Politics
CT Senate Bill 7: Why Students Can't Wait for Education Aid
Connecticut's Senate Bill 7 aims to boost funding for high-need schools as federal cuts slash $53.6M and per-student aid stays frozen since 2013.
JC
Senior Reporter
James Carvalho
James Carvalho is Connecticut Navigator's senior reporter covering local government and Fairfield County. A Bridgeport native with Portuguese-American roots—his grandparents came from the Azores—he graduated from Sacred Heart University and spent a decade at the Connecticut Post. He knows every city council member, every school board fight, and every simmering neighborhood dispute in the region. He lives in Fairfield. Previously, James was a Statehouse Correspondent at Associated Press. James holds a B.A. in Political Science from Quinnipiac University.
Covers: Local government Fairfield county Schools Development
Articles by James Carvalho
66 Articles Politics
CT House Passes Ban on Convertible Pistols
The Connecticut House passed an 86-64 vote banning convertible pistols, targeting Glocks modified into illegal automatic weapons on state streets.
Politics
CT House Speaker Confident Schools Will Get $170M Boost
House Speaker Matt Ritter says he's confident Gov. Lamont will agree to a $170M increase in Connecticut public school funding through the ECS formula.
Politics
CT Doctors Now Sue Patients More Than Hospitals Do
Connecticut doctors and non-hospital providers now file 80% of medical debt lawsuits, overtaking hospitals that once dominated collection cases.
Politics
Connecticut House Passes Bill Removing THC Limits on Cannabis
The Connecticut House passed a bill overhauling cannabis regulations, removing THC limits on certain products and opening the market to out-of-state consumers.
Politics
Kosta Diamantis Rejects Plea Deal, Faces Second Bribery Trial
Former CT deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis rejected a plea deal Monday and will face a second trial on new bribery and extortion charges.
Politics
Solar Over Gas: CT Candidate's Plan to Lower Electric Bills
Connecticut candidate Anne Weisberg argues solar energy, not natural gas, is the key to lowering electric bills for state residents.
Politics
License Plate Fraud Costs Connecticut Towns Millions
Connecticut residents registering vehicles out-of-state to dodge property taxes cost municipalities millions annually, while the DMV fails to act.
Politics
CT Doctors Now Sue Patients More Than Hospitals Over Medical Bills
Physicians and private providers now file over 80% of medical debt lawsuits in Connecticut, surpassing hospitals that pulled back under public pressure.
Politics
Connecticut Plans $402M Union Station Overhaul
Connecticut DOT unveiled a $402M plan to rebuild platforms, construct a canopy, and overhaul the pedestrian tunnel at New Haven's Union Station.
Politics
Connecticut Bill Would Ban Convertible Pistols Statewide
Connecticut lawmakers consider Governor's Bill No. 5043, which would ban the manufacture and sale of convertible pistols with class D felony penalties.
Politics
Larson vs Bronin: Labor Records Clash in CT Primary
John Larson gains UNITE HERE endorsement as his campaign targets challenger Luke Bronin's labor record ahead of Connecticut's Aug. 11 Democratic primary.
Politics
Lamont Creates Education Funding Commission Amid Pressure
Gov. Lamont signed an executive order creating an education funding commission, drawing mixed reactions from educators and officials seeking immediate aid.
Politics
Bronin vs. Larson: CT-1 Primary Fundraising Battle 2026
Luke Bronin outraised John Larson for the second straight quarter in Connecticut's 1st District Democratic primary, pulling in $511K to Larson's $452K.
Politics
House GOP Unveils $27.9B Budget With $420M Tax Relief
Connecticut House Republicans propose $27.9B budget with $420M in annual tax relief, bypassing the spending cap through hospital payment shifts.
Politics
CT Lawmakers Push DCF Child Welfare Reforms After Tragedies
Connecticut legislators are backing House Bill 5004, a sweeping package of DCF reforms covering emergency placements and new oversight after recent child tragedies.
