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Copper Piping Stolen From Empty Homes in Ansonia

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Ansonia police are investigating after copper piping was stolen from empty homes.

According to police, the burglaries are entering vacant homes through the basements and cutting out exposed copper piping.

Police said three burglaries have occurred in the past week and a fourth happened in January. Vacant houses on Hall Street, Howard Avenue, Scotland Street and Greenfield Drive have been targeted, and investigators believe the burglaries happened overnight.

No suspects have been identified at this point.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity is asked to contact Ansonia police at 203-735-1885 or call 911.


Student's April Fool's Joke on Teacher Goes Viral

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Extra credit belongs to this student who stayed in character throughout a caught-on-camera April Fool's prank that has since gone viral.

The student pranked her macroeconomics teacher, Professor Stephen Barrows, last week at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich. At the center of the joke was the teacher's in-class policy: If a student's phone rings, the call must be answered on speakerphone.

Per the policy (and the joke), when the female student's phone rang, she answered. Here's what the class heard:

"Hi, this is Kevin from the Pregnancy Resource Center. Per your request, I am calling to inform you that the test results have come back positive. Congratulations."

A clip of the prank shows the teacher clearly looking concerned at this point. He can be heard telling the student she can turn off the phone.

"There is no need to worry," the caller says. "I know you told us the father is no longer in the picture, but we will be in contact with you throughout this whole process, so don't worry about anything. We provide counseling and other maternity services at no charge."

As the teacher moves to publicly apologize to the student, she plays it cool.

"That's okay," she says. "I've been expecting this, and I already know what I'm going to name the baby. Her first name will be April, and her middle name will be Fools."

The class erupts into laughter, right along with the professor. The prank had since garnered more than 4 million YouTube views by Monday afternoon.

Boat with Ton of Pot Washes Ashore

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A boat loaded with bundles of marijuana -- possibly more than one ton -- washed ashore Monday morning on the Southern California coast.

The 30-foot boat, an open fishing boat with outboard power, was discovered near the Ventura and Los Angeles county line near Leo Carrillo State Park, about 10 miles west of Malibu. Authorities could not confirm the weight of the cargo, but estimated it weighed about one ton after viewing the boat.

One person was detained at the beach. A helicopter crew did not locate anyone in the water, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The boat was found at about 8 a.m.

The boat is the latest drug-smuggling vessel found along the shoreline northwest of Los Angeles. In September, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana were seized and 18 people were arrested after members of the California National Guard spotted a panga boat near Arroyo Quernada Beach in Santa Barbara County. Authorities later stopped a truck that was involved in the smuggling scheme.

An estimated $4 million worth of marijuana wrapped in bundles washed ashore near Santa Barbara in March 2013. A 30-foot panga boat with about 20 fuel containers was found nearby.

In December 2012, a U.S. Coast Guardsman was killed when he was thrown from a boat that was rammed by a panga boat under investigation for smuggling off the Southern California coast. Drugs onboard the panga were seized and two smuggling suspects were taken into custody.

The U.S. Coast Guard seized 81,000 pounds of marijuana last year, down from 124,500 in 2012.
 

Officials Make Outrageous Bets on Basketball Finals

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It's down to the wire for the Huskies and Wildcats, and Connecticut officials are making wagers on the outcome of tonight's championship game with their Kentucky counterparts. At stake are some unusual prizes.

The Governors

Gov. Dannel Malloy is betting Connecticut wine, beer and chocolate that the Huskies win while Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear is wagering a fully-stocked Kentucky bourbon bar that his Kentucky Wildcats will win.

“The UConn men, led by Coach Kevin Ollie, are in the midst of an amazing season, and our whole state is behind them for the win,” Malloy said. “The Wildcats are a formidable team, but I am confident that the Huskies will bring home another championship title.”

The wine Malloy is wagering comes from Jones Family Farms in Shelton, the beer is from Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford and the chocolate is from Munson’s.

Beshear said his University of Kentucky Wildcats are having an unbelievable tournament. 

