On billet night, some cadets learn they're bound for Coast Guard icebreakers in Arctic

The academy's annual billet night ceremony Thursday was the first time the class had gathered together in one room since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Connecticut VA opens up vaccine eligibility to veterans of all ages
In Connecticut, any veteran, regardless of age, who is enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health care system, can now get the COVID-19 vaccine.
When more supply available, sub base prepared to administer 2,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses per day

Supply remains the biggest obstacle to doing that, the base's emergency manager said. The base is receiving more regular shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine and is holding at least one of these mass vaccination clinics a week.
Officials back proposal to improve military spouse employment in Connecticut
Advocates for military spouses say Lamont's proposed changes to professional licensing requirements could make Connecticut a more attractive place for service members and their families.
Coast Guard Academy cadet recognized as young leader in engineering

Kat Stroh, recognized as a young leader in engineering, said early exposure and representation are key to increasing minority and female participation in the STEM fields.
LOCAL NEWS
New London, Norwich stand to benefit from new PILOT bill
The state legislature has approved a shift in the way municipalities are reimbursed for tax-exempt properties and New London stands to be one of the major beneficiaries.
A year later, pandemic deaths leave an unfillable void
Connecticut reported its first case of COVID-19 on March 8, 2020. In the year since, we’ve lost grandparents, mothers, fathers, siblings and friends.
Rugby club takes a plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics

Members of the New London County Rugby Club participated in the virtual Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics on Saturday at the McCook Point Park beach in Niantic.
1918 flu didn't leave region quietly

To get an idea what a less-than-ideal return to normal could be like, it's worth a look at what happened as the last pandemic receded.
POLICE AND FIRE POLICE LOGS
Pennsylvania man charged in Norwich robbery
On Dec. 27, 2020, police responded to a Taftville home for reports of a robbery. Kareem Swinton, 19, of Allentown, Pa., allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint and stole his cellphone and other items, police said.
LATEST AP HEADLINES
STATE/NORTHEAST
Another Cuomo aide comes forward, alleges governor touched, kissed her

A third staffer to Gov. Andrew Cuomo accused him of inappropriate behavior, saying in a newspaper interview that he asked her if she had a boyfriend, called her “sweetheart,” touched her back and kissed her hand.
Police: Man drove wrong way on I-84, struck trooper
Connecticut state police say they arrested a Utah man after he drove the wrong way on a highway, led police on a chase and intentionally struck a trooper, who was not seriously injured