Connecticut kicks off February with active legislative debates and community concerns dominating headlines. State police are probing a hit-and-run in Holland where a vehicle struck a pedestrian using a snowblower on Mile Hill Road, according to Fox 61 reports. Residents there also expressed outrage over the states unannounced plan for a juvenile detention center, feeling blindsided by the lack of notification to local leaders. In Norwich, tensions rose as the city weighed closing a historic fire station amid cost debates, with neighbors decrying transparency lapses. A light snow coated parts of the state early on Valentines Day, but warmer weather followed without major disruptions.

Governor Ned Lamont unveiled his 2026 legislative agenda, including budget adjustments for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, and proposals like expanding research and development tax credits to pass-through entities such as LLCs at up to 6 percent, capped at 25 million annually, as highlighted by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. This move aims to bolster small businesses, biotech startups, and innovation, with CBIA praising it for rewarding risk-taking and retaining talent. Senate Republicans countered with deeper tax cuts, proposing income tax rate reductions, property tax credit expansions, and a 20 percent slash to the paid family leave payroll tax, potentially saving workers 90 million yearly, per CT Mirror analysis. They argue this leverages budget surpluses over one-time rebates like Lamonts 200-dollar individual proposal.

Economically, Connecticut secured about 190 million in federal earmarks for over 175 projects, including 23 million for submarine pier replacement in Groton, affordable housing in Bridgeport and New Haven, and university hubs like UConns 885 thousand for small business digital transformation, as reported by CT Public. Education sees Lamonts push for 160 million more in school aid, 500 million for new buildings, and 14 million in special education grants.

Public safety updates include arrests in a Hamden murder and a North Stonington crash surrender, while a Rocky Hill apartment evacuation eases for some tenants.

Looking Ahead, watch the legislative session for AI regulations, renter protections, and vaccine standards debates, plus federal fund rollouts and juvenile center plans in Holland.

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In Connecticut, top headlines this week include the court appearance of 23-year-old Lance Morales, charged with two counts of murder in the December 2024 shooting deaths of 20-year-old Josiah Micardo and her four-month-old son Massiah Diaz in Hartford, according to FOX61 News. A massive housing crisis has displaced over 2000 residents from the Rocky Hill Concierge Apartments due to freezing pipes and maintenance failures, prompting the attorney general to call it unprecedented, FOX61 reports. A Wallingford house fire and Norwich debates over closing the Yangti Fire Department rounded out major stories.

The 2026 legislative session, underway since February 4, sees Republicans pushing a $1.5 billion tax relief plan, including $1600 income tax cuts for middle-class families earning $100,000, elimination of electric bill public benefits charges, and car tax rebates, as proposed by Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding and reported by CT Public and CT Mirror. Democrats counter with rebates, renter credits, and clothing tax exemptions under $100. Governor Ned Lamont emphasized housing 25 times in his State of the State address, proposing to disband the Office of Health Strategy, extend R&D tax credits to small pass-through businesses at 6%, and prioritize online safety for minors, per CT Mirror and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.

Economically, nonprofit FORGE is fueling manufacturing revival with over $460,000 in product development grants to 16 startups via the state's Manufacturing Innovation Fund, helping bridge the "valley of death" for hardtech innovators, CT Mirror notes. Federal earmarks brought $190 million for 175 projects, including $13 million secured by Congressman Joe Courtney for eastern Connecticut housing, docks, and STEM education, according to his office and CT Public.

Community efforts advance with Greenwich Public Schools reporting steady progress on the $112 million Central Middle School, targeting a 2026-2027 opening despite winter weather, as detailed in construction updates. No major recent weather events were reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session through May 6 for tax debates and health reforms, plus FORGE's next $50,000 grants and federal project rollouts.

