Featured Stories
Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera Commemorates 9/11 National Day of Service with Visit to Farmer in Training Program in Southwest Colorado
DENVER, Colorado, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
* * *
Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera Commemorates 9/11 National Day of Service with Visit to Farmer in Training Program in Southwest Colorado
*
HESPERUS -Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera commemorated the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 and the National Day of Service and Remembrance with a visit to the Team Up AmeriCorps Farmers-in-Training (FIT) Program at the Old Fort in Hesperus, Colorado. During the visit, Lt. Governor Primavera met with AmeriCorps members helping to strengthen food
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
* * *
Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera Commemorates 9/11 National Day of Service with Visit to Farmer in Training Program in Southwest Colorado
*
HESPERUS -Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera commemorated the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 and the National Day of Service and Remembrance with a visit to the Team Up AmeriCorps Farmers-in-Training (FIT) Program at the Old Fort in Hesperus, Colorado. During the visit, Lt. Governor Primavera met with AmeriCorps members helping to strengthen foodsecurity across Southwest Colorado. After the tour, she volunteered alongside the team in honor of the Day of Service.
"It was amazing to see the Team Up AmeriCorps Farmer in Training program in action at the Old Fort. These AmeriCorps members get hands-on professional development all while they support people and communities in rural Colorado," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "It's fitting that this visit falls on September 11th. Today's National Day of Service and Remembrance, and the 9/11 Day Kindness Campaign, ask all of us to turn one of the most challenging days in our history into positive impact for our neighbors and communities, and that's exactly what these AmeriCorps members do, every day, for Southwest Colorado."
AmeriCorps members, like those in the FIT program, are part of a national service network that is administered by Serve Colorado. Housed in the Office of the Lt. Governor, Serve Colorado ignites community transformation by partnering with AmeriCorps and local organizations to tackle pressing challenges across the state and empower individuals to serve while also developing the workforce in critical sectors. Last year, Serve Colorado had 1,221 members serving across 38 total programs. The FIT program is run by Team Up AmeriCorps, a Serve Colorado grantee based in Durango. The program supports youth and families across Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties.
"It has been a great experience working with the Lt. Governor's office and Serve Colorado for the last eight years to support over 100 AmeriCorps members in their service to southwest Colorado's youth, families, and people in need," said Lynn Urban, Chief Executive Officer of Team Up AmeriCorps.
The program operates in partnership with Fort Lewis College, on land that was previously used for the Fort Lewis Federal Indian Boarding School. The Old Fort and Fort Lewis College have committed to reconciling that history. They have developed a number of programs and opportunities for Native and Indigenous students and community members to connect with the land and Indigenous traditional agricultural practices in ways that make sense for them, like the FIT program and Blue Corn Planting & Harvest. Many students who engage with these programs return to their Tribal lands to start agricultural businesses or other agricultural work that benefits their communities.
"The National Day of Service is about turning remembrance into action and doing something good for others. The work of our Farmer in Training participants reflects that spirit. They are learning Indigenous traditional agricultural practices and gaining hands-on skills they can take back to their own communities, strengthening food resilience across our region," said Fort Lewis College President Heather Shotton.
Since 2023, FIT members have led farm tours for nearly 100 middle school students, partnered with the La Plata Family Center Coalition's garden education program, supported Manna Soup Kitchen and Fort Lewis College's Grub Hub pantry, and served hundreds of clients through SNAP outreach and Good Samaritan's Food Pantry.
"Every day, I get to see firsthand the impact our Farmer in Training program has not only on members, but in our community, where they're supplying produce to food pantries, leading SNAP outreach, and, once they finish the program, starting their own agricultural projects in our community and back home. I'm excited that Lt. Governor Primavera got to see the program's impact firsthand today," said Emily Bell, FIT program manager.
***
Original text here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/lt-governor-dianne-primavera-commemorates-911-national-day-service-visit-farmer-training
Housing and Homelessness Investments Deliver Results Across Oregon
SALEM, Oregon, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Housing and Homelessness Investments Deliver Results Across Oregon
*
Salem, OR - This week, the Governor's Office joined state agency and local leaders to share progress on Oregon's housing and homelessness response across the state and reflected on what is working and the continued need for investment in affordable, accessible paths to stable housing.
