Connecticut

‘Do not risk your life’: CT governor declares state of emergency

Published

1 month ago

January 25, 2026

Press Room

‘Do not risk your life’: CT governor declares state of emergency

Staff Reports
| Norwich Bulletin

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is urging motorists to avoid travel on Sunday, January 25, 2026, due to a major winter storm.
The state is expected to receive 14 to 20 inches of snow, potentially the largest snowfall from a single storm in over a decade.
Officials warn of heavy snowfall rates and possible whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has over 600 snowplows ready and advises drivers to give them ample space.

Gov. Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency ahead of the major winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut starting Sunday.

Additionally, he has signed an order prohibiting commercial vehicles – such as permitted vehicles, trucks, RVs, tractor trailers, tankers and vehicles with trailers – from traveling on all limited access highways in Connecticut beginning at noon on Sunday, and remaining in effect until further notice.

Limited access highways are generally those that are designed to carry large volumes of traffic and have controlled access with on and off ramps.

“This storm is going to significantly impair the ability to safely drive, and we want to get the word out that it will be extremely dangerous to be on the roads,” Lamont said. “Do not risk your life and the lives of others. I am strongly urging everybody to make plans now to be at a specific location on Sunday morning and remain there for the duration of the storm, which is likely to continue overnight and go into at least Monday morning.”

The order prohibiting commercial vehicle travel does not apply to emergency response and recovery vehicles, including public safety vehicles, utilities vehicles, and vehicles carrying essential personnel or supplies.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of Connecticut as of Sunday morning. The forecast as of noon on Saturday is showing that the state will receive 14 to 22 inches of snow, which at times may come down at very heavy rates of more than 2 inches per hour, causing whiteout conditions that will make driving extremely difficult.

Snow is expected to begin on Sunday morning and become particularly heavy in the afternoon and evening. Lighter rates of snow will remain on Monday morning and afternoon before tapering off and ending on Monday evening. This is estimated to be the largest snowfall total Connecticut has received from a single storm in more than a decade.

“Driving in these conditions, especially during the height of the storm when we will experience whiteout situations that make visibility very limited, will be extremely dangerous,” Lamont said.

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.

Tips for winter driving and staying clear of snowplows

The Connecticut Department of Transportation advises motorists to use the following tips whenever approaching a snowplow:

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.

To ensure safety during icy and snowy conditions, the public is encouraged to:

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.

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.

For updates on any incidents that may be impacting state roads and highways, visit CTtroads.org. For those who utilize public transportation, visit the transit operator’s website for updates on any potential delays or cancellations.

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

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Connecticut

Iranian Yale scholar in Connecticut celebrates fall of regime, calls for free elections

Published

3 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iranian Yale scholar in Connecticut celebrates fall of regime, calls for free elections

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Thousands of Connecticut families with ties to Iran are watching and waiting as their home country undergoes a historic change.

Among them is Ramin Ahmadi, a Yale doctor, human rights activist and founder of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. He has spent decades advocating for freedom in Iran from his home in Connecticut.

Ahmadi moved to the United States when he was 18. On Saturday morning, he learned of military strikes in Iran and the death of the country’s supreme leader.

Ahmadi said protests for democracy and human rights in Iran intensified in December, drawing millions of participants — including his own family and friends.

“The situation in Iran was a humanitarian emergency and it needed an intervention,” Ahmadi said.

He said he celebrated when he heard the news Saturday morning.

“I was celebrating along with all other Iranians inside and outside the country,” Ahmadi said. “I do regret that we cannot bring him to a trial for crimes that he has committed against humanity.”

Ahmadi said he spoke with his sister in Iran after she celebrated in the streets. She was later told to return home for her safety.

He shared a message she relayed from those around her.

“They said do not let our death be exploited because worse than that is having to live with the criminals who have done this to us for the rest of our lives,” Ahmadi said. “We do not want to do that.”

For those questioning whether the conflict was America’s to engage in, Ahmadi offered a direct response.

“We will all be affected,” he said. “And to those that tell you that the U.S. and Israel are beating the drums of war in Iran, one has to remind them that it was not like before this Iranian people were listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. We had a war already declared on us by this regime. We were being slaughtered on a daily basis.”

Ahmadi said he believes the path forward begins with young military officers forcing out what remains of the regime, followed by free elections.

“Everyone’s life will be safer in the future and not just Iranians,” Ahmadi said.

Connecticut lawmakers are also responding to the U.S. strikes on Iran.

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Connecticut

Two people shot in New Haven restaurant Saturday evening

Published

16 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Two people shot in New Haven restaurant Saturday evening

New Haven police say two people were shot at a restaurant on Grand Avenue Saturday evening.