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Connecticut lawmakers kicked off their 2026 short legislative session on February 4 in Hartford, focusing on budget adjustments amid affordability concerns and potential federal funding cuts from Washington. Governor Ned Lamont proposed a one-time energy bill rebate for millions of residents and a rent cap to ease housing pressures, while maintaining a 95 million dollar increase for K-12 Education Cost Sharing grants, according to CT Public and the Connecticut Mirror. His administration also outlined investments like 12.5 million dollars for free school breakfasts and expanded mental health support in schools, as detailed in the Office of Policy and Management's midterm budget presentation.

Top headlines this week include a major train derailment in Mansfield, where 13 cars toppled into the Willimantic River, prompting a massive cleanup effort involving YuConn fire units, Fox 61 reports. In Rocky Hill, over 2000 residents evacuated Concierge Apartments deemed unsafe due to freezing pipes and maintenance failures, triggering a state investigation by the attorney general. Middletown police arrested a 64-year-old man in a daytime assault, and Waterbury probes a sergeant's interference in an investigation.

On the economic front, the nonprofit FORGE is fueling Connecticut's manufacturing revival with over 460,000 dollars in product development grants to 16 startups since 2024, partnering with the state Office of Manufacturing to bridge the valley of death for hardtech innovators, per the Connecticut Mirror. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes secured over 8 million dollars for community projects, including quantum tech workforce development and youth programs.

Public safety incidents persist, from a Windsor Locks elderly wanderer case to a Newington ice arena reopening post-incident, while no major recent weather events were noted.

Looking Ahead, watch for Lamont's State of the State address, ongoing derailment cleanup, and FORGE's next 50,000 dollars in grants, alongside federal SNAP work requirement changes impacting 36,000 residents.

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Connecticut's 2026 legislative short session kicked off this week in Hartford, with lawmakers tackling budget adjustments amid federal funding uncertainties from Washington. Governor Ned Lamont proposed rent caps to ease the housing crisis, one-time energy bill rebates for millions of residents, and expanding research and development tax credits to small businesses like LLCs and partnerships, capped at $25 million annually, according to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. CT Public reports bipartisan focus on affordability, with the Senate approving an extension of the $500 million Emergency State Response Fund to offset cuts to mental health, substance abuse programs, and social services.

Top headlines include a Waterbury police sergeant arrested for interfering with an investigation, as detailed in Fox 61 reports, and a school bus driver in South Windsor facing court over failing to stop a fight and alleged assaults involving 12 middle schoolers. Middletown police arrested a 64-year-old man after a daytime assault, while cleanup continues at a Mansfield derailment site. Public safety efforts ramp up with proposed bills allowing residents to sue federal officials for rights violations amid heightened immigration enforcement.

In education and economy, Lamont's budget boosts K-12 funding by $95 million through the Education Cost Sharing program, adds free school breakfasts, and invests $10 million in special education innovations, per state budget documents. Federal grants secured by Congressman Joe Courtney fund $13 million for local projects, including affordable housing expansions in Colchester and ocean STEM education in Groton. New Haven Mayor Elicker highlighted small business grants and a $50 million state innovation cluster for life sciences and quantum tech.

No major weather events reported recently.

Looking Ahead: Watch for Lamont's State of the State address details, Trust Act reforms, and school cellphone policy debates through May 6.

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Connecticut's 2026 legislative session launched February 4 in Hartford, with the General Assembly convening and Governor Ned Lamont delivering his State of the State address, outlining priorities like a rent cap amid the housing crisis and a one-time energy bill rebate for millions of customers. According to CT Public, the short session through May 6 focuses on budget adjustments, affordability, and federal funding uncertainties from Washington, including a proposed extension of a $500 million emergency fund with over $300 million remaining. FOX61 reports top headlines included Vernon's unanimous town council vote for school bus cameras to fine illegal passers, a school bus driver's court appearance over failing to stop a fight and alleged sexual assaults involving 12 middle schoolers, and the Connecticut Science Center reopening after a burst pipe.

