Real Estate
New Haven Landlord Seeks Accelerated Rehab for Code Violations
New Haven landlord Jianchao Xu seeks to erase a misdemeanor charge via Accelerated Rehabilitation after his property burned three times in 2026.
CNS
Editorial Staff
Connecticut Navigator Staff
Connecticut Navigator is an independently owned news publication covering Connecticut politics, business, real estate, food, arts, and community life. Our editorial team covers the stories that matter to the people who live, work, and invest here.
Covers: General Politics Business
Articles by Connecticut Navigator Staff
81 Articles Politics
New Haven Armory Gets $6.75M for Community Revitalization
Alder Kim Edwards spotlights the Goffe Street Armory in her State of the City address as $6.75M in state funding moves the landmark toward new life.
Environment
Iran War Pushes New England Farms Toward Clean Energy
Rising fuel costs from the Iran conflict are squeezing Connecticut farms, pushing some farmers to invest in solar and heat pumps to survive.
Politics
Connecticut May Offer Free Transit to Veterans Statewide
Connecticut could become the first state to offer free bus fares to veterans, with $1 million proposed in both the governor's and legislature's budgets.
Politics
Connecticut Doubled Minimum Wage, But Poverty Barely Moved
A new report finds Connecticut's poverty rate dropped just 0.3% after the state doubled its minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 between 2019 and 2023.
Politics
CT's $53M Farm Disaster Relief Grant Near Approval
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says Connecticut's $53 million farm disaster relief grant is 'at the finish line' after 16 months of delays.
Politics
CT House Passes Lamont Vaccine Bill HB 5044 After Debate
The Connecticut House passed Gov. Lamont's vaccine authority bill 89-60, expanding the Public Health Commissioner's power amid partisan debate over state law.
Environment
CT Senate Passes Ban on Releasing Helium Balloons
Connecticut's Senate voted 35-4 to ban intentional helium balloon releases, protecting Long Island Sound wildlife and requiring retailers to attach weights.
Politics
CT's Career Tech Programs Miss the Mark on Real Jobs
A CBIA Foundation report reveals Connecticut's digital tech education reaches fewer than 600 students with skills employers actually need.
Politics
CT Senate Passes Sweeping AI Regulation Bill 32-4
Connecticut's Senate passed Senate Bill 5, a 40-section AI regulation measure, 32-4 after hours of debate over governing frontier AI models and youth safety.
Politics
CT Mirror Towing Investigation Named National Award Finalist
CT Mirror and ProPublica's 'On the Hook' investigation into Connecticut's predatory towing industry is a finalist for the Taylor Family Award for Fairness.
Politics
CT Registrars Weigh In on SAVE Act Voting Concerns
Connecticut's Secretary of State addresses anxious women voters asking if the SAVE Act could affect their eligibility due to name change issues.
Politics
How Waterford CT Defeated a Hyperscale Data Center
Waterford, CT's three-year grassroots fight against a hyperscale data center ends in victory after NE Edge-Waterford's Host Fee Agreement expires.
Politics
Cheshire Teachers Rally for Afghan Student Detained by ICE
Rihan, an Afghan refugee and Cheshire High senior, was detained by ICE in April. A judge ordered his release on $1,500 bond amid claims of an administrative error.
Politics
Connecticut Weighs Social Media Protections for Minors
Connecticut lawmakers push new social media safeguards for youth as state data shows a doubling of teen suicides between 2023 and 2024.
Politics
GOP Protests Pakistani Flag on CT Lawmaker's Desk
Connecticut Republicans placed Gadsden flags on 18 House desks to protest Rep. Maryam Khan's display of a Pakistani flag, sparking a Capitol debate.
Environment
Lamont Meets Brookfield Selectman on Iroquois Pipeline Project
Gov. Lamont met with Brookfield's first selectman to discuss the Iroquois pipeline compressor expansion and a proposed electric compressor alternative.
Politics
Elliott Challenges Lamont Before New Haven Democrats
Progressive challenger Josh Elliott took his campaign directly to New Haven's Democratic Town Committee, attacking Gov. Lamont on tax reform ahead of the May 16 convention.
Arts & Culture
Cherry Blossoms Trimmed on Hughes Place After Festival
A utility crew trimmed New Haven's beloved Hughes Place cherry blossoms just after the Wooster Square Cherry Blossom Festival, leaving neighbors scrambling to save branches.
