HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today are reminding Connecticut families that during the summer months, nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state, helping to ensure that students continue to have access to healthy meals while school out.

Any child age 18 and younger may receive meals at participating locations. No application, proof of income, or identification are required.

To locate participating meal sites, use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Site Finder at www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder or call 2-1-1. Because locations and operating hours may change throughout the summer, families are encouraged to confirm location and meal service times before visiting.

“Access to nutritious meals is essential to supporting children’s health, well-being, and success,” Governor Lamont said. “We encourage families to take advantage of this important resource available in communities across Connecticut throughout the summer.”

“Good nutrition supports healthy development and helps ensure students are ready to learn when they return to school,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “We are grateful to the schools and community partners across Connecticut who make this program possible for thousands of children each summer.”

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Service Program extends the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during the summer months. Summer meal locations are operated by schools, municipalities, camps, colleges, and nonprofit organizations and are located in a variety of different places, like parks, schools, pools, libraries and more.

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Press Release

Venezuelan Nationals Charged with Stealing More Than $500K in ATM “Jackpotting” Scheme

 

Monday, June 29, 2026

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For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that the following four individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to the theft of more than $500,000 in an ATM “jackpotting” scheme:

EUCLIDES MORENO ITANARE, 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina
WILLIAN RICARDO FLORES, 49, of the Bronx, New York
ALBERTO JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 41, of Queens, New York
LUIS JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 38, of Lynn, Massachusetts

The four defendants are citizens of Venezuela.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2025, Itanare, Flores, Alberto Freites Arvilla, Luis Freites Arvilla, and others conspired to steal cash from at least nine ATM’s in Connecticut through what is known as a “jackpotting” scheme.  Jackpotting often involves using specialized hardware and malware that forces an ATM to dispense its stored cash.

It is alleged that the defendants accessed ATMs in Milford and Ansonia, and at I-95 rest stops in Fairfield, Branford, Madison, and Darien.  For each of the thefts, the pattern of behavior was similar.  Surveillance video shows that while Luis Freites Arvilla acted as a lookout, Alberto Freites Arvilla opened the hood of the ATM, accessed the internal components of the ATM, and then left the area.  Over the course of several hours, Luis Freites Arvilla, Itanare, and Flores then took turns withdrawing cash from the ATM.  The defendants sometimes changed clothes in an attempt to avoid suspicion when approaching the same ATM multiple times.

It is alleged that the defendants stole $529,220 from eight ATMs between August 8 and August 18, 2025.  They were prevented from stealing any money from the ATM in Ansonia due to a software patch that protected the ATM against this type of theft.

The four defendants were arrested on June 25, 2026, on federal criminal complaints charging each with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  They are currently detained.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Raleigh (N.C.) Police Department, and the New York City Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Updated June 29, 2026

 

 

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut is one of several states partnering with RAISE US, a newly launched nonprofit organization that is bringing together states, employers, workers, and educators to build a workforce infrastructure that supports and trains workers to thrive in the modern, AI economy.

Connecticut’s partnership with RAISE US is part of Governor Lamont’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Connecticut’s workforce and employers are prepared and can succeed in a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Last month, Governor Lamont signed legislation establishing new training programs to help prepare Connecticut’s workforce with the developing technical skills related to AI.

“AI is going to reshape the world, and we need to ensure that Connecticut workers and Connecticut jobs benefit from these breakthroughs and do not get left behind,” Governor Lamont said. “Through this partnership with RAISE US, we are committing to take practical next steps to ensure our state has the policies, coalitions, and resources in place to help workers gain new skills, support families through periods of change, and connect people to growing careers. I want the workforce of Connecticut to look at the years ahead and see opportunity, not uncertainty.”

The objective of RAISE US is to recognize that these modern technological advances and their impact on the economy require a holistic approach involving state partnerships, employer coalitions, education and training partnerships, and policy innovations. The organization was co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who is serving as its CEO, and former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who is serving as co-chair of its board of directors.

