Volume 32. No. 1646
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
“New Haven Is Not For Sale”: Labor, Pols Back Airbnb Limits by Brandon Cortes
college, earning a master’s degree, and getting a good job — but couldn’t afford to live in New Haven. She moved to Hamden, was priced out there too, and is now back in New Haven sharing an apartment with a friend. Wildaliz Bermudez, director of the city’s Fair Rent Commission and the Democratic nominee for New Haven’s east-side 97th General Assembly District seat, said her office hears daily from tenants facing rent increases they can’t keep up with. She also shared her own story: When she and her husband tried to buy a home in Fair Haven around the start of the Covid pandemic, they kept getting outbid “by investors who then ended up turning those properties into Airbnbs.”
The New Haven independent
A coalition of unions, churches, and community groups gathered outside City Hall on Tuesday evening to announce that they’ve collected more than 4,500 petition signatures supporting a proposed local ban on short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, that aren’t occupied by the property’s owner or a long-term resident. Their chant: “New Haven is not for sale.” The proposal — sponsored by Alders Frank Douglass, Mandy Martinelli, and Leland Moore — goes before the Board of Alders Legislation Committee on Thursday at 6 p.m. Martinelli said it could reach the full board as soon as next month. “The rents are too high and the pay is too low,” said Clara Dewey, a member of New Haven Rising and Sunrise Movement New Haven, who said coalition members spent the summer knocking on doors. “New Haven is not for sale.” New Haven Rising, which organized the press conference, is affiliated with the Yale UNITE HERE unions, a powerful local political player that also has a direct interest in hotel worker organizing. The coalition is pushing a broader “Affordability Agenda,” calling for more affordable housing, a city “where Yale pays its fair share” in property taxes, and better-paying jobs. Organizers said more than 1,000 short-term rentals were listed in New Haven this summer and estimated they have cost residents up to $29.9 million in extra rent over the past three years. Mayor Justin Elicker told the Independent that he supports the proposal. “The goal is to have more units currently being used for short-term rental go back on the market in the form of housing,” Elicker said. “For people that currently operate short-term rentals, our hope is they would rent out their units as a typical rental unit. LCI [Livable City Initiative] may need a bit more administrative capacity, which we would consider proposing in the next budget.” Coalition members said that other Connecticut municipalities have already adopted similar rules. So have several major U.S. cities. New York City now generally bars renting out an entire home for fewer than 30 days unless the permanent resident is present; Boston and Los Angeles allow short-term rentals only in a host’s primary residence; Las Vegas imposes a strict ban on non-owner-occupied permits in residential zones. The proposed New Haven ordinance would ban “vacation rentals” — dwelling units rented for 30 days or less where no one lives in that property as a primary residence. Long-term residents or owner-occupants could still rent out rooms in their own homes through “home-sharing” but would need a license from the city’s Livable City Initiative. Martinelli said that in two- and three-family homes, the other units couldn’t be turned into short-
They eventually bought in the neighborhood, she said, but are surrounded by short-term rentals. “It means we don’t know who our neighbors are.”
Wooster Square Alder Mandy Martinelli (center): “On my very small street alone, three short-term rentals have popped up just in the last two years. Every time that happens, we don’t just lose housing. We lose a neighbor.” Credit: Brandon Cortes Photos Posted inLabor
term rentals.
Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts would be exempt. Rob Baril, president of SEIU 119NE, called out what he described as “slumlord companies” that are in New Haven and across the country and that “gouge every cent out of working people in conditions that are often unhealthy and unsafe.” Martinelli, a first-term alder who represents Wooster Square’s Ward 8, said her ward has become a prime target for shortterm rentals as the neighborhood’s pizza fame draws more visitors.
Miguel Rosado, president of the New Haven firefighters union, IAFF Local 825, said the ordinance would create “more accountability and a registry for these occupancies to be inspected.” He said firefighters have found buildings that were subdivided and “have second means of egress actually removed,” putting both occupants and first responders at risk. Airbnb has opposed the proposal — and has tried to mobilize New Haven customers to reject it — on the grounds that it “would hurt everyday New Haven residents while doing nothing to improve the city’s housing shortage.” And click here to read an opinion essay by a local property owner about his own experience running short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, and about his opposition to a proposed local crackdown. Martinelli urged colleagues to support the proposal.
“On my very small street alone, three short-term rentals have popped up just in the last two years,” she said. “Every time that happens, we don’t just lose housing. We lose a neighbor.”
Coalition members: “New Haven is not for sale.”
She stressed that the ordinance would not end home-sharing, and would not affect longer stays by traveling nurses, visiting researchers, or graduate students. Asked what she’d say to residents who own second homes and rely on shortterm rental income, Martinelli said, “I would encourage them to do long-term. We want long-term residents here in New Haven.” Moore, a first-term alder who represents Morris Cove’s Ward 18, said his neighborhood draws investors because of its waterfront and proximity to Tweed Airport. “If we don’t act now, I worry what our neighborhoods and our city is going to look like in 10 or 20 years,” he said. Douglass, a long-time alder who represents Dwight’s Ward 2, said his daughter “did everything right” — going to
Signs with “New Haven is not for sale” on Tuesday evening in front of City Hall.
“I’m asking for your support,” she said, “so that next time a neighbor needs someone at their door, they have one.”
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Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, UNITE HERE Local 34 spokesperson Ian Dunn sent out an email press release celebrating Tuesday’s presser — and reiterating the coalition’s support of the proposed new short-term-rental regulations. That press release includes quotes from Alder Douglass, New Haven Rising Executive Director Rev. Scott Marks, and New Haven Federation of Teachers (NHFT) President Leslie Blatteau. “NHFT proudly supports short term rental regulations with the goal of protecting affordability in our city,” Blatteau is quoted as saying in the press release. “At a time when we should be recruiting teachers to work in our schools, live in our city, and put down roots in our beloved community, we know that these hardworking educators who want to build a life here in New Haven just won’t be able to afford to do it. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 23, 2019 - January 29, 2019
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Unions To Yale: “We’ll Turn This Campus Upside Down” by Laura Glesby
The New Haven independent
Local 35 President Bob Proto looked out at a sea of people who cook, clean, research, schedule, and teach at Yale University — a crowd that filled the entirety of Beinecke Plaza on Wednesday evening. He asked a rhetorical question to university leaders: “Is this what you want this campus to look like?” At a protest that drew over 1,500 Yale union members and allies, Proto and other labor leaders alluded again and again to the possibility that workers in every corner of the university could go on strike. “We’ve had labor peace for a long time,” Proto said. Yale unions last went on strike in 2003. If negotiations don’t go well, promised Proto, “We’ll turn this campus upside down.” The activists made clear that if one of the three UNITE HERE unions at Yale goes on strike, the other two will join in solidarity. “We are getting ready for whatever happens in any of these contracts,” said Local 33 President Adam Waters. “This is our Yale today, because our work makes Yale work,” declared Local 34 Chief Steward Barbara Vereen. The protest unfolded on Wednesday as the current five-year contracts covering Local 34 (Yale’s clerical and technical workers) and Local 35 (Yale’s maintenance and service workers) near their expiration date. Both unions’ contracts are slated to end on Jan. 17, 2027, and negotiations for new contracts have been ongoing for over a year. Protesters also called for the university to negotiate a contract with postdocs, who overwhelmingly voted to unionize in May and who are now represented alongside graduate students by Local 33. And they called on Yale to raise wages for undergraduate student jobs. The protesters first gathered on College Street between Chapel and Elm, marching outside Yale’s Old Campus. “What do we want? A contract! When do we want it? Now!” they chanted. “If we don’t get it, shut it down!” The crowd eventually marched up College Street, through the Schwarzman Center building, and into Beinecke Plaza. At Beinecke Plaza, the union organizers had set up a stage, technicolor lights, and a DJ. Union members and leaders spoke above a banner that directly addressed Yale President Maurie McInnis with the plea, “Maurie: Don’t give up on labor peace!” In between speakers, the rally morphed into a massive dance party.
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The union members called for higher wages. They called for protections against job displacement from artificial intelligence. And they called out the university for entering active settlement talks with the Trump administration. Senior Administrative Assistant Carolyn Kryptopolus told the crowd, “Many people in my department have left and have not been replaced.” Meanwhile, she said, “Management was telling me to do things with AI that we used to do with three people. And let me tell you a secret… Clarity [Yale’s proprietary AI software] failed at completing these tasks repeatedly.” Artificial intelligence “doesn’t know our people, because it’s not a person,” said Kryptopolus. “Instead of adding capacity,” she argued, “it’s leaving us short-staffed with more work to do.” A Yale spokesperson wrote in a statement that, “Because AI is transforming many parts of the professional workforce and jobs nationwide, we have observed a strong interest in hands-on workshops and other training opportunities. AI training is not required across Yale units.” The spokesperson wrote, “The contributions of Yale’s staff are essential to the university’s mission, and AI is intended to support their expertise, judgment, and service to the commu-
nity, not replace them.” A common thread among the rally’s speakers was the escalating cost of living in the United States. As of 2026, hourly minimum wages for Local 34 members range from $22.58 to $35.64, and hourly wages for Local 35 members range from $26.67 to $49.77 (excluding new hires). “As a single mother I live paycheck to paycheck,” said dining hall worker Ta’Kerra Williams. “I am constantly faced with the difficult decision of prioritizing which bills are most urgent and need to be paid first. Rent, gas, food, and childcare are all significant expenses.” Sixteen-year-old Brian Faulks spoke about his mom, a custodian at the Peabody Museum who wants to secure more regular hours. “Some weeks they keep her late,” he said, “and I watch her come home exhausted, checking the bills and wondering if we’re going to make it to the next paycheck, trying to make money stretch.” “That makes me mad,” said Faulks, “because she’s out there breaking her body every single day so we can have a roof and food and the people who benefit from her work don’t even give her enough to live on without stress. It makes me mad that I have to look at the strongest person I know look
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defeated over a light bill.” Among the crowd of attendees was West River resident Lena Cummings, who has worked in food service at Yale for 29 years. Cummings echoed that “the cost of living keeps rising.” “You keep spending money on all this, buying all these properties,” Cummings said about Yale. She argued that instead of expanding its footprint — and, in many cases, reducing the amount of taxable property in New Haven — Yale should prioritize budgeting for higher wages. Priscilla Stancil has worked in Yale dining halls for 24 years. “I feed the kids,” said Stancil. “I’m gonna be 61 in a couple months,” she said. Her job entails standing all day; at the protest, her legs were tired. “I don’t want to work ‘til I’m 70,” said Stancil. Custodial Team Leader Victoria Martin said she has worked at Yale for “30 years — three strikes.” “To see them try to take back what we fought for…” Martin said. “They have a billion dollars,” she said — specifically, a $2.09 billion operating budget and more than $44 billion in endowment funds — “and they’re trying to hit the little people.” After sunset, before the protesters dispersed, they erupted out into one more chant: “We’ll be back… We’ll be back!”
