Tag:

William Tong

CT's Second Female Governor Jodi Rell Dies At 78 CT's Second Female Governor Jodi Rell Dies At 78
CT's Second Female Governor Jodi Rell Dies At 78 Connecticut is mourning the loss of its second female governor, Jodi Rell, who died following a brief illness.  Rell, who served as the state's 87th governor from 2004 to 2011, died on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the age of 78 at a hospital in Florida following a short illness, CBS News reported.  Rell took office following the resignation of her predecessor, John G. Rowland, who pleaded guilty to corruption charges in 2004. She is the most recent Republican to serve as Connecticut's governor and spent her two terms expanding healthcare and childcare, strengthening ethics laws, and brin…
CT Dealership Accused Of Deceiving Customers, Charging 'Junk Fees': Attorney General CT Dealership Accused Of Deceiving Customers, Charging 'Junk Fees': Attorney General
CT Dealership Accused Of Deceiving Customers, Charging 'Junk Fees': Attorney General A car dealership in Connecticut is being accused of deceiving customers about the prices of its used cars and charging "junk fees" without consumers' consent, officials announced. These accusations were part of a complaint filed in US District Court against Hartford County auto dealer Manchester City Nissan by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and the Federal Trade Commission, Tong's office announced on Thursday, Jan. 4.  The complaint alleges that the dealership, located in Manchester at 30 Tolland Turnpike (Route 83), would often lie to customers about the prices of…
3K Foreign Contraband Cigarettes Seized, Destroyed By USPS In NY, Other States: Officials 3K Foreign Contraband Cigarettes Seized, Destroyed By USPS In NY, Other States: Officials
3K Foreign Contraband Cigarettes Seized, Destroyed By USPS In NY, Other States: Officials Around 3,000 packages of foreign contraband cigarettes bound for Connecticut, New York, and other states have been found and destroyed by the US Postal Service since the beginning of the year, officials said.  According to Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, the seizures were a result of a settlement between the USPS and several states in August 2022 that forced the Postal Service to destroy untaxed foreign cigarettes instead of returning the illegally-mailed packages back to the sender.  Of the 3,000 cigarette packages destroyed since the beginning of 2023, 44 had bee…
CT AG Opens Probe Into Greenwich Schools' Hiring Practices After Assistant Principal's Video CT AG Opens Probe Into Greenwich Schools' Hiring Practices After Assistant Principal's Video
CT AG Opens Probe Into Greenwich Schools' Hiring Practices After Assistant Principal's Video Connecticut's attorney general announced his office has launched a civil rights investigation into the hiring practices of a Fairfield County school district after a video went viral of an assistant principal making comments about his hiring practices. Attorney General William Tong said Thursday, Sept. 1, he plans to investigate the Greenwich Public School District for any potentially illegal discrimination or other actionable misconduct related to the video that "appears to contain troubling, discriminatory statements that appear to have been made by a Greenwich public school official." Th…
COVID-19: AG Tong Now Fourth Top CT Official To Test Positive COVID-19: AG Tong Now Fourth Top CT Official To Test Positive
Covid-19: AG Tong Now Fourth Top CT Official To Test Positive Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has become the latest top state elected official to contract COVID-19 in the span of a week. Tong announced on Wednesday, April 13 that he has become the latest to test positive for the virus, joining the likes of Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, and state Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden. Original story - COVID-19: Lamont Tests Positive Like Wooden, Tong said that he is experiencing mild symptoms, and he is isolating at home and plans to work from there for at least the next five days. Earlier story - COVID-19: State Treasurer Latest Top CT O…
Connecticut AG Issues Consumer Warning As Gas Prices Spike Connecticut AG Issues Consumer Warning As Gas Prices Spike
Connecticut AG Issues Consumer Warning As Gas Prices Spike With gas prices rising to record highs in Connecticut, Attorney General William Tong is cautioning consumers to be aware of potential price gouging at the pump. In Connecticut, the price of gas has risen to an average of $4.28 per gallon, the highest rate the state has recorded since May 2012. Earlier story - Here's Breakdown By County On How Much Gas Prices Have Increased In CT Since Last Week State statute requires that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) monitor the wholesale price of gasoline in the Hartford and New Haven areas, officials noted. When the who…
CT To Receive $95M From Purdue Settlement, Create Opioid Survivors Trust, AG Says CT To Receive $95M From Purdue Settlement, Create Opioid Survivors Trust, AG Says
