Connecticut grapples with heavy snowfall aftermath as areas like Suffield, Middlebury, Shelton and Bridgeport recorded over a foot, prompting Governor Ned Lamont to lift the commercial vehicle travel emergency order on January 26, FOX 61 reports. Warming centers remain open amid biting cold, with 80 percent of Bradley International Airport flights canceled the prior day.

In politics, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas announced tightened election security ahead of 2026 midterms, including post-election audits, absentee ballot reforms from Bridgeport controversies, cybersecurity training and voter education campaigns, according to CT Public. Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter faces a private investigation over unspecified union concerns, FOX 61 states. State Democrats plan a bill allowing lawsuits against federal agents for rights violations, CT Mirror notes.

The economy sees Connecticut's minimum wage rise to 16.94 dollars per hour on January 1, alongside paid sick leave expanding to firms with 11 or more employees, Day Pitney reports. New businesses registered in Ridgefield, per Patch, while high electricity costs at 30.48 cents per kilowatt-hour highlight energy policy challenges heading into 2026, Hartford Business Journal warns. Affordable housing shortages plague New London County even for average earners, FOX 61 adds.

Community updates include a seven percent enrollment surge at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities for fall 2025, with 29.6 million dollars approved for community college renovations and 30 million for maintenance, CSCU Forward details. Education funding inequities persist, with Bridgeport districts needing millions to match inflation and close a 972 million dollar racial gap, CT Mirror reports. Federal funds secured by Congressman Larson total 10.45 million dollars for infrastructure like Hartland's first playground, East Hartford streetlights and Hartford trails.

A Waterbury man received 25 years for a stray bullet killing an Olympian's mother in 2023, FOX 61 says.

Looking Ahead: The General Assembly's short 2026 session convenes February 4, focusing on education funding, energy reforms and midterm election prep, per CGA and state senators.

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Connecticut grapples with pressing public safety challenges amid a harsh winter. FOX61 reports a devastating house fire in the state left a home a total loss due to cold winds hindering firefighters, though no injuries occurred[1]. A multi-state car theft ring targeting 20 vehicles worth over 2.4 million dollars across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey led to the arrest of Tiffany Kete from Pennsylvania[1]. In Hartford, a man received 65 years for a 2022 murder[1], while Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter faces an investigation over unspecified department concerns, with a private firm hired to probe[9].

Government efforts focus on election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms. Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas announced enhanced post-election audits, absentee ballot reforms, cybersecurity training, and poll worker recruitment to counter issues like those in Bridgeport, including a public awareness campaign there[2]. Governor Levin Mott acted to shield farmers from rising property taxes caused by faulty surveys, with a forum planned at the Capitol[5]. The state legislature reconvenes February 4 for its regular session ending May 6[10][6].

In business and economy, a Tri-Share child care pilot in New London County, funded by 1.8 million dollars in federal relief, splits costs among employers, employees, and government to boost retention; Electric Boat joined to support its expansion[3]. Minimum wage rose to 16.94 dollars per hour January 1, with automatic future hikes[11]. Housing affordability worsens, with over half of renters cost-burdened in Stamford, Norwalk, and Danbury, per Partnership for Strong Communities[1]. Energy policy nears a pivotal reset amid high electricity costs of 30.48 cents per kilowatt-hour, third-highest nationally[7].

Community updates show education growth in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, with 7 percent enrollment rise, 7.3 percent more completions, and 29.6 million dollars approved for community college renovations[4]. Yet funding inequities persist, with Bridgeport districts needing millions to match inflation and close a 972 million dollar racial gap[8]. CSCU plans AI and cellphone policies, plus phone-free schools[14]. No major recent weather events beyond the fire's windy conditions.

Looking Ahead: Watch the February 4 legislative session for education reforms, AI guidelines, child care expansions, and energy overhauls, plus pension's 2.7 billion dollar private equity commitments[15].

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Connecticut continues to navigate significant transitions across government, education, and public safety as the state heads into its legislative session in February. The Connecticut General Assembly convenes on February 4th for its 2026 regular session, which will adjourn May 6th, with Governor Lamont set to present his recommended state budget adjustments on February 4th.

