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27 Hurt in Northern California Light Rail Derailment

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At least 27 people were injured in a light rail derailment in Sacramento, California, late Thursday night, according to authorities. 

The train derailed at about 9:45 p.m. PT, Sacramento Fire Capt. Keith Wade said. 

One person suffered moderate injuries and 26 had minor injuries. Wade said 13 people were taken to area hospitals and the others were treated at the scene and released.

Wade said it's the first time in his 19 years on the job that he's seen a train accident with such a high number of injuries. None of the injuries was life-threatening.

A spokesperson for Sacramento Regional Transit later described the incident as a collision between a passenger and maintenance train, but officials are still investigating the cause.

The train appears to be upright and on the track, Wade said.

Sacramento fire officials said 15 ambulances and 40 firefighters were on the scene, KCRA reported.



Photo Credit: KCRA

Police Search For Evidence In Case of Missing Meriden Woman

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Investigators were collecting evidence outside a Waterbury business on Thursday as they continue to look for clues in the case of a missing Meriden mother.

Perrie Mason, 31, was reported missing Sunday.

Police said Wednesday that Meriden detectives, along with Connecticut State Police and Waterbury Police, found human remains in Waterbury while investigating the case, but stressed that the remains have not been identified at this time.

State troopers began Thursday’s search in the parking lot of a Brookside road business. Throughout the day, detectives were sifting through trash and pulling out shoes and old electronics.

Investigators located and a hammer in the dumpster and began swabbing the tool after separating several pieces of evidence.

Mason’s boyfriend, 38-year-old Jason Watson, was arrested in connection with a domestic assault that took place before she went missing. A judge called him a “prime suspect” in her disappearance.

According to Watson’s lawyer, the 38-year-old is an employee with Bay State Textiles, a clothing recycling company where investigators were searching.

According to the arrest affidavit, Watson called Meriden police on Sunday to report that Mason might be missing, but that she also might be at her friend's house and that she was mad at him. He told officers that he would call them again if she didn't show up at work, police said.

According to officers, the incident happened a few days before Mason was reported missing. Watson was charged with strangulation, assault, unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct.

Investigators in hazmat suits closed in on a dumpster in the back of the building. Detectives worked for hours trying to locate any type of clues into Mason’s disappearance.

According to Meriden Police, the major crimes division is actively processing all related evidence to find her.

Mason is 4-feet, 11-inches tall and 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Mason's whereabouts is asked to call Meriden Police Detective Femia at 203-630-6219.



Photo Credit: Meriden Police

Mountain Laurel Sudbury School in Newington to Close

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The Mountain Laurel Sudbury School in Newington is closing. It will be closed as of September 2019, according to the school’s website

The Mountain Laurel Sudbury School opened in September 2002 with eight students.

“So, it is with deepest regret that I must announce that Mountain Laurel Sudbury School will not be reopening its doors for this coming school year. Sudbury Schools are fully funded by tuition and donations. The most successful Sudbury Schools have a lot of financial backing and usually a site that’s been donated to them. Unfortunately, not all Sudbury Schools get that kind of backing and times can be hard when student interest is low. This was in no way an easy decision; MLSS touched the lives of many students and as the last Sudbury School in Connecticut, its loss will surely be felt by the future students unable to attend,” part of the statement on the school website says.



Photo Credit: Storyblocks.com

Crews Responding to Fire in Putnam

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Crews are responding to a fire on High Street in Putnam. 

At least five fire departments are responding. 

WINY radio has photos from the scene and reports the fire is at a four-family residence. 

A Tweet from the state Department of Transportation says Route 44 is closed between Savin Road and Kennedy Drive because of the fire. 

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The Providence Canteen, which provides onside support for first responders during emergencies, Tweeted that it is responding to a fire on High Street in Putnam. 

No additional information was immediately available.



Photo Credit: WINY Radio
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Freshmen Move in at UConn

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Thousands of incoming freshmen are spending the day moving into their dorms at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus Friday. 

