One of six patients taken to Hartford Hospital after a vintage B-17 crashed at Bradley Airport on Wednesday morning remains at the hospital Thursday afternoon. 

Officials said six patients had been taken to the hospital and two were transferred to the burn center in Bridgeport, where they are considered stable.

Three of the people who remained at Hartford Hospital were released as of Wednesday night and one remains hospitalized. 

In all, seven people died in the crash in eight were injured. 

Saint Francis Hospital also received patients from the crash.

Connecticut State Police released the names of the victims of the B-17 plane crash at Bradley Airport:

Flight Crew:

Passengers:

Airport Personnel:

Police are searching for the woman seen on a viral video climbing over a visitor safety barrier at the Bronx Zoo's African lion exhibit and appeared to taunt the animal with a dance over the weekend.

And authorities say it didn't stop with the lion. 

News 4 learned Wednesday that the woman, identified as Myah Autry, didn't limit herself to just teasing the king of the jungle. Another video of her surfaced from the giraffe den, where she's seen waving to the lanky ungulates as they munched on leaves further away.

The animals did not seem to be as interested in Autry's actions as the lion was, but then again the giraffes probably didn't see her as a potential meal.

Video posted to Instagram shows her standing what appears to be just feet away from a male lion. They stare at each other for a brief period of time before she seems to almost taunt it, raising her arms and wiggling her body for a second as if she's dancing. The lion just stares at her, occasionally looking away.

Other photos and videos show Autry at the zoo on the same day. Just outside the front gate, she is seen on video talking about her birthday and saying "I'm about to f--k with Mother Nature," as she laughs.

The Bronx Zoo and the NYPD were not amused -- and police are looking for Autry, who faces a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge.

Hernán Reynoso, the man who captured the video, told News 4 he had been at the zoo with his wife and son. He was recording on his phone and his wife said, "Look at that!"

Reynoso turned. At first, he says he thought it was just part of the exhibit.

"But when I see ... she just was there, dancing, saying, 'Hi,' to the lion and everything and that was crazy," Reynoso said. He also said the lion started to get agitated at one point and roared; that was when he grabbed his family and left.

The Bronx Zoo confirmed the incident in a statement, telling News 4 its staff got a report that someone had climbed over the barrier on Saturday. 

"This action was a serious violation and unlawful trespass that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Barriers and rules are in place to keep both visitors, staff and animals safe," the zoo told News 4 Tuesday. "We have a zero tolerance policy on trespass and violation of barriers." 

The zoo does have a moat-like barrier that drops in between where the woman was seen dancing and the lion, which possibly prevented the situation from getting worse.

A woman who has known Autry for years says she is worried about her.

"Myah please get help. I dont know. I don’t know what is wrong with you," said Eunice Walton. "I feel sad because she is like like my child. She is with my daughter since high school."

A Connecticut National Guard Airman was on the vintage B-17 aircraft when it crashed at Bradley Airport on Wednesday morning and he acted quickly and heroically to help other passengers get off the plane after the crash.

The Airman had brought his military-issued flame retardant flight gloves with him during the flight and used them when he opened a hatch on the aircraft, allowing other passengers off the plane after the crash, according to the Connecticut National Guard.

The National Guard has not identified the member of the Connecticut Air National Guard, but said he is the current command chief for the 103rd Airlift Wing and a trained C-130 loadmaster who is experienced in handling emergency incidents on aircrafts.

He suffered injuries and was transported to Hartford Hospital for treatment. 

The Airman was released Wednesday evening and is recovering at home.

The National Guard said any further details on his specific actions will be revealed through the investigation.

After the 1944 B-17 bomber crash, the Connecticut National Guard provided support and the Connecticut National Guard’s Civil Support Team responded at the request of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protections to provide air-monitoring services.

“The Connecticut National Guard is thankful that our Airman on board the aircraft is safe and I ask that you respect his and his family’s privacy as he recovers,” Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, the Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic accident. We are grateful for our firefighters who responded and who have worked tirelessly in supporting crash and recovery operations. The response to the B-17 crash was a joint effort and a great example of state and local municipalities working together. We will continue to provide support any way we can.”

