Latest news with #NedLamont
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Connecticut braces for heat wave: Here's how to stay safe
Connecticut is preparing for a heat wave starting June 22. According to a community announcement, Gov. Ned Lamont has activated the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. This protocol will be in effect from noon on June 22 through at least 8 p.m. on June 25. This marks the first time this year that the protocol has been activated. The weather forecast predicts temperatures will exceed 90 degrees, with a heat index ranging from 100 to 105 degrees. The protocol aims to protect vulnerable populations during these extreme conditions. State agencies, municipalities, and partners will coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to provide information on cooling centers available statewide. These centers will offer relief for those in need. Individuals can find their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or visiting where a list will be published online. The protocol includes several actions to ensure effective communication and assistance. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will utilize its WebEOC communications network. This internet-based system allows local, regional, and state emergency management officials to share real-time information about various situations. More: Norwich weather is about to change: Where there could be a heat wave Municipalities and partners will submit information about cooling center openings into the WebEOC, creating a real-time database of available locations. United Way 2-1-1 will act as a clearinghouse to help residents locate these centers. Regional coordinators will monitor WebEOC to respond to requests from municipalities for state assistance. Energy utility companies will provide regular updates on the impact of the weather on their services throughout the protocol's duration. Certain groups are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses. Infants and young children are particularly sensitive to high temperatures and depend on caregivers to provide adequate hydration and a safe environment. Older adults, especially those 65 and older, may struggle to manage heat stress and often do not sense temperature changes effectively. Individuals who are overweight may retain more body heat, increasing their risk of heat sickness. Those who overexert themselves during work or exercise may become dehydrated and more susceptible to heat-related issues. People with existing health conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, or those taking specific medications, may also be affected by extreme heat. To stay safe during periods of extreme heat, residents are advised to keep their body temperature cool. Staying in air-conditioned buildings is recommended. If outdoor activity is necessary, it should be limited to the morning and evening hours. Resting in shady areas can help the body cool down. Finding an air-conditioned location is crucial. Residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers. Relying solely on fans is not advisable. Avoiding direct sunlight and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing can also help. Taking cool showers or baths is recommended, as is checking on at-risk individuals several times a day. Pets should have access to water and shade if they cannot be brought indoors. Leaving pets in parked vehicles is dangerous, as temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels quickly. Staying hydrated is essential during extreme heat. It is advised to drink more water than usual and not wait until feeling thirsty to hydrate. Drinking two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outdoors is recommended. Residents should also avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Reminding others to stay hydrated is important for community safety during this heat wave. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Connecticut activates heat emergency plan — here's what to expect
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hartford taking safety precautions ahead of ‘No Kings Day' protests
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Nationwide protests are expected across the country Saturday as part of 'No Kings Day,' opposing the president's policies. At the state capitol in Hartford the barricades are out, but they're not up. This scene is playing out all across Connecticut. Law enforcement agencies in Connecticut preparing for 'No Kings' protests Saturday With dozens of rallies and celebrations, including Juneteenth, and protests planned for around the state, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam (D) are asking people to please keep it safe. Police are setting up the barricades on the capitol ground as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra plays in the background. The musicians are rehearsing for Saturday's concert in Bushnell Park and the celebrations around Juneteenth. Meanwhile, just steps up the hill, Capitol Police anticipate as many as 6,000 protesters rallying against the president's policies. Starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, no vehicles will be allowed on the capitol grounds. Connecticut State Police, and Capitol Police will have a lot of extra security on hand as Gov. Lamont and Attorney General William Tong (D) spoke about earlier this week. 'You should continue to exercise your right to speak and protest, lawfully and peacefully,' said AG Tong. 'Right now I think our state police and municipal police working together will keep us safe as they always have,' said Gov. and New Haven will also be ready, but not in the way. 'We have our officers on standby and we will let the protesters do their thing, as long as their thing isn't doing damage or being violent or burning anything,' New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson said. This week there have been protests from Meriden to New Haven regarding detainments by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They were loud and emotional, but peaceful so far. Protesters are upset at President Trump ramping up ICE raids and calling in the National Guard and Marines to California. 'We would bring more in if we needed it, because we have to make sure there's going to be law and order,' President Trump said. As the protests play out in the streets, the government is also asking people on work visas to go back to their country. The capitol grounds will be shut down by 7 a.m. to all vehicular traffic. Law enforcement officials anticipate more than two dozen protests across the state Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers push forward on 'aspirational' bill with major repercussions for businesses: 'It looks to reach for the future'