“America has a technology strategy for leading the global AI competition. It does not yet have a people strategy—and we cannot lead without one,” Raimondo said. “If we build the best AI systems in the world and leave millions of Americans behind, we won’t have won anything; we’ll have automated our own decline. I believe AI will create new jobs and industries over time, but the transition could be disruptive, and it’s already underway. We shouldn’t fearmonger, but we can’t pretend our training and worker support systems are ready, either. It’s time for innovative and practical solutions. This moment demands ambition, urgency, and creativity. We’ve assembled the country's leading companies, best economists, and philanthropy at a scale rarely seen—all to advance new ideas and incentives, pilot them with governors and business, and scale what works.”

“This isn’t red versus blue; it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment,” Holcomb said. “As governor, I made workforce development the centerpiece of my administration that helped train Hoosiers in every corner of the state. I learned this work gets done at the state level, in partnership with employers—not by mandates from Washington. RAISE US gives state leaders a playbook that connects more Americans with the skills and careers needed in the years ahead.”

Other states partnering with RAISE US as the organization launches include Arkansas, Maryland, and Utah. The organization is also partnering with several leading global technology companies and labor groups, and is building a set of partnerships to support its research, policy, and employer-engagement work with numerous research and consulting groups.

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Tuesday morning, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Treasurer Erick Russell, and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch will make an announcement regarding the state’s Unclaimed Property program and host a brief public ceremony to reunite families of Connecticut veterans with military medals that have been recovered through the program. The ceremony will be open to the media and will be followed by a press availability.

WHO: Senator Blumenthal, Treasurer Russell, Commissioner Welch, family members of CT veterans

WHAT: Announcement re: the CT Unclaimed Property Program and ceremony to return unclaimed military medals to families of Connecticut veterans

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2026; 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: State Office Building, visitor entrance lobby; 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford

###

Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting www.211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a multi-day stretch of severely hot and humid conditions, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and continuing until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

During this period, temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees each day, meeting the National Weather Service (NWS) definition of a heat wave, with the heat index reaching or exceeding 100 degrees at times. Heat advisories have been issued by NWS for most of the state. Conditions are expected to be the most severe around the inland areas.

This is the first time this year the protocol has been activated. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severely hot and humid conditions. While the protocol is enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers will be available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the last that will be published online at www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

“This protocol helps ensure that everyone has access to a safe place to stay cool and get relief from the extremely hot and humid conditions outside,” Governor Lamont said. “This is the first heat wave Connecticut is expected to experience so far this year, and we want to get the word out that when temperatures get this hot, people who are most vulnerable—especially those who are of a certain age or who have certain medical conditions—should take the necessary precautions to stay cool. To locate a nearby cooling center, view the list that will be published online at www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1.”

The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
• Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
• Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
• The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

America's 250th New Haven Connecticut

New Haven Connecticut Farmers Market locations Saturday's Dixwell Q House 

1. Federal Cuts Response Fund To Help Residents Losing SNAP Benefits Due to New Federal Rules

   Posted on June 3, 2026

   Grocery Assistance Will Support 25,000 Connecticut Residents Facing Loss of Federal Nutrition Benefits

   
   (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced a plan to use $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to the roughly 25,000 Connecticut residents expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a result of certain federal rule changes instituted by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.

   “Connecticut will not stand by as the Trump administration uses hunger as a weapon against working families, veterans, and our most vulnerable,” Governor Lamont said. “These new SNAP work requirements represent a cruel decision and fundamental shift away from the program’s core mission of ensuring our neighbors don’t go hungry.  I am particularly troubled by the decision to eliminate the exemption for veterans who risked their lives for our country and now are having the rug pulled out from under them. We are providing this assistance as a bridge to prevent people from going hungry as we help them navigate these changes. I hope that Congress will end the inhumane and immoral cuts that President Trump pushed for after Americans elect a new Congress this fall.”