The University of Connecticut has suspended the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity as they investigate what led up to a student falling from a third-story window of a residence hall on the campus in Storrs Tuesday night. 

Members of the UConn police and fire departments were called the Northwest complex around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday after getting a report that a student had fallen from a third-floor window and found one student on the ground below the window. Another student was found in a room in need of medical attention, authorities said. 

A statement from the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity International Headquarters said the incident involved brothers from the University of Connecticut chapter. 

Both of the students were taken to Windham Hospital. UConn officials said the student who fell from the window was transferred to Hartford Hospital for an additional evaluation. Both are in stable condition. 

A statement from UConn on Thursday said UConn Police are continuing to investigate and notified the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity on Wednesday that its campus chapter was placed on interim suspension in response to alleged behavior that would violate the Student Code of Conduct. 

Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity International Headquarters said safety is their utmost concern. They placed the chapter on an interim suspension and said they encourage students to cooperate with local authorities while the fraternity investigation continues. 

“We will continue working with the university moving forward,” the fraternity’s statement says. 

UConn’s investigation includes interviewing people who had contact earlier in the day and evening with the students to help determine a timeline and possible contributing factors.

They said the UConn Zeta Beta Tau fraternity will be suspended until the matter has been resolved.

A number of fast-food chains have introduced plant-based meat alternatives in recent months, partnering with meatless companies Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods.

They are reacting to consumers' increased appetite for those foods: from April 2018 to April 2019, the plant-based retail market has registered 11% growth, according to data published on the Plant Based Foods Association website.

“Plant-based foods are a growth engine, significantly outpacing overall grocery sales,” PBFA Senior Director of Retail Partnerships Julie Emmett said in a press release.

Here is a look at how some menus are changing:

McDonald's
McDonald's joined the the meatless family last Thursday with its new burger called P.L.T. (Plant Lettuce Tomato), by partnering with Beyond Meat. "McDonald’s has a proud legacy of fun, delicious and craveable food—and now, we’re extending that to a test of a juicy, plant-based burger,” Ann Wahlgren, McDonald’s VP of Global Menu Strategy said. The burger will be available in 28 locations in Ontario, Canada, as part of a process, to determine if the product stays on the menu.

Dunkin' Donuts
In August, Dunkin' Donuts joined with Beyond Meat to introduce a breakfast sandwich with a meatless sausage. "Dunkin’ has always stood apart for offering new and exciting choices to meet the needs of our on-the-go guests," David Hoffmann, Dunkin’ Brands CEO and President said. So far, Beyond Breakfast Sausage is only available in locations across Manhattan, but the company is exploring going national.

Subway
Subway added meatless meatballs to their menu as part of its Marinara sub. "Subway appeals to so many fans because we truly offer something for everyone. Our guests want to feel good about what they eat and they also want to indulge in new flavors," said Len Van Pospering, Subway's Chief Brand and Innovation Officer. This limited offer started on September in 685 stores across the U.S. and Canada.

Burger King
Burger King has introduced the Impossible Whopper, with Impossible Foods. "We've seen a movement, we've seen how guests are demanding an alternative to beef," Jose Cil, the restaurant's Brand CEO said in an interview with CNBC. The meatless whopper started to sell in August and it's accessible nationwide.

KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is exploring plant-based products with Beyond Meat. A press release says that Beyond Fried Chicken is part of the company's commitment of understanding its consumers' tastes and preferences. Samples for Beyond Meat nuggets started in late August, in Cobb Parkway's stores in Atlanta.

Red Robins
Red Robins is one of the restaurants that has joined the Impossible family, giving consumers new choices. “It was important for us to offer a new meatless protein option that appeals to traditional burger lovers, flexitarians or anyone craving a unique flavor combination," said Jonathan Muhtar, Red Robin's Executive Vice President and Chief Concept Officer. The Impossible burger was added to the restaurant's regular menu earlier this year.

