David DesRoches
- Podcast Director, Quinnipiac University
Connecticut
Write, teach, eat ice cream, repeat. Podcaster/consultant, journalism professor, musician, banana peel ventriloquist. Misanthropic xenophile.
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Articles by David DesRoches
Preparing for large-scale live streaming events on AWS — Part 2
This post is part 2 in a two-part blog post series. Part 1 covers strategy, architecture evaluation, and capacity planning. Part 2 covers content delivery, nonfunctional testing, chaos engineering, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) support models. For a global streaming provider preparing to deliver a large-scale live streaming event, the difference between confidence and hope on event day comes down to one thing: proof.
Preparing for large-scale live streaming events on AWS — Part 1
This post is part 1 in a two-part blog post series. Part 1 covers strategy, architecture evaluation, and capacity planning. Part 2 covers content delivery, nonfunctional testing, chaos engineering, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) support models. When a global streaming provider prepares to deliver a large-scale live streaming event, its platform will face a sudden, massive surge in demand.
They Stood Their Ground in Florida. They’re Charged With Murder. Guess Their Race. Original
Jurisprudence By David DesRoches , Caroline E. Light , and Bob Schlehuber Aug 11, 20264:44 PM Al Diaz/Adiaz@Miamiherald.Com/Miami Herald via ZUMA Press Wire Sign up for Executive Dysfunction, a newsletter that highlights one under-the-radar story each week about how Trump is changing the law—or how the law is pushing back. You’ll also receive updates on the latest from Slate’s Jurisprudence team.
Public universities seek dangerous blanket FOIA exemption
In an era when fact and fiction intermingle like a Quentin Tarantino film, Connecticut lawmakers are proposing to make it even harder for residents to decipher reality. One of their proposals is Senate Bill 1226, which aims to block access to virtually all activity conducted by public universities by making them exempt from Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] requests.
CT shouldn't limit FOIA at its universities
Should public universities be able to operate behind closed doors? That’s essentially what would happen if Senate Bill 1153 becomes law. In fact, the only information that would be provided to the taxpaying public would be budget-related.
An idea whose time has come - America needs a NATO for the Middle East
Flags flutter in the wind outside NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 7, 2022. (Olivier Matthys/AP) A cascading chain of global developments has given new saliency to the issue of collective security in the Middle East. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reawakened concerns about the inviolability of internationally recognized borders and the value of deterrence.
Governments -- including Connecticut's -- continue using algorithms in the dark
Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons) Government agencies are increasingly relying upon computer programs known as algorithms to make life-altering decisions about their citizens, and these decisions could even become fatal. Consider what happened to Semaj Crosby, who went missing from her Chicago home in April of 2017. Police organized a search for the 17-month old, and community members joined in. But she’d apparently been right under their noses the whole time.
Rabid Skunk Confirmed In Yellowstone County
Published March 18, 2021 at 8:18 PM MDT Flickr/g.h.vandoorn / A skunk wanders through grass on Feb. 17, 2013. Some pets in Yellowstone County are being put on a 60 day quarantine after the state of Montana Tuesday confirmed a skunk tested positive for rabies. State officials say this is the first case of rabies the state has found in an animal other than a bat in 2021.
In Connecticut, fewer reporters, more missed stories
Patrick Raycraft :: The Hartford Courant This photo of a student and Karen Lott, principal of the Thirman Milner School in Hartford, was part of an award-winning Hartford Courant project assessing the problems that persist decades after the famous Sheff v. O’Neill lawsuit. A 2018 lawsuit claims that a decades-long school desegregation program in Connecticut’s state capital harms students of color. If the plaintiffs prevail, 30 years of integration efforts could be sent back to square one.
Nepalese Village Elder Pays a Personal Visit to a Hartford High School
The elder thanked the students for not only providing his village with electricity, but for bridging two cultures that are worlds apart. An elder from a remote village in Nepal visited a Hartford high school last week to meet with students who helped create solar and wind systems that are powering secluded parts of his country.
As College Tuition Skyrockets, Students Turn To Crowdfunding To Help Defray Costs
Shawn and Shane Brooks had a problem. They'd been accepted into Morehouse College, excited to attend the same school as Martin Luther King Jr. and other black male leaders. But then they got their financial aid packages. "When I first saw, like, the financial aid package, it was like, very like discouraging,” Shane said. “Because you're just like, wow like, it's just a bunch of loans, we're gonna be in debt." Shane and his brother are twins.
State Finds Norwalk Schools Violated Federal Special Education Law
A state investigation into Norwalk's special education program has found that the district has not been following federal law, but the findings reflect deeper problems that the district has faced for years. The complaint that sparked the investigation was filed on behalf of 14 Norwalk students, but Jill Chuckas, a special education advocate who filed the complaint along with two lawyers, said the problems impact all kids with disabilities in the district.
