Connecticut

Connecticut Declines New Federal Title VI Certification Request

Published

12 months ago

April 16, 2025

Connecticut Declines New Federal Title VI Certification Request

CONNECTICUT — State education officials have reaffirmed the state’s commitment to civil rights protections while declining to sign a newly issued federal Title VI certification form, arguing that the state already complies fully with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and continues to receive federal education funds under existing assurances.

In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education dated April 15, Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker wrote that Connecticut “remains committed to safeguarding Connecticut students against the insidious effects of discrimination” and that the state has consistently certified its compliance with Title VI through federally accepted procedures.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights had issued a “Reminder of Legal Obligations” to state education departments on April 3, requesting that states sign and return a new compliance certification form within 10 days. The request also asked for reports on the signature status of local districts and any compliance or enforcement actions under consideration.

Connecticut’s response stated that no additional certification was necessary, as the state has long met federal obligations through required annual assurances and the approved Consolidated State Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

The reminder also raised concerns about the legality of some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, though it did not define what constitutes a noncompliant practice. In its response, Connecticut challenged the ambiguity of the DEI references and defended the use of such initiatives, noting that “the USDOE itself has long supported these important principles.”

Russell-Tucker emphasized that Connecticut’s 508,000 students are served by programs that align with federal antidiscrimination laws and highlighted initiatives like the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP) to reduce absenteeism and expand opportunity.

The state joins a growing list of jurisdictions pushing back on recent federal inquiries into civil rights compliance. In March, California’s Department of Education similarly declined to adopt the new certification form, citing legal concerns and long-standing adherence to Title VI requirements. New York and Illinois also expressed hesitation, requesting further clarification on how the new form would be used and enforced.

Connecticut officials said they would continue to support inclusive educational environments and meet federal civil rights standards without adopting new or duplicative reporting frameworks.

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Connecticut

Brittney Griner signs with Connecticut Sun in huge payday

Published

9 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Brittney Griner signs with Connecticut Sun in huge payday

The Connecticut Sun are making a big splash for their final season.

The team has agreed to a seven-figure contract to bring in Britney Griner, according to Sun sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby.

Griner, a nine-time WNBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer, is one of the most decorated players in the history of the league and will be playing in her 13th season since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2013.

The deal also comes after the WNBA introduced its new collective bargaining agreement, which will — among many other advances — raise players’ salaries, making a select group of them millionaires for the first time since the league’s inception.

The move comes one day following Jackie Young’s reported one-year, $1.19 million agreement to return to the Las Vegas Aces.

Griner, who spent last season with the Atlanta Dream, turned 35 this past October, was a standout on what was a surprising run to the league’s No. 3 seed, with the team finishing 30-14.

The 6-foot-9 center started in her first 25 appearances before being moved to an off-the-bench role.

The Baylor alum came off the bench for her final 14 regular-season showings and all three Dream playoff games.

The Dream were eliminated by the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever in the first round after opening with a 17-point win in Game 1.

Griner finished the 2025 season with career lows of 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

Griner spent her first 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, establishing herself as one of the best players in league history, starring on the 2014 WNBA Champion team, also led by Diana Taurasi and DeWanna Bonner.

The six-time All-WNBA honoree is also a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, having played for Team USA in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Summer Games, with two World Cup titles in 2014 and 2018.

She was also named to the W25, a list honoring the WNBA’s top 25 players of all time in celebration of the league’s 25th anniversary in 2021.

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Connecticut

Driver sent to hospital after one-car crash on I-95 in Old Lyme, police say

Published

21 hours ago

April 10, 2026

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Driver sent to hospital after one-car crash on I-95 in Old Lyme, police say

OLD LYME — A driver was injured and taken to the hospital after a one-car crash on Interstate 95 Thursday night in Old Lyme, according to state police.

The state Department of Transportation reported the crash occurred on I-95 north before Exit 71 around 9:40 p.m.

Connecticut State Police said the driver was conscious and alert, and their injuries were not life-threatening.

The crash closed the left lane, according to state police. The incident was cleared around 11:50 p.m., according to the DOT.

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Connecticut

Connecticut ticks back with a vengeance this year

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Connecticut ticks back with a vengeance this year

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — After a record year in 2025, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station said that in under two weeks there have been more than 200 reported tick bites.

“I do not know whether this trend will continue or slow down,” Connecticut Tick Surveillance Program Director Dr. Goudarz Molaei said. “I suspect that it will continue and will get worse.”

In 2025, there were more than 6,000 reported bites, which is double the average.

It would be a mistake to think that this winter’s cold weather killed the ticks. In fact, many ticks were saved by this winter’s snow.

“It’s like a warm blanket for ticks,” Dr. Molaei said. “They hide underneath the snow and they are protected.”

These early ticks are almost exclusively blacklegged ticks. Research shows more than 50% are carrying Lyme Disease. Come this spring, four more tick species will arrive in Connecticut, with each breed carrying different diseases.

Ticks in Connecticut usually live in the woods. But not just in trees or in the grass, they could also be in leaves on the ground.

“Even though it looks goofy, I always make sure I have a thick sock and that it covers the lower half of your calf,” Ji Xue, who runs in East Rock Park, said.

Experts say you should spray on a pesticide before going outside. Upon returning, thoroughly check the body and put all clothes in the wash.

“I actually had Lyme Disease as a kid because I grew up in upstate New York,” Sean Cohen, a father of two young boys, said. “We are just extra aware of it, especially because the kids have very thick, dark hair. We just try to be on top of checking out for it.”

“I know some people who already refuse to take their dogs on hikes anymore because they are so scared,” Xue said.

Most importantly, if a tick bites you, either send it in for testing or keep the tick. If you get sick, the doctors need to know what kind of tick infected you.

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