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The state is offering $1,000 to go back to work. Is it paying off for Norwich area businesses?

Ken Long, human resources director for Putnam Plastics in Danielson,  believes the hiring market is unusual right now.

“The market is as crazy as I have ever seen it in my experience,” Long stated in an email “There are definitely more job openings now than there are people available as we come out of this pandemic.”

To help bring in more employees to businesses, on May 17, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the CT Back to Work program that would give 10,000 residents who have been unemployed a delayed $1,000 payment from the state for returning to work. While state unemployment data for May isn’t available yet, April’s numbers from the Connecticut Department of Labor already show some improvement, with the unemployment rate at 8.1%, compared to 8.6% this time last year. However, the opinion seems to be mixed if offering incentives is encouraging people to come back to work.

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In terms of CT Back to Work, an individual earns the $1,000 after being at a job for eight weeks from now until the end of the year, after having had an unemployment claim for the week of May 23, and 11 weeks between Dec. 27 to May 22, among other requirements on the program’s frequently asked questions document.

Mohegan Sun incentives

Jeff Hamilton, president and CEO of Mohegan Sun, said it’s good to offer an incentive, but $1,000 only goes so far compared to the extra $300 in federal money given weekly for unemployment.

Mohegan Sun: Summer hiring events with $500 and $2,000 sign-on bonus

“I think it does something, but I think people are smarter than we’re giving them credit for,” Hamilton said. “They’re saying to themselves ‘I’m making this amount staying home, and this amount working. Even with…

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Here’s a High-Rolling First Look Inside Tao Nightlife Empire’s Latest Casino Location

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun (1)

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun

There’s never been a better time to treat yourself, to remind yourself of the finer things in life and to rediscover the thrill and the energy of the world at large. That means, to us, that there’s no better time to visit the recently opened TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun.

To say there’s something for everyone at Mohegan Sun is an understatement. We took an exclusive look inside Mohegan Sun and the latest TAO outpost, one that expands a formidable nightlife empire even further.

The TAO name precedes itself: The TAO Downtown in New York City has earned a well-deserved reputation as a hip, bustling nightlife spot, and TAO’s cash cow of a Las Vegas location was America’s highest-grossing independent restaurant for four straight years in the last decade.

Thanks for watching!TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun (2)

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun

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A recent visit to the latest TAO at Mohegan Sun reveals why other TAO locations are favored by celebs and superstars like LeBron James, the Kardashians and other celebs. 

Clocking in at 10,000 square feet, seating 300 patrons and filled with TAO’s signature Pan-Asian flair (including a 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue), TAO Mohegan Sun is a welcome respite from times that have been anything but opulent.

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun (1)

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan Sun

TAO opened at Mohegan Sun near the end of March, and the TAO team has been busy since then. TAO Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan…

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Bellator 260: Make your predictions for Douglas Lima vs Yaroslav Amosov

Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we’ll use the official tallies that are registered by Wednesday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

Those MMA Junkie reader consensus picks will be part of the Bellator 260 main card staff predictions we release Thursday ahead of the event. Bellator 260 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Make your picks for the fights below.

Records: Alex Polizzi (7-1 MMA, 1-1 BMMA), Gustavo Trujillo (3-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA)
Past five: Polizzi 4-1, Trujillo 3-1
Division: Light heavyweight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of 06.06.21): N/A

Records: Amanda Bell (7-7 MMA, 3-3 BMMA), Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2 MMA, 0-1 BMMA)
Past five: Bell 2-3, Mokhnatkina 3-2
Division: Women’s featherweight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of 06.06.21): N/A

Records: Lucas Brennan (4-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA), Matthew Skibicki (4-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA)
Past five: Brennan 4-0, Skibicki 2-3
Division: 150-pound contract weight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of 06.06.21): N/A

Records: Bobby King (9-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), Nick Newell (16-3 MMA, 1-1 BMMA)
Past five: King 4-1, Newell 3-2
Division: Lightweight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of 06.06.21): N/A

Records: Tywan Claxton (6-2 MMA, 6-2 BMMA), Justin Gonzales (11-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA)
Past five: Claxton 3-2, Gonzales 5-0
Division: Featherweight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of…

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Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun wade into post-pandemic era

Foxwoods Resort Casino on Wednesday was requiring all patrons and employees to continue wearing masks while Mohegan Sun was mandating that masks only be worn by those who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Jeff Hamilton, Mohegan Sun’s president and general manager, said the casino was asking employees to show proof of vaccination in order to work without a mask.

“We are checking vaccination cards among team members,” Hamilton said. “If they can’t prove they’ve been vaccinated, they have to wear a mask or they can’t work.”