CT To Receive $95M From Purdue Settlement, Create Opioid Survivors Trust, AG Says Connecticut has big plans for its share of the $6 billion Purdue Pharma settlement after being one of nine agencies to appeal a previous settlement with the Sackler family. As part of the multi-billion dollar settlement, Connecticut is set to receive approximately $95 million, which is approximately 40 percent more than the previously vacated settlement that was appealed by state officials. Earlier story - Purdue Pharma Reaches $6B Settlement With US States Over Thousands Of Opioid-Related Lawsuits Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said that the money the state will receive as part…
CT Attorney General Issues Alert For Dating App Scams CT Attorney General Issues Alert For Dating App Scams
CT Attorney General Issues Alert For Dating App Scams Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has issued an alert about common scams residents have experienced on dating apps. Scammers often attempt to earn an individual's trust by beginning an online relationship with them in order to steal the victim's money, Tong said in an announcement on Tuesday, Feb. 22. In addition to dating apps, scammers also contact victims on social media apps, such as Instagram and Facebook. “These heartless scammers prey upon people’s loneliness, isolation and their desire to be loved,” Tong said. “Be hypervigilant when a stranger contacts you online and a…
CT Mom Sues Social Media Companies Over Daughter's Death CT Mom Sues Social Media Companies Over Daughter's Death
CT Mom Sues Social Media Companies Over Daughter's Death A Connecticut mother has sued Meta-owned Instagram and Snapchat alleging the two played a role in her 11-year-old daughter's suicide. Hartford County mother Tammy Rodriguez of Enfield said she noticed a change in her daughter, Selena, as she became addicted to the media platforms, reported Bloomberg News. The child suffered from depression and sleep deprivation after becoming addicted, Rodriguez alleged in a lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court. Rodriguez said in the suit, Selena struggled for two years with "extreme addiction," and that the companies have deliberately de…
CT To Have $19M In Student Debt Canceled As Part Of $1.85B Settlement CT To Have $19M In Student Debt Canceled As Part Of $1.85B Settlement
CT To Have $19M In Student Debt Canceled As Part Of $1.85B Settlement Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that $19 million in loan debt is being canceled for student borrowers in the state after an investigation into one of the country's largest student loan servicers found it deceived thousands of borrowers. Tong said in an announcement on Thursday, Jan. 13, that a coalition of 39 attorneys general negotiated the $1.85 billion settlement with Navient.  A multistate investigation found that since 2009, Navient deceived thousands of student loan borrowers into forbearance plans that led them to pay more than they should have paid, Tong sai…
State Takes Custody Of Eight Pit Bulls Involved In Dogfighting Investigation State Takes Custody Of Eight Pit Bulls Involved In Dogfighting Investigation
State Takes Custody Of Eight Pit Bulls Involved In Dogfighting Investigation State officials in Connecticut have taken custody of eight dogs in New Haven County that were part of an alleged multi-state dogfighting ring, authorities announced. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture was granted permanent custody by a judge of eight dogs that were seized in Meriden following an investigation into the alleged dogfighting ring. According to a Superior Court judge in Hartford, the dogs were neglected and cruelly treated before they were seized and handed over to the Department of Agriculture. An independent animal behaviorist is now evaluating the dogs to determine wh…
CT Officials Caution About Cannabis Look-Alike Products Before Halloween CT Officials Caution About Cannabis Look-Alike Products Before Halloween
CT Officials Caution About Cannabis Look-Alike Products Before Halloween State officials in Connecticut are cautioning parents to be wary of cannabis edibles to ensure that no children have a bad trip on Halloween. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is warning the public about cannabis edibles and hemp derivatives in packaging designed to look like well-known snack foods and candy that could intentionally or accidentally be slipped to trick-or-treaters. In some instances, instead of “Chips Ahoy,” the THC items are dubbed “Trips Ahoy,” while “Oreos” are packaged as “Stoneos.” Related story - School District Warns Of THC-Laced Cookies Packaged As Br…
Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts
Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts Law enforcement officials are cautioning of a new text message "smishing" scam that involves phony messages being sent from fraudsters posing as members of the US Postal Service (USPS). Alerts have been issued by state and federal officials following recent reports from consumers who have received messages claiming to be from USPS about a change in delivery shipment. The messages typically include a link that could potentially expose one to scammers looking to steal personal identifying information. Many who click the phony link have wound up being hacked or prompted to provide new informat…
