Connecticut

Connecticut lawmakers adjourn session, fail to pass AI regulations but pass absentee ballot reforms – The Boston Globe

Published

2 years ago

May 9, 2024

Connecticut lawmakers adjourn session, fail to pass AI regulations but pass absentee ballot reforms – The Boston Globe

The AI legislation was one of several bills proposed during the short three-month legislative session that attempted to address major, weighty issues — from climate change to the codification of abortion rights in the state’s constitution. All failed after the Democratic-controlled General Assembly met its midnight adjournment deadline.

Lawmakers had some success stories this session, however.

Legislation cleared the General Assembly that makes numerous nursing home reforms, including prohibiting facilities from placing new residents in rooms with more than two beds.

Additionally, the Senate gave final legislative approval Wednesday night to a bill that attempts to address the proliferation of THC-infused beverages being sold in convenience stores and elsewhere. The legislation prohibits sales to anyone under 21 and allows the drinks to be sold only at packages stores or cannabis dispensaries, including those that sell both recreational and medical marijuana. Senators also voted to prohibit synthetic cannabinoids in cannabis and forbid the state’s licensed cannabis establishments from selling them.

Also late Wednesday, the Senate rushed to passed legislation that tightens absentee voting laws after people were captured on video last year stuffing reams of ballots into collection boxes in Bridgeport. The bill requires mandatory surveillance cameras at drop boxes and improved tracking of ballots, as well as new protections for poll workers.

“I don’t believe that it goes far enough,” Republican Sen. Rob Sampson said of the bill, calling what happened in Bridgeport a “fiasco” that warranted stronger action. He attempted to amend the bill with measures including a requirement that voters show an ID at the polls, but all four failed.

Lawmakers this session also passed a Democratic bill that updates Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation paid sick leave law from 2011 and requires all employers, down to those with a single worker, to provide their employees with time off by 2027. It awaits Lamont’s signature.

House Speaker Matt Ritter, a Democrat, noted how the sick leave bill came “close to the finish line” last year and benefited from lawmakers knowing what could pass this year. Other major bills didn’t have that advantage.

“There are just some bills you can’t do because of time,” he said.

Other high-profile proposals also failed Wednesday, including bills to curb the cost of e-books for libraries, expand protections for certain tenants, prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children, bar legacy admissions at public and private colleges, and provide Connecticut residents who telecommute for New York companies with a financial incentive to challenge their income tax bills from that state.

One reason why some concepts faltered this year, including a push to extend the state’s HUSKY health insurance program for immigrants over the age of 15, may be the Democrats’ unusual decision not to reopen the second year of the two-year budget passed last year.

Traditionally the short legislative session is dedicated primarily to adjustments to the second year of the budget.

Instead, late Tuesday, the Senate gave final legislative approval to a plan to spend at least $360 million in remaining federal COVID-19 pandemic funds on key areas, including higher education, not-for-profit social service agencies, municipal aid and children’s mental health. The same bill also granted Lamont expanded authority to move money between state accounts.

“When we agreed not to open the budget and did not do a budget, that really limited your options,” Ritter said.

Republican lawmakers strongly criticized the decision to not reopen the budget. Some predicted Connecticut will now face future deficits by using one-time COVID relief funds for operating expenses.

“The Democrats didn’t do their job on the budget and they’ve left the hard decisions up to the governor,” House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora said. Democrats dismissed the criticism.

In the final minutes of the session, Republicans in the Senate sharply criticized their Democratic colleagues for calling up a vague bill that creates a $3 million fund for low-wage workers, calling it a slush fund. While Democrats didn’t explain the intention of the bill, which passed with only Democratic votes, a coalition of unions later praised the legislation as a step toward creating an assistance fund for striking workers.

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Connecticut

Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting

Published

10 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting

A Bridgeport firefighter is dead after a homicide in Stratford, according to officials.

At approximately 1:44 a.m., the Stratford Police Department responded to a report of a shooting on Feeley Street.

Upon arrival, officers found a male bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after by paramedics.

The firefighter was identified as 41-year-old Terrence Cramer of Bridgeport.

Cramer was an active-duty Bridgeport Firefighter for the last 9.5 years.

“Chief Edwards and the Bridgeport Fire Department are aware of the passing of Bridgeport Firefighter Terrence Cramer. We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Terrence,” said Bridgeport Public Information Officer Shawnna White.

After a brief motor vehicle pursuit, 41-year-old Jabari Bush was taken into custody in Derby at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, a felony arrest warrant for the murder of Terrence Cramer was charged to Bush.

Bush is charged with Murder, Home Invasion and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

He is being held on a $2 million court set bond. His court date is issued for March 30, 2026.

