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Olympic Figure Skater Nathan Chen Accepted to Yale

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U.S. Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen is continuing on his impressive journey, getting accepted into Yale University.

Officials from Yale said the Olympic bronze medallist was accepted for admission to the class of 2022. 

While Chen’s Instagram account now identifies him a member of that Ivy League class, his publicist said Chen was accepted but has not made a decision on where he is going yet. 

Chen, who was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and lives in Irvine, California, started skating at the age of 3.

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The 18-year-old would have been a goalie, but fell in love with ice skating and the rest is history.

Now his journey could bring him to Connecticut. Should that happen, fans will be sure to try catchomh a glimpse of him at Ingalls Rink at Yale




Photo Credit: Getty Images

Former Trump Estate in Greenwich Listed for $45 Million

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Photo Credit: Steve Turner, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Cold and Rainy Afternoon Ahead

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After the snow yesterday, we’re in for a cold and rainy afternoon Tuesday.

Periods of rain will move in around noon. While there won’t be widespread heavy rain, it will be persistent and a few heavy downpours are possible.

It will also be cold, with temperatures falling from the lower-to-mid-40s down into the mid-to-upper 30s.

The rainfall could amount to about a half or an inch and minor poor drainage flooding is possible, but not likely.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com
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Missing Baby Is in Possible Danger

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Police are searching for a 4-month-old Bristol girl who has been reported missing and might be in danger, in the company of her father, who police said was issued a no-contact protective order.

Police said 4-month-old Symphony Hannah might be in the company of her mother, 20-year-old Tatiana Jackson, of Bristol, and the child’s father, 24-year-old Sidney Hannah.

A city worker found Sidney Hannah in Jackson's apartment Monday morning and police were called, but he was gone by the time they arrived, police said. 

An employee of the state Department of Children and Families tried to follow up later in the day, but they could not find Jackson or her baby daughter.

"Our concern is she may be with him. We're not sure," Lt. Richard Guerrera, of Bristol Police, said. "That's why we're asking. We're looking for her actively, calling family members, any past addresses, stuff like that. Seeing if anyone can give us some help. Our main concern is that she may be with her ex-boyfriend, who she has a domestic violence history with."  

The couple has a history of domestic abuse and police aid there are outstanding arrest warrants for Sidney Hannah, including one from the Bristol Police Department, and a non-contact protective order that was issued preventing him from contact with the baby and mother, according to Bristol Police.

The Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division of the Bristol Police Department, as well as the Department of Children and Families,s are investigating and anyone with information about the whereabouts of these people is asked to call the Bristol Police Department at 860-584-3011.





Photo Credit: Bristol Police

Dow Closes More Than 350 Points Higher

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U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday as technology shares cut sharp losses from the previous session, CNBC reported.

The Dow Jones industrial average closed 389.17 points higher at 24,033.36 with Nike as the best-performing stock in the index. The S&P 500 gained 1.3 percent to close at 2,614.45, with tech rising 1 percent and energy leading. The Nasdaq composite advanced 1 percent to 6,941.28.

"So far, this is a reaction to an oversold condition," said Bruce Bittles, chief investment strategist at Baird. "What we're looking for now is an upside volume explosion" of nine stocks rising for every declining stock to confirm a new upward trend is starting out. "Unless we get that, all rallies are suspect."



Photo Credit: Mark Lennihan/AP, File

Cool Weather Does Not Keep Volunteers from Outdoor Volunteer Work in Newington

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The cool spring weather didn’t stop volunteers from beautifying Mill Pond Park in Newington Tuesday for a good cause. 

“Really in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Recognizing his passing is 50 years tomorrow, so, we are doing our part, our service for the community and trying to beautify the park,” Raymond Mercado, the Newington Walmart store manager, said. 

More than a dozen local store managers and employees, along with some Newington Police Officers, spent Tuesday morning giving back to the community in a day of service and said Martin Luther King Jr. was their inspiration. 

“When they reached out to us and said they wanted to take on a project like this in memory of him, of course we couldn't help but want to participate,” Newington Police Community Service Officer, Jamie Desimone said. 

The rakes were out and the winter debris was bagged up and thrown away. The group also worked quickly to plant shrubbery and clear out any mess before the rain arrived Tuesday. They were thinking of the spring flowers, but weathered the cool weather in the process. 

“I think you can see, see your breath. It's fine though. You know what, it’s good working weather. So it’s around 40 -45 degrees. You're fine. Complain about being cold? Work harder.” 

That was the mentality of the volunteers as they raced against the impending rain. Everyone was bundled up in hats, gloves and long sleeves to stay warm. 

