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2 Families Displaced by House Fire in Manchester

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Two families were displaced by a fire in a multi-family home in Manchester early Sunday.

Manchester fire officials said crews responded to 76/78 Ridge Street around 2:30 a.m. The occupants of the home had been awoken by smoke detectors and were safely outside when firefighters arrived. A cat was located and rescued from one apartment.

Freezing temperatures created challenges for firefighters, but crews were able to quickly contain the blaze, which started in a second-floor bedroom and spread into the attic. No injuries were reported.

A tenant reported the fire was likely started by unattended candles. The fire marshal is investigating.

There is moderate fire damage to a bedroom in number 78 and the attic. The house was ruled uninhabitable until repairs are made.

The American Red Cross and the Manchester Human Services Department responded to assist the two displaced families, which include four adults and two children.



Photo Credit: Wendy Smith

GOP Sen. Toomey: Roy Moore Should Step Aside Over Sex Allegations

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Republican Sen. Pat Toomey says Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore should drop out of the race following allegations he had sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl decades ago.

Speaking on NBC, Toomey says because the "accusations have more credibility than the denial, I think it would be best if Roy would just step aside." The Pennsylvania senator says Moore's primary opponent, Luther Strange, should be considered as a write-in candidate to run against him.

The Washington Post reported last week that the 70-year-old Moore had relationships with teenage girls while he was in his early 30s. Moore has vehemently denied the allegations.

Toomey didn't rule out the possibility that Senate Republicans might work to unseat Moore if he wins the special election against Democrat Doug Jones on Dec. 12.



Photo Credit: Getty ImagesWes Frazer

Elderly Woman Critically Injured in Hartford Crash

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A 70-year-old woman is fighting for her life after her vehicle was struck by another driver in Hartford early Sunday morning.

According to police, a vehicle is seen on surveillance video performing a U-turn at Park Street and Zion Street around 2:30 a.m.

A second vehicle is seen running a red light then t-boning the first car.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 35-year-old man from Hartford, is in custody and police believe he was driving under the influence. Police also believe speed was a factor.

The driver of the first vehicle, the 70-year-old woman, has been taken to Hartford Hospital. She is listed in critical condition.

The accident reconstruction team is on scene trying to piece together exactly what happened.




Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Advertisers Squeezed for Pulling 'Hannity' Sponsorship

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A group of companies has pulled their support for Sean Hannity's Fox News show after the host described a relationship that an Alabama Senate candidate allegedly had with a 14 year old as consensual, NBC News reported.

That's landed the group, which includes coffeemaker Keurig, in hot water with supporters of the show, "Hannity," with some launching a crusade against Keurig coffeemakers.

Hannity retweeted many of the messages — he'd clarified on on another Fox show last week that he misspoke about the teenager, whose allegations were reported by The Washington Post, and was referring to older teenagers mentioned in the article.

Another boycott brought the the departure of Fox News' top-rated host, Bill O'Reilly, in April, after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. O'Reilly continues to deny those allegations, just as the Senate candidate, Roy Moore denies having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager.



Photo Credit: Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images, File

Puerto Ricans Reunite With Pets After Fleeing From Hurricane

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The disaster left behind by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico forced thousands of families to leave the island and come to the U.S.

More than 140,000 Puerto Ricans have already left and some were forced to leave behind special members of their families: their pets.

On Saturday, some of those families were able to see their furry friends again. Twenty-eight pets arrived by plane to the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport Saturday afternoon from San Juan.

“This is like a roller coaster for me,” dog owner Eddie Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez relocated to South Florida from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He made the tough decision to leave his pit bull Maya behind with his parents. Financial strains after the storm made it nearly impossible to get Maya back in his arms.

"We couldn’t find basically any option because of her pit bull breed, commercial airlines don’t do it. You have to go to a private company and they were charging about $1,000," he said.

But now, because of the work of the American Humane Society, Wings of Rescue and Humane Society of Broward County, reunions are feasible.

"Look at all this happiness. I mean, those tears, that’s what it’s all about," said Ric Browde of Wings of Rescue.

Wings of Rescue's stated mission is "to fly dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters where they face a perilous future to empty shelters where they will not only be safe - but quickly adopted from."

This was the organization’s first doggy delivery since the Category 5 hurricane. Another plane will arrive on Monday.

