AAA identifies motorist breaking point on gas prices

The report finds that roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle. At the top of that list is less driving in general, less dining out and less shopping; at the bottom of the list is using public transportation.

Half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when it reaches $3.44 per gallon, indicating a potential breaking point on gas prices, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA.

The report also points to the negative impact on consumer spending in other areas, in order to keep gas expenditures to a manageable level.

The report finds that roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle.

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Moment of silence April 22 for victims of Boston bombings

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, following a request by Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick, asks Connecticut residents to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today (Monday, April 22) in recognition of the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon last week.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, following a request by Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick, asks Connecticut residents to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. today (Monday, April 22) in recognition of the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon last week.

“I’ve directed state agencies to join Massachusetts in a moment of silence at 2:50 today, and am encouraging Connecticut residents to do the same,” Gov. Malloy said.

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Private rocket launch to be visible in CT skies

The Antares rocket on the pad at NASA’s Wallops, VA Facility. NASA photo.

UPDATE – because of upper level winds, the launch has been moved to 6:30 p.m.   NASA live streaming begins at 5:30 p.m.

by Lon Seidman | CTNewsJunkie.com

The launch of the Orbital Science Corporation’s Antares rocket (at 5 p.m. Eastern time) should be visible from South Carolina all the way to Portland, Maine.

Orbital Sciences Corporation is one of two companies to win an International Space Station cargo delivery contract from NASA. The 18-minute mission will deliver a test cargo container to orbit but will not dock with the station.

The rocket will appear arching toward orbit in the southern sky shortly after its liftoff in Virginia.

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Lawmaker continues to push for animal advocates in courts

Connecticut State Rep. Diana Urban with “Justice for Desmond” supporters and Rep. Brenda Kupchick urged support April 18 for legislation that would appoint advocates to court cases involving animal cruelty. The legislation was approved 38-6 by the Judiciary Committee this week and may be forwarded to the Environment Committee before coming to the House for a vote. Photo by Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie.com

by Christine Stuart | CTNewsJunkie.com

Rep. Diana Urban, her dog Indiana Jones, and a group of animal advocates urged support Thursday (April 18) for legislation that would appoint advocates to court cases involving animal cruelty.

The legislation was approved 38-6 by the Judiciary Committee this week and may be forwarded to the Environment Committee before coming to the House for a vote.

Animal cruelty is a “red flag” for future violent acts and it’s clear that judges need to educate themselves about the connection, Urban said.

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Sandy Hook families sway Washington’s discussion on Gun Legislation

Eleven family members of those killed in the December 2012 shooting at the Newtown, CT elementary school joined President Barack Obama on an Air Force One flight from Connecticut to D.C. after Obama’s speech at the University of Hartford on Monday. At the university, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy. Megan Merrigan photo, CTNewsJunkie.com

By Megan Merrigan | CTNewsJunkie.com

April 12, 2013

Eleven family members of those killed in the December 2012 shooting at the Newtown, CT Sandy Hook Elementary school joined President Barack Obama on an Air Force One flight from Connecticut to D.C. after Obama’s speech at the University of Hartford on Monday (April 8).

“The families of Newtown literally turned the tide in Washington, D.C.,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal said at a press conference at the University of Hartford on Friday (April 12). “Their faces and voices are an historic story in achieving better measures against gun violence.”

In all, 16 Republicans contributed to Thursday’s (April 11) 68-31 bipartisan victory over the Republican-led filibuster that would have prevented debate on the legislation.

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Challenges loom for Connecticut’s new gun law

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signs new gun law on April 4, 2013 at the State Capitol in Hartford, CT. Photo by Christine Stuart | CTNewsJunkie.com

by Hugh McQuaid | CTnewsjunkie.com

Flanked by families of some of those murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT in December 2012, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed into law the state’s new bipartisan, gun-violence prevention legislation at a ceremony Thursday afternoon (April 4) at the state Capitol.

The bill expands the number of firearms prohibited in Connecticut, bans the sale of ammunition magazines that carry more than 10 rounds, and imposes new eligibility requirements for purchases of all guns and ammunition. It also creates the first statewide gun offender registry.

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Sandy Hook Commission reveals controversial recommendations

Hamden CT Mayor Scott Jackson (at podium), Chair of the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission and CT Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Christine Stuart file photo, CTNewsJunkie.com

by CTNewsjunkie Staff

After more than 40 hours of expert testimony, the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission issued an interim report that includes a controversial recommendation to ban high-capacity magazines with 10 or more bullets and guns that can shoot them.

According to the report, the commission recognized that certain sporting events may at times seek to utilize higher capacity magazines. However, the consensus of the commission was that the spirit of sportsmanship can be maintained with lower capacity magazines.

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Postponed – DEEP Commissioner to ‘charge up’ at Storrs Center

CT DEEP Commissioner Esty is expected to charge his Chevy Volt at one of the stations – there are four Level 2 retractable electric charging stations in the Mansfield Garage – and a Hertz car-share program will be introduced.

Editor’s note: This event was postponed because of winter weather. When a new date is announced, I will share that information.

By Brenda Sullivan, HTNP News Editor

Connecticut DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty  is expected to join Mansfield Mayor Betsy Paterson and other local dignitaries at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19 to tour the Storrs Center development.

The visit is meant to highlight energy and pro-environment aspects of the development, including electric vehicle charging stations  for the public.

Commissioner Esty is expected to charge his Chevy Volt at one of these stations – there are four, Level-2 retractable electric charging stations – and a Hertz car-share program will be introduced.

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