The Stratford Police Department was assisted by the New Haven Police Department, the Seymour Police Department, the Shelton Police Department, the Derby Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.

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Connecticut

6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip

Published

22 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip

Known for its captivating coastlines along the breathtaking Long Island Sound, Connecticut has spectacular destinations for unforgettable weekend adventures. Prepare for a dreamy getaway where history, beauty, and culture converge through mesmerizing medieval-style mansions such as the one at Gillette Castle State Park. You can also explore the rich maritime history of Mystic through the Mystic Seaport Museum or experience cascading waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park. So, read on to discover even more about the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.

Mystic

Mystic, Connecticut.

From exquisite galleries to eye-catching coastal pathways and endless opportunities for shopping and dining, Mystic is very diverse. Start by diving into America’s seafaring history at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Here, you will find treasures, including four National Historic Landmark vessels and over 500 historic watercraft. Next, meet intriguing creatures at the Mystic Aquarium. This non-profit organization is home to thousands of animals, covering marine mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish.

If you are more of a creative, see rotating exhibitions created by notable regional artists at the Mystic Museum of Art, a place for culture, community, and creativity. Next, find out what unique gifts and souvenirs are available in Olde Mistick Village. This open-air shopping village features a wide range of stores, with over 40 shops and eateries to explore in a beautiful, colonial-style, pet-friendly environment. When you are ready to rest, stay right outside the village at the Holiday Inn Express Mystic. Enjoy on-site amenities like a fitness center, pool, free breakfast, and complimentary coffee in a convenient central location.

Litchfield

Plan a peaceful, picture-perfect escape surrounded by nature and 18th-century architecture in Litchfield, one of the best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip. Soak in the scenery of Mount Tom State Park as you climb 1,325 feet to the summit, or simply sit back and relax by the pond. Nature lovers can explore the eye-catching trails of the White Memorial Conservation Center. This wonderful nature preserve has a historic regional museum and a 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary.

Downtown Litchfield, Connecticut. Image credit: Joe Mabel via Flickr.com.

After getting your steps in, treat yourself to a dreamy trip to the winery. Taste quality varietals underneath stunning skies or in a rustic tasting room at Sunset Meadow Vineyards, only a few minutes’ drive from The Litchfield Inn. This lovely boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and lush, rolling hills.

Niantic

Find your own piece of Northeast paradise in Niantic, one of Connecticut’s most beautiful small towns. Wander along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, a 1.1-mile path stretching from Cini Park to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach along Long Island Sound. Go swimming off the sandy shores in the summer, accessible by a short tunnel underneath the railroad tracks. Once you have soaked up the sun, see what treasures you can find in The Book Barn. This Main Street haven features over 350,000 books, along with exciting games, vibrant gardens, and adorable farm animals. After a day of exploring, head to The Niantic Inn. This cozy hotel, located a few minutes east, is known for its excellent location near the shore, shops, and restaurants.

Madison

Book a dreamy getaway to Madison, your typical New England beach town. From picturesque coastlines to pedestrian-friendly pathways with quaint cafes, award-winning bookstores, and charming boutiques, this is one of Connecticut’s best getaway towns. Experience the beauty of Hammonasset Beach State Park, the state’s longest shoreline park. The site includes two miles of sandy beaches along with a peaceful nature preserve. Home to the Meigs Point Nature Center, you can find over 50 species of local wildlife, educational displays, and unbeatable views. After an afternoon of adventures, spend a relaxing evening in Madison Cinemas. This independently owned cinema presents films in 7.1 Surround Sound for a highly immersive experience. Regarding accommodations, Scranton Seahorse Inn is only a two-minute walk away. Stay in a cozy room in the heart of town, where history and renovated comforts combine in a 1833 Greek revival home.

East Haddam

Approximately 45 minutes from Madison, you will find East Haddam, one of the state’s most remarkable yet under-the-radar small towns. Start your weekend at Gillette Castle State Park. Explore the modern medieval stone castle with spectacular views from 200 feet above the Connecticut River. To further immerse yourself in nature, head to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. From cascading waterfalls to wonderful bird-watching and trout fishing opportunities, the park is full of gems. Make sure you visit the Eightmile River, a National Scenic and Wild River designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Capture photos of Chapman Falls, dropping more than 60 feet over the Scotland Schist stone formation. City lovers wanting to explore Main Street should head to the Victorian-era Goodspeed Opera House. Watch a mesmerizing musical from April through December in this architectural wonder. Finally, end the night with a historic stay mixed with modern amenities in The Boardman House Inn. Located right up the street, this luxe bed and breakfast was constructed with Second Empire architecture in 1860, immersing you in a journey back in time.

