Connecticut
Connecticut to send 13 high school teams to compete at Hoophall Invitational in January
Ten Connecticut boys basketball teams and three girls basketball teams will be playing in the second Panini Hoophall Invitational on Jan. 17-18, 2026 at several locations in the Springfield, Mass. area.
A total of 76 squads (56 for boys, 20 for girls) were invited from eight states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) for a weekend at the Birthplace of Basketball. That is up from 64 teams in the inaugural event.
“I think, frankly, if we had more space in Springfield, we could have gone bigger than that,” said Greg Procino, the Vice President of External Events & Partnerships for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
“There are a couple reasons why this kind of works. One, it gives teams an opportunity to play teams they don’t normally see. Second, it’s an opportunity to bring teams to the Hall of Fame, something teams don’t normally do. Third, you can be part of a big weekend of so much basketball. It’s an opportunity to feel like a part of something special.”
A few Connecticut teams are back for a second try. The New London boys and girls return, and are playing consecutive games at High School of Commerce on Jan. 17. The boys face Providence Central (R.I.) and the girls take on Albany (N.Y.).
St, Bernard, a Division I boys finalist the last two years, also returns and will battle Barrington (R.I.) in the first game Jan. 17 at Pope Francis Preparatory School, followed by the Bristol Central girls vs. Barrington. The last game there pits the East Hartford boys against Pope Francis (Mass.).
The Glastonbury girls are also back, facing Pittsfield (Mass.) at Springfield Central. The Staples boys follow Glastonbury, taking on Taconic (Mass.).
Bunnell, the two-time CIAC Division III boys state champion, will face KIPP Capital (N.Y.) at Putnam High in Connecticut. At the High School of Science and Technology, the St. Joseph boys face Stony Brook (N.Y.), and two games later, the Stonington boys face Minnechaug.
The Springfield International Charter School will host the Ridgefield girls vs. Minnechaug (Mass.) and the Tolland boys against Springfield International Charter.
The Weaver boys will take on Berne-Knox (N.Y.) at High School of Commerce
All Connecticut teams will either play a championship or consolation game Jan. 18 at the same site.
Running the same weekend, the Hoophall Classic (Jan. 15-19) field is expected to be announced Thursday, Procino said. All games will be played at Springfield College.
Connecticut
Justice Department sues Connecticut over sanctuary policies
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) – The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the state of Connecticut and the city of New Haven, arguing their “sanctuary” policies illegally interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, targets Connecticut’s “Trust Act” and local rules that limit cooperation with federal authorities.
Named in the suit are Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.
Federal officials claim these policies violate the U.S. Constitution and allow “dangerous criminals” to be released into the community instead of being handed over to federal agents.
“This lawsuit seeks to end such open defiance of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate.
The move is part of a broader federal crackdown on sanctuary cities, with similar legal actions recently filed against Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Connecticut
Connecticut lawmakers go head-to-head in Fifth Annual CGA Kickball Classic
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Lawmakers put aside politics on Monday for a good cause, going head-to-head on the field.
Democrats took on Republicans in the Fifth Annual CGA Kickball Classic at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. All ticket sales go towards charity, with this year’s recipient being United Way of Connecticut.
The Democrats won for the second year in a row, the Republicans had a three-year win streak previously.
“It’s great, especially because we’re coming into the real heat of the legislative session, so it’s a lot of fun to be out here,” State Rep. Jason Doucette (D) said. “We have a fun time with our friends across the aisle.”
“United Way is a great organization, a statewide organization, and all of our local United Ways,” Former House Minority Leader Themis Klarides (R) said. “Especially in this day and age, people need so much help just for their everyday activities and keeping their families going, so we’re just really proud to have them be our charity this year.”
Lawmakers on both sides encouraged Connecticut residents to support their local United Way organization however they can.
Connecticut
This CT city is one of the ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US,’ according to Livability
Livability released its annual list of small to mid-sized cities throughout the nation where residents can “truly thrive,” according to its website. Livability analyzed more than 100 data points in eight essential categories to measure a city’s overall health and “fun factor.”
The Fairfield County city was named to the list for being “home to a charming downtown, excellent schools, an arts community” and its proximity to New York City.
Danbury ranked high for its health, safety and amenities such as dining variety and access to parks and museums. Livability highlighted places in the city such as Danbury Museum, Railway Museum, Danbury Music Centre, Ives Concert Park, The Palace Danbury, Aldrich Museum, Danbury Ice Arena, Thrillz Park, Tarrywile Park and the Danbury Fair Mall.
Some of Livability’s top reasons to move to Danbury include the city being a “commuter’s dream,” as it is 50 miles from New York City and an hour from Hartford. The website also stated that Danbury is “affordable” compared to other Connecticut cities, with a median home value of $417,303, an average household income of $91,100 and median monthly rent of $1,679.
Livability also described Danbury as a “regional powerhouse for retail and health care” and stated that it was “one of the most diverse cities in the country” for its culinary and cultural scenes.
Danbury previously was named to Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” list in 2024 and 2025.
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