August 19, 2015 12:01 am • Last Updated: August 19, 2015 12:05 am By By Jill Blanchette Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed. STORIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU OPINION: Story about JFK righting a wrong puts New London in national news I have long known the story of Merle Smith Jr. becoming the first Black cadet to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy in 1966. It was the beginning of a storied career that made him the first Black c... Hamas is reviewing an Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, as Rafah offensive looms Cairo — Hamas said Saturday it was reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, as Egypt intensified efforts to broker a deal to end the months-long war and stave off a planned Israeli g... Assault weapon deadline looming For the past several weeks, employees at Swamp Yankee Arms have been fielding a barrage of phone calls and aiding a steady stream of customers at the Jewett City gun shop. Gun sales are brisk, but tha... Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after his return to NYC from upstate prison NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nu...