May 7, 2026

Dear Friend,

I am reaching out with a heartfelt reminder and invitation to join me for a special evening celebrating one of New Haven’s own, Pennsylvania State Representative Regina Bromell Young. Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988108155010?aff=oddtdtcreator

On Friday, May 15, 2026, 5pm community leaders, professionals, educators, elected officials, Divine 9 members, friends, and supporters will gather at Q Bar & Kitchen in New Haven to recognize a leader whose roots in our city continue to shape her commitment to public service and progress.

Representative Young’s journey began in New Haven Public Schools (Hillhouse c/o '91) and continued through Central Connecticut State University before leading her to the Pennsylvania State House, where she now champions policies that create opportunities for working families, students, and communities. Her success is a reflection of the strength, resilience, and promise of the community that helped raise her.

This reception is more than a networking event — it is an opportunity to show that New Haven stands behind leaders who continue to open doors, inspire future generations, and make meaningful impacts beyond our city limits.

Your attendance and support will help:

Celebrate a hometown leader making a difference on a broader stage

Strengthen relationships among civic, business, educational, and community leaders

Encourage continued leadership focused on education, workforce growth, and economic opportunity

Demonstrate the power of communities supporting their own

Whether you attend to reconnect with colleagues, expand your network, or simply show support, your presence will contribute to an evening centered on unity, leadership, and progress.

We would be honored to have you join us.

Fundraising Reception Honoring Representative Regina Bromell Young
Friday, May 15, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Q Bar & Kitchen
3 Clifton Street
New Haven, Connecticut

Please RSVP here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988108155010?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in an evening that celebrates leadership, legacy, and the enduring connection between New Haven and those who continue to represent its values with distinction.

Sincerely,

Carla Morrison​

--
Carla Morrison
Chit Chat Communications
PO Box 54066
Atlanta, Georgia. 30308
(404) 319-2130
www.chitchatcommunications.biz
@ChitChatComm

"Bridging the gap between you and your public"
Content Creator
Social Media Expert
Traditional PR / Marketing
Writer
Photography / Videography

Thank you to everyone who joined us on February 9 at Hillhouse High School for the latest community conversation about the future of the Goffe Street Armory. We had a strong turnout and heard thoughtful ideas about how the Armory can serve the community moving forward.

Attached is a recap of the meeting, highlighting the key themes, ideas shared, and priorities that emerged from the discussion.

Community members spoke about the importance of arts and creative space, food and entrepreneurship opportunities, recreation, and social programs that support connection across generations.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 7, 2026, to honor the life and public service legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away earlier this month.

The tribute will coincide with a homegoing service in Reverend Jackson’s honor that has been scheduled for that day at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Community House in Chicago, Illinois.

“Reverend Jesse Jackson is an icon of the civil rights movement and a lifelong champion for justice and equality,” Governor Lamont said. “His work expanded opportunity and gave voice to those too often unheard. I had the honor of spending some time with him and I will always remember and be inspired by his passion and commitment in fighting for the principles of freedom, liberty, and equality upon which our country was founded. Connecticut joins the nation in mourning his passing and honoring his extraordinary legacy.”

“Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life fighting fiercely for civil rights and social justice, inspiring millions to join him along the way,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “His work in advocacy and policy has forever changed our society. We can carry forth his legacy by striving for greater equality and justice in our communities, Connecticut, and our country.”

In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.

To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.

Governor Ned Lamont today is urging Connecticut residents to prepare for the potential of blizzard conditions impacting the state starting on the night of Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into the morning and throughout the day on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Various weather models right now are forecasting that the southern half of Connecticut may receive anywhere from between 16 to 22 inches of snow, while the northern half of the state may receive between 10 to 16 inches. Some models are predicting higher accumulations. Of particular concern with this approaching storm are the very strong wind gusts that are expected to impact the entire state, with gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour at times. Moderate coastal flooding is also expected at times of high tide.

The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm containing heavy or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 miles per hour for at least three hours and visibilities frequently less than a quarter mile.

As of this afternoon, Winter Storm Watches have been issued for northern Connecticut, Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for southern Connecticut, and Blizzard Warnings have been issued along the coast, starting at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday and lasting until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

“The forecast changed very quickly over the last 24 hours, and now it appears that we have a significant storm heading in our direction that is likely to bring blizzard conditions,” Governor Lamont said. “In addition to high rates of snowfall, the particular concern with this storm are the very strong wind gusts, which will make travel extremely dangerous and will cause visibility to be very low. I am urging everyone to plan ahead and stay off the roads on Sunday night and through at least Monday morning. We are monitoring the forecast as it evolves, and I advise everyone to stay alert for updates throughout the weekend.”

