Embedded Files
Republicans Cement G.O.P. Trifecta Under Trump After Historical Presidential Election
As the world watches, can a divided America unite and move forward following a contentious election?
By: Michael Russo
As Election Day approached, the 2024 presidential election has already cemented itself as one of the most polarizing elections in American history. Throughout many months, the campaigns of Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris battled it out in debates and on the commercial airwaves as Americans faced propaganda/controversy from both sides. Whether it be multiple assassination attempts or criticism over the lack of action regarding the Palestinian genocide, there were constant attacks and criticism launched at both candidates.
One of the major headlines of the campaign was the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. On July 13, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks open-fired at a Trump rally in Butler, PA, trying to claim the former president’s life. He fired eight shots into the crowd and struck Trump alongside three others, one of whom succumbed to the injury before paramedics were able to arrive. Crooks was ultimately intercepted and killed by the Secret Service. The tragedy garnered sympathy but also spawned many conspiracy theories.
Trump’s policies were mostly focused on continuing the those he planned to implement in his 2020 campaign for president. He planned to give America a “comeback” following the Biden-Harris administration, which he claimed had failed the nation. He planned to introduce higher tax cuts, withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, and make the Space Force a military branch. His campaign coined the phrase, "Make America Great Again" or MAGA and it caught on quickly among his followers.
On the flip side of the political spectrum, Kamala Harris, after officially replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate following concerns regarding his mental fitness to run, worked on her campaign on a blitz rally tour. She had endorsements from major pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Charli Xcx, the former of which led to over 400,000 more people signing up to vote in the upcoming election. Harris’s policies involved trying to address significant problems plaguing America today, namely poverty, healthcare, and high crime rates.
Both campaigns received criticism/praise. Trump was called out numerous times by various media publications for spreading misinformation regarding subjects such as immigration, crime rates, and the Democratic Party. He labelled the Democratic Party as socialist and “trying to ruin the country”. In the meantime, Harris called her opponent a "Fascist" . Another topic of discussion and disagreement was Israel’s bombing campaign in the Israel-Hamas War, in which millions of innocent Palestinians have been displaced or trapped without healthcare or necessi
The polls claimed the candidates were deadlocked and it became increasingly clear that this election would be extremely decisive for the country’s future and divisive for its citizens. As the divide between the two parties grew more polarized, voters were encouraged to register to vote and make their voices heard.
As we all know by now, the election did not prove to be as close as predicted with former President Donald Trump winning the popular and electoral votes and voted back into office as the 47th President of the United States. In what some say was a resounding victory and others describe as a complete heartbreak, Trump swept all seven swing states. Since Republicans also held onto the House and clinched the Senate, it is becoming clear to all Americans that change is coming for sure. Stay tuned...
Boar's Head Deli Meat Causes Listeria Outbreak, Killing 10
Are stricter regulations needed to protect American consumers?
By: Michaela Dest
In a recent and alarming development, Boar’s Head Deli meat has been linked to a Listeria outbreak that has resulted in multiple illnesses and deaths across several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the outbreak is linked to consuming contaminated deli meats, including those produced by Boar’s Head, a well-known brand in the industry.
Listeria Monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, and nausea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
The outbreak has prompted a nationwide recall of Boar’s Head deli meats. Health officials urge consumers to check their refrigerators and dispose of any Boar’s Head products they may have purchased recently. Retailers are also advised to remove these products from their shelves to prevent the bacteria from spreading further.
Boar’s Head has issued a statement expressing deep concern for the affected individuals and their families. The company is cooperating fully with health authorities to identify the source of the contamination and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent future outbreaks. They have also initiated an internal review of their production and distribution processes to identify potential safety protocol lapses.
This outbreak is a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with processed meats. Consumers are advised to practice food safety practices such as washing hands and surfaces often, keeping raw meat separate from other foods, cooking meat to the right temperature, and refrigerating foods promptly.
The CDC continues investigating the outbreak and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis is urged to seek medical attention immediately.