As Ice Raids Loom, One Connecticut Family Struggles To Keep Things Normal
Families in Connecticut and across the country who are here illegally are bracing for raids this weekend, as agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, are expected to target some 2,000 people with deportation orders in at least 10 cities. Even though the names of Connecticut cities have not been circulated as targets, families here are still worried about being separated. Anna counts her family among them. She came to the United States from Mexico when she was 14.
Connecticut Former Federal Prosecutor: Acosta’s Epstein Deal ‘Completely Unheard Of’
A former federal prosecutor said the 2008 deal handed out to accused child molester Jeffrey Epstein in Florida is "completely unheard of." For over a decade, Krishna Patel prosecuted human traffickers in Connecticut. She said current labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, needs to explain why he gave Epstein such a good deal. "I mean there are so many questions surrounding why Alex Acosta did what he did in this case that seem completely indefensible at this point,” Patel said.
Connecticut Former Federal Prosecutor: Acosta’s Epstein Deal ‘Completely Unheard Of’
A former federal prosecutor said the 2008 deal handed out to accused child molester Jeffrey Epstein in Florida is "completely unheard of." For over a decade, Krishna Patel prosecuted human traffickers in Connecticut. She said current labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, needs to explain why he gave Epstein such a good deal. "I mean there are so many questions surrounding why Alex Acosta did what he did in this case that seem completely indefensible at this point,” Patel said.
Newman's Own President Ousted, But Connecticut Nonprofits Hope To Preserve Relationship
The head of Newman's Own Foundation has been ousted from his position after allegations of misconduct from employees, though the nature of the misconduct has not been officially released. Bob Forrester was Paul Newman's right-hand man, and he took over the Westport-based foundation when Newman died in 2008. But following an investigation into allegations of misconduct, Forrester has been removed from his role as president.
As Connecticut’s Community Colleges Inch Toward Consolidation, Debate Remains Divisive
There's currently a $12 million hole in the state's community college budget for next year, and the gap is expected to widen in the coming years if changes don't happen soon. The Board of Regents for Higher Education approved the use of $8 million from its reserve funds to cover some of the shortfall, but that money won't last forever. The debate over how to move forward is where things get divisive.
As Connecticut's Community Colleges Inch Toward Consolidation, Debate Remains Divisive
There's currently a $12 million hole in the state's community college budget for next year, and the gap is expected to widen in the coming years if changes don't happen soon. The Board of Regents for Higher Education approved the use of $8 million from its reserve funds to cover some of the shortfall, but that money won't last forever. The debate over how to move forward is where things get divisive.
Hartford Youth Get Summer Internships Through Community-Supported Program
Nearly 200 Hartford students will be spending the rest of their summer working, thanks to a paid internship program funded by the state and several non-profits. Fifteen-year-old Yalines Herrera participated in the Summer Youth Employment Program last year. She said if she wasn't getting a job this summer, she’d probably spend her summer at home. "I'd really probably be at my house, doing nothing,” she said.
Pair Charged Over Missing New Canaan Woman Plead Not Guilty
The two people being charged with evidence tampering in the case of a missing New Canaan woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Stamford Superior Court. Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, both pleaded not guilty to two felony charges related to the disappearance of Dulos's estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos. She's been missing since late May. The Hartford Courant reported that the husband's blood was found on Jennifer Dulos's kitchen faucet, mixed with her blood.
Pair Charged Over Missing New Canaan Woman Plead Not Guilty
The two people being charged with evidence tampering in the case of a missing New Canaan woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Stamford Superior Court. Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, both pleaded not guilty to two felony charges related to the disappearance of Dulos's estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos. She's been missing since late May. The Hartford Courant reported that the husband's blood was found on Jennifer Dulos's kitchen faucet, mixed with her blood.
What Education-Related Bills Did Connecticut Lawmakers Pass?
With Connecticut's legislative session now over, there were a few bills passed that impact education issues in the state, and some that didn’t make it through. A big winner, theoretically, is future community college students. Starting in the fall of 2020, qualifying students will be able to earn up to 72 credits for free. It would be paid for by a new online lottery, but that still has to be developed. Estimates have placed the cost at about $6 million a year. State Sen.
Hartford Schools Textbook Offers Space To Climate Deniers
A textbook being used in Hartford middle schools gives equal weight to an argument against climate change, despite the vast majority of scientists who say the planet is warming and human activity is a contributing factor. Joshua Blanchfield teaches social studies teacher at a Hartford magnet school, and he tweeted out photos of his textbook after he found its last pages included information about climate change that startled him.
Bill To Require African American And Latino Studies In High School Passes Conn. House
State lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a bill that would require schools to teach African American and Latino history to high school students. Supporters of the measure say it’s time for African American and Latino history to be offered as its own course in high school, and not just as a footnote in the textbooks.
