Connecticut is witnessing a mix of legislative, economic, and environmental developments as it navigates the early months of 2025.

The state legislature has been active, with the Human Services Committee voting to pursue legislation that would eliminate asset limits for HUSKY C, the Medicaid program for residents who are over 65, blind, or disabled. This move aims to create greater equity in Connecticut’s Medicaid program by phasing out asset limits over a five-year period[2].

On the economic front, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has released its ReimagineCT policy solutions, a 12-point package designed to grow Connecticut’s economy. The proposals focus on lowering the high cost of living, particularly in energy, housing, childcare, and healthcare costs, to retain and attract more residents and grow the workforce[3].

The state is also experiencing a trend of warm winters, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 23% chance of above-normal temperatures in New Haven. This continues a decade-long trend of warm winters in Southern New England, with nine of the last 10 years being above average temperature[4].

In local news, the Republicans are gearing up for the 2026 mid-term elections, emphasizing the need to address issues such as illegal immigration and public safety. The party is raising funds and highlighting the importance of regaining control in the state Senate[2].

Looking Ahead:
- The 2025 legislative session will continue to address critical issues such as Medicaid expansion and economic growth.
- The impact of warm winters on Connecticut’s ecology and infrastructure will be a developing story.
- The 2026 mid-term elections will be a significant focus for political parties in the coming months.
- The CBIA’s ReimagineCT policy solutions will be closely watched as they aim to drive economic growth and improve quality of life in Connecticut.

Connecticut is gearing up for a busy legislative session and special elections, while also addressing various economic, environmental, and community issues.

Governor Ned Lamont has scheduled special elections for February 25 to fill two vacancies in the Connecticut General Assembly: the 21st Senatorial District and the 40th Assembly District[1]. These elections come as the state legislature is in session, with committees like the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee holding public hearings on key issues such as expanding Medicaid for residents with disabilities[2].

On the economic front, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has released its 2025 policy solutions, a 12-point package aimed at growing the state's economy by addressing high living costs, particularly in energy, housing, childcare, and healthcare[3]. The CBIA emphasizes the need to prioritize policies that make Connecticut more affordable to retain and attract residents and businesses.

In environmental news, Connecticut is expected to continue its trend of warm winters, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 23% chance of above-normal temperatures in New Haven this winter[4]. This ongoing trend has significant ecological impacts and is changing how scientists think about winter in the state.

Looking Ahead:
- The special elections for the 21st Senatorial District and the 40th Assembly District are set for February 25.
- The state legislature will continue to address key issues such as Medicaid expansion and economic growth.
- Connecticut residents and businesses can expect ongoing discussions on policy solutions to make the state more affordable and competitive.
- The impact of warm winters on the state's ecology and infrastructure will remain a topic of concern and study.

Connecticut is gearing up for a busy year with significant developments in government, business, and the environment. Governor Ned Lamont has announced special elections for February 25 to fill two vacancies in the General Assembly, specifically in the 21st Senatorial District and the 40th Assembly District[1].

In the state legislature, the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee held its first public hearing of the 2025 legislative session, focusing on various proposals including expanding Medicaid for residents with disabilities by eliminating asset limits for HUSKY C, the Medicaid program for those over 65, blind, or disabled[2].

On the economic front, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has released its 2025 policy solutions, a 12-point package aimed at growing the state's economy by lowering the cost of living, particularly in energy, housing, childcare, and healthcare costs[3].

Meanwhile, the state is experiencing a trend of warm winters, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 23% chance of above-normal temperatures in New Haven this winter. This continues a decade-long pattern of warmer winters in Southern New England, with significant ecological impacts[4].

Looking Ahead:
- The special elections for the 21st Senatorial District and the 40th Assembly District are scheduled for February 25.
- The 2025 legislative session will continue to address various proposals, including the expansion of Medicaid for residents with disabilities.
- The CBIA's policy solutions will be a focus point for economic development discussions in the coming months.
- The state will continue to monitor and address the impacts of warm winters on its ecosystems and communities.

Connecticut is gearing up for a busy legislative session with several key issues on the agenda. The state's largest business organization, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), has released its 2025 policy solutions aimed at growing the economy and improving the quality of life. The 12-point package includes recommendations to lower the high cost of living, particularly in energy, housing, childcare, and healthcare costs, to retain and attract more residents and grow the workforce[3].

In government and politics, the ACLU of Connecticut is pushing for several legislative priorities, including the full implementation of absentee voting, advancing inclusive reproductive justice legislation, and reducing the collateral consequences of criminal records on housing[2]. The state legislature is also expected to address energy policies, with discussions around alternative clean energy sources such as waste-to-energy plants, which have been controversial in the past[1].

On the public safety front, Waterbury police are actively investigating two homicides, one of which marked the city's first homicide of 2025. The police are searching for Garrett Piper, who is wanted in connection with the death of 27-year-old Marquez Ebron, and Courtney Franklin, who is accused in a deadly shooting back in May[1].