The impact of this outbreak has been felt deeply in communities across the country. Families affected by the illness are grappling with the emotional and financial toll of hospitalizations and, in the most tragic cases, the loss of loved ones. Legal experts predict a wave of lawsuits against Boar’s Head as victims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Public Health officials are also taking this opportunity to emphasize the importance of regulatory oversight in the food industry. They argue that stricter regulations and frequent inspections could help prevent future outbreaks. This incident has reignited debates about the adequacy of current food safety laws and the resources allocated to agencies responsible for enforcing them.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the repercussions of this outbreak will be felt for some time in the future. The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to more robust safety measures and a more vigilant approach to food production. In the meantime, consumers are advised to stay informed and exercise caution when purchasing and consuming deli meats.
Also posing a recent health risk were the quarter pounders sold at McDonald's restaurants. Seventy five people were sickened, 22 were hospitalized and one man died as a result of an E. coli outbreak linked to the fast-food chain at locations across the United States. Could raw onions be the culprit? Stay tuned for updates in our next issue as the investigation unfolds.
Be careful...you are what you eat and sometimes what you eat, can make you super sick or worse.
Major Danger: CT Rain Storm Causes Destructive Flooding , Severe Damage, Two Deaths
Buildings, vehicles, highways and bridges demolished by dangerous waters
By: Ava Proto
After an intense storm swept through Connecticut in mid-August, the state faces devastating destruction, yet is beginning its long road to recovery. Torrential rainfall resulted in catastrophic flooding, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes, particularly in the southwestern regions of the state, which bore the brunt of the storm. Officials noted that some areas experienced what they classified as a "1,000-year" rain event. The resulting flash floods wreaked havoc on roads, homes, and critical infrastructure, leaving behind an extensive path of destruction.
The scale of the disaster became apparent quickly, with some areas especially vulnerable to the storm’s swift progression. In Southbury, residents were left stranded when a major bridge was washed out, cutting off access to parts of the town. Fairfield and Litchfield counties also faced widespread flooding, prompting emergency water rescues to save residents trapped in their homes. Many communities were ill-prepared for the storm’s severity, and in the aftermath, the loss of two lives were confirmed. The flooding left families mourning and communities struggling with immense property damage.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He has since requested $300 million in federal disaster relief, which would be vital in addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts. According to Lamont, the damage to infrastructure alone is staggering, with roads and bridges in desperate need of repair. In addition to rebuilding public spaces and homes, the economic toll on local communities is expected to be extreme. Federal aid would be crucial in preventing the situation from worsening, ensuring affected residents have the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Although the rain has subsided and floodwaters have begun to recede, Connecticut now faces a long period of recovery. Emergency services and local officials have shifted their focus to cleanup operations, with efforts underway to assess the full scope of the damage. Temporary shelters have been established to house displaced families, many of whom lost their homes in the floods.
The storm has also sparked larger discussions about the growing risk of flooding in Connecticut and other parts of the Northeast. Climate change is increasingly driving extreme weather events, and the state is particularly vulnerable to such phenomena. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have led to more frequent, intense storms, creating conditions for future disasters. As a result, local leaders are calling for greater investment in climate resilience and flood mitigation efforts. Proposals include strengthening existing infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and enforcing stricter building codes to protect against flooding.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need for policies that address the underlying causes of climate change, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing global warming. As Connecticut and other states face the growing threat of severe weather, both immediate and long-term solutions are critical to safeguarding communities and preventing future tragedies. Governor Lamont and other state officials have voiced their commitment to these efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the next storm before it arrives.
Looking ahead, Connecticut’s recovery will be a long and difficult process. While the state is rallying around those affected, the road to normalcy will require time, resources, and collective resolve. Residents, local officials, and national leaders alike must come together to rebuild stronger, more resilient communities in the wake of this devastating event.
Students Protest Against Gun Violence After Devastating Attack on Apalachee High School
Will abusive father who provided weapon be held responsible for the brutal acts of his son?
By: Chloe Diaz
Ever since the events in Sandy Hook on the day of December 14, 2012, gun violence attacks in US schools have been spiraling out of control. Despite how many precautions schools put in place, sometimes tragic events like the one that occurred on September 4th do happen. On what started as a regular Wednesday for students and faculty at Apalachee High School, 14-year-old Colt Gray allegedly entered his high school in Georgia, armed with an AR-15 style rifle, killing 4 people and injuring 9.
