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Four Fights, a Lifetime of Preparation: Amelia Moore Ready to Shock the World on Saturday
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – Take a look at Amelia Moore’s professional record and you’ll see just four fights.  Dig a little deeper and you’ll understand why the undefeated American believes she is ready to become a world champion.

CES Boxing's Moore (4-0, 1 KO), the reigning NABF Lightweight Champion, takes the biggest step of her career this Saturday, August 29, when she challenges undefeated British star Caroline Dubois (13-0-1, 5 KOs) for the WBC and WBO Lightweight World Championships in the 10-round co-main event of MVPW-06: UK vs. USA at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England.

The Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) card is headlined by the super welterweight unification showdown between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron and will be broadcast live in the United States on ESPN+ and in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports.

For Moore, Saturday night represents the culmination of a journey that began long before her professional debut.

"When people say, 'She’s only 4-0,' if they’re only looking at BoxRec, it’s lazy journalism," said Moore. "Look at my amateur pedigree. My whole journey through Team USA and three Olympic cycles was always about becoming an Olympian."

Over the course of those 3 cycles, Moore fought over 120 times, winning two national championships (National Golden Gloves in 2017 and the USA Boxing National Championships in 2021) and earning gold medals at the Elite National Championships and National PAL in 2017. 

After becoming a US Olympic alternate at the 2020 Beijing Olympics, Moore finally decided to turn pro in 2024 under the CES Boxing promotional banner.

Just four professional fights later, the unbeaten American finds herself fighting on foreign soil for the unified lightweight championship.

That theme was front and center when Moore and Dubois came face-to-face in England to discuss their championship showdown.  While Dubois acknowledged Moore as a talented opponent, the champion repeatedly referred to the American as a potential "banana skin" on her quest toward becoming undisputed champion.

Moore, meanwhile, had a message for anyone judging her solely by the number of fights listed next to her name.

"A lot of people are like, ‘Well, is it too fast?’ I don’t believe so. I spent so much time in the amateurs.  When we stepped into this, the whole point was: go."

Indeed, after years competing at the highest levels of the amateur system, CES Boxing felt confident that Amelia had the pedigree to quickly move towards a world title.

"We’ve watched Amelia develop from one of the best amateurs in America into a confident, mature professional who belongs on this stage," explained CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr.  "We didn’t rush her here.  We prepared her for this moment.  She has spent years competing against elite fighters, traveling the world and developing the experience you need to handle a night like this."

After just three pro bouts, Moore captured the vacant NABF Lightweight Championship against Canadian veteran Bonnie Hunter.  One bout later, the Colorado Springs resident steps into a world championship fight against one of the sport’s most highly regarded young champions.

"Caroline Dubois is an outstanding champion and deserves tremendous respect, but Amelia isn’t going to Birmingham just to challenge for two world titles," said Burchfield. "She’s going there to bring them home."

It is a rapid ascent by traditional pro boxing standards, but Moore believes those standards fail to account for the realities of today’s women’s boxing, or the experience she accumulated before ever making her professional debut.

"This moves so much faster than the men’s side, where we see that it can take 20 fights just to get somebody into a contender spot," Moore said. "Fortunately or unfortunately, on the women’s side, we move way faster."

Dubois, however, made it clear she expects Moore’s meteoric rise to end in Birmingham.

The champion said she considers Moore a quality fighter and even suggested the American would be 50/50 in potential fights against lightweight champions Stephanie Han (WBA) and Elif Nur Turhan (IBF).

However, when Dubois was asked whether Moore’s extensive amateur background and three Olympic cycles presented a challenge that might be difficult to overcome, her response was emphatic.

"No," Dubois said. "I don’t see any challenge, but I hope Amelia comes to fight. She talks a lot about this, that and the other. I’m really excited to see what she’s going to bring, but whatever she brings, I just believe I’m better."

Those words only fuel Moore's determination.  Amelia understands that she enters Saturday’s fight as the underdog, fighting an English champion on British soil in only her fifth professional bout. She is also aware that many fans watching her for the first time will see her pro record and wonder whether the opportunity has arrived too soon.

Moore has no interest in trying to convince them otherwise.

"Whether someone is overlooking me or not, that’s not my job," she said. "It’s not my job to sway people’s opinions. It’s my job to put on a performance that’s undeniable."

On Saturday night in Birmingham, Amelia Moore finally gets that opportunity.

