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NEW YORK, January 20, 2026 – The New York Knicks announced today that the team has signed Dillon Jones to a two-way contract.
Jones, 24-years-old (6-5, 235-pounds), most recently played for the Rip City Remix, the NBA G League affiliate of the Portland Trailblazers, appearing in 24 games (all starts), averaging 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals overs 37.5 minutes. During the 2024-25 season, Jones averaged 2.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists over 54 games (three starts) for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Columbia, SC-native was originally selected by the Washington Wizards with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft before being acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jones was a member of the 2025 NBA Champion, Oklahoma City Thunder. In four years with Weber State, Jones held averages of 15.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals over 32.7 minutes in 119 games (96 starts). He was named the 2024 Big Sky Player of the Year after averaging 20.8 points on 48.9-percent shooting, 9.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.0 steals over 37.0 minutes in 31 games (all starts) as a senior. He was awarded Big Sky Freshman of the year, and earned two-time NABC All-District First Team (2023, 2024), and two-time All-Big Sky First Team (2023, 2024) honors.
About Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL), as well as two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also operates a professional sports team performance center – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.
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I am appalled that the Jewish community in Brooklyn is once again the target of antisemitic vandalism. It is an affront to the values that New York stands for and has no place in our City. We can never allow Nazi symbols and the horrific and deadly ideology they represent to be normalized.
Families should be able to go to parks, schools and synagogues in their communities without fear of vile antisemitic actions. The perpetrators of this hate crime must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and I thank the NYPD for their swift and thorough investigation.
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huhWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) introduced the “Transparency Requirements for Aircraft Carriers to Know Immigration Conduct and Enforcement Act,” or the TRACK ICE Act.
Reports show that ICE has been abusing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) privacy programs, such as FAA’s Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (LADD) Program, to avoid disclosing their flight operations. This leaves families in the dark of their loved ones’ whereabouts and loosens accountability for safe and lawful deportation practices.
This legislation ensures that any entity under contract with DHS, ICE, or CBP to transport, detain, or deport individuals can no longer hide behind privacy loopholes.
“For far too long, the federal government has operated immigration flights without full transparency. These ghost flights are tearing families apart, leaving loved ones in the dark, and giving immigration agencies free rein to act without oversight, transparency, and justice. It is Congress’s job to ensure they aren't operating above the law,” said Congresswoman Crockett.
The TRACK ICE Act:
- Requires comprehensive data to be released within 72 hours of any immigration enforcement flights.
- Prohibits aircraft operators from hiding their tracking data while on federal missions.
- Require disclosure of the condition and restraints used on detained individuals.
Robyn Barnard, senior director in the Refugee and Immigrant Rights team at Human Rights First, said "In this first year of the Trump administration, we have witnessed a detention and deportation machine operating at a scale we have never seen before and enabled by the opaque ICE enforcement flight network. Our ICE Flight Monitor project has tracked thousands of these flights transferring people far from their loved ones and counsel, even to countries that are not their own, and at times in violation of court orders. This government refuses to be transparent in its use of taxpayer dollars or its treatment of human beings. We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Congresswoman Crockett in introducing the TRACK ICE Act to shine a light on a system that is not only cruel, but increasingly lawless, and to ensure there is accountability for the injustices it has caused."
The TRACK ICE Act is endorsed by Human Rights First, Detention Watch Network, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Vera Institute of Justice, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), Advocates for Human Rights, African Communities Together, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Witness at the Border, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, African Human Rights Coalition, Oasis Legal Services, Refugee Council USA, Climate Refugees, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), and Church World Service.
Click HERE to read the full text of the bill.
BLUMENTHAL DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SECRET ICE POLICY AUTHORIZING FEDERAL AGENTS TO ENTER HOMES WITHOUT A JUDICIAL WARRANT
Whistleblower disclosure reveals a formal ICE policy to ignore the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution
[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), is demanding accountability following whistleblower disclosures detailing a secret U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy permitting agents to circumvent the privacy protections in the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment and enter Americans’ homes without a standard warrant.
Anonymous whistleblowers disclosed a policy memo written by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons authorizing federal immigration agents to enter American homes without a judicial warrant in order to effectuate civil immigration arrests. This policy is directly contrary to longstanding legal interpretation of the Fourth Amendment and agency practice, which requires ICE agents to obtain a judicial warrant duly signed and executed by a judge in order to enter someone’s home. The whistleblower disclosure and public reporting reveal at least two examples of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials wrongly entering the homes of American families in the past year.
