Connecticut

Connecticut Celebrates Immigrants At 25th Annual Ceremony | CT News Junkie

Published

8 months ago

May 9, 2025

Connecticut Celebrates Immigrants At 25th Annual Ceremony | CT News Junkie

Eastern CT State President Karim Ismaili delivers the keynote at the 25th annual Immigration Day celebration in the State Capitol on May 7, 2025. Credit: Screen capture / CT-N

HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut’s political leaders and activists joined immigrants and their families to celebrate the contributions of foreign-born residents at the state Capitol Wednesday.

The 25th annual Immigrant Day celebration was hosted by the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC), a network of organizations committed to protecting the rights and economic development of refugee and immigrant communities in Connecticut. As part of the ceremony, eight immigrants received Immigrant of the Year, which honors individuals whose contributions have uplifted their communities and enrich the fabric of Connecticut.

“Today we acknowledge the contributions of immigrants in every sector of life: healthcare, business, education, culture, arts, refugee resettlement services, and more,” said Dana Bucin, CIRC board member and an immigration attorney. “But, at the same time, while we celebrate, we also have to acknowledge the dire need for immigration reform in this country, the dire need of helping immigrants achieve the American dream, whether they came here legally or in unfortunate circumstances that made them undocumented. Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is something that we need to help immigrants achieve and that is not easy, especially these days.”

Man wearing a blue "Environmental Rights" sash speaking into a microphone — Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, discusses amending the state Constitution to include environmental rights during a news conference in Legislative Office Building on Tuesday March 18, 2025. Credit: Coral Aponte / CTNewsJunkie

State Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, who immigrated to the United States with his parents from Taiwan, said Connecticut must remain welcoming and engaged with immigrant populations who are facing serious challenges.

“We as immigrants, who love and risk coming into this country, are very much in the midst of a very tumultuous time,” he said. “And I think it’s really important to remind all of us in this State Capitol of Connecticut, the people’s building, that this country and this state were built by immigrants. It is important for us to recognize the passion, the commitment and the sacrifices that have been made by immigrants that have made this country.”

Gov. Ned Lamont also addressed the gathering, saying the United States has not always lived up to its ideals and citing the country’s history of laws targeting immigrants. He also referenced the voyage of the St. Louis, a ship carrying hundreds of Jews fleeing Nazi Germany which was denied entry to the United States. The ship returned to Europe, where over 250 of the ship’s 937 passengers were killed in the Holocaust.

“That story is just a reminder to me what it means for America to be a home for refugees, and to be a beacon of hope for immigrants around the world,” he said. “Come to this country. We want you here. We need you here.”

The keynote for the event was delivered by Karim Ismaili, president of Eastern Connecticut State University and a first generation immigrant himself. Born to a Pakistani father and a Kenyan mother, his family fled Kenya to the United Kingdom in the 1970’s due to political unrest and anti-South Asian prejudice. His family also faced harassment and danger in London, and eventually received a humanitarian visa to settle in Canada.

“One day, we were in London. The next, we were in Vancouver, unable to know if we would ever go back,” he said. “Canada became our refuge, and through it all, my mother instilled in us the values that shaped who we are: respect for others, compassion, a commitment to hard work, and a deep belief in the power of education.”

Ismaili, like many Eastern CT students, is a first-generation college student.

“And like many of them, my journey has profoundly shaped the person I’ve become,” he said.

Elena’s Light Honors Refugee Advocates, Raises Concern For The Future

WEST HAVEN, CT — Fereshteh Ganjavi stood Wednesday before a crowd gathered at Cielo Banquet Hall in West Haven to celebrate refugee and immigrant advocates from across Connecticut, and asked them to turn on their cellphone flashlights. The lights in the hall dimmed, and then the room lit up again as hundreds of small beams…

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CT Urged To ‘Lead By Example’ In Protecting Residents From Unlawful ICE Actions

HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut has to stand up and speak out to prevent unlawful detentions and deportations, speakers at an immigration policy roundtable said Wednesday.

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Advocates, Lawmakers Call For Increased Protections For Immigrants

HARTFORD, CT – Representatives from the Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, immigrant rights organizations, and the state legislature urged the state Tuesday to strengthen its protections for immigrants and decried what they described as the lawless approach of the Trump administration.