Four professional fights brought her here.

A lifetime in boxing prepared her for it.

For more information on CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.
 
INFORMATION

About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as "The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.", "Mayweather vs. Gotti III" and "The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton".
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
–CES–
 
 


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  1. Dixwell Community “Q” House to Host Fall Ball: “An Evening of Excellence and Elegance”

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Dixwell Community “Q” House invites the New Haven community and supporters from near and far to step into an evening of excellence, elegance, music, dinner and celebration at its 2nd Annual Fall Ball: “An Evening of Excellence and Elegance,” taking place Friday, September 18, 2026 at the QHouse, 197 Dixwell Ave., New Haven, CT.

The evening will bring together community members, families, supporters, civic leaders and friends of the Q House for a special celebration benefiting the organization’s mission to provide free, year-round programming for youth, adults and families.

Guests can choose from three ticket experiences:

  • VIP Ticket — $150: VIP Reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Fall Ball at 7:00 p.m.

  • Fall Ball Ticket — $100: Ball-only admission with doors opening at 7:00 p.m.

  • Senior Ticket — $75: Special Ball-only rate for members of the Dixwell/Newhallville Senior Center and Dixwell Senior Club, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Whether attending as a VIP guest, enjoying an elegant evening out with friends or celebrating with fellow members of the community, the Fall Ball offers an opportunity to dress up, dine, dance and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by the Q House.

More Than a Ball — An Investment in Community

Proceeds from the Fall Ball will directly support the Dixwell Community “Q” House and its commitment to keeping valuable programming accessible and free of charge throughout the year for youth, adults and families.

“'An Evening of Excellence and Elegance' is more than a night of celebration," states New Haven Alderwoman Jeanette L. Morrison, Ward22-NH & Chairwoman of QHouse. "It is an opportunity for the community to come together around a shared belief that strong communities are built when everyone has access to opportunities to learn, connect, grow and thrive."

Tickets & Event Information

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
VIP Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Fall Ball: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Dixwell Community “Q” House, 197 Dixwell Ave., New Haven, Connecticut

Tickets are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another guest. Guests must email the new guest’s name at least 24 hours before the event. Up to 20 tickets may be purchased per registration form.

Ticket sales close Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Free parking will be available in the Q House parking lot. The building is fully accessible, and guests requiring seating or accessibility accommodations are encouraged to contact the Q House in advance so arrangements can be made.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Businesses, organizations and community partners interested in making an even greater impact are invited to support the Fall Ball through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship information is available through the Fall Ball Sponsorship Packet at dixwellqhouse.org/fallball.

Registration & General Inquiries

Need assistance registering? Kaussar Rahman is available to help complete reservations by phone.

Registration Assistance:
krahman@leapforkids.org

General Fall Ball Inquiries:
qhousegala@leapforkids.org
475-306-6936

Dixwell Community “Q” House
475-306-6936
Dixwell Community “Q” House

Come dressed for the occasion. Come ready to celebrate. Come prepared to make a difference.

The Dixwell Community “Q” House Fall Ball — “An Evening of Excellence and Elegance” — is an evening where celebration meets community, and elegance helps create opportunity.

Media Contact:

Carla Morrison, 

Chit Chat Communications, 

(404) 319-2130,

ChitChatCommunications@gmail.com

www.ChitChatCommunications.biz

 


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Carla Morrison
Chit Chat Communications
PO Box 54066
Atlanta, Georgia. 30308
(404) 319-2130
@ChitChatComm
 
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HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut’s minimum wage will adjust to $17.48 per hour beginning January 1, 2027—an increase from the 2026 rate of $16.94 per hour.

The change is required under a state law Governor Lamont enacted in 2019 requiring the minimum wage to receive annual adjustments at the start of every calendar year based on economic indicators from the prior fiscal year. This law ensures that as the economy grows, the minimum wage grows with it.

“Nobody working a full-time job should live in poverty,” Governor Lamont said. “For too long, while the nation’s economy grew, the income of the lowest earning workers has stayed flat, making already existing pay disparities even worse and preventing hardworking families from obtaining financial security. That is why I enacted a law requiring the minimum wage to be adjusted every year based on the health of the economy. This is a fair, modest increase, and the money earned by workers will go right back into our own economy, supporting local businesses and our communities.”

