Connecticut
Connecticut travelers hit the roads and the shopping centers
Whether you’re getting last minute shopping done or hitting the roads for the holidays, it was a busy Friday night.
Nearly a million people in our state will be hitting the road this holiday season to see family and friends, but before they can do that, they’re getting some last-minute holiday shopping done.
It’s hard to have the season of giving, without it being the season of spending, too.
“Clothes, makeup, hair supplies, brushes, earrings, and looking at apple products,” Anne Tomchuck, of Orange, said.
“A few jackets for winter,” Cassie McKittrick, of Branford, said.
Shoppers flocked to The Shops at Yale in New Haven to get gifts for loved ones.
Some are there to find the steals, like Tomchuck.
“Last minute deals, we’re hoping for a last-minute deal or a trade-in deal,” she said.
Others are embracing the last-minute shopping experience, like John McKittrick, of Branford.
“If I was a little craftier, I probably should have saved money, but I didn’t,” he said.
For the retailers themselves, Jahnaya Stone of Lou Lou Boutiques said local stores are getting lots of love.
“It’s definitely getting busy, especially this weekend,” Stone said. “Until Christmas Eve, we’re going to be open until nine instead of eight because it’s going to be busy.”
If crowds at shopping centers don’t tell you it’s the holiday season, the snowy highways will.
“Yeah the roads were fine, there’s no slickness out there,” Jon, of Madison, said.
People stopping at the Branford rest stop off Interstate 95 said traffic was mild during rush hour. But with a cold snap coming on one of the busiest travel days of the year, CT Department of Transportation vehicles were out in full force.
“I see ppl putting salt on the roads, I see people pulling over, police officers, emergency workers working,” Mekhi Barnett, of Stamford, said.
If you’re planning to travel the next few days by car, AAA says the morning is better to travel leading up to, and after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The worst times to travel are the mid-day to afternoon hours.
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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