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Racially Charged Fliers Found in Bristol

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The day after racially charged fliers were found in Southington, similar fliers were found in Bristol and police are investigating.

A resident contacted police Sunday after finding fliers with racial overtones on a light post in the Lantern Hill Road neighborhood, police said.

One flier had the image of Abraham Lincoln with the title “We founded this nation” and another said “Take your country back,” police said.

Bristol police said they are aware of the incident in Southington and have been in touch with that police department.

Anyone with information about who is posting the fliers should call Bristol police at 860-584-3000.




Photo Credit: Southington Police Department

State Submits Greater Hartford, Stamford for Amazon HQ Bid

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The state has submitted proposals for Greater Hartford and Stamford as potential sites for Amazon's second headquarters location, according to Gov. Dannel Malloy. 

In his video, Malloy boasted that Connecticut is a great place to live, and it's one of the most educated states in the nation with more patents per capita than others.   

Malloy highlighted Hartford's art community, industrial base, aerospace industry and educated workforce.

Stamford is the governor's hometown and he mentioned its proximity to New York and the educated workforce.

Take a look at the proposal.

Last month, Amazon said that it will spend $5 billion to build another headquarters in North America to house as many as 50,000 employees. 

Malloy's office said that after a review of 17 submissions, the Hartford and Stamford regions stood out as the state's strongest contenders. Both sites have a population of a million, are in close proximity to international airports, have easy access to mass transit, major highways and arterial roads, the governor's office said. 

Amazon already has two existing facilities in Wallingford and Windsor. Over the summer, Amazon said it has plans to expand their presence through a fulfillment center in North Haven.

The state Thursday unveiled the state's proposal.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com
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Parts of Connecticut Back in a Drought

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Below normal rainfall over the past few months has led to parts of Connecticut being placed back into a moderate drought. 

The Climate Prediction Center released an update Thursday morning which has Windham, Tolland, and Hartford counties in a moderate drought.


Parts of northern New London and Middlesex counties are also included. 

Windsor Locks from year to date is running approximately 2.5 inches below normal. 

Connecticut needs a few heavy rain storms before the drought would be removed. 


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Magnet Teacher on Leave After Incident With 11-Year-Old

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A Hartford Public School teacher is on paid administrative leave connected to an investigation involving an underage female student.

District officials said there are allegations involving at least one 11-year-old female student and a male teacher at Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker on Broadview Terrace. 

The district learned about the complaint on Wednesday and as mandated reporters, they contacted the state Department of Children and Families who are now investigating. 

Additionally, parents of students from the teacher's classroom received notices about his change in status and details on the substitute teacher who would be taking over.

Hartford Public Schools recently overhauled its mandated reporting policies after a concerning report from the state Office of the Child Advocate back in February of 2017. That report found the district mishandled child abuse claims for years.

The NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters have left a voicemail and email for the teacher involved. We are not naming him because no charges have been filed against him at this time.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

What a La Nina Winter Means for Connecticut

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Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released their outlook for the 2017-2018 winter.

Cooler than normal temperatures in the eastern Pacific near the equator will result in a La Nina winter.


A La Nina winter favors warmer than normal temperatures for Connecticut. This doesn't mean that we wont have cold periods this winter it just means the average temperature over the winter will be slightly above normal.

As for precipitation it appears all of the East Coast can experience near average numbers.


While this forecast should get you thinking about the upcoming winter it's really only one of several variables that we look at when determining how much snow will fall.

There's very little correlation between the La Nina phase and how much snow we get here in Connecticut. 


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Woman Embezzled $255K From North Haven Business Owner

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A 48-year-old woman is accused of embezzling more than $255,800 from a North Haven business owner, police said.

Sharon Cordero, of Meriden, was employed as a bookkeeper at the business in North Haven, police said. 

Cordero allegedly made deposits into her personal account at the expense of the business, used business funding to pay her entire health care plan without authorization and altered business records in an attempt to cover up the theft, police said. 

Police said Cordero has been charged with first and second degree larceny. Her bond was set at $25,0000. 



Photo Credit: North Haven Police

New Haven Police Ready to Roll Out Body Worn Cameras in November

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After the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners approved the General Orders for body camera use, officers in Elm City will start wearing them after training begins on November 1.

"This is the reality of where 21st century, especially 21st-century community policing, is leading all of us," New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell told NBC Connecticut on Thursday.

The department plans to roll out the cameras by training groups of 30 officers at a time. Eventually, every sworn member of the police force, including the chief and assistant chiefs, will wear them.

"We want to make sure that the officers are familiar with the technology, familiar with the General Orders and that they have the opportunity to fully understand what is expected of them," Assistant Chief Racheal Cain, who is responsible for administration, said.

