Quantcast

George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery deaths: Racism causes life-threatening conditions for black men every day

A portrait of George Floyd hangs on a street light pole as police officers stand guard at the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

High-profile police shootings and deaths of black men in custody – or even while out jogging – bring cries of racism across the country. The May 25 death of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis and the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia on Feb. 23, 2020 by a white father and son have resulted in outrage and protests in cities across the U.S.

But, as a public health researcher who studies the effects of racism on the health of black men, I have found that the life-and-death effects of racism in the U.S. go far beyond police shootings. I also have found that, while racism harms many groups of people, black men are paying the highest cost. Continue reading George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery deaths: Racism causes life-threatening conditions for black men every day

Advertisement

As barbershops, hair salons, casinos open, $619.9 million state deficit projected due to COVID-19

Hair Stylist Georgeanne DeCosta works in close clipping the hair of her 5 year old son Rock that is going to grow out into a mohawk in their home on May 12 in Shelton. (Joe Amon, Connecticut Public Radio)

Hair salons, barbershops and casinos reopened in Connecticut Monday, after being closed for more than two months due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions. Along with the good news of these reopenings, there were grim new projections Monday from the state comptroller about the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced a projected deficit Monday of $619.9 million for Fiscal Year 2020. Lembo noted the loss of over 50% of jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading As barbershops, hair salons, casinos open, $619.9 million state deficit projected due to COVID-19

Advertisement

Stamford judge rules against Milligan’s motion, POKO case to continue

The former Leonard Street municipal lot, now owned by Jason Milligan.

NORWALK, Conn. – The judge in the POKO lawsuit has denied every argument made in Jason Milligan’s attempt to dismiss the case filed against him by the City and Norwalk Redevelopment Agency. Judge Charles Lee’s 36-page decision, handed down Wednesday, clears the way for the case against the embattled real estate mogul to go to trial.

“We are encouraged that the court has again summarily dismissed Jason Milligan’s attempts to delay or dismiss this case. In fact, the court has ruled against the Milligan defendants and found in favor of the city at every stage of this case,” Mayor Harry Rilling said.

Milligan is under fire due to his purchase in 2018 of five properties that were slated to be part of the Wall Street Place mixed-use development, commonly called “POKO.” The properties were under a Land Disposition Agreement between the Redevelopment Agency and a POKO-successor entity, an LDA which gave the Redevelopment Agency the right to review and approve their potential sale. Milligan, who has said the LDA is not well-written, proceeded with the purchase after being warned by the City not to. Continue reading Stamford judge rules against Milligan’s motion, POKO case to continue

Advertisement

Peaceful Norwalk protest makes an impression

A Black Lives Matter protest begins Sunday on Connecticut Avenue. (James Russell)

Updated: 9:46 p.m.:Video added, Chief Kulhawik interview.

NORWALK, Conn. — Hundreds of people gathered Sunday in Norwalk for a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest.

The throng shut down northbound Interstate 95 briefly while they walked from the Connecticut Avenue Stop & Shop to Norwalk Police headquarters in South Norwalk. Connecticut Avenue was also closed, as were streets in SoNo.

Video by Harold F. Cobin at end of story Continue reading Peaceful Norwalk protest makes an impression

Advertisement

Rilling: ‘My heart breaks’

An image used to promote a rally scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday in Norwalk.

NORWALK, Conn. – As activists prepared Saturday for a Norwalk protest of George Floyd’s untimely death 1,200 miles away, Mayor Harry Rilling released a statement about the tragedy.

The 46-year old African American man’s death on Memorial Day has rocked the nation, as video of him pleading, “I can’t breathe,” while a white police officer knelt on his neck has circulated widely, inspiring widespread protests in American cities. Continue reading Rilling: ‘My heart breaks’

Advertisement

People throughout Connecticut protest the death of George Floyd

Protestors hit the street in the Hartford Rally for Justice. (CTMirror.org)

Protesters in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, New London, and other parts of Connecticut joined a nationwide call for action Saturday following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. The protests come as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold — one day after the Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order that further relaxes state restrictions related to the virus.

Demonstrators wearing masks gathered in Colt Park and Bushnell Park in Hartford Saturday and marched in the street to the State Capitol — causing temporary delays for buses and traffic. The crowd leaving from Bushell Park marched by the Hartford Public Safety Complex on its way to the capitol. Demonstrators held signs to protest Floyd’s death, criticize police, brutality, and show unity. Continue reading People throughout Connecticut protest the death of George Floyd

Advertisement

A Minnesota death resonates in Connecticut: ‘A constant message that our lives don’t matter’

A young protestor chants during a rally at the state Capitol Friday in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police on Memorial Day. Several hundred people attended the event to stand together against police brutality, abuse of power and racial discrimination. (Cloe Poisson, CTMirror.org)

Of all the agonizing final moments of George Floyd’s life, as he gasped for air from beneath a police officer’s knee, the most painful for Barbara Sands was when he called for his mother. It reminded her of her son Kyron, who police killed in Windham in February 2019 following a car chase and a shootout.

