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Suspended UConn Sorority Can Stay in Husky Village

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Students in one of three Greek life organizations appealing suspensions after UConn sanctioned a fraternity and two sororities amid hazing allegations and student code violations can stay in Husky Village housing this year.

The Sigma Chi fraternity and the Delta Gamma and Delta Zeta sororities lost their recognition at UConn early August following a months-long investigation, but the university has modified its decision for Delta Gamma's fate in response to its appeal, UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz confirmed.

Depending on the outcome of the appeals, all three organizations were in danger of losing their housing in Husky Village starting Jan. 1, 2015 and getting banned from “interest housing” in the nearby Towers residence halls.

But now UConn will allow Delta Gamma to register to be recognized as an on-campus organization effective fall of 2015 and current Husky Village residents can stay in their housing for the whole year. The sanctions for Sigma Chi and Delta Zeta have not changed, according to Reitz.

"Instead of applying through the extension process for recognition on campus in the future, you may, without applying, register as a student organization and be recognized as a group affiliated with the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the fall semester of 2015," Christine Wilson, UConn assistant vice president for student affairs and director of student activities, wrote to Delta Gamma in an Aug. 28 letter.

UConn modified the sanctions against Delta Gamma "in recognition of the fact that Delta Gamma had self-reported the actions" to the university and the sororority's national organization, according to Kristen Cole, director of news and editorial communications at UConn.The sanctions against Sigma Chi and Delta Zeta did not change because UConn said the fraternity and sorority "did not self report," according to Cole.

However, since "the current Husky Village C1 contract between the organization and the University is null and void, given that the Epsilon Pi chapter of Delta Gamma is not a registered/recognized student organization," Wilson notified the sorority in the letter that its members housed in Husky Village "may not act as a registered/recognized student organization."

She welcomed Delta Gamma as a national organization to apply for housing in Husky Village for Fall 2015 "during the application process that will open in Fall 2014."

The original sanctions early August came just months after two other Greek organizations were removed from campus for similar allegations.

UConn initially found Sigma Chi and Delta Gamma responsible for three student code violations in connection with a Feb. 28 incident. Letters sent to both organizations say men affiliated with Sigma Chi where forced to bob for "nips" in a toilet and eat cat food. Some were also allegedly struck with wooden paddles.

Members of Delta Zeta were accused of feeding dog treats to fraternity men and forcing them to drink and paint their bodies, according to a letter from the UConn associate director of community standards sent to the chapter.

"UConn takes a zero-tolerance approach to hazing and harmful treatment of students by anyone, under any circumstances. Our mission is to provide a first-rate learning environment, and we take this duty really seriously," UConn officials said in a statement obtained Aug. 12. "Greek Life has played a vital role in the life of this university for decades and will continue to do so. UConn values the commitment of the many students who promote philanthropy, community service and responsible citizenry through their participation in these groups."

The initial sanctions, which took effect immediately, would last three years for Sigma Chi, two years for Delta Zeta and one year for Delta Gamma, pending appeals, according to the university.

All three organizations appealed the rulings and heard back late August, but only Delta Gamma's status was modified as a result of its appeal. The university did not release details on the reasoning behind the new decision.

"Delta Gamma Fraternity values the heritage of our Epsilon Pi chapter, but knows there must be a desire and commitment from our current collegians to promote and live by the values of our Fraternity," said Delta Gamma national president Stacia Rudge Skook, in a statement earlier in August in response to the sanctions against Delta Gamma. "We believe the current collegiate members in our Epsilon Pi chapter understand Delta Gamma Fraternity's values and are ready and willing to lead the change. Our members do not condone this behavior and are sorrowed that the actions of a few have impacted so many."

Delta Zeta also released a statement in response to the sanctions, which reads, in part:

"The Sorority fosters the respect and worth of self and of others, and does not condone hazing. Delta Zeta is committed to its eradication. Delta Zeta Sorority members are expected to conduct themselves in alignment with the Sorority values that exemplify integrity, good citizenship and leadership."

