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CCSU to Hold Discuss About Investigation Into Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Professor

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Central Connecticut State University will be holding a discussion with students Tuesday night to address allegations against a theater professor who is accused of sexual misconduct.  

Professor Joshua Perlstein is on paid administrative leave while the school and an independent law firm investigate the allegations, which were first reported by the campus newspaper, The Recorder, according to the university president.  

No charges have been filed against Perlstein. 

When NBC Connecticut previously reached out to him, Perlstein responded by email, saying "I am cooperating fully with the University. That's all I want to say.”

CCSU president Zulma Toro released a statement to the school community about the discussion, which is planned for Tuesday night. 

“Following the report of alleged sexual misconduct by one of our faculty, it has become quite apparent to me that we have some work to do on our campus. It must start with honest, open communication,” CCSU president Zulma Toro said in a statement to the school community. 

Toro said she will update the school community on where the investigation stands during a discussion at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17 in the Constitution Room. 

A moderator will also be there and questions will be taken. 



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Rosenstein Says He's Prepared to Be Fired: Source

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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has recently struck a stoic and righteous tone when talking about the future of his job amid President Donald Trump's public criticism, three sources who have spoken to Rosenstein told NBC News.

One source said he seemed fully aware he may lose his job soon and was at peace with that possibility.

Rosenstein has repeatedly borrowed Martin Luther's phrase, "Here I stand," in his recent conversations and has said history will prove him right in the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

The sources spoke to him throughout his tenure as the deputy attorney general and said he seems less anxious now than after previous times Trump criticized him.

Rosenstein and the Justice Department declined to comment on the content of the conversations.



Photo Credit: Jacquelyn Martin/AP, File

Newington Police Arrest 2 Suspects After Complaints About ATVs

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Newington police have arrested two people amid an investigation into groups of people driving ATVs and illegal dirt bikes recklessly and causing concern in local neighborhoods. 

Police said they received several complaints last summer and the riders, who were often wearing masks, were pulling wheelies, cutting off traffic and disregarding stop signs and traffic lights. 

At times, the groups of riders ranged from five people to more than 30, and the drivers would sometimes engage officers who tried to stop them in a chase, police said. 

Jan Javier Sanchez, 21, of New London, was arrested on March 28 and was charged with four counts of reckless driving, four counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and four counts of operating an unregistered motor vehicle. 

Roberto Alicea, 26, of New Britain, was arrested on April 8 and was charged with three counts of operating an unregistered motor vehicle, three counts of operating a motor vehicle under suspension, three counts of reckless driving and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment. 

He was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear at New Britain Superior Court on April 20. 



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Police ID Found Dead in West Hartford Parking Lot

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West Hartford police have identified the 23-year-old man whose body was found in a car parked in a Brace Road lot Saturday night.

Police said they were called just before 6 p.m. for a report that someone was sleeping in a car. Officers quickly realized the person, identified as Andrew Carbone, of South Glastonbury, was not breathing, so they broke a window to get in and found that he was dead.

Detectives told NBC Connecticut the cause of death was not obvious. Police are still waiting on the report from the medical examiner's office. 

The parking lot is a popular spot to park for those visiting the West Hartford Center, and it’s right next to a quiet neighborhood.

Police said there is no danger to the public. 

The investigation is ongoing.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Jackpot! Biggest Lottery Wins in US History

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Scroll through to see some of the biggest lottery jackpot winners of all time.

Speaker Ryan: Rep. McCarthy 'Right Person' to Take Over

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House Speaker Paul Ryan has endorsed House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to succeed him in his leadership role, Ryan said in an exclusive NBC interview.

"I think we all believe that Kevin is the right person," Ryan said in a "Meet the Press" interview to be aired Sunday. He then clarified that "our leadership team" thinks he's the right man for the job, not necessarily "every single person in Congress."

The Wisconsin Republican said McCarthy could get the votes because "we have gotten a lot done."

Ryan added that House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., another representative some thought could be a replacement, also believes McCarthy should fill Ryan's role.