In community news, a 12-year-old boy is recovering after being shot in Hartford, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety in the state's capital[1]. The state is also focusing on education and infrastructure projects, though specific developments have not been recently highlighted.

Looking at environmental and weather updates, the Farmer's Almanac predicts a late arrival of spring in Connecticut, with winter conditions potentially lingering into March. The Climate Prediction Center, however, suggests equal chances of above or below average precipitation during the spring of 2025[4].

Looking Ahead:
- The Connecticut General Assembly's 2025 legislative session is expected to tackle a range of critical issues, including energy policies, voting rights, and economic development.
- The state's spring weather forecast remains uncertain, with predictions of a late winter storm and variable precipitation levels.
- Ongoing investigations into recent homicides in Waterbury and public safety incidents in Hartford will continue to be closely monitored.
- The ACLU of Connecticut and CBIA will push for their respective legislative priorities, shaping the state's policies on civil rights, economic growth, and more.

Connecticut is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities as it enters 2025. In recent news, law enforcement in Waterbury is actively investigating two separate homicide cases, one from January 11 and another from May 2024. The January incident involved a stabbing at a downtown bar, resulting in the death of 27-year-old Marquez Ebron, with Garrett Piper wanted in connection to the crime[1].

On the legislative front, Governor Ned Lamont has announced a package of proposals aimed at strengthening Connecticut's resilience against extreme weather events and climate change. This comes after a year marked by severe flooding, drought, and record-breaking temperatures[2]. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has released its ReimagineCT policy solutions, a 12-point package designed to grow the state's economy by addressing high living costs, expanding career pathways, and fostering innovation[3].

In environmental news, the state is bracing for a potentially late spring, with the Farmer's Almanac predicting an unusually late winter storm that could bring rain, sleet, and snow across the Atlantic Seaboard. However, the Climate Prediction Center suggests equal chances of above or below average precipitation during the spring of 2025[4].

Looking ahead, Connecticut residents can expect continued discussions on energy policies, including debates over electric vehicle rebate programs and alternative energy sources like waste-to-energy plants. Additionally, the state will be closely monitoring weather forecasts as it prepares for potential spring storms. The upcoming legislative session will also see further deliberation on Governor Lamont's proposals and the CBIA's policy solutions, aiming to address the state's economic and environmental challenges.

Connecticut is gearing up for a busy legislative session, with the General Assembly having kicked off on January 8. The session, which will run until June 4, will see 151 state representatives and 36 senators crafting and voting on legislation over the next five months[2]. Key dates to watch include February 5, when Governor Ned Lamont will present his budget, and July 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

In business news, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has released its 2025 policy solutions, a 12-point package aimed at growing the state's economy. The proposals focus on lowering the high cost of living, particularly in areas such as energy, housing, childcare, and healthcare costs, to retain and attract more residents and grow the workforce[3].

On the environmental front, Connecticut is expected to continue its trend of warm winters, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting a 23% chance of above-normal temperatures in New Haven. This decade-long trend has significant ecological impacts, including changes in precipitation patterns and a shift towards rain rather than snow[4].

In other news, the state's largest business organization is calling on lawmakers to prioritize policy solutions that will make Connecticut more affordable. This includes addressing the high costs of living and running a business, expanding career pathways, and fostering innovation[3].

Looking Ahead:
- The Governor's budget presentation on February 5 will set the tone for the legislative session's fiscal discussions.
- The General Assembly's session will continue until June 4, with lawmakers working on various bills and proposals.
- The new fiscal year begins on July 1, marking the start of a new budget cycle.
- The ongoing trend of warm winters in Connecticut will continue to be a topic of discussion, with potential implications for the state's ecology and economy.

Connecticut has seen a mix of significant news across various sectors recently. In local news, a tragic incident in Waterbury marked the city's first homicide of 2025, resulting from a knife fight in a downtown bar. The altercation left two people stabbed, with one victim passing away. This incident, along with an ongoing search for Courtney Franklin, accused in a deadly shooting from May, has highlighted public safety concerns in the city[1].

On the legislative front, Governor Ned Lamont announced a package of proposals aimed at strengthening Connecticut's resilience against extreme weather events and climate change. This initiative comes after the state experienced several significant weather events in the past year, including severe flash flooding and droughts[2].

In economic news, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) released its 2025 policy solutions, a 12-point package designed to grow Connecticut's economy. The proposals focus on lowering the high cost of living, particularly in energy, housing, childcare, and healthcare costs, to retain and attract more residents and grow the workforce[3].

Environmental concerns continue to be a focus, with recent data indicating that Connecticut is experiencing a decade-long trend of warm winters. According to NOAA's Matthew Rosencrans, winter 2025 is expected to continue this trend, with below-normal precipitation and warmer temperatures. This has significant ecological impacts, including phenological mismatch, which affects the timing of seasonal events and the synchronization of species' life cycles[4].