A statement posted to the international Sigma Chi Fraternity Web site said leadership is "extremely disappointed in the decisions that several individuals of its Gamma Omega Chapter made to participate in the activities referenced by the University of Connecticut" but challenged the allegations.

According to the statement, the incidents don’t fall into the category of hazing since everyone involved was already a member of the organization.

"By its own definition, the University of Connecticut considers hazing as activities where participation is a precursor for some form of membership in an organization," said Sigma Chi International President Michael Greenberg, in a statement. "In this particular case, we reject the notion that hazing was connected to this incident because the individuals who participated in the activities were already initiated and did so voluntarily, with no connection to their continued membership as a condition for participation."

The Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity lost their appeals after being suspended in March.

UConn will have 2,300 students participating in 34 recognized fraternities and sororities at the start of the school year in the fall, including those recently sanctioned.

Two additional Greek organizations are colonizing at UConn as well, including Sigma Phi Epsilon, a fraternity that lost its recognition at UConn in 2008, and new sorority, Alpha Chi Omega.


Cranbury School in Norwalk Dismissing at Noon

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Students at Cranbury School in Norwalk will be dismissed at noon due to a power outage.

Buses will leave at noon.  

Grades K and 1 will have lunch provided. 

Students who brought lunch will have an opportunity to eat.  There will be no formal lunch for Grades 2-5.

All after-school programs have been cancelled.
 

Man Was Shot at Grandmother’s Home in New Haven

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A 25-year-old New Haven man is hospitalized after being shot on Sunday night.

Police responded to reports of gunfire on 70 Fountain Terrace just before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday and found bullet holes in the victim’s home, which belongs to his grandmother.

They also found blood on the garage door, bullet casings and bullet holes in van parked nearby as well as in several trash cans.

Several neighbors told police they had heard gunfire and one said a dark Jeep sped toward Fountain Street with its headlamps off after the shots rang out.

Police learned the apparent victim was Britton Bragg, 25, who lives in his grandmother’s Fountain Terrace home, police said.

Minutes after the shooting, staff from St. Raphael's Hospital called police because a shooting victim had walked in.

The victim was Bragg, police said. He'd been shot in the shoulder and his mother and sister drove him to the hospital, police said.

Bragg is listed in stable condition.

The home belongs to his grandmother.

Police are investigating.
 

Stabbing Suspect Faces Attempted Murder, Assault Charges

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Police arrested a 37-year-old man on attempted murder and assault charges after police say he stabbed someone on Sunday.

Officers apprehended Rasheen McKay, 37, at 246 Tolland Street in East Hartford after responding to reports of a fight at 1254 Main Street in the town at about 5:11 p.m. Sunday, police said. Police discovered a bleeding victim at the scene with multiple stab wounds.

East Hartford patrol and criminal investigations officers investigated and identified McKay as a suspect, charging him with first-degree assault and attempted murder.

Police have not released the identity of the victim or information on the person's condition.

The victim was transported to St. Francis Hospital to be treated for injuries that were not life threatening.



Photo Credit: East Hartford Police Department

Miami Patient Tested Negative for Ebola: CDC

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Monday night that a patient at Jackson Memorial Hospital has tested negative for the deadly Ebola virus. The CDC test was a retest of a previous negative Ebola test for the same patient.

The CDC's report came after one of Jackson Health Systems' twitter accounts confirmed earlier Monday that a patient tested negative for the virus last week.

A Jackson Health spokeswoman said the patient had shown some symptoms associated with the disease.

"Last week, a Jackson Health System patient tested negative for the Ebola virus. The patient had shown some symptoms associated with the disease and was tested in an abundance of caution," Jackson Health's Jennifer Piedra said. "All of our community’s precautionary measures were taken, multiple agencies worked effectively in partnership, and we demonstrated that we are ready in the unlikely event that this disease is detected in Miami-Dade County. Out of respect for patient privacy, we are not providing any additional details."