“It is early bird, so we are getting out before warm weather comes, so we are managing just fine but it is a little chilly,” Connecticut Walmart market manager, David Ebbeling, said. 



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

911 Call Centers Struggle to Cope With Hackers

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Last week's hack of Baltimore's 911 call system was hardly the only such recent attack in the United States, NBC News reported.

There have been 42 that targeted 911 centers across the country in the last two years, according to data compiled by cybersecurity firm SecuLore Solutions. Most were ransomware attacks, where hackers deploy a virus to hold a computer system hostage for payment, or "denial of service" attacks in which a mass of automated bogus calls overwhelms the system.

"911 is the perfect [target] because it can't afford to be down," SecuLore President and CEO Tim Lorello said.

Henry County, Tennessee, was one of the first ransomware attack victims, turning to pencil and paper to track emergency calls for three days in June 2016 rather than pay more than $2,000 in bitcoin to have the system turned back on.



Photo Credit: AdobeStock

Person Taking Driving Test Crashes Into Waterbury DMV

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A woman crashed into the Department of Motor Vehicles in Waterbury while taking a driving test Tuesday. 

Officials from the DMV said the 46-year-old, who has a permit, was taking a driving test when she backed into a parking spot, sped up instead of braking and crashed through windows of the building facing the parking area. 

Two customers inside the building reported minor injuries and one was taken to the hospital for treatment.  

The driver and the DMV inspector who was administering the test were not injured. The driver was issued an infraction for unsafe backing.

The landlord for the property closed up the window and addressed building damage. 

DMV services were not interrupted, according to the DMV.



Photo Credit: Submitted

Police Respond to Reports of Gunshots Near YouTube Office

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Police are responding to reports of gunshots near the YouTube headquarters in San Bruno, Calif.

Shooting Erupts at YouTube HQ, Female Suspect Dead

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Multiple law enforcement sources said the person who opened fire Tuesday at YouTube headquarters in Northern California, triggering a massive police response as employees ran from the building, is deceased at the scene.

It wasn't immediately clear if the shooter, identified as a female, died by suicide or by law enforcement.

Police in the city of San Bruno said there was an active shooter but could not provide more information. Multiple 911 calls reported gunfire, and police and fire officials have responded, City Manager Connie Jackson said.

It was not immediately clear how many people were injured, but local hospitals reported receiving patients.

Television news footage showed people leaving the building in a line, holding their arms in the air for police to inspect as they were leaving the building. Officers patted down people grouped outside, and police vehicles surrounded the area.


A senior law enforcement official told NBC News that the scene is still active and there are no reports of fatalities at this time. The official also said the shooter is a woman.

Videos and photos on social media showed YouTube employees walking out of offices with their hands raised. SWAT teams surrounded the campus, guns drawn.

A spokesperson for Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital said the hospital received patients from the incident.

On Twitter, YouTube employees reported hearing multiple gun shots inside the campus. A few were live tweeting what they saw while they were hiding in their offices.


Marco Tartaglia, who works at a Walmart store near the complex on Cherry Street, told NBC Bay Area that he heard about 15 shots "from the direction of the YouTube building, from what sounded like inside."

"We heard the shots first, and that immediately drew us over to the window to see what the heck's going on, and next thing you know, you see people streaming out just running, dozens of them, just running out the front exit," Tartaglia said.

Refresh this page for more on this breaking news story.



Photo Credit: Joel Brown via Twitter
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Susan Bysiewicz Announces Campaign for Governor

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Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has formally announced a campaign for governor.

“I have heard the hopes and concerns of Connecticut residents. I am determined to make a difference as I formally launch this campaign for Connecticut’s future”, Bysiewicz said in a statement.

The 56-year-old is a former state legislator and three-term Secretary of the state.

Bysiewicz previously had been looking to run against Republican Senator Len. Suzio in her home state senate district, but later said through her interactions with constituents that there was a desire for her to run for the state's highest office.

The Middletown native attended Yale University for her undergraduate degree and received her law degree from Duke University where she also met her husband.

She served as Secretary of the State from 2003 to 2011.

Bysiewicz is not a stranger to statewide runs, with her most recent attempt coming in 2012 when she lost a primary battle for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, eventually won by Chris Murphy.

In 2010, Bysewiecz initially planned to run for governor, but later changed her plans to run for attorney general. She was denied ballot access after the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that she was ineligible to hold the office because she had not been a practicing attorney for ten years.

Since that roadblock, she has worked in private practice, focused on small businesses.

