Joshua Hall

Last week, I had the honor of helping to welcome Valerie Powell-Stafford, MHSA, FACHE, as the new president of St. Francis Hospital. She comes to Hartford with 25 years of experience, including most recently serving as President and CEO of HCA Northside Hospital, in St. Petersburg, Florida. As president, she will also oversee Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.

Starting tonight and running through Sunday night, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz will bring Bushnell Park to life with the sounds of jazz. This is the 33rd annual event featuring hot and cool jazz at the Performance Pavilion, featuring great artists from around the world and the USA. The festival offers FREE ADMISSION!

With the weather forecast indicating Connecticut will experience very hot and humid temperatures over the next several days, Governor Lamont has directed Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated and remain in effect through 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Connecticut's credit rating has been upgraded again while the state budget is on track to post another surplus for the current fiscal year.

This Saturday, people of all abilities, ages, and fitness levels will come to the third annual MOVE! With the Urban League of Greater Hartford event in Hartford’s Keney Park. The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) and the Urban League of Greater Hartford are collaborating again with presenting sponsor Pratt & Whitney to host a 5K (3.1-mile) and a 1-mile race, a free kids run, and a Movement Festival of fitness activities, near the historic park’s Woodland Street entrance, off of Greenfield Street in Hartford.

New laws went on the books effective July 1.

I am humbled and proud to receive the special honor of being named one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in the state by the CT NAACP. I want to thank the NAACP Connecticut State Conference for selecting me and congratulate those who are also being recognized.

With 110 state parks and 32 state forests, the summer recreation and tourism season offers state residents and visitors numerous outdoor options to enjoy.