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Less Egg-cercise: Healthiest Easter Candy Is the One to Eat

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'Tis the season for dyeing Easter eggs — and snacking on chocolate ones. Worried you'll wreck your healthy eating streak come Easter Sunday? Well, because your favorite pastel-packaged spring candies wouldn't exactly be classified as health food, consider this permission to live a little!

NBC News has sized up the nutrition labels of some of the most popular Easter candies, with a strong focus on calories, fat and sugar content per serving — as well as the serving size.

1. Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs

At only 90 calories and 8 grams of sugar per serving, this milk chocolate and PB egg ranks first.

2. Tootsie Easter Egg Shaped Pops

Clocking in at 60 calories, these lollipops have the second-lowest amount of sugar on our list (10 grams).

3. Russell Stover Coconut Cream Egg

This individually wrapped dark chocolate and coconut cream-filled egg, which comes in at 120 cals, takes the bronze because of the serving size and third-lowest amount of sugar (16 grams).

4. Cadbury Crème Egg

It's not quite as good a choice as the previous two eggs since it's higher in calories (150) and sugar (20 grams).

5. Hershey's Milk Chocolate Easter Kisses

These morsels are so much prettier in light blue and pink packaging — and they're not a terrible choice to nosh on this spring. One serving has 18 grams of sugar.

6. Peeps

Poor Peeps: Not only do they have zero nutritional value — but a recent RetailMeNot survey found they're not the king of Easter candies anymore. One serving size — four peeps —rings in at 110 calories and 26 grams of sugar.



Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Child Falls Out of Window in Trumbull

Police Arrest Potential Homicide Suspect Tied to Amber Alert

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Police in Massachusetts have arrested a potential suspect in a New Britain homicide case tied to an Amber Alert over the weekend.

Patrick Miles, 36, of New Britain, was arrested early Wednesday morning in West Springfield, Mass. He was charged as a fugitive from justice.

Patrick Miles is a potential suspect in the death of 33-year-old Yasheeka Miles, who was found with a gunshot wound to the head in a home at 48 North Mountain Road in New Britain Friday night.

Police identified Patrick Miles as a potential suspect and believe he fled to New York City with his 2-year-old daughter Paisley Miles after the incident. The search for Paisley prompted an Amber Alert early Saturday morning. The girl was found safe with a relative in Brooklyn, New York Saturday morning. That relative is cooperating with police.

Police said Yasheeka and Patrick Miles had a domestic relationship, but have not elaborated on what the relationship between them is. On Monday, police issued a news released listing 48 North Mountain Road as the home address for both of them.

According to New Britain police, Patrick Miles does have a criminal history in Vernon and New London.

Connecticut authorities currently hold two arrest warrants for Patrick Miles on violation of probation charges. The warrants have a combined bond of $350,000. 

Patrick Miles is scheduled to appear in Massachusetts court Wednesday.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the New Britain Police Department at 860-826-3000. Anonymous tips can be made on the Community Tip Line at 860-826-3199 or online at newbritainpolice.org.



Photo Credit: New Britain Police

New Britain Woman Paid More Than $700 for Tax Preparations

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Jeanette Burgos has spent weeks trying to understand why it cost her $712 to get her taxes done at the Liberty Tax Franchise in New Britain.

Her taxes aren’t complicated, according to a tax expert NBC Connecticut Responds consulted. With her income status, she even qualifies to have a preparer file her taxes for free at a community center.

Burgos didn’t know this when she walked through the door at Liberty Tax in February. She agreed to the $712 in charges before she left the store and went home. Feeling uncomfortable, she returned to Liberty Tax three hours later to see if she could still cancel the transaction, but was told it was too late.

The owner of the New Britain Liberty Tax franchise told NBC Connecticut that his charges reflect corporate guidance and that he tells every customer what they’ll pay before they sign on the dotted line.

A spokesperson for Liberty Tax’s corporate office in Virginia told NBC Connecticut they, “have not found an indication of problematic pricing,” on Burgos’ filing.

Our consumer team wanted to know how the $712 Burgos was charged stacks up against competitors. The company-owned H&R Block in West Hartford said they would charge around $360 to file Burgos’ tax return. A company-owned Jackson Hewitt branch, also in West Hartford, said it would cost her $300 to $350.

