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Route 2 East in East Harford Shut Down After Rollover Crash


Trump Versus the World: An Overview

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Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump's administration has been associated with one foreign country in particular, Russia. U.S. intelligence officials say President Vladimir Putin ordered a campaign to influence the U.S. presidential election, to denigrate Hillary Clinton and then to help Trump's chances. Trump denies any wrongdoing, while the FBI and Congress investigate his administration's contacts with Russia.

Meanwhile Trump has flirted with upending U.S. foreign policy, threatening to declare China a currency manipulator and to pull out of NAFTA, for example, questioning the one-China policy under which the United States recognizes China and not Taiwan and backing off a U.S. commitment to the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. In the end, though, Trump has often reverted to traditional policies. His supporters say he is scrutinizing foreign agreements with the goal of benefitting Americans, but critics say the uncertainty is unsettling to allies and unproductive.

Here are some of the more significant interactions between the Trump administration and world leaders over international issues.



Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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2 Extricated, Transported After Hamden Accident

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Two people were extricated and transported to the hospital after a serious accident in Hamden on Saturday. 

Hamden Police said they were investigating the accident that happened on Dixell Avenue. 

No other details were immediately available. 

Meriden Daffodil Festival 2017

Driver of Motorcycle Dies After Crash in Coventry

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The driver of a  motorcycle involved in a crash in Coventry on Saturday has died, according to Coventry Police.

Police said they responded the intersection of Bread and Milk Street and Zaya Drive around 4 p.m. for a crash involving a car and a motorcycle. 

According to authorities, the driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene and a passenger was transported by helicopter to Hartford Hospital with serious injuries. 

The driver of the car involved was also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The identity of the operator of the motorcycle has not yet been released. 

Police said the accident remains under investigation and ask anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Coventry Police Department at 860-742-7331.





Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Bicyclist in Critical Condition After Crash With Motorcycle

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A Bicyclist is in critical condition after colliding with a motorcycle on Elm Street in New Haven Saturday night. 

New Haven police said they were called to Beers and Elm Streets around 7:44 p.m. Saturday for a motorcycle crash involving a bicyclist. 

The bicyclist was traveling in the wrong direction down Elm street when it entered the road in front of a car. In order for the car to avoid hitting the bicyclist, the driver stopped. A motorcycle traveling behind the car started to drive around the car and collided with the bicyclist, according to police. 

Police said the 18-year old operator of the vehicle was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital and is in critical condition. 

The driver of the motorcycle was also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The accident reconstruction team is on scene and the investigation is on going. 



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

DCP Revokes Hamden Pizza Bar Liquor License

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A Hamden pizza bar's license has not been renewed by the state after police in town wrote the state's Department of Consumer Protections (DCP) last fall. 

Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra sent a letter in Septermber to DCP, urging the liquor commission not to extend the permit for the Slyce Pizza Bar on Arch Street.

More than 200 residents who signed a petition and community leaders are protesting violence they say is connected to the restaurant.

"A liquor permit is a privilege and not a right," the DCP wrote in its report. 

Based on the evidence and testimony from 16 witnesses, the DCP said the bar doesn't deserve that privilege. 


"I'm very proud of Hamden's outstanding law enforcement and our chief, Tom Wydra, and so thankful that Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut (CONECT) put such tireless effort working to reduce gun violence in our society in general and today achieving a victory in that goal in Hamden," the town's mayor, Curt Leng, said. 

But the owner, Fazlay Rabbi, told NBC Connecticut in September that making his business suffer is not the solution.

Odell Cooper lost her 25-year-old son, Jonathan Cooper, in a shooting she said was perpetrated by a patron of the Slyce Pizza Bar in April.

“My son’s dream is gone,” Cooper said. “I will not have the opportunity of having his dream live, but I have a death certificate.”

Cooper joined other leaders from CONECT, Leng and Wydra for a demonstration outside the pizza bar last year.

“We’re not talking about an anomaly,” Wydra said. “We are talking about many, many incidents. More than at least five shootings, other assaults, robberies.”

Hamden police said the three shootings they responded to this year took place after 11:30 p.m. when there was a crowd outside the bar.

The owner said his restaurant is not responsible for criminal activity in the area.

“It’s nothing happened in my business,” Rabbi said. “The shooting happened the other side in the parking lot.”

Rabbi said his business, which offers a $5 pizza deal, is not viable without a license to serve. 

“I cannot afford my business without sell the liquor because my food I’m selling is very cheap,” he said.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Hartford Restaurant 'Gutted' by Fire: Property Owner

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A Hartford restaurant was heavily damaged by a fire early Sunday morning, according to the property's owner.