People
Justice Panel Highlights Reentry Support in New Haven
A panel of reentry advocates spoke at SCSU about how nonprofits help formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives through education and community support.
Politics
CT House Speaker Confident on $170M School Funding Boost
House Speaker Matt Ritter says he's confident Connecticut lawmakers can secure a $170M boost to public school funding, pushing Gov. Lamont toward the figure.
Environment
Trump's Environmental Rollbacks Threaten Connecticut Air Quality
Federal environmental rollbacks under Trump are worsening Connecticut's already poor air quality, raising alarms over public health and decades of progress.
Politics
Eli Sabin Wins Ward 26 Endorsement Over Patricia Dillon
Eli Sabin defeated 44-year incumbent Patricia Dillon 21-9 in a Ward 26 straw poll for Connecticut's 92nd District Democratic nomination.
Politics
CT Survivors Justice Act: Reducing Sentences for Abuse Victims
Connecticut's House Bill 5306 would let judges reduce sentences for domestic violence survivors whose abuse directly contributed to their crime.
Politics
Connecticut House Passes Bill Removing THC Limits on Cannabis
Connecticut's House passed a bill to remove THC caps on cannabis products, raising competition concerns with neighboring states. It now heads to the Senate.
Politics
Kosta Diamantis Rejects Plea Deal in Second Bribery Case
Former CT deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis rejected a plea deal in a second federal bribery case, heading toward trial on corruption charges.
Politics
Connecticut Moves to Ban Convertible Handguns
Connecticut's Governor's Bill No. 5043 would ban convertible pistols, closing legal loopholes that allow easily modified handguns to fire at military-like rates.
Politics
UConn Health to Finalize Day Kimball Hospital Acquisition
UConn Health is set to acquire Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam by fall 2026, ending years of financial struggles at the independent Connecticut facility.
Politics
CT Doctors Now Sue Patients More Than Hospitals Over Medical Bills
Doctors and dentists filed over 80% of Connecticut's medical debt lawsuits in 2024, surpassing hospitals in a major shift from 2019 collection trends.
Politics
Solar Over Gas: How CT Could Lower Your Electric Bill
Connecticut candidate Anne Weisberg argues solar energy, not natural gas, is the key to reducing skyrocketing Eversource bills for state residents.
Politics
Connecticut Launches Quantum Science Center at Southern CT State
Southern Connecticut State University opens the QNT Center, putting New Haven on the quantum science map with hands-on research from day one.
Politics
CT Democrats Rewrite Homeschool Bill to Win House Votes
Connecticut Democrats revised HB 5468, dropping contested provisions to secure enough House votes before the legislative session ends May 6.
Politics
Sixth Prisoner Dies in CT Custody: New Haven Jail Death
Gamboy Guaranda, 33, died by apparent suicide at New Haven Correctional Center, becoming the sixth person to die in CT DOC custody since February.
Politics
License Plate Fraud Costs CT Towns Millions in Tax Revenue
Connecticut towns are losing millions annually as residents register cars out of state to avoid local property taxes, with little action from the DMV.
Politics
New Haven Shelter Faces Closure Without $30M State Funding
Nonprofit leaders warn 100 homeless residents could lose shelter unless Connecticut lawmakers approve $30 million for homeless services.
Politics
UConn Faculty Contract: No Givebacks in New AAUP Deal
UConn's new faculty contract delivers 4.5% annual raises and expanded benefits with no substantive givebacks, raising questions about bargaining balance.
Politics
Larson vs. Bronin: Labor Records Clash in CT Primary
UNITE HERE endorses John Larson as his campaign battles Luke Bronin over labor record ahead of Connecticut's August 11 Democratic primary.
Politics
Sabin Canvasses Edgewood on Housing Crisis in 92nd District Race
Candidate Eli Sabin hears firsthand housing stress from Edgewood residents as he campaigns in a crowded 92nd District Democratic primary.
Politics
DOJ Sues Connecticut Over Sanctuary Policies
The U.S. Justice Department sued Connecticut and New Haven, targeting the Trust Act as an unconstitutional barrier to federal immigration enforcement.
Real Estate
East Rock Landlord Buys Embassy Apts for $5.2M
The Embassy Apartments at 102-116 Dwight Street sold for $5.2 million—$2.2 million above the city's tax appraisal—to East Rock Real Estate's Albert Annunziata.
