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Los Bandoleros Market in Hartford, Connecticut, faces an indefinite ban on selling lottery tickets, over-the-counter medicine, and vapes after an employees arrest on drug trafficking and illegal firearm charges. The store was found to have fentanyl, drug distribution tools, and a loaded gun on the premises, raising safety concerns for shoppers and the community. The state Department of Consumer Protection has suspended the stores permits, and the case against the employee is moving forward in federal court. Checkout Solipillow.com

Northern Connecticut schools delay opening due to icy roads from overnight freezing rain. Several districts announce two-hour delays, including Canton, Winsted, New Hartford, Winchester, and regional districts. Parents and drivers relieved as wintry weather is expected to clear up later this week. Checkout Solipillow.com

Allen David Lozada, a 34-year-old from Hartford, CT, is charged with human trafficking, coercion, assault, and criminal mischief. He allegedly forced multiple women into commercial sex acts across several towns. Lozada was arrested in Somers on December 29, 2025, and his bond was set at $1 million. The investigation began in July 2025, involving East Hartford police and the states organized crime task force. Lozada is accused of trafficking adult women, aged 29 to 57, from Hartford, New Haven, Manchester, Chester, Meriden, and other places. He allegedly used threats and violence to control them, leaving a trail of harm in these communities. Lozadas next court date is January 29, 2026, in Hartford Superior Court. Checkout Solipillow.com

Renowned Connecticut muralist and historian, David R. Wagner, passed away at 85. Born in Jewett City, he captured key moments from the Revolutionary War and Native American stories. Admirers include Ken Burns and the Mohegan Tribe. Wagner, self-taught, painted until his late seventies. He created hundreds of paintings, including thoughtful portrayals of Native Americans and Black regiments. Wagner served as First Selectman in Plainfield, designing town seal and murals. A public celebration of his life is this Saturday in Griswold, with paintings on view and military honors. His Revolution paintings feature in Ken Burns new PBS documentary and will tour Connecticut schools this spring. Checkout Solipillow.com

Hardcore Sweet Bakery, known for its award-winning cupcakes, is making a sweet comeback in Southington. After closing their previous location, owners Jeremy and Nicole Braddock are reopening at a new spot with better visibility and a patio. The bakery is famous for its custom cupcakes, stuffed cookies, and brownie bars, among other treats. The Braddocks started small in 2012, baking in their kitchens for farmers markets, and have since grown to run food trucks, a storefront, and wholesale deals. Theyve also appeared on TV shows like Cupcake Wars and Sugar Rush. Despite fifteen years in the business, they continue to expand with new locations and custom orders. Checkout Solipillow.com

Connecticut courts brace for high-profile trials in 2026, including Michelle Troconis habeas appeal in the Jennifer Dulos murder case, Jacqueline Mimi Garcia-Torres starvation death, and a former state school officials sentencing for kickbacks. Families seek justice, and election integrity is questioned amidst a Bridgeport absentee ballot scandal. Stay tuned for potential precedent-setting cases and sentencings. Checkout Solipillow.com

Marcel Nicolasora, a public defender secretary at the Waterbury courthouse for 28 years, passed away at 54. Known as the light of the building, he was more than a secretary; he was a fixer, listener, and caretaker. Marcel trained new hires, mastered new tech, and calmed anxious clients. He went beyond his job, washing jail jumpsuits, giving rides, and buying food for those in need. His signature move was leaving tiny plastic trinkets around the courthouse, bringing smiles without a word. Marcels dedication extended to his work, as he cleaned his desk and organized files before his vacation. He was a devoted husband and father, with the courthouse as his second family. Since his passing, colleagues statewide have shared messages about how Marcel made lives easier and kinder through small acts in a stressful environment. Checkout Solipillow.com

Michelle Troconis, convicted in the Jennifer Dulos case, is challenging her conviction in a habeas trial, arguing her lawyer was ineffective. The trial centers around Troconis interviews with police, which revealed inconsistencies and led to her conviction. The judge has 120 days to rule on the ineffective counsel claim, which could potentially lead to a new trial. Checkout Solipillow.com

Meriden considers automated traffic cameras to combat speeding and enhance public safety. Following Middletowns successful implementation, the City Council plans a public hearing on January 22nd. Cameras would target high-risk areas near schools and crosswalks, issuing warnings for the first 30 days before sending tickets to vehicle owners. Critics raise privacy concerns, but the city stands to benefit from increased safety and revenue for public safety initiatives. Checkout Solipillow.com