Jason Rojas

The summer's first heat wave is here. This week we've seen temperatures in Connecticut reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index of triple digits at times, which has prompted activation of state’s extreme hot weather protocol, effective through 8PM on Sunday, July 24.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has officially launched a revamped and modern online platform, ReEmployCT, to streamline services and facilitates unemployment and tax filing.

It's that time of year – by now, you should have received your tax bill from the town. Single and 1st installments are due now. The last day to pay taxes is August 1. After that date, you will be subject to an interest charge per month. In both Manchester and East Hartford, taxpayers may pay bills by mail, online, or via the drop boxes at Town Hall.

Happy 4th of July Weekend! In observance of the holiday, state and local offices in East Hartford and Manchester will be closed on Monday, July 4 and reopen for regularly scheduled hours of operation on Tuesday, July 5.

As the nation, and the world, grapples with the highest levels of inflation that we have seen in decades, I thought you might find an important study by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco looking at what is driving the increases in prices interesting. The study found that current inflation is largely driven by supply disruptions (global supply chain disruptions, shutdowns in China, and the war in Ukraine), and somewhat driven by increased demand (consumers are still spending).

This Sunday is Juneteenth! June 19 or "Juneteenth Independence Day" celebrates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in Texas. This came nearly three years after President, Abraham Lincoln had proclaimed that they: “Shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free.”

It's Connecticut Open House Day! Now in its 18th year, Connecticut Open House Day celebrates the state’s diverse array of history, art, culture, nature, and adventure experiences. Residents and families across the state can enjoy more than 200 museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms, and restaurants, with free or discounted admission or special offers.

Happy June! Did you know that June is considered "dog license month?" State statute requires that all dogs in Connecticut six months or older must be licensed each year during the month of June in the town where they reside. Applications in all towns are due by Thursday, June 30 – applications submitted after this date are subject to a late fee (and note that unlicensed dogs are subject to a fine).