Connecticut

CT's Puerto Rican community blasts Trump rally remarks: 'Hateful'

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

CT's Puerto Rican community blasts Trump rally remarks: 'Hateful'

Members of Connecticut’s Puerto Rican community — one of the largest in the U.S. — are condemning comments made at a weekend rally for former President Donald Trump, where a comedian called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”

Various state lawmakers called the comments hateful and racist.

Connecticut’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus said in a statement that it “unequivocally rejects the hateful and divisive rhetoric that was on display at Madison Square Garden.”

“Unfortunately, the MAGA movement’s racism and xenophobia reached a fever pitch on Sunday during a crude rally at Madison Square Garden,” the group said. “The statements of the former president and his supporters do not constitute politics. They are not arguments made in service of some discernible policy goal, nor are they intended to unify our country for the benefit of American citizens. They are simply hateful. They are racist. They serve to dehumanize and belittle our communities. And they stand in stark opposition to the values taught by the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths — in addition to countless others.”

The group also noted: “Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States. They serve in our armed forces, they pay taxes and they are our neighbors. They are not garbage.”

Connecticut is home to about 300,000 residents of Puerto Rican descent. The state has the highest percentage of Puerto Ricans per capita of any state in the U.S. — about 8% of Connecticut residents are Puerto Rican. In Connecticut, Puerto Ricans make up the largest Latino group.

State Rep. Juan Candelaria, who is Puerto Rican, said he was offended the disrespect was displayed on a national platform. He said Trump should apologize for the comedian’s comments.

“If you listen to what’s supposed to be called a joke, which we don’t see that as a joke at all … basically referring that all Puerto Ricans are trash, dehumanizing Puerto Ricans in a national format,” Candelaria said in an interview with Connecticut Public.

Connecticut state Rep. Minnie Gonzalez, (D-Hartford) joined Candelaria (D-New Haven) in issuing a statement on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus in response to the remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at the rally in New York City.

“It’s disheartening to see any public figure, especially a comedian with influence, resort to harmful remarks about Puerto Rico and Latin Americans,” they said. “Humor, at its best, challenges and entertains, but it should never cross into disrespect. However, some jokes go beyond satire and cannot be accepted without addressing them, especially if said at a political rally for our nation’s highest office.”

They also noted: “Despite challenges like limited political representation, Puerto Ricans continue to exemplify loyalty and courage, embodying a deep commitment to freedom and democracy.”

Parade leaders: Comments are an ‘insult’

In Hartford, leaders of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade said they condemned the “outrageous, racist and misinformed statement about Puerto Rico.”

Sammy Vega Jr., one of the parade organizers, was watching the Trump rally on TV with his 15-year-old daughter. Vega said he used the opportunity to teach her the importance of educating others on their culture and being politically active.

“Enough is enough,” Vega told Connecticut Public. “That’s why we’re going to use our knowledge and power to educate the public and to come out and vote.”

Vega says Puerto Ricans have contributed greatly to the U.S. and should be respected.

“We are U.S. citizens that have given a lot to the United States,” Vega said. “We have produced many doctors, engineers, police officers — you name it, professionals.”

In their statement, Hartford parade leaders said that people choose to “speak with ignorance about Puerto Rico, spewing garbage statements. This insult will not diminish who we are or what we represent but should remind us the critical importance of voting on November 5th.”

Trump’s campaign reacts

Puerto Rican communities across New England and the rest of the U.S. were also blasting the remarks made at the rally. In Massachusetts, leaders described the comments as offensive and hateful. About 300,000 people in Massachusetts are of Puerto Rican descent. In Holyoke, about half of the city’s population is of Puerto Rican descent.

In a rare move late Sunday, the Trump campaign distanced itself from the Hinchcliffe’s remarks on Puerto Rico.

Trump’s vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance, was asked about the insult during an appearance in Wausau, Wisconsin.

“Maybe it’s a stupid racist joke, as you said. Maybe it’s not. I haven’t seen it. I’m not going to comment on the specifics of the joke,” Vance said. “But I think that we have to stop getting so offended at every little thing.”

Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign released an ad that will run online in battleground states targeting Puerto Rican voters and highlighting the comedian’s remarks. Nearly 1 million Puerto Ricans live in battleground states.

The rally comments landed Harris a show of support from Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny and prompted reactions from Republicans in Florida and in Puerto Rico.

This story was first published Oct. 29, 2024 by Connecticut Public.

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Connecticut

Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options

Published

3 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options

The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?

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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut

Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.

Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.

So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?

Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.

Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.

The Bottom Line

If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.

7 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Greater Danbury For 2025

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Connecticut

Here Are The Most Popular CTNewsJunkie Stories Of 2025 | CT News Junkie

Published

15 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Here Are The Most Popular CTNewsJunkie Stories Of 2025 | CT News Junkie

The Connecticut Capitol Building around sunset on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Credit: Doug Hardy / CTNewsJunkie

As 2026 begins, Connecticut is gearing up another busy news year. The legislature is in session beginning next month, with numerous items up for consideration that could have an impact on residents. Also, Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term and the entire General Assembly is up for election, which could alter the balance of power in Connecticut.

Also in 2026, new laws on housing, cancer screening, absentee ballots and more went into effect January 1.

But before we get too far into 2026, let’s take a look back at CTNewsJunkie’s biggest stories of 2025, as determined by our readers. In scanning the list of top 10 most-read stories, transportation, elections, new laws, a new state holiday and clean energy emerged as popular reads.

Speed camera — Fixed radar checking vehicles’ speed.
Credit: Olga Maksimava / Shutterstock

Transportation

It is easy to see what weighs most on readers’ minds, as transportation-related stories made up fully half of the 10 most popular stories list.

Four of the top 10 stories (#s 2, 3, 8 and 10 on the list) dealt with traffic cameras. What towns have been approved for them? What towns are applying? What are the rules for using them to enforce speed? How much revenue do they generate? These were all questions on the minds of readers.

The fifth transit-related story, and sixth-most popular overall, dealt with the construction of the new Naugatuck Metro-North train station and overhaul of the surrounding area into a mixed-use community.

State governor signing bill — Gov. Ned Lamont hands a pen to David Pucino at a ceremonial bill signing of House Bill 7042 on August 7, 2025 at the State Capitol in Hartford, CT. Credit: Donald Eng

New laws

Two of CTNewsJunkie’s top 10 stories of 2025 dealt with new state laws. Our Dec. 19 story about new laws taking effect January 1 came in at #7, and a similar story in June about new laws taking effect July 1 ranked #9 for the year.

Offshore wind

CTNewsJunkie’s coverage of the Revolution Wind project proved popular with readers, but only one story on that topic cracked the annual top 10. Published on Dec. 26, traditionally a slow news day, the story about four northeastern governors demanding a briefing on the alleged national security concerns of offshore wind generation drew enough interest to rank #5 on the annual list.

A diwali celebration scene — Connecticut has become the second state to recognize Diwali. Credit: Toa55 / Shutterstock.com

Light overcomes darkness

Connecticut gained a new state holiday in 2025, and readers made the story about the announcement the fourth-most popular story of the year.

Public Act 25-59 established Diwali as a state holiday. Connecticut is only the second state to recognize the Southeast Asian holiday celebrating the victory of light over darkness. The state holiday officially is the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar the holiday typically falls in September or October.

An election results map of Connecticut showing towns in blue, red, gray and orange — A map of Connecticut showing wins and losses by party in the 2025 elections based on unofficial results from the Secretary of the State’s office. EDITOR’S NOTE: This map was updated Nov. 13 and Andover and Bolton were updated with newly available information. Credit: Viktoria Sundqvist / CTNewsjunkie

Democrats roll in municipal elections

CTNewsJunkie’s most-read story of 2025, by far, was the Nov. 5 story detailing the results of the Nov. 4 municipal elections. Connecticut’s political landscape changed dramatically in one day, with 27 towns flipping from Republican to Democratic leadership. In contrast, one town — Easton — flipped the other way, with a Republican replacing an incumbent Democrat who did not seek reelection.

At just over 36%, voter turnout was about 10% higher than average for an odd-numbered year.

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