Hartford Courant -- January 26, 2022

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by  Hartford Courant

Tensions ramp up Booster apathy Big Papi voted into Hall Clear and cold
Russia conducts military drills as tensions The COVID-19 booster drive is losing steam David Ortiz voted into Baseball Hall of Fame Sunny, breezy and cold, with
over Ukraine remain high. NEWS, PAGE 4 across the United States. NEWS, PAGE 5 in his first year on ballot. SPORTS, PAGE 1 a high of 23. SPORTS, PAGE 6
VOLUME CLXXXVI CCOOUURRAANNTT..CCOOMM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022
CONNECTICUT SUPREME COURT
Justices ban some sex-based spaces
Unanimous decision rules against private gym But in the same decision, Robin- Leaving space for exceptions
son, writing for a unanimous court,
areas, avoids other ambiguous parts of state law
suggested a blanket prohibition The court recognized concerns that its strict reading of the law
against all sex-based privacy could could lead to “absurd or bizarre results” because of its unequivocal
By Edmund H. Mahony Chief Justice Richard Robinson have unintended consequences prohibition of women-only places such as dressing rooms,
Hartford Courant called the decision that immedi- and a final decision should be left lactation rooms and domestic violence shelters. Interfaith groups,
ately bans private spaces based on to the state legislature. among others, told the court that some women are prohibited
The state Supreme Court sex or religion in public places, a “Thus, the sensitivity of the from exercising with men for religious reasons. “We disagree,”
on Tuesday ruled that private, “significant question of first impres- determination of where to limit the court said. “First, although such facilities are not at issue in
women-only exercise areas in sion” that turned on whether there antidiscrimination protections, this appeal, it is not at all clear that they would not fall within
gyms open otherwise to both men can be gender-based exceptions to along with evolving contempo- the existing statutory exceptions for bathrooms, locker rooms,
and women violate a state anti-dis- the state’s progressive anti-discrim- and sleeping accommodations, as interpreted using our rules of
crimination law. ination laws. Turn to Court, Page 2 statutory construction.”
Addiction
Sale of children’s museum property in West Hartford may bring upscale apartments,
but it raises uncertainty for Conny the Whale, which would cost $200K to move
centers
Changing habitat
face staff
shortages
Counselors say state
lacks commitment to
serve the vulnerable
By Eliza Fawcett
Hartford Courant
Substance use disorder
counselors and lawmakers
called on the state Department
of Mental Health and Addic-
tion Services on Tuesday to fill
vacancies and expand care at
Connecticut Valley Hospital
in Middletown and Blue Hills
Hospital in Hartford, the two
state-run facilities that offer
medically managed with-
drawal management.
“The acute short-staffing,
that predates the pandemic,
has exposed this for what
it is: a lack of commitment
to provide care for the most
vulnerable among us,” Brian
Williams, a certified addiction
counselor at CVH, said during
a press call organized by SEIU
1199 New England, which
represents health care work-
ers in Connecticut.
Throughout the pandemic
— and particularly in recent
months — staffing short-
ages have sometimes crip-
pled major hospital systems,
The Children’s Museum in West Hartford, an institution in town, will be moving to an unannounced temporary location nearby in June now that the as well as mental health and
property has been sold to an apartment developer. MARK MIRKO/HARTFORD COURANT substance use disorder treat-
ment providers across the state.
At Connecticut Valley Hospital
By Kenneth R. Gosselin “A lot of people are a “a beautiful, new walkable residential commu- in Middletown and Blue Hills
Hartford Courant nity to the edge of West Hartford Center.” Hospital, a large swath of posi-
bit upset about [the
A redevelopment of the 3.5-acre property tions are vacant, according to
WEST HARTFORD — An apartment museum] moving at 950 Trout Brook Drive near the intersec- workers at the facilities. Even
developer active in Greater Hartford plans to tion of Farmington Avenue will mean the more troubling, the workers
but, to be honest,
purchase The Children’s Museum property relocation of the museum after more than six say, is that the two facilities
near West Hartford Center — seen as prime we’re kind of excited decades on the site. have not admitted new patients
for redevelopment — with the museum now Michael J. Werle, the museum’s executive since late December.
looking to move to a temporary location in about the future and director, said Tuesday the museum has two DMHAS spokesperson
June as it searches for a permanent home in temporary locations in mind, both within a Art Mongillo said in an email
what it is laying out
Hartford. few miles and “no more than 8 to 10 minutes Tuesday that “Admissions to
Continental Properties of New York has for us. We’ve been in away.” substance use treatment at
reached an agreement with the museum “A lot of people are a bit upset about [the Connecticut Valley Hospital
these buildings 60
property’s owner, the neighboring Kingswood museum] moving but, to be honest, we’re and Blue Hills Hospital are not
Oxford School, and plans upscale apartments. some years, and kind of excited about the future and what it closed,” though he noted that
A purchase price and detailed plans were is laying out for us,” Werle said. “We’ve been throughout the pandemic, the
not announced Tuesday. Formal plans are they show it.” in these buildings 60 some years, and they facilities have at times tempo-
expected in late spring or early summer. show it.” rarily halted admissions due to
Howard S. Rappaport, a Continental princi- Michael J. Werle, the COVID-19.
pal, said in a release that he envisioned bringing museum’s executive director Turn to Museum, Page 3
Turn to Shortages, Page 3
Council backs apartments, smaller hotel
at financially strapped downtown Hilton
By Kenneth R. Gosselin the 393-room hotel at the corner 22-story building would first be
Hartford Courant of Trumbull and Church streets, converted to a DoubleTree, while
just north of the XL Center. The the upper floors remained active
HARTFORD — The conversion hotel suffered from a deep down- guestrooms.
of the financially strapped Hilton turn in business travel during the Once that work is completed, the
hotel in downtown Hartford into pandemic. DoubleTree rooms would open for
apartments on the upper floors and The city council’s approval was booking and then, the apartment
a new, smaller hotel below them necessary because the city owns conversion would begin on the
could get started this spring now the property under the hotel. upper half of the tower.
that the Hartford city council has The Capital Region Develop- A rough timeline calls for the
signed off on the project. ment Authority, which approved DoubleTree to open in the spring
The city council late Monday $11 million in low-cost, state-tax- of 2023, with the apartments
unanimously approved a new payer-backed loans crucial to the coming online later in the year.
lease arrangement and “payment- project, said Tuesday the hotel The Hilton in downtown Hartford was hit hard by the downturn in travel
in-lieu of taxes” agreement for rooms on the lower half of the Turn to Hilton, Page 3 during the pandemic and faced closure. MARK MIRKO/HARTFORD COURANT
Stefanowski starts $1M TV ad campaign for governor Opinion .....................News, 12 Puzzles ...Connecticut, 7, 9
Obits ...................News, 14-16 Comics ...Connecticut, 8-9
Republican candidate Bob Stefanowski kicked off a $1 million television advertising campaign Lottery ........................News, 2
Tuesday that essentially marked the start of the race for governor. CONNECTICUT, PAGE 1 Classified .................News, 13
2 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022
FROM PAGE ONE
Two veteran GOP state senators not seeking reelection
By Christopher Keating of the Flanders Fish Market He was hailed by his of the House against incum-
Hartford Courant & Restaurant. colleagues, including Kelly. bent Democrat Moira Lyons,
Restaurants have fallen on “Paul embodies everything but she lost her seat in her
HARTFORD — Two tough times during the past that makes an incredible hometown.
veteran Republican state two years due to the ongo- public servant,’’ Kelly said. In recent years, Witkos
senators are not seeking ing coronavirus pandemic, “He brings people together. defeated Simsbury attorney
reelection this year, prompt- prompting Republican He listens to all ideas and Melissa E. Osborne three
ing their caucus to defend state Rep. Tony D’Amelio perspectives. ... From leading times with the races getting
open seats in a contentious to recently step down from a town, to running a restau- closer each time. He won
political year. the legislature after nearly rant, to being an amazing by five percentage points
Deputy Senate GOP leader 25 years in order to spend father and now grandfa- in 2020 in the sprawling
Paul Formica of East Lyme more time at his restaurant ther, Paul is someone you 8th district that stretches
and Sen. Kevin Witkos of at a golf course in Waterbury. can always rely on to bring from Avon and Canton to
Canton are stepping down Formica, too, has kept long dedication and love to all he Torrington and Colebrook.
after long careers. As veteran hours at his restaurant. does.’’ A former chief, Witkos
campaigners, they were “I am particularly grate- Sen. Tony Hwang, a Fair- is now looking forward to
known for winning elections ful to my business family, the field Republican, said, “There rejoining the Canton volun-
in their districts. incredible team on my town has been quiet strength and teer fire department.