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
At YUAG, Guards Become Close Looking Guides Kiara Guevara-Cragwell CTNewsJunkie
A Black family gathers together on the top middle floor of a fire escape. A mother covered in a light blue dusted jumpsuit, holding her blue-clad baby against the railing, faces away from the woman to the right. She peers over the railing on her tippy toes in her mustard yellow heels. They’re all facing opposite directions from each other, but they are sharing a space that holds them close. For New Havener Dionte, it’s a work of art that speaks directly to the diversity of the Elm City—and why he loves working at the Yale University Art Gallery, or YUAG. Dionte, who declined to give his last name, is a guard at YUAG, where he’s worked among sweeping Renaissance masterpieces, ornate Dutch still lives, painstakingly preserved sculptures and modern and contemporary art for a year. In that time, he’s begun to gravitate toward works like Martin Wong’s La Vida, which feels like a reflection of New Haven even though it’s set on the Lower East Side of New York. “I like working here because of the people that come here,” he said during a recent interview at the gallery, as this reporter walked from room to room surrounded by artwork. “The people here are very cool … I say that it’s a mix of people here, with all cultures, so I kind of appreciate that.” In pieces like Wong’s La Vida, painted in 1988, those words come to life. At the
Dionte and Jada. Kiara Guevara-Cragwell Photos.
time, Wong lived on New York’s Lower East Side, in a vibrant and polyphonic, largely Puerto Rican neighborhood that was filled with talented (and like him at the time, relatively poor) artists. His work is a singing homage to a neighborhood’s strength and diversity: it freezes a moment in time, asking viewers to witness the magic and brightness and struggle of the space with a full breadth of feeling. In the painting, the relationship between characters creates a sense of being home. Take, for instance, the couple
playing together on the second floor, where the bubble gum pink of a women’s shirt echoes her smile, capturing a moment of bliss that she shares with her partner. Or the mother with her child, so full of life as she maneuvers her body around the fire escape. “There’s somebody famous in there. Mr. T., he’s like an old celebrity, and he’s in the painting, so that’s one of the main reasons [I like it],” Dionte said. In fact, there are many notable figures from a specific moment in time: Wong included the likenesses of not only
neighbors, but also graffiti artists, Black truth-teller Amiri Baraka and Wong’s own partner, the late Miguel Piñero, who died the same year that the painting was completed. In the finished work, Piñero—who was just 41 years old when he passed—appears in triplicate, like a memory that won’t leave Wong alone. Wong himself passed away 11 years later in 1999. Dionte now thinks of the piece as part of coming full circle at YUAG. After visiting the gallery as a guest with one of his friends, he looked around at the security guards and figured he could do their job. “I’ve seen some cool things and that was intriguing at the time,”he said. While he isn’t an artist, Dionte said he enjoys admiring art, and working at the art gallery has given him more appreciation of the craft. On a recent Tuesday, that was true for this reporter. When a person walks through the gallery, it’s not just an exercise in looking at the paintings, sculptures, and multi-media pieces that fill the walls. It’s as much about the people, who all gather to look at and interpret works of art. People stop in front of paintings to soak in the art, as if the art is their entire world. And for that moment, it is. They look at each painting as if they turn away for just a second, it might disappear. They talk softly to each other to not disrupt the tranquility of the gallery. Jada, another security guard at the Yale Art Gallery, had a different connection to the works on display, particularly those
that are hundreds of years old. Jada has been working at the gallery for almost a year, but still continues to be fascinated by each floor she works on, she said. She said she enjoys discovering something new every time she’s at work, no matter what floor she is on. “My artistic path is acting and writing. So just being here, and being around the different people and different experiences, it helps me with my writing,” she said. Jada said she is especially drawn to two paintings at the gallery, an 1875 portrait of Commodore Edward Tyng in oil that bears his name, and Emil Holm’s 1861 View of Palermo and the Monte Pellegrino from the Monastery of Santa Maria di Gesu. “It’s just very realistic,” she said. In the gallery, the level of detail in the work often makes visitors come to a halt. The greens don’t overpower the browns, but make each other stand out in a way that makes people appreciate the two colors. The three men standing to the center right of this painting wear long brown cloaks, and look as if they are locals of the scene. “The detail behind it is just incredible to me. So now it’s kind of my favorite piece of the entire gallery.” This article comes from an alum of the ninth (and most recent) cohort of the Arts Council's Youth Arts Journalism Initiative (YAJI). Kiara Guevara-Cragwell is a recent graduate of Branford High School and is in her freshman year at the University of Connecticut.
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
The following writeup was submitted by CitySeed Development Manager Typhanae Williams.
CitySeed Honors Stories Tied Together By Food By Typhanae Williams
The New Haven independent
A daughter suggested that her father volunteer at the farmers market. A student found a second family in a kitchen. Chefs building relationships with local farmers. A farming family preserving their farmland after their ownership ends. Advocates making sure the voices of those experiencing food insecurity are part of the conversation. These are some of the stories that filled the second floor of Union League last Thursday, when CitySeed held its 2026 Good Food Awards. Farmers, chefs, community leaders, and supporters gathered to honor the people behind Connecticut’s local food system. Farm in Hamden, established in 1893. For generations the family has grown fruit, vegetables, and flowers, welcomed visitors to the farm, and provided fresh produce to the community. The property is now for sale, but because the Hindingers enrolled it in Connecticut’s Farmland Preservation Program decades ago, it will remain farmland for a new generation of farmers. Chefs Arturo Franco-Camacho of Shell & Bones and Camacho Garage and Carl Carrion, executive chef at Shell & Bones, were honored for their creativity and commitment to Connecticut-grown ingredients. CitySeed’s Blaise Berglund presented the award and spoke of the relationships she has built with both chefs while connecting local farms and restaurants. Every locally grown ingredient, she
Witnesses to Hunger's Susan Harris, with her Good Food Award.
… and Arturo Camacho.
Credit: Chris Randall photos
noted, has a farmer who grew it, a chef who chose it, and sometimes someone who brought them together. Susan Harris was honored for her work with Witnesses to Hunger and the Coordinated Food Assistance Network, which ensure that people who experience food insecurity have a voice in decisions affecting their lives. Harris has spent years advocating for food access, dignity, and community-based solutions, a reminder
that those closest to the issue belong at the table. Tagan Engel, a former CitySeed Community Food Systems Coordinator, was recognized for decades of bringing people together through food, stories, and advocacy. She helped form the New Haven Food Policy Council and continues to connect farmers, food entrepreneurs, and organizations across Connecticut through her work at the Yale Center for Business
and the Environment and The Table Underground Podcast. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro received the Chair’s Award for Leadership for a career advocating for food-program funding and nutrition policy, especially food access through SNAP, WIC, and school meals, as well as food safety. At CitySeed’s farmers markets, doubling SNAP helps eligible shoppers buy more fresh food while supporting Connecticut farmers.
Two volunteers were also honored. Narasimhan Ganapathisubramanian, known as “G,” was named Farmers Markets Volunteer of the Year after his daughter suggested he volunteer at the Wooster Square market, where he now helps vendors set up and break down in every kind of weather. Sharell Simmons, Sanctuary Kitchen’s Volunteer of the Year, joined the program as an intern through Gateway Community College and now studies hospitality management at Southern Connecticut State University while continuing to volunteer. She explained that Sanctuary Kitchen “was nothing like my culinary school, but I loved every minute of it. Always busy, always something to do, and always something to learn. I’m going to stick with them until I can’t stick with them anymore.” Guests sampled dishes from Sanctuary Kitchen and other ventures supported by its food business development program: Mosaico Venezuelan Cuisine, MeaKai Thai, and Black Ginger Catering, all made with produce from Connecticut farms. CitySeed also previewed its future: a Food Business Incubation and Resource Center at 162 James Street in Fair Haven, a former industrial building being converted to include shared commercial kitchens for local food entrepreneurs. The message of the night – and that future vision – was clear: food not only nourishes, but also builds relationships, culture, opportunity, and community.
It’s Official: Alders Approve Resolution Urging Yale To Reject Potential Trump Deal by Brandon Cortes
resolution on Sept. 24, after roughly three dozen people testified in favor, including Yale students, faculty, and staff; members of the Local 33 and Local 34 unions; New Haven Rising; Indivisible Connecticut; students from Southern Connecticut State University; and residents with no Yale affiliation. No one testified against it.
The New Haven independent
The Board of Alders voted Monday night to urge Yale not to settle with the Trump administration over the Department of Justice’s investigation into the university’s admission practices. The resolution, “Urging Yale University to Defend Its Institutional Autonomy,” passed on a voice vote by all 21 board members present at City Hall. The now-approved resolution is nonbinding, meaning it cannot require Yale to do anything, but it puts the city legislature on record against the potential deal. The alders’ vote comes after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released findings in May accusing the Yale School of Medicine of discriminating against white and Asian American applicants in favor of Black and Hispanic applicants. Weeks later, reports emerged that Yale was negotiating a voluntary agreement with the feds and that the investigation has extended into Yale Law School and Yale College. In the subsequent months, Yale students, staff, and alumni have joined with elected officials in protesting the potential deal, calling on the university to protect its institutional autonomy in the face of federal
“The message from our constituents and our city is resounding: Yale, don’t cut a deal with Trump,” Theodore said Monday.
Students protest against a potential Trump deal earlier this month. Credit: Adele Haeg file photo Posted inHigher Ed
pressure. Yale President Maurie McInnis confirmed in July that the university was in talks with the DOJ; she has committed to “safeguarding academic freedom” amid the negotiations. Theodore, a Yale College senior who represents Ward 1 on the Board of Alders, authored the proposal that passed Mon-
day night. He said that a deal with the Trump administration would jeopardize the university’s institutional autonomy, change admission policies, and embolden political attacks on Yale, other universities, and other democratic institutions. The board’s Health and Human Services Committee unanimously endorsed the
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Westville Alder Amy Marx said that as she considered the resolution, she asked herself, “Who are we to tell Yale what to do?” Her answer: “Yale is so many of us — we are its students, its alumni, its faculty, its employees, its parents, its neighbors.” She urged the university to “stay true to its core values.” After Monday’s vote, Theodore said he was “really excited and grateful to my colleagues for engaging with the issue and listening to what we heard from the public.” He said Yale’s admissions decisions shape who lives and works in New Haven, including doctors who train at Yale’s
medical school and often stay to care for patients in the city. “For Yale to cut a deal voluntarily — this isn’t a lawsuit — I think is really disheartening and reflects a real disconnect from the community in which it’s embedded,” he said.
Theodore said he invited Yale President Maurie McInnis and Alexandra Daum, Yale’s associate vice president for New Haven affairs and university properties, to the committee hearing. They did not attend but met with him privately a few days later, when he summarized the testimony. Yale has previously declined to comment on the negotiations while reaffirming its commitment to academic freedom and lawful admissions. Theodore said that if Yale does settle, he expects organizing and pushback from students, faculty, staff, and alumni. His bigger worry, he said, is what might come after. “You give [Trump] one thing, you give him a little bit of autonomy, and he keeps pushing the universities to change their policies to his liking,” Theodore said. “I worry that this agreement will not be the end.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Ribbon Cut On Homicide Memorial Footbridge by Thomas Breen
to call the city about to have the grass mowed? Ciancia said with a laugh. “I was like, no.”
The New Haven independent
A pedestrian bridge now connects West Rock Park with a Valley Street memorial garden for victims of gun violence — thanks to the generosity of a neighbor, and the persistence of a visionary trio of moms who continue to translate their heartbreak into beauty. Mayor Justin Elicker, Urban Resources Initiative (URI) Executive Director Colleen Murphy-Dunning, Pamela Jaynez, Celeste Fulcher, and Tom Ciancia officially welcomed that new West River-crossing bridge — which spans 71 and a half feet — on Thursday morning with a press conference and ribbon cutting at 107 Valley St. That’s the site of the New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing, which Jaynez, Fulcher, and Marlene Pratt — all New Haven mothers of homicide victims — worked with URI and the city to open in 2021. The landscaped garden at the foot of West Rock Park already contains a sculpture, benches, flowers, trees, and a walking path with 715 bricks containing the names of people who have been shot and killed in New Haven over the past half century-plus. Its newest addition is the footbridge, which has a wooden deck and is made of structural steel and was the subject of Thursday’s celebration. Ciancia, who
Over time, “as I got to know all the women [behind this project], my heart just went out to them.” “I know what loss is like,” he continued; when someone is sick, and you hope that they get better soon, and sometimes have to resign yourself to the fact that they won’t. But that’s a different kind of pain than that experienced by these women, who began one morning thinking they’d see they’re children again — only to have them gone forever. “I just couldn’t imagine what that kind of ripping your heart out” would feel like, he said. Plus, he said with a smile, “I like walking my dog over the bridge.”