This firearm was a gift from his father for Christmas, despite Gray having displayed previous evidence of mental illness. In fact, even his school counselors had contacted his father with concerns for Gray’s wellbeing. And yet, the blatant ignorance of Colt Gray’s father, Colin Gray, is what led to his charges of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children. If believed to be guilty by Jury, Colin Gray could face a total of 180 years in prison for his crimes. After the mass shooting, Colt Gray’s maternal grandfather alleged that Colin Gray had always been verbally and mentally abusive towards Colt Gray and his mother, directly linking that behavior as what led the 14-year-old to do what he did. Another notable figure in Colt’s life was his mother, who made a phone call to the school on the morning of the 4th, warning them of an emergency. She allegedly asked that they check on Colt on that day, likely due to out-of-character behavior, or threats he had been making.
It is likely that if Colt Gray had not been mistreated at home at the hands of his father who then also weaponized him to pose a danger to himself and others, consequences might have been quite different. If given the help he so clearly needed, what occurred on the 4th might have been avoided. It is these incidents/red flags that should remind adults around the world that children require care and attention, or else they will find negative ways to attract it. Given the signs that Colt allegedly showed both at school and to his mother and father, the last thing that he should have been given for Christmas was an illegal weapon. Colin Gray is the most at fault for this event, and the charges made against him reflect that. Had he not openly provided Colt with the weapon, or the trauma that came with so much alleged verbal assault, Colt likely would not have performed such horrific actions, or at least not have been able to so easily.
The families of the victims are devastated, some choosing to sit in at the court hearing for Colt and his father, others refusing to face them. Of the four that were murdered, two were 14-year-olds, and two were teachers. The students’ names were Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both peers of Colt. These childrens’ names continue to be remembered throughout the nation, where citizens from every state are mourning their tragic deaths. Similarly, Christina Irimie, a math teacher, and Richard Aspinwall, a math teacher and football coach, are being memorialized for their heroic deaths, as they fought to protect their students in their final moments. What comes with grief for these innocent lives being lost is anger. Anger that has already started motivating protests, which often follow such preventable events such as this one.
At the Georgia Senate meeting on Thursday, September 9th, 20 students joined by some parents and teachers demanded that legislative action be taken against gun violence in protest of what occurred at Apalachee High School. It is because of these students, the ones that fight for each other and their safety, that there is hope for the future of our world. The events that took place on September 4th, 2024 were truly horrific, but students such as these prove that things can get better.
If you are ever concerned for your safety at home, in a school building or anywhere else, please contact an adult whom you trust. At NHHS that includes administration, counselors, teachers, coaches, School Resource Officers/security staff, and others who are always willing to listen and assist. If you overhear or become aware of someone whom you feel is a threat to their own safety or that of others, please share that information. We all must work together to help keep our community and one another safe.
New Hotel Will Offer High Quality Lodging in North Haven
Freda accommodates visiting business executives and enhances economic development
By: Sophiea Runlett
On Universal Drive in North Haven Connecticut a Hotel is being built, which will be the second hotel in the town. The project has been proposed by the developers of a new Hampton Inn and Suites hotel. This corporation operates around 2,389 hotels across the United States.
What makes these hotels so popular and keeps strong guest loyalty is category-leading financial performance and best-in-class stay experience. The location of the new hotel will be at 700 Universal Drive, with its neighboring businesses being BJ's wholesale club, Cinemark movie theater, Chick Fil A, and Panera. The hotel is in close proximity to shopping areas and restaurants. In addition to the easy access to shopping and food areas the hotel is right near Interstate 91 and Route 15. The hotel is planned out to be about 62,000 square feet with 105 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a breakfast area that will be complimentary.
The idea was originally approved by the North Haven Planning and Zoning Construction in 2019, however, the building process was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The hotel building has been in action and the construction workers are working around the clock to complete the project by May 2025. Vinay Patel, the owner of the project, has reported that the first floor is already complete and the construction of the second floor has begun. Lots of plans have been in consideration for the hotel such as convenient services. For instance, a shuttle bus will be in service for guests that can pick them up from work, shopping areas, and other activities. There is also talk that a charging station for electric vehicles will be added to the parking lot for guests to use.