"Whether you're renting, buying a home for the first time, or needing temporary shelter to get back on your feet, we're fighting to create more options
... Show Full Article
SALEM, Oregon, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
* * *
Housing and Homelessness Investments Deliver Results Across Oregon
*
Salem, OR - This week, the Governor's Office joined state agency and local leaders to share progress on Oregon's housing and homelessness response across the state and reflected on what is working and the continued need for investment in affordable, accessible paths to stable housing.
"Whether you're renting, buying a home for the first time, or needing temporary shelter to get back on your feet, we're fighting to create more optionsfor you," Governor Tina Kotek said. "Housing has been a priority since day one of my administration, and we're seeing tangible progress."
Presentations before the Oregon Legislature's House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness focused on:
* Shelter: responding to the crisis of unsheltered homelessness by creating new beds and providing operations funding to maintain shelter bed capacity.
* Rehousing: ending people's experience of homelessness by providing rehousing services, including street outreach, move-in costs, rent assistance, and the Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee program.
* Long-term Rent Assistance: providing long-term rent assistance for rehoused families in need of longer-term support.
* Homelessness and Eviction Prevention: preventing new experiences of homelessness by providing short-term rent support to avoid eviction.
"Every shelter bed maintained, every household that avoids homelessness, and every person who moves into a stable home represents someone with a safer place to sleep and a stronger foundation for what comes next," said Liz Weber, Director of Housing Stabilization at Oregon Housing and Community Services. "We've made meaningful progress, and continued investment is critical to sustaining that progress and reaching more Oregonians."
Providing More Shelter More Quickly for More Oregonians
In Jackson County, local leaders have reduced unsheltered homelessness by 24 percent and chronic homelessness by 58 percent, decreased the average wait time to get into housing by nearly 3 months, and moved more than 1,000 families and individuals into permanent housing - twice as many as years before due to state funding and partnership.
"Sustained investment and support from leaders like Governor Kotek keeping housing front and center is what keeps these numbers moving in the right direction," said Melanie Doshier, Chief Program Officer for ACCESS, Jackson County.
"This is an all-hands-on-deck effort focusing on outcomes and investing in proven solutions," said Representative Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County), Chair of the Committee. "Housing is part of every family's monthly budget and remains a top priority across the state. I'm grateful for the Governor's partnership to sustain our shelter system and build more housing for more Oregonians."
In Central Oregon, where the Governor visited this summer, homelessness across three counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs decreased by 19.1 percent as a result of investing state dollars into a coordinated regional system of care. The region has seen decreases in veterans, unsheltered youth, unaccompanied children, youth in general, and unsheltered seniors experiencing homelessness.
Between January 2023 and September 2025, the Governor's emergency actions have resulted in 6,286 new and maintained shelter beds, 5,539 people rehoused from unsheltered homelessness, and prevention assistance for 25,942 households. The statewide response led by Governor Kotek has also strengthened data collection and reporting, providing a clearer and more accurate picture of homelessness across Oregon and helping guide ongoing investments and policy decisions.
Building Out Capacity, Pairing with Local Services
Coos County is streamlining their processes for getting and keeping people housed, building on statewide efforts to build more housing and shelters. Because of their efforts, alongside the state's work, the area has reduced unsheltered homelessness by 40.9 percent, unsheltered veterans by 85.5 percent, and overall homelessness by 22.8 percent. One local provider, Alternative Youth Services, has doubled the number of individuals and households they serve. Now, Coos County is working to strengthen and expand permanent housing inventory even more.
"For years, communities like ours were asked whether these approaches work. Our experience over this biennium gives us an answer: when resources reached the ground at sufficient scale, the outcomes changed," said Nichole Rutherford, City Manager, City of Coos Bay. "We aren't finished, but we aren't starting over, either. The Governor's advocacy and leadership on this issue and the state's investment have given us something real to build from."
Continuing to Make It Easier to Produce Affordable Housing
When Governor Kotek took office, housing production was falling nationwide and declining even faster in Oregon. In less than four years, despite high interest rates and unpredictable federal actions that have negatively impacted state resources, the Governor's targeted actions to increase housing supply have successfully reversed that trend.
