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4 Massachusetts State Troopers Hurt in Multi-Car Crash

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Four Massachusetts State Police Troopers were hospitalized overnight following a multi-car crash allegedly caused by a suspected drunken driver.

The crash happened at about 1 a.m. in Brockton when officials were on a car stop on Route 27, where two cruisers were hit by an alleged OUI driver. Both cruisers had new Troopers who recently graduated from the academy last month, according to state police.

All four troopers were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Footage of the scene showed four vehicles, including the two cruisers, on the road. Severe damage could be seen on one cruiser and a tow truck later arrived to take both cruisers and one of the vehicles involved.

The driver who allegedly caused the crash was arrested for OUI. State police did not release the driver’s identity.



Photo Credit: NBC10 Boston

Police Investigation in Meriden Clears

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A police investigation in Meriden on Monday morning has cleared.

Officers said their investigation was on North First Street.

Members of the SWAT team could be seen in front of a home.

An NBC Connecticut crew at the scene saw someone being taken away in handcuffs.

Authorities have not released details about what exactly they were investigating.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl in an Uber in Fairfield

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Fairfield police have arrested a man who is accused of sexually assaulting a girl in an Uber on Saturday.

Officers said the father of a girl reported that his daughter received an Uber ride from Stonewall Lane in Fairfield.

During the ride, the father said 31-year-old Dwaine Miller, of Bridgeport, allegedly made unwanted sexual contact with his daughter and made overt sexual advances, according to police.

Miller was arrested and is charged with sexual assault. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on July 26.

Police said Miller is a convicted felon with numerous arrests including robbery, assault and burglary.



Photo Credit: Fairfield Police

Phase 5 of Park Road Project in West Hartford Begins

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The fifth phase of the Park Road project in West Hartford is set to begin on Monday.

Officials said this phase will be more disruptive and will extend the existing work zone through the Trout Brook Drive intersection.

Park Road will be closed to westbound traffic 24 hours per day between Quaker Lane South and the Interstate 84 ramps.

Trout Brook Drive will be closed to all traffic 24 hours per day between Park Road and Boulevard.

There will be signed detours in place and local access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times, officials added. The detour will likely be in place for between two and three weeks.

Drivers are urged to expect delays and to use caution when driving through the area of the project. If possible, drivers are asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes.

South Main Street, Trout Brook Drive and Prospect Avenue and Kane Street are alternate routes that drivers can use.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Man Killed in Head-On Crash in Easton

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A man has died after a head-on crash in Easton on Sunday night.

Officers were called to a two-car head-on crash on Route 59 near Stephney Road around 5:30 p.m.

When police arrived, they said they found multiple people injured in both vehicles.

Easton Police, Easton firefighters, Monroe Police and Monroe firefighters assisted at the scene.

Firefighters used hydraulic extrication tools to assist in getting people out of the vehicles to be treated by first responders, police said.

Multiple EMS units arrived at the scene and victims were transported to St. Vincent's Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital, officers added.

According to police, the male driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner's office was called to the scene to investigate the cause of his death.

The man's identity has not been released.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.



Photo Credit: Stringr.com

Vehicle Hits Pedestrian, Rolls Over in New London

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Emergency crews are at the scene of a crash after a vehicle hit a pedestrian and then rolled over in New London on Monday morning.

Firefighters said an adult pedestrian was pushing an empty stroller when a vehicle hit him or her on Vauxhall Street around 8:37 a.m.

The truck driver and the pedestrian were transported to the hospital, firefighters added.

Authorities did not release details about their injuries, but did say this is a serious injury accident.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.



Photo Credit: New London Firefighters IAFF Local 1522

4 People Arrested After Fight at Ocean Beach Park in New London

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New London police arrested four people after a fight at Ocean Beach Park on Sunday night.

Officers were called to the park shortly before 7 p.m. after getting a report of a physical disturbance involving multiple people.

When police arrived, they said they had contact with several people involved in a fight. Pepper spray was deployed by officers on scene to help gain control.

No serious injuries were reported.