First Selectman Mike Freda has had a high priority to enhance the economic development of the town of North Haven. This project is an addition to help with that assignment as it is one of the major projects he wants to follow through with for the town. Freda says, “The reason I tried to pursue a hotel is because there’s a lot of companies who fly their executives into these businesses in North Haven.”
The new project is more than a hotel to the people of North Haven, it is a new and different approach to better the town.
US Coast Guard Academy Faces Allegations of Allowing Sexual Assaults Over Decades
Victims lawyers: epidemic of sexual violence...culture of silence, fear, and retaliation must end
By: Alison Palmieri
The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut is a prestigious and rigorous institution which creates future leaders of the country. The Academy has long been respected for its dedication to quality training and education. However, former cadets of the academy are shedding a new light on the institution.
Thirteen cadets have recently accused the school of failing to prevent multiple instances of sexual assault that occurred on campus, as well as attempting to cover up the sexual violences. These accusations were placed in federal complaints seeking $10 million apiece in damages. The complaints span from occurrences in the 1980’s to recent years. According to the Associated Press, the cadets “filed Federal Tort Claims Act administrative complaints against the Coast Guard, its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and its former parent agency, the Department of Transportation.”
These individuals claim that the Academy failed to implement proper policies and procedures into place that would keep their students safe from sexual violence. They also claimed that the institution did nothing to support them after they reported the assault, and attempted to cover it up. In response to the allegations, the Coast Guard Academy issued a statement saying they were “devoting significant resources to improving prevention, victim support, and accountability.” However, this does not change the trauma that many of these cadets endured. While many of the stories remain hidden, one former female cadet named in papers as “Jane Doe 1” shared her story.
She claims that she was assaulted twice throughout her education at the Academy, and then multiple times when serving on a ship after graduating. After the first assault on campus, she felt that she could not report it, as her assaulter was a well-liked senior cadet. Many female cadets have vocalized this, as other women were not believed when they made allegations.
A year later, she reported the assault to campus officials, but did not give the name of the assaulter. When she finally reported it to higher level Coast Guard officials, she was told that too much time had passed and her case was dismissed. In her complaint, she stated “The culture of silence and victim-blaming perpetuated in the Coast Guard prevented me from immediately reporting what happened to me each time, and caused me to completely lose my physical, emotional, and mental stability.”
Other cadets have experienced similar stories. They were sexually assaulted on campus, sometimes repeatedly. However, the culture on campus made them think that they would not be believed if they reported the assault. Those that did report it were often dismissed, and no action was taken.
Significant movement has been made for the The United States Coast Guard Academy to be held accountable. Multiple cadets have long lasting trauma from their assaults on campus, and their stories deserve to be heard.
“Today marks a historic turning point in addressing the epidemic of sexual violence at the Coast Guard Academy,” said J. Ryan Melogy, a lawyer for the former cadets. “For far too long, the Coast Guard has relied on a culture of silence, fear, and retaliation to keep survivors from seeking accountability for the horrific injustices they faced as cadets.”
Highway Fatalities Skyrocket in Connecticut
Law enforcement and State Legislature groups call for action to promote safety
By: Hannah Dean
Connecticut’s roads are becoming increasingly more dangerous with the number of highway fatalities increasing over the last few years. Since 2019, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation has faced staggering numbers regarding the number of deaths on the road in Connecticut. In 2019 alone, 168 people died due to road accidents, with numbers only increasing since then. As of July 31, 2024, 187 people have lost their lives on the road.
These accidents occur for many reasons, from reckless driving to drunk driving. The main reason for the number increasing is the amount of speeding accidents that occur. Nationally, the amount of accidents caused by speeding has increased 18% over the last 2 years, and has contributed to a nationwide increase in highway fatalities as well. Studies have proven that the faster you are driving, the more likely you are to get into a crash. This is primarily due to two reasons. Firstly, the faster you go, the greater the force of impact against the object the car hits, whether it be a tree or a person. Secondly, the faster you go, the less time you have to react to your surroundings. So, if another car or a person suddenly obstructs the speeding car’s path, the driver has less time to react rather than if they were slower.