   Under Governor Lamont’s plan, eligible individuals who have recently lost SNAP eligibility due to federal changes in work requirements will receive a grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at grocery stores. While applying for benefits, applicants will be connected with services to help them regain SNAP eligibility where possible.

   These benefits and services will be administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) through a partnership with the state’s network of community action agencies, which will assist with outreach, eligibility verification, and distribution of benefits. In addition to the grocery card funding, the plan includes $1 million for administrative costs related to the distribution of this aid and related services.

   “No one in Connecticut should have to worry about putting food on the table because of a policy decision made in Washington,” DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “This one-time grocery assistance will provide an immediate lifeline to thousands of our neighbors who are losing food benefits through no fault of their own. The Connecticut Department of Social Services is in complete support of Governor Lamont’s commitment to reach every eligible resident as quickly as possible. And we want to express our deep appreciation to the community action agencies for their partnership, which will ensure that this support gets into the hands of those who need it most.”

   “I pushed for this nutrition funding because I see the devastation from HR1 and the Trump administration every day in my neighborhood in Middletown and across the district I represent,” State Senator Matt Lesser, co-chair of the legislature’s Human Services Committee, said. “The president just last week said he doesn’t care about families struggling with high gas and grocery prices. We are lucky to have Governor Lamont who gets up every day and works to protect the people of Connecticut from Washington overreach. I am incredibly grateful that he is doing the right thing—and promising to do more going forward. I am excited to partner with Governor Lamont and DSS on nutrition supports.”

   Complete details are outlined in the plan submitted today by Governor Lamont to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly. This is the fourth such plan for use of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund that Governor Lamont has submitted to legislative leaders since the fund was created late last year.

   **Download: Lamont administration’s letter to legislative leaders on the fourth plan for use of the Federal Cuts Response Fund

   
   Prior use of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund

   Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established by Governor Lamont and the state legislature in late 2025 to ensure the state remains well-positioned to address federal policy and funding challenges implemented by the Trump administration.

   As required under the law establishing it, any time the governor wants to make an expenditure he must submit a plan to the Democrat and Republican legislative leaders detailing the reasons for the fund’s use, and then the leaders have 24 hours to review and—if it is their will—vote to disapprove of the expenditures. All three of Governor Lamont’s previously submitted plans were approved without objection.

   The prior plans include those submitted on:

   • December 18, 2025;
   • January 29, 2026; and
   • May 15, 2026.

May 7, 2026

Dear Friend,

I am reaching out with a heartfelt reminder and invitation to join me for a special evening celebrating one of New Haven’s own, Pennsylvania State Representative Regina Bromell Young. Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988108155010?aff=oddtdtcreator

On Friday, May 15, 2026, 5pm community leaders, professionals, educators, elected officials, Divine 9 members, friends, and supporters will gather at Q Bar & Kitchen in New Haven to recognize a leader whose roots in our city continue to shape her commitment to public service and progress.

Representative Young’s journey began in New Haven Public Schools (Hillhouse c/o '91) and continued through Central Connecticut State University before leading her to the Pennsylvania State House, where she now champions policies that create opportunities for working families, students, and communities. Her success is a reflection of the strength, resilience, and promise of the community that helped raise her.

This reception is more than a networking event — it is an opportunity to show that New Haven stands behind leaders who continue to open doors, inspire future generations, and make meaningful impacts beyond our city limits.

Your attendance and support will help:

Celebrate a hometown leader making a difference on a broader stage

Strengthen relationships among civic, business, educational, and community leaders

Encourage continued leadership focused on education, workforce growth, and economic opportunity

Demonstrate the power of communities supporting their own

Whether you attend to reconnect with colleagues, expand your network, or simply show support, your presence will contribute to an evening centered on unity, leadership, and progress.

We would be honored to have you join us.