Formica currently serves and state staffs and espe- resolve in his statesman lead- Republicans have held the
as the No. 2 Republican in the cially my family for bear- ership both at the state level 8th district for more than 50
caucus, keeping a close eye ing with me as I split my and as a municipal head for years, dating back to the days
on legislation and the debates time and attention with my his beloved hometown of of Lewis B. Rome, Reginald
in the chamber. Witkos ran public service for over three East Lyme. In the time that Smith, James Fleming and
to become the caucus leader, decades,’’ Formica said. “I we served together, his Thomas Herlihy.
but he lost in a close contest State Sen. Paul Formica, the second ranking Republican in would not trade a day of it.’’ door was always open any Various candidates are
against Sen. Kevin Kelly of the caucus, announced he will not run for reelection in 2022. Republican political time I had questions, and he already scrambling to run for
Stratford. MARK MIRKO/HARTFORD COURANT analyst Liz Kurantowicz said freely shared his thoughts the two open seats. State Rep.
Formica, 68, was phil- she was surprised by Formi- and wisdom. The life expe- John Hampton, a moderate
osophical in making his these seasons, but they come season, and therefore I will ca’s decision, adding that he riences he shared and his Democrat from Simsbury,
announcement. and go all the same.’’ not be seeking reelection to will leave “very, very tough mentorship are memories was encouraged by support-
“As I have grown older, I’ve He added, “In recent the state Senate in November shoes to fill.’’ and lessons I will carry with ers to run for the Senate, but
come to believe that there months, I have been sensing of 2022.’’ In recent years, Formica me for the rest of my life.’’ he said Tuesday that he will
are seasons in a person’s a pull toward a new season. It With a new grandchild has had increasingly diffi- Witkos, 57, has served in be seeking reelection to his
life,’’ Formica said. “There has been a thought-provok- for the first time this month, cult reelection races, winning the legislature for the past state House seat that he has
are experiences, opportu- ing process because I have Formica gained a new by four percentage points in 20 years — starting with a held since 2013.
nities, relationships and a been deeply blessed, grate- perspective. Formica has 2018 over Democrat Martha stunning upset in 2002 of
number of other circum- ful and proud of the season always juggled a compli- Marx and then squeaking by seven-term Rep. Jesse Strat- Christopher Keating can
stances — some wonderful, I am currently in. I have cated schedule as a longtime only two percentage points in ton in Canton. Stratton was be reached at ckeating@
some tragic — that can define decided to embrace this new elected official and as owner a rematch in 2020. expected to run for Speaker courant.com
Court was no waiting in the mostly was presumed then that one officer, then disputed her “There is no implied exceptions for bathrooms,
empty spaces restricted to was either a man or a woman. conclusion. It took a more customer gender privacy locker rooms, and sleeping
from Page 1 women. There is understanding now traditional view of privacy exception to the statute,” accommodations, as inter-
But complicating the that gender identity can be and discrimination, argu- the court said. preted using our rules of
rary understandings of the question were broader based on something other ing the intent of the state The court recognized statutory construction.”
terms ‘‘gender’’ and ‘‘sex’’ … concerns that long have than biology. law is equality for women, concerns that its strict read- Others may disagree,
renders this issue uniquely been at the center of the A hearing officer for the not preferential treatment ing of the law could lead to the court said, suggesting
well suited for consider- civil rights and women’s Commission on Human — a position taken in the “absurd or bizarre results” the legislature take up the
ation in the first instance by movements. Must everyone Rights and Opportuni- past by the National Orga- because of its unequivo- question.
the legislature, which is the be treated equally under ties ruled against the men, nization for Women. The cal prohibition of women- “Nevertheless, we
policy-making branch of our the state’s progressive saying there is a third commission appealed to only places such as dressing acknowledge that our anal-
government.” anti-discrimination laws? exception implied in the the Superior Court, lost, rooms, lactation rooms and ysis of the plain and unam-
The court decided the Or are some groups, such as public accommodation and appealed again. domestic violence shelters. biguous statutory text …
narrow question of whether women, entitled to greater law — the right of women The court said it based its Interfaith groups, among may lead to a result that
private exercise areas for protections under the law to gender privacy. Such a decision on a strict reading others, told the court that might well have been unin-
women are discriminatory as compensation for historic right, the hearing officer of the “plain language” of some women are prohibited tended by the legislature,
after two male fitness buffs discrimination or to protect said, is compensation for the public accommodation from exercising with men including with respect to
complained to the state religious belief? past discrimination and is law. The law “expressly” for religious reasons. its application in hypothet-
Commission on Human The court was also asked consistent with the intent of creates two sex-based “We disagree,” the court ical scenarios involving
Rights and Opportunities to confront changing atti- the public accommodation exceptions to its anti-dis- said. “First, although such lactation rooms or dress-
that they had to wait in line tudes toward gender. When law, which was written to crimination provisions facilities are not at issue in ing rooms, as posited by the
to use exercise equipment in the court and the legislature remedy past injustice. — certain sleeping accom- this appeal, it is not at all defendants, the referee, and
the crowded, coed portion outlawed sex-based discrim- The commission, which modations and bathrooms clear that they would not fall the trial court,” the court
of their gyms, while there ination four decades ago, it appointed the hearing or locker rooms. within the existing statutory said.
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Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022 3
FROM PAGE ONE
Shortages Migrants stuck at Hungary border
from Page 1
But Williams said that
the CVH admissions Nationalist leader is But figures released by Afghanistan, took shelter in
office has not been prop- using them to score Serbian officials and the a remote abandoned build-
erly staffed for weeks and EU’s border and coast guard ing near the Serbian border
requests for support have points in campaign agency suggest that far fewer town of Horgos this month
piled up. individuals are attempting as a cold snap took tempera-
“You didn’t even have By Justin Spike to enter Hungary than the tures down to 14 degrees.
staff present to receive Associated Press right-wing leader claims. Serat said he has been in
the calls of these folks “It’s a little bit bigger Serbia for 15 months, and
and have the opportunity MAJDAN, Serbia — number than, let’s say, two has lost count of the number
to redirect them,” he said. Migrants huddle beside years ago, but these are not of times he has crossed into
“There were hundreds of a small, smoky fire inside big numbers. It’s a small rise,” Hungary and been returned
voicemail messages that an abandoned building in said Nemanja Matejic, chief by police.
were left. ... If anyone northern Serbia, the last officer at a migrant recep- “Many times I try, 100
knows anything about moments of warmth before tion center in the northern times, more than 100 times .
addiction treatment, setting out into the driv- Serbian city of Subotica, of Every time, police arrest me
timing is critical.” ing snow toward the razor the current level of migrants and deport back to Serbia,”
In response to the wire, cameras and sensors of along Hungary’s border. Serat said.
staffing issues, the union Hungary’s electrified border While Hungarian police This practice — where
is calling on DMHAS to fence. put the number of migrants police deny migrants the
fill more than 300 vacan- A few hours later, they A migrant chops a branch inside an abandoned hangar Jan. 11 intercepted by Hungar- right to apply for asylum
cies at CVH, includ- return, their efforts to cross outside of Majdan, Serbia, near the borders of Hungary and ian authorities at more and escort them back across
ing 62 in the Addiction through Hungary and Romania. BELA SZANDELSZKY/AP than 122,000, data from national borders — is known
Services Division, by the toward Western Europe EU border agency Fron- as a “pushback.” It has been
end of April. The union thwarted by the 10-foot fence tious practice of returning than 100,000 more illegal tex showed that there were declared unlawful by the
also is requesting the and heavy Hungarian police them to Serbia when they are migrants would be now first 60,540 illegal border cross- EU’s top court, and is in
creation of an additional patrols which, after inter- caught — have made them in Austria, then in Germany.” ing attempts last year on the violation of international
110 positions in Addic- cepting them, escorted them part of a political campaign One of the most outspo- Western Balkan migration asylum treaties.
tion Services by the end back into Serbia. with which Hungary’s ken opponents of immigra- route, which includes the Matejic, the chief of the
of July and that DMHAS “I’m going to Austria, I’m nationalist leader hopes to tion in Europe, Orban has Hungary-Serbia border. reception center, said that
immediately raise pay going to Germany, I’m going win an general election later said that migration threat- What’s more, since migrants making dozens of
for some positions and to the Netherlands,” says this year. ens to replace the continent’s most migrants are making crossing attempts is “typi-
invest in recruiting new Muhtar Ahmad, a 26-year- Prime Minister Viktor Christian culture, and that repeated attempts to cross, cal.”
