Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
@jrabethomas.bsky.social
Now: Investigative reporter at Hearst CT Media.
Then: CT Mirror & WNPR.
Forever: education & housing reporter. Fan of long interviews, caffeine & tips.
https://www.ctinsider.com/author/jacqueline-rabe-thomas/
Then: CT Mirror & WNPR.
Forever: education & housing reporter. Fan of long interviews, caffeine & tips.
https://www.ctinsider.com/author/jacqueline-rabe-thomas/
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
"Since the start of the year, at least 134 unhoused people have died. Only two lived long enough to reach the state’s average life expectancy — a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be without stable housing." www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
134 unhoused people have died in CT this year. Here are some of their stories.
Some who were homeless died from the cold. Others died when their cars caught fire, or they were struck by vehicles. Our obits shine a light on who they were.
www.ctinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:49 PM
"Since the start of the year, at least 134 unhoused people have died. Only two lived long enough to reach the state’s average life expectancy — a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be without stable housing." www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
"A monthslong investigation ... found impossibly long waitlists for housing assistance coupled with an underresourced state housing crisis hotline that frequently turns away dozens of people seeking emergency shelter."
Incredible work by @jrabethomas.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Incredible work by @jrabethomas.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Amid housing shortage, CT spends millions managing homelessness other ways
Amid a housing shortage, Connecticut is spending millions managing homelessness through foster care, jails and ERs. Lawmakers say the issue can be solved.
www.ctinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:47 PM
"A monthslong investigation ... found impossibly long waitlists for housing assistance coupled with an underresourced state housing crisis hotline that frequently turns away dozens of people seeking emergency shelter."
Incredible work by @jrabethomas.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Incredible work by @jrabethomas.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Really proud to have contributed to this package of stories on homelessness across Connecticut that published today, spearheaded by my amazing CT Insider colleague @jrabethomas.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/projects/new... #nutmegsky
48 hours of homelessness in CT: The faces and stories of a growing crisis
With affordable housing hard to find in Connecticut, the number of people who are homeless — young and old, in cities and towns — is rising fast.
www.ctinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Really proud to have contributed to this package of stories on homelessness across Connecticut that published today, spearheaded by my amazing CT Insider colleague @jrabethomas.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/projects/new... #nutmegsky
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
And @jrabethomas.bsky.social expertly explored how public policy in Connecticut contributes directly to this crisis
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Amid housing shortage, CT spends millions managing homelessness other ways
Amid a housing shortage, Connecticut is spending millions managing homelessness through foster care, jails and ERs. Lawmakers say the issue can be solved.
www.ctinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:16 PM
And @jrabethomas.bsky.social expertly explored how public policy in Connecticut contributes directly to this crisis
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
A group of reporters also profiled people in Connecticut who have died while homeless, from a newborn baby to a 67-year-old whose car caught fire
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
134 unhoused people have died in CT this year. Here are some of their stories.
Some who were homeless died from the cold. Others died when their cars caught fire, or they were struck by vehicles. Our obits shine a light on who they were.
www.ctinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A group of reporters also profiled people in Connecticut who have died while homeless, from a newborn baby to a 67-year-old whose car caught fire
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Highly, highly recommend this project from a team of us at @ctinsider.bsky.social, led by the incomparable @jrabethomas.bsky.social.
Over two days, reporters fanned across CT to tell the story of homelessness here.
I promise you will learn something.
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Over two days, reporters fanned across CT to tell the story of homelessness here.
I promise you will learn something.
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
48 hours of homelessness in CT: The faces and stories of a growing crisis
With affordable housing hard to find in Connecticut, the number of people who are homeless — young and old, in cities and towns — is rising fast.
www.ctinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Highly, highly recommend this project from a team of us at @ctinsider.bsky.social, led by the incomparable @jrabethomas.bsky.social.
Over two days, reporters fanned across CT to tell the story of homelessness here.
I promise you will learn something.
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
Over two days, reporters fanned across CT to tell the story of homelessness here.
I promise you will learn something.
www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
"It doesn't read like 12,500 words. The other editors agree."
They get me.
They get me.
October 23, 2025 at 2:25 AM
"It doesn't read like 12,500 words. The other editors agree."
They get me.
They get me.
Public agencies can - & are - destroying public records & there is nothing the state watchdog that determines if records must be released can do about it.
No fines. No ordering agency to change policy to retain records. No violation of open records law.
Nothing.
And that should scare everyone.
No fines. No ordering agency to change policy to retain records. No violation of open records law.
Nothing.
And that should scare everyone.
