Connecticut, Waterbury | featured news

PARIS — French Muslims have been officially invisible, expected to blend in with the rest of the citizenry in secular France. But now they are speaking out — and being called on to take a larger role in combatting the threat from Islamist extremists.

WOODBURY — Members of the Nonnewaug High School renovation building committee on Tuesday were updated on the hazardous materials survey, the commissioning agent bids and a detailed project timeline.

WATERBURY - Luis Munoz grew up in the city's South End and has fond memories of visiting a small park on West Dover Street, even though at the time it had little else but a basketball court, splash pad and some swings.

TORRINGTON — With the recent shootings of police officers around the nation weighing on his mind, Torrington Police Chief Michael Maniago saw special significance in the National Night Out community parties attended by his officers and the residents of 10 city neighborhoods on Tuesday.

LITCHFIELD — With the construction of a new Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse nearing completion in Torrington, First Selectman Leo Paul Jr. said he would favor the town selling the complex that houses Bantam Superior Court.

WOLCOTT — The school district's athletic director for the last four years is leaving to become principal of a school for students with intellectual disabilities.

WATERTOWN — A pair of mud-covered work boots sit under the drafting table in Charles Berger's office at the Heminway Municipal Center. A construction helmet blazoned with his name rests atop and laying spread on the table are the plans for the Highview Estates subdivision.

LITCHFIELD — A Torrington man faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in Litchfield Superior Court in October for beating his girlfriend after breaking into her home in violation of a protective order last year.

NORFOLK — Surrounded by the graceful forms of some of his most popular weather vanes, John Thew described how they're made and shared stories about some of his more memorable clients during a program Sunday at the Norfolk Library.

Energize Connecticut, a statewide initiative, is telling residents how to keep energy costs low and air quality high.