Eleni Kavros DeGraw

The summer's first heat wave is here. The next several days are set to see temperatures in Connecticut reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index of triple digits at times, which has prompted activation of the state’s extreme hot weather protocol which will be in effect through 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 24.

Due to low rates of rainfall and unusually high temperatures this season, Connecticut's Interagency Drought Working Group has declared all eight Connecticut counties are experiencing Stage 2 Drought conditions.

If you or someone you know is a recent high school graduate headed to college or university, I have some important information to share with you! The deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program is fast approaching. Students looking to take advantage of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program are encouraged to apply by Friday, July 15.

Tomorrow, July 7, the Department of Revenue Services will host a webinar to discuss the 2022 Connecticut Child Tax Payment. If you would like to learn more about the payments, we passed in this year's budget adjustment, I encourage you to participate.

The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is returning for the 2022 summer season starting Friday, July 1.

In a 6-3 decision today, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion after nearly 50 years. This harmful opinion also casts doubt on the future protections of same-sex marriage, other LGBTQ rights and contraception.

It's officially summer and we have have some extreme heat headed our way this weekend. If you're going to be working or outside in hot conditions, make sure you're taking steps to avoid heat injuries. Working in extreme heat or humidity isn’t just difficult—it’s dangerous.

Last week, the governor signed legislation we passed during the 2022 session to designate Juneteenth Independence Day a state holiday. Juneteenth Independence Day is the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It is a celebration of resilience, of culture and American history. It is a reminder of how far our country has come and how far we still have to go. We cannot understate the importance of Juneteenth.