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Connecticut Democrats win historic state Senate majority

Democrats are poised to secure a historic majority in the Connecticut Senate after winning a series of battleground races and making unexpected gains across the state. Republicans could be left with as few as three seats in the 36-member chamber.

Speaker Mike Johnson won’t run for minority leader, setting up GOP battle

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on a staff call Wednesday that he will not run for minority leader, according to two GOP staffers, heading off what will likely be a bitter fight over the party’s future in the next Congress as Republicans reel from a seismic election defeat. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise…

Enfield referendum for $500M school project projected to pass: Mayor

ENFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) — A referendum deciding whether to approve a plan for an over $500 million school project is projected to pass in Enfield, according to unofficial counts. Enfield Mayor Gina L. Cekala said Wednesday morning the numbers are not final as the absentee ballots need to be counted. However, based on…

Gorgeous weather today to unsettled later tomorrow-Friday

The BEST day of Autumn on this Wednesday!! Unseasonably warm weather with near record high temperatures expected inland under bright skies. An approaching cold front and associated low-pressure system will first deliver some showers on Thursday, then steady/heavier rain is possible Friday afternoon/night, ending early…

Branford beats Daniel Hand in overtime to win SCC field hockey title

WOODBRIDGE, Conn. (WTNH) — Savannah Johnson scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime period as top-seeded Branford won its second consecutive Southern Connecticut Conference championship with a 2-1 win over No. 2 Daniel Hand on Tuesday at Amity Regional High School. Jessica Radzinunas scored on a penalty…

Man arrested in connection with shooting of Yale employee

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The New Haven Police Department said that a 20-year-old was arrested in connection with the attempted carjacking and shooting of a Yale employee on Oct. 20. Angel Rodriguez of New Haven was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine and possession…

Connecticut resident caught trying to vote twice during state's early voting period

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut's deputy secretary of the state said Tuesday that one person was caught by election officials attempting to vote twice during the state's early voting period. During a news conference, Deputy Secretary of the State Jennifer Barahona said one person was caught on Monday…

Untimely death at Killingly polling place unrelated to election, officials say

KILLINGLY, Conn. (WTNH) — Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas Tuesday confirmed an untimely death occurred at a Killingly polling location overnight. During a previously-scheduled press conference about election safety and security, she said the incident was not related to Tuesday's election or the voting process…

Crash slows traffic on I-95 South in Stonington

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A crash on Interstate 95 South is slowing traffic in Stonington Tuesday, according to Connecticut State Police officials. The highway was originally shut down between exits 92 and 91, but as of 7:40 a.m., only the right land is closed. State police said preliminary information indicates…

Referendums on the ballots in Norwich, Enfield and Southington

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Norwich, Enfield and Southington are some of the municipalities where residents on Election Day Tuesday will vote on referendums for various projects. Norwich Residents of Norwich have a chance to cast their vote on a $55 million referendum to build a new police headquarters downtown. Police said…

Department of Justice monitors expected in New Haven for Election Day

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Voters in the Elm City can expect to see election monitors from the Department of Justice at polling sites on Tuesday, New Haven officials disclosed last week. City officials said the DOJ intended to have two teams of two election monitors on the look out for any violations of the

Election results: Voters decide Connecticut's 5 U.S. House seats

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut voters decided races in all five of the state's congressional districts on Election Day, determining who will represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here to view results for all five of the state's congressional districts. In the 1st Congressional District…

How Connecticut officials are ensuring polling locations are safe and secure

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — As voters head out to cast their ballots Tuesday, they can rest assured preparations have been underway to ensure polling locations are safe and secure. Connecticut's "Emergency Operations Center" in Hartford was activated at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. State officials said security planning for…

Patchy fog and mild early with sunny and warm conditions Wednesday!

