Connecticut Reps. DeLauro, Larson Praise McGovern

 Connecticut Democrats are praising George McGovern as a tireless fighter against hunger, poverty and the Vietnam War. The former South Dakota senator and three-time Democratic presidential candidate died Sunday morning in Sioux Falls. He was 90. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro says McGovern was an inspiration for her career, dating back to when she made phone calls in New Haven for one of McGovern's presidential campaigns. She says she was honored to receive the George McGovern leadership award in 2009.  Congressman John Larson calls McGovern a "true humanitarian" and a "champion of the American dream." He says McGovern's career is a testament to peace, the middle class and working for the greater good.

New Jersey Governor To Campaign For McMahon

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is making stops in Connecticut to rally support for fellow Republican Linda McMahon in her campaign for U.S. Senate. Christie is scheduled to appear with the former wrestling executive at three campaign rallies this afternoon in Stamford, Waterbury and Glastonbury.     McMahon's campaign has said Christie plans to talk about why "strong, independent voices" like McMahon's are needed in Washington.  McMahon is in a close race against Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy. They are vying for the seat held by the retiring Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent.      Also today, McMahon is kicking off another weeklong jobs tour. She is scheduled to visit nearly 20 small businesses to hear about the challenges owners, managers and employees face.

Connecticut  Gangster's Murder Appeal Trial To Begin

An appeal trial is set to begin for a reputed Bridgeport gangster serving life in prison for the 1984 killing of a teenager who worked for him.  Thomas Marra Jr. was convicted in the early 1990s of murdering 15-year-old Alex Palmieri, who vanished after he started talking to investigators about Marra.  Police say Palmieri was beaten and stuffed into a refrigerator that was dumped in Long Island Sound. Two years later in 1986, police say a sneaker with part of Palmieri's foot in it washed ashore in Bridgeport and became key evidence at Marra's trial.  Marra's habeas corpus appeal trial is set to begin Tuesday at Rockville Superior Court. The Connecticut Post reports that Marra claims he didn't get a fair trial and is challenging tape-recorded evidence against him.

Kennedy Cousin Skakel Up For Parole

Supporters of Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel say he deserves to be paroled after serving a decade in prison for a 1975 killing, but the victim's family says he should remain imprisoned the rest of his life.  Skakel's first parole hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Suffield. Officials say Skakel is eligible to be released in April if parole officials approve it.  The 52-year-old Skakel is serving 20 years to life for beating Martha Moxley to death with a golf club in Greenwich  when they were 15-year-old neighbors. Skakel is a nephew of Robert F. Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy. Skakel's supporters say he's a model inmate and was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. Moxley's mother and brother say he was properly convicted and shows no remorse.

Pediatrician Faces Sentencing For Child Porn

A pediatrician is facing sentencing for possessing and distributing child pornography.  Todd Parrilla of Stonington is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Hartford. The 48-year-old doctor pleaded guilty in June to receipt and distribution of child pornography. Parrilla had a pediatric practice in southeastern Connecticut. Authorities say there was no evidence any of his patients were depicted in the child pornography. Parrilla was arrested last year following the execution of a search and seizure warrant at his home. Prosecutors say an analysis of the seized computers and hard drives revealed more than 100,000 images and more than 10,000 videos depicting child pornography.    Parrilla's attorney says he's "intensely remorseful" and committed to treatment. He says there was no evidence he ever had inappropriate contact with a child.

 Headstones Vandalized At Hartford Jewish Cemetery

 Hartford police are trying to find the vandals who overturned nearly 40 gravestones at a Jewish Cemetery. Police say the headstones at the Congregation Ados Beth Israel Cemetery off Tower Avenue and Waverly Street were damaged sometime between Oct. 12 and Oct. 19. The vandalism was discovered by a congregation member who regularly visits his son's grave.  The superintendent of the cemetery told police that the damage will cost more than $20,000 to repair. Most of the headstones that were overturned were secured to their bases. Police say they don't have any suspects and are urging anyone with information to call them.

New Haven To Swear In 8 New Officers

New Haven officials will be welcoming eight new police officers who recently graduated from the Milford Police Academy. Mayor John DeStefano Jr. is set to swear in the officers on Monday. They are among 40 officers being added to the force this fall. The city recently began a recruiting campaign after a wave of retirements dropped the staffing level on the force below 400.  Another swearing in ceremony will be held in December for 28 graduates of the New Haven Police Academy. The department says the new officers will get three to four months of additional field training before being assigned to walking beats in the city.

Connecticut College Official Got An Extra $100,000

 The former president of Connecticut's state university and community college system was paid at least $100,000 more than his salary in 13 months on the job, before resigning earlier this month amid a controversy over $250,000 in unauthorized raises.  The Hartford Courant reported Sunday that Robert Kennedy received $75,000 from a contractual bonus and an un-vouchered expense account, and at least $25,000 in other reimbursements on top of his $340,000 salary. The compensation was allowed under a contract negotiated by the governor's office.  Kennedy is also eligible for another $20,000 in "deferred compensation." Kennedy and a vice president of the college system resigned after Kennedy acknowledged awarding $250,000 in pay raises to staff without the Board of Regents' permission or knowledge.