Opinions differ on fate of Sandy Hook elementary school
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NEW YORK (AP) -
A month after a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary school killing 20 children and six women before committing suicide, town officials and residents are debating what to do with the school.
A proposal to name a school after a teacher killed in the Newtown, Conn., school shootings is set to go before a town council.
Stratford Mayor John Harkins is recommending naming a new elementary school named after Victoria Soto, a 27-year-old Stratford resident who died trying to shield her students from the gunman inside Sandy Hook Elementary School. The shooter killed 20 children and six women at the school on Dec. 14 before committing suicide.
The Town Council is scheduled to vote on the name of the school Monday night, exactly one month after the shootings.
The mayor also is hoping to build a memorial to Soto, and a petition has been started to rename a local street after her.
Soto graduated from Stratford High School in 2003.
Meanwhile, a group is launching an initiative in response to last month's shooting to prevent similar tragedies.
Sandy Hook Promise, formerly known as Newtown United, plans to announce the effort Monday.
The group says it invited victims' families to the event. Co-founder Tim Makris has said that the group does not represent or speak for the families.
Makris says he's not sure how many families might participate.
Newtown Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson is traveling to Washington, D.C., to discuss gun violence prevention.
Robinson is scheduled to be part of a panel discussion on Wednesday. It's being organized by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro co-chairs.
The hearing is titled "Gun Violence Prevention: A Call to Action." The event is expected to focus on what can be done to prevent future gun violence based on the experience of the panelists.
It comes a little more than a month after a lone gunman killed 20 first graders and six educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. He also murdered his mother before later committing suicide.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:34:58 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:35:33 GMT
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:39 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:39:19 GMT
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Sunday, May 12 2013 10:16 PM EDT2013-05-13 02:16:33 GMT
If you haven't played Powerball -- now is a good time. Nobody won the Powerball drawing of $270 million Saturday night, so the jackpot grows to $350 million for Wednesday night's drawing.
If you haven't played Powerball -- now is a good time. Nobody won the Powerball drawing of $270 million Saturday night, so the jackpot grows to $350 million for Wednesday night's drawing.
Tuesday, January 8 2013 5:14 PM EST2013-01-08 22:14:16 GMT
The sound of bells echoed through grief-stricken Newtown, Connecticut, Tuesday. More than 1,000 brightly ornamented bells were hung throughout the town by volunteers.
The sound of bells echoed through grief-stricken Newtown, Connecticut, Tuesday. More than 1,000 brightly ornamented bells were hung throughout the town by volunteers.
