New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to the Newtown fatherand-son duo of
Jim and Sasha Allen winning over judges Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson in last week’s episode of NBC’s “The Voice.” The pair’s harmonies on John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” drew glowing praise from Grande, who drafted them to her team. Shasa posted the provocative tease “I cannot wait for all of you to see” what has yet to come in the series, which was filmed several months ago. Stay tuned.
Thumbs down to worries about school bus delays over a lack of vaccination shots. Officials were concerned this week about potential problems as a
vaccine mandate took effect, with operators estimating that between 300 and 400 drivers across the state would not adhere to the requirement from Gov. Ned Lamont. Reports were still arriving Monday of the real-world impact, but just the worry was enough to make parents put together alternative transportation arrangements, adding to an already hectic COVID-era schedule. The mandate allows anyone who works in schools to either get vaccinated or agree to weekly tests, so there are alternatives available. But the easiest answer is to get the shot. It’s free and it works.
Thumbs down to reports of increased food insecurity in Connecticut, especially among families of color. A survey of 1,000 people in the state conducted
in April and May found increased food insecurity among households with children, rising from 41 percent to 44 percent since the onset of COVID-19. The study further found that people of color experienced more food insecurity than others in the state, often as a consequence of employment loss or other hardship. While help from the federal government has been abundant in the past year and a half, it’s important to ensure that aid gets where it’s needed most.
Thumbs down to TikTok, which defined itself as antisocial media by hosting a challenge to vandalize school bathrooms. Sadly, the contest has led to
destruction in schools in Norwalk, Darien, Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Middletown and New Britain, along with other parts of the country. TikTok did take steps to remove and discourage the content. If only those who participated would show the courage to own up as well. This leaves educators, already overworked throughout the pandemic, with the task of trying to communicate the thoughtlessness of such actions.