All three of these companies base their pricing on the number of forms associated with a tax filing. Some tax preparers, like Torrington-based Kris Roberts, charge by time. Roberts, the Connecticut chapter president of the National Association of Tax Preparers, estimates Burgos would have paid between $100 and $150 for her service.

Roberts said she’s not surprised by Burgos’ complaint and said, “a scary thing that it doesn’t surprise me, because I run into it all the time.”

She asserted that the lack of consistency in pricing between various tax preparers is a three-part issue. The first, she said, is systemic in that, “Congress has made the tax code so complicated, that people can’t do what we consider simple returns anymore.”

Consumer education is another problem. Roberts said many customers don’t ask enough detailed questions about pricing.

Finally, there’s a lack of oversight for the industry. According to Commissioner Kevin Sullivan of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, “right now there’s absolutely no regulation, no oversight, no standards for what we would call commercial tax preparers in the state of Connecticut.”

Sullivan hopes a bill proposed this session will help set an industry-wide standard by protecting, “the right of the taxpayer to know at the beginning of that conversation, how long is this going to take, do I have an opportunity to reconsider, how much are you going to charge me, what exactly are you going to charge me for.”

All three major companies will answer most of those questions up front and customers do have the option to reconsider their options. Neither Jackson Hewitt nor H&R Block disclosed what they charge for various forms, though a spokesperson for H&R Block told us their average charge is less than $220 and that all clients may request a fee estimate before deciding if they want to file. A spokesperson for Jackson Hewitt said their prices start at $48 and that their fees are based on the complexity of the return.

After asking the owner of the Liberty Tax in New Britain, he did give NBC Connecticut a breakdown of charges for Burgos’ nine documents. Almost half of the $712 she was charged came from two sheets alone: her 1040A and her Earned Income Credit. Both of these forms are specifically designed for low-to-moderate income earners.

Roberts said, “because she qualifies for these earned income credits, it’s almost like she’s being penalized.”

In the end, the Liberty Tax franchise owner offered to reduce Burgos’ charge to what she paid last year through TurboTax – just over $140.

Residents can get more information on free assistance in completing Connecticut State tax returns by calling (860) 297-5962 or by clicking here.

Low-to-moderate income earners (under $50,000) may be able to access free state and federal tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Enter a zip code here to find a location.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services also offers the following important tax filing tips:

• Select a tax preparer you can trust. Taxpayers entrust vital personal data with the person preparing their tax return, including income, investments and Social Security numbers. Ask questions about cost up front, and explore your options before making a decision.

• Review the tax return and ask questions before signing. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return, regardless of whether someone else prepared it.

• Make sure the preparer signs the return and includes their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The vast majority of paid preparers are required to have a valid PTIN.

• Never sign a blank tax return. It’s a red flag when a taxpayer is asked to sign a blank tax return. The preparer can put anything they want on the return — even their own bank account number for the tax refund.

• Make sure that you make copies of your documents before giving them to a tax preparer. After your taxes are filed, keep your documents neatly organized and retain them for at least three years.

Assad: Chemical Weapons Attack Is '100 Percent Fabrication'

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says accusations that he ordered a chemical weapons attack are "100 percent fabrication," NBC News reported.

Assad was speaking in his first interview since the deadly alleged gas poisoning in Idlib that prompted a U.S. missile strike in retaliation. President Donald Trump and other leaders blame Assad for around 100 civilian deaths.

"Our impression is that the West, mainly the United States, is hand in glove with the terrorists," he said, referring to the rebel groups that are fighting his Assad regime. "They fabricated the whole story in order to have a pretext for the attack."

In the interview with news agency AFP, Assad also said Syria's military had given up all chemical weapons. The interview was recorded in Damascus by Syrian government cameras and released to other media outlets



Photo Credit: AP

Man Selling Ads in 'The Windsors' Arrested

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South Windsor police have arrested a Waterbury man accused of soliciting dozens of local businesses to buy ads in a publication they said does not exist.

Frank Cusano, 63, of Waterbury, is accused of approaching businesses to buy $100 ads in a fictitious magazine called "The Windsors."

