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Unlimited debate, fine; but not abuse

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Unlimited debate, fine; but not abuse


“My view on politics in Connecticut right now is we’re at war,” Republican State Sen. Rob Sampson said in a recent interview. “We’ve been operating as if it’s peacetime for too long as Connecticut Republicans.”

As Senate President Pro Tem and Senate Majority Leader, we take no joy to inform readers that one of the Connecticut General Assembly’s most time-honored traditions is under attack in this era of ugly and contentious politics. We refer to the longstanding convention of entertaining unlimited debate.

Some residents may be surprised to learn that the majority party in our state legislature has traditionally and voluntarily committed to an open exchange of ideas for as long as its senators and representatives wish to. Long after the Republican Party began to assault the very foundation of our federal institutions, we have let flexibility and the spirit of good faith debate guide us in the State Senate.

At times, this tradition has resulted in marathon debates that have tested the patience of our members. Anyone who has served in the state Senate has likely watched the early morning sun filter through the chamber’s ornate stained-glass windows after a long night spent arguing over the asserted merits or flaws of a particularly contentious bill or amendment.

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It is important to note that Connecticut is not typical in observing this custom. In 2009, the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research reported that only 15 state legislatures did not prospectively set limits on debate to effectively expedite the flow of the legislative calendar.

Here in Connecticut, we have chosen not to utilize tools to curtail debate — though those tools certainly do exist. We have maintained this practice both as a professional courtesy to our colleagues and as a reflection of our desire to ensure that the voices of Connecticut residents represented by the minority party are included in our deliberative process.

It has become difficult, however, to continue extending that courtesy to members of a reduced Republican minority when certain members have not only abused that accommodation but boasted about that abuse in the media.

Last Monday, Sen, Sampson claimed to be “humble” as he told reporter Mike Cerulli that he wielded “tremendous power” over the legislature as it nears the end of its session. The claim was based on Senator Sampson’s presumed capacity to abuse the tradition of unlimited debate in order to defeat Democratic priorities simply by talking until the State Senate ran out of time at midnight on the constitutionally mandated final day of the legislative session. “In many ways, I decide what lives and dies. I really do,” Sampson reportedly said.

While we endeavor to ensure that minority party voters’ voices are heard, Senator Sampson, like all state senators, represents approximately 100,000 Connecticut residents. It is difficult to understand why one senator should be permitted to decide “what lives and dies” for the entire state. Such an unbalanced approach defies the spirit of representative democracy.

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It is worth noting that voters have seen fit to expand the General Assembly’s Democratic majorities in each of the last four election cycles. The people of Connecticut have voiced their desire for Democratic programs and policies, and we must honor that trust.

While we remain reluctant to abandon our longstanding commitment to forbearance and accommodation, the senator’s own words demonstrate a hostility to the spirit of cooperation and restraint that underpins such patience. Time will tell if the minority party wants this tradition to live or die.

Martin Looney is President Pro Tempore and Bob Duff is Majority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate.



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Connecticut

HBO casting in CT for neighbor dispute docuseries

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HBO casting in CT for neighbor dispute docuseries


A hit HBO documentary series is looking to Connecticut for stories to feature in its second season.

The show “Neighbors” follows on-going neighbor disputes across the country. The goal of the show is to help neighbors reach a resolution, according to the show’s casting director and executive producer Harleigh Shaw.

“Each story we explore, we spend extensive time with neighbors on both sides to really understand the full context beyond the disputes,” Shaw said.

Producers wanted to share stories in the second season that were based in states that weren’t featured earlier this year in the first season, including Connecticut, Shaw said.

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“A lot of the things that we’re most interested in are things that may seem small, but become a bigger issue between the neighbors,” Shaw said. “Anything from disagreements over gardening practices to property lines to noise to dock issues, if it’s a waterfront property. A whole myriad of things. We’re really open to anything.”

However, the show does avoid situations that are violent or dangerous.

Residents from Connecticut looking to participate should be open to third party conflict resolution, according to Shaw.

“Some of the ways that we did that were through mediation,” Shaw said. “That’s a huge one. But there are other things in terms of resources we’d be open to help the neighbors to like help work through the issues.”

Filming will take place throughout the summer and is expected to be completed by the end of September.

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The show’s production team is located in New York City and Los Angeles.

“Connecticut has always been really interesting because it’s just a short trip away, and we’re just curious to explore the types of neighbor dynamics that are going on there,” Shaw said.

Connecticut residents who are interested in being on “Neighbors,” can apply at helloneighbortv.com and are encouraged to submit information about themselves as well as their neighbor dispute.

“The neighbor disputes are the entry point for this show, but we’re always also just very interested in inspiring amazing people doing cool stuff,” Shaw said.

“Neighbors” premiered in February and was quickly renewed. The show averages about 3 million viewers per episode.

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The show features stories that make viewers laugh and cringe, according to HBO Programming’s Executive Vice President Nina Rosenstein.

“At a time when even the smallest disagreements can spiral out of control, ‘Neighbors’ feels both hilariously absurd and surprisingly relatable,” Rosenstein said. “What makes the show special isn’t just the stories and people they find, but the empathy and humanity they bring to each episode.”





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‘Serious’ crash closes Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury

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‘Serious’ crash closes Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury


DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Danbury drivers can expect hours-long closures on Sugar Hollow Road early Monday morning after a “serious” crash, according to local police.

Police said the morning crash has caused closures in both directions at the Ridgefield Line (Bennetts Farm Road) and at Miry Brook Road.

The road is expected to close for approximately three to four hours, police said.

Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes, including George Washington Highway and Route 53.

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There are no words on injuries.

Additional information was not immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.


Download the News 8 app to get breaking news and weather alerts.

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Watch News 8 on WTNH.com or the free WTNH News 8 streaming app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung Smart TVs.



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Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

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Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut


ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”

Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.

Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.

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Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.

“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.

Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.

Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.

Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.

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