Ryan pushed back on suggestions that a vote for House speaker should take place now, saying it would be "needless distractions from the task at hand."

"I think what we want to do is focus on getting our jobs done," he said. "What we want to do is focus on executing our agenda, focus on fighting for our majority."



Photo Credit: AP, File
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Lettuce Named Likely Culprit in 11-State E. Coli Outbreak

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Health investigators have identified chopped romaine lettuce from Arizona as the probable culprit of an 11-state E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least seven people in New Jersey as well as people in New York and Connecticut.

The New Jersey Department of Health issued an update on the probe Friday, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration traced the likely source back to lettuce grown in Yuma, but neither agency has identified a grower, supplier, distributor or brand.

Consumers who have bought romaine lettuce - including salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce - are advised to throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick.

"If you don’t know if the lettuce is romaine, throw it away. Before purchasing romaine lettuce at a grocery store or eating it at a restaurant, consumers should confirm with the store or restaurant that the romaine lettuce did not come from the Yuma, Arizona growing region," the NJ Department of Health said.

As of April 13, 35 cases have been reported in 11 states. Twenty-two people have been hospitalized, the CDC says. The seven cases in New Jersey include four in Hunterdon County and one each in Monmouth, Sussex and Somerset counties. The sick range in age from 12 to 84 and most are women.

There are eight cases in Idaho, two in Connecticut, nine in Pennsylvania, two in New York, two in Ohio and one each in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia and Washington, the CDC says. Check the CDC's case count map here.

Health officials say the outbreak started in late March. Though no deaths have been reported, at least six people have been hospitalized with one developing hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

Symptoms vary and can range from mild to severe diarrhea to nausea and vomiting. Usually there is little or no fever present. E. coli can spread from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces, the CDC says. It is very contagious and can spread quickly in places such as daycare centers and cruise ships.

“Individuals with this infection usually get better within about 5 to 7 days, however some illnesses can be serious or even life-threatening,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal said in a statement. “Anyone experiencing symptoms of this illness should see a healthcare provider.”


Bathroom Hand Dryers Spread Fecal Bacteria: Study

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Using those hot-air hand dryers in restrooms actually spread bacteria, including fecal bacteria on your hands, according to a new study conducted at UConn.

“In most institutions, toilets don’t have lids and when you flush them you get a little bit of an aerosol,” said Dr. Peter Setlow, a molecular biology and biophysics professor at UConn Health.

So, where does that toilet plume go?

“The hand dryers grab that air in the bathroom and accelerate it,” Setlow said.

During the study, plates were placed under hand dryers to collect the bacteria being blown out of the hand dryer.

“We’d get up to 150, 200 individual bacterial colonies and obviously different because they were different colors, different shapes, different smell,” Setlow said.

They tested 36 bathrooms multiple times and got similar results. The study was done in a research area in the academic building at UConn Health in Farmington not open to the public. However, Setlow said hand dryers in most public bathrooms work the same way.

“The bacteria that are blown from the hand dryers are coming from the bathroom air,” said Setlow.

Setlow has been studying molecular biology for 50 years. He said of the nearly 500 papers he’s helped author, this one, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, has gotten the most attention.

People who spoke with NBC Connecticut said news of the study may make them change their habits.

“It definitely makes me hesitate to use them,” Amy Anderson, of West Hartford, said.

"I’d just shake off your hands maybe. Just dry them on your sweatshirt,” said Sean Brierty, of Barkhamsted.

Setlow said adding HEPA filters to the hand dryers reduced the amount of bacteria four-fold when they were attached to the same dryers previously tested.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Cohen Negotiated Settlement for GOP Fundraiser, Playmate

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Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's personal attorney, negotiated a settlement between a top Republican fundraiser and a former Playboy Playmate who claimed she became pregnant as a result of a consensual relationship, the fundraiser acknowledged in a statement Friday

Elliott Broidy, who served as deputy finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, said that Cohen had approached him after being contacted by the Playboy model's attorney, Keith Davidson.