The four people are each facing breach of peace and other charges.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

A Complete Guide to 2020 Democratic Primary Debates

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With the first Democratic debate of the 2020 presidential election in the bag, here's a primer with information on what you should know about that two-night event and future debates. 

When and How to Watch the 2020 Democratic Presidential Debates

The Democratic National Committee has approved up to 12 debates. Six debates are scheduled in 2019 and six more set for 2020. NBC News went first which makes CNN's the next debate up. 

CNN will host its debate on July 30 and 31 from Detroit, Michigan. Ten candidates are debating from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m ET each night. Qualifying rules are the same as for the first debate (more on that below).

The debate will air on CNN, CNN en Español and CNN International. The network said it will not require a log-in from a cable provider for accessing its live debate stream.

CNN said it will hold a drawing live on July 18 to determine who will debate when. 

Candidates will be allowed opening and closing statements, 60 seconds to answer questions from moderators and 30 seconds for responses and rebuttals. In contrast to NBC News' debate, CNN said its would not include "show of hands" questions or ones calling for one-word answers. The network also vowed to reduce time for candidates who repeatedly interrupt. 

ABC News will host the third presidential debate on Sept. 12 and 13 in Houston and also air live on Univision with a Spanish translation. This debate will be harder to qualify for than the first two (more on that below).

The first debate, sponsored by NBC News, MSNBC, and Telemundo, took place on June 26 and June 27 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida. Watch everything each candidate said on night one and night two

At NBC's debate candidates were allowed closing statements but no openers.

The 20 Democrats Who Made the First Presidential Primary Debate Lineup in Miami Were

NBC News announced on June 14 the lineups of Democratic presidential candidates who appeared on stage at the first debates in Miami.

The first group of 10 who appeared on Wednesday, June 26: Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, former Rep. John Delaney of Maryland, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, former Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.  

NBC News has a full transcript here.

More coverage from night one: 

The second group of 10 who appeared on Thursday, June 27: Sen. Kamala Harris of California, former Vice President Joe Biden, South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, author Marianne Williamson, Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, entrepreneur Andrew Yang and Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado.

NBC News has a full transcript here.

More coverage from night two:

Three candidates who failed to make the cut for either night of the debate were Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, Massachusetts congressman Seth Moulton, and Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam

Another new candidate who entered the race and hopes to make future debates is former Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak.  

Here is more information about all the candidates and how they are trying to stand out

So...Who Won the First Democratic Debate?

That's ultimately for the voters to decide. Kamala Harris received an initial bump in the polls and Joe Biden slid, according to some polls. Here is how NBC News' political team assessed the hopefuls on round one and round two.

How Candidates Qualify for the First Two Democratic Presidential Primary Debates

In February, the DNC published specific debate guidelines spelling out what  candidates have to do to participate. 

Democratic candidates may qualify for the first and second debate by meeting one of the two following sets of criteria:

Criteria 1- Polling Method: Participants must register 1% or more support in three polls (which may be national polls, or polls in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and/or Nevada) publicly released between Jan. 1, 2019, and 14 days prior to the date of the debate. Qualifying polls will be limited to those sponsored by one or more of the following organizations/institutions: Associated Press, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Des Moines Register, Fox News, Las Vegas Review Journal, Monmouth University, NBC News, New York Times, National Public Radio (NPR), Quinnipiac University, Reuters, University of New Hampshire, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Winthrop University. Any candidate’s three qualifying polls must be conducted by different organizations, or if by the same organization, must be in different geographical areas.

Criteria 2 - Grassroots Fundraising Method: Candidates may qualify for the debate by demonstrating that the campaign has received donations from at least (1) 65,000 unique donors; and (2) a minimum of 200 unique donors per state in at least 20 U.S. states.  

If more than 20 candidates qualify, here is how a tiebreaker would work, according to NBC News. Candidates who meet both the polling and fundraising criteria would get preference. If that still doesn't winnow the field, then preference goes to candidates with the highest polling average.    

How Candidates Will be Selected for Future 2020 Presidential Debates

For the third debate, the DNC is essentially doubling the polling and fundraising thresholds set for the first two debates — and requiring candidates to meet both standards, instead of just one or the other, NBC News reported.