With all these astounding new numbers, State Police and legislature have stepped up precautions and have enacted new measures to attempt to curb the number of deaths. Last year, the State legislature decided to add more wrong way signs on highway exits to prevent either drunk or unaware drivers from going the wrong way on the highway. This has proven quite effective. In July of this year, a potential accident was avoided here in North Haven by having one of these signs on I-91. Another 54 accidents were prevented due to these signs. Due to occurrences such as these, the State will continue to put out more of these wrong way signs through the rest of this year and into 2025. The State is putting billboard signs on the side of highways, warning drivers not to drive when drunk or drinking. They also have displayed the number of highway deaths on billboards throughout the state in order to make people aware of the problem. Back in January, legislation was introduced to lower the legal blood alcohol content on the road from .08 to .05, in order to curb the potential for more drunk driving accidents on the road.
In 2022, there were nearly 370 deaths on the road, coming to about a death a day. That is a data set that the state never wants to see again, and has been actively promoting safe driving practices. An example is defensive driving, which is being aware of your surroundings and assuming that the driver next to you will make a mistake. Though the state might enforce all sorts of policies, it is up to drivers to take the measures not only to protect themselves, but also the people around them.
Vaping Among Teens Drops To Lowest Rate Since 2019
Educating students about dangers and enforcing laws and restrictions proves helpful
By: Katharine Grudberg
As of a survey conducted in January through May of 2024, teen vaping is the lowest it’s been in five years. The National Youth Tobacco Survey is a study administered by the CDC and FDA annually. In this survey, high school students are tasked to report their usage of e-cigarettes. In 2019, 27% of students reported positively to vaping. As of 2024, that statistic has lowered to 8% of students, an estimated 500,000 fewer individuals five years later.
Vaping is the use of small, handheld devices called e-cigarettes to breathe vapor into the lungs. This device heats liquid nicotine, propylene glycol, and more than 30 additional ingredients into aerosols for inhaling. Vaping has grown extremely popular among teenagers as it is cheaper than frequently purchasing traditional cigarettes, and offers over 7,000 different flavor juices people can use.
These statistics reflect a positive growth for the adolescents of America. First developed in 2003, e-cigarettes have introduced a popular alternative to smoking. However, studies have shown that nicotine dependance is two times higher with e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes. Vaping directly attacks the heart and lungs and can result in several different illnesses such as lung disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and more.
Not only does this drop in users ensure a healthier youth, it also greatly benefits the education of high school students. A study conducted in 2021 by the Truth Initiative showed that students who used e-cigarettes also missed assignments, skipped class, and reported lower GPAs. Vaping has not become a “healthier alternative” to smoking but rather an epidemic to schools across the country. Many schools have had to implement strict rules on vaping due to the high frequency of usage. Less vaping among students means more focused learning in the classroom.
This advancement helps lead towards a more successful future for the United States. Extensive use of products like e-cigarettes can lead to substance dependency which means when people continue to use substances, even when severe problems have developed due to them. 7 of 10 people who abuse nicotine say they want to quit. However, the highly addictive qualities of the drug make it nearly impossible for people to do so. Developing a serious addiction at such a young age directly harms an individual’s brain during a crucial period of development. Having fewer and fewer adolescents report that they use e-cigarettes helps to preserve the youth of the country so that they can mature physically, mentally, and socially in a healthy manner.
The drop in vaping can be attributed to several different reasons such as recent age restrictions or stronger enforcement against retailers and manufacturers. Although the use of e-cigarettes is still an ongoing epidemic among high school students, the nearly 19% deduction is a revolutionary step towards a healthier society.
Congo Prison Inmates Attempt Jailbreak Resulting in Disruption and Deaths
Can inhumane living conditions and overcrowding be addressed to avoid future disruption and death?
By: Will Sagnella
Just a few weeks ago, in the Dominican Republic of Congo, disaster struck. Around 2 am local time at the local prison Makala, there was a mass jailbreak. According to people living near the prison, there were hours of repeated gunfire. This led to a death total of 129 people, including 24 inmates who were shot after warning.
Officials found no signs that the prison had been broken into from the outside. Mbemba Kabuya, the deputy justice minister, told radio stations that the attack was planned from the inside by inmates in one of the wings in the prison. Apparently, this break was not the only one in the history of the prison. Among many other jailbreaks, the most recent one took place in 2017, when a religious sect attacked the prison and freed dozens of inmates.
