Patch PM CT brings you the breaking and trending news stories from all across Connecticut each weeknight. Here are those stories:

The high-profile on-air talents were fired on Thursday by ESPN, according to reports.>>>Read More.

A bear was spotted just steps away from the entrance to a Stop and Shop grocery store, according to a news report.>>>Read More.

The flight is now set to arrive in Connecticut more than three and a half hours late, according to FlightAware.>>>Read More.

Two occupants in the car had to be extricated, according to the Fire Department.>>>Read More.

The 50th anniversary of the Milford Oyster Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.>>>Read More.

What’s as American as apple pie, brimming with beautiful women, and fields the teams with the most savage nicknames? Answer below…>>>Read More.

The mall is celebrating the start of sales tax-free week by hosting the Connecticut State Food Truck Festival this weekend.>>>Read More.

The Canton Volunteer Fire Co.’s annual ‘Lobsterfest’ celebration will take place in town Friday and Saturday.>>>Read More.

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A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has made people sick in more than 30 states, including several in Connecticut.

The CDC and FDA announced Wednesday that two salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers earlier this year are now being investigated as one outbreak.

The agencies are continuing to collect data about these outbreaks, which they say are of two different types of salmonella.

“CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations as they shared several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people and the foods they reported eating before they became sick,” the agencies said.

Where is the salmonella outbreak?

The salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has affected more than 30 states, including Connecticut.

CDC data shows 7 people in Connecticut got sick from the outbreak between March and July, but that number is likely higher as many people with salmonella recover without going to a doctor.

What is causing the salmonella outbreak?

Since first declaring the two salmonella outbreaks in June, the CDC and FDA have investigated the cause and linked it back to cucumbers.

The agencies said data has determined that cucumbers from two growers in Florida — Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company — were likely the sources of the outbreak.

Products from these farms are no longer on the market, so there is likely no ongoing risk to the public, the CDC and FDA said.

However, the agencies said these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak, which is why consumers should still be aware.

How to protect yourself from salmonella

The CDC recommends practicing food safety steps to prevent getting sick from salmonella, including washing your hands and surfaces, rinsing fruit and vegetables under running water before eating and keeping raw food away from cooked food.

The agency also recommends using a food thermometer to ensure foods have been cooked to a high enough temperature to kill germs. Perishable food should also be refrigerated within two hours.

State regulators have approved an electric rate increase that will affect customers of Eversource and United Illuminating starting Sept. 1.

The rate hike is expected to increase the typical consumer’s bill by approximately $3 per month, according to Eversource. This latest increase comes on the heels of a significant rise in the public benefits portion of customers’ bills last month.

Electricity rates in Connecticut are adjusted twice a year, in January and July, based on competitive bidding processes and regional wholesale electricity market prices.

The total impact on individual customers’ bills may vary depending on their energy usage.

The rate increase affects customers of both Eversource and United Illuminating, the state’s two largest electricity providers.