Connecticut

Connecticut cannabis equity council director steps down amid inquiry

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

Connecticut cannabis equity council director steps down amid inquiry

The council is undergoing a review after officials received complaints about a lack of transparency.

The executive director of Connecticut’s Social Equity Council resigned Tuesday as the cannabis regulatory agency undergoes a state-ordered audit.

Ginne-Ray Clay submitted her resignation via email, citing “unsubstantiated allegations” that have questioned her integrity, according to The Connecticut Mirror.

Gov. Ned Lamont previously requested an audit of the council’s management and spending, after questions were raised about a lack of transparency around the strategy for disbursing social equity funds in the state. The review, which is being conducted by the comptroller’s office, is ongoing.

“It’s a sad day for me. I think she was a victim of a personal vendetta and personal infighting,” said Mike Jefferson, an ally of Clay on the council.

The Social Equity Council manages aspects of Connecticut’s cannabis industry, including the distribution of community reinvestment grants funded by license fees. Last year, the council authorized $5.2 million in initial grants to nonprofits in designated areas, the Mirror reported.

Council chair Andréa Comer told the outlet, “There have been many conversations among the council members about challenges within the SEC and the way in which we need to course-correct.”

She said there was “nothing personal.”

The Mirror previously reported on a complaint alleging Clay had suggested a license applicant donate to her church, which Clay denied.

Clay’s resignation came hours before a scheduled finance committee meeting of the council. The audit’s timeline and potential changes to council operations have not been announced.

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Connecticut

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

Published

53 minutes ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.

I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.

The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.

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Connecticut

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

Published

13 hours ago

March 3, 2026

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Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.

There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.

There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.

A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.

In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.

On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.

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Connecticut

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.

The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.

Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.

After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.

“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.

Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.

The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.

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