Connecticut
Connecticut lawmakers adjourn session, fail to pass AI regulations but pass absentee ballot reforms – The Boston Globe
The AI legislation was one of several bills proposed during the short three-month legislative session that attempted to address major, weighty issues — from climate change to the codification of abortion rights in the state’s constitution. All failed after the Democratic-controlled General Assembly met its midnight adjournment deadline.
Lawmakers had some success stories this session, however.
Legislation cleared the General Assembly that makes numerous nursing home reforms, including prohibiting facilities from placing new residents in rooms with more than two beds.
Additionally, the Senate gave final legislative approval Wednesday night to a bill that attempts to address the proliferation of THC-infused beverages being sold in convenience stores and elsewhere. The legislation prohibits sales to anyone under 21 and allows the drinks to be sold only at packages stores or cannabis dispensaries, including those that sell both recreational and medical marijuana. Senators also voted to prohibit synthetic cannabinoids in cannabis and forbid the state’s licensed cannabis establishments from selling them.
Also late Wednesday, the Senate rushed to passed legislation that tightens absentee voting laws after people were captured on video last year stuffing reams of ballots into collection boxes in Bridgeport. The bill requires mandatory surveillance cameras at drop boxes and improved tracking of ballots, as well as new protections for poll workers.
“I don’t believe that it goes far enough,” Republican Sen. Rob Sampson said of the bill, calling what happened in Bridgeport a “fiasco” that warranted stronger action. He attempted to amend the bill with measures including a requirement that voters show an ID at the polls, but all four failed.
Lawmakers this session also passed a Democratic bill that updates Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation paid sick leave law from 2011 and requires all employers, down to those with a single worker, to provide their employees with time off by 2027. It awaits Lamont’s signature.
House Speaker Matt Ritter, a Democrat, noted how the sick leave bill came “close to the finish line” last year and benefited from lawmakers knowing what could pass this year. Other major bills didn’t have that advantage.
“There are just some bills you can’t do because of time,” he said.
Other high-profile proposals also failed Wednesday, including bills to curb the cost of e-books for libraries, expand protections for certain tenants, prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children, bar legacy admissions at public and private colleges, and provide Connecticut residents who telecommute for New York companies with a financial incentive to challenge their income tax bills from that state.
One reason why some concepts faltered this year, including a push to extend the state’s HUSKY health insurance program for immigrants over the age of 15, may be the Democrats’ unusual decision not to reopen the second year of the two-year budget passed last year.
Traditionally the short legislative session is dedicated primarily to adjustments to the second year of the budget.
Instead, late Tuesday, the Senate gave final legislative approval to a plan to spend at least $360 million in remaining federal COVID-19 pandemic funds on key areas, including higher education, not-for-profit social service agencies, municipal aid and children’s mental health. The same bill also granted Lamont expanded authority to move money between state accounts.
“When we agreed not to open the budget and did not do a budget, that really limited your options,” Ritter said.
Republican lawmakers strongly criticized the decision to not reopen the budget. Some predicted Connecticut will now face future deficits by using one-time COVID relief funds for operating expenses.
“The Democrats didn’t do their job on the budget and they’ve left the hard decisions up to the governor,” House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora said. Democrats dismissed the criticism.
In the final minutes of the session, Republicans in the Senate sharply criticized their Democratic colleagues for calling up a vague bill that creates a $3 million fund for low-wage workers, calling it a slush fund. While Democrats didn’t explain the intention of the bill, which passed with only Democratic votes, a coalition of unions later praised the legislation as a step toward creating an assistance fund for striking workers.
Connecticut
Where to watch Connecticut Sun vs Atlanta Dream on June 2: TV channel, start time and streaming
The WNBA has returned with a brand new collective bargaining agreement and a league full of loaded rosters as the 2026 season tips off.
A rookie class headlined by Dallas Wings top pick Azzi Fudd, Minnesota’s Olivia Miles and Washington’s Lauren Betts is ready to make a mark in the pros while the defending champion Las Vegas Aces look to keep their dynasty alive with a fourth title in five years.
As the the season gets going under a new media rights deal, it can be tough to figure out which channel each team is playing on every night. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in when the Atlanta Dream host the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday.
What time is Connecticut Sun vs Atlanta Dream?
Tip off between the Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, June 2.
How to watch Connecticut Sun vs Atlanta Dream on Tuesday
All times Eastern and accurate as of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:08 a.m.
Watch the WNBA all season on Fubo
WNBA scores and results
See scores, results for all of today’s games .
See WNBA scores, results from June 1
Odds for WNBA games today
The latest WNBA odds can be found below from the best sports betting apps . Some odds may include games scheduled on future dates.
Connecticut
Rocky Hill firefighters honored for Connecticut river rescue
Three Rocky Hill firefighters were honored Monday night for their part in a rescue on the Connecticut River in March.
Emergency crews responded to Ferry Park in Rocky Hill on March 23 in response to a report of a vehicle in the river.
When they arrived, they found a woman in a Jeep about 35 feet out from the riverbank.
Crews broke a window and pulled the woman to safety after about 10 minutes, according to fire officials.
The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Monday evening, Captain William Kelly, Captain Roberto Leone, and Lt. Travis Gerace-Hicks were awarded the fire department’s valor award for their rescue efforts.
Connecticut
South Carolina man found cutting down light poles in Rocky Hill, police say
ROCKY HILL — A man from South Carolina is facing charges after cutting down light poles along the highway in Rocky Hill, Connecticut State Police said.
Lamont Carlson Tucker, 62, of Myrtle Beach, is charged with first-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree larceny, police said.
Police said troopers responded to reports of “an individual cutting light poles” around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Tucker was released on a $3,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at state Superior Court in New Britain June 12, police said.
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