Fundraising Reception Honoring Representative Regina Bromell Young
Friday, May 15, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Q Bar & Kitchen
3 Clifton Street
New Haven, Connecticut

Please RSVP here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988108155010?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in an evening that celebrates leadership, legacy, and the enduring connection between New Haven and those who continue to represent its values with distinction.

Sincerely,

Carla Morrison​

--
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Chit Chat Communications
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Thank you to everyone who joined us on February 9 at Hillhouse High School for the latest community conversation about the future of the Goffe Street Armory. We had a strong turnout and heard thoughtful ideas about how the Armory can serve the community moving forward.

Attached is a recap of the meeting, highlighting the key themes, ideas shared, and priorities that emerged from the discussion.

Community members spoke about the importance of arts and creative space, food and entrepreneurship opportunities, recreation, and social programs that support connection across generations.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 7, 2026, to honor the life and public service legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away earlier this month.

The tribute will coincide with a homegoing service in Reverend Jackson’s honor that has been scheduled for that day at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Community House in Chicago, Illinois.

“Reverend Jesse Jackson is an icon of the civil rights movement and a lifelong champion for justice and equality,” Governor Lamont said. “His work expanded opportunity and gave voice to those too often unheard. I had the honor of spending some time with him and I will always remember and be inspired by his passion and commitment in fighting for the principles of freedom, liberty, and equality upon which our country was founded. Connecticut joins the nation in mourning his passing and honoring his extraordinary legacy.”

“Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life fighting fiercely for civil rights and social justice, inspiring millions to join him along the way,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “His work in advocacy and policy has forever changed our society. We can carry forth his legacy by striving for greater equality and justice in our communities, Connecticut, and our country.”

In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.

To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.

Governor Ned Lamont today is urging Connecticut residents to prepare for the potential of blizzard conditions impacting the state starting on the night of Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into the morning and throughout the day on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Various weather models right now are forecasting that the southern half of Connecticut may receive anywhere from between 16 to 22 inches of snow, while the northern half of the state may receive between 10 to 16 inches. Some models are predicting higher accumulations. Of particular concern with this approaching storm are the very strong wind gusts that are expected to impact the entire state, with gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour at times. Moderate coastal flooding is also expected at times of high tide.

The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm containing heavy or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 miles per hour for at least three hours and visibilities frequently less than a quarter mile.

As of this afternoon, Winter Storm Watches have been issued for northern Connecticut, Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for southern Connecticut, and Blizzard Warnings have been issued along the coast, starting at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday and lasting until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

“The forecast changed very quickly over the last 24 hours, and now it appears that we have a significant storm heading in our direction that is likely to bring blizzard conditions,” Governor Lamont said. “In addition to high rates of snowfall, the particular concern with this storm are the very strong wind gusts, which will make travel extremely dangerous and will cause visibility to be very low. I am urging everyone to plan ahead and stay off the roads on Sunday night and through at least Monday morning. We are monitoring the forecast as it evolves, and I advise everyone to stay alert for updates throughout the weekend.”

Connecticut Emergency Operations Center to become partially activated Sunday afternoon

In preparation for the storm, Governor Lamont is ordering an in-person, partial activation of the Connecticut Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday to monitor conditions and quickly respond to any needs that arise.

Located in Hartford, the EOC is the state’s central emergency management hub, where state leaders, agencies, and partners coordinate information, resources, and strategies to manage emergency situations. Additionally, the state’s five regional emergency management offices will also become partially activated on Sunday in locations across the state.

Under the state’s emergency management plan, a partial activation means that EOC partners from several of the primary state agencies that are responsible for managing emergency situations will be coordinating continually during the storm. A full activation, should it be needed, requires additional state agencies to participate. Those agencies remain on standby and are providing assistance as needed.

Connecticut’s fleet of snowplows are ready for deployment; motorists urged to plan ahead and use caution

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment statewide. Crews will work around the clock as needed to clear snow and ice and restore safe travel conditions.