“Connecticut’s minimum wage must be a dynamic and flexible standard that responds to changing economic conditions,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “We are proud to have one of the highest minimum wages in the country and this increase reflects Connecticut’s strong economy while ensuring that workers’ wages will continue to grow alongside it.”

As required under the law, the annual adjustment is based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the twelve-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor must review this percentage change and announce any necessary adjustments by October 15 of each year. Those adjustments must take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo reports that the employment cost index increased by 3.2% over the twelve-month period ending on June 30, 2026, accounting for a $0.54 increase to the state’s minimum wage that will become effective on January 1, 2027.

“Minimum wage increases ensure that Connecticut’s lowest wage workers aren’t left behind as the economy grows,” Commissioner Bartolomeo said. “Minimum wage earners are particularly vulnerable to inflation and cost increases that widen wage gaps; this law helps them keep up and promotes a stable economy.”

According to the Current Population Survey as calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60% of minimum wage earners in Connecticut are women and people of color.

Continuing forward under this law, Connecticut workers and employers can anticipate that announcements declaring the adjustment in the minimum wage that will become effective on January 1 of the approaching year will be made during the second half of each calendar year.

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Six-Week Program Provides Aspiring Paraeducators With Exam Preparation, Mentorship, and a Pathway Into Connecticut’s Special Education Workforce


(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced that registration is open for the Connecticut State Department of Education’s newly launched Paraeducator Preparation Academy.

This free, six-week program prepares aspiring paraeducators for the ParaPathways assessment required for employment in Connecticut by providing instruction from certified bilingual educators, covering the full cost of study materials and the exam, and offering Spanish-language support.

The inaugural pilot session will run from August 17, 2026, through September 23, 2026, at the Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center in East Hartford. Registration is open through the first day of class. Once the inaugural session reaches capacity, additional applicants will be placed on a wait list and notified of future academy offerings. Additional sessions at locations across Connecticut are planned to begin this fall.

“Paraeducators are essential members of our school communities, and Connecticut needs more talented people answering that call,” Governor Lamont said. “This academy removes barriers, creates new opportunities, and helps build the strong special education workforce our students deserve. It is another example of how we are investing in opportunity while strengthening public education across our state.”

“Every student benefits from caring, well-prepared educators, and paraeducators are an indispensable part of that success,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “By eliminating the cost of training and exam fees, providing mentoring, and connecting participants with hiring school districts, the Paraeducator Preparation Academy creates new opportunities for aspiring paraeducators while strengthening Connecticut’s educator workforce.”

Delivered in partnership with Alliance School Districts, paraeducator unions, community organizations, and Educational Testing Service, the academy connects participants who successfully complete the program and pass the ParaPathways assessment with districts seeking to hire paraeducators. Once employed, participants are paired with experienced mentor paraeducators as they begin their careers.

“The Paraeducator Preparation Academy is exactly what Connecticut needs—a powerful recruitment tool that makes clear this work is a profession, not a position,” Tricia Santos, co-chair of the Paraeducator Advisory Council and staff representative for AFSCME Council 4, said. “Paraeducators are lifelines to our students, and this academy ensures every new para enters with real training, real mentorship, and real preparation to meet the moment.”

“This innovative pilot program is an important investment in aspiring paraeducators, giving them the tools and support they need to help students succeed from day one,” Shellye Davis, president of the Hartford Federation of Paraeducators Local 2221 and divisional vice president for Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel of AFT Connecticut, said. “When we invest in paraeducators, we invest in the future of every classroom.”

Funding for the Paraeducator Preparation Academy is provided through the special education training, education, and testing competitive grant program, which is supported by a $1 million state investment.

To learn more or register, visit the Paraeducator Preparation Academy webpage at portal.ct.gov/sde/talent_office/talent-office-home-page/paraeducator-preparation-academy.

 


 
 
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HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today are reminding Connecticut families that during the summer months, nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state, helping to ensure that students continue to have access to healthy meals while school out.

Any child age 18 and younger may receive meals at participating locations. No application, proof of income, or identification are required.

To locate participating meal sites, use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Site Finder at www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder or call 2-1-1. Because locations and operating hours may change throughout the summer, families are encouraged to confirm location and meal service times before visiting.

“Access to nutritious meals is essential to supporting children’s health, well-being, and success,” Governor Lamont said. “We encourage families to take advantage of this important resource available in communities across Connecticut throughout the summer.”