What a day ahead! Unseasonably warm weather continues statewide today with near record high temperatures expected inland under bright skies. An approaching cold front and associated low-pressure system will first deliver some showers on Thursday, then steady/heavier rain is possible Friday afternoon/night, ending…

UConn men and women victorious in back-to-back season openers

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The UConn men's and women's basketball teams were both victorious in their doubleheader season openers Monday night. The women defeated Cornell 100-35 in the first game of the night, while the men beat Gardner-Webb PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford was filled with fans for both games. In the…

DEEP: Extended dry periods mean brush fire danger even in cold weather

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- It has been a while since Connecticut saw any, and these dry conditions are becoming a concern, especially for brush fires. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reported that the fire danger due to the dry season is high across the state. When you think of…

Fans pour into Hartford for UConn basketball doubleheader season opener

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- UConn's basketball teams tipped off a doubleheader in Hartford Monday night. The two games meant double the fans, as people from all over the state poured into PeoplesBank Arena to see the men and women play. "I grew up coming to these games as a kid and to bring my daughter

Police investigating report of 'suspicious vehicle' that approached child in Danbury

DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Danbury Police Department said it was investigating a report of a "suspicious vehicle" that approached a child walking home on Monday. The vehicle allegedly approached the child on Bittersweet Drive. The driver was described as an older white male who told the child to get in the vehicle…

Police: Person found unresponsive with gunshot wound in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Bridgeport Police Department said it was investigating an assault with a weapon Monday evening. Police and firefighters responded to the area of Barnum Avenue and Mill Hill at 7:50 p.m. to find a person "unresponsive with a gunshot wound." There was no additional information on the…

Pedestrian struck by vehicle in New Haven, critical injuries reported

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A 67-year-old woman has critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Orange Street in New Haven, police said Monday night. Police said the crash occurred on the 200 block of Orange Street. The driver stayed on scene, police confirmed to News 8. No further information has been released

Waterbury's public schools show improvements in new state reports

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- Waterbury Public Schools is showing promising improvements, according to newly released data by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The 2025-26 Next Generation Accountability results show a third straight year of growth, with the district reportedly outperforming urban and…

Multiple maintenance projects to affect traffic in East Hartford

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Town of East Hartford said that multiple maintenance projects will affect traffic in East Hartford over the coming weeks. CTDOT will be replacing the railroad crossing on School Street from Nov. 8 through Nov. 10, and the…

East Haven man arrested in connection with string of retail thefts

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The East Haven Police Department and the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force arrested a 31-year-old on Friday who was allegedly wanted on multiple outstanding arrest warrants, authorities said. Ryan Carafeno of East Haven is alleged to be the suspect in several retail thefts at…

UConn men's and women's basketball hosts doubleheader to open regular season

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The UConn men's and women's basketball teams are hosting a doubleheader to kick off their regular seasons Monday night at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. The women tipped off with Cornell at 5 p.m., followed by the men facing off against Gardner-Webb at 9 p.m. It is a new season, but the

Waterbury to introduce red-light, speed enforcement cameras

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — The City of Waterbury announced Monday that it is preparing to introduce automated red-light and speed enforcement cameras. The initiative serves as an effort to encourage safer driving and improve safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists, the city announced in a post. These…

Naugatuck woman charged with DUI in serious Prospect Street crash

NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) — A Naugatuck woman was charged with driving under the influence in a crash on Oct. 4 that left one person seriously injured, police announced Monday. Naugatuck police say 39-year-old Chayna Wallace was driving on Prospect Street just before 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 when she allegedly crossed the…

Naugatuck woman charged with DUI in serious Prospect Street crash

NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) — A Naugatuck woman was charged with driving under the influence in a crash on Oct. 4 that left one person seriously injured, police announced Monday. Naugatuck police say 39-year-old Chayna Wallace was driving on Prospect Street just before 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 when she allegedly crossed the…

Westport woman cited after Halloween party with 500+ attendees, minors

WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — A Westport woman was cited for alcohol violations after a Halloween party, which was reported to have upwards of 500 people in attendance, police said. All available Westport officers were dispatched just before 8:30 p.m. to a home on Heron Lake Lane for an "extremely large youth gathering"…

