News: State Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, outraged by the revelation that staff members repeatedly abused a patient at the state's hospital for the criminally insane, is leading an inquiry into the Whiting Forensic Division of Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. Somers says there was a "culture of menace" that resulted in the gross mistreatment of patients at Whiting and that she and the General Assembly's Public Health Committee are looking into a host of issues, from Medicare/Medicaid billing mistakes to massive overtime hours for staff and the practice of allowing patients who are hospitalized because they committed violent crimes to play violent video games.

Daybreak: A billboard in front of Shop Rite on Route 82 in Norwich, of a bright-eyed boy wearing a light-blue turban smiling shyly, invites passersby to read accompanying facts about the Sikh religion as part of an effort to raise awareness about Sikhism — a monotheistic religion that emphasizes compassion and service to others.

Business: Charles R. Cumello's colleagues at Essex Financial agree it was his steady hand and insistence on transparency that has earned Essex Financial their continuing trust after the founder was fired and banned from the securities industry.

Perspective: Randy Cohen, the Americans for the Arts vice president who oversaw a study of the economic activity generated by nonprofit cultural organizations, will visit Connecticut this week. One stop will be an address to municipal and business leaders at The Day. His talk will be live-streamed on www.theday.com at 9 a.m. Thursday.