“I wonder, did my son cry out for me?” Sands asked. Continue reading A Minnesota death resonates in Connecticut: ‘A constant message that our lives don’t matter’

Advertisement

Rilling blasts NPS summer school plan; doctor cites ‘grave concerns’

Mayor Harry Rilling, left; Norwalk Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski, right.

Story updated at 2:20 p.m. to include a comment from Sarah LeMieux, and corrected at 2 p.m. to clarify that in-person high school summer school would begin on July 6.

NORWALK, Conn. — A major rift opened up between the City and school administrators Friday after NPS announced that it would be offering summer school in July.

“I was shocked to see a summer learning update from Norwalk Public Schools today that goes against the current recommendations of the Norwalk Health Department and medical adviser to NPS,” Mayor Harry Rilling said in a statement sent three hours after an NPS email blast went out to parents. Continue reading Rilling blasts NPS summer school plan; doctor cites ‘grave concerns’

Advertisement

Norwalk parking meters resume operation June 1

The Norwalk Parking Authority meets Thursday virtually. Norwalk Chief of Economic and Community Development Jessica Casey, bottom center, objected to the plan to reinstate parking fees.

Permit rates through August.

NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk parking meters will be back in operation Monday, by unanimous vote of the Parking Authority.

Parking in the City has been free since March 18, due to the COVID-19 crisis.   Continue reading Norwalk parking meters resume operation June 1

Advertisement

Norwalk Democrats endorse Perone, Simms and Wells

State Rep. Chris Perone (D-137) accepts his endorsement for reelection, Thursday.

The 2020 election is scheduled for Nov. 3.

NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk Democrats completed their fall slate this week, endorsing Chris Perone, Travis Simms and Stuart Wells for reelection.

That confirms a no surprises lineup, laden with incumbents:

  • Jim Himes for U.S. Representative
  • Bob Duff for State Senate
  • Chris Perone for District 137 State Representative
  • Travis Simms for District 140 State Representative
  • Lucy Dathan for 142 District State Representative
  • Stephanie Thomas for 143 District State Representative
  • Stuart Wells for Democratic Registrar

Continue reading Norwalk Democrats endorse Perone, Simms and Wells

Advertisement

Norwalk officials provide update on COVID-19 recovery

The Norwalk Health and Public Safety Committee gets updates on the City’s response to COVID-19, during its Thursday virtual meeting.

NORWALK, Conn. — As Norwalk begins its reopening process, officials from the police, fire, recreation and parks, emergency management and health departments provided updates Thursday on their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Norwalk officials provide update on COVID-19 recovery

Advertisement

Cece battles East Norwalk TOD plan, claims community ‘mistrust’

A slide used by Planning and Zoning Director Steven Kleppin to illustrate the Seaview Avenue pedestrian promenade concept introduced by consultants as part of the emerging East Norwalk Transit Oriented Development Plan. It’s one of the best recommendations and, “After the plan is approved, we’ll work with DPW, Recs & Park and Transportation and Mobility on developing a plan for the promenade,” he said. “By including the concept in the plan places more importance on it and allows us to pursue grant funding and indicates consistency with the POCD when seeking capital funding.

NORWALK, Conn. — Development guidelines being formulated by the Planning and Zoning Department may result in 1,200 to 1,500 new apartments in East Norwalk, according to Diane Cece.

Cece is engaging in “scare tactics,” according to Third Taxing District Commissioner Pam Parkington.

Planning and Zoning Director Steven Kleppin said experience shows that things don’t move that fast and, “I don’t think this will immediately translate to the entire area being redeveloped.” Continue reading Cece battles East Norwalk TOD plan, claims community ‘mistrust’

Advertisement

COVID-19 notes: Rilling highlights SoNo businesses, keeps East Norwalk library closed for now

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling start a SoNo visit, Wednesday on Washington Street.

NORWALK, Conn. — Some COVID-19 developments:

  • Rilling tours SoNo with Bysiewicz
  • East Norwalk library reverses course, stays shut
  • FOI concerns

Continue reading COVID-19 notes: Rilling highlights SoNo businesses, keeps East Norwalk library closed for now

Advertisement