"Building affordable housing is critical to an Oregon where everyone has stable housing," said Maria Elena Guerra (MEG), Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC). "Making sure that we invest on the front end in creative financing tools for developers-especially in land acquisition and predevelopment-will help us reach this shared goal faster. Thank you to Governor Kotek for being a champion on this issue and doing the work of speaking to both public and private sector partners to move the needle."
Oregon is now in its second year of increased housing starts, even as the United States continues to see declining production. Recent estimates for the first half of 2026 show Oregon up 11.3 percent year-over-year, compared to a 1.3 percent decline nationally. State data show that Governor Kotek's efforts have resulted in more than 50,000 future homes in the production pipeline.
***
Original text here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/housing-and-homelessness-investments-deliver-results-across-oregon
Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Ten Judicial Appointments
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Ten Judicial Appointments
*
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announces ten judicial appointments.
David Arthmann, of Fort Lauderdale, to serve as Judge on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Arthmann has served as the General Counsel for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles since 2023. Previously, he worked as the Director of Human Resources for the Florida Department of Corrections. He earned his bachelor's degree
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Ten Judicial Appointments
*
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announces ten judicial appointments.
David Arthmann, of Fort Lauderdale, to serve as Judge on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Arthmann has served as the General Counsel for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles since 2023. Previously, he worked as the Director of Human Resources for the Florida Department of Corrections. He earned his bachelor's degreefrom Nova Southeastern University and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Arthmann fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Rebollo.
Jeremy Franker, of Wellington, to serve as Judge on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Franker has served as a County Court Judge for Broward County since his appointment by Governor DeSantis. Previously, he served as a Trial Attorney for the Department of Justice, Criminal Division. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and his juris doctor from St. Louis University. Judge Franker fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Haury.
Jeffrey Hendriks, of Port St. Lucie, to serve as Judge on the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Hendriks has served as a County Court Judge for St. Lucie County since his appointment by Governor DeSantis. Previously, he served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from Stetson University. Judge Hendriks fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roby.
Daniel Mittleman, of Palm City, to serve as Judge on the Martin County Court
Mittleman has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit since 2020. He earned his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and his juris doctor from Stetson University. Mittleman fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roberts.
Megan Leaf, of Sarasota, to serve as Judge on the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Leaf has served as a County Court Judge for Sarasota County since her appointment by Governor DeSantis. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor's degree from Florida State University and her juris doctor from Stetson University. Judge Leaf fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Smith.
Parker Hall, of Arcadia, to serve as Judge on the DeSoto County Court
Hall has worked as an Associate at Silverio & Hall P.A. since 2018. He earned his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and his juris doctor from Stetson University. Hall fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Flowers.
Kaylin Humerickhouse, of Sarasota, to serve as Judge on the Sarasota County Court
Humerickhouse has worked as an Associate at Bentley, Goodrich, Kison, P.A. since 2022. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and her juris doctor from Stetson University. Humerickhouse fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Legler.
Stephanie Vargas, of Orlando, to serve as Judge on the Orange County Court
Vargas has served as an Assistant County Attorney for the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners since 2024 and has served as a Judge Advocate for the United States Army since 2019. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and her juris doctor from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Vargas fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Skipper.
Elvis Santiago, of Orlando, to serve as Judge on the Orange County Court
Santiago has served as an Assistant Chief Counsel for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since 2007 and has served as a Judge Advocate for the United States Air Force. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. Santiago fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Bain.
Patrick King, of Jay, to serve as Judge on the Santa Rosa County Court
King has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit since 2018. Previously, he worked as a Supervising Attorney for the Department of Children and Families. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from Samford University. King fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Gordon.
***
Original text here: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-makes-ten-judicial-appointments
Governor Morrisey Delivers Remarks at FBI 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Clarksburg
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
* * *
Governor Morrisey Delivers Remarks at FBI 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Clarksburg
*
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. \- Governor Patrick Morrisey joined federal law enforcement officials, first responders, and community members today at the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The solemn ceremony brought together local leaders, the FBI Police Honor Guard, and regional representatives to honor the victims of
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
* * *
Governor Morrisey Delivers Remarks at FBI 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Clarksburg
*
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. \- Governor Patrick Morrisey joined federal law enforcement officials, first responders, and community members today at the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The solemn ceremony brought together local leaders, the FBI Police Honor Guard, and regional representatives to honor the victims ofthe 2001 attacks, pay tribute to first responders, and reflect on a quarter-century of national resilience.
