Connecticut
Jostens Reveals the University of Connecticut’s 2024 Men’s Basketball National Championship Ring and Back-to-Back Championship Ring
THE HUSKIES ARE CELEBRATING THEIR SIXTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE WITH A BOLD, TWO-TONE RING AND BACK-TO-BACK TITLES WITH A STONE-COVERED FLIP-TOP RING.
University of Connecticut’s 2024 Men’s Basketball National Championship Ring
University of Connecticut’s 2024 Men’s Basketball Back-to-Back Championship Ring
Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jostens, the nation’s leading provider of custom-crafted championship jewelry, has designed both the National Championship Ring and Back-to-Back Championship Ring for the University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball team. These unforgettable rings were presented to players, coaches and staff members during a private on-campus ceremony on Thursday, October 17.
“Jostens is honored to partner with UConn once again to commemorate their historic back-to-back national championships with two exceptional championship rings,” said Chris Poitras, SVP and GM of Jostens Professional and College Sports Division. “These rings not only celebrate their dominance on the court, but also embody the legacy of excellence, resilience and teamwork that UConn Basketball is known for. Each ring is crafted with the utmost attention to detail, representing the pride of a program that has set a new standard for college basketball.”
A custom Back-to-Back Championship Ring was created for those who were part of both the 2023 and 2024 teams. This highly exclusive piece of jewelry acknowledges two monumental achievements: the Huskies winning back-to-back titles for the first time in program history and being the first men’s college basketball team to have won back-to-back titles in nearly 20 years. The top of the ring opens and is among the first of its kind in the college championship ring market. On the inside, the team’s 2023 and 2024 mottos — “WE SEASON” and “EVERYTHING,” respectively — are highlighted. Sparkling white stones decorate every open surface of this luxe championship ring, so that it captivates from every angle.
“It’s always an honor to work with a brand as respected and elite as Jostens,” UConn head coach Dan Hurley said. “We’re fortunate enough to go through this experience in back-to-back years, and Jostens raised the level of excellence with this year’s rings. They are truly special tokens to commemorate a truly special season. We can’t wait to work with them again next year!”
The Huskies’ 2024 National Championship Ring celebrates their historic season with stunning hand-set stones and highly detailed storytelling. It reflects the team’s dominance and preserves their legacy.
The ring top features the university’s iconic husky logo, a sparkling silver-tone basketball (with rows of strategically placed stones that emulate seams) and a striking gold-tone NCAA trophy. A large sparkling stone near the top of the trophy represents the team’s latest championship win, while the six smaller stones at the base symbolize their six total championship titles throughout program history.
The left side of the ring highlights the three U.S. cities the Huskies had to run through to claim the national title (Brooklyn, N.Y., Boston, Mass. and Phoenix, Ariz.), along with team’s impressive 37-3 season record and 2024 national championship logo. Additionally, each recipient’s jersey number or title is thoughtfully displayed near the bottom.
The right side of the ring honors the team’s 2024 Big East conference sweep. Two Big East trophies sit in the center, representing the team’s regular season championship and conference tournament championship titles, and their record 21 Big East wins are celebrated near the bottom. The recipient’s name reaches across the top edge, and New York City’s iconic skyline (where the annual tournament is held) flanks the featured trophies. Both the left and right side of this ring feature a textured background that resembles a wooden basketball court.
The number “140” is imprinted on the inside of the ring, to celebrate the team’s total margin of victory during the tournament. Furthermore, the scores of their six tournament games are listed — alongside the teams they played — to preserve their historic championship run. The team’s 2024 motto — “EVERYTHING” — appears on the outside of the band, completing this showstopping commemorative.
In addition to the National Championship Ring and Back-to-Back Championship Ring, players and staff members received the Official National Championship Ring from the NCAA. All three of these intricate designs were designed and crafted by Jostens experts.
ABOUT JOSTENS
Jostens leads the student commemoration market and has been serving local communities for over 125 years. The company works with thousands of K-12 schools, colleges and universities each year, and has the honor of partnering with beloved sports teams and esteemed organizations across the country. Its iconic products — like yearbooks, letter jackets, class jewelry and championship rings — keep meaningful traditions alive and inspire millions of people to celebrate their unique stories, milestone moments and biggest accomplishments every year. Jostens has 13 first-class facilities across the globe, and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Visit jostens.com for more information.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 32,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.
Attachments
CONTACT: Peter Lai Jostens 952-830-3230 Peter.Lai@jostens.com
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.“
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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