Connecticut Emergency Operations Center to become partially activated Sunday afternoon

In preparation for the storm, Governor Lamont is ordering an in-person, partial activation of the Connecticut Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday to monitor conditions and quickly respond to any needs that arise.

Located in Hartford, the EOC is the state’s central emergency management hub, where state leaders, agencies, and partners coordinate information, resources, and strategies to manage emergency situations. Additionally, the state’s five regional emergency management offices will also become partially activated on Sunday in locations across the state.

Under the state’s emergency management plan, a partial activation means that EOC partners from several of the primary state agencies that are responsible for managing emergency situations will be coordinating continually during the storm. A full activation, should it be needed, requires additional state agencies to participate. Those agencies remain on standby and are providing assistance as needed.

Connecticut’s fleet of snowplows are ready for deployment; motorists urged to plan ahead and use caution

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment statewide. Crews will work around the clock as needed to clear snow and ice and restore safe travel conditions.

Motorists are strongly urged to plan ahead and avoid travel during the height of the storm. If drivers must be on the roads, they are urged to use the following tips:

• Delay travel if possible: Staying home during the storm is the safest option.
• Slow down: Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.
• Leave extra space: Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.
• Be vehicle-ready: Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.
• Pack emergency supplies: Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.
• Stay informed: Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.org before traveling.
• Never drive impaired: Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.

When approaching a snowplow, motorists are urged to:

• Give plows space: Stay well behind plows and avoid their blind spots, especially in the rear corners.
• Never pass in active plowing zones: Passing snowplows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions with thrown snow or the plow itself.
• Be patient: Plows often drive slowly to clear snow effectively; crowding or tailgating can endanger both drivers and operators.

For more information about winter driving safety and snowplow awareness, visit nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.

Stay informed

For real-time updates on incidents that may be impacting state roads, visit CTroads.org.

Those using public transportation are encouraged to sign up for alert notifications with their transit operators, as schedule changes and service disruptions are likely during the storm.

To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.

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

Read on CT.gov

Vice President Harris and People For the American Way partner to build lasting progressive infrastructure online

 

Today, Vice President Kamala Harris and People For the American Way announced the revival and rebrand of the KamalaHQ accounts as a new project: Headquarters. 

KamalaHQ played a critical role in the 2024 presidential campaign as the accounts helped to move key messages like Project 2025 from the “left bubble” and into the mainstream. Now, the Vice President is partnering with People For the American Way – one of the most storied membership organizations in the country – to build an effort to mobilize pro-justice, pro-fairness, pro-democracy young people against far-right extremism. This combination of these large social media accounts and an organization that has for decades been at the nexus of culture and politics will help power the progressive movement for another generation. 

Conservatives build permanent organizing infrastructure. Progressives have historically built machines that dismantle after Election Day. Headquarters is the end of that cycle. 

Harris will be the Chair Emerita of Headquarters, and many of the staff behind KamalaHQ will be reuniting. The project will be advised by Rob Flaherty, former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Harris campaign and Parker Butler and Lauren Kapp, the leaders of the KamalaHQ team from 2024. Arlie Shugaar, who also worked with the KamalaHQ team, will join the People For the American Way staff as Director of Platforms for the accounts.

In a video, launched today on the account, Harris said: “I have good news: Kamala HQ is turning into Headquarters. It's where you can go online to get the latest of what's going on, and also to meet and revisit with some of our great and courageous leaders — be they elected leaders, community leaders, civic leaders, faith leaders, young leaders. I'm really excited about it. Stay engaged, and I'll see you out there.”

Svante Myrick, President of People For the American Way, said: “Vice President Harris has spent her entire career fighting for the voices of young people – we’re thrilled to take the baton to build KamalaHQ into a youth mobilization organization that can withstand the test of time. This work was built into People For’s DNA: leveraging culture to change our politics. We’re excited to work with her on this next chapter.” 

People For The American Way was founded in 1984 by television producer Norman Lear to challenge the far right agenda of the Moral Majority and has grown to a network of more than a million members and supporters. In the years since, People For has been one of the nation’s leading incubators for Democracy: housing projects like Right Wing Watch, a leading platform holding far right extremists accountable, and using its connection to artists and cultural icons to inspire and empower progressive leaders nationwide. 