Of the 5,450 freshmen enrolled this fall in the Storrs, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury and Avery Point campuses, 77% are Connecticut residents coming from 162 of the state’s 169 cities and towns. 

UConn President Thomas Katsouleas was at the dorms to greet students. Some of his goals as the new president include growing research at the university, strengthening education and making sure UConn is contributing to the economic health and workforce in Connecticut. 

Many of the freshmen who spoke with NBC Connecticut said they were excited and nervous to begin this next chapter in their lives. 

“I’m a little nervous but I think that’s to be expected and I’m excited, excited to see what the school year has in store,” said Olivia Frillici, an incoming freshman from Fairfield. 

Classes at UConn begin on Monday.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Dog Suffering from Painful Condition Abandoned in Hamden

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A dog suffering from a severe skin condition and dehydration was abandoned in Hamden and police and animal control are asking anyone with information to come forward. 

Police said they responded to the 300 block of Mix Avenue on Tuesday, Aug. 13 to investigate and someone told animal control officer Christopher Smith that he’d seen a dog tied to the outside of the apartment building. 

Police said the dog, a Yorkshire Terrier mix that appeared to be around 3 years old, appeared to have been abandoned, couldn’t sit and was in a great deal of pain. 

Animal control also noticed that the dog was suffering from a severe skin condition and the dog was immediately transported to the North Haven Animal Hospital. 

After the dog was examined, animal control officers learned that it had been suffering from at least two weeks from a skin condition that was caused by either an autoimmune disease or chemical/thermal burn, according to police. 

They said both ears were infected and needed to be partially amputated and the dog was underweight and dehydrated. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Animal Control Officer Christopher Smith (203) 230-4080 or the Hamden Police Department at (203) 230-4000. 



Photo Credit: Hamden Police

4 Injured in Crash, Route 15 South in Hartford Closed

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Four people have been injured in a three-vehicle crash on Route 15 South in Hartford and state police said the road could be closed for several hours.

Police said there was also a small fire and the Hartford Fire Department put it out quickly.

The road is closed between exits 87 and 85.

State police said the four injured people were taken to Hartford Hospital. No information was immediately available on the extent of their injuries.



Photo Credit: Connecticut Department of Transportation

Getting Tickets and Discounts for the Big E

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If you plan to go to the Big E in September, here is your guide to tickets and discounts. 

Tickets and passes are sold online, at The Big E Box Office and at Big Y. Midway rides, exhibits, games and Big E Arena premium reserved seats are not included with a general admission ticket.

Advance Tickets – through Sept. 11:

  • Adults: $12
  • Children (6-12): $8

Full Season Pass (17-Days Admission)

  • Adults: $40
  • Children, 6-12: $20

Pay-One-Price Midway Magic Pass (One-day use Monday - Friday) $25

  • Advance purchase admission ticket will be accepted for admission any day.

At the Gate: Sept. 13-29

  • Adults: $15
  • Children, 6-12: $10
  • Children, 5 and under: Free

Gate Discounts:

Opening Day, Sept. 13

  • Be A Kid For a Day, all ages $10 (also sold online)
  • Military Appreciation Day - ID required for free admission for active duty and retired military personnel, dependents of active duty military personnel and veterans (no dependents)

Six-After-Five:

  • $6 after 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday

Senior Days:

  • $12, for people 60 and over, Monday-Thursday

Midway:

  • Pay-One-Price Midway Magic Pass (Monday - Friday): $30
  • Go to the head of the line with Midway Express Access (Sold on the Midway): $15

Special and State Days at the Big E

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There are several special days and state days planned for the 2019 Big E. This is the full list.