AGs From 12 States Request Social Media Companies Block Anti-Vaxxers AGs From 12 States Request Social Media Companies Block Anti-Vaxxers
AGs From 12 States Request Social Media Companies Block Anti-Vaxxers Attorneys general from a dozen states are calling for social media companies to block anti-vaxxers.   The coalition of 12 attorneys general are calling on Facebook and Twitter to "take stronger measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 vaccine disinformation being spread by "anti-vaxxers" on their social media platforms" as stated in a public letter to the CEOs. The letter cites a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate1, stating that “anti-vaxxer” accounts on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter reach more than 59 million followers. The letter specifically asks the CE…
Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns
Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns Federal and state officials are warning consumers to be vigilant when using “peer to peer” apps like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle to avoid losing money, giving out valuable personal information, or being victimized by scammers. Like any product, consumers must make informed decisions with regard to the use of financial technology products including the “peer to peer” applications for smartphones, otherwise known as “prepaid accounts” or “P2P account.”  P2P Apps have become increasingly popular through companies like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal. While these apps can be used …
COVID-19: Warning For Vaccine Scams Issued By Lamont, Other State Officials COVID-19: Warning For Vaccine Scams Issued By Lamont, Other State Officials
Covid-19: Warning For Vaccine Scams Issued By Lamont, Other State Officials Gov. Ned Lamont is warning Connecticut residents to be wary of new vaccination scams that have been making the rounds in the wake of the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. An alert was issued by Lamont and the Department of Health warning that "as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become available to more people, they should be aware of potential scams related to the vaccine and be on the lookout for certain warning signs that can help them avoid being scammed.” Lamont made note that anyone from a legitimate vaccination distribution site in Connecticut will never ask for bank account informat…
Capitol Hill Riots Spark Outrage From Connecticut Political Leaders Capitol Hill Riots Spark Outrage From Connecticut Political Leaders
Capitol Hill Riots Spark Outrage From Connecticut Political Leaders Elected officials in Connecticut condemned the chaos that reigned supreme this week as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building to show their support for his refusal to accept the results of November's presidential election. Following the riots in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, some of the Nutmeg State's top officials spoke out against the riots, during which four people died and dozens were taken into custody by police. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy expressed his outrage over what he called "a violent, fringe group of traitors to our nation who are not going away so long as Tru…
CT AG Moves To Revoke, Reduce Pensions Of Ousted Bridgeport PD Chief, Personnel Director CT AG Moves To Revoke, Reduce Pensions Of Ousted Bridgeport PD Chief, Personnel Director
CT AG Moves To Revoke, Reduce Pensions Of Ousted Bridgeport PD Chief, Personnel Director Connecticut's attorney general wants to revoke the pensions of former Bridgeport Police Chief Armando (AJ) Perez and former Bridgeport Personnel Director David Dunn. Both Perez and Dunn, who have pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and making false statements, are scheduled to be sentenced within the next two months, said Attorney General William Tong. Tong made the announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 4, following the guilty pleas that involved a scheme to award Perez the Chief of Police position under false and fraudulent pretenses.  Perez currently receives a $102,072.36 annual pe…
Connecticut AG Blasts 'Offensive' Federal Lawsuit Accusing Yale Of Anti-White, -Asian Policy Connecticut AG Blasts 'Offensive' Federal Lawsuit Accusing Yale Of Anti-White, -Asian Policy
Connecticut AG Blasts 'Offensive' Federal Lawsuit Accusing Yale Of Anti-White, -Asian Policy The Connecticut AG is calling the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Yale's alleged discrimination against white and Asian-American people “politically motivated,” “offensive” and a “complete overreach.” On Thursday, Oct. 8, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit against Yale University alleging its admission policies are racist for seeking to racially “balance” the university’s population. Many colleges and universities create diversity recruitment goals in an effort to bolster equity. “The [Trump] Administration has fully embraced its racist mantle as the last gasp of this fai…