October 15, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Public agencies can - & are - destroying public records & there is nothing the state watchdog that determines if records must be released can do about it.
No fines. No ordering agency to change policy to retain records. No violation of open records law.
Nothing.
And that should scare everyone.
No fines. No ordering agency to change policy to retain records. No violation of open records law.
Nothing.
And that should scare everyone.
An organization that landed more than $14 million in state funding says it shouldn't have to turn over records anytime soon that would provide clarity to how the money was spent because they have effectively shut down.
CT nonprofit named in federal probe shut down due to finances, lawyer says
The Hartford nonprofit, which has been named in a federal investigation surrounding state Sen. Doug McCrory, said it has effectively closed.
www.ctinsider.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:14 PM
An organization that landed more than $14 million in state funding says it shouldn't have to turn over records anytime soon that would provide clarity to how the money was spent because they have effectively shut down.
🚨
40% of marriages in Bridgeport were between an immigrant and a U.S. citizen, neither of whom were born in Connecticut or lived here at the time they received their marriage license
40% of marriages in Bridgeport were between an immigrant and a U.S. citizen, neither of whom were born in Connecticut or lived here at the time they received their marriage license
EXCLUSIVE: Connecticut has become a destination for quick marriages between immigrants and U.S. citizens from out of state.
Federal immigration officials have taken notice.
My latest with @brigurciullo.bsky.social and @blockhartreporter.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
Federal immigration officials have taken notice.
My latest with @brigurciullo.bsky.social and @blockhartreporter.bsky.social. www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
Why couples traveling to Connecticut to wed are raising questions about sham marriages
A CT Insider investigation has found that Bridgeport has become a destination for quick marriages between immigrants and U.S. citizens, with couples traveling from out of state to wed.
www.ctinsider.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:19 PM
🚨
40% of marriages in Bridgeport were between an immigrant and a U.S. citizen, neither of whom were born in Connecticut or lived here at the time they received their marriage license
40% of marriages in Bridgeport were between an immigrant and a U.S. citizen, neither of whom were born in Connecticut or lived here at the time they received their marriage license
"Senator McCrory called (ed department's budget chief) and would like the full $2 million released now"
At least $250k of that went to a woman who federal investigators are looking into whether the senator is in a personal relationship with
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
At least $250k of that went to a woman who federal investigators are looking into whether the senator is in a personal relationship with
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Connecticut state senator pressed state officials to steer money to associate
State Sen. Doug McCrory pushed for millions for a Hartford nonprofit. As much as $800,000 went to his associate's organization, records show.
www.ctinsider.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:55 PM
"Senator McCrory called (ed department's budget chief) and would like the full $2 million released now"
At least $250k of that went to a woman who federal investigators are looking into whether the senator is in a personal relationship with
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
At least $250k of that went to a woman who federal investigators are looking into whether the senator is in a personal relationship with
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Hearst management continues to violate the law by changing our working conditions without bargaining.
Today, employees gathered for lunch at our different offices and asked a simple question of the company:
We’re ready to bargain. Why aren’t you?
Today, employees gathered for lunch at our different offices and asked a simple question of the company:
We’re ready to bargain. Why aren’t you?
September 18, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Hearst management continues to violate the law by changing our working conditions without bargaining.
Today, employees gathered for lunch at our different offices and asked a simple question of the company:
We’re ready to bargain. Why aren’t you?
Today, employees gathered for lunch at our different offices and asked a simple question of the company:
We’re ready to bargain. Why aren’t you?
Federal investigators have interviewed the owner of a home in Bloomfield as they probe the relationship between state Sen. Doug McCrory and Sonserae Cicero-Hamlin, whose businesses and nonprofit have landed millions from the state.
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
Federal probe into state senator’s relationship brings investigators to Bloomfield home
An owner of the property in Bloomfield, Dana Higgins, said federal investigators reached out to her recently.
www.ctinsider.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Federal investigators have interviewed the owner of a home in Bloomfield as they probe the relationship between state Sen. Doug McCrory and Sonserae Cicero-Hamlin, whose businesses and nonprofit have landed millions from the state.
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
The long wait for public records in CT ....
August 11, 2025 at 8:43 PM
The long wait for public records in CT ....
A local non-profit that pays for roof repairs & other home repairs for low-income homeowners in Hartford questioned why the $2.5 million in state funding had to pass through Blue Hills Civic Association – and why Blue Hills was keeping 80% of that money.
