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.”

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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.

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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.  

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.