Kent

Unlock the perfect combination of history and nature in Kent, an extraordinary spot in the Litchfield Hills. Famous for its fall foliage, Appalachian hiking trails, and quaint Main Street shops, this New England town offers plenty to do. Begin your adventure in Kent Falls State Park. There, you will see a striking series of waterfalls dropping into the Housatonic River. From there, wander across the Bulls Bridge. Constructed in 1842, this historic treasure is one of the few functional covered bridges remaining in the state. The Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum is another site you must not miss. Its 8-acre museum space boasts unique machinery depicting the area’s rich industrial and agricultural history. If you are looking for distinct accommodations that will truly connect you with the heart of Kent, stay at the Spirit Horse Farm. The charming small family farm offers comfortable lodging in a historic setting that will make for a truly unforgettable escape.

Plan Your Weekend Escape In Connecticut

If you would like to see plenty of diverse attractions in a short period of time, Connecticut is the perfect place to explore. Discover a dreamy mix of natural beauty, maritime history, art, and New England-style architecture in this coastal haven. From the gorgeous galleries and notable museums of Mystic, to the expansive boardwalks of Niantic, and the striking Appalachian trails and outdoor museums of Kent, these are the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.

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Connecticut

The Houston Comets are back as the Sun sets on the WNBA’s time in Connecticut, where fans face unfortunate reality

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

The Houston Comets are back as the Sun sets on the WNBA’s time in Connecticut, where fans face unfortunate reality

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Houston Comets’ four WNBA championship banners and the jerseys of their icons have a rightful home again. If only it didn’t come at the expense of another.

The news of the Connecticut Sun selling to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and relocating to the Lone Star state as the Comets is a zero-sum game, transporting heartache elsewhere.

Sure, it’s a long-awaited victory for Houston and its fans, who were many and only grew in number as vintage became trendy. This city deserved the return of a team ripped from its clutches at the start of the Great Recession, and despite decent attendance throughout its success.

Yet, the basketball-crazed state of Connecticut will now feel that same void. It’s hard to overlook that the final report of the sale dropped while 12-time national champion UConn actively extended its winning streak to 53 with a victory in the Sweet 16 here in Fort Worth, Texas. Four hours from Houston.

Hey, the move screamed, look over there instead. The epitome of a Friday night news dump that everyone involved with hoped wouldn’t sting quite so much.

“The people at Mohegan Sun, they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma told ESPN. “…We’re a proven [place] where people would support women’s basketball. Now [with them] moving, I think it leaves a void.”

The Mohegan Sun Tribe entered into the WNBA at a time when the NBA stepped out. It became the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team when it purchased the Orlando Miracle franchise for $5 million in 2003 and brought it to UConn’s backyard to play at their casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The move marked a historic first for the six-year-old league. That previous October, the WNBA’s Board of Governors changed its bylaws so that teams did not have to be located in NBA cities, play in NBA arenas and be owned by the league in conjunction with the NBA. The decision was sparked by declining attendance and falling TV ratings. Teams in Miami and Portland folded that same offseason.

As attendance booms and TV ratings explode nearly 25 years later, the Sun franchise’s sale for a reported $300 million is another screaming example that NBAers want back into the lucrative fold. All three incoming expansion teams that will join the W beginning in 2027 are connected to the NBA. So, too, are the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto Tempo. Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle, Dallas and the incoming Portland Fire, which also took its folded name, are not associated by ownership with NBA teams.

The writing was scribbled on the Mohegan Sun’s yellowed walls long before news became public of a potential sale. Their arena holds 10,000, more than a couple of unfortunate WNBA stragglers, but nowhere close to the 15,000-plus atmosphere for which the league yearns. Though they maintained healthy attendance, the Sun never won a WNBA championship despite a run of success in the early 2010s that was hampered by health.

That player core departed for greener pastures, trading New England summers for sweltering hot desert heat kept at bay by sparkling, state-of-the-art practice facilities. Transportation was always a headache with the closest airport nearly an hour away. Players voiced displeasure at the overall location, desiring a city instead of an arena dropped inside a casino in the countryside.

The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) passed by both the players union and WNBA Board of Governors this week wrote it all in permanent marker. The Sun can’t meet the new facilities, staff and financial standards set forth in it, a key bargaining chip pushed by the players themselves. The jump in salary cap alone, from $1.5M to $7M, is difficult to meet.

The unfortunate reality is the league outgrew the market and what it could offer, even if that contribution was a healthy women’s basketball base fed by the Huskies’ success. A team will be ripped from its home again, leaving behind fans who will hand down this hurt for generations. The women’s game is old enough to be shared that way now.

The Comets are finally back. And the Sun will become a vintage symbol of loss.

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