Gov. Lamont is joined by environmental activists, Democratic lawmakers and one Republican state senator for the signing of two environment bills.

We covered it all today: Dire Straits, drunk cigs, and the state legislature’s “cigar caucus.” Always a blast to be on with Chaz!

Josh Elliott launched his campaign for governor with a video that’s: - vertical - filmed with quick cuts - filled with CT landmarks - centered on tax policy Does that style remind you of any recent primary campaigns? Link to watch: instagram.com/reel/DMFxFYcIX…

NEW — Gov. Lamont revealed there’s former NBA owner making a bid for the CT Sun that would see the team stay in the state and play “a lot” of games at the arena in Hartford. We’ve got team coverage on WTNH News 8 with Erik Dobratz in Boston where the Sun are set to take on the Fever.

Adrian Peeler, one of the two brothers convicted in a ‘99 conspiracy to murder a mother and her 8-year old son in Bridgeport, was included in a batch of these Biden autopenned actions. Biden commuted a separate federal sentence for dealing cocaine. Peeler was released today.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, a Democrat who has sought a pardon of his own, said in part: "Did Former President Biden give the autopen for pardons away without even knowing the tragic facts of this case, or was he just as lost as everyone says?"

Some sort of heated argument between Sens. Chris Murphy and Katie Britt on the floor during votes yesterday

Wisconsin Gov. Evers says he will *not* seek a third term. Illinois Gov. Pritzker has announced he *is* seeking a third term. Ned Lamont and Tim Walz, two other Dems who have the option of seeking a third term, have not announced their decisions.

Yale New Haven Health says its pediatric gender program will “eliminate the medication treatment component of the gender-affirming program for patients under age 19.” Connecticut Children’s Medical Center announced a similar move yesterday.

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin is challenging U.S. Rep. John Larson. Bronin’s launch video is vertical, heavy on bio, and an explicit generational argument against Larson.

#9 - Friends of Chris Murphy

Can’t help but compare this Mark Pazniokas shot to Rockwell’s Right to Know (which hangs in Ned Lamont’s office)

Happening now — State Sen. Heather Somers just told LEE ELCI she is “so excited” Ryan Fazio is exploring a run for governor and is looking to build support for him in her region. She didn’t specifically use the word “endorse”…but the message was very clear.

I’ve had such a blast visiting the companies in this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut challenge. This story had a particularly cool moment. Take a look ⤵️

NEW — Ryan Fazio is a candidate for governor. I spoke with Fazio about his decision to run, his campaign platform, and his path to the GOP nomination. Tune in WTNH News 8 and WTNH.com for coverage.

Important endorsement — State Sen. Rob Sampson, the outspoken conservative firebrand, endorsed Fazio minutes after the Greenwich senator’s announcement. Sampson has been one of the key boosters of the Fazio ‘26 effort and will be an important surrogate to the GOP base.

Another Fazio endorsement — State Rep. Joe Canino is the legislature’s youngest Republican and one of only two legislative candidates to flip a seat from blue to red in last year’s election. Five of the 49 House Republicans are listed on Erin Stewart’s website as supporters.

Just met a bunch of interns and scientists who work at the state tick testing lab. It took all the restraint in the world to not ask them if there’s a niche TikTok community called TickTok. If anyone knows the answer, plz advise.

Four F-22s flank the table where Trump and Putin will meet. Connecticut-based Pratt & Whitney built the F119 turbofans that power the mighty Raptors. The jets have been scrambled to keep an eye on the nuclear-capable Russian bombers that occasionally buzz Alaskan airspace.

Coming soon: cable news split screens with derek guy joining retired 4-star generals to analyze today’s Oval Office meeting.