“As many of you know, I’ve served in the legislature, as Secretary of the State, and for the last seven years, I’ve helped over 80 small businesses grow and hire thousands of new employees. Each of these experiences has prepared me for the work ahead. There is much to be done to put our state back on track--and the best way to do it is to find common ground and work together," she said.

When she announced her exploratory committee, she said her background makes her the best choice on the Democratic side when it comes to jumpstarting Connecticut's sluggish economy. She said she wants to see a higher minimum wage, increased paid sick and family leave benefits, and pay equity among men and women.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Legislation Aims to Add Mental Health To State Workers' Comp

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Eighty percent of Connecticut firefighters have had stressful experiences on duty causing lingering or unresolved emotional health issues, according to an exclusive NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters investigation. Eighty percent also said there's a stigma about getting help, but one state senator had a plan to make it easier.

State Senator Cathy Osten wants to change that by making PTSD and other job-related mental health problems covered under workers’ compensation.

“This is not something that is just a piece of feel good legislation,” Osten said. “This is identified, diagnosed, provided correct treatment, so we can get people back on the job."

After Colchester firefighter David Barnes witnessed a horrific fire scene, he struggled with mental health issues that took a toll on his wellbeing. While he found a therapist for help, he knows not all his fellow firefighters are that lucky.

“Calling and finding the help, and the chiefs being able to get me there, was one of the best moves I've ever made," Barnes said.

Osten said her bill narrowly defines PTSD sufferers who would qualify for workers' comp coverage of medical expenses and lost wages, and she believes that will keep the costs down. The National Council on Compensation Insurance, however, said it cannot determine the total cost of introducing this coverage in Connecticut.

Kevin Maloney with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) represents towns and cities whose workers comp insurance would have to provide PTSD coverage if the bill becomes law. He said CCM has concerns that introducing this PTSD coverage would increase claims and premiums for Connecticut towns and cities, dozens of which are self-insured.

“There has to be a way to work out a middle ground. One way could be to establish a state fund to pay for what most people would see as really extraordinary high benefits beyond what is currently available," Maloney said.

Opponents of the bill also argue there could be huge legal costs if disputes arise over coverage that gets denied.

The independent, non-profit Workers Compensation Research Institute recently said 33 states provide workers’ comp coverage for this type of post-traumatic stress. The state of Florida just joined the list last week, making the number 34.



Photo Credit: Jessica Hill/AP

YouTube Shooting Suspect Dead in Apparent Suicide

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The woman suspected of opening fire at YouTube’s headquarters Tuesday wounded 4 people before shooting and killing herself, San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini said.

Feral Cat in New Britain Tests Positive for Rabies

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New Britain health officials have issued a warning after a deceased feral cat found in the Belvedere neighborhood tested positive for rabies.

The New Britain Health Department said the animal came into contact with several humans in the neighborhood, in the areas of Stanley Street and Marlin Road. The animal tested positive on April 2.

Any residents who encountered the animal should check with a doctor for treatment.

Rabies is commonly spread by wild animals but stray cats and dogs may also become infected. Rabies can spread from a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or contact with an infected animal’s saliva. Humans and pets can all be at risk. Health officials encouraged residents to take precautions against rabies infection by avoiding wild or unfamiliar animals, and ensuring pets are up to date on rabies shots.

Rabies has a 100 percent fatality rate if left untreated, and cannot be cured once symptoms appear.

Health officials suggested the following tips to reduce the risk of an encounter with any wild or infected animals:

  • Discourage wild animal foraging by not leaving pet food or other food outside and by securing garbage cans. Do not feed strays.
  • Avoid feeding, touching or housing stray or wild animals. If you see an animal that is sick, injured, dead, orphaned or behaving oddly, leave it alone and contact New Britain Police Department, Animal Control Division, at the number below - do not try to handle the animal yourself.
  • Pets should be kept on leash and observed at all times when outdoors. Outdoor food and water stations for pets should be removed immediately after use; excess food should never be left unattended.

Anyone who may have been exposed to rabies should immediately clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. Anyone with questions can contact the New Britain Health Department at 860-612-1611.

Anyone who suspects an animal may have rabies should report it to the New Britain Police Department Animal Control Division at 860-826-3000.

Possible Replacements Line Up for U.S. Rep. Esty's Seat

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Republicans have started to line up to run for the vacated Congressional seat left by Elizabeth Esty.

Manny Santos, the former Republican Mayor of Meriden, was the first to enter the race back in February, with the thought he would be challenging Esty.

“Now the race has a higher profile,” Santos acknowledged.