“Good nutrition supports healthy development and helps ensure students are ready to learn when they return to school,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “We are grateful to the schools and community partners across Connecticut who make this program possible for thousands of children each summer.”

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Service Program extends the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during the summer months. Summer meal locations are operated by schools, municipalities, camps, colleges, and nonprofit organizations and are located in a variety of different places, like parks, schools, pools, libraries and more.

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Live LAST Sunday 7/12/2026 doing there classic joints and more@ Dooley-o Jackson FESTIVAL come to the fest outside event free.99!! Vendors Food and celebrations a day for Hip Hop!31194944892?profile=RESIZE_710x

Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, INI is a revered hip hop group whose legacy is deeply rooted in the golden era of East Coast rap. Affiliated with legendary producer Pete Rock, the group consists of Rob-O, Grap Luva, I Love, and Marco Polo (Jolomite)—each contributing to a collective sound defined by lyrical precision, street-level insight, and classic boom-bap aesthetics.INI is best known for their cult-classic album The Life I Live, recorded in the late 1990s and later released to widespread acclaim. Though initially shelved, then bootlegged under the title Center of Attention, the album gained legendary status among hip hop purists, celebrated for its soulful production, vivid storytelling, and uncompromising authenticity. Over time, Center of Attention has been recognized as a hidden gem of the era—frequently cited by fans, DJs, and critics as a benchmark for underground excellence.Closely linked to Pete Rock’s production lineage, INI’s sound embodies the essence of New York hip hop: gritty yet refined, lyrical yet accessible. Their influence can be heard across generations of artists who value craftsmanship over trends.Today, INI’s music continues to connect with global audiences, making them a compelling presence for festivals, live showcases, and heritage hip hop events. Whether performing classic material or introducing their catalog to new listeners, INI delivers a powerful reminder of hip hop’s foundation—culture, skill, and soul

 

The Life I Live and disputes with Elektra Records

The group started working on their debut album, with the working title The Life I Live, together with producer Pete Rock in the mid-1990s. They signed a deal with his newfound imprint Soul Brother Records through Elektra. Despite the fact that Pete Rock was not an official member of the group, it became synonymous with his name. He produced almost every track on Center of Attention, and his younger brother Grap Luva formed a crucial part of the group. Pete Rock had two guest verses in the album on tracks "Fakin Jax" and "Think Twice", with additional ad-libs and background vocals on almost every track.

In 1996, the lead single from their album, Fakin' Jax saw release and became an underground hit.[1] Unbeknownst at the time, this single ultimately ended up being the group's only release on the label. Pete Rock later revealed that management shifts were to blame for the album changing title from The Life I Live to Center of Attention before eventually being shelved:

“When I finished the InI album, there was a guy who was the president who approved of InI and got them signed to Elektra... But once Sylvia Rhone came into the picture things didn’t work out between me and her. We didn’t have the greatest relationship. She came in with some of her own insights, which I didn’t approve of, and I felt she didn’t understand real Hip-Hop music. She came in with the brand new polished sound, which was, to me, it was like water to skin. It just rolls off of you. It doesn’t stick to you… I felt like me and her, I didn’t feel like we would have a great relationship with our thought processes going in different directions.”[2]

Following the disputes with Sylvia Rhone, Pete Rock's relationship with Elektra Records quickly turned sour, which led to his distribution deal with them ending, along with the demise of Soul Brother Records. As a result, two releases he was working on at the time (InI's Center of Attention and Deda's The Original Baby Pa) never came out due to legal complications surrounding the ownership of the masters.

Aftermath

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Despite the initial lack of an official release, the album eventually became one of the most bootlegged albums in hip-hop's history.[citation needed] In 2003, it finally saw an official release after being included on Lost & Found: Hip Hop Underground Soul Classics, a double LP of Pete Rock's mid-1990s production work, originally canceled by Elektra Records.[3]

In 2016, Center of Attention was made available for streaming, along with other unreleased recordings Rock had been working on at the time.[3]

The Song "Step Up" was featured in the video game Skate It. Working with EA games, Pete Rock also has a song called "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" which was featured in the video game Madden NFL 12, which was released August 30th, 2011.