He was arrested on Friday and charged with 19 counts of sixth-degree larceny and 50 counts of criminal attempt to commit larceny in the sixth degree.

The police investigation started in March when the department received complaints after Cusano allegedly solicited South Windsor businesses and told them he was selling advertising for "The Windsors."

One person who Cusano solicited said the man told him he would be distributing the magazine to everyone in town.

However, when officers spoke with the company that is printing the publication, representatives said only 15 copies have been made.

Police said their investigation also revealed that Cusano's publication was fictitious and the company did not exist.

Nineteen companies paid Cusano while dozens of businesses Cusano is accused of soliciting declined to give him money, according to police.

Cusano was released on $1,800 cash bond and he is due in court on April 20.



Photo Credit: South Windsor Police
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Qurans Found Dumped in Toilets at University of Texas

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Police at the University of Texas at Dallas say they're searching for the person who dumped several copies of the Quran in campus toilets.

They call the incident "shocking" and "unusual."

A student recently discovered the books inside a bathroom at the university's Student Union building. After snapping some pictures to document the apparent anti-Muslim act, he immediately reported it to campus security, which got police involved.

UT Dallas junior Mohammad Syed, a Muslim, said he didn't believe the news until he saw photos published in the student newspaper.

"It's definitely saddening and a little disturbing as well," said Syed, who is the President of the UT Dallas Muslim Student Association. "It's something that we do not expect to happen, especially at this campus."

Syed said he's always known UT Dallas as a diverse and inclusive place, which was the one of the things that drew him to pursue a degree in neuroscience there.

"UT Dallas is a very welcoming environment," he said. "And I have nothing but good things to say about it."

And that won't change despite this incident.

"You know, while there is a little voice of hate, there is an overwhelming voice of love and support [here] and we definitely appreciate that," said Syed. "And I'm very happy to say I'm a student, a Comet, over here at UTD."

UT Dallas Police say they are reviewing surveillance video from inside the Student Union building.

They acknowledge they haven't found "anything out of the ordinary" for now, but say they're taking this matter seriously and will continue to investigate.

Police Investigating Possible Arson at New Haven PD

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New Haven police, as well as state police, are investigating a possible case of arson at New Haven Police headquarters.

An officer who had finished his shift around 7:30 p.m. Friday noticed a towel on fire hanging from a locker in a men’s locker room at headquarters on Union Avenue, and called for the fire department as well as a supervisor.

He managed to put the fire out with a bottle of water, according to internal police memo, and the New Haven Fire Department determined the fire was suspicious.

Internal affairs and state Police arson investigators were then called in. 

The internal memo says three officers were unable to go out on the streets because their patrol safety equipment was within the crime scene, but their beats were covered.

An internal investigation is underway and state police are assisting.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

High School Sweethearts Get Married 64 Years Later

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This love story of the aged is a love story for the ages. 

Joyce Kevorkian and Jim Bowman, both 81, were high school sweethearts and prom dates from Illinois, but life took them down different paths. They went to different colleges, married different people and had their own families. But now, 64 years later, the two are married, and it’s almost like nothing has changed.

"The whole thing happened very quickly," Kevorkian's granddaughter, Anna Harris, 21, told NBC.

Harris said that around the holiday season, Bowman sent Kevorkian a letter asking how she'd been and seeing if they could reconnect. She said her grandmother was really excited and responded right away.

Kevorkian told NBC that the two had good times together when they were younger, and that she thought it would be nice for the pair to see each other again.

They talked on the phone constantly, Harris said, until Bowman finally decided to make the drive from where he lived in Springfield, Illinois, to where Kevorkian resided in South Bend, Indiana. 

Harris said her grandmother was initially worried about how the visit would go, but "it was like no time had passed and they reconnected immediately."

"It has been fun," Kevorkian added.

Kevorkian told her granddaughter that she felt like she was 17 years old again--and Harris couldn't agree more.

"She acts a little like a little kid, or a high schooler, who's fallen in love for the first time,” Harris said. "It's really sweet."

Harris said that Bowman stepping into her family's life was a good thing. After her grandfather died, she said, her grandmother wasn't really herself anymore. But Bowman, who also lost his spouse, changed that.