Santos, who was born in Portugal, came to America with his parents when he was 5. He later joined the Marines and graduated from the University of Connecticut before working in engineering and as an analyst for a health insurance company.

He said he thinks the Fifth Congressional District is more competitive than even before Esty dropped her re-election bid.

Santos added that a vote for him, is one for support of President Donald Trump.

"My intention is to support this administration's policies, which I agree with most of them and the ones I don't agree on. I'll voice that opinion as well,” he said.

Other Republicans have voiced intentions to run in the 24 hours after Esty announced her decision, including Mark Greenberg who faced Elizabeth Esty in 2014, and Dan Carter who ran against Richard Blumenthal in the race for the US Senate in 2016.

“I understand their needs in the district. They are tired of lip service,” Carter said of running.

Mary Glassman, the former Democratic First Selectman of Simsbury also confirmed to NBC Connecticut her plans to replace Elizabeth Esty.

Multiple sources also told NBC Connecticut that Danbury State Representative Dan Arconti has been discussed as a possible replacement, as well.



Name Change Possible For School Named for Columbus

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New Haven Board of Education members are questioning the name of its Christopher Columbus Family Academy due to controversy surrounding its namesake.

Board of Education President Darnell Goldson told NBC Connecticut the matter was discussed during a naming-committee meeting earlier this week, which was convened to discuss proposals submitted by the public to rename other New Haven Public School facilities.

Goldson said attaching the name of an explorer who committed atrocities against Native American people's to a modern-day New Haven school is worth re-thinking.

"A majority of the population of that school are descendants of people that these atrocities were committed against," Goldson said.

Yesenia Cesario, whose daughter attends the school, said she thinks the name should be changed and that it's important that the curriculum reflects modern understanding of Columbus's actions in the Americas.

Goldson confirmed the Board of Education does not yet have any plans to initiate a change, and said their meeting agenda was set to discuss only proposals which included whether to rename a pedestrian footbridge at Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School and the Strong School after President Barack Obama.

State Police Union Establishes Fund for Fallen Trooper

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The Connecticut State Police Union has established a memorial fund for Trooper First Class Kevin Miller, who was killed in a crash on I-84 while on duty last week.

Miller served with the Connecticut State Police for 19 years and was assigned to Troop C in Tolland. He had previously served for Troop K in Colchester and Troop E in Montville. He was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on I-84 in Tolland last Thursday.

On Tuesday, Connecticut State Police Union President Andrew Matthews spoke to the media about Miller’s death.

“The loss of trooper miller is an immeasurable loss to our agency,” Matthews said.

The union has established a memorial fund to support Miller’s family. Miller is survived by his mother, Linda, a 13-year-old son, a 10-year-ld daughter, and their mother, Jennifer. The funds will go directly to the children, and the union will help the family establish the estate and take care of their needs for the future.

“It doesn’t matter if you knew our brother Kevin or not on the job, because sometimes you don’t meet each other because there is so many of us but it affects every trooper because it could be any one of them at any time,” Matthews said.

Anyone wishing to donate can send checks payable to “The Connecticut State Police Union, Inc.” Checks should be mailed to Kevin Miller Memorial Fund, Connecticut State Police Union, 500 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06118-1034. Please do not send cash and please include “Kevin Miller Memorial Fund” in the check memo.

Calling hours for Miller will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane in East Hartford.

A Mass of Christian burial funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the same location.

The Connecticut State Police Union has established a Kevin Miller Memorial Fund. Anyone wishing to donate can send checks payable to “The Connecticut State Police Union, Inc.” Checks should be mailed to Kevin Miller Memorial Fund, Connecticut State Police Union, 500 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06118-1034. Please do not send cash and please include “Kevin Miller Memorial Fund” in the check memo.

The Connecticut State Police Union has established a memorial fund for Trooper First Class Kevin Miller, who was killed in a crash on I-84 while on duty last week.

Miller served with the Connecticut State Police for 19 years and was assigned to Troop C in Tolland. He had previously served for Troop K in Colchester and Troop E in Montville. He was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on I-84 in Tolland last Thursday.

On Tuesday, Connecticut State Police Union President Andrew Matthews spoke to the media about Miller’s death.

“The loss of trooper miller is an immeasurable loss to our agency,” Matthews said.

The union has established a memorial fund to support Miller’s family. Miller is survived by his mother, Linda, a 13-year-old son, a 10-year-ld daughter, and their mother, Jennifer. The funds will go directly to the children, and the union will help the family establish the estate and take care of their needs for the future.

“It doesn’t matter if you knew our brother Kevin or not on the job, because sometimes you don’t meet each other because there is so many of us but it affects every trooper because it could be any one of them at any time,” Matthews said.