Blumenthal is demanding U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem provide an explanation for the policy and calling for hearings in both the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees. Blumenthal also wrote the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to determine if instructors have secretly been directed to verbally train newly hired ICE agents to enter people’s homes without a judicial warrant.
“Every American should be terrified by this secret ICE policy authorizing its agents to kick down your door and storm into your home. It is a legally and morally abhorrent policy that exemplifies the kinds of dangerous, disgraceful abuses America is seeing in real time. In our democracy, with vanishingly rare exceptions, the government is barred from breaking into your home without a judge giving a green light. Government agents have no right to ransack your bedroom or terrorize your kids on a whim or personal desire. I am deeply grateful to brave whistleblowers who have come forward and put the rights of their fellow Americans first.”
“My Republican colleagues who claim to value personal rights against government overreach now have an opportunity and obligation to prove that rhetoric is real. They must hold hearings and join me in demanding the Trump Administration answer for this lawless policy.”
Blumenthal is leading an ongoing investigation into the treatment of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents. In October, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, opened an inquiry into frequent reports of unconstitutional detentions of U.S. citizens by agents of ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), often using disproportionate force.
In December, Blumenthal released a report highlighting firsthand accounts of twenty-two Americans who were physically assaulted, pepper sprayed, denied medical treatment, and detained – sometimes for days – by federal immigration agents. The report, Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions Of U.S. Citizens, was released ahead of a bicameral public forum hosted by Blumenthal and Garcia to receive testimony from five Americans who were unconstitutionally detained by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Both the report and the forum featured accounts of federal immigration officials acting with excessive force and then fabricating claims about the U.S. citizens who were detained.
Last week, following the killing of Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed U.S. citizen, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota Blumenthal wrote Noem seeking information and records regarding ICE training policies. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Noem is available here.
Blumenthal’s letter to Noem demanding information about the ICE policy is available here.
Blumenthal’s letter to U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requesting a hearing in that committee is available here. Blumenthal’s letter to U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, requesting a hearing in that committee is available here.
Blumenthal’s letter to Benjamin Huffman, Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, is available here.
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Friday, January 23, 2026, and remaining in effect until noon on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, due to a blast of extremely cold air that will impact the state during this period.
This is expected to be an exceptionally frigid period that will deliver some of the coldest temperatures the state has experienced so far this season, particularly during the overnight hours when temperatures will get into the single digits and wind chills will dip below zero.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
“We’re about to experience some of the coldest weather Connecticut has had in quite a while, and it cannot be stressed enough that temperatures this low can be fatal if someone is outside for too long,” Governor Lamont said. “This protocol enables us to partner with municipalities and nonprofits to see that shelters and warming centers are available for anyone in need. I also urge everyone to bring their pets indoors during this period because these conditions can be extremely dangerous for them, as well.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
- The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, and remaining in effect until noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, due to a blast of arctic air that will impact the state during this period.
Temperatures are expected to dip 10 to 15 degrees below normal for this time of year, particularly on Tuesday, when the high temperatures during the day are forecast to range between 15 to 25 degrees and at night will be in the single digits. Additionally, the state is expected to see wind gusts between 25 to 35 miles per hour beginning on Monday night and continuing through Tuesday, which may bring wind chill values down into the negative single digits at times.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
“This is turning out to be a particularly cold winter in Connecticut as temperatures are again expected to dip below normal for the next couple of days,” Governor Lamont said. “Enacting this protocol enables the state to partner with municipalities and nonprofits to see that shelters and warming centers are available statewide. I also want to remind everyone that it is extremely dangerous to leave pets outdoors during temperatures this cold, and they can suffer frostbite and hypothermia just like the rest of us, which is why it is important to protect your pets from this harsh weather.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
- The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
Shiloh MLK walk today 1-15-2026
Connecticut’s Investment Advisory Council (IAC) convened its first meeting of 2026 this afternoon at the State Office Building in Hartford, where Treasurer Erick Russell announced up to $1.575 billion in new investment commitments.
The commitments span the private real estate, infrastructure and natural resources, private equity, and private credit portfolios of the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (CRPTF), which include the pension funds for retired teachers and state workers.