Politics
CT Advocates Push Billionaire's Tax on Tax Day 2026
Connecticut advocates dressed as Mr. Monopoly rallied at the State Capitol, demanding lawmakers tax the wealthy to protect public services from federal cuts.
Politics
Bronin Outraises Larson Again in CT-1 Primary Race
Luke Bronin raised $511K to John Larson's $452K in Q1, tightening the Democratic primary battle for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District.
Real Estate
New Haven Zoners Approve 60-Unit Apartment Project in Fair Haven
New Haven's Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a 60-unit apartment project at 97-101 Essex St. despite neighbor objections favoring single-family homes.
Politics
Lamont Proposes Health Insurance Tax Credits for CT Small Businesses
Gov. Lamont is pushing ICHRA tax credits of up to $1,000 per employee to help Connecticut small businesses cover workers' health insurance costs.
Politics
Connecticut Bill Would Offer Free Swim Lessons to Low-Income Kids
A Connecticut bill would require free swim lessons for low-income children, addressing stark racial and economic gaps in drowning rates among kids.
Politics
Investigative Report Overshadows Stewart-Ackert Ticket Unveiling
Erin Stewart's gubernatorial campaign launch with running mate Tim Ackert was overshadowed by a report alleging financial mismanagement in New Britain's tax office.
Politics
CT Committee Strips Homeschool Oversight From Education Bill
Connecticut's Appropriations Committee quietly removed a homeschool oversight provision from Senate Bill 6, weeks after a child's death sparked calls for reform.
Politics
Betsy McCaughey Sues NY Over Pipeline in CT Governor Race
Republican CT governor candidate Betsy McCaughey filed a federal lawsuit accusing NY Gov. Hochul of blocking a natural gas pipeline and raising energy costs.
Politics
CT Senate Passes Bill Limiting Federal Immigration Actions
Connecticut Senate passes landmark immigration bill shielding schools, hospitals, and churches from federal enforcement along party lines.
Politics
CT House GOP Budget: $420M Tax Relief Plan Explained
Connecticut House Republicans unveil a $27.9B budget with $420M in tax relief, expanded property tax credits, and a challenge to Gov. Lamont's rebate plan.
Politics
Jamie Raskin Endorses John Larson for 15th Congressional Term
Rep. Jamie Raskin endorsed John Larson for a 15th term in Connecticut's 1st District, defending the 78-year-old amid a competitive Democratic primary.
Politics
Connecticut's Juvenile Justice Care for Girls Has Faltered
Experts say Connecticut has stepped back from gender-responsive care for girls in the juvenile system, as cases rose from 1,370 in 2022 to 2,510 in 2024.
Arts & Culture
Punk Bands From Across Asia Converge in Gwangju, South Korea
Inside Club Boojik in Gwangju, seven punk bands from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia played a night no one wanted to leave.
Business
CT Company's Tech Helps Artemis II Crew Survive Reentry
Simsbury's Ensign-Bickford built the pyrotechnic system that separated the Orion capsule during Artemis II's critical reentry above the Pacific.
Politics
CT Senate Confirms Josh Hershman as Insurance Commissioner
The Connecticut Senate unanimously confirmed Josh Hershman as insurance commissioner after he served four months in the role on an interim basis.
Arts & Culture
Slain Refugee's Name Taped Over on Musk-Linked Mural
Black tape now covers Iryna Zarutska's name on a New Haven mural funded by a campaign amplified by Elon Musk, one day after media coverage.
Politics
Connecticut Senate Confirms Josh Hershman as Insurance Commissioner
The CT Senate unanimously confirmed Josh Hershman as state insurance commissioner, ending months of interim leadership since his predecessor retired.
Arts & Culture
Judy Blume Biography by Mark Oppenheimer Reviewed
Mark Oppenheimer's new biography makes Judy Blume feel real rather than mythologized, tracing the costs of fame and reader devotion.
Environment
Students Build Garden Beds at Newhallville Middle School
King/Robinson students and Common Ground High School juniors build garden beds in Newhallville, anchoring a food insecurity grant to feed local families.
Politics
Connecticut Veterans Face Lasting Toxic Exposure Needs
Over 134,200 Connecticut veterans face ongoing health burdens from toxic exposures like Agent Orange, burn pits, PFAS, and asbestos during military service.