Looking Ahead:
- The Connecticut General Assembly will consider Governor Lamont's legislative proposals on climate resilience during the 2025 regular session.
- The CBIA's 2025 policy solutions will be discussed in the upcoming legislative session, aiming to address the high cost of living and promote economic growth.
- As winter 2025 progresses, the state will continue to monitor and address the ecological impacts of warmer winters, including the challenges posed by phenological mismatch.

Connecticut is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities as it enters the new year. Top headlines include the ongoing search for suspects in two separate homicide cases in Waterbury, with police actively investigating and urging the public to come forward with information[1]. Additionally, a 12-year-old boy is recovering after being shot in Hartford, highlighting concerns about public safety[1].

In government and politics, Governor Ned Lamont has announced a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening Connecticut's resilience against extreme weather events and climate change. This comes after a year marked by severe weather incidents, including unprecedented rainfall and flash flooding that caused significant damage and loss of life[2]. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has also released its 2025 policy solutions, focusing on growing the state's economy by addressing high costs of living and running a business, expanding career pathways, and fostering innovation[3].

On the business and economy front, CBIA's proposals aim to leverage the post-pandemic growth to expand the workforce and improve the quality of life. The organization emphasizes the need to protect fiscal guardrails implemented in the 2017 bipartisan budget reforms and to prioritize policy solutions that lower the high cost of living in Connecticut[3].

In community news, concerns about public safety are paramount, with the recent shootings and homicides underscoring the need for effective law enforcement strategies. Education and infrastructure projects are also critical areas of focus, though recent developments have been overshadowed by immediate public safety concerns.

Environmental and weather updates highlight the ongoing impact of climate change on Connecticut. The state experienced its wettest year on record from July 2023 to June 2024, and 2024 was the hottest year with the hottest summer on record for Hartford[2]. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a continuation of warm winters, with a 23% chance of above-normal temperatures in New Haven this season[4].

Looking Ahead:
- The Connecticut General Assembly will consider Governor Lamont's legislative proposal on strengthening resilience against extreme weather events during the 2025 regular session.
- CBIA's policy solutions will be debated in the legislature, with a focus on growing the economy and improving affordability.
- Ongoing investigations into the recent homicides and shootings will continue, with public safety remaining a top priority.
- The state will monitor weather patterns closely, given the predictions of continued warm winters and the need to prepare for potential extreme weather events.

Connecticut is grappling with various challenges and developments across different sectors. In recent news, law enforcement in Waterbury is actively investigating two separate homicide cases. The first case involves Garrett Piper, who is wanted in connection with the death of 27-year-old Marquez Ebron following a knife fight in a downtown bar on January 11[1]. The second case concerns Courtney Franklin, accused in a deadly shooting outside the Soloique party venue in May. Waterbury Mayor Paul Panewski has assured the community that these incidents are isolated and not indicative of broader safety concerns.

On the legislative front, the 2025 session of the General Assembly began on January 8, marking the start of two-year terms for newly elected lawmakers. Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, will work with a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate to craft and vote on legislation over the next five months[2]. Notably, Governor Lamont has announced a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening Connecticut's resilience against extreme weather events and climate change, following a series of significant weather incidents in 2023 and 2024[3].

In environmental news, Connecticut has experienced severe weather events, including unprecedented rainfall, heavy rainstorms, and severe flooding, which have resulted in significant damage and loss of life. The period from July 2023 to June 2024 was the wettest year in recorded history for Connecticut, and 2024 was the hottest year and had the hottest summer on record for Hartford[3].

Looking ahead, key dates for the 2025 legislative session include February 5, when the Governor presents his budget, and June 4, the last day of the session. The new fiscal/budget year begins on July 1[2]. Additionally, residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing investigations and legislative developments, as well as to participate in community discussions on public safety and environmental resilience.

Connecticut is witnessing a mix of significant developments across various sectors. In recent news, the state is grappling with public safety concerns. Waterbury police are actively investigating two homicides, one from last May and another that occurred on January 11, 2025, marking the city's first homicide of the year. The latter incident involved a knife fight in a downtown bar, resulting in the death of 27-year-old Marquez Ebron. Garrett Piper is wanted in connection with Ebron's death and faces charges including murder and assault[1].

On the legislative front, the Connecticut General Assembly has convened for its 2025 session, which will run through June 4. Democrats hold majorities in both the House and Senate, and key debates are expected over the state's "fiscal guardrails," which have generated billions in state budget surpluses but are under scrutiny for potentially limiting funds for core services like education and healthcare[2].

In environmental news, Connecticut is experiencing a trend of warm winters, with temperatures this season expected to be above normal. According to NOAA's Matthew Rosencrans, this continues a decade-long pattern, with nine of the last ten years seeing above-average temperatures in Southern New England[3].

In education, the legislature's Education Committee is focusing on addressing special education funding and services, considering changes to the state's "Education Cost Sharing" formula to better support districts with higher numbers of special education students[2].

Looking ahead, the state's legislative session will continue to address critical issues such as fiscal policies and education funding. Additionally, residents can expect ongoing investigations into recent homicides and continued efforts to address environmental changes impacting the state. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in shaping Connecticut's policies and responses to these challenges.