One of the victims was a 22-year-old male from East Haven who was shot in the leg and was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment.

According to police, the second victim was a 17-year-old male and arrived shortly after.

While on scene, police confirmed one of the possible shooters was still inside the restaurant.

According to police, the victims were both inside the restaurant when the teen was approached by Naguea Bratton and another suspect.

They say a fight occurred which resulted in both victims being shot.

Police detained Bratton who was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, two counts of illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine and larceny of a motor vehicle.

Bratton is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Both victims have non-life-threatening injuries police say.

They say additional arrests are expected to be completed by warrant.

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Connecticut

27 Wrestlers Named State Open Wrestling Champions In Connecticut Over Weekend; Xavier Dominates Tournament

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

27 Wrestlers Named State Open Wrestling Champions In Connecticut Over Weekend; Xavier Dominates Tournament

Over the weekend, the two-day CIAC State Open wrestling championships took place at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven, Connecticut.

Twenty-seven wrestlers (14 boys, 13 girls) were named champions in their respective weight classes, displaying intense wrestling featuring the best wrestlers across the state.

Championship bouts started around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and lasted about two hours.

Below are the results from both the boys’ and girls’ state open championships.

106 lbs.: Xavier’s Josh Perez def. Stafford’s John Bean 17-2 (technical fall)

113 lbs.: Ridgefield’s Cole Desiano def. Suffield/Windsor Locks’ Peter Annis 8-0 (decision)

120 lbs.: Xavier’s Zack Dixon def. Somers’ Will Acorsi 12-0 (majority decision)

126 lbs.: Windham’s Delmazio Despard def. Xavier’s Alexander Depratti 4-3 (decision)

132 lbs.: Fairfield Warde’s Jude Grammatico def. Xavier’s Zaphyr Musshorn 2-1 (decision)

138 lbs.: Ledyard’s Lukas Boxley def. Terryville’s Ethan Bochman Rodriguez (pin)

144 lbs.: Xavier’s Braylon Gonzalez def. Ridgefield’s John Carrozza 3-1 (decision)

150 lbs.: Bristol Central’s Alex Lamarre def. Middletown’s Isaiah McDaniel 1-0 (decision)

157 lbs.: Newtown’s Antonio Arguello def. Notre Dame-West Haven’s Riley Storozuk 8-4 (decision)

165 lbs.: Gilbert/Torrington/Wolcott def. Trumbull’s Hubert Szymko 2-0 (decision)

175 lbs.: Xavier’s Vincent Rivera def. Fairfield Prep’s Jack Lilly 14-10 (decision)

190 lbs.: Xavier’s Chase Catalano def. Fairfield Warde’s Dylan O’Brien 2-1 (decision)

215 lbs.: Lyme-Old Lyme’s Taiyo Gemme def. Staples’ Julian Rousseau (pin)

285 lbs.: Shelton’s Chase Galke def. Ellington’s Jacob Palermo 3-0 (decision)

100 lbs.: South Windsor’s Sophia Gordon def. West Haven’s Isha Khanna (pin)

107 lbs.: RHAM’s Brooke Heffernan def. New Milford’s Clara Reynolds 9-2 (decision)

114 lbs.: Branford’s Ava Gambardella def. Jonathan Law’s Selena Batres 6-0 (decision)

120 lbs.: Trumbull’s Jillian Blake def. Fairfield Warde’s Monica Flores Romero 17-1 (technical fall)

126 lbs.: Ellis Tech’s Adelina Tate def. Fairfield Ludlowe’s Ashlynn Cummings (pin)

132 lbs: Amity’s Eliana Selaris def. Daniel Hand’s Evely Lavigne (pin)

138 lbs.: Stratford’s Winner Tshibombi def. Greenwich’s Gaby Aliaga 22-8 (majority decision)

145 lbs.: Stratford’s Gabriella Kiely def. New Milford’s Josephina Piel (pin)

152 lbs: Bunnell’s Matilda Tote def. Shelton’s Ella Piccirillo (pin)

165 lbs: Trumbull ‘s Marangelie Teixeira def. New Britain’s Kaydence Atkinson (pin)

185 lbs.: Platt’s Kayli Morris def. Bristol Central’s Shyann Bryan (pin)

235 lbs.: Norwalk’s Jeily Euceda def. Maloney’s Arianna Bellamy (pin)

Xavier High School (Middletown, CT) has been the most dominant wrestling program in the state in recent memory. Once again, they stole the show in the state opens, winning its fifth-straight state open title.

The Falcons had seven wrestlers compete out of the 14 state open titles in the boys’ division and had five winners with two runner-ups. As a team, they totaled 218.5 points, which was 72 more points than any other team.

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