QDOBA
QDOBA introduced meatless options in April. “As many Americans are looking to cut back on meat consumption, we recognized the need to add a plant-based protein to our menu," Keith Guilbault, CEO of QDOBA Mexican Eats said. Impossible bowls and tacos are available in 730 locations across the U.S.

Hartford police said they are investigating allegations of a member of the department using derogatory language on social media. 

A post on the Hartford Police Facebook page says they are aware of an “alleged social media post by a member of our Department that used derogatory language in reference to the public.”  

Police said there are disciplinary consequences for any member of the department who violates the code of conduct. 

“It is a privilege to serve the public, and these alleged posts do not reflect the Department we work to be every day,” the post says.

The New Jersey man prosecutors say is in the middle of a scheme to bilk thousands of GoFundMe donors out of more than $400,000 with a fake feel-good story about a homeless veteran now faces federal charges.

Mark D'Amico is scheduled to appear in Camden federal court on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges Thursday afternoon.

Combined the charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

Earlier this year, the two others charged in the fraud, Katelyn McClure and Johnny Bobbitt Jr., pleaded guilty to federal counts.

Prosecutors say D'Amico and his then-girlfriend McClure made up a story in 2017 about homeless veteran Bobbitt giving his last $20 to help McClure when her car ran out of gas in Philadelphia. The couple later alerted Bobbitt to the money raised and deposited $25,000 into his bank account, according to court documents.

The "paying it forward" good Samaritan story went viral, picked up by local and national news outlets, leading to more than 14,000 donors giving around $400,000 to help out Bobbitt.

McClure and D'Amico used thousands raised online on personal expenses including vacations, a BMW, clothing, handbags and D'Amico's gambling addiction, rather than giving it all to Bobbitt, court records said.

McClure said D'Amico was the ringleader and concocted the story. D’Amico denied this and pleaded not guilty in state court to charges of conspiracy and theft by deception in late May, refusing a five-year plea offer.

Both Bobbitt and McClure agreed to testify against D’Amico during a jury trial. 

“I’m not worried about it,” D’Amico told NBC10 after an earlier court hearing. “I already look as bad as I can look. I’m looking forward to hearing the truth in there and then people can make their own decisions.”

“Bisexual polyamorous,” “greyromantic demisexual,” biromantic homosexual” — these are just some of the increasingly nuanced labels LGBTQ youth are using to describe their sexual orientation, according to a new report by The Trevor Project, a crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. 

The report is based on data from the project’s 2019 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, which surveyed tens of thousands of LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 across the U.S. from February to September 2018, NBC News reported. Using responses from nearly 25,000 of the those surveyed, the researchers found that 1 in 5 LGBTQ youth used a term other than lesbian, gay or bisexual to describe their sexual orientation. In fact, respondents provided more than 100 different terms to describe their sexuality. 

“A lot of other surveys that exist, particularly some that are done on the federal level, only capture gay, lesbian and bisexual,” Amy E. Green, director of research for The Trevor Project, told NBC News. “If we had done that, we would’ve essentially mislabeled or not allowed for the expansion of identity for 20 percent of our sample.”

A New Haven man is accused of exposing himself to a woman on a CT Transit Bus Wednesday.

East Haven Police said the female victim reported that while riding a CT Transit bus a man sat next to her. As the bus went from New Haven into East Haven, she said the man touched her thigh and masturbated in front of her. She said he also tugged at her skirt at one point.

The woman said she got off the bus on Coe Avenue to get away, but the man followed her to the Gulf Gas Station.

When officers arrived the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Bernard Moore, was standing outside the gas station. He was arrested and charged with breach of peace, stalking and public indecency. He was held on a $5,000 bond.

State officials have identified the seven people killed when a 1944 World War II-era B-17 aircraft crashed at Bradley International Airport Wednesday morning.

Of the plane’s crew, the pilot, 75-year-old Ernest McCauley of Long Beach, Calif., and his co-pilot, 71-year-old Michael Foster of Jacksonville, Fla., are presumed deceased. The flight engineer, 34-year-old Mitchell Melton of Dalehart, Texas, was injured.