“The Wildcats’ momentum will continue tonight and carry them past UConn, to UK’s ninth NCAA men’s basketball championship,” Beshear said in a statement. “Governor Malloy is a terrific governor and friend, but come Tuesday morning, he will be shipping his wager to Bourbon and Wildcat Country!”

Should UConn win, Malloy will receive a Kentucky bourbon basket created from a half-barrel from Maker’s Mark and it will include Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, Bulleit Bourbon, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Town Branch, Willett, Old Pogue, Michter’s and Corsair Bourbon.  The barrel also will include barware, glasses, apparel and accessories to conduct a priceless bourbon tasting.

U.S. Representatives

Malloy and Beshear aren't the only officials placing bets on the title game.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law, is betting a gift basket of eastern Connecticut signature treats, including Munson’s Chocolates, Selbuort Valley Farms Maple Syrup, Cato Corner Cheese, Deep River Chips, Jarmoc cigars and Cottrell Beer, should Kentucky win.

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, of Kentucky, is betting signature bourbons, candies and treats.

“Coach Ollie has been masterful in this post-season, and the Huskies looked cool and confident on Saturday in their win against top-seeded Florida,” Courtney said. “Kentucky is always tough, but Shabazz Napier and his team look tougher. I’m looking forward to a repeat of 2004 this year, with UConn’s men and women earning national titles.”

Barr said the Windcats have had one of the most difficult paths to the Championship game ever, but they are ready avenge the loss to UConn in the 2011 Final Four.

"Tonight's matchup will be another hard fought battle, but these Cats have proven their ability to win in the clutch,” Barr said.

U.S. Senators

Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy have made a wager of their own.

They're betting against Sens. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky and will turn over Stew Leonard's brownies and UConn Dairy Bar ice cream if the Huskies fall short. If they win, the Kentucky senators will hand over some Kentucky Derby-Pie from Kern's Kitchen in Louisville, according to a release from Blumenthal's office.

“Bleeding blue and betting with pride – trusting that Kentucky's Senators won't be tasting UConn ice cream or Stew Leonard's brownies – because the Huskies will be dominant," Blumenthal said in a statement Monday.

“Outside of Connecticut, no one gave this team a chance. No one thought that this team—the team left out of conference realignment, the team with a second-year coach, the team ineligible for post-season play last year—could be as talented and unbelievable as they have been,” Murphy added.

The Kentucky senators weren't convinced, however.

"A 9th national championship for the University of Kentucky and some Connecticut ice cream and brownies will be the perfect finish to yet another thrilling NCAA tournament for the Cats,” said McConnell.

Attorney Generals

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen will offer Connecticut wine if Kentucky takes the title, while Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway will serve up a Kentucky ham if the Huskies win, according to a release from Jepsen's office.

"Year after year the Connecticut Huskies have been the right team to wager on and I have grown accustomed to annually receiving a Kentucky ham from General Conway," Jepsen said in a statement Monday. "This year should be no different and as the Huskies prepare to smoke the Wildcats, I will prepare for victory by getting my carving board and appetite ready."

Conway is just as confident in the Wildcats, and said Tuesday, "The Wildcats are on a roll, and I think the NCAA championship trophy will be headed back to Kentucky for the third year in a row."

The UConn Huskies are in contention for their fourth national title since 1999.

The game starts at 9:10 p.m. in Arlington, Texas.



Photo Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

NYC Cronut Bakery Cleared to Reopen After "Mouse Infestation"

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Cronut fans can resume their quest for the famed pastry, as the Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo was cleared to reopen Monday afternoon after being shut down for a "severe mouse infestation." 

The bakery says it's opening its doors at 8 a.m. Tuesday. 

The shop was closed Friday after the Health Department began investigating a YouTube video showing a mouse scurrying across the floor of the Spring Street store. 

The health department said inspectors found several hundred mouse droppings at the store that day.

The bakery passed its reopening inspection on Monday, a spokesman for the Health Department said.