Fire officials said flames broke out at Taste and Tell Soul Food and Catering at 657 Blue Hills Ave. just before 4:30 a.m. Sunday. When crews arrived on scene they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the back of the building, and crews had to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate the smoke.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the kitchen area, where they believe it started.

The business was closed when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported.

The property owner was on scene and spoke with NBC Connecticut. He said the damage was serious.

“It’s all heavily gutted,” said Lyle Stewart.

The owner of the restaurant has leased the space for two years.

“It’s like the stove, the pots and pans, everything is all gone,” Stewart added.

Smoke from the fire also spread to the supermarket next door.

The fire marshal is investigating the cause, and fire officials said the fire does not appear suspicious.




Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Willimantic Man Accused of Choking Police Officer

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A Willimantic man is accused of choking a police officer during a struggle Friday evening.

Gregory O'Donnell, 31, faces charges of assault on a police officer, interfering with an officer, and breach of peace.

According to police, the incident began around 7:30 p.m. Friday. Police said that O’Donnell was causing a disturbance in front of a local business. When an officer tried to take O’Donnell into custody, he allegedly choked the officer, police said.

A second officer on scene deployed a stun gun to take control of the situation. O’Donnell was arrested and taken to Windham Hospital for treatment. He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear on court on May 1.

The officer, who was not identified, was not seriously hurt and returned to work the same night.




Photo Credit: Getty Images, File

Pence: Tax Plan May Increase Deficit in the 'Short Term'

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Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday acknowledged that the Trump administration's tax proposal could increase the deficit, in the “short term,” NBC News reported.

"Maybe in the short term," he said during an exclusive interview on NBC's "Meet The Press," while predicting that it would eventually be overcome by economic "growth."

"The president has proposed one of the largest tax cuts in American history," Pence said.

On Wednesday, the White House released a one page outline for changes they want to see in the tax code, including lowering individual tax rates to 10 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent, and also cutting the corporate tax rate to 15 percent.



Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images

1 Killed, 3 Wounded in Carjacking, Shootings in Los Angeles County

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A man and woman were arrested in connection with a carjacking and string of Los Angeles County shootings, including one that left a man dead and at least three people wounded Saturday, authorities said.

The carjacking and subsequent shootings spanned Pico Rivera, Whittier, La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs. 

The Coroner's Office identified 44-year-old Jose Sahagun of Norwalk as the victim Sunday.

A man and a woman connected to the final hotel shooting in Santa Fe Springs were taken into custody in a stolen car. They matched descriptions of the people involved in the first shooting, but it wasn't clear if they were suspects, authorities said.

The carjacking was reported about 2:15 p.m. in the Pico Rivera area, according to Deputy Ryan Rouzan of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.

The carjacked vehicle was found abandoned at 6:30 p.m. at Amelia Mayberry Park, at Painter Avenue and Lakeland Road in unincorporated South Whittier.

The shooters were described as a man and a woman.

Someone in the car began shooting at people about 4 p.m. in Pico Rivera, sheriff's officials said. The exact location was not available. 

More shootings occurred in other locations.

One shooting occurred at about 4 p.m. at Santa Gertrudes Avenue and Alicante Road in La Mirada, where a man was wounded. He was taken to a hospital where he died, Rouzan said.

Sheriff's officials said at least four shooting victims were taken from multiple locations to hospitals for treatment, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher. They are on the lookout for other possible victims.

A shooting at about 8 p.m. in Santa Fe Springs was also being investigated as related to the others. It was at the Budget Inn near the Santa Ana 5 Freeway and Carmenita Road, Deputy Kelvin Moody of the Sheriff's Information Bureau said.

A man and woman were taken into custody at 8:30 p.m. and were being held at Whittier Police Department.

There was no word if anyone was wounded in the final shooting. 



Photo Credit: KNBC-TV

State Police Seek Somers Break-In Suspects

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Connecticut State Police are trying to identify two suspects in a break-in at a Sunoco gas station in Somers early Sunday morning.

Police said that around 5:40 a.m. someone smashed the glass door at the Sunoco station at 169 Main Street. According to police, two suspects brought in large boxes and filled them with tobacco products, then took off.

The individuals were seen using two vehicles – a grey extra cab Ford Ranger with a dented front chrome bumper, and a late 90’s Toyota Camry with a sunroof and missing from driver’s hub cap.

Anyone with information on this crime or who recognizes the vehicles is asked to contact State Police Troop C-Tolland at 860-896-3200 or text TIP711 + the information to 274637. All tips will remain confidential.




Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

East Haven Police Seek Man Who Failed to Report to Prison

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East Haven police say they are trying to locate a man who never showed up when he was scheduled to report to prison.

Daniel David Carroll, 54, is wanted on a first-degree failure to appear charge.

