Connecticut
JewQ finalists compete in Connecticut, inspiring unity across borders
 
The JewQ International Championship event spelling bee-style finale event took place in Stamford, Connecticut on Monday 8 April. The event took place against the backdrop of the October 7 attacks and on the Jewish traditions connected to the Holy Land, the International Jewish Knowledge Championship announced.
The competition, which transformed the Connecticut town into a vibrant hub of Jewish learning for the event, hosted the finalists, their families, and friends from various countries. During the competition, the finalists demonstrated their mastery of many topics related to Jewish tradition and culture.
The competition included questions from notable figures such as Chani Klein, a Chabad representative, an IDF paratrooper unit commander, and an Israeli farmer who asked questions regarding their respective fields of expertise.
As part of the event, an educational video was shown, which illustrated the historical and religious connection the Jewish people have to the Holy Land, focusing on the significance of this connection.
Another feature of the event was a game show-like competition for the finalists on topics that relate to the biblical text.
Celebrating Jewish heritage
Chabad Headquarters’ Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky said “In today’s environment, where Jewish children face undue challenges, it’s critical to empower our youth with the confidence that comes from deep-rooted knowledge and understanding of their heritage,” in the report. The Rabbi added that “everyone … had a strong feeling of positivity and hopefulness for a bright Jewish future.”
The game show feature of the event was won by Team Torah, after a close match with Team Mitzvot, who were celebrated on stage and awarded with a plaque.
The competition, which was also broadcast online and viewed by hundreds remotely – in addition to over 50,000 in person at the event, brought communities together to cheer the finalists.
The award ceremony at the end of the competition was carried by Rabbi Mendy, who crowned the Ultimate JewQ Champions from different grade levels, some of them were Daniel Marquez from Canada, Naomi Cohen from New York, Yael Jontof-Hutter from California, Isabella Gupta from California, and Stella Tolin from Massachusetts.
 
																	
																															Connecticut
Killingly Woman, 65, Accused Of Killing Canterbury Man: Police
 
														 
KILLINGLY, CT — Police on Wednesday identified both the man who was fatally shot Monday night and the woman accused of shooting him.
The victim, Andrew Michael Olson, 39, of Canterbury, was shot in the chest at a residence at 23 Pratt Rd., according to state police.
Police have arrested Michelle Yeagher, 65, of 23 Pratt Rd., Killingly, for the slaying.
Yeagher is charged with murder, carrying a dangerous weapon, risk of injury to a child, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Police have not yet disclosed the relationship between the victim and the suspect, or any potential motive.
Yeagher remains in custody, held on a $1 million bond. She has been arraigned in Superior Court in Danielson. She has not yet entered a plea, and she is next due in court on Dec. 11, according to the state Judicial Branch website.
State police said they responded to Yeagher’s residence at 23 Pratt Rd. around 9:21 p.m. on Monday for a report of a shooting.
Troopers found the male victim suffering a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to state police. He was rushed to Day Kimball Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, state police said.
State police arrested Yeagher at the residence.
The homicide investigation remains active and ongoing, according to police. The Eastern District Major Crime Squad is in charge of the investigation.
Read more:
State Police Probe Homicide In Killingly
Connecticut
Connecticut voters face local ballot questions on infrastructure, leadership
 
														 
(WFSB) – Voters across Connecticut will decide on local ballot questions on November 4th, including infrastructure spending, municipal leadership positions and policy changes that could impact their communities for years.
In Middletown, voters will consider two major spending proposals: $33 million for infrastructure improvements and $9.5 million for water and sewer upgrades.
“I think everybody has that responsibility if you want to be a good citizen. You should make your voice heard,” said Stephen Civitello, a Middletown voter.
Plainville voters will decide whether their town manager can keep their job if they choose to move out of town.
Manchester faces a similar question about their superintendent, along with two additional ballot items: whether the town should become a city and whether to spend $19.5 million on buildings and roads.
In Glastonbury, voters are split on whether to allow large artificial turf fields, excluding the current one at the high school. Campaign signs throughout the town reflect the division on the issue.
“I saw all the signs and I thought everyone seems to care a lot about this referendum and it’s for the turf,” said Maggie Dunn, a Glastonbury voter.
Dunn said she felt compelled to vote despite the smaller scale of local elections.
“So, I was like I can’t just yell about how everybody should go vote and then not go vote,” she said.
Civitello called voting a “civic duty.”
Local elections typically see lower turnout than state and federal races, but the issues directly affect residents’ daily lives through money, schools and infrastructure.
Some local ballot questions are decided by dozens of votes.
Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Connecticut
State police investigating ‘suspicious incident’ at Killingly home, officials say
 
														 
KILLINGLY — Troopers responded to a Pratt Road home Monday to investigate a suspicious incident, state police said.
A spokesperson for the Connecticut State Police said that as of 10 p.m. the scene was active and no further information was available.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
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