The prison break was very graphic, with leaked social media videos showing piles of deceased inmates on the ground. In addition to the 129 people who lost their lives, others died by suffocation during the jailbreak. The Interior Minister for the prison, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, said that 59 people also were receiving medical care for their injuries.
Of course, a mass break out like this would cause major damage to the prison itself. Many of the prison buildings were shown to be damaged in the videos that got out to social media. One building is shown with a large hole in one of the walls and it appears that some of the bricks had been removed to create this hole. The other walls in the buildings were burnt and black. During the breakout, the inmates also ransacked what was inside of the rooms and many offices were destroyed. More video footage showed rooms with debris, burnt furniture, and papers scattered on the floors. Other rooms including the registry, the infirmary, and food depots were destroyed by fires that happened during the break.
The prison itself was only designed to hold around 1,500 people. Before the jailbreak, over 12,000 inmates were being held in the jail, most of the pretrial detainees. Makala is so overcrowded that many of the inmates have died of starvation. To combat this, many clusters of inmates have been released in an attempt to lower the prison population.
The Justice Minister of the Dominican Republic, Constant Mutamba, says that this break was a “premeditated act of sabotage.” He plans on giving the instigators of the prison break a “stern response” (CBS).
Mutamba also addressed the issue of prison overpopulation by putting a ban on the transferring of inmates between prisons. Instead, he told authorities that a new prison will be built to reduce the overcrowding in the main prisons.
A few people have taken stays at Makala, one of them being Journalist Stanis Bujakera. He described the prison as being more like a concentration camp than a prison, saying that Makala is a place where people “are sent to die.” (BBC). The population of the prison ranges from small criminals all the way to murderers.
Before the break even happened, inmates told reporters they had been stuck in stifling hot cells without any water or electricity. This went on for more than a day. If this problem of overpopulation is not handled, there could be many more prison breaks of this caliber.
Homelessness In Connecticut Increases Due to Spike In Housing Prices
Food insecurity and other poverty issues continue to plague community members who struggle daily
By: Sophia Vollono
The recent spike in housing costs and inflation has left many people having to choose between putting food on the table or having a roof to live under. In three years, homelessness in Connecticut has risen 29%, with 13% of this increase in one year alone. The number of homeless people in Connecticut now sits at about 3,410 people, when just last January it was about 3,015. With prices increasing, it has become increasingly difficult for people to find housing and obtain jobs with livable wages.
With this increase in homelessness, there has also come an increase in food insecurity. Since 2021, the number of people with food insecurity has risen by 90 thousand people in Connecticut. Not only that, but the number of children with food insecurity has risen 34% since 2021.
Although these numbers are largely due to rising prices, there has also been a direct link between addiction and homelessness. According to the National Library of Medicine, 80% of homeless people within New Haven have a drug abuse problem. This direct link between homelessness and addiction has become less severe in recent years, but addicts who continue abusing drugs are likely to remain homeless. Drug abuse is now a less common link to homelessness, as people recently becoming homeless are a result of increasing housing prices.
These alarming spikes in homelessness and food insecurity are not only local to Connecticut. In fact, these numbers have been spiking nation-wide, with the number of homeless people increasing by 12.1% since 2023, as well as food insecurity increasing by 4.5% since 2019. In order to fight these rising numbers of homelessness and food insecurity, the State Department of Housing has donated 4.5 million dollars in order to fund homeless shelters in the midst of the cold weather. There is also a Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, which has been fighting to raise 20 million dollars each year in order to fight homelessness and increase the wages of those working in homeless shelters. With these rising cases of homelessness, the number of shelters in Connecticut has also increased by 5% and food banks worked to prepare over 40 million meals to people in need last year. Organizations such as the HOPE program are working to make home ownership a reality for low income families. With these organizations and funding, it is hopeful that the homeless and food insecurity problems within Connecticut will begin to decrease.