Police Sgt. Rose Dell showed NBC Connecticut the docking station where patrol officers will pick up and charge their body cameras.

"If there’s a witness or a victim and they don’t want to be on camera, they can request the officer shut the camera off," Dell said of one of the legal guidelines officers will need to learn.

The president of the police officers’ union said there are benefits to wearing body cameras.

"It’s another part of equipment that will support the officer’s report of what truly happened," Elm City Local president Craig Miller said.

But Miller said he believes the Board of Police Commissioners rushed through reviewing the final copy of the General Orders.

"We just wanted to make sure they gave us a90-day window to get accustomed to using new equipment and they said no," Miller said. "So that they weren’t going to do it so we had a problem with it."

"What they were concerned with is they wanted to continue negotiating," Campbell said.

After more than two years of planning and testing, Campbell said now is the time for New Haven residents to begin seeing officers wearing the body cameras on their uniforms.

"Since that time, we’ve had three officer-involved shootings, we’ve had protests on the Green, we’ve had officers seriously injured hit run over etc.," Campbell said. "I think these body cameras would have been extremely helpful in getting information out to the public."

The police union is reviewing options with its attorney, Miller said.

This week the Board of Police Commissioners also approved new guidelines for officers’ department-issued cell phones. Police officers will be able to view the footage they capture on their body cameras on those phones.

The department has purchased more than 800 cameras so each of the more than 400 officers will have a “hot” one in the field and a "cold" one back at the police station charging.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Area of Double Fatal Crash on I-95 Busy Spot for First Responders

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Two 71-year-old women were killed in a fiery crash Wednesday on Interstate 95 North in Old Lyme.

It’s a stretch of highway that first responders said is prone to backups and accidents.

"Truckers that we see out on the road say, 'Oh we know that stretch of road. That’s terrible. We avoid it at all costs'," said Old Lyme Fire Chief Tom Risom.

According to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, on I-95 between exits 70 to 74, there were 276 crashes with three fatalities in 2015, 303 crashes with four fatalities in 2016 and 224 crashes with one fatality through Oct. 1, 2017.

The data shows a vast majority of the crashes occurred in clear weather conditions during daylight hours.

Driving under the influence, speeding and distraction are not cited as contributing factors to a large percentage of those crashes.

Risom said he’s seen the number of crashes go up since the casinos were built.

"I would say our highway calls were less than 25 percent of our call volume and now they’re over half," he said.

The department has three engines specially equipped to deal with vehicle extraction and stabilization on the highway.

"It’s often related to something else. (Wednesday) they had a lane closed for tree trimming," Risom said.

"Following too close. Because that doesn’t give you enough time to stop and miss that accident," Sgt. Michael Macek, of the East Lyme Police Department, said about what he sees drivers do on the stretch of I-95 from exits 70 to 75.

He said when that stretch of highway is closed, it causes backups in town. like it did on Wednesday after the fatal accident.

"Flanders Four Corners, down into route one and of course down here in front of the police department on 156," Macek said.

Kevin Nursick, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, had this statement about that stretch of I-95:

“It is disturbing that this appears to be a typical and far too common case of driver error with tragic results. Exactly what is it going to take to get people to focus on driving safely and responsibly? I think this is a question the public should be asking itself every day because the biggest component of the safety equation relies on the person behind the wheel. Every facet of safe infrastructure is predicated first and foremost on drivers being attentive and responsible - this is a fundamental and necessary foundation that cannot be understated.”




Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

LAPD Opens Weinstein Sexual Assault Probe

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The LAPD has launched an investigation of Harvey Weinstein involving a possible sexual assault in 2013. Over 40 women have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault.

7 Arrests After Connecticut State Police 'Quality of Life' Sweep

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Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Hartford Residents Meet to Learn About Bankruptcy

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If the City of Hartford filed for bankruptcy, how would that affect the thousands of people who live and work there?

On Thursday that question and others were answered by people who might know, including the former emergency manager of Detroit.

"What is the line in the sand when we should do it or not and the implications?" Jackie McKinney of Hartford wondered.

About 100 people filled the auditorium at Hartford Public High School to learn about the basics of bankruptcy and to figure out what life might be like after.

"It’s hard to know what is and what is not actually on the table," Tina Franklin of Hartford said.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said the city needs at least $40 million from the state to avoid declaring bankruptcy.

With recent bond rating downgrades, some are now preparing for what might be coming.

Taking the seats on the stage was a group which knows about managing money.

They included Kevyn Orr, the former emergency manager of Detroit, which filed for bankruptcy in 2013.

"Let me suggest this: nobody wants to enter bankruptcy," Orr said.

Also helping answer questions from nervous residents was Mayor James Diossa of Central Falls, Rhode Island. His city sought Chapter 9 in 2011.

"Unfortunately we did not have the time as you all do to even consider and have this dialogue," Diossa said.