  • Friday, Sept. 13: Be A Kid For A Day and Military Appreciation Day
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: Maine Day and 4-H/FFA Day
  • Sunday, Sept. 15: Storrowton Day and Chalice of Salvation Sunday
  • Monday, Sept. 16: Salute to West Springfield
  • Tuesday, Sept. 17: Rhode Island Day and Salute to Holyoke
  • Wednesday, Sept. 18: Connecticut Day
  • Thursday, Sept. 19: Massachusetts Day
  • Friday, Sept. 20: New Hampshire Day
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: Vermont Day
  • Sunday, Sept. 22: Grange Day and Chocolate Milk Day
  • Monday, Sept. 23: Salute to Springfield
  • Tuesday, Sept. 24: Salute to Chicopee
  • Wednesday, Sept. 25: Salute to Agawam
  • Thursday, Sept. 26: Salute to Westfield
  • Friday, Sept. 27: Harvest New England Day
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: Junior Achievement Day
  • Sunday, Sept. 29: Salute to Special Olympics

Alert Canceled for 83-Year-Old Southington Man

Swimming Area at Mashamoquet Brook Closed

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Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Police ID Body Found in the Woods in Bristol

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Bristol police have identifed a body found in a wooded area Saturday morning.

Police said the body was found near the railroad tracks off Center Street just before noon. 

The body has been identiifed as 53-year-old Robert Janusonis.

The Chief Medical Examiner is investigating and the manner of death has not been determined.

Police said there is no foul play suspected or any danger to the public. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Bristol Police Department. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Treated for Tumor on Pancreas

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has completed radiation therapy for a cancerous tumor on her pancreas and there is no evidence of the disease remaining, the Supreme Court said Friday.

It is the fourth time that the 86-year-old justice has announced that she has been treated for cancer over the last two decades and follows lung cancer surgery in December that kept her away from the court for weeks. December's surgery was her first illness-related absence from the court since being appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and prompted even closer attention to her health.

As the court's oldest member, Ginsburg has been asked questions for years about her health and retirement plans. She has also in recent years attracted particularly enthusiastic fans as the leader of the liberal wing of the court, which includes four members appointed by Democratic presidents and five by Republicans. Both liberals and conservatives watch her health closely because it's understood the court would shift right for decades if President Donald Trump were to get the ability to nominate someone to replace her.

The court kept Ginsburg's latest cancer secret for three weeks, until she finished radiation treatment. Yet there is no obligation for justices to disclose details about their health, and Ginsburg has generally made more information available than some of her colleagues. Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, for example, had a stent inserted to open a blocked artery in 2005 but the public only learned about it 10 months later when he returned to the hospital to have it replaced.

The Supreme Court said in a statement Friday that a routine blood test led to the detection of Ginsburg's tumor. A biopsy performed July 31 confirmed a "localized malignant tumor," and Ginsburg started outpatient radiation therapy Aug. 5. Ginsburg underwent three weeks of radiation therapy and as part of her treatment had a bile duct stent placed, the court said. Ginsburg "tolerated treatment well" and does not need any additional treatment but will continue to have periodic blood tests and scans, the statement said.

The tumor was "treated definitively and there is no evidence of disease elsewhere in the body," the court said.

The statement did not say if the new tumor is a recurrence of the pancreatic cancer Ginsburg was diagnosed with in 2009, or a new cancer that arose. She was also treated for colorectal cancer in 1999.

"It's certainly not unheard of for the cancer to come back," but it's a more dire situation if it's that rather than a new tumor that was found early enough for effective treatment, said Dr. Michael Pishvaian, a pancreatic specialist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center who had no first-hand knowledge of Ginsburg's care.

Pancreatic tumors are usually treated with surgery, but she or her doctors may have chosen not to do that for various reasons, and radiation is a standard treatment if surgery is not done, Pishvaian said.

Dr. Alan Venook, a University of California, San Francisco, pancreatic cancer specialist who also has no direct knowledge of Ginsburg's case, said it's not possible to know much about her outlook without details from her doctors.

If it is a recurrence that took a decade to form, "that tells me it's not a very aggressive cancer," he said. If the cancer is truly limited to the pancreas, "it could have been managed perfectly well with radiation," he said.

The court said Ginsburg canceled an annual summer visit to Santa Fe but otherwise maintained an active schedule during treatment. She is scheduled to speak in Buffalo next week and at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington at the end of the month.