Politics
CT Lawmakers Push DCF Reforms After Child Abuse Tragedies
Connecticut legislators introduce House Bill 5004, a sweeping package of DCF reforms targeting emergency placements, caregiver oversight, and child welfare accountability.
Politics
Lamont Reaches Wage Deals With CT State Employees
Gov. Ned Lamont secured tentative raises for roughly 45,000 unionized Connecticut state workers, with most receiving a 2.5% annual wage increase.
Politics
Josh Elliott Challenges Lamont from the Left in CT Governor Race
Progressive state rep Josh Elliott is mounting a serious primary challenge against Gov. Ned Lamont, visiting 100 Democratic town committees across Connecticut.
Politics
CT Bottle Redemption Debate: What's Happening in 2026
Connecticut's bottle deposit hit a 97% redemption rate, but retailers say the program is broken. Here's why lawmakers are revisiting it in 2026.
Politics
CT Scientists Warn of Alarming Early Tick Activity in 2026
Connecticut researchers logged over 100 tick submissions in a single day in early April, with Lyme disease rates hitting 40%—well above the historical average.
News
Shubert Theatre Unveils 2026-2027 Broadway Season in New Haven
The Shubert Theatre in New Haven revealed its 2026-2027 Broadway Series with live performances, including a showstopping turn from The Wiz's Phillip Johnson Richardson.
Politics
Connecticut Family Child Care Providers Clash With State Agency
Connecticut home-based child care providers say the Office of Early Childhood has shifted from support to surveillance, driving experienced educators out.
News
26-Year-Old Arrested for 2025 Murder of Dennis Atkinson
New Haven police arrested a 26-year-old man for the August 2025 shooting death of Dennis Atkinson, killed during a dispute over a counterfeit bill.
Politics
CT House Passes Bill to Fix Tire Disposal Program
Connecticut's House voted 124-21 to require tire retailers to join the state's tire stewardship program, closing loopholes that led to illegal dumping.
Politics
CT Lawmakers Target AI Policy Bills in 2026 Session
Connecticut lawmakers take a focused, bipartisan approach to AI regulation in 2026, targeting data privacy, consumer protection, and workforce development.
Politics
Trump Budget Singles Out Greenwich and Waterford, CT
Trump's latest budget proposal names Greenwich and Waterford, CT as examples of wasteful federal spending, targeting Community Development Block Grants.
Politics
CT House Passes Earmark Reform Bill 141-0
Connecticut's House unanimously passed earmark reform requiring lawmakers to name recipients and explain fund use, amid a federal probe into Sen. Doug McCrory.
News
East Haven Reconsiders Tweed Expansion With State Funding Deal
East Haven moves toward accepting Tweed Airport expansion after securing $40M in state funds, a $4.4M annual PILOT, and infrastructure investments.
Business
UConn Opens $80M Engineering Building at Storrs Campus
UConn unveiled an $80 million, 150,000-square-foot engineering facility at Storrs, aimed at closing Connecticut's engineering talent gap and boosting the state's economy.
Politics
Prospect Medical Never Set Aside Malpractice Funds
Prospect Medical Holdings never reserved money for malpractice claims, leaving victims like Pamela Dorn with no recourse after the chain's 2025 bankruptcy.
UConn
UConn Women's Basketball 2026-27 Roster and Transfer Portal
Paige Bueckers is gone. Here's what UConn women's basketball's 2026-27 roster, transfer portal activity, and schedule look like under Geno Auriemma.
Politics
Affordability Without Stability Is Just a Slogan
Melvin Medina challenges Connecticut's housing debate, arguing that affordability without stability is a marketing slogan, not a real policy goal.
Politics
CT Health Advocates Push to Include Immigrants in Federal Cut Solutions
Over 500 health care providers urge Connecticut lawmakers to protect all residents, regardless of immigration status, from federal health care funding cuts.
Politics
Eversource Drops Three Connecticut Solar Contracts
Eversource withdrew from three state-selected solar contracts totaling 54 MW, citing above-market pricing and concerns over $238M in customer costs.
Politics
CT Towns Demand 50% Share of Casino Slot Revenue
Connecticut municipalities are pushing lawmakers for a 50-50 split of casino slot revenues, up from the current 14% share worth $52.5 million.
Politics
CT Advocates Push $600M Pre-K Endowment Amid Budget Deficit
Early childhood education advocates rallied at the CT State Capitol urging Gov. Lamont to fund the Universal PreK Endowment despite a projected deficit.