Police said Carroll was scheduled to report to prison on April 28 after pleading guilty to illegal possession of child pornography, but he never showed up. A re-arrest order was filed.

Carroll is described as around 6-foot, 195 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Carroll’s whereabouts is asked to contact East Haven police at 203-468-3820.




Photo Credit: East Haven Police Department

Coventry Police Try to ID Survivor of Fatal Motorcycle Crash

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Coventry police are trying to identify a survivor of a fatal motorcycle accident that happened Saturday.

According to police, around 4 p.m. a motorcycle was involved in crash with a sedan at the intersection of Bread and Milk Street (Route 31) and Zeya Drive. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced dead on scene and has not been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the sedan was taken to Hartford Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Police have been unable to identify the passenger of the motorcycle, who was airlifted via LifeStar to Hartford Hospital with serious injuries. The passenger is described as female, between 140-160 pounds, between 5-foot-3 and 5-foot-8, and appears to be in her mid to late 20s. She was not carrying any kind of identification.

Anyone with information on this woman’s identity, or who witnessed the crash, is asked to contact Coventry police at 860-742-7331.

The incident remains under investigation.




Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Hartford Shooting Suspect in Custody After Pursuit

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Hartford police took a shooting suspect into custody after a pursuit that ended in the area of Trumbull and Market Streets Sunday, according to Hartford Police Deputy Chief Brian Foley.

Witnesses reported seeing police cruisers chasing a car traveling on Market Street toward Trumbull Street. Witnesses said that as the driver look a left onto Trumbull Street, the car crashed into a sign on the wrong side of the road.

Foley tweeted that police had been pursuing a wanted shooting suspect and that all suspects were in custody. No injuries were reported, Foley said.

More details were not immediately available.



Connecting You to the March of Dimes Run and March for Babies

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NBC Connecticut is proud to have connected you to the March of Babies and Run for Babies Sunday, events raising money to help fund research and advocacy for the March of Dimes.

Many of Sunday’s participants are parents and children who have benefitted first-hand from the work done by the March of Dimes, which focuses on funding research and supporting legislation to improve care for babies born prematurely and to reduce the premature birth rate.


Gillian Plummer’s 3-year-old daughter Savannah was born at just 33 weeks, weighing only 3.5 pounds.

“You don’t know if they’re gonna survive. They’re in the NICU for months and you don’t ever know if you’re going to take them home,” Plummer said.

Plummer, who was a Family Ambassador at today’s event, credits the March of Dimes for giving her strength.

Plummer and thousands of others took part in the March for Babies and Run for Babies at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford Sunday. The walk, run and a superhero spring all raise money for research, advocacy and support for the March of Dimes.

Parker Mayo was due March 9, but came into the world on January 3. Mother Uniqua Mayo, of East Hartford, said that Parker was always a fighter and could breathe on her own in just one week, and was off the feeding tube in three. At just four month old, Parker came out to support her fellow premies.

“So that we could support the other families of babies who were born early and may have complications.”

According to the March of Dimes, 15 million babies are born prematurely each year around the world, and of those babies, one million will die.

Connecticut has a preterm birth rate of 9.4 percent, as of 2016. That statistic impacts the NBC Connecticut team personally.

“My youngest son and daughter were born five weeks premature,” said Jim Moyer, NBC Connecticut’s Director of Technology and Engineering. Today, Moyer has two healthy twin four-year-olds. But he knows the fear and anxiety of having a premie.

“It’s amazing what’s available today through medical technology, the doctors,” Moyer said.

NBC Connecticut’s Bob Maxon was born premature, weighing just four pounds. Sunday he emceed the event.

“I guess I consider myself very fortunate and we just hope that going forward there are less premature births,” Maxon said.

For more information on the March of Dimes, click here.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Little Poland Festival Draws Thousands to New Britain

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New Britain showed off its Polish pride Sunday, with the 6th annual Little Poland Festival.

The event started in 2012 with 600 guests and grew to 20,000 in 2016. With 20 new vendors, more visitors were expected to descend on Broad Street on Sunday.

The Weirs, first-time visitors who traveled more than two hours from Pennsylvania said they made sure to make the most of their road trip to Connecticut.

“Like to try different kielbasas, pierogies,” said Renee Weir. “We actually ate at the Polish restaurant up the road, and we were at the one market and we stocked up on the Kielbasa and Polish food already.”

Many agreed that the menu was the main draw. From kielbasa, to golabki, to pierogi the most popular Polish foods were offered up and down Broad Street.

“It’s very difficult to find Polish food outside of New Britain,” explained Gregory Goodstein, who came from West Hartford to be at the festival as soon as it opened at 10 a.m.

The Bernat family brought their food truck, Bernat’s Family Deli, down from Chicopee, Massachusetts to be part of the festival, for the second year in a row.