Criminal justice developments dominated recent headlines. Benjamin White was sentenced to 65 years in prison after being convicted of shooting and killing Simon Griffin and injuring another person in August 2022. In a separate case, Carrie Shelter, who pleaded guilty to a deadly boat crash that killed Wayne Hamler, a 60-year-old from Waterford, received a 3-year prison sentence with the possibility of release after 90 days, followed by 3 years probation. The 2024 boat accident prompted lawmakers to push for new safety measures, including legislation linking boating and driving licenses so a DUI on one will affect the other.

On the education front, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities served nearly 100,000 learners during the 2024 academic year across 16 campuses and 6 satellites, with a 7 percent systemwide enrollment increase in Fall 2025. The system awarded 14,416 degrees to 12,258 students in the 2024-2025 academic year, representing a 7.3 percent increase in completions. CSCU will launch the Finish Line Scholars Program in Fall 2026, expanding support for students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions.

Economic development initiatives gained momentum across multiple communities. The Connecticut Main Street Center received a 25,000 dollar grant from utility companies United Illuminating, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Southern Connecticut Gas to support revitalization projects in Windsor, Old Saybrook, and New Haven. These projects include flower bed beautification, holiday lighting installations, and digital loyalty programs for small businesses. Ridgefield renewed its membership in the Connecticut Main Street Center and outlined 2026 priorities focused on business retention and expansion.

Advocacy groups are intensifying efforts around several policy issues heading into the spring legislative session. AARP Connecticut outlined priorities including eliminating absentee voting restrictions, addressing rising utility costs, expanding voting options, and supporting family caregivers. Child tax credit advocates are pushing for a 600 dollar per-child credit, up to 1,800 dollars per household, citing federal cuts to human service programs and tariff-driven inflation as reasons for immediate action.

Looking ahead, Governor Lamont will present his updated budget proposal on February 4th. The Special Olympic Winter Games will kick off in February, with Eversource volunteers already preparing facilities. The state continues addressing long-term infrastructure needs and workforce development across its communities.

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Connecticut's economy is showing resilience as the state enters a critical legislative session. Governor Ned Lamont released a January consensus revenue forecast reaffirming economic strength despite international uncertainty, with the state's budget poised for its largest spending increase in over a decade.

The Connecticut General Assembly will convene on February 4, 2026, with significant fiscal decisions ahead. According to recent revenue projections, state budget appropriations can grow by 5.93 percent next fiscal year, translating to an extra 1.3 billion dollars for the budget expected to exceed 28.6 billion dollars. However, state representatives are divided on spending priorities. Representatives from the Appropriations Committee noted growing needs in education, healthcare, and affordable housing. The committee emphasized that last year's education investments, though significant, remain insufficient to ease pressure on municipal property taxpayers. Meanwhile, House Republicans are advocating for a major income tax cut of up to 700 dollars for middle-income households through expanded tax credits.

Connecticut faces potential federal funding challenges as sanctuary cities and states may lose federal funds starting February 1st under new federal policies. According to Fox 61, Hartford officials are waiting for concrete details from the federal government before responding to the potential funding cuts.

On education policy, the State Board of Education has advanced several 2026 legislative proposals aimed at streamlining operations. These include aligning charter school approval processes with the biennial budget cycle and establishing enrollment standards for interdistrict magnet schools to manage growth through a system-wide approach. The education department also proposed clarifying responsibility for 504 services in interdistrict magnet schools.

Winter weather continues impacting the state, with multiple incidents reported across Connecticut. According to Fox 61, a house fire in Waterbury displaced 13 people including four children on January 19th, while an apartment complex fire at the Armory Apartments left six people unable to return home. Additionally, the state experienced a shooting investigation on Cook Avenue in Meriden that resulted in police closing multiple streets during the investigation.

Infrastructure improvements continue as Thomaston Avenue reopened following extensive repairs from a major water main break that had frustrated drivers and impacted nearby businesses.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for Governor Lamont's budget recommendations on February 4th and the legislature's response to federal funding uncertainties. The next consensus revenue forecast will be released May 1st, 2026. A 2026 Annual Legislative Preview is scheduled for February 18th, where lawmakers will discuss energy, utility, and business priorities for the session.