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With AmeriCorps on the Block, Tong Joins Other AGs in Lawsuit to Halt Layoffs

A federal agency that helps match citizens with community-based service is facing an 85 percent reduction in its workforce, prompting several attorneys general — including Connecticut’s William Tong — to file a lawsuit to stop the layoffs, Tong announced Tuesday.

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Residents Share Concerns About Veterans, National Security At Blumenthal Town Hall Meeting

MIDDLETOWN, CT — In a town hall meeting attended by about 100 residents, US Sen. Richard Blumenthal didn’t mince words when talking about President Donald Trump. “Dumb,” “cruel,” and “chaotic” were some of the words the Connecticut Democrat used to describe the administration Sunday at CT State Middlesex.

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Connecticut Holds 43rd Annual Holocaust Commemoration at Capitol

HARTFORD, CT — The future was on display in the Senate Chamber at the State Capitol Friday, as the Jewish Federation of Connecticut hosted the 43rd annual State Holocaust Commemoration.

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Nonprofits Join Forces To Continue Assisting Refugees and Immigrants, Call On CT To Increase Support

NEW HAVEN, CT – More than 600 families facing food insecurity will continue to have access to meals because of a new partnership between two nonprofits.

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Connecticut

CT Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 3, 2026

Published

2 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

CT Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 3, 2026

The Connecticut Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.

Those who want to play in Connecticut can enter the CT Lotto, Lucky for Life and Cash 5 games as well as play the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. There are also two drawings a day for the Play 3 with Wild Ball and Play 4 with Wild Ball games.

Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule. Here’s a look at Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

18-21-40-53-60, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

01-02-28-30-43, Lucky Ball: 07

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

12-13-16-20-32

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Day: 5-3-3, WB: 7

Night: 1-8-1, WB: 9

Check Play3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Day: 3-5-9-4, WB: 4

Night: 7-0-2-6, WB: 4

Check Play4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Connecticut Lottery prizes up to $599 can be easily claimed at any authorized CT Lottery Retailer without additional forms or documentation or by mail. For prizes between $600 and $5,000, winners have the option to claim by mail or in person at any CT Lottery High-Tier Claim Center or CT Lottery Headquarters. For prizes between $5,001 and $49,999, winnings must be claimed in person at the Connecticut Lottery headquarters or by mail. All prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at CT Lottery Headquarters. Winners are required to bring a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security card.

CT Lottery Claims Dept.

15 Sterling Drive

Wallingford, CT 06492

For additional details, including locations of High-Tier Claim Centers, visit the Connecticut Lottery’s claim information page.

When are the Connecticut Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Cash 5: 10:29 p.m. daily.
Play3 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
Play3 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
Play4 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
Play4 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Connecticut editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Connecticut

Connecticut leaders react to capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Published

15 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

Connecticut leaders react to capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — The United States military carried out “large scale” strike inside Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday morning, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to President Donald Trump.

Leaders in Connecticut are responding to the military action.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) shared the following statement.

“If we’re starting another endless war, with no clear national security strategy or need, count me out. Maduro is a cruel criminal dictator, but President Trump has never sought approval from Congress for war as the Constitution requires – and our military deserves. We’ve seen several Administrations lead us into conflicts without objectives or timelines and with disastrous consequences. President Trump has also articulated no clear end game to prevent further chaos, violence, and bloodshed in Venezuela. The American people deserve—and Congress should demand—facts and clarity.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the strike the start of an “illegal war” between the U.S. and Venezuela.

“President Trump thinks he is above the law. He steals from taxpayers. He thumbs his nose at the law. And now, he is starting an illegal war with Venezuela that Americans didn’t ask for and has nothing to do with our security. How does going to war in South America help regular Americans who are struggling? How does this do anything about drugs entering the U.S. when Venezuela produces no fentanyl? What is the actual security threat to the United States? And what happens next in Venezuela? He cannot answer these questions – and that’s why there was no briefing to Congress to explain this action, and no briefing scheduled. And Maduro’s illegitimate election does not give the president the power to invade without congressional approval, nor does it create a national security justification. That contention is laughable. This is about satisfying Trump’s vanity, making good on the long standing neocon grudge against Maduro, enriching Trump’s oil industry backers, and distracting voters from Epstein and rising costs.”

