CT News Junkie

1 week ago | ctnewsjunkie.com | Jamil Ragland

WETHERSFIELD, CT — A group of activists seeking prison reform chose Juneteenth to speak out about what they called the inhumane treatment people endure while incarcerated by the Connecticut Department of Correction. Barbara Fair, of Stop Solitary CT, said that for too long, the people of Connecticut have lived under the illusion of false freedom.

1 week ago | ctnewsjunkie.com | Jamil Ragland

The African-American community is facing a “crisis” in mental health, but there are encouraging signs that the stigma around seeking help is changing, said experts on a Juneteenth panel discussing mental health. The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) hosted a four-expert panel discussion at the state capitol on Wednesday afternoon.

1 week ago | ctnewsjunkie.com | Karla Ciaglo

At this week’s virtual meeting of the Interagency Council for Ending the Achievement Gap, state agency leaders reviewed a legislative session focused on reducing disparities in education, housing, and child welfare but also warned that looming federal cuts could jeopardize that progress. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who chaired the meeting, opened by noting the volume of policy issues addressed in the 2025 session.

1 week ago | ctnewsjunkie.com | Viktoria Sundqvist

HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut’s regional Councils of Government  and their member municipalities should take advantage of a community wi-fi grant that’s open and accepting applications through the end of the month, a digital equity program manager urged during a meeting Tuesday. A $10 million pot of money from American Rescue Plan funds is available, Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology’s Lauren Thompson told the Connecticut Association of Councils of Government.

1 week ago | ctnewsjunkie.com | Jamil Ragland

A newly released audit of the University of Connecticut has found that while the state’s flagship university has made strides in addressing previously raised issues in the school’s handling of employee salaries and other financial controls, several issues persist. In a 25-page report released Monday that covers the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, the state Auditors of Public Accounts found seven areas of deficiency, six of which are repeat findings from the previous auditor’s report.