"It was like a part of her died also," Harris said. "And once Jim came into the picture, she began having a more positive outlook."

Kevorkian said her granddaughter has told her she's more cheerful than she used to be, too. 

Bowman’s proposal came around Christmas time, and Harris was in the room for it. However, it wasn’t exactly traditional, as he did it through the phone.

"She looks over at me and goes 'Well huh, that was a really strange phone call. Jim asked me to marry him," she said.

Grandma's response?

"Well I said, 'that sounds like a good idea!'" according to Harris.

Harris was charged with keeping the proposal a secret until her grandmother could announce it to her family on Christmas Eve. Initially, Harris said, her family was a little unsure of the situation, as they’d never met Bowman before.

"It didn't take long for everyone to warm up," she said.

Harris added, "It's pretty easy to see when they're together that they want to be around each other...they're clearly in love."

"I think our children just wanted us to be happy in our old age," Kevorkian said. 

She added, "We wanted to be together...we picked up where we left off."

The couple still has the same jokes, she said, and they also still have a love for dancing.  

The pair also reconnected with old friends from high school, who Kevorkian said were surprised to hear that the two were getting married. 

The wedding was held on April 1 at the retirement community where Kevorkian lives in Indiana. Harris said it was a small wedding, but "really sweet."

"I think everyone's just so happy to see my grandma happy again," she said.

Kevorkian described the wedding as "perfect."

Bowman's daughter Julie even reached out to Kevorkian in a letter that said, "Thanks for helping my dad smile again."

Harris said when she posted photos of the wedding online, she half hoped it would spread. And now that it has, her grandmother is excited.

"Obviously they're happy," Harris said. "But it's a whole different level for her and Jim to see that their story is touching so many people."

Kevorkian added that she was surprised by the attention her story has garnered. 

She thought, "Why should anybody be so entranced with such a simple story?"

Harris said she's been asked a lot about whether Kevorkian is related to the famous Dr. Jack Kevorkian. She's not.

She's also been asked about what it's like having Bowman in her family now. She said she's thrilled to have him in her life, and said that while some people think it’s strange for grandparents to get remarried, Bowman isn’t replacing her grandpa.

"Instead, he just gave my grandma back," she said.



Photo Credit: Anna Harris
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These Airlines Have the Worst Records for Bumping Passengers

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Despite United Airlines' high-profile blunder in yanking a passenger from a full flight, the odds of getting bumped from your next flight on a U.S. carrier are very small, CNBC reported.

But a lot depends on which airline you choose to fly.

Faced with slim profit margins on each ticket sold, the airline industry routinely sells some seats twice, based on the odds that some passengers won't show up.

Some airlines apparently do a much better job of calculating those odds than others, based on a review of Department of Transportation statistics on what the industry refers to as "denied boardings."



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Son Charged in Connection With Death of 94-Year-Old Father

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A South Windsor man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of his 94-year-old father. 

Police officers responded to a home on Scantic Meadow Road in November 2016 after the grandchildren of 94-year-old Robert Libby asked officers to check on him, police said, and a series of text messages from Robert’s son, 59-year-old James Libby, indicated that James was suicidal and Robert had died in the home. 

When officers went to the home, they realized Robert had died several days earlier. He appeared to be extremely emaciated at the time of his death and had received a minimum of care, according to police. 

Officers found a home in disarray with hoarding conditions. Police said it was filled with garbage and hundreds of empty beer cans and  they released a photo. It was infested with fleas and police also said they found human feces. 

James Libby admitted he had not given his father any food or water and had neglected to change him for three days prior to discovering he’d died, according to police. 

Investigators later obtained an arrest warrant for James Libby and served it on Monday. He has been charged first-degree manslaughter, abuse in the first degree and cruelty to persons. 

He was held on $750,000 surety bond and appeared in Manchester Superior Court on Tuesday. 

He remains in custody, according to online court records, and no attorney is listed for him. 

Online assessor’s records list Robert as the owner of the house that police responded to. 



Photo Credit: South Windsor Police
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Governor Malloy’s Remarks on Not Seeking 3rd Term

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Gov. Dannel Malloy announced this afternoon that he will not seek a third term.