Additional Background Information:

• Harris will join People For the American Way as the Chair Emerita of Headquarters, an honorary role. 
• Kirsten Allen, the Vice President’s senior advisor, will join People For as a member of the Board of Directors. 
• Harris’ role is ex-officio, and she will not maintain editorial oversight of the project. All programmatic decisions will be made by Headquarters and the leadership of People For
• The program will operate the original HQ accounts, but will also expand to YouTube, Substack, and other platforms.
• As part of the program, HQ will be used to funnel young people into both online and offline action for progressive values, leveraging People For’s existing resources.

###

About People For the American Way:

People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of American ideals real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more at peoplefor.org.

 

 

still building, still showing up

MINNEAPOLIS–The Office of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement following the incident at her town hall in North Minneapolis.

“During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe. Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win.”

###

NEW BRITAIN, CT – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) announced the expansion of her “Casework on Your Corner” (COYC) program with a new location in New Britain. This is the fourth location to be added, with monthly events already happening in Danbury, Meriden and Simsbury. With her district office in Waterbury, COYC brings staff to various locations to assist constituents.

The first event in New Britain will be held on Thursday, January 29^th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 W. Main Street, Room 201. Caseworkers will be on-site to help residents with issues involving federal agencies.

“Too often, people do not know where to turn when they need help navigating government agencies. With a district of 41 cities and towns, Casework on Your Corner is about meeting people where they are,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “By bringing casework to the community, we are making our office more accessible, more responsive, and more accountable to the people we serve.”

Since coming to office, we have closed more than 439 cases for constituents in New Britain and helped to return over $3,589,522 from the federal government to New Britain residents. Hosting “Casework on Your Corner” in New Britain further strengthen this work and expands our services to constituents.

Our office is available to help with Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Internal Revenue Services (IRS), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or any federal issue.

If constituents have questions about “Casework on Your Corner,” our office is available at 860-223-8412. For a full list of 2026 Casework on Your Corner” dates across the Fifth District, please click here.

What constituents are saying about “Casework on Your Corner”:

"Congresswoman Hayes’ staff were wonderful in helping me on an issue with Social Security. After my dad passed away, I spent nine months trying to get the last payment that was owed to his estate. Congresswoman Hayes’ office reached out and got the payment released within a few days” – Aileen, New Britain

"My wife and I had not been able to get an explanation from the IRS as to why our tax refund had been delayed beyond the expected time frame. I reached out to Congresswoman Hayes’ office and a caseworker provided a clear answer resolving the problem in a very timely manner.” -  John, New Britain

"I want to thank Congresswoman Hayes and her staff for interceding on my behalf in regards to my USPS retirement process. Without their help, I do not think my retirement would have resolved itself in the manner it did. Most appreciated, thank you.” – Sharon, New Britain

2026 New Britain "Casework on Your Corner" Dates

January 29, 2026

February 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

May 28, 2026

April 30, 2026

June 25, 2026

July 30, 2026

August 27, 2026

September 24, 2026

October 29, 2026

November 16, 2026

December 17, 2026

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s Chris Jansing Reports, where he made clear that Democrats have called for Kristi Noem to be fired and will continue to use every avenue available to hold Donald Trump and DHS accountable for their out of control behavior.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, Chris. Thank you for having me on. Kristi Noem is a despicable, corrupt, pathological liar. We’ve seen her slander not just one but two American citizens, patriotic Americans who were killed without justification on the streets of Minneapolis in the last few weeks. She’s deeply unqualified. She never should have been confirmed to begin with by Senate Republicans. And House Democrats have called for her to be fired immediately. And in the event that she is not terminated, we are prepared to initiate impeachment proceedings against her in the House of Representatives.

CHRIS JANSING: Well, the President has given no indication that he’s ready to fire her or even thinking about it. And you, as I don’t need to tell you, are in the minority. So how do you do that? I mean, what can you do? Have you spoken to the Speaker? Do you have any sense that there are Republicans who would stand by you in an impeachment process?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We have to build the case so that we can convince a handful of Republicans, as we have done on other issues, that the time is now to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable for their behavior. They are conducting themselves like a paramilitary organization as opposed to protecting the health, the safety and the well-being of the American people. They are violently targeting American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families and it’s unacceptable, it’s unconscionable and it’s un-American. We’re prepared to hold hearings, as we’ve done in other instances, and use every tool available to make sure that Kristi Noem is held accountable, but even more importantly, of course, we support the effort by Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats to force common sense changes to the Department of Homeland Security so that these law enforcement agencies are behaving like every other law enforcement agency in the country, as opposed to like a paramilitary organization, which is what the American people have seen on the streets of Minneapolis.