“Following strong investment performance across the CRPTF portfolio in 2025, we are committed to building on that momentum in 2026,” said Treasurer Russell. “These new commitments reinforce our long-term investment strategy and disciplined approach to asset allocation—an approach that benefits not only retired teachers and state workers, but all Connecticut taxpayers and residents.”
- In private real estate, Treasurer Russell committed up to $250 million to the CRPTF-GCM Emerging Managers Partnership L.P.—2026-2 RE Investment Series.
- In infrastructure, he plans to commit up to $200 million to iSquared Global Infrastructure Fund IV, L.P. and up to $150 million to iSquared Growth Markets Infrastructure Fund II, L.P.
- In private equity, the Treasurer committed up to $425 million to CRPTF-GCM Emerging Manager Partnership L.P.—2026-1 PE Investment Series.
- In private credit, he committed up to $100 million to Eagle Point Defensive Income Fund III US L.P., up to $150 million to Eagle Point CRPTF DIF Co-Investment LP, and up to $300 million to CRPTF-RockCreek Emerging Manager Partnership, L.P.—Series II.
These commitments followed feedback provided by the IAC at their November meeting.
Three potential investments in private equity were reviewed during the meeting: Bregal Sagemount V-B, L.P., Dover Street XII L.P., and the related Secondary Overflow Fund VI L.P.
The meeting also covered a strategic review of the liquidity fund, an asset allocation review with an accompanying timeline, and pacing plan overviews for private asset classes.
The IAC shares responsibility for Connecticut’s investment strategy and performance. Its members are appointed by unions representing teachers and state workers, legislative leaders, and the Governor. The IAC plays a key role in setting the pension funds’ investment policy and asset allocation, and in the hiring of key investment personnel. All IAC meetings are open to the public. Meeting materials, including past agendas and investment presentations, are available on the Office of the Treasurer’s website: Investment Advisory Council.
About the Office of the Treasurer
The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut’s financial resources through prudent cash and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and twelve state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state’s fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut’s social and policy priorities. The Office is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the first Black out LGBTQ person to win an election for statewide office in American history. Visit: Connecticut Office of the Treasurer Erick Russell.
Governor Ned Lamont today released the following statement regarding the announcement from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. that the Trump administration is cancelling billions of dollars in nationwide Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants, which provide resources for overdose prevention, addition recovery, and mental health services:
“The Trump administration’s recent decision to arbitrarily cut funding for mental health and substance use programs across Connecticut and the nation threatens essential services that countless Americans depend on. Halting previously promised funding creates unnecessary anxiety and jeopardizes care for some of our most vulnerable residents, especially those seeking help. As we evaluate the full impact, we demand the federal government reverse course on these dire cuts and ensure those seeking critical resources have access to them.”
CTcollab.com Introduces the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, a Platform Designed To Strengthen Partnerships Across the Creator Economy
Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of C4 – the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.
Now live at www.ctcollab.com, C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles at no cost, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty – from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.
“Connecticut’s story is being told every day by people who live here, work here, and love this place,” Governor Lamont said. “C4 is about recognizing that power and giving it structure. This platform helps our businesses connect with authentic storytellers who can grow their bottom line through authentic marketing and helps our creators turn passion into opportunity. It’s a modern economic development tool rooted in creativity, community, and connection.”
The launch of C4 coincides with Content MADE, the latest installment of Connecticut’s MADE Leadership Series, taking place today at the New Britain Museum of American Art with Governor Ned Lamont, Chief Marketing Officer Anthony Anthony, creators, and business partners in attendance.
“Creators are no longer a side channel — they are a primary way people discover places, brands, and experiences,” Anthony said. “C4 gives Connecticut a home base for that energy. It’s a smart, practical tool that helps businesses find the right voices, and helps creators build real, professional partnerships that are aligned, transparent, and impactful. Connecticut has an incredible creator community, and for too long there hasn’t been a clear front door for collaboration. C4 changes that. It makes our creator economy easier to navigate, easier to access, and easier to grow.”
The platform is designed not only for Connecticut-based creators, but also for regional voices who regularly tell Connecticut stories, reflecting how audiences actually consume content today.