If your dog is part of the Wings of Rescue program and you have questions about the status of your pet, you can inquire here.

Cheshire Mom to Learn If She Will Be Deported to Albania

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A Cheshire family will learn today if Denada Rondos will be deported back to Albania, a country she hasn't been to in 15 years. 

At the age of 16, Denada escaped Albania, fearing for her life, she said. She said she came to the U.S. to escape religious persecution in Albania. 

Her attorney, Erin O'Neil-Baker, said Rondos came to the United States in 2002 due to severe discrimination and harassment in Albania that was directed at her family for their political opinions. 

Denada said she met her husband, Viron, in New York and they moved to Connecticut. They started several businesses, including Viron Rondos Osteria, a restaurant that employs more than 50 people, which they have been looking to expand. 

"He bought a business that had gone dark. The restaurant was closed. There was nothing going on up here in terms of restaurant business, and he turned this place around," said Cheshire Mayor and Town Council Chairman Robert Oris. "If his wife isn't here to support him, I'm sure that this business is going to be put into jeopardy." 

Denada's attorney said the mother of three has a removal order against her that was issued by the Immigration Court in New York in 2007. The attorney said Denada had received stays of removal but that her last stay was denied in September. 

Denada was given an ankle monitor to keep an eye on her movements. 

"We don't have criminal records," said Viron. "I am an American citizen. I pay my taxes. I have no criminal record. My wife doesn't. I don't know why this is happening." 

Viron and Denada's three children were all born in the U.S. Niko is 7-years-old. Katerina is 5-years-old. Alxandra is 1 year old. 

The family has packed bags to go with Denada, at least temporarily, should she be deported. 

O'Neil-Baker said they want to reopen Denada's old removal order from 2007 and that they've also filed an emergency stay of removal with the board and DHS and ICE. 

She said they've filed a waiver to excuse her removal order so that she can get permanent residency based on her marriage to a U.S. citizen. 

"In an exercise of discretion, ICE has allowed Mrs. Rondos to remain free from custody with periodic reporting requirements. The agency will continue to closely monitor her case to ensure her departure in compliance with her final order of removal," a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says. 

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty met with Rondos Friday afternoon and attended a vigil Sunday.


She said she wrote a letter to immigration authorities in support of Mrs. Rondos, urging them to grant “every consideration possible to remain in the United States and continue her pathway to citizenship.”













Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Marathoner Meb Keflezighi Reflects on His Career, Final Race

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San Diegan Meb Keflezighi, one of the most accomplished marathon runners in American history, retired after finishing 11th in the New York Marathon at age 42. It was his 26th and final career marathon. Keflezighi won the 2004 Olympic silver medal, the 2009 NYC Marathon and the 2014 Boston Marathon. He joined NBC 7 on Sportswrap with Bob Babbitt to talk about his amazing career that spanned nearly two decades.

 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Aly Raisman: Team Doctor Was a 'Master Manipulator'

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Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman said the longtime USA Gymnastics team doctor accused of sexually abusing her and dozens of other women was a "master manipulator" who gained her trust with gifts and “brainwashed” her into thinking he had her best interest in mind.

Raisin, the captain of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold-medal winning teams, told "Today" show host Hoda Kobt that she first realized Dr. Larry Nassar had abused her after being interviewed by a USA Gymnastics investigator in 2015.

"I always thought he was weird, but I just thought 'he was weird.' I want people to understand that I really didn’t know it was happening to me. He was a doctor and he was telling me that his treatment would help heal all of my injuries," Raisman said Monday during a "Today" show interview. "I was so young and I had never really worked with another doctor or trainer before and everyone said he was the best."

The Massachusetts native said being treated by Nassar always made her feel uncomfortable and she describes the alleged abused in her new book "Fierce."

"I would lie on the table, my hands involuntarily balling themselves into fists as his ungloved hands worked their way under my clothing. 'Treatment sessions' with him always made me feel tense and uncomfortable," Raisman wrote in the book being released this week.

Raisman is the latest member of the Fierce Five to claim she was sexually abused by Nassar. McKayla Maroney, who won two medals at the 2012 Games as Raisman's teammate, said last month she was molested for years by Nassar.

