Kevin Brown

Congratulations to the Rockville High School Class of 2026 on your graduation!

This milestone represents years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement. As you celebrate this special day with your families, friends, teachers, and mentors, take pride in all that you have accomplished and the bright future that lies ahead.

Whether you are continuing your education, entering the workforce, serving your community, or pursuing new opportunities, I wish each of you success and fulfillment in the next chapter of your journey. Congratulations again to the Class of 2026, and best wishes for all that comes next.

Due to a forecast of prolonged extreme heat and humidity across Connecticut, the Governor has activated the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol for the first time this year. The protocol will remain in effect through Sunday, June 14, at 6:00 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the heat wave, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and checking on older adults, young children, and other vulnerable individuals who may be at greater risk of heat-related illness. Click here to read the governor's release with prevention tips to stay safe and hydrated.

Cooling centers will be available for anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat. Click here to find the most reliable and updated list of active cooling centers or call 2-1-1. 

The United Way of Connecticut, in partnership with the Department of Social Services (DSS), has launched a grant program for Connecticut food pantries that are not members of the Connecticut Foodshare Agency Network. If eligible, a pantry can receive additional funding up to 25% of their annual food purchase costs, to a maximum of $50,000. 

Eligible food pantries must meet the following criteria:

• 501c3 organization in good standing or a municipality that operates a food pantry
• Provided food for human consumption to the general public at no charge for at least twelve (12) months prior to submission
• Not part of the Connecticut Foodshare Agency Network

Click here for full details on the program and to apply. Applications are open now on a rolling basis through November 30. For questions email: FoodPantry@ctunitedway.org .

Connecticut has long been a national leader in combating hate crimes. Governor Ned Lamont recently signed legislation that strengthens the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate, charge, and prosecute hate crimes while pursuing the enhanced penalties associated with those offenses.

Connecticut was among the first states in the nation to enact a hate crimes law in 1990. Since then, additional hate crime provisions have been added to state statutes over several decades in response to evolving needs and protections.

The newly signed legislation consolidates Connecticut’s existing hate crimes laws into a dedicated chapter of the state statutes, making them easier for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public to locate and understand. The law also updates and standardizes terminology across the statutes to ensure greater consistency and clarity.

In conjunction with the signing of Public Act 26-77, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, which was established in 2021 to increase public awareness, encourage reporting, and help prevent hate crimes, announced the launch of a new statewide public awareness campaign, Hate Is More Than a Word… It May Be a Crime. The Council also unveiled expanded online resources to help residents recognize, report, and respond to hate crimes and bias incidents.

Click here to watch the public service announcement, and click here to visit the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for additional information or to report a hate crime.

A new law has been signed strengthening protections for children going to and from school by holding drivers accountable when they fail to stop for school buses has been signed into law. 

Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the state’s school bus stopping law for a third time will face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain there until the lights are off.

Violations include a $450 fine for the first offense and a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both for a subsequent offense. This new law adds another important layer of accountability.

The Special Enrollment Period for Temporary Premium Assistance through Access Health CT (AHCT) ends June 30.

Eligible households may qualify for state-funded premium assistance if their income is between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and they are not enrolled in Covered CT, or if their income is above 400% and up to 500% of the FPL. Click here to determine your eligibility.

Free enrollment assistance is available online, by phone, and in person. Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” to schedule an appointment, connect with a Navigator, or work with a Certified Broker. AHCT has also expanded its Navigator program and launched a Mobile Enrollment Team to provide in-person assistance at community events across the state. Online assistance and live chat are also available through AccessHealthCT.com.

For assistance by phone, call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call through a relay operator.

Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 13! More than 200 attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historic sites, farms, and restaurants, will offer free or discounted admission and special promotions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to discover new destinations and celebrate the rich experiences that make Connecticut such a great and fun place to explore.

Click here for a complete list of activities, events, and attractions taking place across the state.