The group explained how the bankruptcy process would unfold and might or might not affect city services, pensions and even taxes.

Some on stage and Hartford leaders argued the city helps drive the economy of the region, so its problems should also concern those outside the Capital.

“It is a tough reality. It is too bad that we are at this point,” McKinney said.

Whether Hartford ends up filing for bankruptcy depends on what’s included in the state budget.

Bronin is still hopeful it includes the tools that could help fix his city’s money woes.

Grandparents Fill Void as Opioid Crisis Steals a Generation

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Everything his grandpa does, 5-year-old Colton wants to do. Even if it means wearing Crocs with socks.

"If grandpa wears his Crocs with socks, Colton has to wear his Crocs with socks," Pennie Krietemeier, 53, told NBC News. "I have to walk behind them because it's so embarrassing."

Her grandson's idolization of his grandfather Randy, 53, is one of the sweet spots in a childhood that has otherwise been marked by chaos.

As the opioid epidemic forces increasing numbers of children into foster care or otherwise out of their parents' custody, grandparents like the Krietemeiers are stepping in, NBC News reported. Those grandparents face the daunting task of caring for young, vulnerable children while navigating courtrooms and complex child welfare systems, often with little financial or social support — all while coping with their adult offspring's addiction.



Photo Credit: NBC News

275 Gallons of Cooking Oil Spill on Route 8

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Route 8 North was closed in Waterbury early Friday morning after hundreds of gallons of cooking oil fell off a truck.

State police said 275 gallons of oil fell off the truck near exit 30 around 2 a.m. and the driver kept going, unaware that the oil fell off.

Crews from the state Department of Transportation and firefighters cleared the scene after the oil spill.




Photo Credit: Connecticut Department of Transportation

Pedestrian Struck in Norwich

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A pedestrian was struck at North Main Street and 8th Street in Norwich and one person was taken to the hospital, according to police. 

North Main Street is closed.

No information was immediately available on injuries.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Fire Damages Deep River Home

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Fire caused damage to a two-family home at 53 Main St. in Deep River Friday morning. 

Deep River Fire Chief Tim Lee said the fire started in an apartment and firefighters put out the blaze. 

State police assisted in finding residents. 

Officials said there is moderate fire damage inside and smoke damage throughout the residence. 

The building inspector will be responding and power has been shut off to the building. 

The Red Cross is assisting as well.



Photo Credit: Submitted

New Haven for Puerto Rico Initiative Raises $90,000

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The city of New Haven and partners from the Connecticut shoreline have raised more than $90,000 as part of New Haven for Puerto Rico initiative. 

On Thursday night, they added to that total thanks to the students at Notre Dame High School and their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. 

Proceeds from the sale of the school’s assembly as well as donations will be added to the city’s relief effort and eventually delivered to Puerto Rico. 

State Rep. Juan Candelaria has been a part of the city’s fundraising effort. He’s Puerto Rican and lost an aunt in Hurricane Maria and several other family members on the island lost their homes. 

“You’re going to see that the need is going to be a lot bigger than what we’re seeing. This is for the long run,” he said of the Puerto Rican rebuilding efforts. 

The school assembly was planned before Hurricane Maria battered Puerto Rico, but when the devastation caused by the storm was realized, students and teachers decided to try to help. 

“There are needs that will continue for the coming years and so we want to make sure that our boys will have this awareness, not just today but coming forward into the future,” said Robert Curis, Notre Dame’s president. 

“Imagine it happened to us. Wouldn’t we want someone to help us? It makes me happy because I can see that they’re caring for other people,” said Notre Dame freshman Maicol Escobar, who served as emcee for the celebration. 

“It’s the right thing to do. No matter where you are, I think you need to reach out” said Daniel Diaz, chairperson of ARTE Inc., New Haven’s cultural partner in the relief effort. 

Candelaria said he plans to be a part of the New Haven delegation that will deliver all of the money they’ve raised for Puerto Rico sometime in November. 

Everyone who takes part in the trip will pay his or her own expenses so the money raised can go solely to the benefit of the island.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Sonoma Co. Toxic Clean Up May Not Finish Until Early 2018

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FEMA announced Thursday the North Bay fires rank 4th on their list of disasters in terms of the amount of destruction and the number of lives taken in a single incident. The urban wildfires have killed at least 42 people and more than 50 remain on the Sonoma County Sheriff’s missing persons list.

As containment of the fires tops 85 percent, the attention now turns to the clean up and recovery for thousands of families, beginning with the removal of thousands of tons of toxic debris.