Would you rent a bike along a Connecticut linear trail? DEEP wants to know

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) wants to know: would you like to see bicycle rentals along four of Connecticut State Park linear trails? DEEP is seeking feedback on a proposed "Request for Proposals" for both bicycle rentals and optional shuttle…

2 dead after vehicle strikes tree, catches fire off Waterbury Road in Cheshire

CHESHIRE, Conn. (WTNH) — Two people, including a retired police officer, died after their vehicle struck a tree and caught fire in Cheshire Sunday night, according to Cheshire police. Police said emergency crews responded to the single-vehicle crash around 10:43 p.m. on Nov. 1, in the area of Rita Avenue on Waterbury…

Waterbury police release dashcam footage of arrests on I-84

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Waterbury police say a traffic stop they made on Interstate 84 stemmed from an alleged domestic violence incident that two suspects fled from. On Oct. 30, around 9:31 a.m., police were dispatched to the 200 block of Hill Street for a reported domestic violence incident in progress. Initial…

11-year-old girl released from hospital after being struck in Wallingford hit-and-run

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Wallingford police Monday confirmed the 11-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle while riding her bike last month has been released from the hospital. Jaslynn Montanez, known as Jazzy to her family and friends, was riding her bike on Oct. 12 when around 4:20 p.m. she was struck at the

Warning period for drivers illegally passing school buses begins in Bristol

BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) -- The warning period for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses begins Monday in Bristol, according to the Bristol mayor's office. Between Monday, Nov. 2 and Friday, Dec. 4, registered owners of violating vehicles will receive warning notices in the mail without financial penalties…

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy recovering after suffering stroke, his office says

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) — U.S. Senator Chris Murphy is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a stroke, according to a statement released Sunday by his chief of staff. Murphy's chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, said the 53-year-old senator began experiencing numbness in his arm Saturday afternoon while…

1 person taken to hospital, firefighter injured after New Haven house fire

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — One person was taken to the hospital, and a firefighter was injured after a house fire Sunday night in New Haven, according to Fire Department Battalion Chief Patrick Psarras. The fire started just before midnight on the upper floor of a home on Maltby Street. Initial reports claimed that people were

Warm and dry for Election Day today and also Wednesday

Unseasonably mild to warm weather for much of this week! Some clouds at times with sunshine too through tomorrow and fine voting weather today! All eyes on the late week pattern for a low pressure system and associated cold front. Some showers move our way Thursday afternoon, then areas of rain Friday and ending early

Yale basketball coaching staff ready for play

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Yale men's and women's basketball teams play a doubleheader Monday. The women host Elms at 4:30 p.m. while the men host Howard at 7 p.m. Head Coach James Jones starts his 28th season on the Yale bench, and this year he has a strong group of assistants on his

New Haven firefighters respond to three-story home

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The New Haven Fire Department responded to a three-story home on Munson Street Sunday night. News 8 crews saw multiple emergency vehicles on the road, as well as firefighters using a ladder to get to the third floor. There was no word on any injuries. This is a developing story,

New Haven kicks off Restaurant Week

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- New Haven Restaurant Week is officially underway, with more than two dozen eateries from around the Elm City offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Organizers say the event helps showcase the exceptional talent and creativity of local chefs. The following restaurants are taking part in…

Public asked for footage related to deadly crash in Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, Conn. (WTNH) -- Connecticut State Police are asking anyone who was travelling in the area of the Route 114 (Racebrook Road) overpass in Woodbridge on Saturday for assistance in the investigation of a fatal crash. Police were called to the area at around 5:30 a.m. for reports of a crash. The driver of a

Lamont accused of 'swatting' reporter's phone away after campaign event

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Greenwich woman who appeared to have her phone swatted away by Gov. Ned Lamont on Saturday as she attempted to ask him a question told News 8 on Sunday that she is unlikely to seek criminal charges. The woman, Jackie Homan, identified herself as a reporter for a local

'It really just depends on the brain'; Yale doctor discusses Sen. Chris Murphy's stroke

