Flags half staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day

Peace Officers Memorial in Florida. National Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually and corresponds with Police Week.

Press Release

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has directed that U.S. and Connecticut flags be flown at half-staff today (May 15, 2013) in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

National Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually and corresponds with Police Week.

“National Peace Officers Memorial Day is an opportunity to honor the service of our brave men and women in law enforcement,” said Gov. Malloy.

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CT State Police ID suspect vehicle in missing ECSU student case

State Police have identified a car, a black 2009 Nissan Altima with tinted windows, they say is related to the case of a missing ECSU student in Willimantic, CT. Photo provided by CT State Police.

By Brenda Sullivan | HTNP News Editor

The Connecticut State Police Major Crime and Missing Person Unit Detectives are continuing the search for a young woman reported missing from the Eastern Connecticut State University campus in Willimantic, CT.

Now, State Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help locating a vehicle they say is related to the case – a black, four-door, 2009 Nissan Altima sedan with tinted windows and plate CT Reg 297-ZOY.

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CT Police issue Silver Alert for missing ECSU student

CT Police have issued a Silver Alert for ECSU student Alyssiah Marie Wiley who they say was last seen April 20, 2013. Photo courtesy of CT State Police.

Press Release

On Wednesday, April 24 2013, Connecticut State Police were contacted by Eastern Connecticut University Police regarding a student reported missing.

The missing student is identified as 21-year-old Alyssiah Marie Wiley (DOB:11/24/92) described as a Black female, 5’6”, about 150 lbs.

Police say she was last seen at ECSU on April 20, 2013.

University Police initiated a case after being told that the student could not be located by friends or family and have issued a Silver Alert.

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Moment of silence April 22 for victims of Boston bombings

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, following a request by Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick, asks Connecticut residents to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today (Monday, April 22) in recognition of the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon last week.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, following a request by Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick, asks Connecticut residents to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today (Monday, April 22) in recognition of the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon last week.

“I’ve directed state agencies to join Massachusetts in a moment of silence at 2:50 today, and am encouraging Connecticut residents to do the same,” Gov. Malloy said.

“We thank law enforcement and first responders for their actions at the marathon and in the days that followed. Our thoughts remain with the victims of this senseless tragedy and the families mourning the loss of their loved ones,” he said.

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Private rocket launch to be visible in CT skies

The Antares rocket on the pad at NASA’s Wallops, VA Facility. NASA photo.

UPDATE – because of upper level winds, the launch has been moved to 6:30 p.m. NASA live streaming begins at 5:30 p.m.

by Lon Seidman | CTNewsJunkie.com

The launch of the Orbital Science Corporation’s Antares rocket  (at 5 p.m. Eastern time) should be visible from South Carolina all the way to Portland, Maine.

Orbital Sciences Corporation is one of two companies to win an International Space Station cargo delivery contract from NASA. The 18-minute mission will deliver a test cargo container to orbit but will not dock with the station.

The rocket will appear arching toward orbit in the southern sky shortly after its liftoff in Virginia.

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Lawmaker continues to push for animal advocates in courts

Connecticut State Rep. Diana Urban with “Justice for Desmond” supporters and Rep. Brenda Kupchick urged support April 18 for legislation that would appoint advocates to court cases involving animal cruelty. The legislation was approved 38-6 by the Judiciary Committee this week and may be forwarded to the Environment Committee before coming to the House for a vote. Photo by Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com

by Christine Stuart | CTNewsJunkie.com

Rep. Diana Urban, her dog Indiana Jones, and a group of animal advocates urged support Thursday (April 18) for legislation that would appoint advocates to court cases involving animal cruelty.

The legislation was approved 38-6 by the Judiciary Committee this week and may be forwarded to the Environment Committee before coming to the House for a vote.

Animal cruelty is a “red flag” for future violent acts and it’s clear that judges need to educate themselves about the connection, Urban said.

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Sandy Hook families sway Washington’s discussion on Gun Legislation

Eleven family members of those killed in the December 2012 shooting at the Newtown, CT elementary school joined President Barack Obama on an Air Force One flight from Connecticut to D.C. after Obama’s speech at the University of Hartford on Monday. At the university, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy. Megan Merrigan photo, CTNewsJunkie.com

By Megan Merrigan | CTNewsJunkie.com

April 12, 2013

Eleven family members of those killed in the December 2012 shooting at the Newtown, CT Sandy Hook Elementary school joined President Barack Obama on an Air Force One flight from Connecticut to D.C. after Obama’s speech at the University of Hartford on Monday (April 8).

“The families of Newtown literally turned the tide in Washington, D.C.,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal said at a press conference at the University of Hartford on Friday (April 12). “Their faces and voices are an historic story in achieving better measures against gun violence.”

In all, 16 Republicans contributed to Thursday’s (April 11) 68-31 bipartisan victory over the Republican-led filibuster that would have prevented debate on the legislation.

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Challenges loom for Connecticut’s new gun law

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signs new gun law on April 4, 2013 at the State Capitol in Hartford, CT. Photo by Christine Stuart | CTNewsJunkie.com

by Hugh McQuaid | CTnewsjunkie.com

Flanked by families of some of those murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT in December 2012, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed into law the state’s new bipartisan, gun-violence prevention legislation at a ceremony Thursday afternoon (April 4) at the state Capitol.

The bill expands the number of firearms prohibited in Connecticut, bans the sale of ammunition magazines that carry more than 10 rounds, and imposes new eligibility requirements for purchases of all guns and ammunition. It also creates the first statewide gun offender registry.

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