Santa Rosa city council member Chris Rogers wrote in a Facebook post, “Clean up should begin within the next few weeks with a goal of being done by early 2018.” He added that homeowners will need to a sign a “’right of entry form’ that will allow the clean up” of their properties. The city has entered into agreements that will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to handle the first wave of toxic testing and cleanup, and then CalRecycle will take over the secondary wave of clean up to get up to California’s standards. Rogers said, “They will properly document the home for insurance/FEMA purposes, and the cleanup will be 100 percent reimbursed.”

He said homeowners “retain the right to clean up their own property through private, certified contractors” but then they will bear the liability and “FEMA is unlikely to reimburse them for the entire cost of the cleanup.” 

Yvette Escutia and her 2-year-old son Juan Carlos were among seven family members living on Dennis Lane who fled with nothing as flames raced through their home in Coffey Park. Three generations in one home, now hoping to return and salvage anything they can.

“It's just memories that we would like to get. My wedding ring is still there, my charm bracelet that my husband gave me when my son was born. Little things like that. We know we're not going to be able to repair anything that was burned or anything but I wish that, I hope that my ring is still there,” Escutia said.

But many of the homes in Coffey Park are now red-tagged, warning people to keep out because the buildings are uninhabitable. Some signs also instruct people to keep several feet away from structures like chimneys or unstable walls. 

Still, Sean Smith with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services understands many residents will want to comb through the remains of their homesites. He instructs them to be aware of hazards, such as holes they may step into under the rubble.

“When people get back they have to be careful about what they touch and expose people to, the ash and chemicals that get on them,” Smith said. “Don’t take kids or animals they’re smaller, closer to the ashes they’re more vulnerable.”

He advises people to wear boots, gloves, and masks, and then bag those items before getting back in the car.

Smith could not offer an exact timeline for the toxic cleanup but says the state is waiting for contractors to arrive. He said cleanup efforts will be prioritized based on location.

“We’re gonna look at waterways, the environment, other facilities, [is it a] daycare center, hospital, school, elderly folks home? We want to clean around those properties first.”

Escutia, who has asthma, worries about the longterm health of her family. More than 6,500 structures burned in Sonoma County, leaving behind an unknown toxic cocktail of lead, asbestos, plastics and chemicals.

“It will all have to go to a toxic dump somewhere. We just don’t know what’s in there,” John Buchanan said. The retired fire chief with 50 years of service now works with Statewide, a contractor specializing in decontamination and fire damage reconstruction.

He said it’s critical to get the cleanup done efficiently and thoroughly, especially with the impending rainy season.

“Rain’s coming. It’s gonna push that stuff farther down and percolate in the soil we’re concerned about that.”

Buchanan said he’s impressed with Santa Rosa’s efforts to fast track construction by streamlining the permitting process for rebuilding. He said homeowners should feel confident the cleanup will be managed properly but that people who are concerned about potential toxins left behind can expect to pay $300 to $1,000 for further environmental testing by private companies.

Now staying with friends in Petaluma, Yvette Escutia said she hopes the recovery efforts will go smoothly, and quickly. “I would like to stay here because I’ve been here my whole life.” 



Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area
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Police Find 110 Bags of Heroin During Traffic Stop on I-84

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State police said they found more than 100 bags of heroin when they stopped a speeding car on Interstate 84 East in Tolland Thursday night.

Police stopped the tan Pontiac Grand Prix near exit 69 around 7 p.m. After receiving permission to search the car, they found and seized 110 bags of heroin, around three grams of crack cocaine and three ounces of liquid methadone, according to state police.

Asia Scott, 27, of Stafford Springs, and Dennis Smith, 27, of Enfield were arrested.

Scott was charged with speeding, possession of a narcotic substance with intent to sell, illegal possession of a narcotic and other charges.

Smith was charged with drug paraphernalia, sale of a narcotic substance and illegal possession of a narcotic.

Bond for both was set at $100,000.






Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Dog Rescued From Ledge in South Killingly

Rep. Wilson Says Kelly Lied, Used 'Racist Term' About Her

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The Miami Gardens congresswoman who has criticized President Donald Trump's condolence call to a fallen soldier's wife slammed John Kelly Friday, saying the president's chief of staff lied about her when talking about a building dedication in 2015, NBC News reported. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., also accused Kelly of using a "racist term" in describing her as an "empty barrel."

“I feel sorry for Gen. Kelly. He has my sympathy for the loss of his son. But he can't just go on TV and lie on me,” Wilson, told CNN.

Kelly, a former general whose Marine son was killed in Afghanistan, said in an emotional briefing at the White House Thursday that he was "broken-hearted" after seeing Wilson talking about Trump's call to the widow of Sgt. La David T. Johnson, one of four soldiers killed in Niger.

Kelly also described a congresswman at the dedication of a FBI field office years ago in South Florida as an “empty barrel” for talking about "how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building."

Wilson said she wasn't in Congress when the building's funding was secure and only played a role in naming the building. 



Photo Credit: AP
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