Nassar is in a Michigan jail awaiting sentencing after pleading guilting to possession of child pornography. He is also awaiting trial on separate sexual criminal sexual conduct charges and has been sued by more than 125 women alleging sexual abuse. Nassar has pleaded not guilty to the assault charges, and the dozens of civil suits filed in Michigan are currently in mediation.

"He's a monster. It’s so disturbing to think about what he did to me and so many other girls," Raisman said Monday.

USA Gymnastics says they were not aware of any abuse by Nassar until allegations surfaced in 2015. The organization said in a statement to "Today" that investigators interviewed several gymnasts, including Raisman, and Nassar was fired as a result.

USA Gymnastics launched an independent review of its policies in the wake of the allegations against Nassar and reporting by the Indianapolis Star in August 2016 that highlighted chronic mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against coaches and staff at some of its more than 3,500 clubs across the country.

Asked if USA Gymnastics did everything that they could to protect athletes, Raisman said "no." The 23-year-old recalled after being interview by the investigator in 2015 that she realized Nassar had abused her and reached out to her sport’s national governing body asking to speak to the detective again.

"I was basically told to keep it quiet and that they were handling it," she said.

Raisman has been highly critical of USA Gymnastics in recent months, calling for leadership change at the top of the organization while advocating for athlete's rights.

"I want to help. I want to do more,” Raisman said. "This is just the beginning. I’m just getting started. And I’m not going to stop until I get what I want, which is change."

Raisman also condemned the public's "victim shaming" of women who have been abused, calling it an "awful" behavior that needs to stop. She writes in her book that she also feared coming forward with her own experience of abuse because "maybe people wouldn’t believe me, or think that I was exaggerating, maybe they would think I was doing it for attention."

"Society makes it hard for women who have been abused to come forward," Raisman said.

In June, the gymnastics board adopted the new USA Gymnastics SafeSport Policy that replaced the previous policy. Key updates include mandatory reporting, defining six types of misconduct, setting standards to prohibit grooming behavior, preventing inappropriate interaction and establishing accountability.

In July, the organization hired Toby Stark, a child welfare advocate, as its director of SafeSport. Part of Stark's mandate is educating members on rules, educational programs and reporting. The federation also adopted several recommendations by Deborah Daniels, a former federal prosecutor who oversaw the review. USA Gymnastics now has the power to withhold membership from clubs that decline to report claims of abuse.

Clubs are now "required to report child abuse or neglect, including sexual misconduct, to proper authorities, including the U.S. Center for SafeSport and law enforcement authorities."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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'Every Day Is Nov. 13' for Families of Bataclan Victims

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Two years after terrorists killed 130 people in a coordinated attack across Paris, relatives of people killed at a concert at the Bataclan theater say their grief remains overwhelming, NBC News reported.

"The notion of having grieved, I'm not sure it works when it comes to your son," said François Giroud, as he prepared to make the second anniversary of Matthiew Giroud's death. "Every day is Nov. 13."


He was one of 90 people killed at the popular Paris concert venue when gunmen linked to ISIS opened fire at an Eagles of Death Metal show.

Caroline Jolivet's husband Christophe Foultier was also killed there: "I feel exactly the same pain as two years ago, it doesn’t change even a bit."




Photo Credit: Francois Mori/AP

West Hartford, Simsbury Consider Later High School Start Time

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West Hartford and Simsbury’s school districts are considering the idea of allowing high school students to sleep in a little later. Both districts are considering rolling back the 7:30 a.m. daily start time to around 8 a.m.

Both districts are looking into how the change can help students focus not only in the classroom, but also during extracurricular activities.”

Dan Trafford, a parent, like the system as it is.

“Starting at 7:30 is a good thing,” Trafford said. “Starting early gives them a head start in terms of getting ready for work when they get into college and everything else.”

Simsbury’s public school district is working with sleep specialists and researching the effects of a later start time.

The Centers for Disease Control says starting school later can improve students’ health, academic performance and quality of life.

Ruth Petkaitis, a Hartford middle school music teacher, said an extra half-hour of sleep or longer for her students could be beneficial.

“You’re talking to somebody who has a late arrival this morning. My son just couldn’t get out of bed. He didn’t stay up late, he just needed the rest,” she said.

But she can’t ignore the fact that it would also affect her work schedule and her son would have to take himself to school.