"It is unfortunate that this personal matter between two consenting adults is the subject of national discussion just because of Michael Cohen’s involvement," Broidy said, after apologizing to his wife and family. Broidy resigned from the RNC Friday.

Cohen arranged a deal in late 2017 to pay $1.6 million to the model, whose name was not disclosed, over two years, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Journal was the first to report the agreement.



Photo Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File

'I'm a Proud American Patriot': Deported Vet Becomes US Citizen

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A Mexican-born veteran who was twice deported and waged a years-long fight to return to the U.S. became an American citizen Friday in a ceremony in San Diego.

"The citizenship only validates what I’ve always felt in my heart: I’m a proud American patriot," Hector Barajas-Varela said to cheers from supporters and veterans groups outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) building.

Barajas-Varela was sworn in at a private naturalization ceremony surrounded by loved ones, a move made possible by Gov. Jerry Brown’s pardon of a criminal offense last year.

"I want to thank Gov. Jerry Brown for this historic pardon, which was my biggest barrier," Barajas-Varela said. "He showed that California has upheld its values and is supportive of immigrants like me."

Barajas-Varela was departed in 2004 after serving two years in prison for shooting at an occupied vehicle in 2002. He made his way back to the U.S. before being deported again in 2010.

Last month, Barajas-Varela learned he was granted U.S. citizenship. Brown removed a major obstacle to citizenship by pardoning him last year, noting his distinguished military service and advocacy work.

"I'm in the United States," Barajas-Varela said in a Facebook Live post shortly after crossing the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Before crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a crowd of friends, community members and other deported veterans gathered for a sendoff outside the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, which Barajas-Varela founded in 2013. 

"All the brothers that are still here, you know, we have the motto of 'leave no man behind.' But, I told you guys I wish could take you – take you guys with me." Barajas-Varela said choking back tears, to which a man in the crowd replied, "we’ll get there, buddy."

He then departed Tijuana en route to downtown San Diego, where he would pledge his allegiance to the U.S. and be sworn-in as an American citizen.

During his eight years living in Tijuana, Barajas-Varela worked directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in San Diego to launch the Deported Veterans Support House health clinic.

Through the clinic, he helped dozens of veterans receive benefits, including psychological exams, employment counselors and help from lawyers.

"My biggest dream is to see all my brothers and sisters go home to the country they’re willing to die for," Barajas-Varela said Friday.

He is believed to be the first deported veteran that has been granted U.S. citizenship. His story is bringing hope to other deported veterans and veterans stateside facing deportation proceedings.

"Now finally we can say 'yes,' he has opened the doors for the other veterans," said Manuel Valenzuela, a veteran facing possible deportation.

Valenzuela vowed to Barajas-Varela that he would make it to San Diego for his U.S. arrival, and made the trip from Colorado Springs to follow through on a promise he made nine years earlier when the two first met.

Valenzuela told NBC 7 after the ceremony the two will go to church together.

Barajas-Varela was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, and arrived in the U.S. with his parents when he was 7. He grew up in the U.S. and enlisted in the Army in 1995. He received numerous accolades and awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.

He was honorably discharged in 2001.

Following his service in the Army, Barajas-Varela said he had difficulty adjusting to civilian life. He became addicted to drugs, and in 2002, was sentenced to two years in prison and nearly a year in detention after he pleaded no contest to shooting at an occupied vehicle.

Once released, he was placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who deported him to Nogales, Sonora.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Barajas-Varela said that he was unable to adjust to life in Mexico, a country he was unfamiliar with, and made his way back into the U.S. before being deported again in 2010.

Barajas-Varela is eager to change his circumstances this time around. 

"I’m an all-American patriot I proudly serve my adopted country as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. I believe I am no less of an American because of the mistakes that I’ve made," he said Friday.

He plans to serve with the Deported Veterans Support House for one more year before returning to his family. He wants to go back to school, continue supporting the community and put his daughter through college. 

