Trump says US will ‘run’ Venezuela, control oil production
Connecticut
CT marks transgender day of visibility: ‘It’s about being respected’
Members of the state’s transgender community expressed joy and pride on International Transgender Day of Visibility with an afternoon of impassioned speeches, calls to action, and laughter at the Capitol.
In the face of threats to their safety and attacks on their rights at the national level, many said they also felt grateful to call Connecticut home.
“The price of being an out, trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary American, is to risk everything: our relationships, our jobs, our rights, and I’m afraid, potentially, our freedom,” said Dawn Ennis, one of the organizers of West Hartford Pride. “I don’t need to tell you the stakes. I don’t need to tell you what you’re risking — what I’m risking — just by being visible.”
Connecticut has emerged as a relative safe haven for the transgender community over the past few months, since President Donald Trump returned to office and issued a flurry of executive orders targeting their rights. They include prohibitions on transgender girls from participating in school sports teams, a ban of transgender service members in the military and a ban on children under 19 from accessing gender-affirming care.
Lawsuits challenging those orders have in turn been working their way through the courts. But despite having policies that support the transgender community, Connecticut has so far flown under the radar, even as Maine’s Gov. Janet Mills was reprimanded in-person by Trump at a White House event for refusing to ban transgender athletes. Her state has seen numerous targeted funding cuts since.
At a recent Connecticut Mirror event, Gov. Ned Lamont, who was sitting next to Mills at the time of her confrontation with Trump, recalled watching how Mills handled the heat.
“I was really proud of Janet Mills to tell you the truth,” Lamont said. “I thought Janet Mills handled it just right.”
In 2024, Connecticut also took steps to launch a tourism initiative to let members of the LGBTQ+ community know that they can find acceptance in the state.
And on Monday Lamont wrote on X: “Trans people are people just like everyone else and deserve to have their rights protected. To the transgender community in Connecticut: We see you, we celebrate you, and we’ve got your back.”
But Connecticut has also been a site of controversy on the issue. A lawsuit filed by female athletes opposing transgender athletes from participating on sports teams, was filed in a Connecticut district court, and one of the country’s most prominent activists opposing transgender athletes lives in Darien.
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Aaron Miller, a transgender pastor, told Monday’s gathering that today’s attacks are history repeating itself.
“These times are not new to us. Some of us, many of us here, have lived this before — and we know what Stonewall was,” said Aaron Miller, a transgender man and pastor. Miller was citing the confrontations between members of the gay community and police at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in 1969 that served as a turning point in that community’s struggle for civil rights. “It’s time for another movement, but this time for the transgender community.”
Rep. MJ Shannon, D-Milford, a 24-year-old lawmaker and member of the LGBTQ+ Caucus, pledged to support the transgender community. “Through our work here at the legislature, we’re making sure that trans voices are not just heard — they’re at the center of the policies and initiatives that shape our state,” Shannon said. “Because visibility isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being respected, protected and valued in every space, whether it’s our schools, our workplaces, our health care systems or our homes.”
June Carpenter, a 17-year-old transgender high school senior student, was among the speakers who emphasized the importance of celebrating her identity joyously. She said that too often the discussion of trans lives are rooted in struggle and resilience against adversity.
“While these narratives are valid, they are not everything,” she said. “Our lives are not solely about struggle. They’re about thriving, about love, about laughter, about the simple yet radical act of existing in a world that often misunderstands us.”
Brianna Skowera, the organizer of Middletown Pride, said that she remembers a time when transgender people were pushed to the margins. She celebrated their role in every corner of society.
“We are journalists, we are activists, we are celebrities, we are authors who are proud of our journey,” Skowera said. “But even more important, we are visible in the day-to-day life in our communities. Trans people are grocery store clerks, we are baristas, we are phone operators, we are homemakers, we are parents, we are teachers. We are the neighbors that you live with.”
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who served as the master of ceremony at the event, said that while Transgender Day of Visibility had been celebrated at the capitol in the past, Monday’s event carried more weight.
“As you’ve heard from these speakers, the threats are greater,” Bysiewicz said. “There’s so much hate, so much attempt to divide and discriminate, I think it makes today’s celebration so much more important.”
Connecticut
Ten people displaced after Bridgeport fire
Ten people are displaced after a fire broke out at the 400 block of Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.
At around 5:30 p.m., the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a fire alarm.
Upon arrival, firefighters located heavy smoke conditions after the fire was extinguished in one unit by the sprinkler system.
Nine units were affected, displacing ten people.
There were no reported injuries.
The American Red Cross is working to help those who were displaced.
Connecticut
CT Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 3, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
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.
Connecticut
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.“
What we know about a US strike that captured Venezuela’s Maduro
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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