The news in Florida comes as health officials worldwide continue to try to control what the CDC says is the largest Ebola outbreak in history. More than 2,100 cases of Ebola have been confirmed since the current outbreak started in December of last year in West Africa. Suspected deaths are at 1,848.

Three U.S. aid workers were infected in Liberia in August. Two of the workers were treated and released and a third is recovering at a Nebraska hospital. One of those patients, Dr. Kent Brantly, told NBC in an exclusive interview that he felt like he was about to die when he was isolated in a Liberian hospital.

"I said to the nurse who was taking care of me, 'I'm sick. I have no reserve. And I don't know how long I can keep this up,'" the Fort Worth doctor told Matt Lauer.

The virus is spread by direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, not through casual contact.

Check back with NBC 6 South Florida and NBC6.com for updates.

Man Charged in Newington Crash That Killed 2 Women

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A 23-year-old Newington man has been arrested and charged in a fiery January crash that killed two women.

Police said Damian Campanella, 23, of Farmington, was driving under the influence, speeding, had drugs in his possession and was driving with a suspended license when he crashed into a minivan in front of Newington High School on Willard Avenue, Newington around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 19.

One vehicle burst into flames during the crash.
 
Sonia Evans, 56, of New Britain, and Theresa Gunn, 43, of Hartford, were in the minivan when the crash happened.

Evans died at the scene. Gunn was brought to Hartford Hospital and died due to injuries sustained in the crash, police said.

Campanella turned himself in to Newington police on Sunday after learning there was a warrant for his arrest, according to police.

Campanella was charged with two counts of first-degree manslaughter, two counts of manslaughter in the second degree, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree with a motor vehicle, illegal possession of narcotics, driving while under the influence, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. 

He was detained on a $100,000 court-set bond, and is due in court on Monday.

It is not clear if he has an attorney.

According to court records, Newington police charged him with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol in connection with an incident on Dec. 19 and he pleaded not guilty.

Campanella is due in court on those charges on Sept. 17.



Photo Credit: Newington Police

Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Amtrak Train

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An Amtrak train struck and killed a male pedestrian in Fairfield on Saturday evening, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials.

A train hit a man at the Fairfield station at about  6:27 p.m. and the accident was fatal, a MTA spokesperson confirmed.

The man may have been trying to get off the track after getting stuck, police told News 12. 

Fairfield police are investigating the incident and have not released the identity of the pedestrian.

No other information was immediately available.

Norwalk Boat Show to Take to the Waters

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Norwalk Cove Marina will soon be even more of a boater's paradise as the Progressive Insurance Norwalk Boat Show takes to the waters Sept. 18 to 21.

The event will include a free boat ride on Long Island Sound, an animal adventure show, workshops on boat and motor maintenance and repairs and boating skills and an area to test out "stand up" paddleboards and kayaks with seminars, demos and tours. The new Miss Geico racing boat will also be on display.

Eric Stone will be playing some island-themed songs between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. that Thursday to Sunday.

There are also plenty events for the kids, including face painting, a small lake with paddleboats, a toy boat building and Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 20-21).

Admission is free for kids 15 and under.

The boat show runs Sept. 18 to 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Paking will be available in the Calf Pasture Parking Lot. People who want to arrive by boat can dock at Norwalk Harbor and take a water taxi to the show docks for $5 per person.

More information on the boat show and purchasing tickets, you can visit boatshownorwalk.com or follow the boat show on Twitter (@NorwalkBoatShow).



Photo Credit: Norwalk Boat Show

Vigil Held for Missing Hartford Girl, FBI Assisting Search

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation is helping police search for a Hartford teen who has been missing since Aug. 25 and a vigil has been planned for tonight.

Jillian Burgos, a 14-year-old student and choir member at Two Rivers Magnet School in East Hartford, has been missing for two weeks

Hartford police have asked the FBI to step in and help find her.