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Connecticut's economy continues to show resilience even amid national uncertainty. According to Governor Lamont's statement on the January 2026 consensus revenue forecast, the state is demonstrating strength and stability despite international economic challenges. The governor emphasized that his administration has been slowly getting Connecticut's fiscal house in order after years of budget deficits, and is now able to cut taxes while making significant investments.

The state legislature faces a busy session ahead. The Connecticut General Assembly's 2026 regular session convenes February 4th and runs through May 6th. Governor Lamont will present his recommended state budget adjustments to the legislature on February 4th. According to CT Mirror, Connecticut legislators will have more room to spend under state budget caps than they have enjoyed in more than a decade, with a 5.93 percent increase in spending allowed. However, questions remain about whether this growth will adequately cover needs in health care, education, and offset diminishing federal aid.

Education remains a focal point for state leaders. The State Board of Education has proposed 2026 legislative changes including new enrollment standards for interdistrict magnet schools and revised funding mechanisms for 504 services, aimed at managing school growth more systematically.

Housing and affordability continue as major policy priorities. Governor Lamont highlighted recent progress, noting that Hartford has become the hottest housing market in the country, and that Connecticut's cities, which have shrunk for fifty years, are now growing again. The state's minimum wage rose to 16 dollars and 94 cents per hour on January 1st, making Connecticut the second highest in the nation after Washington state and Washington D.C.

In community advocacy, AARP Connecticut has outlined 2026 legislative priorities focused on keeping money in residents' pockets. The organization is pushing for reforms to lower electric costs, expansion of energy assistance programs, and a new Net Equity Program scheduled to begin in September 2026 to address affordable high-speed internet access gaps affecting over 92,000 households with residents age 50 and older.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect significant activity in Hartford as the legislature takes up these major initiatives. The next consensus revenue forecast will be released May 1st, 2026. Key issues including energy policy, housing development, and consumer protection are poised to dominate legislative discussions.

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Connecticut continues to navigate a mix of public safety challenges, legislative preparations, and economic shifts. FOX 61 reports a recent burglary in an unspecified town led to a stolen car used in a Hartford shooting, while protests drew about 100 people to the state Capitol over the deadly shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, with calls for congressional action. In New Haven, violent crime dropped nearly 40 percent in 2025, according to Mayor Justin Elicker and police leaders, signaling progress amid internal department issues like a chief admitting to theft. A Thomaston boil water advisory persists after a main break repair, pending tests.

On the political front, the 2026 legislative short session convenes February 4 and adjourns May 6, per the Connecticut General Assembly calendar. Labor groups like the AFL-CIO push priorities including AI workplace regulations, self-checkout limits, and easing fiscal guardrails, which could raise employer costs and shift local bargaining to state mandates, as detailed by CT Examiner. New housing law HB 8002, effective mostly from late 2025, introduces grants for infrastructure, a Council on Housing Development, and studies on wastewater policies blocking affordable units, though CT Mirror notes confusing overlaps and delayed timelines until 2028-2029. The state also enacted an antitrust statute against algorithmic rental pricing, effective January 1, per Baker McKenzie.

Economically, construction forecasts from StackCT predict steady infrastructure growth from federal funds, alongside booming data centers driven by AI, creating opportunities despite labor shortages. School construction priorities are under review, with incentives tied to housing compliance.

No major recent weather events stand out beyond routine advisories.

Looking Ahead: Preview events on the legislative session kick off January 14 with Speaker Matt Ritter and Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, followed by CT Mirror discussions on energy, housing, and fiscal policy through February. Housing study reports and OPM guidance loom for early 2026.

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Connecticut faces significant legislative and economic developments as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 session beginning February 4th. According to the Connecticut General Assembly, the session will run through May 6th as a three-month sprint focused primarily on technical fixes and budget adjustments, though major policy changes are already being advanced.

The state's labor movement has put forward an ambitious agenda for the coming session. According to the Connecticut Examiner, the Connecticut AFL-CIO is pushing proposals to regulate artificial intelligence adoption in workplaces, control self-checkout technology in retail settings, and weaken the state's fiscal guardrails. The agenda also includes raising costs for low-wage employers and imposing statewide mandates on local government negotiations regarding pensions, paraeducator pay, and transit operations.