5 Ways Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Making Their Big Day Different

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As Britain's royals prepare to welcome Meghan Markle into the family, there are plenty of customs that must be part of the marriage ceremony. But Prince Harry and Markle have chosen to stray from tradition in some aspects. Here are five ways they are making their big day different.



Photo Credit: WireImage

Strip Club Defends Racy Billboard on I-84

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Tolland's town manager has received several complaints about a new billboard on I-84 promoting the Electric Blue Café strip club.

It was put up a week ago on the eastbound side of the highway near the rest stop by Exit 70.

Some drivers and Tolland town leaders are raising concerns about it being an inappropriate distraction.

The strip club is defending the sign, saying there is nothing illegal about it.

“It’s nothing more than the girls in their bathing suits I’m sorry, I don’t see any nudity in there, OK,” said Katrina Kulakova, public relations director for Electric Blue. “Maybe a little bit risqué but still it’s our business, right?”

Tolland Town Manager Steven R. Werbner said he has received several complaints from residents and commuters about the ad being offensive. It shows two adult dancers, not wearing much at all, and one is seen next to a pole.

Drivers who spoke to NBC Connecticut on Friday said they aren't so sure it's appropriate.

“It’s a little more than I would except,” Alex Merida from Boston said. “Kids are driving by and everything.”

“It’s a little too much in your face,” Ursula Meyer, of Bridgeport, said. “You know I think I remember the old sign was like silhouettes, which can be maybe tasteful.”

Kulakova said there is nothing illegal about the billboard.

“We know the laws what we can put up and what we cannot,” she said.

While some argue it could be a distraction to drivers, Kulakova said this new ad does not pose any more of a danger than other highway signs.

“Honey, some men get distracted by anything, OK,” she said. “We did not have one accident because of our billboards.”

Department of Transportation spokesperson Kevin Nursick said the DOT has no authority over billboard content, adding it is a First Amendment issue. The DOT can only enforce issues such as the size or brightness of a billboard.

Nursick told NBC Connecticut there are no technical violations with the strip club’s new billboard.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

'Human Waste' Found in Counterfeit Cosmetics Seized During Bust: LAPD

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Authorities seized $700,000 worth of counterfeit cosmetics that tested positive for bacteria and human feces during a raid Thursday in Fashion District of Los Angeles.

The LAPD-Piracy Unit targeted 21 locations in the Santee Alley shopping area after the agency received several complaints about cosmetics causing skin rashes. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Central Bureau Vice Units assisted in the raid.

Six people were arrested on charges of trademark violations and 15 businesses were issued cease-and-desist orders.

The counterfeit cosmetics included imitations of popular brands like Kylie, Anastasia, Mac, Urban Decay, Naked and Too Faced.

The cosmetics seized tested positive for high levels of bacteria and human waste.

In a tweet after the raid, LAPD Capt. Marc Reina warned customers looking for a bargain that "The best price is not always the best deal."

In February 2017, a similar bust was conducted after the department received complaints from customers who got rashes after using counterfeit cosmetics. The seized make-up was tested and found to have high levels of bacteria and traces of animal feces.



Photo Credit: LAPD
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Trump Orders Military Strike on Syria

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President Donald Trump said Friday the United States has “launched precision strikes” on targets associated with Syrian chemical weapons program. He said a “combined operation” with France and the United Kingdom is underway.


Pentagon: Airstrikes on Syria Meant Degrade Chemical Weapons Ability

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Defense Secretary James Mattis and Gen. Jospeh Dunford held a press briefing after President Donald Trump announced military airstrikes on Syria.

Businesses Still Fixing Damage From Winter Ice Jam

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Some businesses along the Connecticut River suffered tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage after January’s ice jam.

Three months later, they’re still in the midst of cleanup.

Andrews Marina owner David Papallo hired a company to dive under the docks at the marina in Haddam and use a chainsaw to remove some of the pilings snapped by the ice.

“To snap pilings all the way inside the basin was just—I didn’t think it could happen,” Papallo said.