“I know there’s a busing schedule that gets a little bit difficult to manage,” she said, along with managing after school sports.

It’s been done before. Newtown pushed the start time for high schoolers back 40 minutes to 8 a.m., and adjusted the bus schedule accordingly. The soonest students could start sleeping in would be for the 2019-2020 school year.


Colin Kaepernick Named GQ's 'Citizen of the Year'

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who ignited a national movement last year after refusing to stand during the national anthem before NFL games, has been named GQ's "Citizen of the Year."

The men's magazine wrote that Kaepernick's kneeling in protest of racial inequality and police brutality "changed everything."

"It cost him his job," editors wrote. "It also transformed Colin Kaepernick into a lightning rod and a powerful symbol of activism and resistance."

Kaepernick took to Twitter on Monday to announce that he was "honored" to be recognized by GQ.

The former signal caller, who opted out of his contract with the 49ers after the 2016-17 season, has yet to sign with a new team. Last month, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL claiming that he doesn't have a new home in the league due to owner collusion. 

Kaepernick may be out of the league, but his protest has not been forgotten. A number of players this season have continued to kneel, raise fists, sit or outright stay off the field during national anthems this year. 

Opponents, including President Donald Trump, believe Kaepernick and other players are disrespecting the nation and the flag by not standing for the anthem.

49ers defensive back Eric Reid, Kaepernick's former teammate, has reiterated that the purpose of the protest is to not disrespect the military, the flag or the anthem itself.

"This is about systemic oppression that has been rampant in this country for decades on top of decades," Reid told NBC Sports Bay Area last month. "And I will continue to encourage people to educate themselves of how we got to where we are today, because it didn’t happen overnight. It’s not going to happen overnight to fix these issues, so we’re going to keep talking about it. I know I will keep doing what I feel is necessary to use the platform I have to make those changes."



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Snow Falling in Parts of Connecticut

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Snow was falling through parts of Connecticut on Monday morning as a system moved through the state.

Snow was reported in areas in northwest Connecticut, including Litchfield, Torrington, Cornwall and even in Farmington.

The rest of the state was seeing light rain and it was expected to continue until the evening. Drier weather should move in sometime after the sun goes down on Monday.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-to-upper 40's and our next chance of rain could come on Thursday.



Photo Credit: Mimi Harson

Officers Investigating Shooting Over Stolen Car in Hartford

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Officers from Hartford Police Department’s major crimes division are investigating after a shooting that police said is connected to a stolen vehicle.

The incident happened in the south end, police said.

No additional information was immediately available.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Enfield Town Hall Closed Over Lack of Heat

'All Clear' at Gateway Community College After Hazmat Incident

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New Haven firefighters responded to Gateway Community College on Monday morning for a reported hazmat situation.

According to fire officials, a suspicious powder found in a package prompted the response.

Seven people were checked out for possible exposure to the substance as a precaution, according to the fire chief.

The building at 20 Church Street was partially evacuated and students outside campus told NBC Connecticut they were not allowed into the building.

According to a tweet from the school, one building was evacuated.

"GCC is open but evacuating the North Building. All the proper authorities are here. There is no threat to the public or the GCC population just precautionary measures," the tweet read.

Firefighters determined the substance was harmless and the "all clear" was given around 1 p.m.

Authorities are still trying to determine from where the package came.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut
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Milford Man Tries to Run Down Officers: Police

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A 70-year-old Milford man is accused of trying to run down officers in his car Sunday and has been arrested.

Officers responded to a Home Acres residence at 4:45 p.m. Sunday after receiving a noise complaint and said they found John Katrick, who was listening to music in his driveway and appeared to act irrational.

Officers yelled for him to turn the music down, but Katrick did not hear police, so officers moved closer.

When Katrick saw the officers, he yelled for them to get off his property or he would “bring Satan to their souls,” which he repeated several times, police said.

Officers again asked Katrick to turn the music down, but he instead got into his car, drove toward the officers, then turned and went over a neighbor’s lawn until stopping in his own back yard, police said.

When Katrick ran from officers and went into his garage, police used a stun gun on him, police said.

Katrick was charged with second-degree breach of peace, criminal attempt assault on a police officer and second-degree criminal mischief.

He was held on a $3,000 bond.




