A crash on Interstate 84 westbound in Southbury caused significant traffic delays Wednesday morning. The incident happened between exits 16 and 15 around 7:30 a.m., prompting lane closures and creating more than five miles of congestion. No information on injuries, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The Danbury Hat Tricks and Strikers of Brookfield have announced a new partnership that will bring special promotions and events to fans throughout the upcoming season. Plans include in-game prize giveaways, a chance to win a year of free bowling, and a bowling tournament pairing fans with Hat Tricks players.

Danbury has been ranked the fifth-best place to live in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report. The annual rankings evaluated factors including quality of life, affordability, desirability, and job opportunities. West Hartford topped the state list, while Danbury joined Stamford, Greenwich, and Norwalk among the highest-ranked communities.

Connecticut residents who filed claims in the Blue Cross Blue Shield antitrust settlement are beginning to receive payments. The $1.9 billion settlement stems from a lawsuit alleging anti-competitive practices by Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers. More than six million claims were filed nationwide, with payment amounts varying based on individual circumstances.

Eversource says personal information belonging to 3,049 customers was exposed during a cyberattack involving compromised employee accounts. The utility says the breach was quickly contained and did not affect electric, gas, or water service. Affected customers will receive notification and two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Danbury has appointed William Lounsbury as the city’s new fire chief. Lounsbury has served with the Danbury Fire Department for 35 years and most recently held the role of acting chief following the retirement of Chief Richard Thode. Mayor Roberto Alves says Lounsbury’s experience and leadership will help guide the department into the future.

About 25,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose SNAP benefits because of new federal work requirement rules could receive one-time $300 grocery assistance cards under a newly announced state plan. The proposal would use $8.5 million to help eligible residents purchase food while also connecting them with services aimed at restoring benefit eligibility. The assistance would be administered through the Connecticut Department of Social Services and community action agencies statewide.

Fire officials just across the state line in Putnam County, NY say a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery caused a garage fire at a home in Carmel. The homeowner’s quick actions helped keep the blaze from spreading through the residence, although smoke and heat damage were reported. Authorities are reminding residents to use approved chargers and regularly inspect rechargeable batteries for damage.

A 63 year old Ridgefield man who owned a Danbury daycare and preschool has pleaded guilty to failing to pay federal employment taxes. Prosecutors say Thomas Walker failed to file required tax forms and make payroll tax payments between 2018 and 2024, resulting in a loss of more than $639,000 to the IRS. He is scheduled for sentencing August 31.

A second Jersey Mike’s restaurant could be coming to Danbury. Plans call for the sandwich chain to renovate a vacant space at Airport Plaza on Backus Avenue, near Danbury Fair. The proposal goes before the city’s Planning Commission this week as retail development continues to grow along the busy corridor.