C4 listings currently include some of the state’s most influential and trusted voices across food, travel, lifestyle, family, and culture – including Connecticut Bucket List, Reheated Coffee Club, Alexa Curtis, CTBites, The Connecticut Life, Alex P. Taylor, JimyOfficial, Michell C. Clark, Mommy Poppins Connecticut, Taste Connecticut, Angela Angulo, The New England Couple, and justPerezPlay, with new creators joining daily.
Users can explore creators by:
- Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
- Geographic focus
- Audience demographics
- Platform reach and specialties
For creators, C4 offers visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities. For businesses, it provides a trusted, efficient way to find partners who can bring their stories to life.
“C4 isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about building relationships,” Anthony said. “When the right creator and the right organization find each other, that’s when real storytelling happens, and that’s when Connecticut wins.”
C4 is free for creators to join and open now for businesses seeking collaboration partners.
To explore the platform or list as a creator, visit www.ctcollab.com.
Anyone in Need of Shelter is Urged to Visit 211ct.org or Call 2-1-1 For a List of Locations
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and remaining in effect until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026, due to a blast of cold air that will impact the state during this period, including overnight temperatures that are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens with wind chills ranging between zero and ten degrees.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
“As another blast of cold air moves into the state Thursday night, we’re activating this protocol to ensure that shelters and warming centers are available for anyone who needs it,” Governor Lamont said.
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
- The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
Anyone in Need of Shelter is Urged to Visit 211ct.org or Call 2-1-1 For a List of Locations
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and remaining in effect until 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, due to a blast of arctic conditions that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the overnight hours that are expected to drop into the single digits and near zero in some areas.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
“It’s looking like Christmas morning will start off with relatively normal temperatures for this time of year, however once the sun sets in the evening a cold blast will come into Connecticut and remain for the next several days,” Governor Lamont said. “With occasional gusts reaching up to 20 miles per hour, the winds will make it feel like it’s in the single digits and close to zero during the overnight hours. Activating this protocol helps ensure that shelters and warming centers are available across the state to anyone in need. If you or anyone you know is in need of a place to stay warm, please visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to get connected to these resources.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
- The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has proclaimed November 2025 as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Connecticut. The proclamation brings greater awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, while recognizing the thousands of Connecticut residents living with the condition and the many caregivers who support them.
Additionally, Governor Lamont today announced the release of a new Connecticut guide for navigating dementia care. Developed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, this guide was created to provide people living in Connecticut with information on resources to support someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is available in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded online at ct.gov/CTCaregiverGuide.
“Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects about 90,000 Connecticut residents, and for every person living with the disease, there are countless family members, friends, and care partners who are providing ongoing support,” Governor Lamont said. “This month, we honor their strength and reaffirm our commitment to advancing care, expanding resources, and supporting research.”
“Thanks to advances in medications, treatments, and supports, many individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are leading vibrant, active, and meaningful lives,” Manisha Juthani, MD, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said. “For those seeking guidance on navigating care, we partnered with the Department of Aging and Disability Services to develop Connecticut’s Guide for Navigating Dementia Care: A Guide for Caregivers and Care Partners to serve as a roadmap for families.”
“Every day, caregivers across Connecticut demonstrate extraordinary dedication, often balancing jobs, families, and personal responsibilities while supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer’s,” Amy Porter, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, said. “Their impact is profound, and as a state, we are dedicated to ensuring they do not walk this journey alone. I urge caregivers to connect with the many resources and support networks available through Aging and Disability Services and our state and community partners.”
“November is not only National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, it is also National Family Caregivers Month, during which we recognize the vital role caregivers play in the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia,” Laura Hoffman, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, said. “Caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging, and we aim to ensure that every caregiver in Connecticut has access to the support, education, and resources they need year-round.”
Throughout November, Connecticut state agencies and community partners will share resources, educational tools, and caregiver support information to help residents better understand Alzheimer’s disease and the services available in Connecticut.