In a message posted on its Facebook page, the bakery said: "We are deeply sorry for any disappointment that we may have caused you. Taking this opportunity, we have completely fortified our facilities with a full reconstruction and re-cementing, taking every issue seriously in an effort to provide an even more pristine environment for our guests."

It also suggested the YouTube video was a "cruel and sensationalized attack... not framed in the proper context." 

The shop has become famous for its croissant-doughnut hybrid and, more recently, the cookie-milk shot creation. 



Photo Credit: AP

Family Won't Pay for Sea Rescue

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A San Diego family will most likely not have to pay for the extensive sea rescue of their sick 1-year-old daughter, a U.S. Coast Guard official said Monday. 

The California Air National Guard, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard coordinated rescue efforts to reach the Kaufman family about 900 nautical miles from the coast of Mexico.

And parents Eric and Charlotte Kaufman will not have to foot the bill -- at least as far as the Coast Guard is concerned. 

"The Coast Guard does not charge for search and rescue operations," said Coast Guard Lt. Anna Dixon in a statement. "We don’t want people in trouble at sea to hesitate to call for help for fear they’ll be charged for assistance. Mariners assisting one another at sea is both a time-honored tradition and a requirement of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention of the International Maritime Organization."

Dixon said neither the Navy nor the California Air National Guard have indicated plans to seek repayment for their rescue efforts.

On Thursday, 1-year-old Lyra Kaufman fell seriously ill just as the family’s boat, the Rebel Heart, lost its communication and steering abilities.

Thursday night, the California Air National Guard dropped four pararescuemen from a plane into the ocean. Those men climbed aboard the Rebel Heart to stabilize Lyra.

Navy frigate USS Vandegrift reached the boat two days later, and Sunday morning, the Kaufmans boarded the rescue ship.

Now Lyra, her parents and her 3-year-old sister Cora are expected to fly via helicopter back to San Diego by Wednesday so Lyra can get further treatment.

With so many moving parts, California Military Department Capt. Will Martin said officials do not have a cost estimate since the mission is still incomplete.

“Also, any cost estimate we could provide would not reflect the mission’s total cost, as the Navy and Coast Guard incurred costs as well,” wrote Martin in an emailed statement Monday.

A cost tally won’t be finished until they do an “after-action-review.”



Photo Credit: Official U.S. Coast Guard Photo/Released

Megachurch Pastor's "Moral Failing"

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A popular Fort Lauderdale mega-church pastor has abruptly resigned after confessing to a "moral failing in his life," church officials said Sunday.

Bob Coy, pastor at Calvary Chapel, resigned Thursday, but the announcement was made during a special meeting Sunday night.

Coy is well-known throughout South Florida for his work at the church and through his television and radio shows.

"Pastor Bob will be focusing his full attention on his personal relationship with God and with his family," the church said in a statement Sunday. "The governing board of the church is providing counselors and ministers who will help guide him through the process of full repentance, cleansing and restoration."

Calvary Church is one of the largest churches in South Florida with more than 20,000 members. Coy founded the church in 1985 with his wife, Diane.

The church announced that the media ministry of the Active Word that distributes his Bible teachings through radio, television and digital media was also suspended.

"Trusting in God’s providence, protection, provision and direction, the staff of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale will continue our mission to "make disciples," through regular services at all campuses and through a myriad of other ministries the church has established over the years," the church's statement said. "A team of assistant pastors already on staff will maintain their usual rotating schedule as teaching pastors for all services."

Connecticut Has Husky Fever

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All of Connecticut has Husky fever and nowhere is it more evident than on UConn’s campus in Storrs. 

Both the UConn men and women are in the NCAA basketball finals and fans are hoping for a repeat of sports history made 10 years ago.

In 2004, UConn became the first school to win both the men's and women's national championships. Now, they are trying to repeat it 10 years later.

Tonight, the men take on Kentucky in Texas. The women take on Notre Dame on Tuesday night.

Thousands of students headed to Gampel Pavilion on campus and UConn and state police are at the school to provide extra police presence. 

