Sign in

Jacqueline Rabe Thomas

@jrabethomas.bsky.social
517 followers 283 following 113 posts

Now: Investigative reporter at Hearst CT Media. Then: CT Mirror & WNPR. Forever: education & housing reporter. Fan of long interviews, caffeine & tips. www.ctinsider.com/author/jacqueline…

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
NEW: @blumenthal.senate.gov called today for the HHS OIG to investigate why the feds are holding children for months while their families wait for their release. Blumenthal cited reporting by @jrabethomas.bsky.social and me on several Connecticut cases. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/... #nutmegsky
ctinsider.com
Blumenthal condemns lengthy custody of immigrant kids in Connecticut, calls for probe
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said immigrant children being detained "including those in Connecticut, continue to suffer."
33415
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
FML
120
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
NEW: U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and others had harsh words for the Trump administration Friday after our investigation into immigrant children who spent months in federal custody. My latest w/ @jrabethomas.bsky.social at @ctinsider.bsky.social — www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
ctinsider.com
DeLauro: Trump intentionally delaying immigrant children's release
U.S. Rep. Rosa Delauro called for action Friday on unaccompanied immigrant children held for months in federal custody.
178
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Kids in Connecticut are being detained for nearly 7 months, on average. Here's what could change that
001
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
More than two dozen unaccompanied immigrant children were in federal custody in Connecticut on a typical day this spring — alone and isolated from family.
003
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
"Don't go. Don't go." That's what 5-year-old Camila begged her mom each week when their one hour together ended. An immigrant child in federal custody, Camila watched through the window as her mother left for home — just miles away. Weeks passed.  Then months.🧵
123
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Eventually she began to beg her mom to stay, panicking through tears — "Don't go. Don't go," — and asking the same question in a loop: “When? When? When?” “Soon. Soon,” her mom told Camila, hoping it was true. Stunning reporting from @joshuaeaton.bsky.social and @jrabethomas.bsky.social.
062
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
More than two dozen immigrant children sat in federal custody in Connecticut on an average day this spring. For these six, lawsuits finally got them out. One waited more than 500 days. My latest w/ @jrabethomas.bsky.social at @ctinsider.bsky.social — www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
ctinsider.com
Six immigrant children spent as long as 505 days in federal custody as their families waited
During the months CT Insider spent reporting this story, more than two dozen immigrant children sat in federal custody in Connecticut.
7288158
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
NEW: A 5-year-old girl spent months in federal immigration custody here in Connecticut while her family waited for her release. Her case isn’t unique, experts and court records show. My latest w/ @jrabethomas.bsky.social at @ctinsider.bsky.social — www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
ctinsider.com
5-year-old spent 118 days on her own in federal immigration custody in CT
On any given day there are more than two dozen immigrant children detained without a parent or guardian in programs run by Connecticut nonprofits.
25610429
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Brian Lockhart @blockhartreporter.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
5-year-old spent 118 days on her own in federal immigration custody in CT. Article below.: www.ctpost.com/news/article...
ctpost.com
5-year-old spent 118 days on her own in federal immigration custody in CT
On any given day there are more than two dozen immigrant children detained without a parent or guardian in programs run by Connecticut nonprofits.
001
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Ken Dixon @kendixonct.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
State Sen. Paul Cicarella could have his Connecticut pension revoked this week www.ctpost.com/connecticut/...
ctpost.com
State Sen. Paul Cicarella could have his Connecticut pension revoked this week
A panel will consider whether to strip state Sen. Paul Cicarella of a taxpayer-funded disability pension that is on track to pay him $71,100 this year.
011
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Following investigation, state panel to weigh revoking Sen. Cicarella's $71k annual pension Meeting will be in private executive session, but the Senator could request the meeting be open to the public. He has not returned calls.... www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
State Sen. Paul Cicarella could have his Connecticut pension revoked this week
A panel will consider whether to strip state Sen. Paul Cicarella of a taxpayer-funded disability pension that is on track to pay him $71,100 this year.
010
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
In the meantime, some of the journalists who Hearst has fired for unsubstantiated and unclear reasons need our help to get by and support their families now that they are unemployed. Please consider helping them out here: gofund.me/77e05d0d1
gofund.me
Donate to Solidarity fund for CT journalists, organized by CT News Guild
We're the CT News Guild — 100+ unionized journalists at Hearst CT and the CT newspape… CT News Guild needs your support for Solidarity fund for CT journalists
025
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Upset about this, too? SPEAK UP!
0117
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This graf is quite something.
The report would have shed light on the system's handling of the complaint. However, the report, which is in chronological order, almost entirely redacts the 16 pages after she filed her formal complaint. The system said 16 pages in the 41-page complaint are exempt from the state's open records law "To protect the integrity of the Board's independent and ongoing review. ... such as when the report was made and the institution's response to the disclosure of the alleged misconduct.
011
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Connecticut college chancellor sent sexually explicit messages before resigning, records show www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
Connecticut college chancellor sent sexually explicit messages before resigning, records show
A complaint details two years of escalating misconduct by O. John Maduko, and earlier alarms raised with system leadership that drew no follow-up
131
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Connecticut’s neediest schools lost out when lawmakers bypassed funding formula www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
The hidden tradeoff in Connecticut’s $172M school aid boost
Not all the education funding allocated earlier this month adhered to the state's funding formula.
010
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
050
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Tell a friend: Hartford has the LOWEST median property tax bill in the state. CT property taxes by town: median tax bills, rates and map www.ctinsider.com/projects/rea...
020
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
State secrets: Fight over budget records + a senator in a federal fraud probe test CT’s transparency law. Two branches of government assert significant portions of its work is beyond the reach of public record law. The third branch already has a broad exemption. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
Connecticut officials argue they don’t have to release some public records
Gov. Ned Lamont and Senate Democrats claim their branches don't have to turn over records because a provision in the state constitution protects them.
120
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
More dangerously cold weather & more people experiencing homelessness means more people dying www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
8 people experiencing homelessness died from the cold in Connecticut in just 6 weeks