employees. old from Aleppo, Syria, who Orban, who polls suggest will illegal migrants are respon- the number of individuals Many migrants have
Mongillo said that the is squatting with around face his closest election in sible for bringing infections involved is far smaller still. reported abuse by police
department “continues 35 other migrants in the more than a decade in April, like COVID-19 variants into Serbia’s Commissariat after they leave Serbian
to actively recruit for any makeshift camp outside the is campaigning on a strict his country. for Refugees and Migra- territory for Hungary, Croa-
vacancies.” Serbian village of Majdan, anti-immigration platform “We do not want to be an tion reports that there are tia or Romania. This includes
The number of Amer- a mile from the Hungarian and is keen to use the pros- immigrant country,” Orban 4,276 migrants residing in having mobile phones
icans who died of fatal border. pect of a wave of migrants said during an interview reception centers in Serbia destroyed or stolen, being
drug overdoses has “I’m not staying in amassing at Hungary’s with state radio this week. and another 1,000 sleeping made to sit or kneel in the
increased significantly Hungary. What’s the prob- border as a means to mobi- As the election outdoors. snow for hours and receiv-
over the course of the lem?” lize his conservative voter approaches, he has portrayed Frontex has noted that the ing beatings.
pandemic. Last year, As migrants from Syria, base. current migration pressures majority of Western Balkan Hungary’s National Police
federal researchers Afghanistan and other “Just this year we stopped as higher than in 2015, when crossings “can be traced back Headquarters wrote in an
reported that more than countries embark on the last and detained ... more than hundreds of thousands of to people who have been in email that they “strongly
100,000 Americans died stretch of their long journeys 100,000 people,” Orban refugees came into the EU the region for some time and reject unsubstantiated alle-
of overdoses during the toward Europe’s wealthier claimed at a rare appearance fleeing war and poverty in who repeatedly try to reach gations” of abuse of migrants.
12-month period ending nations, their efforts to cross before journalists in Decem- the Middle East and else- their target country in the Yet Matejic said 150
in April 2021, a nearly irregularly into the European ber. where, and when he ordered EU.” cases of broken limbs were
30% increase from the Union through Hungary — “If the Hungarian fence the construction of the coun- Hikmad Serat, 20, from recorded by the Subotica
prior year. and the country’s conten- had not stood there, more try’s border barrier. Nangarhar province, reception center in 2019.
Williams, the CVH
counselor, said that the
recent death of a 13-year-
old Hartford boy due
to a fentanyl overdose
“screams loudly that
things are out of control.”
“Yet while this
out-of-control drug
epidemic has continued
unabated,” he said, “the
Department of Mental
Health and Addiction
Services has reduced its
capacity for providing
care to the state’s hard-
est-to-serve population
at its Middletown campus
from 110 beds to about 30
over the past two years,
with recent census being
down to single digits.”
As of Tuesday, there
were no available beds at
either CVH in Middle-
town or Blue Hills Hospi-
tal, according to DMHAS
data.
Victor Rodriguez,
a certified addiction
counselor at Blue Hills
Hospital, said that he
increasingly cannot
provide support and
treatment to those reach-
ing out for help.
“We need to provide
them with beds ... they
call and there’s no beds,”
he said.
State Sen. Saud Anwar,
D-South Windsor, said
during the press confer-
ence that the current The iconic Conny the Whale has graced The Children’s Museum’s grounds since the 1970s. But the 45,000-pound concrete sculpture won’t be moving with the
issues facing DMHAS museum. A new caretaker, museum officials say, will be found. MARK MIRKO/HARTFORD COURANT
reflect a “resource issue”
and argued that the state Museum creatures. Werle said he expects the planned that would demol- Jersey, New York, Florida,
needs to invest more in Werle said it could museum also will announce ish two forlorn buildings California and elsewhere.
substance use disorder from Page 1 cost $200,000 or more to “in the very near future” its and replace them with 48 In Connecticut, Conti-
treatment, as well as in move the sculpture and permanent location in Hart- upscale apartments. nental has developed and
staff recruitment and One thing that appears to with the prospect of the ford — where the museum “This is a highly managed four projects: One
retention. Reimburse- be for sure is that Conny the museum moving twice, it was founded in 1927. Once sought-after property in Glastonbury Place, Glaston-
ment disparities mean Whale — a 45,000-pound wasn’t financially feasible it does, Werle said, it would the heart of town, and bury; Temp at The Prome-
that psychiatrists can concrete sculpture — that for Conny to stay with the be two or three years before we believe its sale will nade Shoppes at Evergreen
often find higher-pay- has graced the museum’s museum. the museum opens in the enable Kingswood Oxford Walk in South Windsor;
ing work in the private grounds since the 1970s will The museum is in nego- permanent location. Fund- to invest in its future as and Montage and Alterra
sector or in another state, not be moving with it. tiating with a handful of raising for the permanent Continental Properties in Rocky Hill.
he said. The iconic Conny — potential new caretakers for site is continuing, Werle brings its vision to life Tom Dillow, Kingswood
“We are begging our now synonymous with the the sculpture, but it remains said. in a vibrant West Hart- Oxford’s head of school, said
government to do the museum and incorporated uncertain who would pay Redevelopment of the ford,” said John Cafasso, a Tuesday the planned devel-
right thing: to keep these into its logo — isn’t owned for the move and any needed museum site would further broker at commercial real opment will fit well with the
places open, put the by the museum, Werle said. repairs, Werle said. strengthen the gateway to estate services firm Colliers school and the proceeds will
resources in and invest It was built by volunteers on The museum sold the West Hartford Center and International, which repre- be reinvested back into King-
in hiring,” he said. behalf of the state to both property to Kingswood the Blue Back Square area, sented the school. swood Oxford.
recognize the sperm whale, Oxford in 2002 and has where apartment occupancy Founded more than 65
Eliza Fawcett can be Connecticut’s state animal, leased it ever since, with the is tight. Diagonally across years ago, Continental has Kenneth R. Gosselin can
reached at elfawcett@ and to call attention to the intention of eventually find- Farmington Avenue from built 25,000 units of hous- be reached at kgosselin@
courant.com. indiscriminate killing of the ing a new site. the museum site, a project is ing in Connecticut, New courant.com.
Hilton other hotels in urban areas “This isn’t the deal we in half. The hotel would be ments, the PILOT will be could have forced closure of
in Connecticut — took a would have wanted to do controlled by the Hilton’s 8.5% of the annual gross the entire hotel leading to
from Page 1 huge financial hit in the pre-pandemic, but it’s the current owner, the Water- revenues for entire term of the loss of all jobs. That was
pandemic as business travel right move today,” Bronin ford Group. The apartments the agreement. a possibility we absolutely
Last month, a $29 million dried up and has been slow said, in a statement. “The will be taken over by a part- Council President Maly could not let happen.”
rescue plan aimed at keep- to return. The Connecti- residential conversion is nership of Waterford and D. Rosado said Tuesday the The Waterford Group had
ing at least some of the cut Post reported Tuesday, consistent with our overall the apartment developer council took into consider- tried to sell the ailing, aging
hotel rooms open — consid- for instance, that a Shelton strategy to increase residen- Randy Salvatore, of RMS ation the concerns about hotel that was already sorely
ered critical to the city’s developer plans to buy the tial density in the down- Cos. of Stamford. Salvatore potential for job losses, in need of updates prior to
convention business once 40-year-old Holiday Inn in town, and repositioning the is the developer of the North expressed from various the pandemic. A buyer did
it rebounds — took shape. Bridgeport and convert it to hotel as a smaller operation Crossing project around parts of the community, not step forward last year.
The plans call for cutting housing. is the only way to keep those Dunkin’ Donuts Park. particularly the union that The Hilton faced imminent
the number of hotel rooms Hartford Mayor Luke hotel rooms available.” The base rent would be $1 represents the majority of closure at the end of 2021
to 166. The upper floors Bronin said Tuesday keep- On Monday, the city coun- a year. The PILOT payment employees at the Hilton. as its $3.6 million in federal
would be converted to 60 ing at least some hotel rooms cil agreed to a new 49-year for the hotel will be 3% of “We have been assured Payroll Protection Program
studios, 82 one-bedrooms would preserve as many jobs lease with an option to annual room revenue for that negotiations have and funds were running out.
and five two-bedroom, with as possible, keep the build- extend the agreement 20 years, then a minimum will continue to take place With the council’s
20% reserved as “afford- ing open and “allow for the another 49 years and future annual payment will be so folks can provide for their approval in hand, the proj-
able” with tenants meeting capital investment the prop- purchase options. established after the 21st families,” Rosado said, in a ect must still tie up financing
certain income guidelines. erty has needed for a long Ownership of the build- year, in addition to other statement. This was not an and renegotiate a contract
The Hilton — along with time.” ing will be roughly divided provisions. For the apart- easy decision, but inaction with the hotel’s union.