Students poured into Gampel on Monday evening, and the arena reached full capacity before 8:30 p.m., with swarms still outside pounding on the doors. Police escorted those students away, some of whom were in handcuffs.

"We still have people coming to campus in hopes of getting into Gampel, which is not going to happen,"said UConn spokesperson Tom Breen, around 8:15 p.m. Monday.

UConn officials said the final head count at Gampel reached 10,416 and that more students flocked to the stadium than they'd bargained for.

Ahead of the game, the school added trashcans and removed walkway posts and  anything else that could be hazardous. They are also bringing in a DJ so people can dance outside the stadium.

“Oh my gosh. It's a huge deal. Everyone's so excited. Go UConn! People are skipping class all over the place. So excited!” Taylor Hammeke, a UConn junior, said.

“We've played some of the toughest teams this tournament. We never stopped believing. We knew we could do it from the beginning,” Marc Himmel, a UConn sophomore, said.

The UConn pep band has been traveling and spreading UConn pride. This afternoon, they posted video of the women's team pep band playing at the hotel in Nashville

At the co-op, employees are trying to keep up with the demand for merchandise.

“In 2004, when they won the double national championship, it was a significant impact on sales for many months after,” Bob Hawley, co-op merchandise manager, said.

A large crowd is expected at Gampel Pavilion tonight to watch the game.
 



Photo Credit: MPrinz6

UConn Wins NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship

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The NCAA tournament is arguably the best stretch of weeks on the sports calendar, filled with great teams, exciting games, star players and, usually, plenty of upsets. Mixed in with all the action are some dramatic photos. Take a look at the best of the NCAA tournament in photos.

Photo Credit: AP

Officer Wounded in Shooting at LAPD Station

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An officer shot multiple times by a gunman at a Los Angeles Police Department station remained hospitalized and was in "great spirits" Tuesday as authorities released more details about the shooting.

Police confirmed early Tuesday that the officer was not wearing a protective vest when he was shot seven times by a man Monday night who entered the LAPD's West Traffic Division station in the Mid-City area. Initial reports indicated he was wearing the vest, but investigators later determined that was not the case.

Two desk officers, including the one who was hit, returned fire in the lobby and wounded the gunman, police said.

The officer, a seven-year veteran of the LAPD, was shot seven times, officials said. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was expected to survive.

"He is in great spirits," LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said outside the hospital. "Remarkable young man. Very, very lucky."

The gunman was also taken to Cedars-Sinai in critical condition, police said.

"Our interview with the officer determined that he was not wearing that vest, making this even more miraculous that he was not killed," said LAPD Sgt. Barry Montgomery.

Details about why the gunman fired were not immediately available. LAPD Cmdr. Dennis Kato
said the gunman had an unspecificied complaint. The gunman had parked in a bank parking lot and walked into the lobby.

The station has no metal detector in the lobby.

The shooter's semi-automatic pistol was recovered inside the lobby, police said.

A bomb squad team checked a vehicle believed to be connected to the gunman, officials said.

"Luckily our officers reacted the way they were trained to and were wearing the proper body armor, and I think that’s why they’re going to survive this attack," Kato said Monday night.

Police said a meeting was underway in a community room at the station at the time of the shooting. No one was hurt. The people who attended were being questioned, police said.

Both directions of Venice Boulevard, between La Brea Avenue and Rimpau Boulevard, were shut down for an investigation, police said in a tweet.

Tributes, meanwhile, began pouring in for the officer on Twitter.

"Prayers to the injured Officer-LAPD," Wilshire Division officers tweeted. "This will be a lengthy investigation thru the night. Please don't attempt to drive in the area."

"Get well brother," tweeted Honolulu Police Officer Walter Gouveia. "Our prayers are with you."

A gunman ambushed LAPD detectives last year outside the Wilshire station, the scene of Monday's shooting.

71-Year-Old Missing Man Was Incarcerated

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Last month, police have issued a Silver Alert for a 71-year-old New Haven man who has been missing since the end of February. It turns out that he was not missing.