He said it would be “impossible” to verify patrons’ vaccination status.

About 70% of Mohegan Sun employees — more than 3,000 of them — have been fully vaccinated, said Hamilton, who’s hopeful the lifting of the mask-wearing requirement will help convince those who have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine to do so. He said he hoped to get more than 90% of Mohegan Sun’s workforce vaccinated.

Jason Guyot, Foxwoods’ president and chief executive officer, said Wednesday his casino still was requiring patrons and employees to wear masks, at least for now.

“We are reviewing the new CDC guidance and will have an announcement by the end of the week,” he wrote in an email. “Safety of our guests and team members remains paramount and we want to ensure our plans are clearly laid out prior to lifting the masking policy.”

Foxwoods has discontinued or removed most other COVID-19 protocols, including temperature checks of patrons and plexiglass barriers that had been erected between slots positions and between table-games players and dealers, Guyot said. All slot machines, some of which had been turned off to create physical distancing, have been activated, and all capacity restrictions pertaining to table games, restaurants, theaters, events and retail shops have been lifted.

Advanced cleaning of high-touch areas will continue,…

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Here’s what you need to know about Connecticut casinos as the state rolls back restrictions

Foxwoods is maintaining its cautious approach, while Mohegan Sun is no longer requiring fully-vaccinated guests and team members to wear masks on the reservation.

MONTVILLE, Conn. —

Most of Connecticut’s COVID-19 mandates were lifted Wednesday, allowing the state to regain a sense of normalcy.

  • There will be no more capacity limits for businesses
  • People who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear masks inside

However, things may look a little different for people exploring the state’s casinos.

Here’s what guests can expect:

The Mashantucket Pequot tribe, maintaining its cautious approach, says face masks will still be required throughout the property.

Social distancing on the property is being scaled down from six feet to three feet, while continuous cleaning of high-touch areas will remain.

Additionally, Foxwoods plans on cautiously easing some of its other COVID-19 protocols, including capacity restrictions.

“The strategic rollback plan for our COVID-19 measures is highly calculated and thoughtfully timed to ensure we do this right and keep our resort safe,” Foxwoods President and CEO, Jason Guyot said. “With the exception of face masks, all protocols will be lifted by or before May 19, aligning with Connecticut’s plans. We will closely monitor our approach but are ready to introduce a safe and more relaxed ‘next to normal’ environment for our guests and team members ahead of summer.”

Mohegan sun announced fully-vaccinated guests and team members are no longer required to wear a mask while on the reservation.

The resort and casino will continue temperature checks, but they will be monitored remotely at entrances to the property.

Mohegan Sun is also bringing back more live entertainment to the arena.

Officials say will return July 18, with many shows scheduled through the end of the year.

“We have been preparing for this day for a long time and we…

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The Latest: Blues get players back after COVID test errors

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

___

Several St. Louis Blues players who returned positive COVID-19 tests have been cleared to play in Game 2 on Wednesday night against Colorado after the results from a lab were investigated with follow-up tests coming back negative.

The Blues players involved were put into isolation as a precaution before being cleared. There were also positive tests involving Vegas Golden Knights players, who also were cleared.

The league said the reported results emanated from the same laboratory, and an investigation was initiated into the possibility that the initial test results reported might have been in error. All affected players were immediately isolated and further testing was done. Those tests returned uniformly negative results, which confirmed that the initial reported test results were wrong.

Blues wingers Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz and goaltender Jordan Binnington were not on the ice with the rest of the team for the pregame skate early Wednesday. The Blues currently have leading scorer David Perron and two other players on the COVID protocol list.

___

South Carolina is opening to full capacity at Williams-Brice Stadium next football season.

The school’s athletic department says it plans for 100% capacity in the fall, including traditional tailgating in areas around the 77,559-seat facility. Masks will not be required for entrance going forward.

The school limited attendance last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic to about 20,000 fans per game. Masks and social distancing were required for entrance. But athletic director Ray Tanner says those attending football games next season can “enjoy all of the game day traditions as in previous years.”

South Carolina opens the season Sept. 4 against Eastern Illinois.

___

The St. Louis Cardinals plan to expand to full…

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Mohegan

The Latest: Blues get players back after COVID test errors

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

———

Several St. Louis Blues players who returned positive COVID-19 tests have been cleared to play in Game 2 on Wednesday night against Colorado after the results from a lab were investigated with follow-up tests coming back negative.

The Blues players involved were put into isolation as a precaution before being cleared. There were also positive tests involving Vegas Golden Knights players, who also were cleared.