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is in the hospital after suffering from a stroke Saturday afternoon. Murphy's chief of staff said the senator is currently "awake and alert" and both he and his team are optimistic he will make a full recovery. The medical incident occurred while Murphy was attending his…

Person, dog dead after fire in Danbury apartment

DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- A person and a dog died as a result of a fire in an apartment complex in Danbury Sunday, authorities said. The Danbury Fire Department was dispatched to Kohanza Street around 1 p.m. for reports of possibly two occupants trapped on the second floor. A volunteer firefighter who had been driving

Sen. Chris Murphy hospitalized after suffering stroke

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) — U.S. Senator Chris Murphy is recovering after suffering a stroke and is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement released Sunday by his chief of staff. Murphy's chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, said the senator began experiencing numbness in his arm Saturday afternoon while…

Sen. Chris Murphy hospitalized after suffering stroke

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) — U.S. Senator Chris Murphy is recovering after suffering a stroke and is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement released Sunday by his chief of staff. Murphy's chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, said the senator began experiencing numbness in his arm Saturday afternoon while…

Two Bridgeport men charged for home invasion

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — Two Bridgeport men were arrested after police said they forced their way into a home on Sunday morning. Officers went to a home on Kent Avenue midnight after receiving a 911 call that an intruder was heard inside the home. When officers arrived, they spotted a person wearing a ski mask

Greater New Haven economy on the rise

On This Week in Connecticut, Dennis House talks with Garrett Sheehan, the president and CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Capitol Report: Lamont, Fazio make final push before Election Day

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Election Day is Tuesday, and Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger state Sen. Ryan Fazio are making their final push to voters. This week on Capitol Report, Tom Dudchik and the panel break down the governor's race, discuss House Speaker Matt Ritter's possible role as interim…

A taste of late-season warmth for the first week of November

Unseasonably mild to warm weather ahead for much of this week! Some clouds at times with sunshine too through midweek and fine voting weather tomorrow! All eyes on the late week & weekend period for a low pressure system and associated cold front. Showers move our way later Thursday with some rain at times through

One dead, one injured in two-vehicle crash on Route 15 in Orange

ORANGE, Conn. (WTNH) — One person was killed, and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Route 15 south in Orange on Saturday afternoon. Connecticut State Police said troopers from Troop I in Bethany responded to the crash near Exit 42B on Saturday afternoon. Police say one vehicle was traveling in the right…

Connecticut residents of all ages enjoying variety of Halloween festivities

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands of trick-or-treaters across Connecticut sported their favorite costume and snagged some candy around their neighborhood, whether it was door-to-door or out of a trunk. In the Blue Hills neighborhood in Hartford, trick-or-treaters were starting to make the rounds Saturday evening as…

Easton state representative arrested after allegedly stealing opponent's campaign signs

EASTON, Conn. (WTNH) — State Rep. Anne Hughes, a progressive Democrat from Easton, was arrested Saturday morning on a misdemeanor larceny charge after her opponent, Republican Darrell Harris, accused her of stealing campaign signs displayed on a local road. An AirTag tracking device was attached to one of the signs…

Woman escapes after being beaten by Wallingford man

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Wallingford man is accused of beating a woman who later escaped and found help at a nearby nursing home. On Wednesday morning, officers were called to Skyview Nursing Home at 35 Marc Drive on reports of a woman screaming for help outside. When officers arrived, they found the woman…

Woman escapes after being beaten by Wallingford man

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Wallingford man is accused of beating a woman who later escaped and found help at a nearby nursing home. On Wednesday morning, oficers were called to Skyview Nursing Home at 35 Marc Drive on reports of a woman screaming for help outside. When officers arrived, they found the woman…

A cold start then sunny and seasonable to kickoff November!