Five of the passengers are deceased or presumed deceased. They are 56-year-old David Broderick of West Springfield, Mass., 66-year-old Gary Mazzone of Broad Brook, 48-year-old James Roberts of Ludlow, Mass., 59-year-old Robert Riddell of East Granby, and 64-year-old Robert Rubner of Tolland.

The injured passenger are 36-year-old Andy Barrett of South Hadley, Mass., 62-year-old Linda Schmidt of Suffield, 62-year-old Tom Schmidt of Suffield, 48-year-old Joseph Huber of Tarriffville and 54-year-old James Traficante of Simsbury. An airport worker on the ground, 28-year-old Andrew Sullivan of Enfield, was also hurt.

A firefighter who responded to the crash suffered minor injuries and was treated on scene, state officials said Wednesday.

Gary Mazzone retired in January as a prosecutor's office inspector and previously was a Vernon police officer for 22 years.

"It is with deep sadness that I inform the Vernon Police Department, past and present, of the untimely death of retired Captain, Gary Mazzone. Captain Mazzone was onboard the B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed today at Bradley International Airport," Vernon Police Chief James Kenny said in a statement.

Mazzone joined the Vernon Police Department on Aug. 2, 1976 and retired Sept. 23, 1998.

Vernon police said Mazzone retired from the state in January 2019.

Mazzone spent more than 42 years in law enforcement and Vernon police said he had a special relationship with Special Olympics Connecticut and is a member of their hall of fame.

Mazzone's son Brian said the family is trying to cope with the loss.

“I hate to say he died doing what he loved. But he kind of did.”

He described his father as an outdoorsman driven by his sense of adventure.

Brian said it was that sense of adventure and love of history that drew him to take the flight on board the B-17.

“I think he wanted to know what it felt like to be on one of those planes. Like people in World War II.”

Brian said Mazzone was gone too soon and the family is grieving.

“I just feel cheated. I feel cheated for everyone else. I feel cheated for my kids. My sister and my brother and stepsisters in my step mom everyone got cheated.”

Robert Riddell was an insurance company analyst. He had posted photos from inside the plane before it took off. In a Facebook post Wednesday, his wife confirmed his death, describing Riddell as “the best person I’ve ever known” and a man who loved his family.

“Everything about to World War II he loved. He has a 1942 release for Jeep that he restored. He had an interest in the movies and documentaries," Debra Riddell told NBC Connecticut.

She took a video of Robert as he was about to board the plane Wednesday, not knowing it would be the last time she would see him.

“I want the world to know he was a good man. He died what he loves doing. I’m not happy he died doing it," she said.

Debra said Robert texted her from the plane just before the crash.

“He sent me a text message and said they telling us to get back to our seats and strap in. They were going back. So I sent him a ? And he wrote back one word. Turbulence.”

Moments later her worst fears came true.

“I saw this huge fireball and smoke. I knew I knew that plane had crashed. I could not believe it. I was in shock. I could not believe that that plane actually crashed," she said.

The NTSB is investigating the crash. 

Members of the NTSB family assistance division are available to help connect the families with the resources they need.

The NTSB is asking anyone with information, pictures or video to email witness@ntsb.gov.

A Texas woman said she was shamed online by a potential employer who took a photo of her in a bikini from her Instagram account and shared it on the company's page while warning other applicants that it was unprofessional, NBC News reports.

Emily Clow, who according to her Twitter account lives in Austin, said she applied for a marketing coordinator position at a business startup, Kickass Masterminds.

Clow told NBC News in a phone interview Wednesday that shortly after applying, a company representative reached out to her and said the firm wanted to move ahead with the application process and recommended that she follow them on Instagram. Hoping to improve her chances of landing the position, she did. 

But as she was scrolling through the company's Instagram story, Clow said she saw a photo of herself in a red two-piece bathing suit with a warning message to potential applicants.

The company's CEO did not return a Facebook message from NBC seeking a comment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 1,080 cases of lung illnesses linked to vaping, an increase of 275 since last week, NBC News reported.