4 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Russia holds flurry of military drills
Ukraine leaders urge Dmitri Peskov, spokes-
citizens not to panic man for President Vladi-
mir Putin, dismissed such
as tensions ramp up
fears Tuesday, saying that
tensions around Ukraine
By Ivan Nechepurenko have been stirred up by the
and Marc Santora United States.
The New York Times The United States has put
8,500 troops on “high alert”
With little sign of diplo- for possible deployment to
matic progress, and rheto- Eastern Europe, and NATO
ric reminiscent of the Cold has dispatched additional
War, Russia on Tuesday ships and fighter jets to the
announced a flurry of mili- region to reassure anxious
tary drills across its vast allies fearful of Russian
territory, spanning from the aggression.
Pacific Ocean to its western “We are observing such
flank around Ukraine. actions of the United States
The announcement, with profound concern,”
which followed a series of Peskov said Tuesday.
military moves made by the On Monday, in more
United States and NATO extensive comments, Peskov
aimed at deterring a Russian said the U.S. and NATO were
incursion into Ukraine, orchestrating “information
demonstrated the vast reach hysteria” around Ukraine by
of the Russian forces and reporting “lies” and “fakes.”
were carried out by units “I would like to note
positioned to the north, that this is happening not
south and east of Ukraine. because of what Russia
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s is doing,” he said. “It is
leaders sought Tuesday to happening because of what
reassure the nation that an NATO and the U.S. do,
invasion from neighboring because of the information
Russia was not imminent, A soldier fires a mortar during a military exercise Tuesday at a training ground in Russia. RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY PRESS that they spread.”
even as they acknowl- On the other side of
edged the threat is real and part of an alliance “response nation in as many days, Pres- Monday, however, he Iskander-M short-range Ukraine, in Crimea,
received a shipment of U.S. force” if necessary. British ident Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that “there ballistic missile systems, annexed by Russia in 2014,
military equipment to shore Prime Minister Boris John- urged Ukrainians not to are risky scenarios” that “are drove them to a training Russian tanks launched
up their defenses. son also said he is prepared panic. possible and probable in the ground and lifted their planned shooting exercises.
President Joe Biden told to send troops to protect “We are strong enough future.” missiles up in their combat The Russian contingent
reporters Tuesday that NATO allies in Europe. to keep everything under The latest military moves positions, according to a in Transnistria, a break-
Russian President Vlad- “We have no intention of control and derail any by Russia involved tanks and video released by the minis- away region of Moldova, on
imir Putin “continues to putting American forces or attempts at destabilization,” drones, troops from regu- try. Ukraine’s southwest, was
build forces along Ukraine’s NATO forces in Ukraine,” he said. lar infantry and elite para- Closer to Ukraine, Russian put on combat alert as part
border,” and an attack Biden said, adding that there Defense Minister Oleksii troopers. They took place troops continued to disem- of a planned exercise, the
“would be the largest inva- would be serious economic Reznikov told Parliament both near Ukraine and far bark heavy-duty armored ministry said.
sion since World War II. It consequences for Putin in that “as of today, there are no from the region, with three vehicles and other equip- Other exercises were
would change the world.” the event of an invasion. grounds to believe” Russia navy ships taking part in ment from rail platforms in also reported in the North
Several rounds of diplo- In Ukraine, authorities is preparing to invade immi- joint drills with the Chinese Belarus, ahead of joint drills Caucasus, near Moscow, in
macy have failed to yield any have sought to project calm nently, noting that its troops fleet in the Arabian Sea, the with Belarusian forces. the Baltic Sea. In the Ivanovo
breakthroughs, and tensions in order not to destabi- have not formed what he Russian Defense Ministry Belarus shares a border region near Moscow, the
escalated this week. NATO lize the situation and avoid called a battle group that said. The Russians limited with Ukraine, and NATO Yars mobile missile launcher
said it was bolstering its panic and many citizens could force its way through access to independent and U.S. officials have vehicles, used for intercon-
deterrence in the Baltic Sea have expressed skepticism the border. journalists, instead releas- warned that the influx of tinental missiles, began
region, and the U.S. ordered that there will be an invasion “Don’t worry, sleep well,” ing photos and video of the Russian forces there could patrolling the area.
thousands of troops on soon. he said. “No need to have drills. threaten the Ukrainian capi-
higher alert for potential Speaking in the second your bags packed.” In the west of Russia, tal, Kyiv, less than 50 miles Associated Press
deployment to Europe as televised speech to the In an interview late crews boarded the from Belarusian territory. contributed.
Before court ruling, foes
of abortion eye midterms
Optimistic activists their newfound resources Schilling, president of the
into the November elec- socially conservative Amer-
preparing to pour
tions. ican Principles Project.
cash into fall races Once a decision is issued, “Groups have actually been
“there will be a lot of focus really well-connected with
By Thomas Beaumont on all the states and the state leaders and investing in
Associated Press midterm elections,” said campaigns at the local level
Marjorie Dannenfelser, in these swing states, trying
In the nearly two months the president of Susan B. to win control in divided
since a conservative Anthony List. governments.”
majority of justices on the The Supreme Court is Supporters of abortion
Supreme Court indicated considering a Mississippi rights, already feeling a
openness to dramatic new law that bans abortions after heightened sense of alarm
restrictions on abortion, 15 weeks. by the prospect of a defeat at
money has poured into the If the law is upheld, the Supreme Court, are well
political fundraising arm anti-abortion activists said aware of how important the
of the anti-abortion group much of the attention would governors’ races may be to
Susan B. Anthony List. shift to Kansas, Michigan, their cause.
The organization secured Pennsylvania and Wiscon- “Really truly, governors
$20 million in pledged sin. These are states with in many states are going
financial contributions, five Republican legislatures but to be our backstop,” said
times more than it has had Democrats in the governor- Jenny Lawson, vice presi- Abortion rights and anti-abortion activists demonstrate Nov. 1 outside the Supreme Court as
at the outset of an election ship, each of whom is up for dent of organizing and elec- the justices hear arguments in a challenge to an abortion law. DREW ANGERER/GETTY
year over its 30-year history, election in November. toral campaigns for Planned
according to figures shared If the Supreme Court Parenthood Action Fund. ence last week marking the opponents are undeniably reproductive rights as an
with The Associated Press. overturns the Roe v. Wade “As the decisions come 49th anniversary of the Roe upbeat as the Supreme issue they want the federal
Before the recent surge, the ruling that women have a down to the states, these decision. Court decision nears. government to address.
group had already signed constitutional right to an governors are the ones who “I’m proud to stand with But the political fallout That’s up from less than 1%
off on its largest-ever polit- abortion, governors in Mich- can protect access.” so many Michiganders to from Roe being overturned of Democrats who named it
ical budget, $72 million, igan and Wisconsin would She declined to specify protect the right to safe could be volatile for both as a priority for 2021 and 3%
for 2022. That’s nearly $20 be powerless to overturn how much money the group and legal abortion,” Mich- parties. A decision dras- who listed it in 2020.
million more than it spent in restrictions in their states was budgeting to support igan Gov. Gretchen Whit- tically reducing access to Lawson predicted a court
2020, a year that included a that were already in place candidates who back abor- mer tweeted last week on abortion could energize ruling sharply restricting
presidential election. before the 1973 decision. tion rights. the same day organizers of Democrats heading into the or ending a federal right to
The cash pile virtually But these governors Some Democratic gover- a ballot drive to enshrine fall campaign. abortion would “drive anger
guarantees that the Supreme would be the only obstacle nors up for reelection are abortion rights in the state The issue is already rising and outrage and cause a
Court’s abortion ruling, to new measures passed by highlighting their commit- constitution cleared a proce- in priority for Democrats, realignment at the voting
anticipated by the summer, GOP legislatures, including ment to protecting some dural step. Over the week- according to a December booth.”
will do little to quell what outright bans on the proce- form of access. end, Whitmer tweeted that poll from Associated Press- But for now, opponents of
has become one of the most dure. “And as long as I’m gover- the right to abortion “hangs NORC Center for Public abortion say they’re buoyed
animating issues in the A Supreme Court deci- nor, that’s what I’ll do,” by a thread” in the Supreme Affairs Research. The poll by a sense of momentum.
country. Abortion oppo- sion is “really just the begin- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Court. found that 13% of Demo- “It’s different now,”
nents say they will pump ning of the work,” said Terry said during a news confer- For their part, abortion crats listed abortion or Dannenfelser said.