Before Friday's announcement, Ginsburg's most recent known health scare was in December, when she had surgery for lung cancer. The cancerous growths were found when Ginsburg underwent medical tests after she fell in her court office and broke three ribs in November. Ginsburg was absent from the court in January as she recovered from surgery and missed six days on which the court heard a total of 11 arguments. But she returned to the bench in February, and participated in the court's work during her absence. 



Photo Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

African American Employee's Office Vandalized Inside Education Department

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The office of an African American employee of the U.S. Department of Education was vandalized earlier this week, and other employees have expressed concern that the attack may have been racially motivated. African art figurines were found beheaded, with their limbs removed, and a school desegregation poster was damaged, according to Education Department employees and a congressional aide.

The incident happened at the department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the employees and the aide told NBC News. The department said the employee had been out of the office for several days and reported the incident on Tuesday afternoon, NBC News reports.

The poster, which was pulled off the wall and damaged, was believed to depict Ruby Bridges, an African American schoolgirl who became an icon of the civil rights movement, sources told NBC News. Some of the employee’s co-workers are now looking for copies of the poster to put up in their own offices to show solidarity, they added.

“We can confirm there was an incident involving an employee’s personal belongings on the third floor,” Angela Morabito, an Education Department spokesperson, said. “Secretary DeVos took immediate action, including referring the case to Federal Protective Services for a comprehensive investigation, increasing building security, and most importantly, ensuring the impacted employee was supported.”



Photo Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

See Every Great White Shark Sighting Near Cape Cod This Summer

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If it seems like great white sharks are everywhere off Cape Cod and the Islands this summer, it's not just you. They've been seen up and down the Cape, and you can see every sighting right here, as tracked by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

Data from the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy — download their Sharktivity app here to keep up with the latest sightings and to get more details on each sighting. Graphic last updated Aug. 21.

Want the latest in shark sightings, news and more? Subscribe to NBC10 Boston's Shark Tales podcast, a partnership with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy that takes a deep dive into sharks on Cape Cod.



Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images
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Sharks Seen Eating Seal, Breaching in Spate of Mass. Sightings Friday

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Sharks were sighted or detected at beaches on Cape Cod and at Plymouth, Massachusetts, Friday, one of them eating a seal just 25 feet from shore and another seen jumping out of the water.

The great white shark seen eating the seal was a stone's throw from shore about a quarter mile north of Nauset Public Beach in Orleans, the town reported to the Sharktivity app. That was at about 3:45 p.m., closing the beach to swimming for an hour.

The shark that jumped out of the water about 3 p.m. was 300 yards off Long Beach in Plymouth, according to the Plymouth Harbormaster Department. That beach was closed to swimmers for three hours.

Earlier, Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet was closed to swimmers until roughly 10:40 a.m. after two great white sharks were pinged by a bouy, according tothe Sharktivity app.

That beach was also closed to swimmers after shark sightings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  

And Friday afternoon, two sharks were spotted in the space of an hour at Marconi Beach, also in Wellfleet, clearing swimmers from the water from 2 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. 

Sharks have been sighted off Cape Cod over 200 times this year, according to the app. 


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State to Spray for Mosquitoes at Pachaug State Forest

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The state will be spraying for mosquitoes in parks of Pachaug State Forest considered at high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus and West Nile virus.

The spraying will take place in the Mt. Misery campground, and the Horse, or Frog Hollow Horse Camp, as well as roads from the main entrance to Hell Hallow Road. Spraying is scheduled to begin Monday at 7 p.m. and continue overnight. Roads will be closed during the spraying.

The state closed campgrounds earlier this month over EEE concerns.

These areas have high concentrations of mosquitoes that have tested positive for EEE and West Nile. EEE is rare, but it can be deadly in humans and horses. West Nile is found in Connecticut most summers and cause serious disease in humans and horses.

The state is using a pesticide called Anvil, which contains the active ingredient d-phenothrin, or sumithrin. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials said it is similar to the ingredients used in indoor pesticides and many common products for spraying for fleas and flying insects.