InI had released a demo-tape called "Krossroads", and "Concerned", Grap Luva describes this as their earliest tapes. "Concerned" appears to be called "For Your Own Concern" although it was called "Concerned" by InI. A friend of Grap Luva from France was responsible for sharing the "Concerned" track. "The beat is sick", Grap describes. The song talks about safe sex; thus the title, to be concerned. Rob-O's verse on "To Each His Own" from InI's album was the same verse which he had used on the early tape "Concerned".

After Center of Attention got shelved, the group members went their separate ways, with only two of them staying in the music scene to pursue solo careers. Grap Luva released a few limited 12" singles in the new millennium and aspired toward achieving his true interest in being a b-boy and producer. He appeared, and produced on various albums and singles from artists such as DJ SpinnaJ-LivePete RockLone CatalystsKev Brown and Marley Marl.[citation needed] Rob-O would release many singles throughout the next decade as well as an 8-track album named "Superspectacular" through an imprint called St. Nick Entertainment. After the 2006 release of his compilation album "Rhyme Pro", Rob-O retired from the hip hop scene and joined the Mount Vernon, New York Fire Department, where he currently serves as its chief of operations after being appointed into the position in 2020.

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Saturdays, 10 AM to 1 PM
Now through October 24
197 Dixwell Avenue
Farm fresh produce from Connecticut farmers, plus meat, dairy, and eggs, right outside the Q House. Stop by for what's in season and support local growers.
Double your SNAP and FMNP dollars
$1 becomes $2 on all fruits and vegetables.
SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Senior FMNP accepted.
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Press Release

Venezuelan Nationals Charged with Stealing More Than $500K in ATM “Jackpotting” Scheme

 
Monday, June 29, 2026
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that the following four individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to the theft of more than $500,000 in an ATM “jackpotting” scheme:

EUCLIDES MORENO ITANARE, 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina
WILLIAN RICARDO FLORES, 49, of the Bronx, New York
ALBERTO JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 41, of Queens, New York
LUIS JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 38, of Lynn, Massachusetts

The four defendants are citizens of Venezuela.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2025, Itanare, Flores, Alberto Freites Arvilla, Luis Freites Arvilla, and others conspired to steal cash from at least nine ATM’s in Connecticut through what is known as a “jackpotting” scheme.  Jackpotting often involves using specialized hardware and malware that forces an ATM to dispense its stored cash.

It is alleged that the defendants accessed ATMs in Milford and Ansonia, and at I-95 rest stops in Fairfield, Branford, Madison, and Darien.  For each of the thefts, the pattern of behavior was similar.  Surveillance video shows that while Luis Freites Arvilla acted as a lookout, Alberto Freites Arvilla opened the hood of the ATM, accessed the internal components of the ATM, and then left the area.  Over the course of several hours, Luis Freites Arvilla, Itanare, and Flores then took turns withdrawing cash from the ATM.  The defendants sometimes changed clothes in an attempt to avoid suspicion when approaching the same ATM multiple times.

It is alleged that the defendants stole $529,220 from eight ATMs between August 8 and August 18, 2025.  They were prevented from stealing any money from the ATM in Ansonia due to a software patch that protected the ATM against this type of theft.

The four defendants were arrested on June 25, 2026, on federal criminal complaints charging each with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  They are currently detained.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Raleigh (N.C.) Police Department, and the New York City Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Updated June 29, 2026
 
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HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut is one of several states partnering with RAISE US, a newly launched nonprofit organization that is bringing together states, employers, workers, and educators to build a workforce infrastructure that supports and trains workers to thrive in the modern, AI economy.

Connecticut’s partnership with RAISE US is part of Governor Lamont’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Connecticut’s workforce and employers are prepared and can succeed in a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Last month, Governor Lamont signed legislation establishing new training programs to help prepare Connecticut’s workforce with the developing technical skills related to AI.

“AI is going to reshape the world, and we need to ensure that Connecticut workers and Connecticut jobs benefit from these breakthroughs and do not get left behind,” Governor Lamont said. “Through this partnership with RAISE US, we are committing to take practical next steps to ensure our state has the policies, coalitions, and resources in place to help workers gain new skills, support families through periods of change, and connect people to growing careers. I want the workforce of Connecticut to look at the years ahead and see opportunity, not uncertainty.”

The objective of RAISE US is to recognize that these modern technological advances and their impact on the economy require a holistic approach involving state partnerships, employer coalitions, education and training partnerships, and policy innovations. The organization was co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who is serving as its CEO, and former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who is serving as co-chair of its board of directors.

