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Recession expands Connecticut’s pockets of poverty

Though Connecticut’s overall economic health remains higher than that of most states, the last recession dramatically expanded the income gap that sparked the Occupy movement, both in Hartford and nationally, according to a new report from the University of Connecticut. University economists, who released the latest issue Monday of their quarterly economic journal, also warned […]

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UConn wants to raise tuition and fees by 5.8 percent next year

Saying they are having a hard time offering the necessary courses students need to graduate on time, University of Connecticut officials are considering a 5.8 percent increase in tuition and fees for in-state students next year. UConn President Susan Herbst: ‘We’ve got to boost the number of faculty.’ “I’ve had students crying in my office. […]

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Even with power outages, Connecticut’s quality of life tops most other states’

Fed up with unprecedented mass power outages, one on the heels of another? How about last winter’s record-setting snowfall? And don’t forget last summer’s $1.5 billion state tax hike? Then again, Connecticut generally has a temperate climate, high incomes and quality health care, and ready access to recreational and cultural amenities. But before the debate heats up, […]

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Nine more state employees face hearings in Irene fraud

The administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Monday it has identified nine more state employees suspected of fraudulently obtaining disaster relief after Tropical Storm Irene, bringing to 24 the number of employees now facing disciplinary hearings and possible criminal investigations. Four employees suspected of fraud are state troopers, include one trooper who was assigned […]

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An Advanced (Placement) debate — A closed gate, or an open door?

At many high schools, Jensun Yonjan, who speaks limited English, would have been diverted away from taking college-level Advanced Placement courses. But luckily for Jensun he goes to Conard High School in West Hartford, where officials have adopted an “every student takes an AP course” mantra. Jensun Yonjan, a junior at Conard High School: ‘I […]

Posted inMoney

Is America Working?

The Financial Times, out of London, starts a series today, “Is America Working?” that examines “the US jobs crisis” http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/6327a7f4-21bb-11e1-8b93-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1gKGPta9C . This first part may not break any new ground for those whose job it is to study what’s happening under our collective noses, but it can often be helpful to see things from more of […]