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said the Trump administration acted without congressional approval.

“Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos. Secretary Rubio repeatedly denied to Congress that the Administration intended to force regime change in Venezuela. The Administration must immediately brief Congress on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision.”

State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding (R-Conn.) shared that he hopes Maduro is brought to justice, calling him an “integral culprit” in the “narcotic ring” in the United States.

“President Maduro has been an integral culprit in fostering the narcotic ring in our country which has killed far too many Americans. I hope he is brought to justice and we can continue to address the substance abuse crisis that our state and country continues to face.

The Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party Ben Proto shared the following statement.

“President Trump promised to stop the flow of drugs into the US that have been killing millions of Americans. Nicolas Maduro, who declared himself President, while getting about 30% of the vote in the last so called free election in Venezuela, was given multiple warnings to stop the flow of drugs from his country into America, was offered help by the Trump administration in stopping the flow, but he continued to, not only allow the flow of drugs, but condone it and profit from it. Presidents have long used their constitutional authority to intervene in other countries when those countries posed a danger to America and Americans. President Trump did just that. Unfortunately Democrats, particularly Jim Himes, Chris Murphy and Dick Blumenthal are more interested in playing politics than in protecting Americans. Nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died from drug overdoses in 2024 and we have seen an increase in overdoses in 2025. If only Democrats cared as much about Americans as they do about a drug lord running another country who profits from the death of Americans.“

Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) demanded that Congress must be briefed before further action.

“As information about U.S military strikes in Venezuela unfold, I have more questions than answers. Nicolas Maduro is a brutal dictator who caused so much harm to his people. However, as Americans we must seriously weigh the consequences of attacking a sovereign nation and committing to “run Venezuela.” Congress must be briefed immediately, before this situation continues to escalate. I will comment further as credible information becomes available to Members of Congress.“

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) shared the following statement, claiming that there could be “severe repercussions for American interests.”

“President Trump’s unilateral decision to attempt a regime change operation in Venezuela by using military force to capture Nicolas Maduro and declaring, ‘we will run the country’, threatens global order and is a fundamental violation of the Constitution, which gives Congress the responsibility of authorizing major military actions that could have severe repercussions for American interests.

“America’s unprecedented global strength and prosperity was built on this principle of restraining military force through democratic bodies like Congress. President Trump has shredded this principle, and along with it has destroyed American credibility and emboldened our adversaries to act with similar aggression. This new foreign policy that President Trump and his advisors have used to justify this act of war, including invoking the 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine as a justification for America to do whatever it pleases in the Western Hemisphere, is the exact same reasoning that China would use to justify invading Taiwan, and which Russia has used to assault Ukraine.

“President Trump has also now threatened Cuba with similar language, and is preparing a giant corrupt giveaway to oil companies by claiming that the United States will acquire Venezuela’s oil. This is corruption of the highest order. Maduro was an authoritarian who stayed in power despite the will of the people, but that does not justify the United States in starting a war to benefit some of the world’s wealthiest corporations.

“President Trump did all of this without the consent of Congress, and without providing any details or day-after plans. The full consequences of this act of war will not be known for some time, and they may require putting American boots on the ground in Venezuela, as the President has said he was prepared to do. The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless conflict distracting from the rising cost of living and the affordability crisis. Whatever happens next, the responsibility will be squarely with President Trump and his contempt for the Constitution and for Congress.”

Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) echoed the statements of his fellow Democrats.

“This is yet another authoritarian power grab by Donald Trump. As he indicated in his address, it’s clear it’s about the oil!!! And securing that oil!!! And securing it with the use of our brave men and women in the United States military!!! The Constitution entrusts Congress, not the President, with the power to declare war for a reason. It’s Congress’s responsibility to decide whether the nation goes to war or not! That’s why I’m joining with others in calling on the President to immediately brief Congress—and for Congress to assert its authority under the Constitution and the War Powers Act—to let this President know he does not have the authority to unilaterally commit our country to yet another endless war.“

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.

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