Pamela Jaynez, Mayor Justin Elicker, donor-neighbor Tom Ciancia, URI Executive Director Colleen Murphy-Dunning, and Celeste Fulcher at Thursday’s presser.
lives next door to the memorial garden, donated $150,000 to help make the $180,000 project a reality; URI kicked in the remaining $30,000. “This site is a gift to our community,” Elicker said. He described the bridge as just “another way our community can work to find peace” — both within ourselves and out in nature.
Reading a letter written by Jaynez, Pratt, and Fulcher, Dunning-Murphy praised Ciancia’s gift as an example of “hope, compassion, [and] remembrance.” This bridge is a reminder that, “even in the face of tragedy, there are people who believe” and who will help. Ciancia told the three dozen people assembled on Thursday morning about how
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he was sitting at home roughly a decade ago when his doorbell rang, “and it was Marlene.” She told him that she was looking to build a botanical garden in the empty lot next door to his house on Valley Street, and she asked if he would be opposed to it. You mean that land that I often have
With that — and with Ciancia’s invitation to all who had gathered to come over to his house for refreshments after the event — the group cut the ribbon, and took a stroll, arm in arm, across the bridge. members have their names written on the garden’s bricks dedicated to city homicide victims. He also said that a house was shot on his street this morning, just two doors down from where he lives.
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Seventh Annual LIT Fest Puts Black Women Writers In Focus By Samir Iydroose
Arts Council of greater New Haven
“I mean I love us loving us. / I mean I love loving us. / I mean I love the love that is us,” said Dr. Brandon Hutchinson, reading the final stanza of Renée Watson’s “When I Say I Love Us” at the opening of the annual Kulturally LITFest. Her soft voice echoed throughout the lecture hall. Gentle clapping rose around her as soon as she had finished. Hutchinson, a professor of English and the co-chair of the Africana studies minor at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), grounded the audience at the seventh annual Kulturally LIT Fest, held Saturday in SCSU’s Engelmann Hall. True to Hutchinson’s reading — poetry is not often used as a formal introduction — the day broke out of any traditional mold, celebrating the breadth of a diaspora through the lens of its extraordinary women writers. Kulturally LIT, founded in 2019 by IfeMichelle Gardin, has a mission of “elevating the literary traditions of the African Diaspora and promoting literacy in the community,” according to the nonprofit’s website. The festival featured poetry performances from Ink Theory, New Haven’s youth slam team and the recent first-place winner at Brave New Voices; several panels; vendors; and the announcement of New Haven’s second annual Youth Poet Laureate, Shawn Douglas. Anna Capelle, who was named youth poet laureate by the Yale Literary Magazine and The Word, held the position from 2024 to 2025 (the city had not yet come on board as an institutional partner). Douglas, who was a finalist for the title last year, succeeds inaugural Youth Poet Laureate Henry Mead. In the panel “Hidden Figures: Presence of Black Women in STEM,” self-described “science evangelist” Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, author of The Alchemy of Us and the children’s book SPARK, chatted with moderator Babz Rawls-Ivy. Ramirez's next book, There's The Rub: The Hidden World of Friction, comes out this fall and has already garnered multiple starred reviews. The pair talked about Ramirez’s journey to material sciences as a field, science writing, science communication for children; the importance of stories in science education, her struggles as a “girl” in STEM; and the shortcomings of science education, as science classes are made to “make future scientists” rather than just doing science. “Adults think they know something,” said Ramirez of her choice to write for children. “If an adult asks you something, you can throw out a big word like ‘oh distillation’ but a kid would ask ‘well what does that mean?’ With kids, you have to get to the essence of that definition for the uninitiated.” The panel was Ramirez’s first experience in a panel setting, but she said she was not nervous because it was a “very welcoming environment.” Rawls-Ivy said that she moderated panels before, and her favorite question to ask was about what made
Dr. Brandon Hutchinson with Professors Siobhan Carter-David and Joel Dodson.Samir Iydroose Photos.
Dr. Brandon Hutchinson with Professors Siobhan Carter-David and Joel Dodson.Samir Iydroose Photos.
Dr. Brandon Hutchinson with Professors Siobhan Carter-David and Joel Dodson.Samir Iydroose Photos.
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Ramirez know that she wanted to pursue material science. Ramirez said that she was a child who asked a lot of questions, and wanted to do something in science. But the life sciences did not appeal to her. “Bro no, I don’t like yucky stuff,” she said, and the audience laughed in response. While electrical engineering was her original path, it turned out to be boring and unengaging. After taking her first material sciences class, she was hooked, and has continued working in the discipline ever since. In an interview after the panel, Ramirez said her favorite question she answered was when Rawls-Ivy asked her about what parents can do to instill a greater sense of curiosity. She answered Rawls-Ivy’s question with an anecdote about how Nobel Prize Winning Physicist Isidor Isaac Rabi’s family members asked him “not ‘what did you learn at school today?’ but ‘What questions did you ask?’” Later in the day, Gardin alongside New Haven Poet Laureate Yexandra “Yex” Diaz and Cultural Affairs Director Shamain “Sha” Mcallister announced the new Youth Poet Laureate for the City of New Haven. Diaz said that when it came down to two finalists, Rosa and Douglas, it was a really hard choice. Douglas ultimately rose to the challenge. Douglas said that this is the second time he applied for the position, and he said he has grown a lot in the intervening year. ” “This is my second year trying on for the position, and the ‘loss,’ and not winning fueled me to want to get better and winning made me feel like I deserved all those hours spent overthinking and that I deserve the poetry,” he said. “My resume sucked [when I applied the first time], but now I'm better at professionally explaining what I do and my poetry ability, like I've just been around so many amazing poets they've come around into a Melting Pot that is my ‘ style.’” “It was pretty dope to be surrounded by cool literary lovers,” Douglas concluded. “Everyone can tap into poetry if they can tap into themselves. And it’s lucrative.” Like Douglas, Hutchinson also pointed to the immersive and reflective experience of the festival, saying she wanted to ground the audience and “set the tone” for the event with a poem. Those comments came at the beginning of the day; Douglas’ were closer to the end. “I wanted to highlight our accomplishments,” she said. “Not what the world recognizes us for but who we are as people, on the inside. It's a chance to pause, slow down and reflect on who we are as Black people.” She said that choosing the poem was “intuitive” and she plans to teach it in a capstone class in the spring. She added that she was a little nervous, as poetry is not usually used as a formal introduction, but she wanted to “step out of the tradition.” Samir Iydroose is a graduate of the 2026 Youth Arts Journalism Initiative and a junior at Hamden High School.
Hill Uniter “Mr. Bell” Gets His Due THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
by Paul Bass
The New Haven independent
Redfield Street and Columbus Avenue was always Jerry J. Bell’s corner. In practice. Now it’s official. A sign went up this month to tell the world that Redfield and Columbus is now “Jerry J. Bell Corner.” The Board of Alders voted to name the corner based on the testimony of neighbors who have worked with Bell and benefited from his civic work since well into the last century. His “lifetime of service has strengthened our community,” said Hill Alder Evelyn Rodriguez, who led the corner-naming quest, which culminated in an Oct. 10 unveiling ceremony. “A proud military veteran, Mr. Bell has championed affordable housing, mentored young people, supported the arts, and encourted
Mr. Bell, bottom right, at his corner with his proclamation and, clockwise from back left, Juan Candelaria, Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, Evelyn Rodriguez, Anthony Dawson, and Vilma Bell. Credit: Contributed Photo Posted inThe Hill
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civic participation. … His leadership has helped transform a neighborhood dumping site into a flourshing community garden.” Born in 1929 in North Carolina, Bell moved north as a child, finally relocating to New Haven in 1956. He played a role in New Haven’s “dollar house” program, which helped working families purchase and rehabilitate homes in the Hill. For over 30 years he coordinated the Redfield Street community garden. Known as “Mr. Bell,” he organized block parties and art classes for kids, played and fixed drums with Bowen Peters Dance group, registered voters. He worked with Project MORE, the Barbell Club, the housing authority. Neighborhood kids hung out at his house; he mentored them and helped keep them out of trouble. In 2023 he won a Senior Volunteer of the Year Award for his work gardening and promoting access to
fresh produce for the Ageless Mature Adults group. At the sign unveiling event, speakers noted how Bell played a key role in uniting Black and Latino members of the ward. Speakers included former Alder and police commission Chair Anthony Dawson, State Rep. Juan Candelaria, Alder Rodriguez, La Voz Hispana Publisher Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, and percussionist Michael Mills. Bell, who’s 97, was present to pull the rope to unveil the sign. He thanked people for the honor — and expressed gratitude that he was still here to participate. “Mr. Bell has demonstrated that community service begins with a willingness to help,” read the event’s official program. “This corner naming preserves his story and offers future generations a lasting reminder of the difference one person can make through a lifetime of service.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Why Connecticut's 'best' school rankings keep favoring wealthy towns
Students arrive by bus to the new Central Middle School in Greenwich on the first day of school in August. Every year, a new list claims to name Connecticut's "best" schools. Annual school rankings promise parents a shortcut to finding the best place for their child to learn, while giving schools bragging rights and acting as a selling point for certain communities. And nearly every year, it is the same schools and districts that lead Connecticut's rankings across different sites; often located in the wealthiest parts of the state. The latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report continue that pattern, as many of the schools at the top of the 2027 Best Elementary and Middle Schools in Connecticut are familiar — with Fairfield County consistently dominating public school rankings. Casey Cobb, a professor of educational policy at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education, said it made sense that the rankings garner so much attention every year, as people like to see their local schools associated among the "best." “I mean, people want good schools ... we're a very competitive society, and we also like status," Cobb said.
