Short Term Rentals on the Increase; State, Local Regulatory Oversight Less Certain

Short Term Rentals on the Increase; State, Local Regulatory Oversight Less Certain

Are short term rentals (STRs), better known by their popular brand names such as Airbnb, good news for municipalities or asking for trouble?  A new report by the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments seeks to air some of the pros and cons, as the number of stays (and income to hosts) continue to grow rapidly.

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Global Security Forum to Bring Leading Diplomats, Experts to Connecticut

Global Security Forum to Bring Leading Diplomats, Experts to Connecticut

Global security is rarely a simple subject.  But one can reasonably argue that it hasn’t been as contentious and controversial a topic as it is in 2019 for quite some time.  Next month, that conversation arrives in Hartford, with a strong contingent of leaders on the world stage prepared to share their expertise and views on future prospects.

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Safe Deposit Boxes: Well, Sort of Safe

Safe Deposit Boxes:  Well, Sort of Safe

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation points out that "a safe deposit box is not a deposit account. It is storage space provided by the bank, so the contents, including cash, checks or other valuables, are not insured by FDIC deposit insurance if damaged or stolen.” Which means when it comes to the “safe” in safe deposit box, there are no guarantees.

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Reduction in Drug Overdose Deaths Nationwide in 2018; CT’s Drop Less Than National Average

Reduction in Drug Overdose Deaths Nationwide in 2018; CT’s Drop Less Than National Average

Nationwide, there appears to have been a nearly 5% reduction in overdose deaths nationwide in 2018, according to provisional data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.  Connecticut’s drop was less than the national average

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Municipalities Can Seek Federal Bridge Repair Funds From State; Hundreds of Local Projects Eligible, Unclear How Many Applied by Deadline

Municipalities Can Seek Federal Bridge Repair Funds From State; Hundreds of Local Projects Eligible, Unclear How Many Applied by Deadline

There are more than 3,400 bridges and culverts on municipally maintained roads, according to the state DOT. Construction and maintenance is the responsibility of the cities and towns who own them. Currently, 1,765 are listed on the state’s eligible bridge list – for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges.

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Illinois - Not Connecticut - Is Next State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Illinois - Not Connecticut - Is Next State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Illinois became the 11th state in the nation to legalize recreational cannabis this week, as the issue continues to face an uncertain future in Connecticut, with the state’s business community among those raising questions that slowed progress to the point of inaction in the just-concluded legislative session.   

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Earning State’s HEARTSafe Designation Can Be Key to Saving Lives; UConn Is Most Recent Participant, Some Municipalities Remain Absent

Earning State’s HEARTSafe Designation Can Be Key to Saving Lives; UConn Is Most Recent Participant, Some Municipalities Remain Absent

The University of Connecticut was recently named a “HEARTSafe Campus” – the first institution of higher education in the state of Connecticut to earn the designation. The “HEARTSafe” program recognizes communities, workplaces, and campuses that improve the chances for individuals to survive a sudden cardiac arrest. Not every town is on board.

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