Connecticut News & Current Events

Connecticut data show men earn more than females regardless of whether they go to college, a gap widening over time. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

U.S. gender wage gap grows for the first time in a decade

New research shows the gender wage gap widened for the first time in two decades. The Census Bureau found full-time working women make 82.7 cents …

A new report found Connecticut still has massive gender, racial and ethnic wage gaps, both for low-wage and middle-wage workers. The issue is especially prominent in public-sector jobs, which also suffer from a lack of diversity. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Report: CT post-pandemic job growth still lags

A new report showed Connecticut's post-pandemic job growth lags behind the rest of the nation. The State of Working Connecticut report found …

Climate change harms Indigenous people's health. While it causes some health conditions, it is also worsening chronic illnesses to which they are prone. (Adobe Stock)

EPA awards climate grant to CT tribal nation

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has been awarded a grant to cut climate pollution. It is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate …

The Commonwealth Fund finds personal care attendants are facing nationwide shortages driven by low wages and retention, high turnover, and recruitment challenges. (Adobe Stock)

CT home health care workers still facing payroll issues

Despite a changing of the guard, Connecticut home health care workers still face payroll issues. Personal care attendants dealt with late paychecks …

By 2029, Connecticut's estimated share of enrollees benefiting from Medicare's out-of-pocket cap will be higher than 30 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicare cap helps reduce CT prescription drug costs

A new report found Connecticut residents will benefit from Medicare's new out-of-pocket cap. An estimated 49,000 people in the state would see …

Experts warn not to give in to an event organizer's pressure to participate in a festival or fair. Also, if they are pushy about getting payments but are not giving details, it could be a scam. (Adobe Stock)

Experts advise CT consumers about safe shopping at festivals

Experts are advising Connecticut consumers to be cautious with what they buy at late-summer fairs and festivals. As fun as the events can be…

A new survey found 64% of teachers and 67% of special education teachers in Connecticut would not recommend pursuing a career in teaching and 46% said they would not have become educators if they could start over. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: CT educators burned out from ongoing teacher shortage

As Connecticut's school year begins, the state is still dealing with a teacher shortage. Almost every subject area is facing a statewide shortage …

A University of Michigan survey found 54% of older adults have not completed an advance directive. Some reasons were they had not gotten around to it, they did not know about them or they did not like talking about it. (Adobe Stock)

CT senator’s federal bill could improve end-of-life planning

A new bipartisan federal bill could improve end-of-life care planning. The Compassionate Care Act creates guidelines for advanced care and end-of-…

Fewer than half of all high school students were able to fill out the FAFSA application in the past year, due to online issues. (Adobe Stock)

CT group provides clinics to help students with FAFSA

A Connecticut group is hosting an information clinic tomorrow about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program, known as FAFSA. The Center …

Mental Health America's 2024 State of Mental Health report found close to 20% (54,000) of Connecticut young people have had at least one major depressive episode. (Adobe Stock)

CT doctors advise best back-to-school health practices

With Connecticut schools starting soon, doctors said healthy practices can help children heading back to the classroom. In the transition from …

Environmental groups say there is a need to reduce the use of such chemicals as PFAS and practice farming in ways that their use is no longer needed. (Adobe Stock)

Study finds high levels of PFAS chemicals in many pesticides

CLARIFICATION: Neonicotinoids may contain PFAS chemicals, but PFAS chemicals are not neonicotinoids. (12:30 p.m. MDT, Aug. 11, 2024) A class of …

More than 425,000 people utilize services at hundreds of community health care centers throughout Connecticut. (Adobe Stock)

CT community health centers fill gaps in affordable, primary care

As Connecticut struggles with a shortage of physicians, community health centers are filling the gap. More than 400,000 state residents, many …

Connecticut voters don't want to repeal all the state's budget controls, but 46% of likely voters want to see

CT budget reserve could bolster much-needed social programs

Connecticut groups want Gov. Ned Lamont to use some of the state's budget reserve to fund social programs. The state has amassed a more than $4 …

A poll from the Connecticut Child Tax Credit Coalition finds 73% of Connecticut voters approve of establishing a state child tax credit, regardless of whether they are currently raising children. (Adobe Stock)

CT group’s petition ignites discussions on child tax credit

A Connecticut group is circulating a petition of support about the proposed child tax credit. United Way of Connecticut's petition has 540 signatures …

A Pew Research poll showed more than half of U.S. adults think the country's K-12 public education system is headed in the wrong direction. Voters across party lines aren't certain education isn't doing right by kids. (Adobe Stock)

Education remains strong CT voter priority in 2024 elections

Connecticut groups said education is a top priority in the 2024 election. Vice President Kamala Harris is vowing to continue and expand on Biden …

Black and Hispanic residents of Connecticut are less likely to both have insurance and a regular health-care provider compared with white residents. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates call proposed CT insurance rate increases too high