The numbers are likely to continue to increase, as state health departments have confirmed to NBC News that they’re investigating more than 1,300 cases.

"The data that we’re getting does not suggest this has peaked," Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's principal deputy director, said on a call with reporters.

Connecticut’s attorney general is warning people about so-called “do-it-yourself rape kits.”

Creators say their goal is to help the estimated 77 percent of sexual assault victims who never come forward. However, legal experts say it may do more harm than good, and social workers say using the kits may keep survivors silent.

The MeToo sexual assault kit was created by a rape survivor, the other, called PRESERVEkit was co-founded by a retired FBI agent. She says most of the survivors she worked with did not get a sexual assault forensic medical exam when the crime occurred and lost valuable evidence critical to corroborating their allegations.

Both companies say their kits address the embarrassment and shame that prevents a majority of rape victims from reporting the crime. But some law enforcement experts believe the use of these at-home kits could permanently hinder a survivor's ability to seek justice.

“We don’t know what evidence it is that’s going to be that proves a sexual assault or can help with the prosecution of it,” said Kerry Dalling, a detective for the Fairfield Police Department.

Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong questions whether the evidence collected by the kits is even admissible in court and has joined half a dozen other states in launching an investigation into both companies’ claims.

“I know this could be a real problem and I think we all have a sense that it could be a real problem,” Tong said during a press conference on Thursday.

In a statement, MeToo said “No rape kit-not even the government one-is automatically admissible in court. A judge determines admissibility in each instance, based on the underlying evidence.”

The company planned to launch a pilot program on college campuses.

“I think it’s beneficial to just make any option available for rape survivors and rape victims,” said Sophia Marder, a college student from Vernon. “It’s a horrible thing to experience, and I just think any option that is made available for them would be a great option.”

“I think that sounds a little sketchy,” said Bailey Zettergren of Durham. “I just think that for a situation like rape, that’s pretty serious, so I think hospitalization is probably what should happen.”

While the rape kits performed in a hospital are free, critics point out that the at-home kits sold on the internet don’t address the psychological needs of the victim who would be seen by councilors and sexual assault advocates in a medical setting. They fear victims will become even more isolated by not seeking important medical attention.

“Don’t look to do it alone, because alone can be very dangerous,” said Rep. Michelle Cook, (D – Torrington). “Please do not look at what’s online and think that that’s going to give you the solution and the resolve from something tragic that’s just happened to you.”

A victim who reports a sexual assault at a hospital or police station is walked through a free 12-step process that not only collects evidence but administers emergency contraception and medicine to prevent HIV and infection, something experts say is missing from these kits.

“We believe our survivors deserve better than these kits provide,” said the assistant state’s attorney out of Waterbury, Maureen Platt.

Both companies agree that going to the hospital is the best option, and don’t see their products as a deterrent but rather a help for those who won’t.

“The critics of the PRESERVEkit never state what they are doing to address the needs of the 77 percent of sexual assault survivors who don’t report the crime,” said PRESERVEkit.

The Preserve Kit sold online for two weeks before being pulled due to the backlash. The maker of the Me-Too kit said it still expects to launch its product next year.

A Connecticut resident has died after being hospitalized with a vaping related lung injury, public health officials said Thursday.

The Department of Public Health said the patient was between 30-39 years old and died last week while being treated for multiple medical conditions believed linked to vaping.

The state is also investigating six new reports of lung injuries that may be linked to vaping, bringing the total number of Connecticut cases to 25. Five of those people are under the age of 18, DPH said.

“Sadly, one of our residents with vaping-related lung injury has died,” said DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell. “Our prayers go out to the family. We are working with the CDC along with health departments across the country to find out what the specific causes of these injuries are to educate the public by providing the information needed to mitigate the risk of illness and death.”

Public health officials continue to urge Connecticut residents not to use e-cigarettes or other vaping products while they investigate the cases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Thursday 1080 vaping-related illnesses have been reported nationwide, and there have been 18 deaths in 15 states, not including the case from Connecticut. The CDC has said that products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.