Rabit Rabit, it is November 1st! Officially, there is a Frost Advisory is in effect for the immediate shoreline, but everyone sees frosty conditions this morning as we start the month of November. The good news? This cold won’t last long, with temperatures trending 10 to 15 degrees above average by the middle to latter

Person sustains life-threatening injuries after crash on Lakewood Road in Waterbury

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — One person is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries following a multi-vehicle crash Friday on Lakewood Road in Waterbury, police said. According to the Waterbury Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 5:57 p.m. on the 600 block of Lakewood Road. Multiple people…

Motorcyclist dead after crash on Route 6 in Farmington

FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A motorcyclist has died from injuries suffered after a crash Friday night on Route 6 in Farmington, police said. According to the Farmington Police Department, officers responded to the 200 block of Colt Highway at 4:14 p.m. for a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. The…

60 headstones knocked over at Hartford cemetery: PD

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Hartford police are investigating a report of vandalism at a local cemetery involving 60 headstones that had been knocked over within the last week, the department announced Friday. Officers responded to the Zion Hill Cemetery on Zion Street on Thursday for a property damage complaint, where…

Guilford rallies past North Haven in News 8's Game of the Week

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Ben Mennone scored a pair of touchdowns in the second half as Guilford rallied to beat North Haven, 14-6, Friday in the News 8 Game of the Week. The Grizzlies (6-1) are off to their best start since 1993, but were looking to rebound from their first loss of the

Enfield mother arrested in connection with 12-year-old daughter's death in March

ENFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) — An Enfield mother was arrested and charged with risk of injury Friday, months after her 12-year-old daughter was found dead in her bedroom with a lethal dose of Benadryl and other medications in her system. Police confirmed Friday that the charges stem from her death and the storage of the…

Man charged with murder in fatal Pratt Street stabbing in Meriden

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A man was charged Friday with murder in the stabbing death of a man last week in Meriden, police say. Marcus Mitchell, 51, ran into the Green on Green Smoke Shop on Pratt Street Friday night, suffering from stab wounds that were believed to have occurred on the 20 block of

Dan Hurley agrees to sign extended contract with UConn ahead of 2026-27 season

STORRS, Conn. (WTNH) — Dan Hurley and the University of Connecticut have agreed to extend the head coach's contract by two years ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season, according to reports from the university Friday. Hurley agreed to a two-year contract extension with the men's basketball team. With four…

Man in critical condition following Hartford shooting on White Street

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A man in his 20s is in critical condition after a shooting Friday afternoon on White Street, according to Hartford police. Police were dispatched around 1:30 p.m. to the area of Grandview Terrace and West Preston Street for reports of a person shot. Lt. Aaron Boisvert told News 8 Friday that

AEDs donated to City of New Haven for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A local manufacturer is donating defibrillators to the city of New Haven in honor of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month this October. The AEDs are small devices that can have a huge impact on somebody in cardiac arrest. “An AED can only save a life if it’s there when it’s

Pedestrian struck on I-84 in Waterbury

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- A pedestrian suffered non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 84 Friday. Connecticut State Police officials said around 11:44 a.m. they were advised of a driver who appeared to be in distress for an unknown reason in the area of exit 22. Preliminary…

Bristol's warning period for drivers illegally passing school buses begins Monday

BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) -- The warning period for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses begins in Bristol on Monday, according to the Bristol mayor's office. Officials said the goal of the school bus safety program is to reduce reckless driving around school buses and protect children during their daily…

8 Things to Do This Weekend: Trail of Terror, Owl-O-Ween and more

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Halloween is finally here! If you're looking for some spooky fun this weekend- we've got you covered! From a haunted walk that'll leave you running scared to owls, dogs and other critters getting in on the action. Also get a head start on your holiday shopping! Sister’s Back To School

Dry and seasonable for Halloween 2026!

Today (Halloween): Mostly sunny, a bit breezy but not as bad as yesterday. Seasonably cool with highs mid-upper 50s. Dry and the 40s for the trick-or-treaters. Sunset is 5:48 PM! Turn clocks back one hour and change batteries in CO & smoke alarms. Check sealed alarm units for an expiration date! Tonight: Mostly clear…