Following are his remarks, in full, as they were prepared:

“I began my first run for Governor on February 3, 2004, more than 13 years ago. And now, a little past the midway point in my second term, I’ve obviously had to consider what the future might look like for myself and my family, for the Democratic Party, and for our great state.

“I’ve thought a great deal about the areas my administration has tried to prioritize these past six years. Throughout our work, we’ve tried to play the long-game for Connecticut, not doing what is politically expedient, but rather what we believe is in the best interests of the people we serve today, and for generations still to come.

“I’ve thought about how our state has added more than 74,000 private sector jobs since 2010, and unemployment is now at 4.7 percent – its lowest level since 2007.

“I’ve thought about how we worked across party lines in 2012 to pass comprehensive education reforms, and today our students are some of the best readers in the country, and our graduation rates are now at their highest point in Connecticut’s history.

“I’ve thought about the commonsense and compassionate changes we’ve made to our criminal justice system – changes that are helping us experience our lowest crime rates in generations.

“And I’ve thought about similar progress in so many other areas – energy, affordable housing, transportation, and so much more.

“In all these areas, I am tremendously proud of the undeniable progress we’ve made, but I also know how much is still yet to be done. I know that Connecticut must continue to change and grow and strive for a more perfect tomorrow – that we must continue to focus on the long-game.

“I know that until anyone who wants a job can have one, until every person in our criminal justice system is treated fairly and equally, until every student has access to a quality education – that we have never done enough, and that there will always be more work to do.

“Inherent in the nature of our Democracy is that no governor, no mayor, or no president for that matter ever sees their vision fully realized. America, each of its states, and each of its amazing cities and towns, are forever works-in-progress. Elected leaders at every level are stewards – entrusted to use the time they have to improve the lives of their constituents as best they can. That’s what I have tried to do every day I’ve held this office, including this one.

“In fact, it’s been said by some that if I were interested in a third term, I might’ve put forward a different looking budget. I’m not sure I agree with that, but I take it as a compliment. My proposed budget was built with Connecticut’s best interest in mind, regardless of political consequence for me, or anyone else. And I intend to make the core principles of that budget a reality in the coming months.

“For that reason, I am today announcing that I will not seek a third term as Governor.

“Instead, I will focus all my attention and energy – I will use all of my political capital from now through the end of 2018 – to continue implementing my administration’s vision for a more sustainable and vibrant Connecticut economy.

“Here’s what that means:

“It means creating a fairer and more equitable system for town aid – a system that includes a more sensible and equitable ECS formula, and a system that responsibly shares the obligations of teachers’ retirement – just as every other state does.

“It also means maintaining our commitment to better and more sustainable budget practices. We will not rely on gimmicks or one-time fixes, we will not push off debts that should be responsibly paid now, and we will not borrow to save ourselves from difficult but necessary reductions in spending.

“And it also means continuing to make our criminal justice system work better for everyone, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin, or how much money they have. No one should sit in jail simply because they are poor, while others walk free. And if a young person pays the consequences for a mistake when they are young, those consequences shouldn’t prevent them from eventually taking part in our society, and our economy.

“The decision I have announced today will allow me to focus on these areas fully – not just for the remainder of this session, but for the next 20 months. In the remainder of my term, my team and I will continue to play the long-game. We’ll keep fighting for what we believe is in the best interest of Connecticut residents now, and in the future.

“In closing, I want to recognize my wife Cathy who is here today. She is my partner and my best friend, and it’s only through the love and support of Cathy and our sons that my career as a public servant has been possible.

“I also want to recognize Nancy Wyman. I’ve made a habit of saying that she is the best Lt. Governor in the United States, and I have meant it every single time.

“And finally, I want to thank my staff and the many, many supporters without whom I would not have been able to do this job. My message to them this afternoon is simple: thank you… now get back to work. We have many months ahead, and much work to do.

“Serving as Connecticut’s 88th Governor is the honor of my lifetime, second only to being a father and a husband. It will continue to be an honor as I work hard – as hard as ever – for the remainder of this term.

“Thank you.”