The league said the reported results emanated from the same laboratory, and an investigation was initiated into the possibility that the initial test results reported might have been in error. All affected players were immediately isolated and further testing was done. Those tests returned uniformly negative results, which confirmed that the initial reported test results were wrong.

Blues wingers Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz and goaltender Jordan Binnington were not on the ice with the rest of the team for the pregame skate early Wednesday. The Blues currently have leading scorer David Perron and two other players on the COVID protocol list.

———

South Carolina is opening to full capacity at Williams-Brice Stadium next football season.

The school’s athletic department says it plans for 100% capacity in the fall, including traditional tailgating in areas around the 77,559-seat facility. Masks will not be required for entrance going forward.

The school limited attendance last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic to about 20,000 fans per game. Masks and social distancing were required for entrance. But athletic director Ray Tanner says those attending football games next season can “enjoy all of the game day traditions as in previous years.”

South Carolina opens the season Sept. 4 against Eastern Illinois.

———

The St. Louis Cardinals plan to expand to full capacity at Busch Stadium for the remainder of 2021 season beginning June 14…

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Mohegan

The Latest: Blues get players back after COVID test errors

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

___

Several St. Louis Blues players who returned positive COVID-19 tests have been cleared to play in Game 2 on Wednesday night against Colorado after the results from a lab were investigated with follow-up tests coming back negative.

The Blues players involved were put into isolation as a precaution before being cleared. There were also positive tests involving Vegas Golden Knights players, who also were cleared.

The league said the reported results emanated from the same laboratory, and an investigation was initiated into the possibility that the initial test results reported might have been in error. All affected players were immediately isolated and further testing was done. Those tests returned uniformly negative results, which confirmed that the initial reported test results were wrong.

Blues wingers Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz and goaltender Jordan Binnington were not on the ice with the rest of the team for the pregame skate early Wednesday. The Blues currently have leading scorer David Perron and two other players on the COVID protocol list.

___

South Carolina is opening to full capacity at Williams-Brice Stadium next football season.

The school’s athletic department says it plans for 100% capacity in the fall, including traditional tailgating in areas around the 77,559-seat facility. Masks will not be required for entrance going forward.

The school limited attendance last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic to about 20,000 fans per game. Masks and social distancing were required for entrance. But athletic director Ray Tanner says those attending football games next season can “enjoy all of the game day traditions as in previous years.”

South Carolina opens the season Sept. 4 against Eastern Illinois.

___

The St. Louis Cardinals plan to expand to full capacity at Busch Stadium…

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‘A Lot of Catching Up to Do:’ Relaxed Restrictions Allow Businesses To Return At Full Capacity

Many businesses are breathing a little easier knowing they can operate without restriction,

With the state removing virtually all business restrictions Wednesday, establishments are looking forward to getting back to business as usual or as close to it as possible while maintaining a safe environment.

Among the businesses affected the most have been bars and nightclubs. This morning, for the first time in over a year, the owner of Hartford’s Russian Lady was preparing to open for business.

“We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” said Jerry Fornarelli.

Fornarelli, who also owns the Rocking Horse Saloon, estimates it could take three years to make up his losses. He is excited about Wednesday’s reopening but will do it cautiously. Safety barriers are in place and employees will be wearing masks.

“We want to keep our staff safe and our customers as well,” Fornarelli said.

Coinciding with the relaxation of restrictions the Department of Public Health (DPH) issued guidance. DPH recommends all people wear masks in schools, health care facilities, and transportation hubs.

Although private businesses can ask people to wear masks, they are no longer a state requirement for vaccinated people in many business settings.

Berlin’s Powerhouse Gym says it will maintain strict sanitation efforts but masks will be optional.

“People are finally able to breathe,” said Co-owner, Jack Banks.  “People are on the treadmill and they’re smiling again.”

Although Mohegan Sun is located on tribal lands its protocols are aligned closely with the state. Starting Wednesday, masks are no longer required for vaccinated people and restaurants are at full capacity. Still the casino is being cautious.

“It’s still going to stay at, every other slot machine. We’re going to keep our table maximums to three or four spots…

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Janay Harding predicts second-round TKO win over Leah McCourt at Bellator 259

Janay Harding predicts second-round TKO over McCourt at Bellator 259 0){for(var a=0;a MMA Junkie USA Today Sports

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By Danny Segura and Nolan King | May 19, 2021 8:45 pm ET

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Janay Harding answered questions at a media day ahead of her bout with Leah McCourt at Bellator 259.

Harding (6-4 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) meets McCourt (4-1 MMA, 3-0…



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