Anyone wishing to donate can send checks payable to “The Connecticut State Police Union, Inc.” Checks should be mailed to Kevin Miller Memorial Fund, Connecticut State Police Union, 500 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06118-1034. Please do not send cash and please include “Kevin Miller Memorial Fund” in the check memo.

Calling hours for Miller will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane in East Hartford.

A Mass of Christian burial funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the same location.

The Connecticut State Police Union has established a Kevin Miller Memorial Fund. Anyone wishing to donate can send checks payable to “The Connecticut State Police Union, Inc.” Checks should be mailed to Kevin Miller Memorial Fund, Connecticut State Police Union, 500 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06118-1034. Please do not send cash and please include “Kevin Miller Memorial Fund” in the check memo.



Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Bill to Ban Bump Stocks in CT Headed to General Assembly

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A bill to ban bump stocks in Connecticut is one step closer to become law Tuesday night.

House Bill 5542 passed a Judiciary Committee vote Tuesday.

Bump stocks are devices used to make weapons fire more rapidly.

The Las Vegas shooter used one to fire on hundreds of concert-goers in just seconds.

Some people argue that it’s good to modify your weapon so you can hit your target effectively.

The bill now goes to the General Assembly.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Blumenthal Wants More Safety Rules for Self-Driving Cars

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U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal wants to strengthen federal legislation surrounding the introduction of self-driving cars.

While there’s excitement around the technology, he want to ensure semi-autonomous cars are also included in the bill, that there are requirements for all of the vehicles to have a manual override and that there is more transparency with the data and safety evaluations.

The legislation already moved from the U.S. Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Blumenthal said while some of his amendments were accepted in committee, there needs to be more action taken in the bill that could possibly go to the floor for a vote in the spring or summer.

Blumenthal tested two semi-autonomous cars already on the market – a Tesla Model 3 and a Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise – Tuesday at the Consumer Reports test track in Colchester.

This comes after two deadly crashes last month - one involving one of Uber Technologies Inc.’s self-driving vehicles in Arizona. The other involved the semi-autonomous Tesla Model X. The company said its autopilot feature was on and the driver’s hands were not on the steering wheel for six second prior to the deadly crash.

Blumenthal tried out the semi-autonomous Tesla Model 3 on Consumer Reports’ test track. While on autopilot going 65 mph, the driver still needed to manually swerve the car to keep it from hitting another vehicle, according to the senator, even though the Model 3 has an emergency breaking system.

“This technology is nowhere near as smart as people assume it is. Being in that vehicle is a little bit like having a toddler at the wheel. Fine as long as there’s no crisis,” Blumenthal said.

According to Consumer Reports, in a Tesla Model 3 on autopilot, a driver can only have their hands off the wheel for about a minute. Otherwise the car will send a warning.

“It’s designed exactly to do what it’s doing. Unfortunately, if you come to the end of the road, or the lines go away, or there’s a car parked in your lane, it’s not designed to actually avoid it right now,” said Consumer Reports’ Director of Auto Testing Jake Fisher.

Fisher said drivers cannot be lulled into a false sense of security. They still need to have their eyes on the road.

The semi-autonomous Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise will only let a driver go into Super Cruise on roads the vehicle already knows, according to Consumer Reports. Plus there’s a camera on the driver to make sure they’re paying attention. But they can take their hands off the wheel.

“We want to make sure that data is broadly shared to demonstrate their safety before the rest of us have to be guinea pigs sharing the road,” David Friedman said. He’s the director of cars and product policy and analysis of Consumers Union, the advocacy division of Consumer Reports.

This bill is focused on testing and commercial sales of these vehicles, Friedman said, adding right now a person can’t by any car that is truly self-driving. The bill would potentially open the door for commercial sale and use of tens to hundreds of sales of these vehicles.

“It’s going to be us and our children and our families on the road with these vehicles, that’s why these critical safety provisions need to be there to protect all of us as well as those inside those cars,” Friedman said.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Trump Under Investigation, But Not Criminal Target: Report

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Special Counsel Robert Mueller told President Donald Trump's attorneys last month he was continuing to investigate the president but did not consider him a criminal target in the Russia probe "at this point," the Washington Post reported Tuesday.

The Post said Mueller also told Trump's lawyers that he was preparing a report about the president's actions while in office and potential obstruction of justice.

"Mueller reiterated the need to interview Trump — both to understand whether he had any corrupt intent to thwart the Russia investigation and to complete this portion of his probe," the newspaper said.



Photo Credit: AP
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