But just how accurate and valuable the rankings actually are has been a matter of debate nationwide, especially when significant disparities in resources persist between school districts. “I do think it can be problematic if more value is ascribed to the rankings than really what it deserves,” Cobb said. So what exactly can rankings tell us — and what can’t they — about local schools? “The problem is that readers of these
rankings believe that quality is in fact being measured when it's not,” said Kevin Welner, director of the National Education Policy Center and research professor at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education who has written critiques of school rankings by U.S. News. The U.S. News 2027 Best Elementary and Middle Schools Rankings are based almost entirely on state tests, according to the U.S. News methodology. Other sites like Niche also publish rankings of the best schools and districts in each state, based on state assessment proficiency data and survey responses. In an emailed statement to CT Insider, Eric Brooks, director of education data analysis at U.S. News, said that the rankings and data are “intended to be a
starting point, and not the final word for parents when considering educational opportunities for their children.” U.S. News ranked schools based on student performance on math and reading/language arts state tests: half of the formula looked at the scores themselves, and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic characteristics. Data collected directly from state education agencies by RTI International is used alongside data from the U.S. Department of Education, evaluating up to four distinct proficiency levels, Brooks said. "Rankings give families a clear look at how well a school is performing on state standardized tests in math and reading. Half of that score accounts for student so-
cioeconomic backgrounds, showing how effectively a school educates all of its students regardless of where they start,” Brooks said in the statement. “It offers a helpful snapshot of how a school stacks up relative to others across the state and district.” But to Welner, the formula being used by U.S. News essentially rewarded schools that enroll higher-achieving students, rather than measuring the quality of educational opportunities that the school provides to whichever students are enrolled, he said. And by and large, socioeconomic status is a massive predictor of student performance — which can help explain why the same schools rank highly year after year, and why solely using test scores to rank
schools can be problematic, Cobb said. “The problem is, they correlate so highly with socioeconomic status of a community or of a municipality that the district is in,” Cobb said. “And because it's so highly correlated to wealth of the community, you see the schools on the rankings, they're pretty well-resourced schools for the most part." In the latest U.S. News rankings, six of the top 10 middle schools and six of the top 10 elementary schools in Connecticut are located in Fairfield County — which is home to many of the wealthiest school districts in the state. Many of Connecticut's top high schools ranked by U.S. News are also in Fairfield County. Welner said he wasn’t surprised that schools in wealthier areas consistently rank at the top. “As researchers, without walking into classrooms, we already know which elementary schools are going to have the higher test scores because of the extremely high correlation between poverty and concentrated poverty and racialized poverty, and those test scores outcomes,” Welner said. School-level test score data also shows that schools in Greenwich, Darien and Westport, some of the highest-income areas in Connecticut, have the highest average test scores, while schools in the lowest-income areas have the lowest. Of the top 10 best elementary schools ranked by U.S. News, half are located in some of Connecticut's wealthiest towns, like Greenwich, Ridgefield and New Canaan. And in last year's rankings by U.S. News, all of the state's top 10 public elementary schools fell within Fairfield County. Rankings of elementary and middle schools can be even more limited and more reliant on student assessment scores than rankings of high schools, as there are fewer concrete outcome measures to Con’t on page 12
Officials Estimate 100,000 In Danger Of Losing Healthcare Coverage As ACA Changes Loom
HARTFORD, CT — The estimated 100,000 customers who are projected to lose their healthcare coverage as a result of new requirements mandated by HR1 next year are families, neighbors and community members, Charter Oak Health Center President and CEO Vernette Townsend said Monday. Townsend, joined by senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves and healthcare advocates, said Charter Oak has been a healthcare lifeline to Hartford’s most vulnerable residents. “Every day we witness firsthand the importance of Medicaid in providing access to quality healthcare to individuals and families who need it the most,” she said. The Congressional briefing on coming changes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid came just weeks before the 2026 federal election. The timing was no coincidence, Murphy said since several aspects of the bill were timed to go into
effect after the midterms. “But these cuts are coming and there is devastation on the way,” he said. Murphy described the changes to the ACA as a fundamental immorality. “It wasn’t that we couldn’t afford to provide healthcare for families … he (President Donald Trump) did it in order to provide a massive, trillion-dollar tax cut for his billionaire friends,” Murphy said. “This was a direct transfer of money. We … cut healthcare for poor people and millions of families, and we’re going to use that money to give a trillion dollars in tax cuts to the richest Americans.” Should Democrats regain power in Congress, Murphy said restoring the cuts would be a top priority, although the path to doing so is unclear with Trump still in the White House, he said. Blumenthal called the reductions, combined with inflation and double-digit premium increases as a crushing perfect storm.
FILE — Social Services Commissioner Andrew Barton-Reeves discusses the impact of the federal budget on Connecticut during a news conference at the Charter Oak Health Center in Hartford on Monday, July 7, 2025. Credit: Karla Ciaglo / CTNewsJunkie
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“Costs in healthcare are crushing to Americans who have to pay more for groceries and gasoline,” he said. “We are seeing the everyday real effects if it.” Sean King, general counsel for the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, said consumers should make sure they are working with a reputable broker when shopping for ACA marketplace plans. Residents should review documents and policies carefully and ask questions about anything that is unclear, he said. Barton Reeves said the state was projecting that about 108,000 of the 316,000 people on Husky were at risk of losing their coverage due to the changes in eligibility or due to affordability. Her department would do everything possible to assist those people in remaining covered, she said. “Everyone should have access,” she said. “And you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Students Walk Out In Support Of Sexual Assault Survivors by Laura Glesby
to the school — folks who are experienced with counseling and student support — to try to encourage conversations.”
The New Haven independent
“It happened to me multiple times,” said one high school student.
“We can’t talk about individual employees’ disciplinary records,” Harmon said. “We can talk about how students feel. We can talk about how students are experiencing what’s going on. And we try to encourage those kinds of conversations.”
“She said it was my fault when I reported it,” said another teen. “I have been assaulted several times,” said a third, before pausing to take a breath. A circle of about 50 students walked out of school on Thursday afternoon, convening on the New Haven Green to decry sexual violence. They offered personal stories of sexual assault and heard words of support reverberating back from their peers: “It’s OK… You’re good… You’re good…” Most of the students were New Haven and Hamden high schoolers, joined by Yale students and activists with the New Haven Socialist Alternative. Over the course of the protest, accounts of sexual assault filled the air. Some of the teens spontaneously accepted the bullhorn, telling their stories to the entire group off the cuff. Others murmured accounts to the people beside them. They listened intently, took one another seriously, and lambasted adults who had failed to do the same.
Hamden High students Denniva, Mimi, and Kimorah said they walked out despite the risk of suspension. Credit: Laura Glesby photo
“I appreciate the sentiment and I think it’s an important one,” he added, “and I think all we can do is encourage our students to raise their questions, because how they’re experiencing all of this is important to the entire school community.” According to a trio of Hamden High School students, students were threatened with disciplinary action for participating in the walkout. (Hamden Public Schools did not respond to a request for comment in time for the publication of this story.) “Our school tried to stop us from coming,” said Hamden High student Mimi. “They were trying to get us back in the school. They were giving out suspensions.”
“Say it loud, say it clear!” they chanted. “We believe survivors here!”
“That’s our First Amendment right!” said her friend Denniva.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673), visiting RAINN.org/hotline, or texting “HOPE” to 64673. Over and over again, the student protesters invoked the “Cornell Seven”— a group of Cornell University fraternity members accused of gang raping a fellow student, in an assault that one man advertised as “free pussy” in a text message to 57 other fraternity members. Students also had on their minds the recent arrests of Hillhouse Assistant Principal Daniel Bonet for allegedly raping a student , as well as a 40-year-old Sound School teacher for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Skylar, a Hillhouse student, said that she doesn’t feel adequately supported by her school in processing the arrest of the former assistant principal. “We’re not even allowed to talk about it,” she said, adding that in her experience, when students bring up the incident, adults at the school try to end the conversation.
Like many of the students who attended, the protest was personal for Denniva. “I have been sexually assaulted,” she said. She recalled that it took time for her to feel comfortable enough to tell her story. “It’s OK to feel a little pressure on yourself,” especially if “no one is listening,” she said. At the same time, she said, “it’s OK to let your voice be heard and tell your truth.” Denniva attended the protest in part, she said, because “I wouldn’t want someone to feel like how I felt.” Meanwhile, students advocated for a more robust health education curriculum in New Haven Public Schools that devotes more attention to sexual misconduct and the meaning of consent.
Two of Skylar’s friends, who asked not to be named, agreed. “I have personal experience with sexual assault,” one of them said. Separately, Sound School sophomore Ava Leigh echoed the perception of a silence around the allegations against the school’s teacher. “I feel like our school didn’t want to talk about it at all,” said Leigh.
Hillhouse students criticize a cultural silence around sexual assault, including in their own school.
“No more delay, justice today!” chanted the crowd. “Hey, hey, ho, ho, sexual assault has got to go!”
“Which, I get it, maybe that was to protect our student,” added fellow Sound School sophomore Margie Burnham, “but also, we don’t want to protect him.” “Being in that classroom,” even with a new teacher, “it’s just so off,” said Burnham. “They don’t like the concept of talking about sexual violence because they think it’s a very uncomfortable topic that a lot of people don’t want to get much into,” said fellow Sound School sophomore Fern Banick. “But I think that’s exactly the problem with what’s happening,” Banick
said. “It gets normalized. And it gets excused.” The students also criticized the district’s decision to wait until the teacher was arrested to communicate to school community members. They also called for more thorough background checks of teachers. Asked about these comments, New Haven Public Schools spokesperson Justin Harmon said, “Their voices are important and it’s good for them to be heard.” Harmon said that he can’t speak to students’ individual experiences in specific classrooms, but that “when an incident like this happens, we do send special staff
“You can’t pressure someone until they don’t say no,” said Banick, emphasizing that consent should be “enthusiastic.” Students also criticized a tendency to teach potential victims to try to avoid being assaulted, rather than teaching potential predators not to violate others. “Kids grow up told to cover themselves,” said a Hillhouse student who asked not to be named. “They shouldn’t have to do that.” Many students said that Thursday’s walkout was their first-ever protest. Some marveled at their own voices as the crowd of students dispersed. Bennick, the Sound School sophomore, had helped emcee the event. As she put down her bullhorn, she said, “I’ve never been this loud.”
Con’t from page 10
School rankings keep
go off of (like graduation rates and college-readiness measures), Cobb said. Welner said there was an "absurdity" to the idea of assessing a second-grade or other elementary grade level classroom just based on test scores. He said parents should make a deliberate, thoughtful decision when considering the right school for their children based on their own priorities. “Do they care about small class sizes? Do they care about experienced teachers? Do they care about engaging curriculum? Do they want a good dual language program? There are all sorts of things that a parent might care about," Welner said. Looking at things like attendance rates, school climate surveys and state accountability systems would also likely provide a more holistic assessment and better reflect school engagement, the level of satisfaction families have with their school, school culture and other factors, Cobb said. In the statement to CT Insider, Brooks said that parents should use the U.S. News data "as one of several resources when evaluating what environment is best for their children." “Rankings provide a valuable, objective snapshot of specific performance data, but they can't capture everything that makes a school community special, like dedicated teaching staff, instruction in science and the arts, school culture, safety, or strong extracurriculars,” Brooks said in the statement. Welner said the rankings can help parents identify schools with high-scoring students, but states generally already publish that data. In Connecticut, the state does have its own sort of ranking system through the "Accountability Index," which is a composite of numerous separate categories evaluating students' academic performance, college readiness and day-to-day experiences measured against a target. For the state's 2024-25 accountability results, the most recent year for which data is available, the school districts with the highest scores included some that consistently appear in external rankings, like New Canaan and Greenwich, as well as school districts that do not typically appear at the top of rankings, including Colebrook and Cornwall. Cobb said the Accountability Index offered a more thoughtful ranking system because it accounts for metrics beyond student test scores, as well as growth over time. "The methodology that U.S. News uses doesn't really do that. They're taking more snapshots in time, and it's illequipped to look at growth," he said. Both Welner and Cobb said the best thing for parents to do when considering schools for their children is to actually visit them. “Literally put your eyes and ears in the school building, and get a sense of how it feels," Cobb said. "Talk to other families that have children attending it. Talk to school leadership.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
More Than 40,000 CT Voters Cast Ballot On First Day Of Early Voting
Tens of thousands of Connecticut voters cast their ballot on the first day of early voting, according to numbers from Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas’ office. Unofficial tallies show 42,241 voters showed up in person at polling locations Monday. Officials cautioned though that those numbers could be subject to change as not all towns report on the same schedule and totals could change as verification continues. The state conducts regular audits throughout the early voting period to verify occurrence, officials said. In addition to the early in-person votes, Thomas’ office said 23,170 absentee ballots had been returned. This is somewhat less than half of the 55,041 absentee ballots that have been distributed. Democrats were the most active group of voters on the first day of early voting, with 24,862 registered Democrats casting ballots. Another 12,019 Democrats have returned their absentee ballot. Unaffiliated voters cast 10,356 ballots on Monday, and another 6,455 have returned absentee ballots. Among Republicans there were 6,506 early voters and 4,396 have returned an absentee ballot. Another 817 ballots were cast by voters classified as “Other” – typically those registered with a minor party. Thomas’ office reported that 182 voters had taken advantage of same-day registration to vote on Monday. West Hartford cast the most early votes on Monday, with 982 voters showing up at the poll. Milford (847), Stratford (844), Fairfield (815) and Norwalk (759) rounded out the top five. Of Connecticut’s 2.34 million registered voters, 821,542 are registered with the Democratic Party (35.1%), and 494,188 are registered Republicans (21.1%). Unaffiliated voters are the largest block, with 1,022,456 voters who are not affiliated with any party (43.6%).
