Connecticut Hate-Crime Law Update: Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation in Willimantic strengthening Connecticut’s hate crime statutes, streamlining what police and prosecutors can charge and adding tools to better investigate bias-motivated acts. CT Energy & Utilities: Lamont renewed pressure on Eversource and other utilities to “earn” the right to operate, arguing oversight and franchise requirements are needed to keep electricity costs down as opponents say the fixes are coming too late. CT Higher Ed Watchdog: An I-Team report says Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has overused paid administrative leave for years, with auditors flagging long stretches of paid time away from work. Federal Contractor Fight: AG William Tong joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over new, vague federal contract terms aimed at purging “DEI,” arguing the rules are unclear and could cost Connecticut billions. Social Security Crunch: A new projection says the Social Security trust fund could run out in 2032, triggering automatic benefit cuts that would hit Connecticut retirees hardest among states. National Education Culture-War Hearing: House Republicans grilled Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King and other superintendents on transgender inclusion and DEI-linked policies, with King defending district compliance and student outcomes. Local Schools Spotlight: Newington named pre-K teacher Kimberly DePaolis its 2026-27 Teacher of the Year. Bristol 250th Celebration: Bristol will hold America’s 250th anniversary festivities June 14 on Federal Hill Green with reenactors, food trucks, and a brass-and-wind ensemble concert.