Bill To Require African American And Latino Studies In High School Passes Conn. House
State lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a bill that would require schools to teach African American and Latino history to high school students. Supporters of the measure say it’s time for African American and Latino history to be offered as its own course in high school, and not just as a footnote in the textbooks.
Making Sense: Deaf Children And The Choices Their Parents Face
As she sat with her newborn in the hospital bed after a long and painful labor, an exhausted Corrine Walters held her son close, rocking him in her tired arms. Her first child. She smiled at him. “Hi Jackson, you’re here, finally!” Corinne remembered saying. “I’m your mom!” It was July 1, 2011, and that inimitable feeling of creating a life overwhelmed her and her husband, Ryan. The pregnancy had gone perfectly.
Connecticut Students With 'Emotional Disturbances' Face High Rate Of Suspensions
It’s still hard for Keyanna Tucker to talk about what happened to her when she was six. “I was molested,” Tucker said. “I didn’t know how to cope with it … I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew it wasn’t right. So I started becoming a bully.” Tucker, who is now 22, recalled other problems. Her father was incarcerated, which was another layer of stress. And as time went on, her behavior slowly got worse.
Students With "Emotional Disturbances" Face High Rate of Suspensions
The various details of Keyanna Tucker’s story have been confirmed by a former school employee who worked closely with her. The employee — who was introduced to Connecticut Public Radio by Tucker — asked not to be identified because she’s not authorized by the district to speak. But Tucker’s school experience is similar to that of other children who experience trauma and end up getting kicked out of school for behavior problems.
Connecticut Students With "Emotional Disturbances" Face High Rate of Suspensions
It’s still hard for Keyanna Tucker to talk about what happened to her when she was six. “I was molested,” Tucker said. “I didn’t know how to cope with it … I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew it wasn’t right. So I started becoming a bully.” Tucker, who is now 22, recalled other problems. Her father was incarcerated, which was another layer of stress. And as time went on, her behavior slowly got worse.
Georgetown Study: Wealth, Not Ability, The Biggest Predictor Of Future Success
A big part of the so-called American Dream promises that if people work hard enough -- no matter how poor they are -- they’ll find success. It turns out that's not completely true, according to a new report by Georgetown University, which shows that wealth is stronger indicator of success than intelligence. Education professor Anthony Carnevale co-authored the study.
Teachers Union Says Connecticut's Charter Laws Need Improvement
A new report by the National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers union, says that Connecticut's charter school laws need to be improved. The report gave Connecticut's charter school laws a "poor" rating, noting that the state doesn't require charters to be overseen by local school boards, which it sees as an important part of accountability.
Hartford Teachers Want Help Disciplining Students, Parents Say Teachers Don't Know Kids
Four years ago, Hartford school officials decided to try to reduce the numbers of students being suspended. So they implemented what's known as a "restorative justice" model for discipline, but many teachers report that they haven't been trained on the new practice, and now many students are acting out, with no consequences.
UConn Professors: New Test Is Yet Another Hurdle For Aspiring Teachers Of Color
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Poll Shows That Teachers Want To Teach Climate Change, But Most Don't
Skipping School Around The World To Push For Action On Climate Change By Jeff Brady • Mar 15, 2019 Updated at 4:51 p.m. ET Tens of thousands of students around the world skipped school school Friday to protest inaction on climate change.
Private Philanthropy In Public Schools: Can Ray Dalio Make His Gift Work In Connecticut?
When it comes to philanthropic giving to public schools, the hype is always big. Like when Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced on Oprah Winfrey’s show that he was giving $100 million to Newark, New Jersey, schools. But the results don’t always live up to the hype. Five years after Zuckerberg’s donation, it was deemed a failure.
Private Philanthropy In Public Schools: Can Ray Dalio Make His Gift Work In Connecticut?
When it comes to philanthropic giving to public schools, the hype is always big. Like when Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced on Oprah Winfrey’s show that he was giving $100 million to Newark, New Jersey, schools. But the results don’t always live up to the hype. Five years after Zuckerberg’s donation, it was deemed a failure.
Governor Lamont Unveils Tolls Plan; Republicans Push Back
After months of uncertainty the debate over tolls finally has some numbers to work with. Wednesday, the Lamont administration unveiled the plan they'd put in place -- if they can get the legislature to agree. The governor's office said there will be no more than 50 tolling gantries in the state, and they would only be placed on Interstates 84, 91, 95 and the Merritt Parkway. There would be discounts for Connecticut drivers and for frequent users.
State Finds Torrington Special Education Program Rife With Problems
A recent state investigation found significant problems with a special education program in Torrington run by EdAdvance, one of six regional educational service centers, or RESCs, in the state. RESCs are publicly-funded schools that offer a variety of programs, including specialized services for students with disabilities who can’t be taught at their home schools. But a former social worker at EdAdvance’s Torrington location said the school was rife with problems, and a state investigation agreed.
