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EX-CT man gets federal prison in sex crime case. He has to pay the victim $100K.

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EX-CT man gets federal prison in sex crime case. He has to pay the victim 0K.


A former Connecticut man and “American Ninja Warrior” champion was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for receiving child pornography and enticement to travel for illicit sexual conduct, according to federal authorities.

Andrew Drechsel, 35, now of Saint Cloud, Florida, pleaded guilty on June 1, 2023, before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée M. Bumb in New Jersey to an information charging him with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing a minor to travel interstate to engage in sexual activity for which the defendant can be charged with a crime, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Bumb imposed the sentence in Camden federal court, according to authorities. Bumb also sentenced Drechsel to 15 years of supervised release to pay $100,000 in restitution to the victim.

Authorities, citing documents in the case and statements made in court, said Drechsel lived in Hamden from 2014 to Nov. 8, 2019. The victim lived in New Jersey.

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Law enforcement agents in 2019 searched one of Drechsel’s phones and “found images of child sexual abuse, including photos and videos of the victim when the victim was 14 and 15 years old,” authorities said in a statement. “Drechsel admitted that he originally met the victim in 2014 through his activities in the parkour community as an ‘American Ninja Warrior.’”

Authorities also said Drechsel “admitted texting the victim and discussing his plans to engage in sexual activity with the victim.”  Further, “at Drechsel’s urging, the victim traveled across state lines in July 2015 so that Drechsel could have sexual relations with the victim.”

Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI South Jersey Resident Agency, under direction of Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. Sellinger also thanked the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office; the Cherry Hill Police Department; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut; special agents of the FBI New Haven Resident Agency; the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office, Hartford Judicial District; the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office, New Haven Judicial District; the Windsor Police Department; the Hamden Police Department; and special agents of the FBI Tampa Resident Agency.



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Connecticut

CT’s top Latin and Caribbean restaurants of 2026, according to Connecticut Magazine

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CT’s top Latin and Caribbean restaurants of 2026, according to Connecticut Magazine


Once again, Connecticut Magazine has surveyed a panel of food experts to share their favorite places for it Top Restaurants for 2026 list. Experts have named restaurants in dozens of categories, from top cuisine (American, Mexican, Chinese, vegetarian, etc.) to outstanding apps and desserts, romantic ambiance, beer and wine selections and the top places to grab a burger or a slice of apizza.

607 Brewster St., Bridgeport, 203-212-3386 

164 Main St., Norwalk, 203-846-8009

954 E Main St., Stamford, 203-323-3176 

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430 Main Ave., Norwalk, 203-354-7329

340 Arch St., New Britain, 860-518-0708 

162 Shield St., West Hartford, 860-953-2672

51 Isham Road, West Hartford, 860-216-9285

730 Barnum Ave. Cutoff, Stratford, 203-540-5825

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1641 CT-12, Gales Ferry, 860-381-5765 



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Connecticut Sun announces plans for its ‘Sunset Season’

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Connecticut Sun announces plans for its ‘Sunset Season’


The Connecticut Sun announced the launch of its “Sunset Season,” its final season playing in the state before moving to Houston, Texas.

Throughout the 2026 season, the Sun said it’ll honor more than two decades of “unforgettable moments, legendary players, and the fans who have been the heart of the organization.”

It was officially announced by the Mohegan Tribe on Monday that the team was sold and would be moving, making this season the Sun’s last in Connecticut.

“We intend to honor every chapter of our story and make this final season our most meaningful one yet. This season is about gratitude, celebration, and giving our fans the farewell they deserve. The Connecticut Sun story is one of resilience, community, and heart, and the Sunset Season will honor all of it,” said Connecticut Sun President, Jen Rizzotti.

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There will be a roll out of special initiatives, events, and fan experiences to honor the team’s legacy and impact.

There will be a new commemorative sunsey logo this season and will appear on limited edition merchandise, select game day give awards, and in-arena branding throughout the year.

The home court will also be sunset-themed, and throughout the season, the organization will welcome back Sun legends in iconic players and coaches who helped shape the organization.

Original Day 1 Season Ticket Members will get an exclusive commemorative gift celebrating their dedication from the very beginning, the organization said. The team will also lead a community court revitalizaiton project with the aim of creating a lasting gift to reflect the team’s connection to local youth, families, and fans.

Finally, the team will host a homecoming game that will reunite generations of Sun players and fans for a day that will honor the past and celebrate the team’s future.

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The team is also expected to make additional announcements on events and merchandise. You can find more information on their website.



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Mansfield Drive-in to open for 2026 season

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Mansfield Drive-in to open for 2026 season


MANSFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Mansfield Drive-in is back open and ready to play some movies for guests starting the first weekend of April.

The drive-in’s first showing will be Thursday, April 2, with shows only through Sunday, April 5. At the start of the season, the theater usually sticks to weekend-only showtimes.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first showtime starting at approximately 8 p.m. each night.

Movies playing this weekend include:

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Screen 1:
8 p.m. “Super Mario Galaxy Movie”
9:55 p.m. “Reminders of Him”

Screen 2:
8 p.m. “Project Hail Mary”
10:10 p.m. “Crime 101”

Screen 3:
8 p.m. “Scream 7”
10:10 p.m. “undertone”

Tickets are available online in advance or at the gate. Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed and owners pick up after them.

The Original Southington Drive-In is slated to open in June.

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