“Once the doors open just utter chaos. People were everywhere. There’ll be a line and it won’t stop until six o’clock,” Melissa Bernat recalled.

A new vendor, the Polish Falcons, a fraternal organization based in Southington, hoped to cash in on that crowd.

“We had people that came here last year and they waited over an hour to get food,” said Jim Sokowlowski, President of the Polish Falcons.

This year, the organization decided to pitch their own tent, selling plates of Polish sausage and sauerkraut.

Besides the food, there was running entertainment on the stage from Polka dancers to a paczki eating contest. A carnival, art walk, and beer garden rounded out the festivities.


For more information, click here.




Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Ros-Lehtinen, 1st Cuban-American Elected to Congress, to Retire

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Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Cuban-American elected to Congress, is retiring after nearly three decades of representing South Florida in the House of Representatives.

The news was confirmed to NBC 6 by the congresswoman’s communication director. Ros-Lehtinen will finish out her term through 2018, and will hold a press conference Monday to discuss her departure.

Ros-Lehtinen issued a statement saying, in part, that she was confident she could win re-election, but this was a "decision based on personal consideration."

"I look forward to continuing to work for the betterment of our community and I will always be a voice for issues that impact South Florida," she said in the statement released Sunday. "I am grateful to the United States for embracing me and affording me the opportunity of attaining a blessed life: full of love, purpose, and achievement. I can never repay what this country has given me and I'm honored to have been South Florida's voice in Congress for so many years."

The 64-year-old Republican was first elected to Congress in 1988, taking over the seat once held by another longtime representative, Claude Pepper. She spent eight years before that as a member of both the Florida House and Senate — the first Hispanic woman elected to both chambers.

Ros-Lehtinen came to America when she was seven years old, immigrating with her family from Cuba in 1960. She would later become an educator after earning degrees from both FIU and the University of Miami.

A moderate Republican, she has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and said she did not vote for him in the 2016 election. But, she told the Miami Herald that she would be making this move "even if Hillary Clinton were president."

Ros-Lehtinen became the first woman to chair a congressional committee when she was tapped to lead Foreign Affairs in 2011. Currently, she chairs a subcommittee on the Middle East and serves on the intelligence committee.

For years, Ros-Lehtinen represented the 18th Congressional district, including Key West — where she became one of the few advocates for the LGBTQ community in her party. Her son, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, is transgender and recorded a PSA with his parents to help support transgender youth in the Hispanic community.

Her current district, the 27th, covers areas including Westchester, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables and Pinecrest among others. In 2016, she defeated Democrat Scott Fuhrman by 10 points — her closest race in years.

She's been married to her husband, Dexter Lehtinen, since 1984. The two met while both serving in the Florida House, and now have two children and four grandchildren together. 



Photo Credit: Getty Images

US Service Member Killed in Mosul: Pentagon

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An Army platoon leader was killed Saturday by an improvised explosive device outside Mosul, according to military officials, NBC New reported.

The soldier, 1st Lt. Weston Lee, 25, of Bluffton, Georgia, was on patrol when the device detonated, the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, said in a statement.

"Lee was an extraordinary young man and officer," said Col. Pat Work, of the division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. "He was exactly the type of leader that our Paratroopers deserve."

The Pentagon has acknowledged that more than 100 U.S. Special Operations forces are operating with Iraqi units in and around Mosul, with hundreds more playing support roles in staging bases farther from the front lines.



Photo Credit: 82nd Airborne Division

Hartford Fire Station Dedicated in Honor of Kevin Bell

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The city of Hartford rededicated the Blue Hills Avenue fire station in honor of a firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2014. 

Starting Sunday, on what would have been firefighter Kevin Bell’s birthday, the Engine 16 station Blue Hills Avenue has But has a new name - the Kevin L. Bell Fire Station.

Bell, a 48-year-old Hartford native who joined the Hartford Fire Department in 2008, was killed while fighting a house fire in the North End of Hartford in October 2014

And on this day Kevin Bell’s family and friends joined firefighters and dignitaries at Engine 16 in Hartford. They gathered to dedicate the station to the fallen firefighter.

“This city will always honor him, will always remember him, will always be grateful for his service and sacrifice,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin (D).

A federal report found 10 factors led to Bell's death, including that his tank ran out of air. That report led to improvements across the Hartford Fire Department. 

“We will continue with forward progression, with structure, organization, discipline and accountability. That is something I can promise you today,” said Hartford Fire Chief Reginald Freeman.

This fire station is located in the neighborhood that Kevin Bell called home.

His family hopes this becomes a memorial of sorts and a place for them to visit to remember the beloved husband and father.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut/Contributed Photo
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