Connecticut insurance companies are requesting rate increases. Companies want a more than 8% increase for individuals and an almost 12% increase for …

Connecticut is the top state in the U.S. searching for Ozempic online, according to data from Google Trends. (Adobe Stock)

CT, US see rise in counterfeit medicine sales

Counterfeit medicine sales are on the rise, in Connecticut and nationwide. The state faced trouble with growing sales of counterfeit Xanax pills …

A new report from the University of Connecticut School of Public Policy found Hispanic men face the lowest pay equity of all new and long-term hires in Connecticut's government workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT government pay equity, representation needs work

A new report finds Connecticut's state government can improve pay equity and representation. The University of Connecticut School of Public Policy …

Since 2018, AARP Connecticut's Livable Communities grant program has funded 38 projects across the state. (Adobe Stock)

AARP seeks ideas to make CT communities more 'livable'

AARP Connecticut is accepting applications for grants for community improvement projects across the state. The "Livable Communities" program awards …

Between 2018 and 2021, more than 1 million kids visited hospital emergency departments due to mental health challenges. (Adobe Stock)

CT '988' hotline services rank high in national report

A new report showed Connecticut's 988 crisis lifeline services rank highly. The report is from Inseparable, a national mental health advocacy group…

Although citywide bans on camping and other laws disadvantaging homeless people grew widely from 2006 to 2019, homeless encampments grew by 1,300% in all 50 states. (Adobe Stock)

CT advocates dismayed by SCOTUS homelessness decision

Connecticut advocates are distressed about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson. The ruling said public camping bans …

A Better Business Bureau report found home improvement and online purchase scams are two of the top five scams people fell victim to in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

CT residents should watch out for summertime scams

Amid the fun in the sun, Connecticut residents should be wary of summertime scams. Utility company impostor scams are prominent this time of year…

Connecticut has seen an economywide 14% decline in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. Although emissions hit an all-time low in 2020, the data show the dip did not last. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Climate change must be addressed at CT special session

Connecticut environmental advocates want the General Assembly to address climate action in this week's special session, since lawmakers failed to act …

More than 520,000 bump stocks were circulating when an ATF ban took effect in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

CT bump-stock ban remains after SCOTUS ruling

Connecticut is one state not affected by a recent Supreme Court ruling. In Garland v. Cargill, the Court overturned a federal bump-stock ban the …

Connecticut's Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care estimated the state loses around $1.5 billion yearly due to a lack of infant and toddler care. (Adobe Stock)

CT legislation helps reduce child care provider shortage

Legislation in Connecticut could help reduce the ongoing child care workforce shortage Reports show some 40,000 child care positions unfilled…

A new report shows Connecticut has reduced the number of children in poverty and the number of children whose parents lack secure employment, and has fewer kids living in households with a high cost burden. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT child education suffers in pandemic aftermath

A new report finds the well-being of Connecticut's kids is wavering in the pandemic's aftermath. The state ranks 8th in the Annie E. Casey Kids Count …

A Pew Research report finds the number of Hispanic workers in STEM fields has grown only 1% between 2016 and 2021, aligning with their overall growth in the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

CT church hosts STEM advocacy talks for Hispanic students

A Connecticut church is hosting a discussion this weekend to encourage Hispanic students to work in STEM fields. The talk is part of Hispanic Access …

An AARP survey found only 9% of adults age 50 and older would not consider a telehealth visit over an in-person one under any circumstance. (Adobe Stock)

CT telehealth law made permanent, helps senior health access

Newly signed Connecticut laws can improve access and the quality of health care for seniors. One significant change is extending a pandemic-era …

More people are being taken by romance scams, which often take a large toll on victims mentally. The loss increased from $1,411 in 2022 to $3,600 in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

New resource guide helps CT residents recover from scams

A new online guide helps people in Connecticut and nationwide recover from scams. The Better Business Bureau's Scam Survival Kit connects people …

Insufficient sleep is up 21% for Connecticut seniors aged 64, at 30.5%, slightly higher than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT seniors gain access to care but health outcomes worsen

Connecticut ranks high for helping seniors access care in a new report. The America's Health Ranking Senior report found Connecticut lost ground in …

More than 80,000 people in Connecticut have Alzheimer's disease and research shows the number will grow 14% by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Summer safety tips for CT people with dementia, Alzheimer’s

This Memorial Day, Connecticut health experts are guiding caregivers on how to keep people with Alzheimer's safe. People with the various forms of …

The latest Living Planet Index report finds freshwater migratory fish saw an average 81% collapse in monitored population sizes between 1970 and 2020. This includes massive declines in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. (Adobe Stock)

CT groups prepare for World Fish Migration Day

Groups in Connecticut are preparing to celebrate World Fish Migration Day on Friday. The biennial event celebrates migratory fish species and their …