“America has a technology strategy for leading the global AI competition. It does not yet have a people strategy—and we cannot lead without one,” Raimondo said. “If we build the best AI systems in the world and leave millions of Americans behind, we won’t have won anything; we’ll have automated our own decline. I believe AI will create new jobs and industries over time, but the transition could be disruptive, and it’s already underway. We shouldn’t fearmonger, but we can’t pretend our training and worker support systems are ready, either. It’s time for innovative and practical solutions. This moment demands ambition, urgency, and creativity. We’ve assembled the country's leading companies, best economists, and philanthropy at a scale rarely seen—all to advance new ideas and incentives, pilot them with governors and business, and scale what works.”

“This isn’t red versus blue; it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment,” Holcomb said. “As governor, I made workforce development the centerpiece of my administration that helped train Hoosiers in every corner of the state. I learned this work gets done at the state level, in partnership with employers—not by mandates from Washington. RAISE US gives state leaders a playbook that connects more Americans with the skills and careers needed in the years ahead.”

Other states partnering with RAISE US as the organization launches include Arkansas, Maryland, and Utah. The organization is also partnering with several leading global technology companies and labor groups, and is building a set of partnerships to support its research, policy, and employer-engagement work with numerous research and consulting groups.

 

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(HARTFORD, CT) – On Tuesday morning, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Treasurer Erick Russell, and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch will make an announcement regarding the state’s Unclaimed Property program and host a brief public ceremony to reunite families of Connecticut veterans with military medals that have been recovered through the program. The ceremony will be open to the media and will be followed by a press availability.

WHO: Senator Blumenthal, Treasurer Russell, Commissioner Welch, family members of CT veterans

WHAT: Announcement re: the CT Unclaimed Property Program and ceremony to return unclaimed military medals to families of Connecticut veterans

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2026; 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: State Office Building, visitor entrance lobby; 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford

 

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Governor Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol From Tuesday Through Sunday

Posted on June 29, 2026

   
   

Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting www.211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1


(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as a long-duration heat wave is expected to impact Connecticut, he is ordering the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and remaining in effect through at least 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for most of the area during this period, and Connecticut has the potential to reach the warning-level criteria. Peak temperatures are expected during the afternoon hours of Thursday, July 2, 2026, and Friday, July 3, 2026, when highs are expected to reach 100 degrees and heat indices could climb up to 110 degrees each day.

Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol functions to ensure that the post vulnerable populations receive protection from the severely hot and humid weather, which could be life threatening, especially for those of a certain age or with certain medical conditions. While activated, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers will be available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the last that will be published online at www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

“Over the next few days, Connecticut is expected to experience a stretch of very hot and humid conditions, including through the Independence Day weekend, and we want to get the word out that that cooling centers are opening statewide for anyone who needs some relief, especially those who are most vulnerable to these extreme conditions,” Governor Lamont said. “To locate a nearby cooling center, visit www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1.”

The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather 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.
  • Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
  • Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
  • The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

  • Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
  • People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
  • People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
  • People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
  • People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

  • Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
  • Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
  • Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
  • Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

 


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Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting www.211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1


(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a multi-day stretch of severely hot and humid conditions, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and continuing until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

During this period, temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees each day, meeting the National Weather Service (NWS) definition of a heat wave, with the heat index reaching or exceeding 100 degrees at times. Heat advisories have been issued by NWS for most of the state. Conditions are expected to be the most severe around the inland areas.

This is the first time this year the protocol has been activated. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severely hot and humid conditions. While the protocol is enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers will be available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the last that will be published online at www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

“This protocol helps ensure that everyone has access to a safe place to stay cool and get relief from the extremely hot and humid conditions outside,” Governor Lamont said. “This is the first heat wave Connecticut is expected to experience so far this year, and we want to get the word out that when temperatures get this hot, people who are most vulnerable—especially those who are of a certain age or who have certain medical conditions—should take the necessary precautions to stay cool. To locate a nearby cooling center, view the list that will be published online at www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1.”

The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather 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.
  • Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
  • Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
  • The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

  • Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
  • People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
  • People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
  • People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
  • People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

  • Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
  • Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
  • Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
  • Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

 

Read more…
  1. Federal Cuts Response Fund To Help Residents Losing SNAP Benefits Due to New Federal Rules

    Posted on June 3, 2026

       
       

    Grocery Assistance Will Support 25,000 Connecticut Residents Facing Loss of Federal Nutrition Benefits


    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced a plan to use $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to the roughly 25,000 Connecticut residents expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a result of certain federal rule changes instituted by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.