Candidates will need to register at least 2 percent in four major polls conducted this summer and receive donations from at least 130,000 individual donors, including at least 400 in 20 states.

Who Will Moderate the 2020 Presidential Debates?

CNN's Dana Bash, Don Lemon and Jake Tapper will moderate the second debate on July 30 and 31, the network reported.

There were five moderators for the first debate: "TODAY" co-anchor and NBC News chief legal analyst Savannah Guthrie, "NBC Nightly News" and "Dateline" anchor Lester Holt, "Meet the Press" moderator and NBC News political director Chuck Todd, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow and "Noticias Telemundo" and "NBC Nightly News Saturday" anchor José Diaz-Balart. 

Holt moderated for both hours. Guthrie and Diaz-Balart co-moderated for the first hour, while Todd and Maddow joined Holt for the second hour, NBC News said. 

Specific hosts and moderators have not yet been revealed for subsequent debates.

The DNC has said it will have at least one female and non-white moderator at each Democratic presidential debate.

"The DNC is committed to an inclusive and fair debate process," DNC senior adviser Mary Beth Cahill told Refinery29, which first reported the debates will have at least one female moderator. "That means that all 12 DNC sanctioned debates will feature a diverse group of moderators and panelists including women and people of color, ensuring that the conversations reflect the concerns of all Americans."

HuffPost later reported that the debates will also include at least one person of color as a moderator, who could also be the same person as the female moderator. 


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Man Charged With Murder Following Shooting in Hartford

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Hartford police have arrested a man and charged him with murder after a shooting in Hartford on Friday night.

Officers said 28-year-old Anthony Wright, of Hartford, was shot on Main Street and Mahl Avenue around 11 p.m. He was pronounced dead shortly after.

On Monday, members of Hartford Police Department's Violent Crime Unit and U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Antoine Keaton.

According to police, Keaton is facing charges including murder and possession of a firearm. 



Photo Credit: Hartford Police Department

On Prime Day, Amazon Workers Brace for 'Two Months of Hell'

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As Amazon geared up for Prime Day, the annual shopping event during which consumers can snag Black Friday-like bargains on millions of items, some employees braced for a long two days — and then some.

In recent weeks, workers in Amazon’s fulfillment centers — the company’s massive warehouses where employees move and process packages — have taken to a private Facebook group with almost 18,000 members to let off steam and express frustration with the retail behemoth's policies surrounding the consumer holiday.“Prime Day coming up,” one member wrote above the image of a sinking ship.

The sentiments from the group provide a window into the lives of workers at Amazon’s more than 140 fulfillment centers around the United States who make up the bulk of the company’s workforce, which numbers more than half a million people, NBC News reports.

In recent years, the conditions in which those workers operate has become the subject of growing criticism. Those concerns are heightened during Amazon’s Prime Day promotions. During the company’s 2018 Prime Day, consumers ordered more than 100 million products. This year’s Prime Day has expanded to two days: July 15 and 16.



Photo Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Climate Change and its Effect on Our Coastal Ecosystem

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Climate change and rapidly warming water mean a major impact on our coastal ecosystem.

The North Atlantic shelf, which includes our Connecticut shoreline and extends all the way up to the coastal waters of Canada, is warming faster 99 percent faster than our global oceans. Scientists are concerned for what the future holds.

“There’s a lot of concern about what climate change can do. The Gulf of Maine which is an incredibly productive body of water which includes Cape Cod and parts North is warming at an alarming rate. And it will be interesting to see how that changes the distribution of both the predator and prey,” said Dr. Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

In the case of great white sharks, climate change will likely affect the prey before the predator.

“The white shark is has the ability to warm its body temperature. It can penetrate cold water, it can stay in warm water. I don’t think the distribution of the white shark is going to be impacted directly by climate change. However it will be interesting to see what happens with the seals. Seals have a fur coat they have a thick blubber layer and I can see the seals perhaps shifting north which might of course draw the sharks with them,” Skomal said.

