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At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day in CT Marks Longest Night of Year

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Monday, December 21, 2009   

HARTFORD, Conn. - Today's first day of winter means tonight is the longest night of the year, and for some it is also a night to remember those who have died while homeless in Connecticut. Homeless Persons' Memorial Day events are scheduled in Middletown and Norwich.

Carol Walter, who is executive director of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, says that, especially with the winter storm over the weekend leaving record snows in some areas of the state, it's easy to imagine someone freezing to death. However, she adds, people who experience homelessness also die from illnesses that can usually be managed with regular health care.

"We lose even more people because of the complication of chronic illnesses. About 15 percent in our point-in-time count self-disclosed that they have HIV."

Walter says shelters around the state have been beyond capacity for months because of the bad economy, with cots set up in hallways and people sleeping in chairs.

"So, we're well beyond what an emergency shelter system can handle right now. And I think a lot about those individuals and families, and just how terrifying it must be to not know where you're going to stay."

She says homeless people are also at risk from extreme heat, or acts of violence that can sometimes be categorized as hate crimes.

Vigils and services are held around the country for Homeless Persons' Memorial Day.

The Middletown event is 4 p.m., Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 W. Main St. The Norwich event starts at 4 p.m. as a walk leaving the Homeless Hospitality Center and ending at Brown Park.



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