WNPR On NPR: Connecticut Left To Reconcile Tragedy With Its Proud Gun History

Connecticut has suddenly become the epicenter of the nation’s gun control debate in a way no one there could have foreseen. The Newtown school shootings have brought calls for restrictions on firearms, in the state that once led the world in creating modern weaponry.

Here’s the story.

One Gun Proposal Would Tax Ammunition

The gun control debate is underway in Connecticut.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, one proposal would tax ammunition.

Beth Bye is a Democratic state senator. She plans to introduce legislation in January that would provide for a 50 percent tax on ammunition not bought and consumed at a shooting range. She also wants to make it illegal to buy and have guns that hold more than ten rounds at a time. Bye says everyday she meets people who are waiting for action.

“Going into the bagel store, one of the women said to me, ‘Beth, I know there are all these processes and stuff, but just get it done now. What is taking so long? We want action now and we don’t want a delay.'”

The move comes as some of Connecticut’s lawmakers in Washington are calling for a federal ban on assault weapons.

For WNPR, I’m Jeff Cohen.

Clarification Regarding Appeal of Former Mayor Eddie Perez

I reported earlier this month that former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez had been scheduled for a January appeal of his two corruption convictions.

According to the state judicial branch, although Perez’s case was subject to assignment in the January term of the appellate court, it did not end up getting assigned.

Back To School, With Security

Across the state, children went back to school again today/Monday.  And in many school districts, there’s an increased security presence. WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

Here’s the story.

WNPR On NPR: Spared In Shooting, Holiday Spirit Comforts Family

One family whose son was in Sandy Hook Elementary during the shooting spends the day visiting Santa and trying to regain some semblance of normalcy.

WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

 

Hartford’s Colt Complex Gets New Tenant

Gov. Dannel Malloy at the Colt Complex (Jeff Cohen/WNPR)

The historic Colt complex in Hartford just got a new tenant.  WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

Here’s the story.

Connecticut Health Council Launches

Today was the launch of something called the Connecticut Health Council.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, the council’s ultimate goal is to attract new healthcare industry jobs to the state.

Here’s the story.

A Rebirth For Hartford’s “Plaza Mayor”?

Park and Main Streets, Hartford (Google Maps)

A city corner that’s been called the gateway to Hartford’s Latino community is now a series of empty lots — and efforts to develop them failed a few years back.  But as WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, city officials say they’re ready to try again.

Here’s the story.

Convicted Former Hartford Mayor Perez Gets January Appeal

Perez on election night in 2007 (WNPR File Photo)

More than two years after he resigned his office, former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez is about to have his second day in court.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, Perez is appealing his corruption convictions and that appeal has been scheduled for January.

Here’s the story.

Connecticut Science Center Still Litigating Faulty Roof

It’s been about three years since the the Connecticut Science Center sued some of the contractors who built it, looking to recoup some of the money it lost from a faulty roof.  Now, as WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, the science center has resolved some — but not all — of those claims.

Here’s the story.