Police said Jillian was last seen in her backyard on Natalie Street around 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25.

Meanwhile, community members have planned a vigil “to raise awareness not only of Jillian’s disappearance, but also the disparity in how missing children in urban centers are handled,” according to a press release from Hartford Areas Rally Together.

The vigil will be held at Dillon Stadium on Huyshope Avenue in Hartford at 6 p.m.

Deacon Arthur Miller will say a prayer for Jillian, and the Two Rivers choir will sing in her honor.

“We want to make sure that every child matters, no matter their race or zip code,” HART Executive Director Mayra Esquilin, said in a statement.

Jillian stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 285 pounds. She has black hair, brown eyes and a beauty mark on her neck, according to police.

Police said Jillian was wearing a purple shirt, gray shorts and white sneakers when she disappeared and was carrying a blue backpack with a butterfly design.

She is not a habitual runaway, and police said they do not believe she was abducted.

Anyone with information on Jillian's whereabouts should call Sgt. Sonia Watson at 860-757-4482 or Det. Ivys Arroyo at 860-757-4236.



Photo Credit: Hartford Police Department

Man Charged in 2011 Bridgeport Murder

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Bridgeport detectives have arrested a murder suspect in the 2011 shooting death of 20-year-old Dayquan Henry.

Police have obtained an arrest warrant charging Tavaris Daniels, 23, with murder, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and illegal discharge of a firearm.

A witness identified him as the gunman who shot and killed Henry on Dec. 21, 2011, at 594 Newfield Ave. just after midnight, according to police. 

Henry was outside the residence with a friend on that December night when Daniels approached him and opened fire, striking the victim several times, witnesses told police.

Henry was later pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital.

Police said Daniels had been in jail on unrelated charges and was arraigned on Friday, where bond was set at $1 million.



Photo Credit: Bridgeport Police

Woman Charged With Larceny of $13,000 Engagement Ring

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An East Hartford woman has been arrested after buying a $13,000 engagement ring then reporting it is as a fraudulent charge on her credit card, according to police.

On March 18, Mary Ann Desrosiers, 65, of East Hartford, told police she didn’t order the $13,480 diamond ring and was trying to get the charges removed from her credit card, according to police.

As investigators looked into the case, they determined that Desrosiers bought the ring with the intent to defraud the jewelry company, according to police.

She was charged with second-degree larceny, false statement and second-degree falsely reporting an incident.

Desrosiers turned herself in at the Glastonbury Police station on Sept. 7 and was released on a $30,000 bond.

She is due in court on Sept. 24.

It is not clear if she has an attorney. NBC Connecticut called the phone number listed for Desrosiers’ address on Monday morning and there was no answer.
 
 



Photo Credit: Glastonbury Police

Blumenthal Calls on Pharmacies to Stop Selling Tobacco

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After CVS followed through with its corporate pledge last week to stop selling tobacco products of all kinds, Sen. Richard Blumenthal stood in front of a Hartford Walgreens and called on all other big pharmacy chains to do the same.

"A company that promotes health and wellness cannot profit from death and addiction, and this is inevitably what smoking causes,” said Blumenthal.

CVS became the first chain to stop selling all tobacco products including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars.

It's the largest chain of retail pharmacies in America and reports earnings of more than $120 billion each year. Tobacco-related sales account for about $2 billion.

Blumenthal said CVS stepped up to do the right thing and that Walgreens and Rite Aid need to follow suit.

“I hope that customers will reward CVS and likewise put pressure on Walgreens and Rite Aid and other pharmacy chains to do the right thing, do it as soon as possible, just as CVS said it will.”

Rite Aid and Walgreens did not return a request for comment.
 

Copyright Associated Press / NBC Connecticut



Photo Credit: Shuttershock

Hartford Debates Police Body Cameras

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The fatal shooting of an unarmed teen by a Ferguson, Missouri police officer and the tasing of another teen by a Hartford detective have sparked the issue of whether police departments should implement uniform cameras.