For more information on statewide dementia resources, visit the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Connecticut Department of Public Health online, or contact the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
The Epsilon Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in partnership with H.A.V.E., Inc. invites youth ages between 14–18 to attend their Youth Leadership Summit! Please see below for additional details
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Wilbur Cross High School (181 Mitchell Drive, New Haven, CT)
This exciting and empowering event will feature interactive workshops, such as:
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AI Workshop & Demonstration
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College Readiness
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Conflict Resolution
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Student Athlete Development
Please note that breakfast and lunch is included!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with peers and mentors dedicated to youth excellence
Shamain McAllister Named New Director of Arts, Culture, and Tourism
The City of New Haven is excited to welcome Shamain “Sha” McAllister as the new Director of the Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism. McAllister brings a deep commitment to inclusive arts and cultural equity, as well as extensive experience across New Haven’s arts scene.
Since moving to New Haven in 2014, she has worked with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, contributed to the city’s Cultural Equity Plan and Vision 2034 Comprehensive Plan, and most recently served as Associate Director of Education & Community Impact at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. She has also led programs at Kulturally LIT and serves as Vice President of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven Board. Learn more about Shamain McAllister here.
In her new role, McAllister plans to build on the work of her predecessor, strengthen partnerships between public and private sectors, and ensure arts opportunities are accessible to all neighborhoods and communities.
New Edition, Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton Tourr
October 21, 2025
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a $1.5 million settlement with Alba Services, Inc., its owner Andrew Horan, and a network of related New York City construction and demolition companies (collectively, Alba) for repeatedly violating state workers’ compensation laws, retaliating against injured workers, and failing to address sexual harassment in the workplace. A wide-ranging investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) uncovered unlawful practices dating back nearly a decade and impacting more than 700 workers. Under the terms of the settlement, Alba must pay $1.4 million in restitution to current and former Alba employees and adopt sweeping reforms to comply with New York’s labor and human rights laws. In addition, Alba must pay $100,000 for a settlement administrator.
“For nearly a decade, Alba silenced injured workers, manipulated insurance costs, and allowed a culture of harassment to fester on its worksites,” said Attorney General James. “Today, I am proud to deliver $1.4 million to workers harmed by this misconduct. We have made sure that Alba can no longer threaten, intimidate, or exploit its workforce. My office will never allow companies to cheat workers out of their rights or create hostile workplaces that endanger their safety and dignity.”
The OAG launched an investigation in 2022 after a referral from Construction & General Building Laborers’ Local 79. Following a review of more than 60,000 pages of documents and dozens of witness interviews, OAG found that between 2016 and 2024, Alba failed to report hundreds of workplace injuries to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) as required by law and explicitly instructed employees not to file eligible claims. Of the injuries Alba was legally required to report, OAG determined that the company reported less than half. By keeping claims artificially low, Alba reduced its insurance costs and gained an unfair advantage over competitors.
Alba retaliated against employees who sought to file claims through harassment, threats, and financial incentives to stay silent. On at least two occasions, the company posted flyers publicly naming workers who had filed claims, accusing them of fraud and offering $5,000 for information leading to their arrests. Andrew Horan would also send text messages to his foremen unlawfully exposing the workers’ names and offering cash rewards for information about them. The OAG documented at least 60 instances in which Alba unlawfully disclosed workers’ names.
The investigation further revealed that Alba would sometimes interfere with medical treatment by sending company representatives to accompany injured workers to urgent care centers or hospitals and misrepresent how and where the injury occurred. Alba directed its workers to specific clinics it had agreements with to conceal workplace injuries and block workers’ compensation claims. In some cases, the company steered employees with serious injuries to their preferred urgent care clinics, despite the employee truly needing emergency room care.
In addition, OAG found that Alba failed to prevent sexual harassment and retaliated against employees who reported misconduct. At least two workers described repeated harassment by a foreman who sent inappropriate messages, made unwanted comments on their appearance, and engaged in physical contact. When the women rejected his advances, the foreman retaliated by assigning them to more grueling work. The harassment created a hostile environment for the targeted employees and contributed to a culture in which male colleagues bullied or ridiculed women seen as associated with the foreman. When one worker attempted to report the harassment, her hours were cut until she was ultimately removed from the schedule. As part of today’s settlement, Alba is required to terminate the foreman’s employment and adopt comprehensive anti-harassment policies and training to ensure workers are protected in the future.
Alba’s misconduct disproportionately harmed immigrant and non-union workers, many of whom reported intimidation and fear of retaliation when injured. By suppressing claims and discouraging employees from seeking benefits, Alba both cheated its workers and manipulated insurance premiums to cut costs.