In business and economy, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association released a 10-point policy agenda championing small businesses, which comprise 99 percent of the state's firms, calling for a small business concierge, AI adoption grants, streamlined permitting, and career education incentives, as detailed by CBIA. Governor Lamont's budget maintains a $95 million Education Cost Sharing increase for K-12, proposes universal free school breakfasts, literacy coaches, and special education innovations, though it cuts magnet school tuition funding, per CEA and CT Mirror. New Haven Mayor Elicker highlighted a $50 million state Innovation Cluster grant for life sciences and quantum tech, including a new QuantumCT incubator.

Community efforts advanced with New Haven's $7 million state grant to repurpose the Armory into a vocational school and housing. Public safety saw a Hartford transformer explosion causing outages, per FOX61. No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch budget negotiations by April 30, potential Trust Act reforms on immigration, and gubernatorial race developments, with session ending May 6.

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Governor Ned Lamont has extended Connecticuts Severe Cold Weather Protocol through February 5 due to a prolonged frigid spell with overnight temperatures dipping into single digits and below zero, marking the longest uninterrupted activation in over a decade, according to the governors office press release. Shelters and warming centers remain open statewide, coordinated via 211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1.

As the 2026 legislative session convenes February 4 and adjourns May 6, per the Connecticut General Assembly schedule, lawmakers eye AI regulation amid past disagreements between pro-regulation senators and the Lamont administration. Route Fifty reports senators plan bills for data privacy, consumer protections, AI training, and a retail facial recognition ban, while businesses urge caution to foster innovation. The Connecticut Business and Industry Association released a 10-point policy agenda championing small businesses, which comprise 99 percent of state firms, calling for AI adoption grants, streamlined permitting, regulatory reviews, and workforce pathways like expanded career-technical education, as detailed in CBIA announcements.

In Westport, the Representative Town Meeting approved over 4.7 million dollars for school infrastructure including Staples High School auditorium upgrades and middle school lab designs, plus water system and sidewalk replacements, according to Patch. Greenwich presented 2027 budgets emphasizing school renovations and public feedback on taxes, via Greenwich Free Press.

Connecticuts economy shows mixed signals with GDP growth but lagging job numbers and high living costs, CBIA notes at its economic summit, where Lamont proposed energy bill rebates and R&D tax credits.

Looking Ahead, watch the legislative session opening February 4 on CT-N for AI debates and business policies, alongside SEED Grant deadlines February 20 for special education.

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Connecticut faces a mix of challenges and progress as winter lingers. FOX 61 reports two destructive fires this week: one leveling a home on Bonnair Hill Road in Tallinn, hospitalizing a man, and another overnight blaze at Thomastons longstanding diner, a community fixture for over 30 years.[1] Public safety concerns persist with a South Windsor man facing charges of animal cruelty and risk of injury to a child after a New Years Eve incident, alongside a serious crash on I-91 in Enfield amid icy roads.[5] State police are probing a racial slur etched in snow on a Mansfield car.[13]

In politics, Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong announced proposed legislation to combat youth social media addiction, set for the 2026 session starting February 4.[1][10] Lawmakers, led by Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney, push AI regulations after 2025s stalled efforts, debating consumer protections against algorithmic discrimination while balancing innovation; businesses via CBIA voice caution on rigidity.[2] A bill to allow lawsuits against federal agents for rights violations advances, joining states like Massachusetts.[6] Data privacy rules tighten July 1, mandating disclosures for AI decisions affecting consumers.[11]

Economically, new businesses registered in Ridgefield, signaling local growth per the Connecticut Business Registry.[3] Westport voters approved over $4.7 million for school upgrades like Staples High auditorium rigging and infrastructure like Longshore water systems.[4] Federal funds secured by Rep. John Larson include $10.45 million for projects such as Hartlands first playground and Bristol public safety gear.[8]

Community efforts spotlight education, with a recent summit urging workforce training amid national shifts.[12] Recent heavy snow, over 14 inches in spots like Bridgeport, prompted New Haven parking bans and plow operations; no major ongoing weather threats.[1][9]

Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session opening February 4 for AI, privacy, and social media bills, plus the April 2 Connecticut Workforce Summit on career pathways.[7][10]

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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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