Connecticut

“Sounds of Hope” ceremony honors domestic violence victims and survivors

Published

1 year ago

October 1, 2024

Press Room

“Sounds of Hope” ceremony honors domestic violence victims and survivors

A special ceremony was held at Long Wharf Pier to observe the start Domestic Violence Awareness month.

The ceremony was called “Sounds of Hope,” as attendants heard from multiple advocates against domestic violence.

Some of the advocates present included BH Care, the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Also present at the ceremony was Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D – CT) who spoke about his commitment to fight domestic violence on the federal level, along with New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.

“To anyone that is in a situation of domestic violence, we also come together to say you are not alone and there is help available,” Mayor Elicker said.

At the event, the names of 26 lives lost to domestic violence were called out and attendants threw purple flowers into the Long Island Sound as each name was called.

In addition to remembering the victims and survivors of domestic violence, advocates also made a call for additional funding for services.

“Raising awareness is now more critical than ever, the funding stream for our programs supported by the Victims of Crime Act is nearly dry,” said Roberta Cook, President and CEO of BH Care.

Meghan Scanlon, president of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence said they will be asking for $3.3 million in the upcoming legislative session.

“I believe that Congress and the state of CT should be investing in issues that impact women, girls, children more so than they do right now,” Scanlon said.

Scanlon said the funding is necessary in order to continue providing the appropriate resources.

“Last year we had 19 intimate partner violence homicides in the state of CT, over the last 10 years we’ve averaged 14.”

Jessica Pizzano, director of victims services at Survivors of Homicide said if they do not receive the proper funding, their center could shut down in 2025.

“We’re one of the few programs in the country, one of the few as a whole, that provide secondary services to survivors so if we were no longer around there wouldn’t be any other resource for people to go to.”

Pizzano said her center is facing a budget cut of up to 70% in the upcoming fiscal year.

To report a Domestic Violence situation, you can contact CTsafeconnect.org or call 888-774-2900.

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Connecticut

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

Published

7 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.

I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.

The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.

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Connecticut

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

Published

19 hours ago

March 3, 2026

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Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.

There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.

There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.

A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.

In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.

On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.

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Connecticut

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.

The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.

Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.

After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.

“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.

Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.

The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.

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