As a result of the investigation, Attorney General James is requiring Alba to pay $1.4 million in restitution to the more than 700 employees injured between 2016 and 2024. Alba will pay an additional $100,000 for an independent settlement administrator. Eligible workers will be able to file claims through the settlement administrator. The fund will provide meaningful compensation to individuals who may have lost wages, faced medical expenses, had delayed medical treatment, been deterred from filing a workers’ compensation claim, or endured retaliation after workplace injuries. Any funds not used for administration will be redirected to maximize payments to affected workers, ensuring that every possible dollar goes to the workers Alba harmed.
Alba must also change its business practices to end these abuses. The company is required to accurately report all workplace injuries, stop retaliating against injured workers, and end interference with medical treatment or claims. It must establish and enforce robust sexual harassment prevention policies, conduct mandatory biannual trainings in English, Spanish, and Russian, and submit to three years of oversight by OAG, with the option to extend monitoring to six years if violations persist. Alba must also file biannual reports to OAG documenting compliance with workers’ compensation and human rights laws.
“Alba Services and their family of companies played the system for years while hard-working demolition workers struggled,” said Anthony Vita, Business Manager, Construction and General Building Laborers Local 79. “This settlement isn’t just about Alba, it is about non-union workers throughout the City who suffer under similar circumstances. This is an important step in leveling the playing field for responsible contractors. We appreciate Attorney General Letitia James' commitment to justice for all workers and thank her team for their hard work.”
“This settlement makes one thing clear: no employer is above the law. Exploiting and retaliating against workers will never be tolerated in New York,” said Brendan Griffith, President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “We commend Attorney General Letitia James for her fearless commitment to justice and thank our brothers and sisters at Local 79 for bringing these abuses to light. Nearly a thousand workers were silenced and mistreated, and today they are seen, heard, and vindicated. Accountability like this reminds every employer that when you harm workers, you answer to all of us.”
“Too often, unscrupulous contractors undermine the system and take advantage of vulnerable workers who are simply trying to support their families and pursue the middle class. And many times, they face little to no consequences for these transgressions,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades. “But today represents an instance of accountability and justice for hundreds of tradesmen and tradeswomen harmed by Alba's misconduct. We applaud Attorney General James for standing up for these workers and setting a precedent that abusive business practices will not be tolerated. All hardworking New Yorkers deserve to pursue their careers in a dignified and safe environment that equips them to not only make ends meet but lead fulfilling lives.”
“For years I struggled working for Alba services, I didn’t think there was a place to turn,” said a former Alba employee. “Today, Attorney General James sent a message that demolitionistas deserve justice.”
“I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James for standing up for us,” said a former Alba employee. “Not just for me but for all the workers left at Alba who now know that rights will be protected."
Attorney General James encourages New Yorkers who believe they have been victims of labor law violations or workplace sexual harassment to contact the OAG by filing a confidential complaint online or calling (212) 416-8700.
The OAG thanks the Workers’ Compensation Board for its assistance in the investigation.
This case is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to combat exploitative labor practices. In July, Attorney General James secured $148,000 for union workers denied paid sick leave, and in June, Attorney General James delivered $400,000 to underpaid New York City school security guards. In May, Attorney General James secured over $660,000 for health care workers who were recruited from abroad and coerced into exploitative contracts. In March, Attorney General James secured $750,000 and critical reforms to address sexual harassment and discrimination at Con Ed. In February, Attorney General James secured $16.75 million from DoorDash for cheating its delivery workers out of tips, and in January, Attorney General James recovered $1.1 million for Rikers Island cleaners cheated out of fair pay. In December 2024, Attorney General James recovered $4 million in withheld tips for former Drizly alcohol delivery workers. In September 2024, Attorney General James secured $17 million from two home health agencies for cheating its workers in a landmark wage parity agreement and returned $750,000 in stolen wages to employees of cell phone company Best Wireless. In November 2023, Attorney General James recovered $328 million for Uber and Lyft drivers whose earnings were shortchanged for years.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Donya Fernandez and Abigail Ramos, Workers’ Compensation Section Chief Alison Kent Friedman, Social Justice Coordinator Francisca Montana, and Auditor Investigator Erica Ciccarelli, under the supervision of Labor Bureau Chief Karen Cacace and Deputy Bureau Chief Young Lee. The Labor Bureau is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Letitia James
New York State Attorney
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