CHRIS JANSING: Are there conversations going on with Republicans to make that happen? Do you see any reasonable expectation that the government is not going to shut down at the end of the week?

LEADER JEFFRIES: What has been proposed by Senate Democrats, which is something that we of course strongly support, is that there are bipartisan bills related to other aspects of the government that should move forward to avoid an extended shutdown in other areas. The issue before us is making sure that ICE, of course, is brought under control in ways that taxpayer dollars are not being spent to kill American citizens or brutalize everyday Americans. We know taxpayer dollars should actually be spent to make life more affordable for the American people. It’s shocking to me that over a year has passed since Donald Trump was inaugurated. This guy promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. They’re ripping healthcare away from the American people. And now, masked federal agents on American streets are killing American citizens in cold blood. That’s all unacceptable. And we really need to make some changes to change direction here.

CHRIS JANSING: I understand, Leader Jeffries, that there are things you firmly believe, and I think many Democrats believe with you, believe should be done. But the real question, again, is what can be done? What are you willing to do? What can you do?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, as we’ve done in the past, we’re going to make our case to the American people. There were a lot of folks who never believed that the Epstein files would be released in a way that would be forced by the Congress in a bipartisan way over the objection of Donald Trump. We passed legislation to be able to do that, forced Donald Trump to sign it. And now of course we’ve got to compel the Department of Justice to actually comply with a bipartisan law that was enacted. We passed a law in the House of Representatives, sent it over to the Senate to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years. Nobody thought that was possible, but all 213 Democrats joined by 17 Republicans were able to get that done. Abraham Lincoln once made the observation, ‘public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.’ And so our goal right now is to continue to make the case to the American people who know that the behavior of ICE and other law enforcement agencies within the Department of Homeland Security is immoral and it’s illegal and it’s not what they’ve signed up for. The Trump administration has gone way too far and public pressure can lead to decisive action in the Congress as we have seen over the last several months.

CHRIS JANSING: Some of that public pressure is coming from pulpits. Newark Cardinal Joseph Tobin is urging church members to tell lawmakers to vote against additional funding for immigration agencies. Here’s what he said.

RECORDING OF CARDINAL TOBIN: If we are serious about putting our faith in action, we need to say no. How will you say no? In this week when an appropriations bill is going to be considered in Congress, will you contact your Congress Representative, your congressional Representatives, the Senators and Representative from your district? We ask them for the love of God and the love of human beings, which can’t be separated. Vote against renewing funding for such a lawless organization.

CHRIS JANSING: Will you and your Caucus vote against it? Is this, as he’s presenting it, a moral imperative as well as a political one?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Democrats strongly opposed the Homeland Security funding appropriation bill when it was before us in the House. And if it comes back to us without the necessary changes to rein in a lawless organization and actually protect the health, the safety and the well-being of the American people, we’ll take the same position, and we’ve joined with our Senate colleagues in that way. It was a powerful statement by a highly distinguished member of the clergy, and we know that faith without works is dead. And we have faith that we can bring about a better society and make America the best version of herself as we move forward, pushing back against the corruption and extremism that’s being unleashed by the Trump administration day after day after day. But it’s going to take work. And it’s actually all of us. It’s elected officials, it’s community-based organizations, it’s the American people, civil rights organizations, certainly members of the clergy and the faith community, all banding together to address preventable tragedies that have occurred and ensure that they never happen again here in the United States of America.

CHRIS JANSING: Well, we heard him say that ICE is a lawless organization. And the death of Alex Pretti has changed a lot of people’s minds. President Trump—last hour—was asked about the killing of Alex Pretti. I want to play exactly what he said.

RECORDING OF REPORTER: Do you believe that Alex Pretti’s death was justified?

RECORDING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, you know, we’re doing a big investigation. I want to see the investigation. I’m going to be watching over it. I want a very honorable and honest investigation. I have to see it myself.

CHRIS JANSING: Do you believe there will be an honorable and thorough investigation? And what do you make of the President saying he is going to be watching over it?

LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s no reason to believe that the Trump administration or Kristi Noem, which is why she needs to go, will be able to preside over a credible investigation. Do we think that the Trump Department of Injustice is going to actually conduct a credible investigation? These extremists and political hacks at the Department of Justice have been weaponizing the criminal justice system against Donald Trump’s enemies. So what we need here is an independent investigation conducted by state and local authorities. And we’ll continue to call upon every single officer who has broken the law as it relates to what ICE and other parts of the Department of Homeland Security have been doing. In Minneapolis and throughout the country, they should be criminally investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. That’s consistent with who we are as a nation. Nobody’s above the law. And ICE needs to conduct itself like every other law enforcement agency in the country. Focus on protecting the health, the safety and the well-being of the American people, not killing them.

CHRIS JANSING: I hear your frustration. I hear your pushback. But what good is anger and pushback if it’s not coupled with clear action? For the people who are watching, not just Democrats, but Americans who are frustrated as you are by what they’re seeing, what is the clear action you believe you, as a party, you, as the House and Senate Democrats, can take that isn’t just words?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The clear action that’s in front of us is already underway, right? It’s legislative action. Listen, we have said that we are in a four-front battle. It’s legislative, it’s the appropriations process, it’s legal and it’s moral. And we’ve got to press our case in every single lane. But in terms of the legislative lane, where there are clearly changes that need to be made to the manner in which ICE conducts itself, legislatively, we’re on that case, and we’ll continue to press our case. In terms of the appropriations process, we are working with our Senate Democratic colleagues, under the leadership of Chuck Schumer, who has taken a strong position as it relates to what needs to happen before the Homeland Security appropriations bill passes. That’s concrete action in the arena that we’re in. And of course, we’re working with Democratic Attorneys General across the country and state and local authorities to make sure that investigations occur, that the behavior that is illegal that we’re seeing coming out of the Department of Homeland Security is challenged in federal courts, as is being done to make sure that everyone is held accountable. And we’re going to continue to work with faith leaders, members of the clergy, civil rights organizations, democracy protection organizations to ensure that we are making the moral case to America that this has to end.

CHRIS JANSING: I think that you made some news in the beginning, too, about action, and that is to pursue impeachment against the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. I wonder, and all of this is in the context, you can’t ignore it, of the midterms. We’re already hearing it in races, questions being asked and answered. How do you think this fight will go over heading into the midterms, especially for Members of your Caucus who are in those frontline tough seats?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Everyone’s going to speak for themselves as it relates to making sure they’re doing what they deem to be the right thing for the communities they are privileged to represent in the House of Representatives. What brings us together is going to continue to be our fight to make clear to the American people that you deserve better than the extremism that has been unleashed, the attacks on the economy, on healthcare, on law-abiding immigrant families, on the rule of law, on the American way of life itself, of course, on veterans and on farmers and on hardworking people who are just trying to survive in a country where the cost of living is completely and totally out of control. So we know the American people deserve better and we’re going to deliver better. We’re going to focus on driving down the high cost of living, focus on fixing our broken healthcare system and, of course, we’re going to focus on dealing with the corruption that is rampant in Washington, DC. Deal with it in the Congress, deal with it at the Supreme Court and, of course, deal with it with respect to the President and his administration, the most corrupt administration in American history. Democrats are winning races all across the country. That has been the case since January of last year. And of course, we saw that decisively throughout the country during the off-year election last November in Virginia, in New Jersey, in New York, in California, in Pennsylvania, of course, in Georgia, where we won statewide races for the first time in 20 years, in Mississippi, where we broke their supermajority in the state Senate. The American people know that Democrats are fighting to make life better for them. And we’re also fighting to push back against the extremism that Donald Trump and Republicans have unleashed on the American people.

CHRIS JANSING: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you.

Interview can be watched here.

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to an updated weather forecast indicating that this stretch of brutally frigid temperatures Connecticut is experiencing will remain for at least another ten days, he is ordering the duration of the state’s currently enacted Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect until noon on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The protocol was initially enacted on Friday, January 23, 2026, and had been originally set to expire on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. However, the updated forecast now indicates that bitterly cold weather will remain even longer, with well below normal temperatures persisting into the middle of next week. Overnight temperatures over the next ten days will largely dip into the single digits, even reaching below zero on several nights.

With today’s extension, this current activation will become the longest duration of time that Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been consistently in effect without interruption for a single period in more than a decade.

“What we’re experiencing right now is an uninterrupted, long-duration cold spell that Connecticut hasn’t seen in many years, with well below normal temperatures expected to stick around for more than another week,” Governor Lamont said. “Shelters and warming centers are open throughout the state, and we are working with our municipal and nonprofit partners to ensure they have the resources to help anyone who needs this support.”

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.

More information soon

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.

###

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.  

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.