Gov. Ned Lamong said his administration planned to speak with neighboring states to discuss potential action that can be taken to address the rising concerns surrounding vaping.

“As a growing wave of vaping-related illnesses is becoming more prevalent across the country, I was saddened to learn today that tragedy has struck here at home,” Lamont said in a statement. “I cannot stress enough that people should just avoid these products completely, and most especially avoid products that were purchased off the street or have been modified in any way. Very little is known in the medical community at this time about the long-term effects of vaping. Working with public health experts – and in collaboration with our neighboring states – we are in the process of developing a comprehensive, effective response to what is becoming a growing public health crisis. But I cannot stress enough – the best thing for people to do is just avoid e-cigarettes and vaping products altogether.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal called for federal action.

"The vaping epidemic has now hit home - tragically. This epidemic now exploding in force has turned deadly here. Everyday teens are starting lifetimes of addiction and disease, thinking vaping is harmless. As I have warned repeatedly over years, e-cigarettes deliver powerfully addictive nicotine, dangerous chemicals, and unknown poisons. The FDA must act before there are more deaths and more lives put in peril. It should ban flavors immediately, and take other necessary long overdue steps," Blumenthal said in a statement.

Symptoms of a vaping-related injury include shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include headache, weight loss and chest pain.

No Veteran will be forgotten.

Unclaimed for years, the cremated remains of three soldiers and one sailor were finally laid to rest in a solemn military funeral ceremony at Connecticut’s State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown Thursday.

Four veterans, who fought in the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, were carried to the cemetery, each in a separate hearse. Amidst a light rain, veterans of many conflicts and wars gathered under a tent to pay respects to men they never met.

“Leave no veteran behind and honor every one of them in action,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal during the ceremony, “Not just in memory.”

Melvin William Kaulfers, Bertram Aulton Lascelles, Edward Douglas Rudderow and Frederick William Walters. Their names were read, and medals presented, before receiving a gun salute and the playing of Taps.

“These four veterans from the Spanish American War, WWI and WW II are now not forgotten even though once they passed. They had once been forgotten,” said Thomas Saadi, the commissioner of the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Although no blood relatives were present, many veterans were.

“They had a family. You are their family,” Blumenthal said while addressing the current and former military personnel who attended.

The ceremony was put together by The Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs and Connecticut Funeral Directors Association. Together they worked for months to verify identities and military affiliations.

“It meant a lot to be able to have someone who served our country, to be able to give them a memorial and final resting place,” said Ed Sheehy, president of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association.

For those veterans present today, the ceremony provided a dignified conclusion to time well served.

“We put this uniform on with the hope that what we do matters,” said Captain Patrick Montes, US Army, Connecticut Casualty Assistance Operations Officer. “We hope that somebody will remember.”

In closing today DVA commissioner Saadi made a point to say the names of each veteran one last time, because, as he explained, “if we say their names and remember their names, they will never be forgotten.”

TikTok announced Thursday that it is banning all political ads, a move that sets it apart from other social media platforms that have become destinations for political ad dollars, NBC News reports.

TikTok is a smartphone app in which users can capture short videos of themselves, usually lip syncing or dancing to popular songs. The app has attracted a large following of mostly younger users in recent years.

Blake Chandlee, TikTok's vice president of global business solutions, wrote in a blog post that the company has chosen not to allow ads on its platform from any politicians or candidates at the federal, state or local levels, as well as advocacy or issue ads.

Chandlee said the company wants to stay true to retain "the app's light-hearted and irreverent felling that makes it such a fun place to spend time."

If you love golf, you've probably had hopes one time or another to play every course you could. So a group of women from Avon set out to do just that. Darlene Salonia, Karen Gackstatter and Gayle Bieluch have played, by their count, every public golf course in Connecticut.

Bieluch is the only one to have played all of them, with Salonia and Gackstatter playing 104 and 103, respectively, but all of them have stuck together to hit their goal that started nine years ago.

Just go out and have a good time,” said Gackstatter. “And that's to me, the most important thing. Just enjoying the beautiful courses, the weather, just being outside has been wonderful."