Photo Credit: AP

Target Recalls More Than 500K Easter, Dino Toys

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Target issued a recall for a series of water-absorbing easter and dinosaur toys Thursday, after it was found they present a serious ingestion hazard.

The Hatch & Grow Easter Eggs, Easter Grow Toys and Hatch Your Own Dino toys, were sold at Target stores nationwide in February and March. They pose a risk to children if ingested, as they can expand inside of children’s bodies and cause intestinal obstructions, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recalled products can be identified with model numbers 234-25-1200 and 234-09-0016.

More than 500,000 have been sold nationwide, but no injuries have been reported thus far.

The toys can cause vomiting, dehydration, severe discomfort and potentially be life threatening. If one of the toys is ingested, it must be removed with surgery, and the toys may not show up on an X-ray, the CPSC said.

Consumers can take the toys to any Target store for a full refund and call 800- 440-0680 with any questions.



Photo Credit: CPSC

Demonstrators Carried Out of Trump Tower by New York Police

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Around 25 people were arrested while protesting the president's immigration policy at Trump Tower Thursday, police say.

At least five people were carried out of the building by police after being cuffed with plastic ties, News 4 cameras captured. More demonstrators were arrested inside.

About 50 people with the activist group "Rise and Resist" had gone into the tower to protest Trump's stance on immigration, according to protester Ray Black. 

Demonstrators held three banners over the public atrium, each reading: "No bans," "No wall" and "No raids." They also chanted, "No raids, no walls."  

Black said they began planning the protests weeks ago. The group describes itself on Facebook as a "direct action group" formed in response to the election of President Trump.

"We don't believe the country is safer when people are banned purely on their faith," said Black.

The group consisting of students, teachers, doctors, professionals and retirees, ranging in age from the teens to the 70s, planned in advance for half of them to get arrested by sitting down and for the other half to act as support staff to get lawyers and post bail money if necessary. 

Protester Tim Murphy said, "You have an obligation to stand up. You have an obligation to non-violently disrupt business as usual and say, 'No, this is not right, this is not the country I want to live in, the direction we want to go in.'" 

The NYPD and Secret Service have beefed up security at Trump Tower since the president's election, but the atrium remains open to the public.

___

The Associated Press contributed to this story.



Photo Credit: NBC 4 NY

Comcast Outage Prevents Some in Tolland From Calling 911

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Comcast outages prevented some residents in Tolland from contacting 911 on Thursday, the fire department said. 

The outage is affecting residents in the area of Cedar Swamp Road, New Road, Blueberry Hill, Laurel Ridge, Pine Hill, White Birch and Maplewood who are Comcast subscribers. 

Around 3 p.m., Tolland's fire department said that Comcast had restored services. 

Comcast is the parent company of NBC Universal and NBC Connecticut.


Homeless Man Robbed NYC Churches to 'Get Back at God': DA

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A homeless man faces burglary and hate crime charges after he allegedly robbed four churches, one of which he stole from three times, in Queens, New York, because of his hatred of God, according to prosecutors.

Woznik allegedly told police at the time of his arrest he was "mad at God" and denounced religion, saying his break-ins were an attempt to retaliate.

"I'm mad at God. I don't like church no more. I don't want to deal with religion," court documents say he told police. "I'm sick and tired of hearing about religion. I don't break into houses, only churches. I break in to get back at God."

Joseph Woznik was arrested Wednesday, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Thursday.

Between March 21 and April 10, Woznik allegedly broke into the Bangladesh Hindu Maunder Temple in Flushing, Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians church in Woodside, St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church in Elmhurst and St. James Episcopal Church in Flushing, according to criminal complaints.

An employee at the Hindu temple found cash missing from three donation boxes forced open on March 21, prosecutors said. Fingerprints lifted from the boxed allegedly matched Woznik's. 

Woznik allegedly burglarized St. James Episcopal Church three times between March 24 and April 10, according to prosecutors. He allegedly stole a Canon digital camera, $1,800 in cash and three checks; two of those items were recovered from his backpack at the time of his arrest, investigators said.

With it being Holy Week, religious leaders said they're not angry, but they do hope he gets help.

"I would tell him that he should find God first and see that God is not a reason to do something bad or damaging," said Justin Bertea of St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church.