Photo Credit: MIlford Police

New Charges Filed in Penn State Hazing Death of Tim Piazza

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Deleted surveillance footage recovered by the FBI shows Penn State fraternity pledge Tim Piazza was given 18 drinks in 1 hour and 22 minutes, Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks said Monday afternoon. 

That footage triggered an onslaught of new charges against members of the now-closed Beta Theta Pi fraternity, including involuntary manslaughter, hazing and providing alcohol to a minor, Parks said.

"The prosecution views that as forced drinking," she said. "He never once obtained his own alcohol."

Twelve new defendants were implicated in the case Monday. Fourteen other members of the fraternity previously faced criminal charges in connection with Piazza's death. Several of those men now face new criminal charges, as well. 

"It's time to man up fellas," Piazza's father, James Piazza, said during a news conference. 

“[Tim] was a happy and caring human being and loving son who just wanted to join an organization to find friendship and camaraderie," he said. "Instead, he was killed."

Piazza, of Lebanon, New Jersey, died of a fractured skull and other injuries two days after drinking a dangerous amount of alcohol at a pledge ceremony and falling down basement stairs. 

He was discovered in the Beta Theta Pi basement the next morning unconscious and with severe head and abdominal injuries.

Security cameras showed Piazza spent an excruciating night in the fraternity as members made half-hearted and even counterproductive efforts to help him, including putting a backpack on Piazza to prevent him from rolling over and choking on his own vomit. 

Footage retrieved from the frat's extensive system of security cameras captured many of the events that day. But prosecutors say a fraternity member erased key footage from a basement camera.

District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller plans a Monday afternoon press conference.

Florida Man Fighting to Keep Emotional Support Squirrel

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A Florida man says he can't live without his emotional support squirrel, but his condo association says the animal has to go.

Ryan Boylan received a notice last month that he needs to give up the squirrel, Brutis, or face eviction from his Clearwater Beach condo, WFLA reported.

Boylan says he and Brutis became inseparable after he rescued her last year during Hurricane Matthew.

"Ever since then I mean, oh my God, I can’t imagine not being around her,” Boylan said.

Boylan has a doctor's note that says he's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a car accident. He registered Brutis on RegisterMyServiceAnimal.com as an emotional support animal.

But according to a complaint filed by the condo association against Boylan and the condo owner, exotic animals are not allowed. The complaint also alleges that Boylan didn't submit paperwork that Brutis was an emotional support animal until this past summer.

Property management discovered Brutis after she was chased up a tree by a dog last April. Condo officials say it's a liability if something happens with the squirrel.

Boylan said he contacted Florida's Commission on Human Rights, claiming discrimination. They sent a letter to the association on his behalf citing the Fair Housing Act, which protects emotional support animals.

The case is pending.



Photo Credit: WFLA

Lockdown Lifted at Westfield State; No Threat Found

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An hour-long lockdown at Westfield State University has been lifted, the school announced Monday afternoon.

State police responded to the western Massachusetts campus around 1:30 p.m. to assist university police with a report of a suspicious man wearing a trenchcoat, a backpack and possibly body armor.

Uniformed and non-uniformed police officers searched buildings on the campus, and the sole witness who reported the suspect was interviewed.

Students and employees were told to stay where they were, and commuting students and visitors were urged to stay away. Bus service was also suspended for a time.

State police said the threat was ultimately determined to be unfounded, and the lockdown was lifted around 2:30 p.m. Campus has resumed normal operations.

Westfield State is located in Westfield, Massachusetts and has about 5,500 students.



Photo Credit: WWLP
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Robbers Attack Man and Woman in Milford: Police

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A man and a woman were attacked and robbed in Milford early Saturday morning and police are searching for the attackers.

The victims told police they were parked outside the man’s Wood Avenue home around 2:30 a.m. when two men with guns walked up to the car, attacked them, pistol whipped the man and stole cash and a cellphone from him and a cellphone and jacket from the female victim.

Police believe the attackers were lying in wait and the victims said they did not know the two men.

The male victim was transported to the hospital because of the severity of his injuries.

A witness saw the assailants leave the area in a gray four-door SUV immediately after the attack.

Anyone with information should call the Milford Police Detective Bureau, Detective Sergeant Youd (203) 783-4728 or email dyoud@ci.milford.ct.us.



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