A migration has already begun for humpbacks whales, which used to be visible in large quantities from the Cape Cod shoreline.

“I think over the years those numbers have thinned out and they’ve moved,” said Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, senior scientist at the Center for Coastal Studies. “Their movement patterns just like right whales have changed considerably as the food resources have changed the currents that bring in the food have changed and so the whales are moving into different locations.”

The whales aren’t just moving – they’re also dying.

“There have been lots of humpback whales found dead and it’s not clear why. We all suspect that underneath these unusual events with right whales and with humpbacks lies a signal a climate signal.”

The same changes hold true for the right whales, but the situation is much more dire. There are only estimated to be roughly 400 right whales left in existence.

“ The situation right now is about as extreme as we’ve ever seen it. This whale is becoming one of the icons for the endangered species of all size animals across the world because the right well now is clinging to existence,” Mayo said.

The species is experiencing a high mortality rate in conjunction with a low calving rate. For perspective, seven calves were born earlier this spring, and so far this summer, four right whales have been found dead. The high mortality is being traced back to humans - whales are becoming entangled in fishing gear and run over by ships. But the low calving rate is a bit of a mystery.

“One suspects as is usually the case that there are dysfunctions in the ecosystem. Potentially changes and food may be due to climate change, potentially females carrying diseases there is a thought that there may be some genetic dysfunction because of such a small population but we can’t say for sure why there are so few calves,” Mayo said.

With roughly 100 reproductively mature females in existence, researchers would expect to see anywhere from 20 to 30 calves born each year. And while seven this past spring was incredibly low, it was an improvement from last year when no new calves were born, and the year prior to that with only five calves.

“Those numbers are too low. It’s great to have calves but the numbers are too low so there’s a frustration that we don’t understand or the public does not understand that this is not good. At seven it’s better than zero but it’s not good.”



Photo Credit: Center for Coastal Studies

Divers Swim, Take Pictures With Oversized Jellyfish

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Instead of swimming away from a barrel jellyfish that is larger than some humans and can sting you, underwater cinematographer Dan Abbot and wildlife biologist and presenter Lizzie Daly swam toward it, capturing the stunning photo.

The under-the-sea daredevils swam with the jellyfish for about an hour, they told VICE News’ Motherboard. The beast just “appeared out of the murky water” and was bigger than any other barrel jellyfish the two had ever seen.

Also known as the dustbin-lid jellyfish, the barrel jellyfish is the biggest jellyfish found off the coast of the United Kingdom. They can weigh up to 77 pounds and typically measure around three feet across, according to The Wildlife Trusts.

Encountering a barrel jellyfish like this is rare for humans. The only time most humans ever see one is when they wash up on the shore of a beach. And almost no one would want to swim with them. Their 8-frilly tentacles, which are covered in many tiny mouths, can get you with a not-so-dangerous sting.

“It really humbles you to be alongside an animal that size,” Daly said. “It’s an experience we’ll never forget.”



Photo Credit: Dan Abbott - Underwater Cinematographer / Lizzie Daly - Wildlife Presenter

Sharks On the Shoreline: What Lies Beneath the Water?

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In recent years there has been an increase in shark sightings in New England. While beachgoers aren't too happy to be sharing the waters with great whites, the rise is shark sightings is actually something of a success story, and it's up to us to find a way to co-exist.

An Increasing Population

Science shows significant changes in the shark population along Cape Cod.

Dr. Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is one of the leading experts in shark research. 

”We’re definitely seeing an increasing trend and we think that’s pretty much highly correlated with the robust presence of seals in the area.”

Back in the 1970s, the seal population was nearly extinct. It wasn’t until the passage of the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act that the seal population began to rebound. More seals means more sharks, and a higher likelihood for an attack.

“We firmly believe that when a white shark strikes a person it’s a mistake. There is really shallow areas to feed on the seals and the seals now with the seals stay very tight to the beach the sharks challenge themselves to get in tight to the beach and of course you superimpose human activity over that and it creates this potential and we saw that happen last year,” Skomal said.

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The recent and more frequent shark sightings have beach goers on edge in Cape Cod, especially after last year’s attacks.