"Maybe for us as a religious organization, we haven't lived up to what we need to do," said Rev. Paul Lai of St. James Episcopal Church. "So that's why someone who was in a crisis didn't get the help."

The 23-year-old could face up to 15 years in prison if he's convicted.

Woznik is also wanted by Orange County officials in Florida on a fugitive from justice charge. He is accused of burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief, according to prosecutors.



Photo Credit: NBC New York / St. James Episcopal Church

The US Just Dropped the 'Mother of All Bombs' on ISIS

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The U.S. military dropped one of the largest non-nuclear bombs in its arsenal in a strike against ISIS fighters in Eastern Afghanistan on April 13. The 21,000 lb. bomb is nicknamed "the mother of all bombs," and is about half the size of of the smallest nuclear bomb. Military officials did not immediately know how many ISIS fighters were killed or if any civilians died in the strike.

Driver Linked to Fatal Crash into Canton Restaurant Charged

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Police have charged the driver of the car that crashed into the Crown & Hammer pub in January and resulted in the death of his 86-year-old passenger.

Michael Stoppani, the driver, has been charged with failure to maintain proper lane and failure of driver making left turn to grant right of way to oncoming traffic, Canton Police said on Thursday.

Emergency crews responded to the restaurant just after 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 23  and found a car lodged about three feet into the kitchen at 3 Depot St. with one person was trapped inside the vehicle.

Police said a 51-year-old Canton man was driving and 86-year-old Margaret Stoppani was the passenger. 

It is not clear what the relationship is between the Canton man and woman.

Crews also found water leaking out of the building and the odor of gas, so firefighters shut off the utilities and paramedics and EMTs evaluated the driver and Stoppani.

The driver suffered minor injuries and Stoppani died from injuries she sustained, according to police. The office of the chief medical examiner will determine what she died of.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so no customers were inside when the crash happened the owner was able to escape without being injured, according to the Canton volunteer fire and EMS department.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut,com

JC Penney Postponing Store Closures, Liquidation Sales

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J.C. Penney announced it has postponed the liquidation sales and closure dates for the 138 stores it plans to shutter this year after seeing an increase in sales, the company told CNBC exclusively.

"Ever since the company announced its store closure list, those stores have seen better-than-expected sales and traffic," J.C. Penney spokeswoman Daphne Avila told CNBC.

The liquidation will now begin May 22 instead of April 17 as originally scheduled. The new closure date of July 31 is about six weeks later than J.C. Penney originally planned.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Wish School Closed for 2 Days to Address Asbestos

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The Wish School in Hartford will be closed for two days next week as workers remove asbestos debris. 

Over the spring break, contractors removing old lockers had exposed some insulation within the school. As protocol, experts tested this material and found that asbestos was present. 

The school partnered with a contractor from Eagle Environmental and the State Department of Public Health to develop a plan to remove the asbestos. 

The removal process has begun and the school will be closed on Monday, April 17, and Tuesday, April 18. 

There is a possibility the removal process will take longer but it is not the expectation, the school said. 

No students, staff or families were exposed since the lockers were taken down during spring break. 

The school provided a timeline of the process so far and going forward:

 

  • April 10, Monday: Contractors on site of Wish School to begin removal of lockers.
  • April 11, Tuesday: During removal of lockers, after suspicious insulation is discovered, Eagle Environmental is contacted and arrives to school to take samples for testing on a rush basis. Test results confirmed presence of asbestos in the insulation.
  • April 12, Wednesday: Eagle Environmental works with State Department of Public Health to develop a remediation and abatement plan of the asbestos debris. Abatement process begins that evening. Building is closed until process is completed.
  • April 13, Thursday: Further tests results reveal the need for an extended scope of work and that successful air clearance in time for a Monday school opening is not possible.
  • April 17, Monday:School district determines that Wish School will close Monday to complete the remediation and abatement. Letters mailed to families and school messenger and emails to staff, family and partners.
  • April 18, Tuesday: School district determines that Wish School will close Tuesday to complete the remediation and abatement. Letters mailed to families and school messenger and emails to staff, family and partners.


Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut
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