College-Elm Becomes “John Wilhelm Corner”
The joke's on Yale: John Wilhelm with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro at Thursday's corner naming. Credit: Paul Bass Photo Posted inLabor
Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (birth name: Warren Wilhelm Jr.) in the crowd at his cousin’s corner-naming ceremony.
by Paul Bass That’s because on Thursday night the intersection of College and Elm Streets — where the Elm City’s central green abuts the edge of the college campus — officially became John Wilhelm Corner. Street sign and all. Wilhelm led organizing drives and
strikes that built Yale’s blue- and pink-collar unions into a political powerhouse in the second half of the 20th century. He inspired a generation of younger labor leaders. He went on to preside over the national UNITE HERE union. A group of Yale retirees spearheaded the effort to name the corner after Wilhelm. The Board of Alders — whose
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labor-backed majority developed from a Wilhelm-inspired drive to combine campus labor activism with political organizing — voted unanimously to approve the corner naming. A crowd of 140 New Haveners spanning a half century of town-gown activism showed up on the corner to watch the sign unveiling Thursday just before 7
p.m. The event elicited a combination of personal affection for Wilhelm (shared by even some Yale administrators he faced across the negotiating table) along with a determination to keep alive his legacy of organizing across class and racial lines for justice. Before the actual unveiling, as day drifted into darkness, the crowd cheered on labor leaders and elected officials who spoke dabout Wilhelm’s legacy leading Yale’s UNITE HERE Locals 34 and 35 (now expanded to Local 33). Speakers included New Haven-raised Gwen Mills, a Wilhelm protege who rose through the Yale UNITE HERE leadership ranks, then became UNITE HERE’s first female national president. The speakers recounted decades of union victories at Yale that lifted the wages and benefits of low-paid custodians, dining hall workers, graduate student-teachers, scientists, and office workers, and delivered retirement benefits people could afford to live on. Cheryl Bergman, one of the retirees who organized the corner-naming campaign, called Wilhelm “somebody who revolutionized union organizing in New Haven, on this campus and across the country.” “A lion,” New Haven State Sen. Martin Looney called Wilhelm. “A hero to all of us.” Wilhelm, who at 80 is retired and lives in Los Angeles, spoke last. He brought the discussion to the present: The current fight against the U.S.’s rightward turn. And the current negotiations between Yale and its unions on a new contract. (He was in town the night before for a mass march calling for a fair contract.) “I hope that some of you can find a way to spread this understanding that if we all work together and look at what he we have in common — not what separates — my goodness, what a great country we would have once again,” Wilhelm said. He noted that after decades of labor unrest, Yale hasn’t had a strike since 2003. He spoke of how previous Yale leaders like former President Rick Levin decided to change course by working with UNITE HERE to avoid strikes and improve working conditions. “My hope and my prayer between now and January,” when current contracts expire, Wilhelm said, “is that you don’t have to go back out on strike, because the university recognizes that it’s done really well while you’re also doing really well. “But I also know this. And I was so encouraged by that event last night. If the university doesn’t figure that out, you will do what you have to do. And the university will learn it all over again.” Then Wilhelm’s son Tom ascended the stairs to the First & Summerfield United Methodist Church, which houses UNITE HERE’s offices. He tugged on a string. And his father’s name emerged in public sight right between “Elm” and “College.” “Isn’t it wonderful,” observed U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Wilhelm collaborator since the 1970s, “that that sign is going to face the university.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Elicker Raises Another $38K For 2027 Reelection Bid by Thomas Breen
The New Haven independent
More than a year before New Haven’s next mayoral election, four-term incumbent Democrat Justin Elicker has on hand nearly $125,000 in reelection campaign cash — after raising more than $38,000 over the last three months. Those numbers are included in Elicker’s Q3 campaign finance report, which was filed with the state on Oct. 9 and which covers the period spanning July 1 and Sept. 30. According to that report, which can be read in full here, Elicker’s reelection campaign raised $38,696 in individual contributions and spent $5,918.41 during that time — leaving it with a total of $124,935.06 on hand. Elicker filed in April to run in New Haven’s 2027 mayoral election. Thanks to 2023’s charter revision, whoever wins that race will become the first New Haven mayor to serve a four-year term. So far, he faces one declared opponent — “bad mayor” hopeful and local civil rights attorney Alex Taubes, a fellow Democrat. Taubes did not report raising any campaign funds between July and the end of September. “Just plugging away,” Elicker said when asked on Thursday about his reelection campaign fundraising over the past three months. “It’s important to have funding to pay for a campaign.” He said raising this money early allows him to spread out his reelection efforts over time, giving him the space needed to govern while also running for office. How might he spend this money? The election’s still “pretty far away,” Elicker said. He’ll likely hire someone in the spring to work on the campaign full time. He also plans on spending these funds on voter outreach. In a separate phone interview on Thursday, Taubes confirmed that he has not raised any money yet towards his 2027 mayoral run. He said he does plan on
Beyond Speaking Truth to Power:
Faith in Action By Rev. Dr. Leon Bailey, Jr.October
Mayor Elicker at a Valley Street ribbon cutting on Thursday: "Just plugging away" with fundraising in advance of the November 2027 mayoral election. Credit: Thomas Breen photo
fundraising for his campaign. “Historically, these elections for mayor have had a pretty manageable budget. They’re not multi-million-dollar campaigns,” he said. “It’s not really necessary to be fundraising this far in advance unless you’re the mayor [and] you want to keep it open for favors.” In a follow-up call, Elicker dismissed Taubes’ statement as a “silly comment.” Elicker is once again participating in the city’s public-financing Democracy Fund this election cycle. That voluntary, clean-elections program requires mayoral candidates to cap individual contributions at $400 apiece and forswear PAC contributions in exchange for a public grant and matching dollars. Elicker said that the Democracy Fund
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is specifically designed to ensure that “no person or entity has undue influence” over a candidate, and for Taubes to claim otherwise in this instance is “baseless.” (Taubes said he hasn’t yet decided on whether or not he will participate in the Democracy Fund this election cycle.) Donors who gave Elicker’s reelection campaign the Democracy Fund maximum amount of $400 apiece during the third quarter include Connecticut Voices for Children Legislative Coordinator and future New Haven State Rep. Eli Sabin; real estate developer Jeff Spiritos of New York City; retired former Hillhouse Principal Lonnie Garris; Crown Bell Management landlord and property manager Schneur Katz of New Haven; Yale neuroscience Professor Michael Chrair of Guilford; Architect Fereshteh Bekhrad; attorney Gregory Mucicilli of North Haven; Vesta Corporation real estate developer Joshua Greenblatt of West Hartford; Koffee? owner Duncan Goodall of New Haven; downtown landlord David Kuperberg of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; D’Amatos Seafood’s Jennifer D’Amato of Guilford; Napoli Enterprise Trucking truck driver Andrew Crumbie Jr. of West Hartford; Yale Center for Business and Environment Executive Director Stuart Decew of North Haven; and Food and Beverage VP Ashley Elicker of Kennebunkport, Maine, among others. City department heads who donated to Elicker’s campaign include climate director Steve Winter ($100), Health Director Maritza Bond ($100), city spokesperson Lenny Speiller ($250), and Economic Development Administrator Mike Piscitelli ($250). Elicker’s campaign reported spending $1,666.50 during that time period on fees for the Democratic campaign software NGP VAN. It also issued a host of refunds to individuals who contributed more than the $400 Democracy Fund max.
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“Faith Matters” is a column that features pieces written by local religious figures. For generations, those moved by moral purpose have used a familiar phrase as a badge of honor: speaking truth to power. We march to authority, deliver passionate declarations, and demand that those in influence act with justice. These are noble traditions. Yet a challenging question demands an answer: What happens when speaking truth to power becomes a substitute for acting with the transformative power we already possess? This region is vibrant, rich in history and promise. But beneath that surface lies a persistent divide. Too many neighbors navigate economic hardship, housing insecurity, health disparities, drug addiction, and community violence. These are real challenges unfolding right outside our front doors. To confront these realities, we must reposition our posture. Instead of merely speaking truth to power, we must deploy our collective power to transform our community from within. This call is not reserved only for traditional places of worship. While faith communities possess physical spaces and volunteer networks, community healing belongs to everyone. Neighborly compassion and civic responsibility are not bounded by theology. Whether guided by religious tradition, personal ethics, or love for this region, everyone who wishes to improve conditions for all has a vital place at the table. Deploying this shared power requires concrete actions. We can leverage our shared resources to promote affordable housing and lower or eliminate food insecurity. We can do more with vocational training, meet basic needs, and provide more spaces and services for emotional healing. We can exercise the power of the vote as an act of faith. This week, students at North Carolina A&T and UNC Greensboro shut down streets as they, en masse, marched to vote. This was in response to having the voting sites on their campuses taken away. Those students had to walk for the better part of an hour to the closest voting site. That is faith in action as they chose not to be denied. Casting a ballot is a direct, sacred expression of our voice. Voting is not merely a secular task; it is a tangible declaration of what we value. A person’s vote is a physical alignment of their faith, ethics, and moral conviction with the real-world conditions of their neighbors. Those stu-
dents in North Carolina provided us with a clinic. When we examine civic engagement, numbers reveal a deeper story. Across Connecticut, voter turnout in national elections illustrates a stark divide. In presidential election years, participation across the state typically reaches around 67 percent to 70 percent of eligible voters, but in non-presidential midterm elections, turnout regularly drops to less than half, to around 48 percent or 49 percent. In urban centers and local contests, participation drops even lower. The numbers are dramatically low. These turnout figures are a direct reflection of a widespread lack of faith in the system. Low turnout tells us that many neighbors have surrendered to disillusionment, feeling their participation changes nothing. What can we learn from the students in North Carolina? However, there is a profound paradox in this withdrawal. Those who abstain from voting out of little or no faith in the process are, in actuality, voting for the very systems and conditions that sustain their cynicism. Non-participation is not a neutral stance. When we choose not to vote, we still cast a decisive vote. It is a vote that hands complete authority to whatever outcome is determined by others. Those who choose not to stand for anything in the electoral process are inviting, with open arms, whatever policies and decisions are doled out to them. Faith, at its core, only works when we take active steps to express where we stand. As the Prophet Jeremiah advised a community seeking direction in a challenging era: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). Seeking that peace requires active, tangible steps, and voting is a foundational step in taking responsibility for the common good. Underlying all of this work is a vital posture: a realistic and durable sense of hope. In a world demanding instant results, we fall into the trap of believing that true success means resolving every systemic problem in our lifetime. But history teaches us that meaningful changes are built over generations. Our duty is not to finish the entire project of justice today, but to ensure that we advance it. Hope stays alive when we recognize that even a slight shift in the right direction where a single family housed, one youth mentored, or a ballot cast, is a victory worth fighting for. This is a defining moment for those who have sat on the sidelines to put their faith into action. Is abstaining and accepting whatever comes really your stance? We in this city, in this region, in this state, need to take a lesson from those students in North Carolina, and vote with our feet as a demonstration of our faith. The Rev. Dr. Leon Bailey is pastor of The Church of Bethlehem in Milford.
