CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY

May 04 2026POLITICS

A springtime vote for Connecticut's new official symbols

Connecticut might soon join the majority of U. S. states by declaring an official amphibian. The spring peeper has been advancing through the legislature, pushed forward by students who noticed the state lacked this kind of representation. Lawmakers passed the bill 136-0, showing unusual unity, but

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Apr 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can underwater plants warn us about hidden chemicals in rivers?

Rivers hide more than just fish and rocks. They also carry invisible chemicals from everyday products. One group, called PFAS, sticks around for years and mixes into water systems. Scientists recently tested a common underwater plant, Potamogeton crispus, to see if it could act like a warning sign f

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Apr 13 2026POLITICS

How Connecticut’s Healthcare System Makes Money While Patients Pay More

Connecticut’s lawmakers are quietly pushing big changes to a federal drug discount program that feels more like a business deal than public policy. A last-minute addition to a routine bill quietly expanded the 340B program, letting hospitals buy drugs at extreme discounts—sometimes for a fraction of

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Apr 09 2026CRIME

Connecticut’s crime drop in 2025 – but not all crimes are shrinking

Connecticut closed 2025 with safer streets than the year before. Violent crime fell by almost 8%, homicides dropped from 90 to 70, and simple assaults slid 10%. Even thefts from cars nosedived by 31%. Yet behind these numbers sits a twist: drug offenses soared 13%, identity theft spiked 18%, and ars

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Apr 03 2026OPINION

Safety Tech Helps Keep Riverton Secure

Riverton’s council members often think about how to protect the town and its families. A violent crime in the neighborhood a little over two years ago made everyone feel unsafe. After that, people called for help and worried about children playing outside or being alone at home. The town’s

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Mar 30 2026SPORTS

UConn marches past Notre Dame to stay undefeated and reach Final Four

Connecticut entered the game as the heavy favorite, but Notre Dame showed up ready to scrap for every possession. The Fighting Irish, ranked sixth, gave the top-seeded Huskies their toughest fight in the regional final, even if the final score doesn’t tell the full story. UConn still dominated with

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Mar 03 2026POLITICS

How Connecticut’s Taxes Stack Up: Who Pays the Most?

Connecticut’s tax scene is a puzzle. The state relies heavily on income taxes for its $27 billion budget, yet many say the richest people pay too little. A recent study from 2011 to 2020 looks at how different income groups actually share the burden. First, income taxes bring in about a third of al

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Feb 17 2026CRIME

Neighbors Take Action: How a Small Community Thwarted Crime with Signs and Cameras

Valley Glen, a quiet part of the San Fernando Valley, has seen its residents step up to keep their streets safe. Facing a surge of break‑ins linked to gangs from South America, homeowners installed 22 warning signs and set up infrared license‑plate readers plus video cameras. The initiative reported

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Feb 16 2026WEATHER

Cold Snap Challenges: Heating Oil Woes in Connecticut

Connecticut's recent harsh winter has caused significant problems for both heating oil companies and consumers. The deep snow and extreme cold have made deliveries difficult, with trucks struggling to navigate snow-covered paths to reach homes. In some cases, delivery hoses had to be snaked through

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Feb 15 2026EDUCATION

Students Gain Real‑World Skills Through School Business Club

Valley High’s business club, DECA, is turning ordinary classes into real‑world training. The club has grown fast in its third year, thanks to teacher Nick DeFrancesco’s guidance. Students meet after school and sometimes more often, practicing role‑plays and case studies that mimic real busines

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