Federal prosecutors have questions, too
Federal prosecutors have questions, too
August 8, 2025 at 11:41 PM
A local non-profit that pays for roof repairs & other home repairs for low-income homeowners in Hartford questioned why the $2.5 million in state funding had to pass through Blue Hills Civic Association – and why Blue Hills was keeping 80% of that money.
Federal prosecutors have questions, too
Federal prosecutors have questions, too
The public's right to know? CT's open records system is broken.
That's the tweet.
That's the tweet.
August 1, 2025 at 1:23 AM
The public's right to know? CT's open records system is broken.
That's the tweet.
That's the tweet.
"Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order. "
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose and
www.whitehouse.gov
July 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM
"Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order. "
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
CT legislators approve bills to prevent lavish spending by state employees after CSCU controversy www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
CT legislators pass bills to prevent lavish spending by state workers
Connecticut lawmakers approved two bills prompted by a CT Insider investigation that found questionable spending by the CSCU chancellor.
www.ctinsider.com
June 5, 2025 at 12:23 AM
CT legislators approve bills to prevent lavish spending by state employees after CSCU controversy www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
May 22, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Gov. Lamont: sometimes the answer isn't more money for schools, touts Connecticut spending more than most states.
Data:
Share of state spending on overall K-12 spending: 6th LOWEST in the country
Local property taxes paying for schools: 2nd HIGHEST in U.S.
nces.ed.gov/programs/dig...
Data:
Share of state spending on overall K-12 spending: 6th LOWEST in the country
Local property taxes paying for schools: 2nd HIGHEST in U.S.
nces.ed.gov/programs/dig...
Revenues for public elementary and secondary schools, by source of funds and state or jurisdiction: School year 2020-21
The primary purpose of the Digest of Education Statistics is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate sc...
nces.ed.gov
May 22, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Gov. Lamont: sometimes the answer isn't more money for schools, touts Connecticut spending more than most states.
Data:
Share of state spending on overall K-12 spending: 6th LOWEST in the country
Local property taxes paying for schools: 2nd HIGHEST in U.S.
nces.ed.gov/programs/dig...
Data:
Share of state spending on overall K-12 spending: 6th LOWEST in the country
Local property taxes paying for schools: 2nd HIGHEST in U.S.
nces.ed.gov/programs/dig...
📣 "Some of the state’s wealthiest districts employ one certified teacher for every 11 students, many of its poorest school systems can afford only one teacher for every 14 students."
This week we publish something I've worked on a long time: a five-part series on inequality in Connecticut.
CT is known for wealth, but anyone living here knows that's only half the story.
Today's part explains what makes our state the nation's inequality capital.
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
CT is known for wealth, but anyone living here knows that's only half the story.
Today's part explains what makes our state the nation's inequality capital.
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
Two Connecticuts: How gaps between rich and poor define life in CT
Few places in the United States have inequality quite like Connecticut’s, where extreme wealth and extreme struggle coexist in startling proximity.
www.ctinsider.com
May 19, 2025 at 11:16 PM
📣 "Some of the state’s wealthiest districts employ one certified teacher for every 11 students, many of its poorest school systems can afford only one teacher for every 14 students."
A $300k state grant was stolen, so nearly everyone at this Hartford nonprofit that has received $8 million in state aid this year was laid off.
Leaders of the org didn't tell the state or their board of the theft for 3 months.
www.ctpost.com/connecticut/...
Leaders of the org didn't tell the state or their board of the theft for 3 months.
www.ctpost.com/connecticut/...
CT demands Hartford nonprofit return state aid amid theft concerns
Leaders of a Hartford nonprofit waited months to notify state officials of an alleged cyber theft of $300,000 in taxpayer-funded grants, records show.
www.ctpost.com
April 24, 2025 at 1:08 PM
A $300k state grant was stolen, so nearly everyone at this Hartford nonprofit that has received $8 million in state aid this year was laid off.
Leaders of the org didn't tell the state or their board of the theft for 3 months.
www.ctpost.com/connecticut/...
Leaders of the org didn't tell the state or their board of the theft for 3 months.
www.ctpost.com/connecticut/...
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
“Terrible things are happening outside. Poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women, and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared.”
Diary of Anne Frank
January 13, 1943
Diary of Anne Frank
January 13, 1943
April 16, 2025 at 8:30 PM
“Terrible things are happening outside. Poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women, and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared.”
Diary of Anne Frank
January 13, 1943
Diary of Anne Frank
January 13, 1943
Tell Hearst CT to play fair with journalists actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
Tell Hearst Connecticut to play fair with journalists
The Connecticut News Guild needs your help!
actionnetwork.org
April 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Tell Hearst CT to play fair with journalists actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...