Connecticut
'Hands Off' Protest Draws Estimated 1,500 To Connecticut Capitol | CT News Junkie
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Paige Harrison Gorman, co-founder of the Connecticut chapter of the 50501, speaks at the Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Elizabeth Horton Sheff, a Hartford civil rights activist, speaks at the Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong speaks at the Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
US Sen. Richard Blumenthal stops for a picture with a protester while leaving the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest at the Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
US Sen. Richard Blumenthal listens to another speaker at the Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. At right is Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz with Attorney General William Tong at left. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters gather at the Connecticut Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters gather at the Connecticut Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
Protesters with their signs raised at the Connecticut Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action protest. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie -
US Rep. John Larson speaking to the crowd of protestors the Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the “Hands Off” Hartford Day of Action. Credit: Mia Palazzo / CTNewsJunkie
HARTFORD, CT — About 1,500 protestors braved a steady April rain Saturday afternoon on the north steps of the Connecticut State Capitol, marching, chanting, and carrying signs as part of the national Hands Off Protest.
The gathering, which Capitol police estimated at about 1,500, aimed to deliver the Hands Off Protest message of the day through chants, carried a unified message delivered out loud and written on poster board:
“Hands off our healthcare. Hands off our schools. Hands off our services. Hands off our rights. Hands off our democracy.”
The rally was one of many as part of a nationwide mobilization led by the 50501 movement. Saturday’s demonstrations were organized mainly in opposition to President Donald Trump’s policy agenda and Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, which protesters described as a sweeping campaign to weaken federal agencies, eliminate core public services, and roll back civil rights.
Organizers aimed to hold rallies in 1,200 locations across all 50 states. In addition to the Hartford rally, Connecticut protesters also gathered in New Haven, Stamford, Middletown, Guilford, and elsewhere.
“They think we’re going to get exhausted. I’m not exhausted—are you? Are you in this fight with me every day?” said Attorney General William Tong, drawing cheers as one of the openers of the Hartford rally.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, just back from an overnight Senate session, criticized recent legislative efforts in Washington.
“Every one of the amendments we offered last night to protect Medicare, Social Security, our courts, our universities, and our healthcare — every one was voted down by my Republican colleagues,” he said. “They are siding with Donald Trump and Elon Musk.”
Elizabeth Horton Sheff, civil rights leader and the named plaintiff in Connecticut’s landmark Sheff v. O’Neill court case that mandated equal access to quality, integrated public education, addressed attacks on education and democratic participation.
“What we have to realize is that without an educated populace, we have no democracy,” she said. “They want to take our hope, they want to take our joy. Sorry. Hands off.”
Lisa DelSesto of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut warned of mounting restrictions on reproductive healthcare.
“Twenty-eight states currently restrict abortion care, 13 have total bans,” she said. “Over one-third of reproductive-age women in this country live in states where healthcare is restricted. This is a human rights crisis.”
Leah Juliet, representing Equality Connecticut, focused on the rising hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities.
“There is a war being waged against queer and trans people,” they said. “It is not subtle. It is not quiet. It is violent. Our existence, our right to healthcare, our right to safety, and our ability to participate in public life are under attack.”
B. Rae Perryman, communications director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, agreed.
“When they say Project 2025, we say ‘project stay alive,’” she said.
Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell framed the moment as part of a generational struggle. He said the administration’s goal is to wear down public engagement.
“My father will be 83 this year. He grew up in the Deep South, in the heart of Jim Crow,” Russell said. “When I think about everything he’s seen — and what we’re seeing now — it’s clear we’re back fighting the same battles,” he said. “Every generation has a responsibility to keep this fight going. These backslides happen when we become complacent. We are not going to let that happen.
Manchester’s poet laureate, Nadia Sims, shared a spoken-word piece titled “Regular Revolutionary.”
“I don’t need to be rich. But I need to afford my mother’s insulin,” she said.
Bette Marafino, president of the Alliance for Retired Americans, shared the historical impact of Social Security.
“Before Social Security, 49% of seniors lived in poverty. Today it’s 9%. And that’s still too high,” she said.
State Comptroller Sean Scanlon thanked the crowd for showing up in the rain and acknowledged that everyone, including himself, had a reason for being there Saturday.
“My five-year-old asked me why I was going to a protest,” he said. “I get a little choked up, because the answer is him.”
Elected officials from the national to the local level rounded out the day’s speakers.
U.S. Congressman John Larson voiced his support for protecting Social Security and Medicare. Local representatives, including Gillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, Robin Comey, D-Branford, Rebecca Martinez, D-Hartford, and Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, voiced their support for continued resistance and legislative action.
“I have a very, very simple message for Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and for JD Vance,” Lesser said. “We are not going anywhere.”
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The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?
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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut
Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.
Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.
So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?
Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.
The Bottom Line
If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.
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As 2026 begins, Connecticut is gearing up another busy news year. The legislature is in session beginning next month, with numerous items up for consideration that could have an impact on residents. Also, Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term and the entire General Assembly is up for election, which could alter the balance of power in Connecticut.
Also in 2026, new laws on housing, cancer screening, absentee ballots and more went into effect January 1.
But before we get too far into 2026, let’s take a look back at CTNewsJunkie’s biggest stories of 2025, as determined by our readers. In scanning the list of top 10 most-read stories, transportation, elections, new laws, a new state holiday and clean energy emerged as popular reads.
Credit: Olga Maksimava / Shutterstock
Transportation
It is easy to see what weighs most on readers’ minds, as transportation-related stories made up fully half of the 10 most popular stories list.
Four of the top 10 stories (#s 2, 3, 8 and 10 on the list) dealt with traffic cameras. What towns have been approved for them? What towns are applying? What are the rules for using them to enforce speed? How much revenue do they generate? These were all questions on the minds of readers.
The fifth transit-related story, and sixth-most popular overall, dealt with the construction of the new Naugatuck Metro-North train station and overhaul of the surrounding area into a mixed-use community.
New laws
Two of CTNewsJunkie’s top 10 stories of 2025 dealt with new state laws. Our Dec. 19 story about new laws taking effect January 1 came in at #7, and a similar story in June about new laws taking effect July 1 ranked #9 for the year.
Offshore wind
CTNewsJunkie’s coverage of the Revolution Wind project proved popular with readers, but only one story on that topic cracked the annual top 10. Published on Dec. 26, traditionally a slow news day, the story about four northeastern governors demanding a briefing on the alleged national security concerns of offshore wind generation drew enough interest to rank #5 on the annual list.
Light overcomes darkness
Connecticut gained a new state holiday in 2025, and readers made the story about the announcement the fourth-most popular story of the year.
Public Act 25-59 established Diwali as a state holiday. Connecticut is only the second state to recognize the Southeast Asian holiday celebrating the victory of light over darkness. The state holiday officially is the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar the holiday typically falls in September or October.
Democrats roll in municipal elections
CTNewsJunkie’s most-read story of 2025, by far, was the Nov. 5 story detailing the results of the Nov. 4 municipal elections. Connecticut’s political landscape changed dramatically in one day, with 27 towns flipping from Republican to Democratic leadership. In contrast, one town — Easton — flipped the other way, with a Republican replacing an incumbent Democrat who did not seek reelection.
At just over 36%, voter turnout was about 10% higher than average for an odd-numbered year.
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.
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