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New law would change provisional ballots and local elections

May 15, 2013 Areawide, Feature, Local News No Comments

Currently, “provisional ballots” are restricted to voting for federal candidates. While voters whose registration status is uncertain on Election Day can only vote by “challenge ballot” for candidates for municipal and state candidates. “Challenge ballots” are usually not counted unless the results of an election are challenged in court. The new law would allow “provisional ballots” for municipal elections.

Voters whose registration status is uncertain on Election Day can only vote by “challenge ballot” for candidates for municipal and state candidates. “Challenge ballots” are usually not counted unless the results of an election are challenged in court. The new law would allow “provisional ballots” for municipal and state elections.

Press Release

Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today (May 15, 2013) praised the CT State House of Representatives passage of House Bill No. 5599, “An Act Concerning Provisional Ballots for State and Municipal Offices.”

The bill, which still needs a vote from the Senate, would allow voters to use “provisional ballots” for state and municipal elections, instead of only federal elections as current statutes provide.

The House vote today was 105-37 in favor of sending the bill to the State Senate.

Flags at half staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day

May 15, 2013 Areawide, Local News No Comments

Peace Officers Memorial in Florida. National Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually and corresponds with Police Week.

Press Release

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has directed that U.S. and Connecticut flags be flown at half-staff today (May 15, 2013) in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

National Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually and corresponds with Police Week.

“National Peace Officers Memorial Day is an opportunity to honor the service of our brave men and women in law enforcement,” said Gov. Malloy.

Malloy proclaims National Teacher Day in CT

May 7, 2013 Areawide, Local News No Comments

As a social studies teacher at Berlin High School, David Bosso has been able to enrich his teaching about world history and cultures with trips to Ghana, China, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Egypt. On his blog, Global Wanderings, Bosso writes, "I have a keen desire to not only educate my students about the world around them, but also to learn as much as possible to better inform my own knowledge base."

Social studies teacher at Berlin High School, David Bosso is 2012 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. (See video) He has enriched his teaching about world history and cultures with trips to Ghana, China, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Egypt. On his blog, Global Wanderings, Bosso writes, “I have a keen desire to not only educate my students about the world around them, but also to learn as much as possible to better inform my own knowledge base.”

Press Release

Gov Dannel P. Malloy has proclaimed Tuesday, May 7, 2013 as National Teacher Day in the State of Connecticut.

National Teacher Day is part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is celebrated May 6-10, 2013.

“While today is National Teacher Day, the fact is that the work our teachers do is something that deserves celebration every day,” said Gov. Malloy.

“Improving our public schools is a top priority of my administration, and that includes getting more and better resources and quality professional development to our teachers, so they can prepare the next generation for success in the 21st Century,” Gov. Malloy said.

AAA identifies motorist breaking point on gas prices

April 23, 2013 Areawide, Business No Comments

The report finds that roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle. At the top of that list is less driving in general, less dining out and less shopping; at the bottom of the list is using public transportation.

Half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when it reaches $3.44 per gallon, indicating a potential breaking point on gas prices, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA.

The report also points to the negative impact on consumer spending in other areas, in order to keep gas expenditures to a manageable level.

The report finds that roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle.

Moment of silence April 22 for victims of Boston bombings

April 22, 2013 Areawide No Comments

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, following a request by Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick, asks Connecticut residents to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today (Monday, April 22) in recognition of the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon last week.

“I’ve directed state agencies to join Massachusetts in a moment of silence at 2:50 today, and am encouraging Connecticut residents to do the same,” Gov. Malloy said.

“We thank law enforcement and first responders for their actions at the marathon and in the days that followed. Our thoughts remain with the victims of this senseless tragedy and the families mourning the loss of their loved ones,” he said.

Private rocket launch to be visible in CT skies

April 20, 2013 Areawide No Comments

The Antares rocket on the pad at NASA’s Wallops, VA Facility. NASA photo.

UPDATE – because of upper level winds, the launch has been moved to 6:30 p.m. NASA live streaming begins at 5:30 p.m.

by Lon Seidman | CTNewsJunkie.com

The launch of the Orbital Science Corporation’s Antares rocket (at 5 p.m. Eastern time) should be visible from South Carolina all the way to Portland, Maine.

Orbital Sciences Corporation is one of two companies to win an International Space Station cargo delivery contract from NASA. The 18-minute mission will deliver a test cargo container to orbit but will not dock with the station.

The rocket will appear arching toward orbit in the southern sky shortly after its liftoff in Virginia.

Sandy Hook families sway Washington’s discussion on Gun Legislation

April 16, 2013 Areawide, Local News No Comments

Eleven family members of those killed in the December 2012 shooting at the Newtown, CT elementary school joined President Barack Obama on an Air Force One flight from Connecticut to D.C. after Obama’s speech at the University of Hartford on Monday. At the university, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy. Megan Merrigan photo, CTNewsJunkie.com

By Megan Merrigan | CTNewsJunkie.com

April 12, 2013

Eleven family members of those killed in the December 2012 shooting at the Newtown, CT Sandy Hook Elementary school joined President Barack Obama on an Air Force One flight from Connecticut to D.C. after Obama’s speech at the University of Hartford on Monday (April 8).

“The families of Newtown literally turned the tide in Washington, D.C.,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal said at a press conference at the University of Hartford on Friday (April 12). “Their faces and voices are an historic story in achieving better measures against gun violence.”

In all, 16 Republicans contributed to Thursday’s (April 11) 68-31 bipartisan victory over the Republican-led filibuster that would have prevented debate on the legislation.

CT State Police trooper shot, suspect killed

April 10, 2013 Areawide, Local News No Comments

The Office of The Chief States Medical Examiner conducted a post mortem examination of the deceased male who is identified as 24-year-old Jonathan Alvarado (DOB 8/26/88) whose last known address is in Deep River, CT.

Press Release | CT State Police Spokesman LT. J. Paul Vance

On April 8, 2013, shortly before 3 p.m., the Old Saybrook Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Days Inn on Boston Post Road in their town.

Police were told there were two armed male suspects.

Old Saybrook Police Officers spotted a vehicle leaving the area which then engaged in a pursuit. State Police troopers were called for assistance.