Connecticut just passed a new bill that could change how the state tackles harmful pollution and advance its environmental goals. The Senate approved House Bill 5004 on June 4, the last day of the state's legislative session, just over a month after the House passed the bill, The News-Times reported. HB 5004 aims to protect the environment while enabling the development of less expensive energy sources and related jobs. The bill awaits Governor Ned Lamont's signature. Once implemented, it will push initiatives that can help Connecticut achieve its target of reducing harmful pollution by 2050. Among the key provisions under this bill are: 1. Prioritizing businesses with eco-friendly practices when granting rebates 2. Establishing the Clean Economy Council as an advisory board for climate concerns and green energy programs 3. Repurposing open spaces for urban agriculture use 4. Developing plans for energy efficiency in residential, school, and government buildings State Senator Rick Lopes, in support of the bill, said via The News-Times: "We are aware it is an aspirational bill, but it looks to reach for the future of our environment and what we want in the state of Connecticut." Across the U.S., more transformative policies are emerging, like the Fusion Energy Act and the proposed Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act that would bring lasting benefits to the planet. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Government incentives, such as Inflation Reduction Act tax breaks and credits, also encourage more people to use more affordable energy and be more intentional with their use of resources. But the road isn't always smooth. Pro-environment bills often spark debate over how much authority certain officials should have or how far policy should go. In the case of HB 5004, it raised concerns over giving too much power to unelected officials. Still, these debates are part of the process. They spark discussion, build awareness, and help shape better policies. Reflecting on the bill's passage, Governor Lamont said in a press release, "Connecticut is proud to be a climate leader and this legislation helps keep our state on track to improve our air quality and meet our climate goals." And while lawmakers do their part, citizens can also drive change by voting for pro-climate candidates and supporting efforts that protect the environment for generations to come. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Controversial housing bill heads to governor's desk
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) —The 2025 session of Connecticut's state legislature has been over for more than a week, but a major piece of housing legislation passed by majority Democrats continues to cause controversy — and a chorus of calls for Gov. Ned Lamont to veto it. Connecticut House passes housing bill after 11-hour debate The legislation, formally known as House Bill 5002, is the latest in a series of Democratic-led efforts to implement statewide policies that spur the development of more housing. Proponents of statewide housing reform have cited research showing Connecticut's housing stock is short by as many as 100,000 units. Lawmakers clash over proposed affordable housing bill 'We know how imperative it is that we get more housing in the state,' Gov. Lamont said on Tuesday. But as the governor and others look for ways to use public policy to encourage more development, they've encountered resistance from leaders on both sides of the aisle who say provisions of H.B. 5002 encroach on the authorities of local zoning boards. Governor's Hartford residence to open for annual open house day Three provisions in particular have drawn the ire of defenders of local control of zoning. First, the bill establishes a baseline for the amount of units, including affordable units, each municipality in Connecticut must plan for. Municipalities that hit the goals outlined in the bill will be prioritized for certain state grants. Local leaders and legislators who oppose the bill have characterized that provision as a mandate. 'It absolutely is a mandate,' State Rep. Joe Zullo, a leading Republican opponent to 5002, said. 'It allocates to every town a certain amount of housing they have to build no matter what.' Supporters of 5002 push back on this characterization of the legislation. On the affordable housing metrics, they say the bill seeks to set objective standards while providing measured incentives to communities that comply. 'Gasoline on the flames:' Lamont, Tong, Bysiewicz respond to Trump administration's use of National Guard in California 'Any time you want to have a policy outcome, there needs to be an accountability measure and that's what we're talking about here,' State Rep. Jason Rojas, the Democratic house majority leader, said of the concept in an interview conducted before the final passage of the bill. 'We can call it a stick, I call it accountability. We expect every other area of government to be accountable for something. Towns should be accountable, too.' Another provision of 5002 takes aim at minimum parking requirements often imposed by municipalities on small towns. The third provision seeks to bypass planning and zoning hearings for the approval of conversions of certain commercial properties into residential units. These measures have also drawn considerable criticism. In both instances, advocates say the bill seeks to remove onerous barriers, while opponents charge that local control of development is being deeply eroded. H. B. 5002 passed through the legislature over the objections of every Republican and a relatively small but significant vocal faction of Democrats, mostly from the state's suburbs. Now the bill is passed and on the governor's desk awaiting action, Lamont is faced with the decision to either veto or sign it. He has signaled that if he signs it, he would only do so after an agreement had been made with legislative leaders to make revisions before the bill goes into effect in October. 'I think they went too far in some areas of the bill and that's what we look to change,' Lamont said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tong, Lamont to speak on Newsom's lawsuit against Trump administration
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont will be joined by Attorney General William Tong to speak on the recent lawsuit filed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom against the Trump administration and Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth over the use of the California National Guard in response to protests against ICE. The protests escalated in Los Angeles over the weekend. On Sunday, President Trump ordered 2,000 California National Guard Troops to Los Angeles, a move seen by some as an executive overreach. Union workers rally at Connecticut State Capitol in solidarity with Los Angeles protesters The White House shared the following response to News 8 asking for comment: 'President Trump promised to deport illegal aliens and he is keeping his promise. Those who disagree are welcome to peacefully protest. But if protests turn violent, law enforcement are harmed, or American citizens are put in harm's way, President Trump will not hesitate to act.' On Monday, local union members from SEIU and other organizations rallied outside the Capitol in Hartford to show sympathy for protesters in Los Angeles. Connecticut House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora shared the following statement on the SEIU rally: 'The anti-American chaos unfolding in California is as sickening as it is predictable — and it's no surprise that SEIU has jumped into the fray. They've aligned themselves with agitators and rioters who would rather destroy cities than take even a single step toward enforcing our immigration laws. Now SEIU in Connecticut is proudly showing solidarity. Sadly, that fits the pattern — many of their foot soldiers in our legislature are already marching in lockstep with California's most radical policy agendas.' Watch the live-streamed press conference in the player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