New Yorker William Lytton was attacked on Long Nook Beach in Truro, Massachusetts on August 15, 2018. He survived, despite suffering deep puncture wounds to his legs and torso. But just one month later a few miles away, Arthur Medici became the victim of the first fatal shark attack off Cape Cod in 83 years. 

Since the attacks last summer, Truro Town Manager Rae Palmer says she and other town officials are working with the Cape Cod National Seashore to prevent future attacks and limit the loss of life.

During last year’s attacks, patrons had to run beyond the beaches to parking attendants to call for help due to weak cell service. This year officials are installing call boxes for faster response times and hemorrhage kits to stop the bleed in the event of an attack.

Town officials also obtained a stretcher with buggy wheels to transport potential victims faster, and there will be EMTs to patrol the beaches as an extra safeguard. 

Test Your Shark Knowledge

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Researchers are trying to identify specific areas, hotspots, times of day, even months when the sharks are feeding and hunting the seals. New tagging technology is giving them more information than ever before.

New tags have built in accelerometers - the same technology that’s in your smart phone that tracks your activity.

“That’s going to allow us to look at their fine scale movements in 3D. And from that we are going to be able to identify when they are feeding on seals as well as conditions that they might be more likely to be going after seals when they’re more active,” explains Megan Winton, a research scientist at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy works alongside the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries researching sharks behaviors and trying to forecast the future.

Determining things like how much sharks are eating, if it relates to time of day or tide cycles helps town managers and the National Seashore hone in on their safety messaging and actions to help prevent shark attacks.

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Even though seals are not an uncommon sight along the Connecticut shoreline, great white sharks have never had a presence in Long Island Sound. Experts say there are only four species of shark found there - the sand tiger shark, the brown shark and two types of dogfish.

These sharks feed on small schooling fish and invertebrates- not seals. So when it comes to the sound, you’re safe to swim.

Climate Change and Our Coastal Ecosystem

As we talk about sharks, it's important to think about everything else that lives beneath the water, and what climate change and rapidly warming water means for our coastal ecosystem.

The North Atlantic shelf, which includes the Connecticut shoreline and extends all the way up to the coastal waters of Canada is warming faster 99 percent faster than our global oceans. And while the increasing shark population isn’t directly impacted by the warming water, scientists are concerned for what the future holds for all kinds of marine life.

One example is the seals. As waters warm, these fur-coated animals with a heavy layer of blubber may migrate north into colder waters. Sharks may then follow their food source.

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A migration has already begun for humpbacks whales, which used to be visible in large quantities from the Cape Cod shoreline. 

But the humpbacks aren't just moving - they're also dying. Experts aren't sure why, but they suspect it's a signal from the climate.

The situation is much more dire with right whales. Experts estimate there are only roughly 400 right whales left in existence.

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The species is experiencing a high mortality rate in conjunction with a low calving rate. For perspective - seven calves were born earlier this spring, and so far this summer, four right whales have been found dead. While the reason for the low calving rate remains a mystery, the high mortality is being traced back to humans. Whales are becoming entangled in fishing gear and run over by ships.

“One suspects as is usually the case that there are dysfunctions in the ecosystem. Potentially changes and food may be due to climate change, potentially females carrying diseases there is a thought that there may be some genetic dysfunction because of such a small population but we can’t say for sure why there are so few calves," explained Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, senior scientist at the Center for Coastal Studies.

For more information, click here.



Photo Credit: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
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As More States Restrict Abortion, Others Put Out the Welcome Mat for Women

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Some states and cities have a message for women seeking abortions who live in places where it is becoming increasingly restricted: We're here for you.

New York City and Illinois — spurred by a slew of states that have passed laws recently to limit or ban abortion — are taking action to provide women from out of state with financial and other assistance for easier access to abortions, NBC News reports. Last month, the New York City Council approved $250,000 for abortions for poor women who live in, or who have traveled to, the city specifically to receive the procedure — the first time, experts told NBC News, that a municipality has directly allocated money for abortion that could be explicitly used for residents from other locales. 

Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, last month signed a law making abortion a "fundamental right" in the state, codifying Roe v. Wade into state law, striking down a handful of anti-abortion provisions that had been on the books for decades (like spousal consent, waiting periods and felony penalties for doctors performing the procedure) and requiring nearly all insurance plans, both public and private, to cover abortion.

In strengthening the state's abortion law, Illinois lawmakers are inviting women from other states to come for abortions.



Photo Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Peter J Foley Field Wins Little Field, Big Experience Contest

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The oldest little league baseball field in New England has won a major league upgrade. Peter J. Foley Field beat out five other finalists in a nationwide contest put on Major League Baseball.

Michael Worobel coaches little leaguers at Peter J. Foley Field and he wrote an essay to submit the field into the contest.

“You see a kid when they walk into a big league stadium and their eyes get wide and they take it all in and you see 30,000 or 40,000 people in the stands,” said Worobel.

As winners of the competition, the field will receive a complete field makeover, appearances by MLB talent and/or mascots, ballpark food, music and entertainment.

“For them, this is going to be amazing,” said Worobel. “Just to be able to walk into this field when it's done and see it. I hope it blows their mind away.”



Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Senate Considers Expanding Bill to Support 9/11 First Responders

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A public outcry demanding support for 9/11 survivors is growing just months before federal funds run out.

Several first responders and US Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) gathered to ask lawmakers for a swift passing of the bill.

On Friday, the House voted and passed a new version of the “Never Forget the Heroes Act.”

The fund provides compensation for first responders who suffered physical harm, or were killed after responding to Ground Zero.

“This kind of basic justice is the least, the very least, what we can do for these heroes," Blumenthal said. "The consequence, 18 years later is that many of them are sick."

Exposure to hazardous conditions and deadly chemicals are the primary reason why there’s an uptick in survivors developing cancer and other respiratory diseases.

John Dye is the father of Detective Michael Dye who responded to ground zero on September 11 and is now battling brain cancer.

"It's a sad situation that some of the people are not being in total agreement with (the legislation),” said Dye. “You never understand anything like this until it actually affects you."

The compensation fund was started in 2001 to help cover medical care for first responders who developed cancer and other respiratory diseases. The need for funding is immediate and has a lofty price tag.

"The congressional budget office has estimated that the total is about $10.2 billion,” Blumenthal explained.

The bill would extend a victims compensation fund created after the 2001 terrorist attacks through 2092, essentially making it permanent. The $7.4 billion fund is rapidly being depleted, and administrators recently cut benefit payments by up to 70 percent. The bill would require that victims whose compensation payments were reduced because of the fund's declining balance be made whole.

Blumenthal says the price should not be the primary focus but rather the families who are still experiencing emotional and physical trauma.

“We ought to be ashamed and embarrassed that we're even talking about the amounts of money that's involved,” Blumenthal said. “The national debt is many, many multiples of the amount of money that we are considering here."

The bill received a tremendous amount of bi-partisan support in the house, passing with 402 yays and 12 nays.

Lawmakers from both parties hailed the House vote, which comes a month after comedian Jon Stewart sharply criticized Congress for failing to act. Stewart, a longtime advocate for 9/11 responders, told lawmakers at an emotional hearing that they were showing "disrespect" to first responders now suffering from respiratory ailments and other illnesses as a result of their recovery work at the former World Trade Center site in New York City.

The timeline for the vote is still in the air. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) only mentioned a vote in the near future.



Photo Credit: AP

Immigrant Rights Groups Decry New Trump Asylum Restrictions

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Immigrant rights advocates and attorneys denounced President Donald Trump's latest move on Monday to restrict asylum at the southern border as the "most egregious" and "extreme" policy targeting the form of protection by the administration yet, NBC News reports.

“The administration has been trying to fight against asylum at the southern border for a long time now and if they are able to get away with this regulation, they have effectively ended it for the vast majority of the population that we see applying for asylum at the southern border,” Sarah Pierce, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, told NBC News.

On Monday morning, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security announced that they would move to end asylum protections for most Central American migrants and other asylum-seekers coming to the southern border in the latest attempt to restrict the influx of migrant families coming to the United States.

