CT leaders are establishing direct trade commissions with other countries, seeking to maintain friendly business ties, attract investment.
P.R. Lockhart
P.R. Lockhart is CT Mirror’s economic development reporter. She focuses on the relationship between state economic policy, businesses activity, and equitable community development. P.R. previously worked as an economic development reporter in West Virginia for Mountain State Spotlight, where she covered inequality, workforce development, and state legislative policy. Her career began in Washington D.C. with fellowship and staff writer roles with Mother Jones and Vox. P.R. graduated with a degree in psychology and a certificate in policy journalism and media studies from Duke University.
Posted inEducation
Financial literacy courses are expanding in CT, thanks to new requirement
Schools across CT are working to meet the new graduation requirement. Stamford got a boost from the city’s well-established finance sector.
Posted inEconomic Development
Sen. Blumenthal calls for DOJ investigation into CT Sun sale
The senator said he requested the US Department of Justice launch an antitrust investigation into the WNBA’s role in the Connecticut Sun sale.
Posted inEconomic Development
Former US Education Sec. Cardona to lead CT workforce effort
Gov. Lamont established the CT Career Pathways Commission by executive order Thursday. Former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona will lead it.
Posted inPolitics
In final weeks of CT session, AI policy bills come into focus
Advocates hope a new approach to regulating artificial intelligence will finally generate results, despite tensions with the industry.
Posted inEconomic Development
The CT Sun is leaving. The sale has raised deeper questions.
As the Sun and other sports teams depart for larger markets, concerns have grown that CT broadly lacks appeal for major league franchises.
Posted inPolitics
Iran strikes raise economic uncertainty in CT, governor says
Ned Lamont said the exact length of the conflict will be a key factor in exactly how the Connecticut economy fares.
Posted inEconomic Development
CT small businesses hope their latest R&D tax credit push pays off
Lawmakers are again considering expanding the state’s R&D tax credit to small businesses. Advocates are hopeful it will pass this session.
Posted inGovernment
CT comptroller revives wage theft bill after failed attempt last year
State Comptroller Sean Scanlon is backing legislation that would cut off companies that commit wage theft from contracting with the state.
Posted inEconomic Development
Report: CT’s Black businesses need support to thrive and grow
The first ‘State of Black Business’ found that navigating CT’s business support network and securing funding can be overly complicated.
Posted inEconomic Development
This CT nonprofit is getting startups through the ‘valley of death’
By funding early-stage “hardtech” entrepreneurs, FORGE has become a key part of CT’s effort to reignite and develop its manufacturing sector.
Posted inPolitics
CT legislature to weigh online safety, data protections for minors
Online privacy is a legislative priority this year, with several bills already introduced, including two put forward by Gov. Ned Lamont.
Posted inImmigration
‘National Shutdown’ in CT: Some shops close, some hold fundraisers
Organizers urged people all over the U.S. not to work, go to school or shop on Friday, one week after a similar demonstration in Minnesota.
Posted inEconomic Development
CBIA spotlights affordability, workforce ahead of legislative session
Connecticut’s largest business association laid out a policy agenda Thursday that addresses the needs of the state’s small businesses.
Posted inEconomic Development
Will CT pass AI legislation this year?
CT lawmakers haven’t settled on how to regulate artificial intelligence. Since they adjourned in 2025, the question has become more pressing.