Malloy's 2-Year Budget To Cut $1.8 Billion

Deep cuts to hospitals and changes in Medicaid eligibility are among the reductions Governor Malloy is proposing in his new, two-year budget. A budget document obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press shows the Democratic governor's plan cuts $1.8 billion in spending from the current services section of the budget, which is the spending required by law. Malloy, who's scheduled to release his plan Wednesday, has been criticized by Republicans for spending initiatives that rely on borrowing. His plan is likely to be criticized for increasing spending in the general fund — the state's main account — by roughly 5 percent the first year and 3.7 percent the second. Malloy's budget director says much of the increase stems from state employee retirement health care and pension costs, and expanding Medicaid eligibility under federal health care reform.

Lawmakers To Hold Hearing On Suicide Bill

A group of Connecticut lawmakers wants to take a closer look at physician-assisted suicide as other Northeast states debate legalizing the practice. Leaders of the General Assembly's Public Health Committee said Tuesday they've agreed to hold the first public hearing on the issue, possibly later this month. Waterford State Rep. Betsy Ritter, a lead proponent, said the law in Oregon is being used as a model for Connecticut lawmakers. It allows mentally competent people suffering from a terminal illness to take their own life with the help of prescribed medication. Opponents are criticizing the effort, saying it's being pushed by national activists. Massachusetts voters in November narrowly defeated a ballot question legalizing physician-assisted suicide, but the Vermont Senate Health and Welfare Committee recently approved similar legislation. It awaits further action.

Climate Change Affects Region's Wildlife

A new report says climate change is having an effect on wildlife and ocean species in New England. The National Wildlife Federation's report, "Wildlife in a Warming World," gives a national overview of how climate change is affecting the animal world. During a teleconference call Tuesday, scientists and others said warming temperatures have caused New Hampshire's moose population to decline because of increasing tick populations, and put the Gulf of Maine lobster population at risk. They said bears aren't hibernating as long each year, clam-eating green crabs are proliferating and fish are moving north in search of cooler waters. National Wildlife Federation scientist Amanda Staudt, one of the report's authors, said climate change is the single-biggest threat to wildlife.

Connecticut Congressman Sees Factual Flaw In 'Lincoln'

A Connecticut congressman says he's found an error in Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated movie about President Abraham Lincoln's struggle to abolish slavery, and he wants it corrected. Rep. Joe Courtney praised the acting and artistry of the film, "Lincoln." But he says the movie falsely depicts Connecticut's congressional delegation as not entirely in favor of the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery. The Democratic congressman said Tuesday he asked the Congressional Research Service to investigate the matter after he saw the movie. In a letter to Steven Spielberg, the film's director, Courtney includes a tally of all four Connecticut congressmen voting in favor of the amendment. He's asking that the movie be corrected before its release on DVD.

Newtown Kids To Be Featured On Grammy Preshow

Children from Newtown who recently recorded a version of "Over the Rainbow" will be featured as part of the Grammy Awards broadcast. Newtown Music Project producer Tim Hayes says American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will do a live segment via satellite with the children for Sunday's red-carpet programming. He says the children will be interviewed by Seacrest and interact live with Carly Rae Jepson, perhaps doing some of her hit, "Call Me Maybe." Hayes says the kids recorded the song made famous by "The Wizard of Oz" because they wanted to help the town heal from the tragedy. The proceeds from the download of the single benefit the Newtown Youth Academy. The nonprofit sports center opened free programs to Newtown children after the shooting and hopes to expand free programming.

Slain Newtown Educators To Be Honored With Medals

Presidential medals are being awarded posthumously to the six people who died protecting children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. A White House official says the four teachers and two administrators killed in the Dec. 14 school shooting in Newtown, Conn. will be among the recipients of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal. The official spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the award recipients have not been officially announced. The awards are to be presented to the families of the victims at a White House ceremony on Feb. 15. The medal honors Americans who have performed "exemplary deeds of service" for their country or fellow citizens. Principal Dawn Hochsprung, school psychologist Mary Sherlach and teachers Rachel D'Avino, Lauren Rousseau, Anne Marie Murphy and Victoria Soto were killed along with 20 first-graders.

Judge Nominee Testifies At 'Gifting Table' Trial

A lawyer nominated for a state judgeship by Governor Malloy has testified that she never told members of an alleged pyramid scheme that their so-called "gifting table" club was legal. Shelley Marcus testified Monday in federal court in Hartford and contradicted statements by other witnesses that she and her father, former state Democratic Party Chairman Ed Marcus, told members of the alleged scheme that their activities were legal. Shelley Marcus testified at the trial of two Guilford women, Donna Bello and Jill Platt, who are accused of running the scheme and defrauding the IRS and participants. Prosecutors say participants gave $5,000 contributions with the hope of getting $40,000 returns. Malloy said recently he will be reviewing Shelley Marcus' testimony to see if her judge nomination should stand.

Hamden Police To Get Wearable Cameras

Hamden police officers will soon have a new addition to their uniforms: wearable cameras that officials hope will cut down on lawsuits against the town and influence better behavior by both officers and the public. The town's Legislative Council on Monday approved a bid waiver requested by the police department to buy 36 Taser AXON wearable cameras. The New Haven Register reports the cameras and related equipment will cost about $35,000. Police officials say the small cameras will be mounted on the officers' collars. Officers will upload the video to police department computers at the end of their shifts, and the videos will be stored for 30 days. Police Chief Thomas Wydra says the body cameras are becoming popular and about 20 percent of U.S. police departments have them.

Man Pleads Not Guilty In Priest-Drug Probe

A Connecticut man has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he helped a Roman Catholic priest sell methamphetamine. Fifty-two-year-old Kenneth Devries of Waterbury pleaded not guilty to drug and conspiracy charges Monday in federal court in Hartford. The Connecticut Post reports jury selection in Devries' case tentatively was set for April 14 and he remains detained. Federal prosecutors say Devries played a key role in the alleged drug operation of Monsignor Kevin Wallin, former pastor of Roman Catholic Churches in Bridgeport and Danbury. The Diocese of Bridgeport has suspended Wallin from public ministry. Wallin was arrested last month and has pleaded not guilty to drug and conspiracy charges. Three other people were charged. Prosecutors say Wallin took in about $300,000 from selling meth in a five-month period last year.