Keren Zwick, a litigator with the National Immigrant Justice Center, said in a news teleconference Monday afternoon that the rule was the administration’s “most egregious attack on the asylum system” to date. Charanya Krishnaswami, advocacy director for the Americas for Amnesty International, said on the call the rule would “fundamentally eviscerate the right to territorial asylum in the United States.”



Photo Credit: EDUARDO JARAMILLO CASTRO/AFP/Getty Images

New Warnings About Leaving Kids and Pets in Hot Cars

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As the state braces for another heat wave, experts are reminding parents and pet owners about the extreme dangers of a hot car. According to the National Safety Council, 52 children died in hot cars in 2018, the deadliest year on record in the past 20 years.

According to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Injury Prevention Center, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise, on average, by 19 degrees in 10 minutes.

“A child, just like an adult, when their internal body temperature gets to about 104 degrees, you have the potential for heat stroke and that’s very dangerous,” explained the center’s Executive Director Kevin Borrup. “It can be life-threatening.”

“You don’t think, maybe for two minutes, three minutes ‘Oh, you know it’s not that bad,’ but it’s terrible,” said Alexsa Nelson of Newington.

Safe Kids Connecticut says there are simple things parents can do to make sure they always look before they lock, such as putting a wallet or shoe in the backseat.

“It’s when you go outside of your routine that you tend to be distracted and for whatever reason you forget that child,” said Borrup.

The Connecticut Humane Society is also reminding people that pets are equally vulnerable and urging owners to use common sense.

“An animal can only regulate their temperature by inhaling and exhaling, so if the air in the car is hotter than the animal’s body, their body is going to heat up,” said Executive Director Gordon Willard. “It’s just simple physics.”

If someone spots a child or animal in distress in a hot car, experts say stay calm and quickly scan for a parent or owner.

”911 should be the first thing that you do and then do what you need to do to get the child out of the vehicle,” said Borrup.

Borrup said if a person uses reasonable judgement and decides to go into a vehicle, including breaking a window to get a child or an animal to safety, there is no penalty in Connecticut.

“Just do what you need to do to get them out. The laws of Connecticut, the Good Samaritan laws, will protect you.”

The full law reads:

“Rescuing a child or an animal from a vehicle under certain circumstances, the law provides an affirmative defense against civil damages or criminal penalties for entering another person's passenger motor vehicle, including forcibly, to remove a child. It covers the person's actions or omissions in removing the child as long as the person: 1. Reasonably believes, at the time of entry, that entering the vehicle is necessary to remove the child from imminent danger of serious bodily injury; 2. Uses no more force than is reasonably necessary, under the circumstances the person knows at the time, to enter the vehicle to remove the child; 3. Reports the entry and related circumstances to a law enforcement or public safety agency within a reasonable time after entering the vehicle; and 4. Takes reasonable steps to ensure the child's safety, health, and well-being after removing the child from the vehicle (cgs § 52-557u). Pa 18-164, effective October 1, 2018, extends these same protections to individuals who take such actions to rescue an animal.”

Learn more about the laws here.

Worker Trapped in Bloomfield Trench Collapse

Soccer Fans Enjoy Experience at Dillon Stadium

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Dillon Stadium reopened its doors on Saturday.

The Athletic defeated Indy Eleven 2-1 in the first professional soccer game at Dillon Stadium since the 1970s. The game was a complete sell-out and fans enjoyed their experience in the revamped stadium.

“This is a really amazing city,” said Athletic fan Madison Mandell. “It's a great soccer city and the stadium is looking so great. I can't believe they got it together in time. The fans are here and everyone is excited.”

Soccer fan Domenic Greco has fond memories at Dillon Stadium from his childhood.

“This is great for someone growing up in Hartford. I used to play flag football as a kid here this is great for the city,” said Greco.

“I think it's exciting to see one of our own state teams playing,” said Athletic fan Parker Zynda.

The Athletic’s next game at Dillon Stadium is on Saturday, July 20 against Charleston Battery.

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