Those who died this year include a 38-year-old woman who died in Bristol and a 69-year old man who died in Bolton.
020
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Connecticut pauses enforcement of school racial balance law. An overhaul could follow www.ctinsider.com/news/educati...
ctinsider.com
Connecticut pauses enforcement of school racial balance law. An overhaul could follow
Fairfield, Greenwich and West Hartford have a multi-year reprieve from balancing their districts.
001
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
‘Trial tax’ driving longer sentences in CT While few cases make it to trial — just 170 cases in 2024 — a CT Insider investigation laid out the dynamics inside CT’s backlogged courts that lead to so few trials. The “trial tax” looms over nearly every case. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
Those who go to trial in Connecticut get longer sentences - sometimes years more
"By threatening extreme sentences, prosecutors coerce defendants into relinquishing their constitutional rights," said NACDL President Andrew Birell.
021
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Finally, @jrabethomas.bsky.social broke down the numbers on all 197 people experiencing homelessness who died in Connecticut last year — with individual stories. www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
ctinsider.com
197 died while homeless in CT last year — only three reached average life expectancy
Nine people experiencing homelessness died of hypothermia in 2025 and 15 died by suicide.
234
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
We also looked at the policies behind those numbers — why cities clear camps and why people living outside may not want to use shelters or temporary hotel rooms. Really well done, gutwrenching story by @jrabethomas.bsky.social (with the smallest assist from me) — www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
'I’d rather freeze together’: Some unhoused couples refuse Connecticut shelters
Each night, about 830 people sleep outdoors in Connecticut, according to an annual count.
143
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
NEW: Nine people experiencing homelessness died from hypothermia in Connecticut last year. @jrabethomas.bsky.social and I spoke with friends and family for four of those people about who their loved ones were. Our latest at @ctinsider.bsky.social — www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
ctinsider.com
Nine people froze to death in Connecticut last year. 'No one should die without a home'
The questions their stories raise is still the same: Who is responsible when preventable deaths become routine?
11510
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Senator at center of federal investigation lands a $750k earmark for his employer www.ctinsider.com/politics/art...
ctinsider.com
CT legislature to approve $750k for agency where senator at center of investigation works
The Senate on Wednesday is scheduled to codify several grants to nonprofits, including $750,000 for a Hartford school district where Sen. Doug McCrory works.
020
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Brian Lockhart @blockhartreporter.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
1 in 25 renters face eviction in CT, including a Bridgeport school board member. Article below.: www.ctpost.com/news/article...
ctpost.com
1 in 25 renters face eviction in CT, including a Bridgeport school board member
In Connecticut, 1 out of every 25 tenants faced eviction in 2025, according to Princeton University’s Eviction Lab.
001
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
A single eviction case reveals the human cost of CT's housing crisis: a sitting school board member became homeless after new owners purchased his home and moved almost immediately to evict him. Disabled and without legal representation, he faced court alone... www.ctpost.com/news/article...
ctpost.com
1 in 25 renters face eviction in CT, including a Bridgeport school board member
In Connecticut, 1 out of every 25 tenants faced eviction in 2025, according to Princeton University’s Eviction Lab.
010
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
License plate camera data from Connecticut towns searched to track woman who Texas officials say had an abortion. And Out-of-state police are using Connecticut license plate camera data for immigration enforcement. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
ctinsider.com
Out-of-state police are using Connecticut license plate camera data for immigration enforcement
A full record of which police departments are using the equipment is not kept by state officials.
034
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
A 7 YEAR WAIT for public records in the state's largest city.
020
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Great story from @jrabethomas.bsky.social on response from lawmakers to @ctinsider.bsky.social reporting on homelessness, including some ways their words haven't matched their actions www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
ctinsider.com
Lawmakers look to reduce homelessness after ‘heartbreaking’ CT Insider probe
“I worry about an economy where so many people are still being left behind,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.
021
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Hartford student: we are left to find our own transportation to school because yellow bus only picks us up if you live more than two miles from school.
000
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
The Housing Collective @housingcollective.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
@ctinsider.bsky.social @jrabethomas.bsky.social asked unhoused poeple to share what life is like & what would help them the most These stories remind us homelessness isn’t just a statistic - if we want to understand, we have to listen to the people living it 📰 www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
002
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
"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...
ctinsider.com
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.
014
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
"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...
ctinsider.com
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.
133
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
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
ctinsider.com
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.
2105
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
And @jrabethomas.bsky.social expertly explored how public policy in Connecticut contributes directly to this crisis www.ctinsider.com/projects/new...
ctinsider.com
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.
142
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
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...
ctinsider.com
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.
134
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
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...
ctinsider.com
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.
147
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
"It doesn't read like 12,500 words. The other editors agree." They get me.
250
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
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.
100
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
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.
ctinsider.com
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.
061
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
🚨 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
011
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
"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/...
ctinsider.com
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.
052
Reposted by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas
Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
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?
0116
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Lunch! #meetusatthetable
000
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
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...
ctinsider.com
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.
000
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
The long wait for public records in CT ....
020
Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
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
120