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
America's First Elected Black Governor Tells Activists, Politicians:
'Don't Stop. You Haven't Gotten There' By Hazel Trice Edney
Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, America’s first elected Black governor, has encouraged an audience of civil and voting rights activists, community organizers and politicians to never stop fighting for the good of other people. “I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. I am a lion and I refuse to [talk, to walk, to sleep] with the sheep. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny. I will persist until I succeed,” Wilder drew from an inspirational quote he’d learned years ago as he closed his keynote speech to a standing ovation, cheers and applause by hundreds of people in the banquet hall of the Cedar Street Baptist Church of God in Richmond. The occasion was the 70th Anniversary of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, an organization established in 1956, by three Black men for the purpose of pushing voter registration amidst racist resistance to Black political progress. The audience was wowed as Wilder, a 95-year-old grandson of slaves, spoke candidly from his heart, imparting wisdom to them with no notes and no glasses. “So, what am I telling you? You don’t stop. You haven’t gotten there. And you’re not going to get there unless you [persist],” he said. Wilder, whose remarks stressed several key moments in Virginia history, has always espoused the principle of learning from the past while moving forward. In doing so, in 1969, he was elected as the first Black member of the Virginia Senate since Reconstruction and became America’s first elected Black governor in 1989 after serving four years as lieutenant governor. He is now still working as a distinguished professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. “You don’t live in the past. You learn from the past,” he said, listing some of his accomplishments during his years in elected office. As a senator, he recalled speaking publicly against and even protesting the song, “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny” as the Commonwealth’s state song because of its racist lyrics that included, “There’s where the old darkey’s heart am long’d to go.” Wilder continued, “The second stanza was even worse” as the song described, “Even in death after they’ve gone to heaven, wherever they both would be going, they wanted to be reunited with ol’ massa.’” As a young senator, Wilder called for the “getting rid of it. And we did.” Because of his protests, the Virginia Legislature stopped singing the song the same year that he was first elected. He also pointed to Virginia’s Martin Luther King (MLK) holiday as largely the result of his persistence and hard work. Govs. Mills Godwin and John Dalton consecutively vetoed the MLK holiday bills in 1977 and 1981.
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder PHOTO: Paulette Singleton/Trice Edney News Wire
“MLK Day took me eight years,” Wilder said. “People take for granted the Martin Luther King Day. It didn’t just happen. We fought for it and finally got it.” Wilder noted that when the MLK bill ultimately passed in 1984, making Virginia the first state in the South to celebrate an MLK holiday, there were few African-Americans in the entire General Assembly, therefore, a majority of White members had to vote for the bill for it to pass. This fact underscored Wilder’s ability to appeal to people – not based on their race or political affiliation; but based on their humanity. For anyone who said that Doug Wilder “will reach across the aisle,” he corrected, “that wasn’t quite right…I didn’t recognize any aisle. I didn’t see an aisle to reach across. I saw a senator. I saw a delegate. I saw a person. And that’s the way I lived. And I will continue so to live.” Politicians and candidates in the room, from various seats across the Commonwealth, listened intently as he spoke, many likely recalling some of the fights they too encountered in Virginia history. U. S. Rep. Bobby Scott of Norfolk, who served as Virginia delegate and senator for 13 years before he was elected to the U.S. Congress 33 years ago, lauded the Crusade as being “more important now than ever before.” That importance is not only because of the organization’s success in helping to quadruple the numbers of Blacks in elected office but, there were even few Black judges until the Crusade started “slowly but surely making Democracy work,” Scott said. The founding of the Crusade was led by the late Dr. William S. Thornton, a podiatrist, Dr. William Ferguson Reid, a surgeon; and the late John M. Brooks, an NAACP voter registration organizer. It was established to strengthen Black voting and to oppose Virginia’s massive
resistance to desegregation in response to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. But the importance of the Crusade for Voters and other similar organizations around the country is also because of the work that remains ahead, Scott said. “And so, we’ve got to get back to the old days. Make sure people are registered. Make sure they come out to vote and make Democracy work in our favor,” Scott said. “We need to get back to those basics…The only way to protect your right to vote is to exercise your right to vote. Use it or lose it,” he said, reflecting on recent Supreme Court decisions that effectively gutted protections under the Voting Rights Act. Chuck Richardson, who was a member of Richmond’s first majority Black City Council, elected in 1976, said the Crusade’s 70th anniversary celebration was significant because "our history must be institutionalized so that we remember and honor those who made a contribution." Wilder said in his speech that Richardson, in his early years on Council, would often seek his advice, "and he listened.” In an interview after the dinner, Richardson, who never lost a City Council election in his 19 years of service, said that was largely “because of Doug Wilder’s wise advice to me. Also, the Crusade had a disciplined voting electorate that followed the advice of the Crusade. And Wilder would tell them that once we made an endorsement, there would be “’no breaking of the ranks.’” That didn’t mean that the politicians and the Crusade always agreed, Wilder pointed out. The Crusade leadership even chided him when he initially fought against the state song because they argued that there were more important issues, Wilder said. “So, I caught a bit of flack for that in terms of getting that done.” But he continued to rise. Ultimately, under Wilder’s gubernatorial administration, Virginia was named the best-managed state in the nation by Financial World magazine – for two years in a row – in part, for his balancing of the budget without raising taxes. Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas (D–Portsmouth), a Black woman, currently serves as the chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee in the Virginia General Assembly. When Wilder acknowledged her in the audience, she confirmed that she too seeks his advice. But the common vision for what was fair and justice for all people was what brought about the successes. “I understood that things could be better,” Wilder said. “I want nothing but what’s good for the people. There’s so many things that you can do. Don’t stop.” Though Wilder’s message encouraged the Crusade to continue and even increase its mission, with mostly seasoned public servants in the sold-out room, there appeared to be a glaring absence of Con’t from page 10
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AI Propels Civic Tech 2.0
These are humans: Civic techers Joanne Sciulli, Dan McLeggon, Ben Berkowitz at WNHH FM. Credit: Paul Bass Photo Posted inBusiness
by Paul Bass
We interrupt the daily doomsday freakout to report on a bunch of New Haveners finding hope in AI. The 30 or so digital tinkerers are sharing ideas for using artifiical intelligence for software that connects community in ways to make the city better. Calling themselves the Homegrown Tech Group, they have begun meeting weekly in pop-up space on Chapel Street to share ideas about new software they’re developing with AI to help neighbors swap advice, track down slum landlords, tackle challenges of poverty — even learn about the houses they live in. They keep the conversation going informally along the way, comparing notes on, say, scaling up their concepts. Some have worked in tech before, others not. All have found that coding tools from companies like Anthropic and Open AI have enabled them to whip up new software that used to require teams of more experienced professionals to develop. In the process, they’re seizing a creative moment similar to the software boom that occurred 20 years ago at an earlier moment of innovation. New AI tools have made it possible for more people than ever before to develop new ideas for improving their communities. “Some kind of reset is happening here” in tech in terms of civic software, said one of the group’s organizers, Ben Berkowitz. Berkowitz happened to seize the last Big Tech Moment as well. He invented the community-solving platform SeeClickFix in New Haven. It grew into a company serving local governments around the world. On his own, Berkowitz recently began developing a next-gen neighborhood-connection app called Neighborhoonie. He ran into career nonprofit leader Joanne Sciulli (founder of the Solar Youth youth program), who had been using AI to develop a tool for Hartford’s NAACP to help people find out how to get housing or financial help or learn about neighborhood crime statistics or problem landlords. Sciulli did not have a coding background. She was looking for pointers in developing her app. “At one point when I was building this, I said: I need to talk to somebody who actually does this. I texted Ben, and
I’m like, ‘Hey Ben, what are you doing these days?’” Sciulli recalled Thursday during a Homegrown Tech Group interview on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.” “Because I was building it, it felt a little bit like I was playing with Legos, but actually building a building. I needed somebody who knew that there was something actually real on the other end of it to look at it.” They shared links. They encountered other people on similar journeys. So they began meeting up with others developing similar tools. Thus was born the Homegrown Tech Group. Climate Haven, a nonprofit developing green start-ups, offered the group space to hold their weekly gatherings at its space on the third floor of 770 Chapel St. … … which, in a fitting twist, was where Berkowitz and company built SeeClickFix from New Haven into a cutting-edge international company. Dan McLeggon used to work with Berkowitz at SeeClickFix. Now he, too, heads to that Chapel Street space to participating in the Homegrown meetup. McLeggon got the next-gen AI civic tech bug when he began researching his house in Westville. He started playing around with AI tools. Within days, he had produced a book about the history of his home. “What really struck me was the lives behind it. Westville started with a neighborhood with a farmhouse and kind of filled in. The story of my house is: The milkman marries the farmer’s daughter. They build a house next door (which is where I live) and stays in the family for 70 years. What really made an emotional connection for me was learning that they raised a young daughter. And that’s what I’m doing now.” McLeggon ended up with software that can create an illustrated book about any house, drawing on deeds and other public records, news clippings, photos. He’s now developing the tool for public use through a company called the House Atlas. The Homegrown group has helped him find early adopters helping him to hone the product. (To learn more about Homegrown Tech Group, email Berkowitz at Ben@neighboroonie.com.)
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026 Con’t from page 10
You Haven't Gotten There'
younger people and students to deal with future issues. In closing remarks, Banquet Chairman Richard Williams, organizer of the lively event hosted by CBS 6 Anchor GeNienne Samuels, said he met Wilder when he was just a third-year student at the University of Virginia, interviewing him for a term paper for Professor Larry Sabato, a nationally renowned political scientist. But that was in the 1970s when Wilder was in the Senate. Williams drew chuckles from the audience when he told how he got lost looking for Wilder’s office because there was “no Map Quest or Internet.” The room was full of energy and joy as a spirited Wilder imparted humor and wisdom to enthusiastic applause and laughter before receiving the President’s Award from Crusade President Bryce Robertson. Despite the age gap in the audience, Robertson, who appeared to be in his 20s, exuded the wisdom of the Crusade founders: “Every voice has value, every citizen has a role to play, and an organized community has the power to shape its own future,” he said. “Democracy still depends upon people willing to participate, and meaningful change begins when people recognize the power they possess when they act together.”
Megan Thee Stallion becomes the first-ever celebrity ambassador for this activewear brand
Photo: Gymshark
by Mildred Europa Taylor, Face2FaceAfrica.com
program, which unveils its We Do Gym campaign.
Megan Thee Stallion has been announced as Gymshark’s first-ever celebrity ambassador in a multi-year partnership, becoming the newest addition to the athletic apparel brand’s Athlete
“Fitness has become such an important part of my life, so I’m really excited to partner with Gymshark,” Megan said in a statement. “I’m a big believer that working out has a
powerful impact on your physical and mental health and it’s just one of the best forms of self-love and building confidence.” “We all approach fitness differently, so I just want to encourage everyone to find the best routine that works for
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them, show up consistently and take on the gym with confidence,” she added. Gymshark released a campaign visual starring Megan training alongside women from Gymshark’s network, with the rapper’s hit “Savage” being the soundtrack. “Championing strong women has been part of Gymshark’s DNA since day one – not just physical strength, but the confidence to be completely yourself,” Gymshark chief commercial officer Carly Natalizia said in a statement. “We’ve always believed the gym is where women build themselves twice over: their bodies, and their minds.” “Megan embodies that better than almost anyone we could imagine: she is unapologetic, she trains to get stronger, to clear her mind, and to keep growing. That’s exactly the story we’ve built this brand around. Megan is living proof of something we’ve believed since the beginning: that confidence is built,” Natalizia added. The partnership comes with dedicated shopping experiences on Gymshark’s website and across its retail locations, enabling customers to buy the outfits featured in the campaign as well as Megan’s favorite products from the British activewear brand.
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Chief Examiner: The Town of East Haven is currently seek-
The Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities
ing qualified applicants to participate in the Civil Service Examination for the position of Chief Examiner. This position, under the general direction of the Civil Service Commission, administers the Town's Civil Service examinations and oversees all aspects of the competitive hiring process for the town. Coordinates recruitment, application review, examination administration, eligibility lists, certification of candidates, Commission support, records management, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Town policies. Graduation from high school or equivalent required. Associate's degree preferred. Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience, preferably in Human Resources, Civil Service, municipal government, or a closely related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Salary range 33,546.16 - $38,836.20, 19.5 hours per week. This job is not eligible for medical benefits or pension. Applications to participate in the examination are available online at https:// www.easthaven-ct.gov/jobs.aspx or the Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT and must be returned by October 23, 2026. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a workforce of diverse individuals. Minorities, Females, Handicapped and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Request for Qualifications
Architectural Engineering Services for West Rock Community Center Redevelopment The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities acting through its instrumentality, The Glendower Group, Inc. Is soliciting request for qualifications (“RFQ”) for a selection of a qualified and experienced A & E Firm for the redevelopment of the West Rock Community Center Located at 295 Wilmot Road. For the detailed RFQ- please register with New Haven Housing Authority Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on
Thursday, September 16, 2026, at 3:00PM.
