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Four children killed as a fire tears through a multifamily home in Connecticut

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Four children killed as a fire tears through a multifamily home in Connecticut


SOMERS, Conn. (AP) — A fire that raced through a two-family home in northern Connecticut on Tuesday night killed four children and several animals as firefighters struggled with rescue efforts because of clutter, authorities said.

The four children who died in the Somers blaze were ages 5, 6, 8 and 12 and lived in one side of the house with their mother and three other siblings, fire and town officials said. The mother was not home at the time and her 19-year-old daughter, who was watching over the other children, escaped by jumping out of a second-story window, First Selectman Tim Keeney said.

It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the fire in the close-knit town of just under 10,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Hartford. State and local officials were investigating.

“This is a small community so everybody knows everybody else, and these obviously are four kids that are in our community so it definitely hurts a lot of our members,” town Fire Chief John Roache said at an early afternoon news conference. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family.”

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A neighbor described a heartbreaking scene with people screaming and the three survivors jumping from the second floor.

Roache said firefighters rescued three dogs from the home, but a litter of puppies died.

The 19-year-old daughter and two of her siblings survived. One of them had serious burn injuries and two had minor injuries, said officials, who did not disclose which sibling suffered the serious injuries.

Four people who were in the other side of the house escaped without major injuries. A firefighter suffered a burn injury and was treated and released from a hospital, officials said.

The fire was reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. and the first firefighters arrived about five minutes later to find the entire front of the house on fire, Roache said. The flames made it difficult to enter through the front, and items in the home made it difficult to get through the back door, he said. Around 60 firefighters from 12 agencies responded to the blaze, he said.

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“It’s a tremendous loss for the town,” Keeney, the first selectman, told reporters at the scene Wednesday morning. “An incredible loss, a tragedy the town hasn’t seen forever that I’m aware of. I’ve lived here my whole life.”

The family that lost loved ones in the fire was offered help by the American Red Cross and social service officials, authorities said. A local aid fund was accepting donations for the family, officials said.

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Associated Press writer Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

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State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations

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State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations


Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.

The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.

Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.

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Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.

Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.

The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.

State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

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Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument

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Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument


This year, the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The French were instrumental in our fight for freedom, and their march through Connecticut is being memorialized in a new sculpture. News 12 met with the artist in this week’s Made in Connecticut.



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Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options

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Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options


The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?

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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut

Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.

Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.

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So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?

Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.

Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.


The Bottom Line

If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.

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