Federal marshals picked Gonzalee Henderson up for an outstanding warrant from the 1970s and he was incarcerated, according to authorities. 

On March 14, a friend reported him missing and said he'd actually last been seen on Feb. 28.

Police do not know what Henderson was wearing on that day.

Police said they checked the appropriate database to see if Henderson was incarcerated before they issued the Silver Alert, but the arrest info hadn’t caught up with the database until recently.

New Haven police said there was no local connection.

 



Photo Credit: Silver Alert

Bomb Threat Prompted Evacuations in Milford

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Harborside Middle School in Milford was evacuated on Tuesday morning after a bomb threat was found in a restroom around 8 a.m.

Police said the threat came in the form of a suspicious note that implied a bomb.

School administrators called police and the on-site School Resource Officer coordinated with school officials to evacuate students to the nearby Parsons Government complex as a precaution so the school could be swept.

More police responded , as well as the Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad and three State Police three canines trained in bomb detection.

No suspicious packages found. Shortly before 9 a.m., the school was cleared and deemed safe and students and staff were able to return to the building.

As a precaution, municipal buildings and nearby Laurelton Hall were notified and people einside sheltered in place as the buildings were checked.

Milford Police are investigating to determine where the note came from.
 



Photo Credit: NBC

It’s Free Cone Day

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Looking for an afternoon snack? How does free ice cream sound?

Today, April 8, is free cone day at Ben & Jerry’s and they are giving away free ice cream from noon to 8 p.m.

There are several Ben & Jerry’s locations in Connecticut, including West Hartford, Canton, Manchester, Branford and Milford.

Ben & Jerry’s has been holding free cone day each year since 1979.

Enjoy!


 



Photo Credit: Ben & Jerry's

Officer's Pistol Stopped Bullet

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An officer shot multiple times by a gunman at a Los Angeles Police Department station remained hospitalized in "great spirits" Tuesday as authorities released more details about the shooting and identified the suspect.

Police confirmed early Tuesday that the officer was not wearing a protective vest when he was shot  by a man Monday night who entered the LAPD's West Traffic Division station in the Mid-City area. Initial reports indicated he was wearing the vest, but investigators later determined that was not the case.

"Our interview with the officer determined that he was not wearing that vest, making this even more miraculous that he was not killed," said LAPD Sgt. Barry Montgomery.

The victim who was shot in the upper body and limbs and another desk officer returned fire in the lobby and wounded the gunman, police said. The victim remained hospitalized Tuesday in "good spirits," police said.

During an interview with Force Investigation Division officers Tuesday morning, it was determined the officer was not wearing the protective ballistics vest. Officers are required to wear the ballistic vest while on duty or in uniform in the field, police said.

It's likely a "backup weapon" (pictured, right) in the officer's pocket stopped what could have been the fatal round, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said. The weapon was described as a small pistol that the officer kept in his pants pocket.

One of the rounds -- authorities have not confirmed how many shots were fired -- hit the gun instead of the officer's leg, Beck said.

The gunman, identified Tuesday as 29-year-old Daniel Christopher Yealu, was taken to Cedars-Sinai in critical condition, police said. Several weapons (pictured, right) were found at the subject's home, according to LAPD investigators.

"It would be rare in the extreme to be allowed to possess any of these weapons," said Beck. "You would have had to buy them 20, 30 years ago."

LA Superior Court documents show that Yealu was convicted for a vehicle code violation in March 2006. 

LAPD Cmdr. Dennis Kato said the gunman had an unspecificied complaint.

The shooter parked in a West Traffic Division parking lot and walked into the lobby, which is not equipped with a, metal detector. The shooter's semi-automatic pistol was recovered inside the lobby, police said.

A bomb squad team checked a vehicle believed to be connected to the gunman, officials said. A rifle and multiple ammunition rounds were found in the vehicle, police said Tuesday morning.

Police said a meeting was underway in a community room at the station at the time of the shooting. Usually, the West Traffic Division doors are locked at night, but the entrance was open because of the community meeting.