Put down your pencils: SAT is taking a digital turn
By Carolyn Thompson school, not at home. Board, which administers Amid criticism that the
Associated Press The format change is the SAT and related PSAT. exams favor wealthy, white
scheduled to roll out inter- “We’re not simply putting applicants and disadvantage
The SAT exam will move nationally next year and the current SAT on a digital minority and low-income
from paper and pencil to a in the U.S. in 2024. It will platform. We’re taking full students, an increasing
digital format, administra- also shave an hour from advantage of what deliver- number of schools have
tors announced Tuesday, the current version, bring- ing an assessment digitally in recent years adopted
saying the shift will boost its ing the reading, writing and makes possible.” test-optional policies, which
relevancy as more colleges math assessment from three Once essential for college let students decide whether
make standardized tests hours to about two. applications, scores from to include scores with their
optional for admission. “The digital SAT will be admission tests like the SAT applications.
Test-takers will be easier to take, easier to give, and rival ACT carry less A College Board survey
allowed to use their own and more relevant,” said weight today as colleges and found many students want
laptops or tablets or be Priscilla Rodriguez, vice universities pay more atten- to take the SAT to preserve
provided a device, but they’ll president of College Readi- tion to the sum of student the option of submitting the
Beginning in 2024, students in the United States will not need still have to sit for the test at ness Assessments at the New achievements and activities scores and qualifying for
paper and pencil to take the SAT. JOE RAEDLE/GETTY 2014 a monitored testing site or in York City-based College throughout high school. certain scholarships.
Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022 5
WORLD & NATION
Virus booster drive tapers off in US
Americans consider
first shots to be more
essential, poll finds
By Mae Anderson
Associated Press
NEW YORK — The
COVID-19 booster drive
in the country is losing
steam, worrying health
experts who have pleaded
with Americans to get an
extra shot to shore up their
protection against the highly
contagious omicron variant.
Just 40% of fully vacci-
nated Americans have
received a booster dose,
according to the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention. And the aver-
age number of booster shots
dispensed per day in the U.S.
has plummeted from a peak
of 1 million in early Decem-
ber to about 490,000 as of
last week.
Also, a new poll from
Associated Press-NORC
Center for Public Affairs
Research found that Amer-
icans are more likely to see
the initial vaccinations — Michael Burke, 21, receives a COVID-19 booster Jan. 12 in Oakland, Pennsylvania. ANDREW RUSH/PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
rather than a booster — as
essential. Tuesday. But the agency said sion is one important reason. Americans think it is recipe will be ordered. confront the pandemic
“It’s clear that the booster it still strongly encourages “I think the evidence is essential that they receive Among the issues regula- reared up Tuesday in Flor-
effort is falling short,” said workers to get vaccinated. now overwhelming that a vaccine to fully partici- tors are weighing: Some of ida, as Gov. Ron DeSantis
Jason Schwartz, a vaccine Numerous states and the booster is not simply an pate in public life without the first places to face an vowed to fight a decision
policy expert at Yale Univer- business groups challenged optional supplement, but feeling at risk of COVID-19 omicron surge already are from federal health regu-
sity. the rule in court. On Jan. 13, it is a foundational part of infection. Only 47% say the seeing the mutant wane and lators to block two corona-
Overall, the U.S. vacci- the Supreme Court halted protection,” he said. “But same about a booster shot. there’s no way to know if virus antibody treatments
nation campaign has been the plan, issuing a 6-3 ruling clearly that message has Meanwhile, Pfizer and the next variant that arises after the drugs were found
sluggish. More than 13 in which the court’s conser- been lost.” its partner BioNTech will resemble omicron or be to be ineffective against
months after it began, just vative majority concluded The need for all Ameri- announced Tuesday that totally different. omicron.
63% of Americans, or 210 that OSHA had overstepped cans to get boosters initially they are enrolling healthy The original vaccines The Republican’s
million people, are fully its authority. was debated by scientists, adults to test a reformulated still offer good protection comments come a day after
vaccinated with the initial Nevertheless, the U.S. and at first the government COVID-19 vaccine that against severe illness and the U.S. Food and Drug
rounds of shots. and other nations have been recommended only that matches the hugely conta- death, studies in the U.S. Administration moved to
Vaccination numbers are urging adults to get boost- certain groups of people, gious omicron variant, to and elsewhere have made revoke emergency autho-
stagnant in states such as ers because the vaccine’s such as senior citizens, see how it compares with clear. rization for the antibody
Wyoming, Idaho and Missis- protection can wane. Also, get additional doses. The the original shots. The new U.S. study will drugs from Regeneron and
sippi, which have been research has shown that arrival of omicron, and COVID-19 vaccine-mak- include up to 1,420 volun- Eli Lilly. The drugs, which
hovering below 50%. while the vaccines have additional evidence about ers have been updating teers ages 18 to 55 to test were purchased by the
On Tuesday, the Biden proved less effective against falling immunity, showed their shots to better match the updated omicron-based federal government and
administration officially omicron, boosters can rev up more clearly a widespread omicron in case global shots for use as a booster or administered to millions
withdrew a rule that would the body’s defenses against need for boosters. health authorities decide for primary vaccinations. of Americans, had become
have required workers at big the threat. But the message “has the change is needed. Researchers will exam- a centerpiece of DeSantis’
companies to get vaccinated As for why an estimated been lost in the sea of Omicron is more likely ine the tweaked vaccine’s coronavirus response as he
or face regular COVID-19 86 million Americans who changing recommendations than previous variants to safety and how it revs up the resisted vaccine mandates
testing requirements. have been fully vaccinated and guidance,” Schwartz cause infection even in immune system in compari- and other safety measures.
The Occupational Safety and are eligible for a booster said. people who’ve been vacci- son to the original shots. DeSantis did not elab-
and Health Administration have not yet gotten one, The AP-NORC Center nated, but it’s not yet clear The nationwide contro- orate on how he plans to
confirmed the withdrawal Schwartz said public confu- poll found that 59% of that a change to the vaccine versy over how best to oppose the FDA’s decision.
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8 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022
WORLD & NATION
Dems see inroads in redistricting
Drawing of maps That means the final
has party saying it’s outcome will inevitably
favor the GOP, no matter
dulling GOP edge how hard Democrats fight
back, said Kimbrall Brace, a
By Nicholas Riccardi veteran redistricting consul-
and Bobby Caina Calvan tant. “They’re ending up still
Associated Press putting a Republican flavor
on the overall plan,” he said.
NEW YORK — Democrats So far, the GOP has gained
braced for disaster when state a handful of seats in the
legislatures began redrawing maps that have been final-
congressional maps, fearing ized, but it’s hard to put a
that Republican dominance precise number on how many
of statehouses would tilt because half of the states have
power away from them for yet to formally adopt maps. If
the next decade. Democrats are aggressive,
But as the redistricting they could net four seats in
process reaches its final New York and largely wipe
stages, that anxiety is begin- out the GOP’s national gains.
ning to ease. But then Republicans in
For Democrats, the worst Florida could counter with a
case scenario of losing well gerrymander.
over a dozen seats in the U.S. Still, Republicans have
House appears unlikely to passed up multiple opportu-
happen. After some aggres- nities to pad their margins.
sive map drawing of their In Missouri, some GOP
own in states with Demo- state lawmakers are fuming
cratic legislatures, some that the legislature is advanc-
Democrats predict the typi- ing a plan that locks in the
cal congressional district will status quo rather than trying
shift from leaning to the right to turn Democratic Rep.
of the national vote to match- South Carolina state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, a Democrat, compares his proposed map of U.S. House districts drawn with 2020 Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas
ing it, ending a distortion U.S. Census data to a plan supported by Republicans on Jan. 20 at the State House in Columbia, S.C. JEFFREY COLLINS/AP City-area seat to the GOP.
that gave the GOP a built-in In Indiana, Republicans
advantage over the past five for Democrats’ uphill effort to fight back. Illinois, other times relatively houses. did not split up the Gary-
House elections. maintain a majority in the U.S. In a wave election, Demo- lightly, as in New Mexico and The New York Legisla- based district represented
“We have stymied their House in this year’s midterm crats could lose even more Oregon. In contrast, experts ture already rejected the by Democratic Rep. Frank
intent to gerrymander their elections. It will affect the seats in the maps they have say Republicans, who control commission’s first attempt at Mrvan.
