Most-discussed stories of 2011

These stories brought in the most comments on theday.com in 2011.

1. Black officers sue Groton City, accuse police of discrimination (167) -- Aug. 18, 2011

Three black Groton City police officers filed a federal lawsuit against the city and Police Chief Bruno Giulini, charging that they are working in a climate of discrimination.

2. City schools are ringing the dinner bell (162) -- Mar. 6, 2011

The 600 students at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School are now able to eat dinner, as well as breakfast and lunch, at their school through a new federally funded program.

3. New London police chief to retire, blames city councilor (150) -- Aug. 25, 2011

New London Police Chief Margaret Ackley announced her retirement and accused Councilor Michael Buscetto III of discrimination, harassment and trying to undermine her authority with some members of the police department.

4. NL test scores among state's worst (148) -- Jul. 13, 2011

New London High School's 10th-graders had the lowest reading scores in the state this year.

5. Malloy gets an earful in Ledyard (145) -- Sep. 1, 2011

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy visited Ledyard four days after Tropical Storm Irene, where an estimated 80 percent of homes and businesses were still lacking power.

6. Complaint: CL&P crews not working fast enough (141) -- Aug. 31, 2011

Residents and town officials were not happy with Connecticut Light & Power's efforts to restore power to the region after Tropical Storm Irene.

7. Pros, cons argued on shopping-bag bill (136) -- Feb. 10, 2011

Environmentalists and retailers were at odds over a proposal to impose a 5-cent-per-bag fee for use of paper or plastic sacks.

8. City police chief criticized in open letter from union (134) -- Sep. 10, 2011

New London's police union published an "open letter" via a paid ad in the Day, lashing out at police Chief Margaret Ackley for what the union describes as "a managerial crisis."

9. Video: Obama releases birth form, decries 'silliness' (134) -- Apr. 27, 2011

Responding to critics' relentless claims, President Barack Obama produced a detailed Hawaii birth certificate in an attempt to bury the issue of where he was born and confirm his legitimacy to hold office.

10. Conscientious objector allowed to leave the Navy (134) -- Feb. 23, 2011

The Navy reverses their decision, eventually granting sailor Michael Izbicki honorable discharge due to his religious beliefs.