    “Connecticut will not stand by as the Trump administration uses hunger as a weapon against working families, veterans, and our most vulnerable,” Governor Lamont said. “These new SNAP work requirements represent a cruel decision and fundamental shift away from the program’s core mission of ensuring our neighbors don’t go hungry.  I am particularly troubled by the decision to eliminate the exemption for veterans who risked their lives for our country and now are having the rug pulled out from under them. We are providing this assistance as a bridge to prevent people from going hungry as we help them navigate these changes. I hope that Congress will end the inhumane and immoral cuts that President Trump pushed for after Americans elect a new Congress this fall.”

    Under Governor Lamont’s plan, eligible individuals who have recently lost SNAP eligibility due to federal changes in work requirements will receive a grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at grocery stores. While applying for benefits, applicants will be connected with services to help them regain SNAP eligibility where possible.

    These benefits and services will be administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) through a partnership with the state’s network of community action agencies, which will assist with outreach, eligibility verification, and distribution of benefits. In addition to the grocery card funding, the plan includes $1 million for administrative costs related to the distribution of this aid and related services.

    “No one in Connecticut should have to worry about putting food on the table because of a policy decision made in Washington,” DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “This one-time grocery assistance will provide an immediate lifeline to thousands of our neighbors who are losing food benefits through no fault of their own. The Connecticut Department of Social Services is in complete support of Governor Lamont’s commitment to reach every eligible resident as quickly as possible. And we want to express our deep appreciation to the community action agencies for their partnership, which will ensure that this support gets into the hands of those who need it most.”

    “I pushed for this nutrition funding because I see the devastation from HR1 and the Trump administration every day in my neighborhood in Middletown and across the district I represent,” State Senator Matt Lesser, co-chair of the legislature’s Human Services Committee, said. “The president just last week said he doesn’t care about families struggling with high gas and grocery prices. We are lucky to have Governor Lamont who gets up every day and works to protect the people of Connecticut from Washington overreach. I am incredibly grateful that he is doing the right thing—and promising to do more going forward. I am excited to partner with Governor Lamont and DSS on nutrition supports.”

    Complete details are outlined in the plan submitted today by Governor Lamont to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly. This is the fourth such plan for use of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund that Governor Lamont has submitted to legislative leaders since the fund was created late last year.


    Prior use of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund

    Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established by Governor Lamont and the state legislature in late 2025 to ensure the state remains well-positioned to address federal policy and funding challenges implemented by the Trump administration.

    As required under the law establishing it, any time the governor wants to make an expenditure he must submit a plan to the Democrat and Republican legislative leaders detailing the reasons for the fund’s use, and then the leaders have 24 hours to review and—if it is their will—vote to disapprove of the expenditures. All three of Governor Lamont’s previously submitted plans were approved without objection.

    The prior plans include those submitted on:

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Hey New Haven!

Join us, The Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven CT, for our annual City of New Haven Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony and Press Conference on Monday, June 1st from 1pm - 1:30pm on the New Haven Green by the fountain. See you there!

Save Our 13th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Dates!

Thursday June 18th
6pm - 9pm
Juneteenth Kick Off
Flint Street Theater

Friday June 19th
Juneteenth Jamboree featuring our beloved Elder Honoring Ceremony and New Haven All-Stars Performances
3pm - 9pm
New Haven Lower Green

Saturday, June 20th Juneteenth Village & Marketplace
New Haven Lower Green

Sunday, June 21st
1pm - 5pm
New Haven Hip-Hop Conference Part 1
Queens of the Culture Ideas Talk
New Haven Museum

Sunday, June 14th - Sunday, June 21st
Juneteenth Restaurant Week
Various Locations

Saturday, July 11th - Sunday, July 12th
8th New Haven Hip-Hop Conference Part 2
Neighborhood Music School

Go to www.artsucation.org or www.artidea.org for more details.

Click here for the Juneteenth vendor registration form.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=uR3sTYrtiEKOMx27H1ckj9zz38DDhZ5DsbdDgESch41UNDdQODlIWUdEWE1MWllZNUZRRTJHUEpSTyQlQCN0PWcu

Happy Juneteenth! ❤️🤍💙

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