way to a House majority,” broader balance of power in drawn because they spread more states, have gerryman- maps, and Democrats on the Even in Georgia, where
Kelly Ward Burton, head of Washington and state legis- their voters so thin, analysts dered heavily in places like commission declared a dead- Republicans flooded a seat
the National Democratic latures for the remainder of say. And, if political coalitions Texas, North Carolina and lock on Monday, giving the in the Atlanta suburbs held
Redistricting Committee, the decade. shift in upcoming years, seats Ohio. But the GOP’s Ohio Legislature the opportunity by Democratic Rep. Lucy
said of the GOP. While Republicans say Democrats thought were maps were tossed out by to draw its own maps. McBath with GOP voters,
The nation’s congressio- they’ve achieved their goals within reach could suddenly the state Supreme Court “The Democratic leader- they balked at doing the same
nal maps won’t be settled for so far, they’re surprised at disappear. this month, and Democrats ship and those on the far left to her Democratic neighbor,
several months. Republicans how much Democrats have “Republicans have given are hopeful North Caroli- that run the show in Albany, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux.
in some states like Florida tried to expand the number themselves pretty good na’s high court follows suit they’re hellbent to take this Instead, they packed Demo-
have yet to finalize proposed of seats their party can win. tsunami protection,” said with the districts there, part process over to derail the cratic voters into Bourdeaux’s
changes, giving the GOP a The GOP has taken a differ- Michael Li of the Brennan of the reason for the party’s commission, and to have the district, making it safer so
last-minute opportunity to ent approach by aiming Center for Justice, which increased optimism. party bosses in Albany draw no other Republicans’ seats
seek an advantage. to shore up its vulnerable tracks redistricting. “But for The next and biggest the maps,” said Nick Lang- would be at risk.
But the picture could members’ districts, trans- Democrats, if it rains a little, opportunity for Democrats worthy, chairman of the New Adam Kincaid, execu-
come into greater clarity forming competitive seats their house is flooded.” is in New York. Saying they York GOP. “I think that they tive director of the National
this week as the Democrat- into safe ones. The Democratic push wanted to take partisanship looked at a handful of states Republican Redistrict-
ic-controlled New York state That’s in part because comes as the party has out of redistricting, Demo- to give them a shot to hold on ing Trust, said shoring up
Legislature gets a chance to Republicans already unsuccessfully fought to crats there in 2014 backed to the majority.” Republican incumbents is the
seize map-drawing power expanded the map with ban partisan gerrymander- a ballot measure to put the Republicans need only party’s top priority. He cites
from the state’s bipartisan aggressive redistricting after ing nationwide — their elec- process in the hands of a to net five seats in Novem- Texas, where the GOP-drawn
commission. That would the 2010 census, when they tions bill barring the practice bipartisan commission. ber’s election to gain control maps make the few Demo-
almost certainly blunt the controlled more states. Now, died in the Senate last week But the state legislature can of the U.S. House. They cratic seats even more Demo-
GOP advantage that has been as the lines are adjusted to during a Republican fili- overrule the commission. In started the redistricting cratic. That stacks up more
in place since the last redis- meet 2020 census figures buster. Li said Democrats, 2014 it was divided between cycle controlling line-draw- Republican voters in the
tricting process in 2010. released last year, they are however, are still gerryman- Democratic and Republican ing in states representing 187 23 GOP-held congressio-
The jockeying in state capi- locking in their gains while dering in states they control, control. Now Democrats House seats while Demo- nal districts and transforms
tals has implications not just Democrats are taking risks to sometimes aggressively as in have a supermajority in both crats controlled only 75. them into safe seats.
Police in London open probe
of Johnson’s lockdown parties
By Danica Kirka
Associated Press
LONDON — The
“partygate” scandal that
threatens to derail U.K.
Prime Minister Boris John-
son’s administration deep-
ened Tuesday as police
opened an investigation
into gatherings at govern-
ment offices that allegedly
violated COVID-19 lock-
down rules.
London’s Metropolitan
Police Service has launched
Hundreds of vehicles block a main road Tuesday in Istanbul. More than 31 inches of snow fell in an inquiry into “a number
some parts of Turkey. Greece was also slammed with a winter storm. EMRAH GUREL/AP of events” at Johnson’s
Downing Street office and
Deadly winter storms wreak other government buildings
because they met the force’s
criteria for investigating the Police are looking into whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson
havoc in Turkey and Greece “most serious and flagrant” violated COVID-19 lockdown rules. Above, an officer outside
breaches of coronavirus 10 Downing Street on Tuesday. KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AP
rules, Commissioner Cres-
sida Dick told a committee son’s then-fiancee threw ter’s press office.
By Mehmet Guzel Istanbul were lifted. “It was a very difficult of the London Assembly, a birthday party for him Johnson later apologized
and Elena Becatoros Authorities also cleared a night and we faced unprec- the capital’s local govern- — complete with cake — for attending a party in the
Associated Press runway at Istanbul Airport edented conditions,” Civil ment council. inside his Downing Street garden outside his Down-
on Tuesday, allowing Protection and Climate Johnson is facing calls offices on June 19, 2020, ing Street offices in May
ISTANBUL — Rescue limited flights to resume. Change Minister Christos to resign amid revelations followed by another gath- 2020, saying he initially
crews in Istanbul and Flights were suspended Stylianides said. “I want that he or his staff attended ering for family and friends thought it was a work gath-
Athens dug through snow Monday for safety reasons to again express an apol- social events during peri- in his official residence. ering allowed by the rules
and ice Tuesday to clear at the airport, where the ogy from the state for all ods of lockdown when The prime minister’s but recognized on hindsight
paralyzed roads and rescue roof of a cargo facility the difficulties that the most social gatherings office confirmed that the that it wasn’t appropriate.
people stranded overnight collapsed from the weight (stranded) drivers faced.” were banned in England, events took place, but Police have previously
in their cars after snow- of the snow. By Tuesday, the heavy forcing average citizens to denied that they violated faced criticism for suggest-
storms and a massive cold Istanbul’s other airport, snowfall had mostly miss weddings, funerals lockdown regulations. The ing they wouldn’t investi-
front brought much of Sabiha Gokcen, was also stopped but many streets in and birthdays as friends first was a brief gathering gate the Downing Street
Turkey and Greece to a operating with limited Athens remained blocked and relatives died alone in with colleagues who John- parties because officers
standstill. Two storm-re- services. by fallen trees and several hospitals. son was already in close don’t routinely investigate
lated deaths were reported. In Athens, rescue crews northern neighborhoods The announcement contact with and the second historical breaches of coro-
Highways and roads in freed up to 300 drivers were without power. throws into doubt the time- involved a small number of navirus regulations, where
Istanbul became clogged trapped on a major highway Authorities had ordered table for when Sue Gray, a family members who met the only penalty available is
Monday after the storm that connects the Greek all but essential businesses senior civil servant leading outside in a garden, in line a fine.
pounded the city of 16 capital with the city’s inter- shut on Tuesday, and have the Cabinet Office inquiry, with coronavirus rules. Fines of up to $13,490
million that straddles national airport. extended that for Wednes- will release her report. Such careful parsing of were imposed for breach-
Europe and Asia — drop- Drivers there had aban- day in the wider Athens area Gray had been expected the rules fueled a debate ing lockdown rules.
ping more than 31 inches doned their cars and walked and several other regions. to finish this week, but in the House of Commons, But Dick said Tuesday
of snow in some areas. home. Others had trekked In the northern Greek rules governing the investi- where opposition lawmak- that police were prepared
Stranded motorists spent to a nearby train station, city of Thessaloniki, police gation allow the inquiry to ers once again called on the to conduct retrospec-
the night in their cars, aban- jumping over barriers to said a homeless man who be paused if she turns over prime minister to resign. tive investigations where
doned their vehicles to walk reach the platform after had been sleeping outdoors evidence of potential crim- The police investigation there were “really flagrant
home or crowded subways spending the night in their was found dead Tuesday. inal offenses to the police. is just the latest episode in breaches” of the rules.
and other limited public cars. Train service had been Local authorities said the The prime minister’s the “partygate” scandal that Before such investigations
transportation. suspended, but a train was 60-year-old had refused to spokesman, Max Blain, said has destabilized Johnson’s are carried out, she said,
All highways and main sent Tuesday to pick strag- relocate to a shelter. the investigations team and conservative government three criteria must be met:
roads in Istanbul were glers up. In Turkey, authorities the police were talking. for the past sx weeks. John- there is evidence that those
reopened by Tuesday The army was sent out recovered the body of a Before the police inves- son initially denied that any involved knew or should
afternoon, Transporta- overnight to deliver food 34-year-old who is believed tigation was announced, rules had been broken, but have known they were
tion and Infrastructure and water to those trapped to have died in heavy snow- Johnson was fighting off he was forced to order an breaking the law, not inves-
Minister Adil Karaismailo- and to help free as many fall while trying to reach new allegations of rule investigation after video tigating would “signifi-
glu announced on Twit- as possible. Officials said his village in Amasya prov- breaking aimed directly at emerged of a senior staff cantly undermine” the law,
ter, while Istanbul Gov. Ali each trapped driver would ince, 202 miles northwest him. member making jokes and there seems to be no
Yerlikaya said restrictions receive about $2,265, in of Ankara, the state-run ITV News reported about a wine-and-cheese reasonable defense for the
on vehicles traveling into compensation. Anadolu Agency reported. late Monday that John- party in the prime minis- conduct.
Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022 9
WORLD & NATION
NEWS BRIEFING
RFK Jr. apologizes for
Anne Frank comment
at anti-vaccine rally
From news services in an attic like Anne Frank
did,” he told the crowd.
Anti-vaccine activist Kennedy apologized in
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apol- 2015 after he used the word
ogized Tuesday for suggest- “holocaust” to describe chil-
ing things are worse for dren whom he believes were
people today than they were hurt by vaccines.
for Anne Frank, the teenager
who died in a Nazi concen- Russia crackdown: Russian
tration camp after hiding authorities have added
with her family in a secret imprisoned opposition
annex in an Amsterdam leader Alexei Navalny and
house for two years. some of his top allies to the
Kennedy’s comments, country’s registry of terror-
made at a Washington ists and extremists, the latest
rally Sunday put on by his move in a multipronged
anti-vaccine nonprofit group, crackdown on opposition
were widely condemned as supporters, independent
offensive, outrageous and media and human rights
historically ignorant. activists.
It’s the second time since Navalny, Russian Presi-
2015 that Kennedy has apol- dent Vladimir Putin’s fiercest
ogized for referencing the critic, and eight of his allies —
Holocaust during his work including top aides Lyubov A man holds photos of Malian leader Col. Assimi Goita, left, and Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, Burkina Faso’s new leader,
sowing doubt and distrust Sobol and Georgy Alburov on Tuesday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Mali’s president was ousted in May, while Burkina Faso’s president was deposed this
about vaccines. — were on Tuesday added week. Supporters said the military coups were needed to solve the neighboring African countries crises. SOPHIE GARCIA/AP
“I apologize for my refer- to the registry by Russia’s
ence to Anne Frank, espe- Federal Financial Monitor-
cially to families that suffered ing Service. was taken off life support at a round of weapons launches with the United States over 2018 under then-President
the Holocaust horrors,” The law requires that the Manhattan hospital four days this month, South Korean its nuclear deal with world Donald Trump.
Kennedy said in a Tuesday bank accounts of those on the after a gunman shot him and military officials said. powers is possible if sanc-
tweet. “My intention was to list be frozen. Officer Jason Rivera, 22, as One official, who spoke tions on Iran are lifted, state Avenatti-Daniels case:
use examples of past barba- The move comes just a they responded to a domes- on condition of anonymity, TV reported. Once-prominent California
rism to show the perils from over a year after Navalny’s tic disturbance call. Rivera citing department rules, said Raisi’s comments came attorney Michael Avenatti
new technologies of control. arrest, which triggered a died Friday. South Korean and U.S. intel- a day after Iranian Foreign took over representation of
To the extent my remarks wave of the biggest mass The two officers were ligence officials were analyz- Minister Hossein Amirab- himself Tuesday at his latest
caused hurt, I am truly and protests across the country called Friday to a Harlem ing the launches, but didn’t dollahian signaled a will- criminal trial.
deeply sorry.” in years. apartment by a woman who provide further details. ingness by Iran to engage The move sets the stage for
Kennedy’s wife, the actress The politician was said she needed help with her Tuesday’s launches could directly with the U.S. in Avenatti to directly confront
Cheryl Hines of HBO’s “Curb detained upon his return adult son. Lashawn McNeil have been follow-up tests discussions over the deal if former client and porn star
Your Enthusiasm,” later from Germany, where he threw open a bedroom door of a weapon North Korea necessary to reach a satisfac- Stormy Daniels over her
distanced herself from her spent five months recovering and shot the officers as they has described as a long- tory agreement. claims that he stole some of
husband in her own tweet. from a nerve agent poison- walked down a narrow hall, range cruise missile and first “If the parties are ready to the money she was owed for
She called the reference to ing he blamed on the Krem- authorities said. tested in September, said lift the oppressive sanctions, her autobiography.
Anne Frank “reprehensible lin. Russian authorities have A third officer, Sumit Kim Dong-yub, a professor at it is quite possible any agree- U.S. District Judge Jesse
and insensitive.” denied any involvement. Sulan, a rookie who was Seoul’s University of North ment can be reached,” Raisi Furman granted Avenatti’s
Kennedy, a nephew of Navalny was ordered to shadowing Mora and Rivera Korean Studies. said in a live broadcast. request at his Manhattan trial
President John F. Kennedy serve 2 1/2 years in prison — shot McNeil as he tried to State media in reports at Iran and world powers on wire fraud and aggravated
and the son of his slain for violating the terms of a flee. The gunman, 47, died the time said the missiles have begun another round identity theft charges after he
brother, former U.S. attor- suspended sentence stem- Monday, authorities said. were fired from launcher of nuclear talks in Vienna, cited a “breakdown” with his
ney general, civil rights ming from a 2014 fraud Mora’s funeral arrange- trucks and could strike Austria aimed at salvaging lawyers over trial strategy.
activist and Democratic pres- conviction. ments have not been targets 932 miles away. It the tattered 2015 nuclear Daniels was expected to
idential contender Robert F. announced. described those missiles as deal. take the witness stand at the
Kennedy, on Sunday had 2nd NYPD officer dies: A Rivera’s funeral is sched- a “strategic weapon of great The meetings include all trial as early as Wednesday.
complained that the nation’s New York City police officer uled for Friday at St. Patrick’s significance” — wording that the deal’s remaining signato- Avenatti has asserted his
leading infectious disease gravely wounded last week Cathedral in Manhattan. implies they were developed ries — Iran, Britain, France, innocence on the claims
doctor, Anthony Fauci, was in a shooting that killed his to carry nuclear weapons. Germany, Russia and China. that he pocketed nearly
orchestrating “fascism.” partner has also died of his NKorea weapons test: The U.S. has participated $300,000 of the $800,000
“Even in Hitler’s Germany, injuries, the city’s police North Korea on Tuesday Iran nuclear talks: Iranian only indirectly in the ongo- advance paid to Daniels for
you could cross the Alps to commissioner said Tuesday. test-fired two suspected President Ebrahim Raisi ing talks because it with- her 2018 book “Full Disclo-
Switzerland. You could hide Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, cruise missiles in its fifth said Tuesday an agreement drew from the accord in sure.”
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10 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Wednesday, January 26, 2022
US survey of firms finds Walmart
takes stake
‘alarming’ chip shortages
in a vertical
Commerce chief calls on Congress to back legislation to boost domestic output farm startup
By Ana Swanson their maximum production capacity. The results of that survey, which the
and Catie Edmondson While demand for semiconductors has Commerce Department published Tues- By Anne D’Innocenzio
The New York Times increased 17% from 2019 to 2021, there was day, reveal how scarce global supplies of Associated Press
no commensurate increase in supply. A vast chips have become.
WASHINGTON — The United States majority of semiconductor fabrication The median inventory among buyers had NEW YORK — Walmart said Tuesday that
is facing an “alarming” shortage of semi- plants are using about 90% of their capac- fallen to fewer than five days from 40 days it has taken a stake in agriculture startup
conductors, a government survey of more ity to manufacture chips, meaning they pre-pandemic, meaning that any hiccup Plenty, becoming the first large U.S. retailer
than 150 companies that make and buy have little immediate ability to increase in chip production — because of a winter to significantly invest in indoor vertical
chips found; the situation is threatening their output, according to the data that the storm, for example, or another coronavi- farming as a way to deliver fresher produce
U.S. factory production and helping to fuel Commerce Department compiled. rus outbreak — could cause shortages that to its stores.
inflation, Gina Raimondo, the commerce Chip shortages have forced some facto- would shut down U.S. factories and once Vertical farmers tout their high-quality
secretary, said. ries that rely on the components to make again destabilize supply chains, Raimondo produce that brings higher yields while
She said the findings showed a critical their products, like those of U.S. carmak- said. using less water and land. The method also
need to support domestic manufacturing ers, to slow or suspend production. That “We have no room for error,” she added. doesn’t use pesticide, and the produce can
and called on Congress to pass legislation has dented U.S. economic growth and led to To help address the issue, Biden admin- be grown year round near the point of distri-
aimed at bolstering U.S. competitiveness higher car prices, a big driver of the soaring istration officials have coalesced behind bution, increasing the reliability of supply.
with China by enabling more American inflation in the United States. The price of a a sprawling bill that the Senate passed in Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer,
production. used car grew 37% last year, helping to push June as an answer to some of the nation’s declined to comment on the financial terms
“It’s alarming, really, the situation we’re inflation to a 40-year high in December. supply chain woes. of the deal.
in as a country, and how urgently we need The Commerce Department sent out a The bill, known in the Senate as the But the retailer based in Bentonville,
to move to increase our domestic capacity,” request for information in September to U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, Arkansas, said that it will join Plenty’s board
Raimondo said Monday. global chipmakers and consumers to gather would pour nearly $250 billion into scien- at the close of the transaction.