Listing: Night Dispatcher This is a full-time dispatching position for nights (which includes on call and weekend coverage). At least one year of dispatching experience is required. We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Wage Range $25.00 - $36.00/hr. Benefits include Competitive Hourly Wage, Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Vacation & Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Retirement Plan 401(k), Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance Options. Send resume to: HR Manager, P.O. Box 388, Guilford, CT. 06437. Email: HRDEPT@ eastriverenergy.com *An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veterans*
The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol Request for Proposals (RFP) Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Services
The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/Administrative Supervisor in the Office of Administration. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=26100 6&R2=0083AR&R3=001 The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
360 Management Group Invitation for Bids Pest Extermination Services 360 Management Group is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Pest Extermination Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on
Thursday, October 5, 2026, at 3:00PM.
The Housing Authority City of Bristol (BHA) is seeking proposals for HVAC services from qualified contractors for work at multiple locations throughout the Agency.
360 Management Group
A copy of the RFP documents can be obtained at www.bristolhousing.org or by contacting Luis Velazquez, Director of Capital Fund at 860-585-2028 or lvelazquez@bristolhousing.org beginning October 14, 2026. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on October 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM starting at 164 Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT.
Invitation for Bids Legal Services
All proposals should be clearly marked “RFP #26-199 – HVAC Contractor Services” and submitted to Mitzy Rowe, CEO, Housing Authority City of Bristol, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. Proposals are due no later than 2:00 PM on November 5, 2026, at the office of BHA in a sealed envelope with one (1) original and one (1) copy, each clearly identified.
360 Management Group is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Legal Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on
The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.
Shop Welder/Fabricator: Large CT Fence & Guard-
rail Contractor is looking for shop welder/fabricators. Individual will be required to weld, cut and fabricate steel and aluminum products. Must be able to read basic drawings and fill out daily reports. All necessary equipment provided. Required to pass a physical and drug test. A valid CT driver's license, OSHA 10 card and DOT Medical Card also required. Medical, holiday, vacation & other benefits included. Starting pay based on experience level. We are an AA/EOE company. Send resumes/inquiries to: pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.
Thursday, October 5, 2026, at 3:00PM.
POLICE OFFICER ENTRY LEVEL City of Bristol $78,813/yr. Required testing, general info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov DEADLINE: 12-07-25 EOE
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LaRosa Building Group LLC General Contractor has immediate opens for the following positions:
• Construction Project Manager • Construction Superintendent • Assistant Project Manager/Project Engineer Please apply on Indeed, LAROSABG.COM or email resumes to SEDMONDS@GOLAROSA.COM
“LaRosa Building Group is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
RFP –Pest Control
360 Management Group
NBHA has determined that it will control pests using integrated pest management consistent with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’sGuidance on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). See Exhibit 2 for the Guidance. The Guidance identifies ten elements of an effective IPM program.
Request For Proposals
SCOPE OF WORK
Benefits Broker
360 Management Group is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Benefits Broker Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on
NBHA seeks a Contractor who will provide pest control services as described in Exhibit 3 for each of the ten elements except where contractor specifically identifies situations where it must follow alternative guidelines. Contractor must provide services in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to the fact thatNBHA properties are primarily residential in nature and puts the needs of the residents and staff as the foremost priority
October 19, 2026, at 3:00PM.
RFP –Waste management
Scope of Services:
LEGAL NOTICE
The Contractor shall be required to collect, transport and dispose of all Acceptable Solid Waste from every housing development/property currently managed by the Housing Authority of New Britain (See Appendix “B”) which has been placed in acceptable containers. The material shall be transported to the Bristol Waste to Energy Facility. The Contractor will be responsible for disposal costs. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing and assuming all costs for labor, equipment, materials and all else whatsoever required to deliver such service.
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals to provide certain services related to a DOC & DESPP Staffing Study. The intent of the request is to identify individuals or firms with the necessary expertise to provide administration of the DOC & DESPP Staffing Study within a stated timeframe.
Listing: HVAC Apprentice Level 1
The RFP is available online at: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/ CTSource/BidBoard and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/RFP/ Request-For-Proposals or from André Simons, Office of Policy and Management, Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, 450 Capitol Ave., MS#52CJP, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379. E-mail: Andre.Simons@ct.gov. Telephone (860) 418-6287. Deadline for response submission is 5:00 P.M., October 27, 2026.
Opening for a full time HVAC Apprentice Level 1. Candidate must possess a technical school certificate in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, oil, propane and natural gas. Must be detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or emailHRDept@eastriverenergy.com
Metering Supervisor
**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veterans**
The Housing Authority of the city of Norwalk is requesting proposals from qualified firms for LEGAL SERVICES-CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. To obtain a complete copy of the Request for Proposal documents, contact Guillermo Bendana, Procurement Specialist at gbenda@norwalkha.org. Proposals are due at 2:00 PM, EST. on 11/02/2026. Norwalk Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.
The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Metering Supervisor. Wages: $118,083.00 to $147,603.00 annually. For additional information and to apply online by the October 8, 2026 closing date, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE
System Operator/Dispatcher
The Housing Authority of the city of Norwalk is requesting proposals from qualified firms for LEGAL SERVICES-LANDLORD/TENANT & HUD/ STATE REGULATIONS. To obtain a complete copy of the Request for Proposal documents, contact Guillermo Bendana, Procurement Specialist at gbenda@norwalkha.org. Proposals are due at 2:00 PM, EST. on 11/02/2026. Norwalk Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.
The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for System Operator/Dispatcher. Wages: $45.58 to $53.32 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the October 26, 2026 closing date, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including: Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators and Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please mail resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026. Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race,
Exp. Welder call Jill 860-274-9668 19
color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS FOR JUDD HOMESTEAD AT RUSSO ESTATES Affordable Rental Housing –ONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOM UNITS, located at 980 High Street, Fairfield CT
LaRosa Building Group LLC
PreliminaryApplications will be accepted beginning on 09/28/2026 AND ENDS with a postmark date of 10/26/2026. Pre-Applications received after the end date as postmarked will be automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT 06825.
Please apply on Indeed, LAROSABG.COM or email resumes to SEDMONDS@GOLAROSA.COM
Owner: Judd Russo Limited Partnership Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 80% of Area Median Income, or less. Preliminary Applications will be received by mail only during the period noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be placed on the wait list is one hundred twenty-five (125). Pre-Applications will not be accepted by handdelivery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission. Four Person family – 30% AMI Max limit $42,180 2 Bedroom 30% unit monthly rent - $609* Four Person family – 50% AMI Max limit $70,300 2 Bedroom 50% unit monthly rent - $1063*
General Contractor has immediate opens for the following positions: • • •
Construction Project Manager Construction Superintendent Assistant Project Manager/Project Engineer
“LaRosa Building Group is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.”
The Guilford Housing Authority
is currently accepting applications for single-person and two-person households for apartment waitlists at Sachem Hollow, Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford, CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or federal disability and minimum 18 years of age. Applications may be obtained by calling 203-453-6262 Option 4 or emailing Waitlist@GuilfordHA.org. Applications will be accepted from 9/28/26 until 11/6/26 at 4 pm. Credit, police, landlord checks are procured by the Authority. Smoking is prohibited in units. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Maintainer I (Distribution)
Four Person family – 60% AMI Max limit $84,360 2 Bedroom 50% unit monthly rent - $1323* Four Person family – 80% AMI Max limit $112,480 2 Bedroom 50% unit monthly rent - $1561* *subject to change
Pre-Applications will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT or online at https://www.fairfieldhc.org/ You may request a pre- application be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-366-6578. For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin or Carol Antrum: Phone: (203)366-6578 TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710
The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Maintainer I (Distribution) Wages: $27.02 to $32.40 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the November 3, 2026 closing date, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE
UNION CONTRACTOR SEEKS: Construction Equipment Mechanic (preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment) We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Job is in Bloomfield, CT. Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860-243-2300 Ext. 122 Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com
Attendant I
Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators (must have current licensing and a clean driving record; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY) Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860-243-2300 Ext. 133 Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com
The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Attendant I. Wages: $29.93 to $34.66 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the September 11, 2026 closing date, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE
Exp. Welder call Jill 860-274-9668
Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment (must have a class A CDL license with Tank Endorsement and a clean driving record; be capable of operating heavy equipment and willing to travel throughout the Northeast and NY) Contact: Brian McKee Phone: 860-558-6189 Email: bmckee@garrityasphalt.com
• We offer Excellent hourly rates and benefits. • Women and Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply. • Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Hoodoo Heritage Month, explained: What it is, its history and why it matters Since 2019, October has been recognized as Hoodoo Heritage Month. We break down what that means and how to celebrate it.
By Kay Wicker, The Griot.com Loretta Devine in "Spell." ("Spell" Trailer Screenshot) It started deep in the American South with wild herbs, healing roots, whispered prayers, African spirituality, Indigenous practices, Christianity, and more, all mixing with the determination to survive. We’re, of course, talking about Hoodoo, the centuries-old Black American spiritual tradition born of enslavement and passed down through generations as a means of healing, protection, resistance, and the preservation of ancestral knowledge. And it’s especially on our minds this time of year. October is Hoodoo Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of the spiritual practice, its history, and enduring legacy. Officially founded in 2019 by Mama Rue and the Walking the Dikenga Collective, Hoodoo Heritage Month honors the ancestors who first devised the practice, the practitioners who have worked to preserve the culture, and the ways it has survived through the generations. Yet the spirituality remains widely misunderstood, often confused for other practices or reduced to sinister stereotypes. So as many continue to celebrate the spooky season, we’re breaking down what you need to know about Hoodoo Heritage Month. What exactly is Hoodoo? Hoodoo is a Black American spiritual tradition of healing, protection, and ancestral magic that has been passed down through the generations. Also known as root work and conjure, the practice derives from a unique mixture of West and Central African practices, Indigenous spirituality, Christianity, botanical knowledge, and more. At its core, it’s about protection, healing, ancestral connection, and survival. It involves rootwork, herbalism, hon-
oring the ancestors, prayer, scripture, conjure, or performing rituals with set intentions, like bringing about good fortune or creating protection, and using objects such as root bags or protective charms. Why is Hoodoo important to Black American history? At a time when many Black people living in this country were enslaved, stripped of their dignity, freedom, and wellness, Hoodoo became a way for them to find healing, protection, and ultimately survival. Through the intricate roots, careful use of herbs, prayers, and rituals, enslaved people were able to care for themselves and their communities when they fell ill or became injured,
while maintaining a connection with their ancestors and African heritage and establishing protection. Even generations after emancipation, Hoodoo remains an integral part of Black American life for many and continues to offer insight into how some of the country’s earliest Black folks lived and endured. Many have also observed similarities between the Black Church’s traditions and Hoodoo, showing just how far its influence extends in Black spirituality. What are some of the biggest misconceptions about Hoodoo? Hoodoo has long been misunderstood and sometimes outright demonized. One of the biggest misconceptions is that Hoo-
doo is synonymous with the devil, dark magic, or something worse. In reality, the tradition encompasses everything from healing and protection to spiritual empowerment. While practitioners may perform rituals intended to influence circumstances or seek justice, Hoodoo cannot be reduced to the frightening depictions often seen in popular culture. Yeah, we’ve seen Loretta Devine in “Spell” too! Another common misconception is that Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Haitian Vodou are all interchangeable. While these traditions share African influences, they have distinct histories, beliefs, and practices. How do you celebrate Hoodoo Heritage Month?