Motorists are strongly urged to plan ahead and avoid travel during the height of the storm. If drivers must be on the roads, they are urged to use the following tips:

• Delay travel if possible: Staying home during the storm is the safest option.
• Slow down: Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.
• Leave extra space: Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.
• Be vehicle-ready: Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.
• Pack emergency supplies: Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.
• Stay informed: Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.org before traveling.
• Never drive impaired: Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.

When approaching a snowplow, motorists are urged to:

• Give plows space: Stay well behind plows and avoid their blind spots, especially in the rear corners.
• Never pass in active plowing zones: Passing snowplows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions with thrown snow or the plow itself.
• Be patient: Plows often drive slowly to clear snow effectively; crowding or tailgating can endanger both drivers and operators.

For more information about winter driving safety and snowplow awareness, visit nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.

Stay informed

For real-time updates on incidents that may be impacting state roads, visit CTroads.org.

Those using public transportation are encouraged to sign up for alert notifications with their transit operators, as schedule changes and service disruptions are likely during the storm.

To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

Read on CT.gov

Vice President Harris and People For the American Way partner to build lasting progressive infrastructure online

 

Today, Vice President Kamala Harris and People For the American Way announced the revival and rebrand of the KamalaHQ accounts as a new project: Headquarters. 

KamalaHQ played a critical role in the 2024 presidential campaign as the accounts helped to move key messages like Project 2025 from the “left bubble” and into the mainstream. Now, the Vice President is partnering with People For the American Way – one of the most storied membership organizations in the country – to build an effort to mobilize pro-justice, pro-fairness, pro-democracy young people against far-right extremism. This combination of these large social media accounts and an organization that has for decades been at the nexus of culture and politics will help power the progressive movement for another generation. 

Conservatives build permanent organizing infrastructure. Progressives have historically built machines that dismantle after Election Day. Headquarters is the end of that cycle. 

Harris will be the Chair Emerita of Headquarters, and many of the staff behind KamalaHQ will be reuniting. The project will be advised by Rob Flaherty, former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Harris campaign and Parker Butler and Lauren Kapp, the leaders of the KamalaHQ team from 2024. Arlie Shugaar, who also worked with the KamalaHQ team, will join the People For the American Way staff as Director of Platforms for the accounts.

In a video, launched today on the account, Harris said: “I have good news: Kamala HQ is turning into Headquarters. It's where you can go online to get the latest of what's going on, and also to meet and revisit with some of our great and courageous leaders — be they elected leaders, community leaders, civic leaders, faith leaders, young leaders. I'm really excited about it. Stay engaged, and I'll see you out there.”

Svante Myrick, President of People For the American Way, said: “Vice President Harris has spent her entire career fighting for the voices of young people – we’re thrilled to take the baton to build KamalaHQ into a youth mobilization organization that can withstand the test of time. This work was built into People For’s DNA: leveraging culture to change our politics. We’re excited to work with her on this next chapter.” 

People For The American Way was founded in 1984 by television producer Norman Lear to challenge the far right agenda of the Moral Majority and has grown to a network of more than a million members and supporters. In the years since, People For has been one of the nation’s leading incubators for Democracy: housing projects like Right Wing Watch, a leading platform holding far right extremists accountable, and using its connection to artists and cultural icons to inspire and empower progressive leaders nationwide. 

Additional Background Information:

• Harris will join People For the American Way as the Chair Emerita of Headquarters, an honorary role. 
• Kirsten Allen, the Vice President’s senior advisor, will join People For as a member of the Board of Directors. 
• Harris’ role is ex-officio, and she will not maintain editorial oversight of the project. All programmatic decisions will be made by Headquarters and the leadership of People For
• The program will operate the original HQ accounts, but will also expand to YouTube, Substack, and other platforms.
• As part of the program, HQ will be used to funnel young people into both online and offline action for progressive values, leveraging People For’s existing resources.

###

About People For the American Way:

People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of American ideals real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more at peoplefor.org.

 

 

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