On the positive economic front, Connecticut's minimum wage has risen to 16.94 dollars, placing the state among those with the highest statewide minimum wages in the country, according to CT Mirror. Additionally, Brian Montanari, president and CEO of HABCO Industries, has taken on the role of Connecticut Business and Industry Association board chair, prioritizing workforce development and housing affordability to strengthen the state's business community.

Recent significant infrastructure challenges have affected residents. According to FOX 61's January 9th report, a water main break shut down part of Route 6, disrupting traffic as repairs were underway. The state is also addressing public safety needs, as Governor Ned Lamont announced 2.6 million dollars in emergency state funding for the 211 call center after it experienced a 300 percent increase in calls since 2019.

On the education front, Connecticut public schools will be implementing new curriculum requirements beginning in the 2025-26 school year. According to Connecticut's legislative information, schools must add units on Asian American and Pacific Islander history and civics and media literacy to their social studies programs.

In budget news, a 9.7 billion dollar bond package has been approved and will take effect July 1st, financing school construction, transportation upgrades, affordable housing initiatives, and child care facility renovations, according to the Lakeville Journal.

Community activists have mobilized around federal immigration enforcement. FOX 61 reported that dozens of protesters gathered in New Haven in early January following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an ICE agent during a federal immigration operation.

Looking ahead, Connecticut Mirror will host three legislative preview events beginning January 14th, bringing together lawmakers and journalists to discuss the session's key issues including energy, housing, and fiscal policy. Listeners are encouraged to follow these developments as they unfold throughout the legislative session.

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Connecticut is entering the new year with a mix of political maneuvering, economic shifts, and local community projects shaping daily life across the state. FOX61 reports that public safety and justice issues remain front and center, with New Haven’s former police chief accused of stealing public funds from a confidential informant account and several high‑profile violent crime investigations drawing statewide attention.[FOX61] Protests have also intensified, as FOX61 notes in coverage of demonstrations in Hartford and New Haven over a Minneapolis ICE shooting, where local officials are calling for investigations into conduct at recent rallies.[FOX61]

At the Capitol, the Connecticut General Assembly is set to open its 2026 regular “short session” on February 4 and adjourn on May 6, focusing on budget adjustments and targeted policy changes.[Connecticut General Assembly] According to the Connecticut Mirror and Yankee Institute, key issues expected this session include energy, housing, safety‑net programs, and potential changes to the state’s fiscal “guardrails,” along with organized labor’s push for new rules on technology in the workplace, self‑checkout, and expanded protections and mandates for public‑sector workers.[CT Mirror][Yankee Institute]

Economic and business signals are mixed. CT Mirror’s economic coverage highlights that Connecticut’s minimum wage is now among the highest statewide rates in the country, affecting labor costs but also boosting income for low‑wage workers.[CT Mirror] CT Insider reports that Middletown is banking on a major Wesleyan University expansion and related projects scheduled to open in late 2026, part of a broader strategy to attract investment and revitalize its downtown.[CT Insider]

Community‑level developments are reshaping schools and infrastructure. In Westport, the Westport Journal reports that the Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved most of a 3.57 million dollar package for eight school projects, including a major safety‑driven renovation of the Staples High School auditorium and planning for upgraded science labs and athletic facilities.[Westport Journal] In Greenwich, Patch reports that construction of the new 112 million dollar Central Middle School is advancing, with the 125,000‑square‑foot building on track to open before the 2026–2027 school year if work continues on schedule.[Patch]

Health and social policy are also in flux. Connecticut Public Radio reports that state officials are weighing an extension of Affordable Care Act open enrollment as Congress debates whether to restore enhanced federal premium subsidies, a decision that could affect roughly 150,000 state marketplace enrollees.[Connecticut Public] Meanwhile, state lawmakers have already approved a major expansion of the Early Start CT early childhood program, with up to 1,000 new slots rolling out this year and higher provider payments to stabilize the sector, according to the Connecticut House Democrats’ update.[Connecticut House Democrats]

Looking ahead, listeners should watch the fast‑moving 2026 legislative session in Hartford, the final federal decisions on ACA subsidies and their impact on household budgets, and progress on high‑profile school and development projects in communities like Greenwich, Westport, and Middletown.