There, of course, isn’t one way to celebrate Hoodoo Heritage Month. Some use it as an opportunity to honor ancestors, reconnect with spiritual traditions, share knowledge, and celebrate the people who helped preserve Hoodoo across generations. Depending on individual and family traditions, that might include prayer, ancestral offerings, community gatherings, or other forms of spiritual remembrance. The month also includes a handful of special commemorative days recognizing different aspects of Black American history and spirituality, including Nat Turner Day on October 2, Day of Our Fathers on October 21, and Day of Our Mothers on October 25. What is Man at the Crossroads Day? As much of the world prepares for Halloween, many who practice Hoodoo are preparing for a somewhat spooky day of their own: Man at the Crossroads Day, which also falls on October 31. And how fitting that a holiday honoring the mysterious spiritual figure believed to preside over crossroads, where the physical and spiritual worlds are said to intersect, would fall on a day already associated with ghosts, spirits, and all things supernatural. In Hoodoo, crossroads are considered places of great spiritual power where one can seek guidance or even gain transformation. The man at the crossroads is said to be there to help make things shift and move in this lifetime. He closes and opens doors of opportunity, illuminates what a person needs over what they want, and he can shift a person’s luck. Of course, recognizing this day doesn’t have to mean quite literally hunting down some mysterious figure (no matter what blues singers have said); experts like the Afro Mysticnote how it can also be about honoring the crossroads within yourself.
Birmingham homicides drop to historic lows under Mayor Randall Woodfin’s leadership Birmingham is set to have its fewest homicides in 75 years as Mayor Randall Woodfin credits community violence intervention efforts.
by Haniyah P. The Griot.com
Under Woodfin’s leadership, Birmingham is reportedly on track to end the year with its fewest homicides since 1951.
down 46% from this time last year and 74% from 2024…That means families are getting answers, and the people responsible are being held accountable. This is what happens when you invest in the people and the strategies that actually work.” According to the Birmingham state legislature, in 2025 the city experienced 63 homicides, a nearly 51% decline from the 130 that had been reported in 2024. Fast forward to today, in October 2026, Woodfin reports only 34 homicide cases, of which 31 have been closed. However, the Birmingham mayor credits this success to the men and women of the Birmingham Police Department, the city’s chief of police Michael Pickett, and its community violence intervention workers.
“Birmingham is on track for our fewest homicides in 75 years,” Mayor Woodfin wrote on Facebook. “Homicides are
“I did not think that we would have this much of a reduction this year,” Pickett said in a press conference earlier this
Black mayors across the country are delivering the change their communities need. From Mayor Brandon Scott in Baltimore to Mayor Brandon Johnson in Chicago, local Black leaders have helped drive down violence and homicides. Among them is Birmingham, Alabama’s Mayor Randall Woodfin, who is making real investments into keeping residents safe and, in turn, seeing the results of these efforts.
month, per WVTM13. According to the city’s 2025 American Rescue Plan Act Impact report, Birmingham allocated $5,512,378 for community violence intervention programs. These programs include the Offender Alumni Association (OAA) and the Violence Intervention and Prevention Partners (VIPP), which places case managers and violence intervention specialists at the bedside of gun violence survivors to offer immediate intervention and long-term support. Survivors are connected to services such as trauma therapy, relocation assistance, and employment pathways. “The work being done does not replace the efforts of BPD. However, it works in complement to it. As we all know, and I think many of you all now know and accept this, public safety is a multi-layer problem, and any multi-layer problem takes a multi-layer approach to address, to
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solve, to help,” Woodfin shared in a press conference explaining the city’s reduction plan. Birmingham’s violence reduction strategy leans on four pillars: safety and wellness, engaging and empowering community, strengthening policy and oversight, and increasing youth safety. To reach its long-term goal of hitting a 10% annual reduction rate, the city’s intervention programs also include the Organizing Neighborhoods Empowering Healing Our Own Development (One Hood) Program powered in partnership with the Institute for Research and Social Justice in Action (IRSJA), Everybody WENS, a Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) in collaboration with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR), and the Street Outreach Team with the Urban League of Alabama, which puts trusted peacekeepers, conflict mediators,
and mentors in high-risk neighborhoods. “Ultimately, this plan is about more than just reducing numbers,” the Birmingham Mayor shared. “This is more than about stats. It is about changing what is possible in our city, what is possible in our neighborhoods and communities, but most importantly, what’s possible for our citizens, our people, and our youth.” However, Woodfin says the work is not done, acknowledging that 34 lives were still lost. Through the city’s violence reduction roadmap, Woodfin’s hope is not only put an end to a culture where a mother is afraid to let her child walk to the corner store, but also to build a sense of trust amongst community members. “We’re building a culture of safety. That culture should also include opportunity. That culture should also be of hope…it is not only a future worth fighting for, but it is also a future worth investing in.”
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Barack Obama accuses Trump admin. of targeting Ilhan Omar after federal agents searched her home by Francis Alkhalbey, Face2FaceAfrica.com
There, she has been one of the Trump Administration’s fiercest critics, which has led the president to repeatedly single her out as someone who he believes does not belong in this country,” Obama stated. “Now the Administration is actively trying to deport Congresswoman Omar, seemingly based solely on the unsubstantiated theory that she was actually 18 when her father was naturalized, and therefore is not a citizen. Federal agents have raided her home, confiscated personal records, and seized her phone — all to try and uncover a nonexistent smoking gun from 20 years ago that will somehow make their case.”
Former President Barack Obama took to social media on Sunday to accuse the Trump administration of targeting Minnesota lawmaker Ilhan Omar after federal agents searched her Washington, D.C., home in connection with an investigation into her immigration status. As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Omar, 44, and her family immigrated to the United States from Somalia in 1995 to escape the civil war in the Horn of Africa nation. She became an American citizen in 2000 at the age of 17. Per Fox News, sources said investigators want to ascertain whether Omar or her father made fraudulent claims on immigration documents when she was granted American citizenship. “It is a basic principle of American democracy that the government can’t selectively target individuals simply because of their political beliefs or what they say. But that’s exactly what the Trump Administration is doing to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota,” Obama, 65, wrote on X. “To understand why this is so appalling, it’s important to know the facts. Con-
Obama also said this is not the first time that the federal government has targeted a “law-abiding elected official” who has “dared” to criticize Trump. Barack Obama
gresswoman Omar came to this country with her father when she was 12 years old. Five years later, her father became a naturalized citizen. If Ilhan had been 18 at the time, she would have had to apply for citizenship separately. But because she was 17, she became a naturalized citizen automatically.”
Ilhan Omar
Obama then claimed that Omar is being targeted because she’s one of the Trump Administration’s fiercest critics.
“Congresswoman Omar went on to graduate from college, work as a community organizer, become the first Somali-American legislator elected to public office in the U.S., and win a seat in Congress.
“Think about that. The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president. And it’s not the first time this has happened. Under President Trump, the Justice Department has repeatedly gone after those he considers his political enemies — from the Attorney General of New York, to the former head of the
FBI, to members of the Federal Reserve,” Obama wrote. “In those cases, the prosecutions either stalled or were dismissed for having no basis in law, and the same is likely to happen in this case. But not before Congresswoman Omar’s life has been turned upside down, her legal bills have piled up, and she’s been forced to spend time fighting unsubstantiated charges instead of serving the people of Minnesota.” Obama concluded by sending a word of caution. “The fact that any president, or any administration, is willing to engage in such transparent efforts to intimidate someone should outrage all Americans, regardless of how they feel about Congresswoman Omar’s political views. Because if this becomes the new normal, there’s no reason to believe it will stop with her — or that future presidents, in either party, won’t do the same,” he said. On many occasions, President Trump, 80, and Omar have publicly expressed their dislike toward each other. The execution of the search at the Democratic lawmaker’s home appears to have exacerbated the tension between the two opposing parties.
Black Household Wealth Plummeted 25% in Three Years, New Data Shows
MICHIGAN CHRONICLE — A new analysis of Federal Reserve data reveals that median wealth for Black households dropped 25% between 2022 and 2025, falling from $49,100 to $36,800. This decline occurred while White, Hispanic, and Asian households experienced increases in their median net worth, further widening the national racial wealth gap. Median wealth among Black households fell 25% between 2022 and 2025, widening the racial wealth gap even as White, Hispanic, and Asian households saw their median net worth increase, according to a new analysis of Federal Reserve data. Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) director of race and economic justice, Algernon Austin, shared in an analysis published Tuesday (October 13) that median wealth among Black
households fell from $49,100 in 2022 to $36,800 in 2025, a 25% decline. In comparison, median wealth reached $332,100 for White households, $79,600 for Hispanic households, and $677,600 for Asian households in 2025, according to CEPR. While Black households lost wealth, these groups saw their median wealth increase between 2022 and 2025. In 2025, Black households’ median wealth was $179,100 below the national median, up from a $162,000 gap in 2022. Austin’s analysis suggests declining home, vehicle, and retirement account values contributed to the drop. The share of Black households with nonfinancial assets also declined from 81% to 78.4%. The findings come as broader household wealth gains slowed and financial strain increased.Reuters reported earlier this
month that the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Consumer Finances found the share of families spending at least 40% of their income on debt payments rose from 6.5% in 2022 to 8.6% in 2025. The latest findings add to longstanding concerns about the racial wealth gap. A 2017 report by Prosperity Now and the Institute for Policy Studies projected that median Black household wealth could reach zero by 2053 if existing trends continued, raising questions about the longterm financial security of Black families. That figure was a projection based on trends at the time, not a confirmed outcome. The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HEREto tune in live.
Jamaica’s first casino to open next year, boosting tourism
Jamaica's first casino is scheduled to open in February 2027 at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort in Green Island, Hanover, following the issuance of the country’s first casino gaming operator’s licence. Adamas Grand Casino Limited, the gaming operator affiliated with the Princess Hotels and Resorts development on the island’s northwestern coast, was granted the licence by the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) earlier this year. Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica confirmed the opening of the casino during
World Travel Week 2026 on October 14, when the hotel group bagged 11 international awards across luxury hospitality, weddings, conferences and culinary excellence, according to The Gleaner. The casino will not be for only foreign visitors, as in some countries, but will also welcome eligible Jamaican gamblers as part of efforts to modernize the tourism sector. Renowned architect Manuel Clavel designed the casino, which comes with slot machines and live games such as craps, blackjack, roulette and poker, as reported
by The Gleaner. Beyond gaming, the facility will also feature an exclusive nightclub, a sports bar, and premium dining with live performances, the outlet added. The casino, which will operate under a management agreement with Spanish gaming and hospitality company Grupo Orenes, is part of Princess Hotels and Resorts’ $400-million investment in Hanover, which includes Princess Grand Jamaica. The opening of the casino marks the culmination of a journey that started with the 2010 passage of Jamaica’s Casino Gam-
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ing Act, which established the regulatory structure for casino operations in designated integrated resort developments, The Gleaner said. Per the legislation, casinos should not operate independently but as part of largescale tourism investments incorporating accommodation, entertainment, dining and other facilities. Even though Adamas Grand Casino Limited has earned its operator’s licence, the company must meet some regulatory conditions before opening. Some of the conditions include respon-
sible gaming safeguards, anti-money laundering measures, surveillance and security systems, player protection protocols and integration with the Casino Gaming Commission’s Gaming Management Information System, according to The Gleaner. The opening of the casino is a milestone for Jamaica’s tourism industry as it seeks to create new opportunities in entertainment and hospitality, with regulated casino gaming being an additional attraction for foreign visitors. The country earned $2.5 billion in tourism revenue
and welcomed 2.34 million visitors as of August 31, 2026.
THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Octber 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - October 21, 2026 - October 27, 2026
Life can be hard. Voting doesn’t have to be.
Connecticut offers nights, weekends, and multiple days to cast your ballot.
OR
Vote early in-person now through Sunday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and extended hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on October 27 and 29 Vote on Election Day, November 3 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
TA HE S TE OF FT
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Your Life. Your Schedule. Your Vote. Learn about your voting options, important dates and more at MyVote.CT.gov, Connecticut’s trusted source for election information.
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