Ban On Certain Youth Sports Loosens
With COVID-19 statistics improving, Gov. Ned Lamont announced plans to ease restrictions on youth sports. Read more
Without State Direction, Towns Struggle With How To Conduct Local Referendums
After forgoing referendum votes and in-person town meetings for almost a year during the pandemic, Connecticut municipalities are contending with how to conduct votes as the coronavirus begins to recede. Read more
Housing Reform Bills Spark Clashes Over Race, Local Authority
Connecticut’s festering divide over affordable housing spilled into open clashes on Thursday as the General Assembly invited comments on reforms such as expanding urban housing authorities into surrounding towns and encouraging multi-family housing in predominatly white suburbs. Ken Dixon sums it up for Hearst.
COVID-19 Briefing: Feb. 18
The governor announced another 547 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 out of 27,015 tested, bringing the total number of cases to 271,903. The statewide positivity rate was 2.02%. Another 20 deaths from coronavirus-associated causes were reported, bringing the total to 7,496. The number of patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 decreased by 16, bringing the total to 568.
COVID-19 Vaccination Site Opening at Mohegan Sun
A mass (appointment-only) COVID-19 vaccination site will open Friday in Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center. The Day has details
Tired of Those Bogus 'Car Warranty' Calls? So Are Lawmakers
Under proposed legislation, companies with utility products, insurance services and car warranties would be prohibited from calling residents under existing no-call laws. Hearst has details
Connecticut Sets Time Limit On Health Care Marketplace Reopening
The special enrollment period on the state health insurance exchange is a shorter window in Connecticut. The JI has important details
Average CT Resident Has Been Spending A Lot More On Takeout During The Pandemic
The average person in Connecticut is spending more than $100 more per month for takeout during the pandemic, according to a new study. More from WFSB
LOB ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & EVENTS
TODAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
The State Capitol Complex is currently closed until further notice.
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hear conservation and development state agency budget presentations at 10 a.m. via Zoom Watch
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. via Zoom Agenda Watch
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. via Zoom Agenda Watch
YOUTH WORK GROUP OF THE PUBLIC AWARENESS SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE PTATF will meet at 1:30 p.m.via Zoom
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hold a public hearing on the governor's proposed budget for conservation and development state agencies at 5 p.m. via Zoom Watch
OFF SITE
U.S. SEN. BLUMENTHAL will participate in the following:
- 11 a.m. - Hold a virtual roundtable with frontline workers and health care providers leading efforts to address significant and troubling disparities in access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Media RSVP for access
- 1:30 p.m. - Visit vaccine clinic at Waterbury Arts Magnet School, 16 S. Elm St., with Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz to learn about efforts to distribute vaccine to underserved groups
U.S. SEN. MURPHY will participate in the following:
- 10:45 a.m. - Tour U.S. Coast Guard Station: New Haven followed by a roundtable and press availability as the new Chairman of the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee Media RSVP
- 1 p.m. - Hold a roundtable discussion with behavioral health advocates and local officials to discuss the increased challenges patients are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic at Positive Directions - The Center for Prevention & Counseling, Inc., 90 Post Road West, Westport Media RSVP
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
REPRESENTATION MATTERS: ARE YOU READY TO RUN FOR LOCAL OFFICE?: CCM's free training for communities of color to learn the fundamentals to run for office or serve on a board or commission will take place in two sessions the second session is on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Register
PODCASTS
 Advice For Addressing Microaggressions Head On
“Microaggressions are things that people often experience daily. And the people who commit microaggressions often don’t realize they’re doing so," said Renee Wells, director of education for equity and inclusion at Middlebury College in Vermont. In an interview with NEXT, her advice on how to handle them in our daily lives. LISTEN
 The Impeachment Era
Why are presidential impeachments happening more often? Are impeachments futile if they don't end in a conviction? Political journalist and CEO of Pushkin Industries Jacob Weisberg joins the conversation. LISTEN
CREAM & SUGAR
Opinion, Analysis and Other News
Play Ball! Yard Goats Announce 60 Hartford Home Games in 2021
Hartford Business Journal has the details
Neglected Horses Now Healthy and Up For Adoption
If you've always wanted that pony ... this may be your golden opportunity.
This week's op-eds:
 What Makes a Great President? There Isn't One Answer
Jonathan L. Wharton and Thomas J. Balcerski take a Presidents' Day look back at the qualities that elevate some presidents over others.
 Opinion: Lamont Transportation Plan Dwindles from Revolutionary to an Afterthought
Susan Bigelow concludes that the governor's tepid transportation plan is confirmation that he's pursuing re-election.
 Opinion: Vice Squad: Lawmakers Eye Proposals On Wine In Grocery Stores and Weed
Terry Cowgill writes that for a progressive place, Connecticut has been awfully skittish about changing policy regarding 'mind-altering' substances.
 Opinion: Our Public Health Demands the Elimination of Non-Medical Exemptions
Non-medical exemptions from vaccination threaten our children's health. Sen. Mary Abrams and Rep. John Steinberg, co-chairs of the Public Health Committee, explain.
 Analysis: Emerging From the Dark as COVID-19 Cases Fall
It’s been an awful few months ... but maybe you’ve noticed: the days are getting longer. There’s more sun in the morning, and those of us still commuting aren’t driving home in darkness. That’s what this week’s COVID-19 map feels like, to me: the promise, at last, of spring. Susan Bigelow has more
 Analysis: If The COVID Vaccine Is Free For Patients, Who Is Paying For It?
Federal law ensures the COVID vaccine will be provided to every American at no cost. So who is paying for it? CT Health Policy Project Executive Director Ellen Andrews, PhD, has more
 Opinion: A New Direction For The Connecticut Republican Party
The Connecticut Republican Party is at a crossroads. It can continue to operate as it has for well over a decade or it can move forward and change our future. Ben Proto makes his case
GOVERNOR & LT. GOVERNOR'S DAY
The governor did not release a public schedule in advance.
Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz will visit the following:
- 11 a.m. - Hold a virtual roundtable with U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, OPM Secretary Melissa McCaw, state Sen. Marilyn Moore, Bloomfield Mayor Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, former Treasurer Denise Nappier and former New Haven Mayor Toni Harp to discuss ways to encourage more Black women to become involved in public service. Registration
- 1:30 p.m. - Join U.S. Sen. Blumenthal and Waterbury leaders at the vaccine clinic at Waterbury Arts Magnet School, 16 S. Elm St., to learn about efforts to distribute vaccine to underserved groups.
CONDOLENCES
Our deep sympathies to Sen. Saud Anwar and his family on the death of his older brother in England as a result of COVID-19.
SHOUT OUTS
Happy birthday wishes to Amanda Alfonso, Corey Brinson, and Linda Gentile!
Don't forget to email ctnewsjunkie@gmail.com if you have a shout out for a friend or colleague.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESS PATRONS
And here's a shoutout to all of you Press Patrons who support public service journalism. We asked our members to consider writing a short message about why they became subscribers. We were overwhelmed by the kindness you all expressed. THANK YOU ALL! We are eternally grateful.
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