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Connecticut listeners are starting the year with a mix of policy change, local investment, and questions about the state’s economic future. FOX61 reports that top headlines this week include preparation for the new legislative session, ongoing debates over housing and affordability, and local infrastructure upgrades in several communities.[1][5]

At the Capitol, the Connecticut General Assembly is set to convene its 2026 regular session on February 4 and adjourn May 6, positioning lawmakers for a short but intense window to address housing, education funding, and budget pressures, according to the Connecticut General Assembly’s official calendar.[14] CT Mirror, republished in the Bristol Edition, notes that one key storyline is how towns will implement House Bill 8002, a sweeping housing measure passed in a 2024 special session that requires larger municipalities to create fair rent commissions and eases some zoning and parking restrictions to spur new housing.[3]

Several new state laws also took effect at the start of 2026. Fox5 New York reports that Connecticut’s minimum wage has risen to 16 dollars and 94 cents an hour under a 2019 law tying yearly increases to economic indicators, and new statutes now expand biomarker testing coverage in health insurance policies, tighten rules around mortgage foreclosures, and mandate training for inland wetlands agency members.[6] These changes signal a focus on worker income, health access, consumer protection, and environmental oversight.

Economically, CT Mirror highlights concerns over a projected 70 million dollar revenue loss linked to federal corporate tax changes, even as state leaders pitch Connecticut as a place where young people can build careers and families.[3][10] Hartford Business Journal reports that Hartford’s mayor has asked the City Council to approve selling long-vacant Albany Avenue parcels so the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation can build a new headquarters, part of a broader effort to revitalize city neighborhoods.[15]

On the community front, school infrastructure is a major theme. The Westport Journal reports that Westport’s Representative Town Meeting approved about 3.6 million dollars for eight school projects, including a major upgrade to the Staples High School auditorium and improvements to labs and athletic facilities across the district, addressing longstanding safety and maintenance needs.[4] In Stamford, local coverage compiled by ffcct.org notes that construction on a new, roughly 446 million dollar Westhill High School is set to ramp up in 2026, with demolition work beginning this spring and a new campus expected by 2029.[8] Enfield leaders, according to The Reminder, are centering their 2026 goals on school modernization and a comprehensive plan for roads and public buildings.[12]

Looking ahead, listeners will want to watch how lawmakers reshape housing and budget policy in the coming session, whether economic headwinds alter municipal investment plans, and how major school construction projects progress across the state.[3][10][8]

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Connecticut kicks off 2026 with a mix of ongoing public safety investigations and promising economic momentum. FOX61 reports top headlines including final repairs to a major Waterbury water main break, where state leaders are eyeing federal aid amid infrastructure woes, and a Stamford courtroom appearance for Sebastian von Stockham, charged with murdering his mother in New Canaan last fall. Police continue probing shootings in Hartford, Bridgeport, and a New Year's Eve incident in Stamford, alongside a deadly New Haven crash and Bridgeport fire displacing residents. No significant recent weather events have been noted.

In government and politics, twenty-two new state laws took effect January 1, highlighted by a sweeping housing bill from November's special session that eases zoning and parking rules to spur development, according to WTNH News8 and Connecticut House Democrats. These measures also expand farmer incentives, bolster worker protections, and enhance higher education tracking. Towns over 15,000 residents must form fair rent commissions by 2028 under the law, as CT Mirror outlines.

Business and economy show vitality, with eastern Connecticut booming from Electric Boat's hiring and mall conversions, drawing housing developers, per CT Insider. The state comptroller's office notes advanced manufacturing strength via firms like General Dynamics and AI investments potentially aiding growth, though a tight job market persists. CBIA voices business hopes for the year.

Community news spotlights education and infrastructure: Stamford welcomes a new schools superintendent and breaks ground soon on a $446 million Westhill High School, set for 2029, reports the Stamford Advocate. Southington approved a $268 million school capital plan for renovations and tech upgrades.

Looking Ahead, watch for housing units added under new laws, Waterbury repair tests, Fotis Dulos case developments, federal budget cut impacts from the Trump administration, and early signals on Governor Lamont's health insurance public option proposal, plus the Connecticut Sun's potential relocation. Questions loom on 2026 gubernatorial races and WNBA team status, per CT Mirror.

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