The proposal up for debate at a city council meeting tonight would require all city officers to wear mounted cameras on their uniforms. Some residents said the idea would protect both sides and provide documented evidence for disputed situations.

"It would cause an awareness of consciousness of how you handle people and how you do your job, and change how other people act towards officers as well," said Hartford resident Omar Vaughn.

Hartford Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley said the department has already purchased 43 uniform cameras, but said there are still issues of cost, storage and privacy to address.

"You're taking pictures of victims and witnesses and now it's apart of a record. So there are some FOI issues to iron out," said Foley.

"I'm certain we're heading in the right direction, though, and we'll see what unfolds from here," he added.

The Hartford City Council convened at 7 p.m.

How to Sell Your iPhone for the Most Money

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Looking to sell your iPhone before the new model is released? The longer you wait can have a dramatic effect on the value of your phone.

Many users are looking to upgrade their phones to get their hands on the latest gadget ahead of Tuesday's expected announcement of Apple's new iPhone 6.

Even if you are locked in a contract or not due for a subsidized upgrade from your phone carrier, you can still sell your current iPhone to help pay for the new model.

Many sites offer trade-in deals that will give you a fair amount of cash for your gadget.

Gazelle, an online trade-in store, is offering up to $335 for an iPhone 5S, a price expected to be good until Tuesday. The value is estimated to drop once the rumored iPhone 6 is announced.

Worried about not having a phone? Gazelle is letting users hold on to their current phones until Oct. 10 so they are not phoneless while waiting for the new model. Users must first lock in their deal by Sept. 9 through Gazelle.com.

Through Gazelle, you lock in a price online, and the company will send you a package to ship your phone for free. Once your phone is processed, you can choose to receive a check, gift card or PayPal.

If you are looking to get more bang for your buck, you can try selling your phone privately on eBay. Prices vary depending on the model and storage space of your iPhone. Current listings on eBay as of Monday found iPhone 5S models being sold on eBay for between $300 and $500.

Another option for a user looking to unload their iPhones is Craigslist. You should complete your Craigslist transaction in a public place to be safe. Keep in mind that Craigslist does not offer any “buyer/seller protection” as they are not involved in any transactions.

Apple also has a trade-in program called Apple Reuse and Recycling Program that lets users trade in their phones and receive an Apple Store gift card in exchange. A previously owned iPhone 5 was estimated at a value of $225, while an iPhone 5S is currently not available to trade in through Apple’s site.

Another option to get rid of your phone is through a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, which both offer competitive pricing onto a store gift card.

The value of a previous iPhone model typically drops when a new model is introduced, so the sooner you sell your phone, the more money you may be able to get.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC Connecticut



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Firefighters Respond to Hartford Blaze

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Firefighters rushed to the intersection of Bond Street and Maple Avenue in Hartford on Monday afternoon after a vacant home caught fire.

Hartford fire Capt. James McLoughlin said smoke had already filled all three floors of the boarded-up house at 197 Bond Street when firefighters arrived on scene.

Photos from the scene show thick black smoke and flames pouring from the roof of the building. The intersection was blocked off so emergency vehicles could access the scene.

No one was injured in the fire. The cause is still under investigation.

Check back for updates.



Photo Credit: Stephanie Sanchez Valencia

Blaze Burns SoCal Colossus Coaster

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Colossus was scarred by fire as crews began a makeover on the "granddaddy" of roller coasters.

A portion of Six Flags Magic Mountain's wooden Colossus coaster collapsed Monday when the iconic decades-old ride caught fire at the theme park north of Los Angeles.

The fire was reported at about 1:30 p.m. By 2 p.m., the fire appeared to have been extinguished. But smoke could be seen from the nearby Golden State (5) Freeway.

"The fire at the top of the lift hill at Colossus is now out," Magic Mountain said in a statement. 