Proposed Bill Would Require School Districts To Do More For Deaf Students
Students who are deaf or hard of hearing often struggle to develop language, so state lawmakers are considering a bill that would require districts to collect and share data on their language abilities. It's said that language is the foundation of all other learning, but students who are deaf or hard of hearing often fall behind their peers, and then learning other things takes longer. The reasons why are complex and varied, but lawmakers seem poised to take a step forward to fix it.
Dogs That Sniff Out Electronic Devices Graduate From State Police Academy
Seven police dogs were part of the 200th graduating class of canine teams to go through special training to detect electronic devices. The Connecticut State Police trained the dogs for departments from four different states. It's was the first department in the world to develop a method for detecting electronic storage devices. This has helped with investigations into terrorism, child pornography, and organized crime. Trooper Kerry Halligan was the lead instructor for the program.
Students Gather In Hartford To Demand Climate Action
About 200 young people and their supporters gathered at the capitol in Hartford on Friday to demand action on climate change. Thirteen-year old Teia Tuccillo took the day off from school in Canton to protest against climate change. "Global warming will affect a lot of people it should be something we're worrying about," she said. She was carrying a sign that said: "Not a prediction, a reality." At the top of the poster there was a hand-drawn polar bear, walking along crumbling ice.
Faculty, Students Push Back Against Community College Consolidation
Over 1,300 students, faculty members, and others have signed a petition asking for the state to stop its plan to consolidate the 12 public community colleges into one system. They’re calling themselves the Reluctant Warriors.
Report: Redlining Could Get Worse As Internet Ads Become More Targeted
Connecticut mortgage lenders are coming under more scrutiny after a recent settlement highlighted practices that discriminated against minority populations. The Connecticut Fair Housing Center claimed that Liberty Bank in particular hadn’t loaned to enough African American and Latino families, and rejected their loan applications at higher rates than white applicants.
Toothbrushes And Floss Containers Become Playground At Connecticut School
Third-grader Emma Hallett helped her mom manage the recycling bins, which were set up along a wall at the back of a noisy cafeteria at Kelley Elementary School in Southington. "It's the right thing to do," Emma said. "And you can use it, like you can reuse it. I have one in my backpack right now." Emma had a snack in her backpack that she hadn't eaten yet. After she eats it, the wrapper's going in the bin. She likes the idea that her school is keeping trash out of landfills.
A Special Ed Lawyer Who's Walked In His Clients' Shoes
When he was young, Michael Gilberg knew how to make a point. "My mother always said when I was 8, I would make a good attorney because I was good at arguing," he said. He also obsessed over three things. "I had obsessions with dinosaurs, the New York City subway... and the U.S. presidents," he said. Obsessive behavior -- or the ability to hyperfocus on one thing for a long time -- is a common trait of people on the autism spectrum.
Lawsuit Over Haitian School Sexual Abuse Case With Connecticut Ties Settles For $60M
Over 130 people who say they were molested at a school in Haiti connected to Fairfield University, have settled a lawsuit for $60 million, pending approval by a federal judge in Hartford.
Connecticut Doctors Continue To Take Home Millions From Big Pharma
Doctors in Connecticut were paid over $27 million from pharmaceutical and medical device companies in 2017, according to a recent story by C-HIT. The highest paid doctor in 2017 was an orthopedic surgeon in Greenwich, who got over $1 million from a range of companies that year. C-HIT reporter Sujata Srinivasan said many of these doctors deal directly with patients, which raises ethical questions.
A Connecticut Cafe Provides Jobs For Adults With Disabilities
Kim Morrison, (right) co-owner of Beanz & Co. Cafe in Avon, Conn., with her employee, Nick Sinacori, as they serve customers during their opening week. David DesRoches/Connecticut Public Radio hide caption toggle caption David DesRoches/Connecticut Public Radio Kim Morrison, (right) co-owner of Beanz & Co. Cafe in Avon, Conn., with her employee, Nick Sinacori, as they serve customers during their opening week.
Greenwich Employee Details Retaliation And Betrayal Two Years After Sexual Assault
Lynn Mason never took her eyes off Christopher von Keyserling -- the man walking behind her who had just grabbed her groin. “I started to follow my supervisor out of my office and I realized now he’s behind me again, and my instincts just took over,” Mason said, as she watched a newly-obtained surveillance video of the 2016 event. “We kind of jostled to get out of the door, and then when we were outside, I just said, ‘Get out of here, get out of here, get out of here.’” She pointed down the hall.
How Some Schools In Rural U.S. Are Working To Stay Viable
Rural schools have been shrinking for years. Many districts have pooled resources with nearby towns, but others have taken a different approach.
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