The findings show demand for the information about inventories, production tific research and development to bolster The deal comes as grocery stores are
chips that power cars, electronics, medical capacity and backlogs in an effort to under- competitiveness against China and prop under pressure to have more environmen-
devices and other products far outstripping stand where bottlenecks exist in the indus- up semiconductor makers by providing $52 tally friendly practices.
supply, even as global chipmakers approach try and how to alleviate them. billion in emergency subsidies. Plenty, based in San Francisco, is one of
many players in the fast-growing field of
indoor farming. Others include Morehead,
Kentucky-based AppHarvest, and New
York-based Gotham Greens.
Plenty, which was founded in 2014 and has
a vertical farm in South San Francisco, also
operates an indoor plant science research
facility in Laramie, Wyoming. It is building
in Compton, California, in what it says will
be the world’s highest output vertical indoor
farm.
Plenty said its vertical farming towers
are designed to grow multiple crops on one
platform in a building the size of a big-box
retail store. Its systems feature vertical plant
towers, LED lighting and robots to plant,
feed and harvest crops. It says its farms use
1% of the land that an outdoor farm requires
while delivering anywhere from 150 to 350
times more food per acre.
BUSINESS BRIEFING
IMF cuts global
growth forecast
WASHINGTON — The International
Monetary Fund is downgrading its fore-
cast for the world economy this year, citing
the spread of COVID-19’s omicron variant,
higher energy prices, an uptick in inflation
and a deteriorating outlook for the world’s
People walk by a Chipotle restaurant in New York City. The fast-food chain cited higher labor costs for a 4% hike in the price of its menu items two biggest economies — the United States
last summer and is looking for other ways to boost profitability. That includes higher prices for delivery. ANDREW RENNEISEN/GETTY 2016 and China.
The 190-country lending agency now
forecasts the global economy will expand
Sticker shock on the menu
4.4% in 2022. That’s down from an estimated
5.9% last year and from the 4.9% the IMF
was forecasting for 2022 back in October.
The IMF slashed the growth forecast for
the United States to 4% from the 5.2% it
Fast-food restaurants raising native data research and analytics firm. raised prices of food to be delivered, exec- predicted in October.
“What we’ve seen over the last six-plus utives told Wall Street analysts in an earn- The Chinese economy is forecast to grow
their prices to counter higher
months are restaurants being aggressive in ings call. It essentially meant the customer 4.8% this year — down from 8.1% last year.
costs for ingredients, labor pushing through prices.” covered Chipotle’s side of the delivery costs.
Chains like McDonald’s, Chipotle That does not mean customers are
By Julie Creswell and Wingstop were big winners of the thrilled about the extra costs. This month,
The New York Times pandemic as consumers increasingly Jacob Herlin, a data scientist in Lakewood, UAE sheikhdom
turned to them for convenient solutions. Colorado, ordered a burrito for $11.95, a
On a chilly afternoon this month, James But in the past year, as the cost of ingre- Coca-Cola for $3, and chips and guacamole,
to allow ‘gaming’
Marsh stopped by a Chipotle near his dients rose and the average hourly wage which were free with a coupon. The total
suburban Chicago home to grab something increased 16% to $16.10 in November from a was $14.95, before tax.
to eat. year earlier, according to government data, But when he clicked to have the food
It had been a while since Marsh had been restaurants began to bump up prices. delivered, the price for the burrito jumped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — One of
to Chipotle — he estimated he goes five But making customers pay more is tricky. to $14.45, and the soda climbed to $3.65, the seven sheikhdoms in the United Arab
times a year — and he stopped cold when For many restaurants, it involves walking bringing the total to $18.10 before tax. Emirates said Tuesday that it will allow
he saw the prices. a fine line between raising prices enough Herlin was also charged a delivery fee of “gaming” while announcing a multibil-
“I had been getting my usual, a steak to cover expenses while not scaring away $1 and a “service fee” of $2.32, bringing lion-dollar deal with Las Vegas-based casino
burrito, which had been maybe in the customers. the total to $23.20. He tipped the driver an giant Wynn Resorts.
mid-$8 range,” said Marsh, who trades While Chipotle executives blamed additional $3. The announcement by Ras al-Khaimah
stock options at his home in Hinsdale, Illi- higher labor costs for a 4% price increase in Herlin said he did not mind paying for comes after months of rumors about
nois. “Now it was more than $9.” menu items this past summer, the company delivery and wanted drivers to be paid a gambling coming to the UAE, home to
Last year, the price of menu items at fast- has been looking for ways to boost its prof- decent wage. But he felt that Chipotle was skyscraper-studded Dubai and oil-rich Abu
food restaurants rose 8%, the biggest jump itability. not being upfront with customers. Dhabi. Islam, the religion of the Arabian
in more than 20 years, according to govern- One way was to charge higher prices for “They’re basically hiding the fees two Peninsula, prohibits gambling.
ment data. And, in some cases, portions delivery. Delivery orders through vendors different ways, through that base price Ras al-Khaimah is the northern-most
have shrunk. like DoorDash and Uber Eats exploded for increase and through the hidden ‘service emirate in the UAE federation. It has been
“In recent years, most fast-food restau- Chipotle and other fast-food chains during fee,’ ” Herlin said in an email. “I would very trying to raise its profile for years in the tour-
rants had, maybe, raised prices in the low the pandemic. But so did the commission much prefer if they had the same pricing ism market, which in the UAE is dominated
single-digits each year,” said Matthew fees that Chipotle paid the vendors. So in and were just honest about a $5 delivery by Dubai, and has liberal alcohol rules and
Goodman, an analyst at M Science, an alter- fall 2020, it tested what would happen if it fee.” an area focused on beach resorts.
GM to put $7B into Mich. EV, battery plants Stateswiththehighest
unemployment
Percentageofcivilianlaborforcethat
By David Eggert and Tom Krisher a joint-venture partner in Lansing. The Orion plant will join GM’s “Factory
wasunemployed,December2021average,
Associated Press The state’s economic development Zero” facility in Detroit in building new
seasonallyadjusted
board on Tuesday approved $824 million electric Chevrolet Silverados and GMC U.S.:3.9%
LANSING, Mich. — General Motors is in incentives and assistance for Detroit- Sierra pickups. When both plants are
making the largest investment in company based GM. The package was unveiled and making trucks on three shifts, GM will have California 6.5%
history in its home state of Michigan, authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund the ability to build 600,000 electric pickup
announcing plans to spend nearly $7 billion Board. It includes a $600 million grant to trucks per year, GM CEO Mary Barra said.
to convert a factory to make electric pickup GM and Ultium Cells, the venture between The announcement is a critical win for Nevada 6.4
trucks and to build a new battery cell plant. the carmaker and LG Energy Solution, and Michigan, which lost out on Ford Motor
The moves, announced Tuesday, will a $158 million tax break for Ultium. The Co.’s $11 billion investment in three battery NewJersey 6.3
create up to 4,000 jobs and keep another board also approved $66.1 million to help a plants and a new vehicle assembly plant
1,000 already employed at an underutilized local electric utility and township upgrade that went to Kentucky and Tennessee.
assembly plant north of Detroit. infrastructure at the battery factory site. GM says it will build four battery cell NewYork 6.2
The automaker plans to spend up to $4 Both factories are scheduled to start factories in North America. The Lansing
billion converting and expanding its Orion producing in about two years, as GM rolls announcement is its third, but the location
NM/D.C. 5.8
Township assembly factory to make elec- the dice on whether Americans will be will- of the fourth plant has not been announced.
tric pickups and $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion ing to convert from internal combustion Other plants are being built in Lord-
SOURCE:BureauofLaborStatistics TNS
building a third U.S. battery cell plant with engines to battery power. stown, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.