News: Efforts to fend off the COVID-19 pandemic have succeeded in nearly wiping out the flu this season in Connecticut and throughout the country, with the incidence of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths the lowest it's been in decades. Cases of some other respiratory diseases also are down.

Daybreak: The Sikh Art Gallery in Norwich also serves as a welcome center, library and headquarters from whence Swaranjit "Singh" Khalsa, the owner, does his estimable part to introduce Sikh culture and history to southeastern Connecticut.

Business: The growing popularity of Airstreams is part of a surge in sales of all recreational vehicles during the coronavirus pandemic. RV shipments set new records in November and December of last year, according to the RV Industry Association.

Perspective: This was a nation uniquely founded on the principle of federalism, and states' rights. But the United States faces increasingly complex problems that defy borders, such as climate change, cyber terrorist threats, abuse of social media, and a pandemic. Is it time to recognize the need for strong, central government?