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CT will bolster home heating aid funding in February, leaders say

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CT will bolster home heating aid funding in February, leaders say


Leaders of the General Assembly’s Democratic majority said this week they expect to introduce emergency legislation next month to supplement winter heating assistance depleted by shrinking federal funds.

House Speaker Matt Ritter of Hartford and Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney of New Haven both said the goal is to vote in mid-February, roughly one week after the regular session opens, when legislators also are expected to vote on judicial nominations.

Both Democratic leaders said the funding likely would be modest and expressed optimism they could overcome Gov. Ned Lamont’s reservations about using state funds to support an initiative traditionally paid for with federal dollars.

“We need to hedge against the rest of the winter being severe,” Looney said. “We can’t have people struggling and suffering in Connecticut.”

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The Hartford Courant reported Thursday that the Chief State Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating four deaths from suspected hypothermia during the recent cold snap. The deaths took place between Jan. 14 and 20 in Bridgeport, Hartford, Thomaston and Westbrook.

Officials investigating whether hypothermia contributed to four CT deaths during frigid stretch

Ritter said Democrats have been looking for an opportunity to bolster energy assistance, but it recently became clear that would not be feasible in a special session before the regular session starts Feb. 7.

“It’s something I support very much and something my caucus supports very much,” he said.

Though full details of the Democratic proposal were not available Wednesday, it is expected to center on the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. The added funds would not be sufficient to elevate assistance to last winter’s levels but would mitigate a severe drop in grants.

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CEAP, which is administered by the state Department of Social Services, distributes federal Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds and is facing severe cutbacks. Congress rolled back LIHEAP funding this year to pre-pandemic levels. Connecticut has about $85 million to distribute this winter — well below the $110 million-plus it awarded last year and the smallest amount since the winter of 2018-19.

But demand is up more than 40% from pre-pandemic levels, according to the social services department. Despite relatively mild weather, approved applications this year are up 14.4% from last winter’s pace and exceeded 63,400 through Jan. 6. At that pace, they would approach 121,000 before the program closes in the spring.

State social services officials estimated last August that the maximum amount the poorest household could receive was $1,350 based on available federal funds. That’s down almost $1,000 from last year’s top benefit, while many other families stand to lose hundreds of dollars.

East Hampton officials recently identified six residents that had exhausted their benefits by the first half of January, according to Eric Rosenberg, chairman of that community’s Commission on Aging.

Household income must be at or below 60% of the state median to qualify for CEAP. For a family of four, that’s a cap of $79,910.

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The state’s Low Income Energy Advisory Board has asked state officials to bolster the $85 million Connecticut Energy Assistance Program budget by at least 20%, or roughly $17 million, to mitigate the financial hit these families are facing.

That ask represents 2.5% of the $645 million surplus Lamont’s budget office estimates Connecticut will have when the fiscal year closes June 30.

“The urgency to act on behalf of families this winter is growing,” said Claire Coleman, the state’s consumer counsel and chairwoman of the advisory board. “Connecticut has continually focused on ways to help those most vulnerable, and I’m hopeful that state leadership is proactive.”

Nora Duncan, vice chairwoman of the advisory board and state director of the AARP, urged municipal officials to follow East Hampton’s example and continue to inform legislators about residents who have exhausted all assistance but will likely need heat for several more months.

Ritter and Looney said the mid-February proposal to add state funds to CEAP likely would involve less than the $17 million the advisory board sought, given that slightly more than one month of winter already has passed.

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Ritter added that leaders also are considering added funding for Operation Fuel, a Hartford-based energy assistance nonprofit.

Whether any state funding is spent on may hinge largely on Lamont, a fiscally moderate Democrat who has offered two concerns about using state dollars for energy assistance: The first is that LIHEAP grants are a federal responsibility; the second, that the program is only designed to help, not to cover the full winter heating needs of the poor.

Chris Collibee, Lamont’s budget spokesman, said Wednesday that the administration hasn’t seen any legislative proposals for supplemental funding to date.

“If legislative leaders believe that more funding is needed for LIHEAP, they should work with the state’s congressional delegation to secure such funding,” Collibee added. “While the administration is wary of creating a precedent for state support of this federal program, any proposals to provide state funds to supplement federal allocations will need to work within a balanced budget framework and compliance with all applicable budget caps.”

Members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation already have expressed skepticism that more energy assistance funds would be forthcoming from Washington.

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Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, another advocate for pooling state funds with federal dollars to expand energy assistance, said this isn’t an unprecedented idea. Connecticut did this periodically both in the 1990s and in the 2000s, he said.

“We’ve got a lot of winter left … and we’ve got to be practical about this,” Lesser added. “Obviously the need is there.”

Minority Republicans in the state House and Senate said Wednesday that officials watched federal aid decline last year and shouldn’t have been stunned to see it fall again this winter.

Republicans have argued that state government, which has amassed roughly $11 billion in budget surpluses since 2017, should tap its own coffers to keep residents warm. The GOP proposed last spring that a contingency fund be established in the state budget so the General Assembly wouldn’t have to scramble this winter after some residents already were living in cold homes.

“It’s failed leadership, plain and simple,” said Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, “The longer we wait, the more we will see that … families are going without heat. I can’t believe a state of such wealth is in this situation.”

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“This is a crisis, another fire set by Democrats that we will have to come and put out,” added House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford.

Keith M. Phaneuf is a reporter for The Connecticut Mirror (https://ctmirror.org/ ). Copyright 2024 © The Connecticut Mirror.



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Ten people displaced after Bridgeport fire

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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.

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There were no reported injuries.

The American Red Cross is working to help those who were displaced.



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

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


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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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 leaders react to capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

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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.”

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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.

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“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.

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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.”

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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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