Maryam Khan

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Click HERE to learn more.

The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is now accepting applications for students entering grade 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.

CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students, including many from your communities. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. Your districts are served by school locations in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham.

Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. View a complete list of CTE programs.

A hallmark of the technical high school experience is the hands-on career development and production work students complete through partnerships with local companies via the Work-Based Learning program.

Graduates of CTECS are well-prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges. Students also have opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.

The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026. For more information or to apply online, visit the CTECS admissions webpage.

Getting older does not automatically mean it is time to stop driving, but it does require regular evaluation of driving abilities.

During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1–5, 2025, Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age.

Nationally, the population of residents 65 and older has risen significantly, and in 2023 drivers in this age group were involved in nearly one-fifth of all fatal crashes. In Connecticut, 51 older adults were involved in fatal crashes that same year, representing 17% of statewide roadway fatalities.

State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. For more information and a list of providers, visit portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/insurance-discounts.

Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include the following:

• keeping up with vision and hearing checkups,
• reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving,
• choosing daytime or less complex routes,
• considering adaptive vehicle equipment,
• and identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult.

Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.