CEO of OceanGate and Titan Pilot, Stockton Rush, Ignores Warnings Resulting in Disaster
Inexperienced pilot compromises the safety of a submersible and passengers aboard
By: Tessa Boisseau
In June of 2023, a submarine created by OceanGate Inc. imploded underwater killing four people, including Stockton Rush, CEO of aforementioned company. Fifteen months after the crash, the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation held a hearing in South Carolina to investigate the crash, and to determine what preventive measures and laws need to be put in place to prevent another incident.
One of the individuals that spoke at this hearing was David Lochridge, former Marine Operations Director of OceanGate. He was hired in January of 2016, but was fired in the summer after an incident on another one of the company's submersibles. The company took legal action against him, claiming that he was spreading confidential information and forced him into silence regarding the 2016 incident. At this hearing, the Coast Guard finally allowed Lochridge to break his silence.
The incident was a failed tour of the Andrea Doria. The Andrea Doria was an Italian ocean liner in the North Atlantic Ocean that sank near Massachusetts in 1956 after a fatal collision with another ship.
During this expedition, Rush decided to pilot the vessel, Cyclops 1, despite his inexperience. Lochridge, an experienced pilot, attempted to control the machine, but Rush insisted that he should do it. Lochridge quoted Rush, saying, “Just remember I’m the CEO, you’re just an employee.” Rush was made aware of concerns about the water currents, weather, and other factors that could affect their trip and create a dangerous environment. Rush ignored the concerns, thus starting their descent into the ocean.
Despite having a clear view with the help of sonar technology, Rush hit the wreck with the Cyclops 1. Lochridge attempted to help them out of the situation. He is quoted as saying: “[Rush] just kept arguing with me in the sub, very unbecoming of a submersible pilot. I’m trying to give the best course of action to get him out of it, [but Rush responded with], ‘No matter what, I’m doing this.’”
Rush then, “smashed straight down on the bottom," and went “full speed into the port side of the bow… we could hear the cracking … as he got us jammed in underneath,” Lochridge claims. Lochridge attempted to take over the PlayStation controller used to steer the ship, but Rush kept hiding it further and further behind him saying, “Don’t tell me what to do.” Rush later threw the controller of Cyclops 1 at him after one of the passengers started crying. Lochridge explained that Rush "hit [him] on the side of [his] head” with the controller. Buttons popped out of the PlayStation controller, but Lochridge fixed it and helped them out of the water.
Lochridge commented on the 2016 incident, “It shouldn’t have gotten to the stage it got to. If [Rush] had in any way behaved like any other submersible pilot I know and looked at your surroundings, talked on the radio, on the communications, let the top-side know … he didn’t do it.” He claims, "The whole idea behind the company was to make money. There was very little in the way of science,” and that, “Stockton liked to do things on the cheap.”
Another person who spoke at the hearing was former Engineering Director at OceanGate, Tony Nissen. Nissen voiced concerns about the Titan, the submarine that imploded in 2023, because it was made out of experimental carbon fiber that had not yet been tested to withhold the immense pressure of the deep sea. Nissen thought that using this carbon fiber was dangerous. He was proven correct when the hull was damaged in 2018 after being struck with lighting while doing a test mission. Nissen was fired the next year because he refused to green light another test after the 2018 disaster.
Throughout all these incidents, Rush refused to listen to concerns brought up by his employees. In emails leaked after Rush’s death, he was communicating with Rob McCallum, a highly qualified CEO of the Expedition Service Provider EYOS Expeditions. This company supplies private yachting expeditions and voyages. The two conversed at the start of the EYOS Company. Within these communications in March of 2018, Rush, again, waved off concerns saying that he was, “…tired of industry players who try to use a safety argument to stop innovation” and he had, “…heard the baseless cries of 'you are going to kill someone' way too often. I take this as a serious personal insult." Rush here is referring to the many times that the Ocean Expedition Industry attempted to shut him down. Within the emails, McCallum is also quoted as saying, "I think you are potentially placing yourself and your clients in a dangerous dynamic.”
McCallum, like Nissen, was also aware of the carbon fiber being used and said, “… carbon fiber is not an acceptable material… This was the only submersible in the world doing commercial work that was unclassed. It was not certified by an independent agency." Lochridge commented on the 2023 implosion, saying, “It was inevitable something was going to happen, it was just when.”
Page updated
Report abuse