A report released on Wednesday questioned whether the University of Connecticut acted appropriately after learning of serious child sex abuse allegations against a former music department head. The report said Robert Miller, 66, had inappropriate contact with a middle school student in 1969. A letter in 2011 also suggested that Miller had inappropriate contact with a student, but the report said that letter was not brought to the attention of university officials until last year. No charges have been filed.
Democratic state Representative Gary Holder-Winfield of New Haven has won a special state senate election to succeed veteran Toni Harp. Holder-Winfield had the support of top state Democrats for the 10th District seat, including state Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy.
Massachusetts in Favor of Mohegan Sun Resort
Mohegan Sun’s proposal to build a $1.3 billion gambling resort at Suffolk Downs won the strong endorsement of voters in Revere Massachusetts on Tuesday. About 63 percent of city voters supported the plan to build a casino on about 42 acres in the town that belong to the track.
Education Commissioner Requests More Funding for Magnet Schools
Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor has told legislators that his department needs $35 million more to run the 84 magnet schools in the state. That’s in addition to the $280 million the agency receives under the state budget. Pryor did not have many details when he met with legislators this week, but later provided a rough draft on those costs for the coming academic year.
Delayed Maple Syrup Season
The maple syrup season, which normally begins in Connecticut in late January, has been delayed as colder than normal daytime temperatures over the past two months have kept the sap from running in the sugar maples.