Matthew Corey, a military veteran and bar owner, has won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy. Corey will face an uphill battle in the general election, as Connecticut has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1982. Despite his victory, Corey has a significantly smaller war chest than Murphy, who is seeking a third term and has amassed nearly $13 million in individual contributions. Murphy is the clear favorite to win re-election, but the race will be closely watched as Democrats seek to maintain their razor-thin Senate majority.
Results for: Connecticut
Connecticut, a New England state with a rich history, diverse attractions, and a booming tourism industry, is experiencing significant economic growth. Its strategic location between major metropolitan hubs, robust transportation infrastructure, and vibrant culture make it a desirable destination for both tourism and business.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has expressed opposition to a bill passed during the final minutes of the legislative session that would establish a $3 million fund for striking union workers. Lamont criticized the bill’s lack of clarity and the tactics used by lawmakers to pass it. The bill’s supporters, including Senate Democrats, framed it as a measure to assist low-wage workers rather than explicitly supporting strikers. However, union leaders praised the legislation as a step towards leveling the playing field for workers engaged in strikes. Lamont, while supportive of unions, voiced concerns about using taxpayer funds to subsidize strikers. The governor’s comments indicate a likely veto of the bill.
Interstate-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut, is closed indefinitely in both directions following a crash involving a fuel tanker that caught fire beneath an overpass. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, involved a three-vehicle collision that resulted in the fuel tanker being ripped open and causing a fire. Although no serious injuries were reported, the accident caused damage to the bridge, forcing the authorities to close it and leading to significant traffic disruptions. The closed section of I-95 typically served 160,000 vehicles per day, and the closure is expected to impact local merchants and supply chains.
The Connecticut Senate is actively debating a comprehensive bill designed to regulate the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). This legislation aims to provide consumer protections while fostering the growth of AI innovation. One key focus is combating deep fakes, where AI generates false pornographic images using existing videos. The bill establishes a crime for distributing such content and prohibits deceptive media dissemination before elections. Additionally, it mandates that AI developers mitigate biases based on factors like age, religion, and ethnicity. The state attorney general has enforcement authority. Despite concerns about impeding business growth, supporters argue the need for guidelines to prevent the misuse of AI. The revised bill incorporates compromises to address business and economic development concerns.
Telecommuting, once a pandemic-era novelty, has become a permanent alternative for many employees. However, this has raised questions about why New York-based companies’ employees in Connecticut and New Jersey must still pay personal income tax to the Empire State. Fed up with losing tax revenue, New Jersey offers a tax credit to residents working from home who successfully appeal their New York tax assessment. Connecticut is considering a similar measure. Out-of-state commuters who work for New York-based companies are required to pay New York income taxes, even if they rarely go into the office, unless they meet strict requirements for a bona fide home office. New York’s decades-old policy has created a financial burden for neighboring states, prompting them to consider legal challenges and retaliatory tax rules.
Police responded to an unverified threat made against the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday morning. The school’s security procedures were immediately implemented, and the incident was investigated by the West Hartford Police Department. After a thorough search, the threat was determined to be unfounded and the campus was deemed secure. There is no indication of any substantiated threat to the public, and all students and staff are safe. The investigation remains ongoing.
Lake Compounce, the first amusement park in North America, has undergone a major renovation, reopening with exciting new attractions for the whole family. Highlights include an award-winning wooden roller coaster and a sprawling water park.
Shake Shack, known for its made-to-order burgers, crispy chicken, and hand-spun milkshakes, is set to open its seventh Connecticut location in Newington on Thursday, July 23rd. The new restaurant will be located at 3329 Berlin Turnpike and will open at 11 a.m. On opening day, the first wave of guests will receive custom Shake Shack keychains.
Pennsylvania-based developer A.R. Building Co. is proposing to construct a pair of four-story buildings with 100 apartments along Lawton Road in Canton, Connecticut. The project, if approved, would be A.R.’s first in Canton and would feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, an inground pool, a clubhouse, and fitness centers. A.R. currently operates over 9,000 apartments and townhouses in 10 states, with its only New England operations in Rhode Island and Connecticut.