Connecticut's teacher certification process has not been changed in 26 years. (Adobe Stock)

CT bill updates teacher certification process, could reduce shortage

A newly passed Connecticut bill will modernize the teacher certification process. House Bill 5436 is expected to make it easier for educators to …

The Nurse Licensure Compact now includes 41 states and territories. Legislation to join is pending in seven other states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)

CT to join national nurses' compact; other workforce solutions sought

Connecticut is slated to join a national nursing compact. House Bill 5058 got the General Assembly's approval and awaits Gov. Ned Lamont's signature…

House Bill 5004 would have updated Connecticut's 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, establishing the state's climate goals. It also would have aligned gas-system planning with greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Failure of CT climate change legislation stagnates state progress

Bills addressing climate change are some of the biggest casualties of Connecticut's legislative session. One in particular is House Bill 5004…

United Way of Connecticut's latest ALICE report found 39% of residents live below the ALICE income threshold necessary to live and work in the state. (Adobe Stock)

CT group helps residents with pandemic’s lingering impacts

Connecticut groups are still addressing the pandemic's aftermath. Along with connecting residents to vital services, United Way of Connecticut is …

Despite many Connecticut counties ranking poorly for air quality, Hartford was the only city to improve enough to move off the list of the worst 25 cities. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT counties rank poorly for air quality

Several Connecticut counties rank poorly in the latest State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. Four counties measured for ozone …

Connecticut's 2011 paid sick leave law was the first in the nation to require private-sector employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave. (Adobe Stock)

CT paid sick days bill passes House, heads to Senate

A Connecticut bill would expand the state's paid sick leave law. The initial 2011 law requires 40 hours of paid sick leave for workers at employers …

Some places with camping bans preventing people from sleeping in public areas include Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, and the cities of San Diego, Calif., and Portland, Oregon. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS homelessness case can have ripple effects in CT

The Supreme Court case Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson could upend homeless populations in Connecticut and nationwide. The case centers around whether …

Though Connecticut's benefits cliff persists, there are other programs helping people maintain benefits of some kind when their income pushes them over the limit. (Adobe Stock)

CT Day of Action raises awareness on 'benefits cliff'

Today, groups working with lower-income families in Connecticut are raising awareness about the state's "benefits cliff" with a day of action…

People should consider finding someone to be their spokesperson in health-care decision planning. This would help someone ensure their care wishes are carried out if or when they cannot speak for themselves. (Adobe Stock)

Health care decision planning important for CT residents

With Alzheimer's cases on the rise in Connecticut, experts say people should consider early health care planning. A new report shows around 77,000 …

Shore Line East train service in December 2023 was 50.5% of what it was in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

CT lawmakers consider bills to boost public transit

Two pieces of legislation in Connecticut could bolster public transportation if they make it through the General Assembly. Senate Bill 277 would …

Nearly 60% of Connecticut's almost 113,000 undocumented immigrants do not have access to any form of health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Day of action focuses on CT undocumented residents' health care needs

Today, Connecticut health care advocates are holding a student day of action. They will speak to state lawmakers about raising the age limit for …

Governor Ned Lamont's budget proposal advocates using $5.75 million in ARPA funds to support statewide resiliency and climate preparedness. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: CT General Assembly must act on climate bills

Connecticut's General Assembly is weighing several climate change bills. It comes after what advocates describe as detrimental inaction on the …

Older Americans are more able to save than younger ones. Surveys show people younger than 35 have an average of $5,400 saved. Meanwhile, adults 65 to 74 have an average of $13,400 saved up. (Adobe Stock)

America Saves Week: CT groups teach money saving techniques

Today is the beginning of America Saves Week, and Connecticut groups are hosting events all week. Each day is correlated to a different aspect of …

A new report from Connecticut Voices for Children found Connecticut's film industry tax credit mostly benefits the state's high-income and wealthy households and households outside of Connecticut. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT should consider eliminating costly film tax credit

A new report found Connecticut might be better off without its film industry tax credit. The Connecticut Voices for Children report showed the film …

Research shows inpatient emergency services drop by 70% after a stay in a peer-run respite center. (Adobe Stock)

CT bill creates mental health peer-run respite centers

A Connecticut bill under consideration in the Legislature would establish peer-run respite centers to help people with mental illness. Senate Bill 37…

Insurance rates on plans offered in the Connecticut Affordable Care Act Exchange rose on average around 9.4%, reduced from the requested 12.4%. Small-group plan rates increased on average 7.4%, reduced from a requested increase of 14.8%. (Adobe Stock)

CT insurance committee fails to advance legislation

Connecticut's Insurance and Real Estate Committee failed to advance any bills by its legislative deadline. Almost 40 bills were brought before the …

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