Piling after piling broken at the mudline left the Haddam marina owner with around $40,000 worth of damage.

A few even got stuck so a crew needed to pry up the dock to remove them. Visibility under the water also posed a challenge.

“In a matter of three minutes, (the ice jam) wiped out a good number in here,” Papallo said.

But he still plans to open for the season on May 1.

The ice jam also destroyed RiverQuest’s dock.

“All structure underneath the dock was shattered by the ice,” said Captain Mark Yuknat. “We had a big six-foot-high block of ice coming through here.”

Yuknat shelled out about $10,000 Friday and will have to pay possibly another $20,000 to $30,000 next year. He watched the damage unfurl from Key West, Florida.

“I had to get another margarita after that,” he said.

Now, he said he can’t afford one after getting the bill.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Gun Rights Rally Held at State Capitol

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Gun rights advocates gathered for a rally at the State Capitol in Hartford on Saturday.

Hundreds of people showed up for the event organized by the Connecticut Citizens Defense League.

Organizers said the rally was to show lawmakers that there is support for the Second Amendment in Connecticut.

"We have watched as law-abiding individuals have become vilified simply because they wish to have the means for self-protection. This is why we are rallying," CCDL President Scott Wilson said in a release. "Those who support our rights will not simply sit back and let those very rights be trampled on."

The rally was scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

FIRST ALERT: Parts of CT Could See Icing Sunday, Storms Monday

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The NBC Connecticut meteorologists have issued a First Alert for the chance of everything from icing to heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms for heavy rain, strong winds, and thunder beginning Sunday through Monday.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for parts of Litchfield County starting Saturday at 7 p.m.

Saturday will start off sunny and warm with temperatures in the 60s. Temperatures will drop rapidly by late afternoon and evening as a cold front moves in.

Sunday will be significantly colder with clouds and showers, and light icing possible in the hills. Temperatures will drop down into the 30s.

Storms move in Monday, with rain heavy at times that could cause some localized flooding. Thunderstorms are possible, paired with a chance for gusty winds.


We’ll refine the forecast as we get closer.

For the latest forecast anytime, click here.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut
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Extended Bolton School Year Raises Concerns About June Heat

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Since Mother Nature didn’t play nice this winter, students in Bolton will have to stay in school even longer.

But extending the school calendar because of the snow raised concerns for some about the heat in the month of June.

Bolton Public Schools had 10 snow days for the 2017-2018 school year, which forced Superintendent Kristin Heckt to ask the Board of Education to extend the school calendar to June 20 to meet the required 180 school days. But she made sure those last three days were only half days.

Bolton Center School is not air conditioned. According to Board of Education minutes, Heckt said there’s a concern about the heat in the afternoon and the students’ well-being.

The half days will also give staff time to pack up their rooms for an asbestos abatement project.

“It just takes another day away from the summer vacation where you can play and be free,” sixth-grader Benjamin Roth said.

He’d prefer to be at school when it’s cold instead of in June. But he’s all for the half days, not only because he gets out earlier. He said the school can get very warm.

“Since we go upstairs, it’s really hot and the heat rises,” Roth said.

But Roth’s dad, Jeffrey, is not a fan of half days.

“When I went to school there was no air conditioning and we went well into June many times,” Jeffrey Roth said.

In fact, he rather the school day be extended, not the school calendar.

“Go eight hours to school and make up those half days that way rather than extend the year,” Roth said.

The Bolton Board of Education also agreed that next year, should there be another winter like this, there could be days taken from April break if school is cancelled more than nine days. Staff and parents would be notified ahead of time.

“You just got to roll with the punches. I used to get frustrated but what are you going to do? The safety of the kids comes first,” Catherine Peacock said.

Peacock is raising five kids in Bolton. She said whatever is best for their education is the decision the Board needs to make.

“As far as my husband and I are concerned, education comes first. You can always go to Disney, you can always go down south to the beach, but their schooling is important,” Peacock said.

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