The areas being sprayed are not residential and nearby residents do not need to take precautions, officials said.

Spraying will reduce the risk of contracting EEE and West Nile, but not completely eliminate the risk. Anyone spending time in the area should take precautions to avoid being bitten, including:

 

  • Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
  • Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.

Ill. Resident Dies After Being Hospitalized Following Vaping

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An Illinois resident, who recently vaped, has died after being hospitalized with a severe respiratory illness, the Illinois Department of Public Health said Friday. 

Details surrounding the death remained unclear, but health officials said the resident was an adult. Further information on the person including their age and gender was not immediately released.  

"We offer our condolences to the family and friends of this individual," Dr. Jennifer Layden, chief medical officer for IDPH, said in a press conference Friday. 

The death follows multiple hospitalizations potentially linked to vaping and warnings from health officials. 

So far, a total of 22 people, ranging in age from 17 to 38 years old, have “experienced respiratory illness after using e-cigarettes or vaping,” according to IDPH, which says it is investigating an additional 12 cases.

According to Layden, this marks the first death in connection with the investigation into respiratory illnesses potentially linked to vaping. 

"I think the death speaks to the potential severity of this," she said, adding that the only "common link" between all of the cases is that each person had a history of vaping. 

In Illinois, cases of respiratory illness following vaping have been reported in Chicago as well as across Cook, Champaign, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, Peoria, St. Clair and Will counties.

“The severity of illness people are experiencing is alarming and we must get the word out that using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement Friday. “We requested a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help us investigate these cases and they arrived in Illinois on Tuesday.” 

Symptoms of respiratory illness included coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue, health officials said. Some people have also experienced vomiting and diarrhea. 

According to the IDPH, the CDC investigation so far found that in several cases patients acknowledged to health care workers they recently used “THC-containing products.” 

“However, no specific product has been identified in all cases, nor has any product been conclusively linked to illnesses,” IDPH said in its statement. “Even though cases appear similar, it is not clear if these cases have a common cause or if they are different diseases with similar symptoms.” 

Health officials urged anyone experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing after using e-cigarettes or vaping in the weeks or months prior “to seek medical attention.”



Photo Credit: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Gay Workers Not Covered by Civil Rights Law: Trump Admin

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The Trump administration Friday filed a brief with the Supreme Court arguing that gay workers are not protected by federal civil rights law, NBC News reported.

The filing came exactly one week after the administration argued the same for transgender workers.

The brief was submitted in combined cases concerning Gerald Bostock, a gay man fired from his job as a child welfare services worker by Clayton County, Georgia, and the late Donald Zarda, a gay man fired from his job as a skydiving instructor by New York company Altitude Express. The Bostock and Zarda cases are two of three cases concerning LGBTQ workers’ rights that the Supreme Court is expected to hear this fall.



Photo Credit: AP

Health Centers Open for Hartford Students Heading Back to School

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Health care professionals are conducting student check-ups and giving vaccines at school-based health centers in Harford before students head back to class.

“They need to have their physicals for pre-K, kindergarten, seventh grade and 10th grade,” said Physician Assistant Brooke Kokus. “Medically we recommend them having physicals every year but they have to have those in order to enter school. You also have to have different immunizations depending on what grade that they’re going into.”

There are seven school-based health centers in Hartford. Kokus said they’re funded by the state, and they treat students whether or not they have health insurance.

On an average school day, she said they see about 80 students. It keeps them out of doctors’ offices and emergency rooms.

“We want to keep our community healthy,” Kokus said. “We want to keep our kids in school. We want to make it easier for parents so that they don’t have to miss out on a day of work or wait for hours in the doctor’s office.”

“I understand that immunization is important for all kids in school, so they can actively participate in all activities and not worry about health,” said parent Anu Pampaul. “It makes it very easy basically. To go to any appointments or anything it takes a lot of time. We didn’t have that much time so it’s great.”

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