their accounts. The agency has replaced its longtime IRS2Go app with a new IRS app that includes expanded access to refunds, payments, notices, tax records, and other account information. The app launched on Friday, Sept. 25. Taxpayers can use it to check the status of refunds and amended returns, view balances, make payments, and review payment activity. They can also access certain notices, letters, tax records, and transcripts. Users can also manage some profile and communication settings and …

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies
Payouts Begin In $2.5B Amazon Settlement: See Who Qualifies Amazon Prime customers could start getting settlement money as millions of additional consumers become eligible for automatic refunds. Amazon began issuing the expanded payments on Thursday, Oct. 1, under the $2.5 billion settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission in September 2025, USA Today reported. The online retailer was required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and refund up to $1.5 billion to consumers. Amazon was accused of enrolling millions of consumers in Prime subscriptions without their consent and knowingly making it difficult for customers to cancel. More than…

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by Chris Spiker
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

National Interest

National Interest
CT-Born Actress Names Star Who Dumped For Not Being 'Famous Enough': 'Hollywood Is Brutal' CT-Born Actress Names Star Who Dumped For Not Being 'Famous Enough': 'Hollywood Is Brutal' CT-Born Actress Names Star Who Dumped For Not Being 'Famous Enough': 'Hollywood Is Brutal'
Ct-born Actress Names Star Who Dumped For Not Being 'Famous Enough': 'Hollywood Is Brutal' Connecticut native Christy Carlson Romano says her teenage romance with a co-star ended after his team decided she "wasn't famous enough" for him.  The Milford-born former Disney star, 42, shared the claim on Instagram on Wednesday, Sept. 30. She has been making several major admissions on social media ahead of her memoir’s Oct. 6 release. The book, “Once Upon a Trainwreck: The Fall and Rise of a Child Star,” explores her childhood fame and struggles with addiction. In one such story, the now 42-year-old Romano said she dated her "Cadet Kelly" co-star Shawn Ashmore when she was 1…

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by Josh Lanier
National Interest
New Trump Poll Reveals Americans’ Verdict On His Presidency New Trump Poll Reveals Americans’ Verdict On His Presidency New Trump Poll Reveals Americans’ Verdict On His Presidency
New Trump Poll Reveals Americans’ Verdict On His Presidency Americans are giving President Donald Trump a tough report card, with a new national poll revealing dissatisfaction that extends beyond his overall job performance. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that 69 percent of US adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the presidency, while 31 percent approve. More than half, 51 percent, strongly disapprove. Another 18 percent somewhat disapprove. The findings also show difficult terrain for Trump on the economy. His handling of the issue draws disapproval from 73 percent of adults, compared with 26 percent …

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by Joe Lombardi
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