The park was closed Monday, and no injuries were reported, park officials said.

The fire started while work was being done to disassemble the venerable ride in preparation for a major overhaul, park officials said. Authorities are trying to determine how the fire started.

Colossus had closed in mid-August, after celebrating with free rides for a final few hundred riders before crews began adding steel segments to create a "hybrid" coaster, set to open in 2015.

Colossus was the world's fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster when it opened in June 1978, and the first to feature two drops that are more than 100-feet steep.

"During its reign, it was one of the world’s largest wooden roller coasters, taking up over ten acres of land with more than 4,325 feet of track," according to Magic Mountain's website.

In the 1983 movie "National Lampoon's Vacation," the coaster was the grail Chevy Chase's Griswold family quested for in their trip to the fictional amusement park Wally World.

Twitter user Tony Slauson tweeted -- "That's one way to get colossus down" 

Copyright Associated Press / NBC Connecticut



Photo Credit: KNBC-TV

Bethel Native Makes Major League Debut With Red Sox

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Bethel native and former UConn student Matt Barnes is making his major league debut tonight at the Red Sox series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.

Barnes, 24, has been playing for the Red Sox minor league affiliate in Pawtucket. He snagged a spot on the roster as outfielder Shane Victorino was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

He’ll wear No. 68 and will make his first major league appearance tonight at 7:10 p.m.

Barnes has spent the 2014 season with the triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. The pitcher was selected as Boston’s first pick of the 2011 June draft and was rated as this year’s No. 9 prospect in the Red Sox organization, according to Baseball America.

He was Big East Pitcher of the Year as a junior in 2011 after leading the conference in wins, strikeouts and ERA.

According to his bio on MLB.com, Barnes was also named a Louisville Slugger and Baseball America All-American and was selected to the Big East All-Academic team.

He graduated from Bethel High School in 2008.

11-Year-Old Boy's Condition Upgraded After Bike Crash

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The 11-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Greenwich over the weekend has been upgraded from critical to fair condition, according to a spokesperson for Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he is being treated.

Police said Eddie Zingoni and two friends from the Cos Cob section of Greenwich were riding their bicycles in Montgomery Pinetum Park, a 91-acre public space, around 8:30 a.m. Saturday when Eddie lost control of his bike and veered off the trail.

He fell and his head struck a rock, according to police.

One of the boy's friends called 911 and emergency responders transported Eddie to Stamford Hospital for treatment of a=severe head injury. Police said Eddie was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Eddie was later transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where his condition was upgraded Monday from critical to fair, hospital officials said.

Greenwich police are investigating the accident.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Bacteria Found in Water at East Hampton High School

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"Total coliform" was found in the water at East Hampton High School and the school is bringing drinking water is as a precaution, according to the Superintendent of Schools in East Hampton.

Supt. Diane Dugas said total coliform, a naturally occurring, non-harmful bacteria, was found during routine water testing, and there is no concern about hand-washing or cooking. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coliform bacteria are microbes found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, in soil, on plants, and in surface water. They typically do not make you sick.

Microbes that do cause disease are hard to test for in the water, so "total coliforms" are tested instead, according to the CDC. If the total coliform count is high, it is possible that harmful germs like viruses, bacteria, and parasites might also be found in the water.

The school is bringing an alternate drinking water source as a precaution and flushing the system with chlorine.

They expect the situation to be cleared up in a day and Dugas said it has occurred before at this school. 



Photo Credit: NBC Philadelphia

NYC School Bus Crash Hurts 27 Kids

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Nearly 30 children were hurt when two yellow school buses collided in the Bronx Monday afternoon, authorities say. 

The buses crashed in Co-Op City at about 3:45 p.m., according to the FDNY. Twenty-seven children were on board both buses, and had minor injuries.

Several area hospitals were staging to take in the children, though none has been transported yet. 



Photo Credit: @iamcalvinking/Instagram
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