"I ran behind a lectern, and hid my whole body behind the lectern -- everybody else hit the ground," said Daphne Brogdon, who attended the meeting. "We kept hearing shots. It was terrifying -- a bullet came into our room."

No one at the meeting was injured. Anya Adams, also at the meeting, provided the photo at left, which shows a bullet hole in the meeting room wall.

A gunman ambushed LAPD detectives last year outside the Wilshire station, the scene of Monday's shooting.

 

Watch the Men's Team's Journey to Gampel

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The UConn men's basketball team is returning to campus today with the national championship.

They made a pit stop at McDonald's on their way back to Gampel!

You can follow their journey live online.



Photo Credit: AP

Fire Service Line Break Repaired in Windsor

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Rainbow Road  in Windsor at Hamilton Road  was closed for hours as crews worked to repair a fire service line break, according to police and MDC.

Both east and westbound lanes were closed. Hamilton Road remained open, police said.

A spokesperson for MDC said that the break was located near the intersection of Rainbow and Stevens Mill roads.

The break only affected service to one abandoned property on Stevens Mill Road.

The repairs were completed just before 9 p.m. MDC said.

The line was installed in the 1960s.

"Bored" Boy Set NYC Fire: Cops

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A 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with a Coney Island fire that critically injured two NYPD officers and hurt several others allegedly said he started the fire because he was bored, police say.

The boy, Marcell Dockery, was arrested Monday on assault, reckless endangerment and arson charges following the Sunday fire on the 13th floor of an apartment building on Surf Avenue. He was awaiting arraignment Tuesday, and information on an attorney for him wasn't immediately available.

The blaze originated from a mattress in the building, firefighters say. Police say the teenager told detectives he tried to put out the fire and warn residents as the flames spread.

Officers Dennis Guerra, 38, and Rosa Rodriguez, 36, were responding to the fire shortly after noon when the elevator they were in got stuck and filled with smoke, police say. 

The officers were found unconscious and were taken to area hospitals in critical condition. Both officers, who are members of the force's housing bureau, remained in critical condition early Tuesday and are being treated for smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Five other people suffered minor injuries, including two firefighters, authorities said.

NYPD Deputy Chief Kim Y. Royster said while there is no uniform protocol for officers responding to fires, "The NYPD's primary objective when responding to any emergency is to protect life and property. In situations involving a fire, officers will warn and assist occupants in the evacuation of the building and take other actions if necessary to preserve life." 

The department is reviewing its response protocols to fires, Royster said. 

"Today is another sobering reminder of the dangers that face all our first responders," Mayor de Blasio, who appeared at a press conference with Bratton, said Sunday.



Photo Credit: NBC 4 New York

How to Get UConn National Championship Gear

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UConn national championship shirts are in high demand today and that means big business in Connecticut.

Zuse, an apparel company in Guilford, is printing UConn shirts.

Employees started working on them right after Huskies won and expect to make around 8,000 in total.

Jesse Mahon, of Zuse, said it’s a great opportunity to work with a company like Nike. 

“Whenever you kind of get lucky like this and have two UConn teams competing for national championships, it’s almost like newfound business. We don’t go in there every year expecting the Huskies to win every year, so when it happens, you’re excited,” Mahon said.

Zuse employees will be churning the shirts out through the day and hope to do the same thing after the UConn women’s game.
“And now we’re just pulling for the women, so we can do it all again,” Mahon said.

Dick’s Sporting Goods stores across the state opened early today to sell championship merchandise to fans.

The following stores have the merchandise.

  • Waterford Commons, at 915 Hartford Turnpike, #A1 in Waterford
  • Lisbon Landing, at 170 River Road, Suite 2 in Lisbon
  • Shoppes at Farmington Valley, at 110 Albany Turnpike in Canton
  • The Pavilions at Buckland Hills, at 179 Pavilion Drive in Manchester
  • State Line Plaza, at 130 Elm Street in Enfield
  • Connecticut Commons, at 280 New Britain Avenue in Plainville
  • Westfield Shoppingtown, at 470 Lewis Avenue in Meriden
  • Turnpike Plaza, at 2985 Berlin Turnpike in Newington
  • Danbury Fair Mall, at 7 Backus Avenue in Danbury

You can also order merchandise through the UConn Huskies Fan shop online.