"As we mark twenty-five years of remembrance, it is fitting that we gather here in Clarksburg, right in the heart of West Virginia," said Governor Morrisey. "The grief and the heroism touched every single corner of our nation, including our own state."
During his address, Governor Morrisey honored the profound impact the tragedy had on the nation and specifically remembered West Virginians lost that day, including Mary Lou Hague of Parkersburg and Dr. Paul Ambrose of Huntington.
The event program included remarks and participation from FBI Operations Director Mark B. Dargis, CJIS Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson, former Assistant Director Thomas A. Bush III, and CJIS Division Chaplain Rev. James Edward "Ed" McDaniels. The ceremony also featured a presentation of colors by the FBI Police Honor Guard, a musical tribute by the Robert C. Byrd High School Choir, and a memorial bell toll by the Clarksburg Fire Department.
Governor Morrisey emphasized the enduring legacy of the first responders and ordinary citizens who displayed extraordinary courage during America's darkest hour, urging communities to keep the sacred promise to never forget.
"Today, twenty-five years later, our sacred promise is to never forget," Governor Morrisey said. "Let us carry forward the unity, the resilience, and the deep patriotism that defined the days following 9/11, and honor the memory of those we lost by living lives worthy of their sacrifice."
The observance concluded with a moment of silence, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the retirement of colors by the FBI Police Honor Guard.
***
Original text here: https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-morrisey-delivers-remarks-fbi-911-remembrance-ceremony-clarksburg
Governor Mills Honors Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks
AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following news:
* * *
Governor Mills Honors Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks
*
Augusta, MAINE - In a radio address released earlier this morning, Governor Janet Mills paid tribute to the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and expressed Maine's gratitude for the first responders, servicemembers, and allies who took part in America's recovery.
"Although more than a hundred million Americans are too young to remember that dark day, today, we take a moment to remember and to honor
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following news:
* * *
Governor Mills Honors Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks
*
Augusta, MAINE - In a radio address released earlier this morning, Governor Janet Mills paid tribute to the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and expressed Maine's gratitude for the first responders, servicemembers, and allies who took part in America's recovery.
"Although more than a hundred million Americans are too young to remember that dark day, today, we take a moment to remember and to honorthose who perished that day, as well as the first responders who ran towards danger and stayed through the devastating aftermath, and the men and women who stepped up and who continue to step up to keep us safe," said Governor Mills in her Weekly Radio Address.
Yesterday, Governor Mills issued the following statement honoring the victims and survivors of September 11, 2001:
"Twenty-five years ago, America and the world were forever changed by the September 11th terrorist attacks. On this solemn anniversary, I join Maine people in pausing to remember the nearly 3,000 souls taken from us that day-including six individuals from Maine-and those who lost their lives from the aftereffects of the attacks. We also remember the families who lost loved ones and the survivors who carry these memories with them every day. Today, may we honor the courageous first responders who rushed toward danger and the brave men and women who enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces to bring justice to those responsible for the attacks. And may we again find inspiration in the collective unity our nation felt in the months after the attacks as we stood together as one."
The Governor's Weekly Column & Radio Address can be found HERE.
The Governor's statement honoring the victims and survivors of 9/11 can be found HERE.
***
Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-honors-victims-and-survivors-september-11-attacks-2026-09-11
Governor Lamont Announces Contest To Win Ultimate Celebrity Foodie Experience With Chef Scott Conant at Upcoming Launch of the New Connecticut TV-To-Table Trail
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Lamont Announces Contest To Win Ultimate Celebrity Foodie Experience With Chef Scott Conant at Upcoming Launch of the New Connecticut TV-To-Table Trail
*
Grand Prize Winner Will Join Chef Scott Conant as Guest Judge in Live Cooking Challenge Featuring Connecticut Chefs Seen on National Television
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that food lovers have a chance to win an exclusive invitation to the upcoming launch of the new Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail,
... Show Full Article
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Lamont Announces Contest To Win Ultimate Celebrity Foodie Experience With Chef Scott Conant at Upcoming Launch of the New Connecticut TV-To-Table Trail
*
Grand Prize Winner Will Join Chef Scott Conant as Guest Judge in Live Cooking Challenge Featuring Connecticut Chefs Seen on National Television
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that food lovers have a chance to win an exclusive invitation to the upcoming launch of the new Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail,including the opportunity for one grand prize winner to join celebrity chef Scott Conant as a guest judge in a live cooking competition featuring some of the state's most recognizable culinary talent.
The Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism will officially unveil the new trail during an immersive culinary event on October 5, 2026, that will celebrate Connecticut chefs, restaurants, and food destinations that have been featured on national food shows.
"Connecticut has become known for finding creative new ways to showcase what makes our state worth experiencing, and food is a huge part of that story," Governor Lamont said. "Some of the most talented chefs in the country are cooking right here in Connecticut, and many of them have captured national attention on television. This new trail and tourism experience will give people another reason to seek them out, visit their restaurants, and discover just how extraordinary Connecticut's food scene has become."
The upcoming event will be emceed by Conant, a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and longtime television personality who has been at the forefront of Italian and American dining for nearly four decades. A recurring judge on Food Network's Chopped, Conant is a Connecticut native, born and raised in Waterbury. His new Martone Street line of pasta sauces is also rooted in his Connecticut heritage, named for the Waterbury street, where his grandparents grew up.
"Connecticut is my first home and will always be my forever home, so being part of a trail that celebrates the chefs and restaurants putting this state on the national culinary map is especially meaningful," Conant said. "There is incredible talent here, and I'm excited for people to experience it firsthand-and to have a little fun with some of these chefs in the kitchen."
Guests at the event will have the opportunity to taste dishes from Connecticut chefs and restaurants featured on shows, including Chopped; Guy's Grocery Games; Cupcake Wars; Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; Best Bite in Town; and others, while watching top chefs compete in a live cooking challenge judged by Conant.
One grand prize winner will earn a seat alongside Conant at the judges' table to help select the winning dish. The winning chef will receive $2,000 to donate to a food-related charity of their choice.
The soon-to-be-launched Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail will become the latest in a series of experiential tourism initiatives developed by the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism to turn cultural moments into reasons to visit the state. Other recent initiatives, including the Connecticut Pizza Trail and Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, have generated significant national media attention and helped introduce Connecticut destinations, businesses, and attractions to new audiences.
"Food has become one of the most powerful ways travelers experience a destination, and Connecticut has an incredible story to tell," Ellen Woolf Rubrich, Connecticut's state brand director, said. "What makes this trail so much fun is that people may already know these chefs from television, but now they can experience the real thing-sit at their tables, taste their food, and explore the Connecticut communities where they're creating it. It takes something people recognize on screen and turns it into a reason to get in the car and experience Connecticut for themselves."
How to enter the Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail launch contest
Anyone interested in entering the contest should:
* Visit CTvisit.com
* Complete the short Connecticut foodie trivia quiz
* Submit an entry by 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Winners will be selected at random and notified on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, using the contact information provided on the contest entry form.
Additional details about the Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail, including the participating chefs and restaurants, will be announced during the October 5, 2026, launch event.
The new launch comes as Connecticut tourism continues to show strong growth. In 2025, the state welcomed 72.2 million visitors, an increase of 3.1% over the previous year and more than twice the national growth rate. Tourism generated $20.1 billion in total economic impact, including $12.3 billion in direct visitor spending, while supporting more than 125,000 jobs across the state.
For more information about tourism in Connecticut, visit CTvisit.com.
***
Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/09-2026/governor-lamont-announces-contest-to-win-ultimate-celebrity-foodie-experience
Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Maura Healey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery
*
BOSTON -On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Governor Maura Healey today presented the Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to Thomas Joseph "TJ" Swenson Jr. for his extraordinary actions to protect others during a shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge earlier this year.
Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Maura Healey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery
*
BOSTON -On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Governor Maura Healey today presented the Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to Thomas Joseph "TJ" Swenson Jr. for his extraordinary actions to protect others during a shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge earlier this year.
Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscollpresented the award during Massachusetts' annual September 11 commemoration at the State House. Named in honor of Massachusetts native and American Airlines flight attendant Madeline "Amy" Sweeney, the award recognizes civilians who demonstrate extraordinary courage and put their own safety at risk to help save others in imminent danger.
"On this 25th anniversary, we remember the lives taken from us on September 11 and the extraordinary courage of people who stepped forward when others needed them most," said Governor Maura Healey. "TJ Swenson showed that same kind of leadership on Memorial Drive. In a terrifying and rapidly unfolding situation, he put himself at risk and helped protect the people around him until first responders arrived. His courage, selflessness and willingness to act represent the very best of Massachusetts, and I'm proud to honor him with an award that carries Amy Sweeney's legacy forward."
"TJ was confronted with a terrifying and dangerous situation, and in that moment, he chose to help the people around him," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, chair of the Sweeney Award Selection Committee. "That kind of courage is at the heart of the Madeline 'Amy' Sweeney Award. Twenty-five years after September 11, TJ reminds us that Amy's legacy of selflessness and service continues in the actions of people who step forward when others need them most."
On May 11, 2026, Swenson encountered a dangerous and rapidly unfolding shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge in which multiple people were injured. Recognizing the immediate danger, Swenson warned people nearby and took action to help protect members of the public until law enforcement arrived and secured the scene.
Swenson's actions, together with the response of Massachusetts State Police Troopers, Cambridge Police Officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and hospital staff, helped protect members of the public and allowed first responders to provide critical medical care to those who were injured.
"On the twenty-fifth anniversary of September 11, we recognize that millions of Americans have no lived memory of the events of that day. Yet the values embodied by Madeline Amy Sweeney - selflessness, courage in the face of danger, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others - remain as relevant today as they were a quarter century ago," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. "TJ Swenson's actions remind us that ordinary citizens are still capable of extraordinary acts of bravery. In risking his own life to save complete strangers, he has honored the legacy this award was created to preserve.
"TJ Swenson found himself in an extraordinarily dangerous and rapidly unfolding situation and made the courageous decision to help protect those around him," said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. "His bravery and concern for others exemplify the qualities recognized by the Madeline 'Amy' Sweeney Award. We are proud to join in honoring TJ for his actions that day."
"The events on Memorial Drive deeply affected our community, and TJ Swenson responded when people around him needed help," said Cambridge Police Acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells. "Today, we recognize TJ while also thanking the police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and medical professionals whose coordinated response helped protect and care for those affected."
Madeline "Amy" Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years and lived in Acton with her husband, Michael, and their two children. On September 11, 2001, Sweeney was working aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In the final minutes of the flight, she contacted the airline's ground services crew and relayed critical information about the hijackers and what was happening aboard the plane.
The Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was created to honor her extraordinary heroism and the courage of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each year, the award recognizes a Massachusetts civilian who, without regard for their own personal safety, demonstrates exceptional bravery in an effort to save others from imminent danger.
The award presentation is part of Massachusetts' broader commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11. Governor Healey ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff and called on residents, schools, businesses and organizations across Massachusetts to observe a statewide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The State House is also being illuminated red, white and blue on the evenings of September 10 and September 11.
Governor Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll joined Massachusetts 9/11 families for the annual State House commemoration and reading of the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts under this year's theme, "Massachusetts Remembers: United We Stand." Commemorations continue throughout the day with the annual wreath laying at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial and the 25th anniversary of the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at Ashburton Park.
Massachusetts students are also meeting with 9/11 family members at the State House to hear their stories and help ensure that, as a new generation learns about September 11 as history rather than lived experience, the lives that were lost and the lessons of that day continue to be remembered.
#Media Contact
Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary
+
Phone
Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025
Online
Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at gov.press@mass.gov
* Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
Since taking office, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll's top priority has been lowering costs, making life easier and protecting what makes Massachusetts the best place to live, work and learn.
* Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
EOPSS is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.
* Massachusetts State Police
The Massachusetts State Police serves as the statewide law enforcement agency and maintains investigative, tactical, and support units throughout the Commonwealth.
***
Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-honors-memorial-drive-good-samaritan-tj-swenson-with-madeline-amy-sweeney-award-for-civilian-bravery