 



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

More Bets on Women’s Game

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The wager on the men’s NCAA championship worked out pretty well for Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is waiting on a fully stocked bourbon bar from the Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. It also worked out for the rest of the local officials who made bets with their counterparts.

Now, more bets are on for the women's championship game:

Governors

Now, he’s making a wager with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on the outcome of tonight’s UConn and Notre Dame NCAA Women’s National Championship game.

Gov. Malloy is betting a basket of Connecticut-Grown agricultural products from farms around the state that the Huskies will claim victory, while Gov. Pence is wagering Hoosier agricultural products that the Fighting Irish will take the title.

“The undefeated UConn women’s basketball team has gained national attention and inspired thousands of young basketball players in our state,” Malloy said. “They’ve taken eight national championship titles in the past, and I am confident that a ninth trophy will be brought home to Storrs tonight.  With a victory by the men last night, we are just one step away from winning titles in both tournaments for the second time – something no other school has accomplished.”

Gov. Pence is standing by his own team, which has an undefeated record and three appearances in the championship game in the last four years.

“While the UConn Huskies are a tough opponent, the Irish have the full support of Hoosiers across the state of Indiana, and we’re confident they’ll come out ahead,”  Pence said.

Tip-off for tonight’s championship game is at 8:30 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

U.S. Senators

Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy made a wager with Indiana Senators Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly.

Blumenthal and Murphy bet Jonathan Java Crunch UConn Dairy Bar ice cream and Stew Leonard’s brownies on the Connecticut women's team.

Coats and Donnelly have staked a basket of goods from South Bend Chocolate Co. on the Fighting Irish.

“UConn women are rolling with unstoppable momentum," Blumenthal said. “The men’s triumph last night will be capped by another women’s undefeated season and national championship. These are teams that have supported each other all year and will share the distinction of being only the second basketball teams from the same university to win national championships in the same year. The other set of teams to do so? UConn - 2004. Saving room for South Bend chocolate.”

“Connecticut is electrified after last night’s huge win, and we’re fired up to watch the Huskies take the court again during tonight’s championship game,” Murphy said. “These women have played their hearts out this season and they deserve a win. I know Coach Auriemma and the rest of the team will bring home the trophy this year, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the chocolate that Senators Coats and Donnelly will be bringing to my office tomorrow after the game. It should pair nicely with the Kentucky pies we won last night!”

Attorney General

Attorney General George Jepsen and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller also placed a wager.
 
Jepsen is offering Connecticut wine, hoping to make the outcome in Nashville a little easier for his Indiana counterpart to swallow. Zoeller countered with Indiana made beer and a Notre Dame mug.
 
“There’s no question that the Fighting Irish are flying high after a double digit victory over Maryland. But the Notre Dame women are going to need more than luck to stop Breanna Stewart and keep the UConn Huskies from winning their ninth national title,” Jepsen said.
 
“I welcome this friendly wager and look forward to the Fighting Irish’s win over the Connecticut Huskies,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller. “I am offering up a case of an Indiana made beer, perfectly paired to go with ‘crow,’  and a Notre Dame mug to help ease the agony of defeat.”


 



 



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Shabazz Napier Gets Cover of Sports Illustrated

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It’s been an amazing journey for the UConn Huskies and the excitement continues.

The team is on its way home for a victory rally today and Shabazz Napier will be on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, according to Tweets from Sports Illustrated and SI College Hoops.

Michael Rosenberg wrote the cover story, following UConn “from the brink of the abyss to a fourth national title,” according to an article Sports Illustrated posted online about the issue.

“With his trademark pizzazz Shabazz Napier lit up Kentucky for 22 points and walked off with the Most Outstanding Player award,” the cover says.

Congratulations to the entire UConn Huskies team! 
 

 



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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