Politics
Hunger as a Weapon: Lessons From Biafra to Gaza
A Connecticut resident traces his family's Biafran war memory to argue that using starvation as a political weapon remains a global crisis today.
Politics
Sen. Doug McCrory Faces Vetoes and FBI Probe Fallout
Gov. Lamont vetoed earmarks tied to McCrory's district as the FBI investigation continues and McCrory resigned from a key grant oversight board.
People
Civil Rights Icon Winston Lockett Laid to Rest
Winston Henry Lockett, a Freedom Rider who bore scars from voter registration drives in 1960s Alabama, was remembered at Beaverdale Memorial Park.
Politics
Trump Signs Executive Action to Pay TSA During Shutdown
Trump bypassed Congress with an executive action to pay TSA workers after a 42-day DHS partial shutdown left thousands without paychecks.
Politics
CT Officials Demand Release of Detained Cheshire Student
Connecticut officials call ICE detention of 19-year-old Afghan student 'un-American' as Governor Lamont and AG Tong rally for his release.
Politics
Lamont and CT Democrats Banking on Spring Tax Windfall
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Democratic lawmakers are counting on volatile investment tax revenues to close a budget gap ahead of April filings.
Politics
CT Governor Proposes Free Breakfast for All Public School Students
Gov. Ned Lamont's budget proposes $12M for universal free school breakfast in CT, potentially reaching 164,000 additional children statewide.
Politics
CT Advocates Push for $600M Pre-K Funding Amid Deficit
Early childhood advocates urge Connecticut leaders to fund the Universal PreK Endowment as a projected deficit threatens the promised $600 million deposit.
Politics
Don't Dismantle Connecticut's Office of Health Strategy
A proposed budget bill could eliminate Connecticut's Office of Health Strategy by July, alarming Windham advocates who remember losing their hospital's ICU.
Politics
CT Towns Push for Bigger Share of Casino Slot Revenue
Connecticut municipal leaders are demanding a 50-50 split of casino slot revenues, saying towns receive just 14 cents per dollar from Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.
Politics
Connecticut Finance Panel Backs $900M in Tax Cuts
Connecticut's Finance Committee endorsed nearly $900M in tax relief options, setting up a budget clash with Gov. Lamont before the May 6 session deadline.
Politics
Sen. Tony Hwang Retires: CT GOP Faces Deeper Crisis
Connecticut Republican Sen. Tony Hwang won't seek a seventh term, leaving two Fairfield County seats vulnerable and the GOP caucus near single digits.
UConn
CT Sun Sold to Houston for $300M: What It Means
The Connecticut Sun is moving to Houston after a $300M sale to Tilman Fertitta, marking the end of Connecticut's last major league sports franchise.
Food & Dining
New Haven Restaurant Week Cocktails Worth Trying
Tequila loyalists go rogue during New Haven Restaurant Week, exploring standout cocktails like the Affogato Martini at Villa Lulu and beyond.
Politics
Danbury's Homeless Need More State Support
The Danbury Support Center runs 40 beds on limited funding. ARC wants $690K from Connecticut lawmakers to expand capacity and serve more homeless residents.
Politics
New Haven Schools Seek More Funding for Failing Facilities
NHPS officials briefed city alders on a $5.5M annual funding gap leaving school buildings undermaintained and unsafe for students and staff.
Politics
Connecticut Push for Ranked-Choice Voting in Cities
Senate Bill 386 would let Connecticut municipalities adopt ranked-choice voting. Advocates are racing to build Senate support before the session ends.
Politics
CT Politics: Ganim Reelection, DECD Study & More
Gov. Lamont backs Bridgeport Mayor Ganim's 2027 reelection bid, while a DECD statewide economic study faces funding hurdles in Hartford.
Politics
CT Climate Superfund Act vs. Gas Price Myths
Connecticut's Climate Superfund Act opponents blame it for rising gas prices. Here's why economists say that argument doesn't hold up.
Food & Dining
Cook and Grow Program Builds Healthy Habits in Bridgeport Youth
Chef Mona Jackson's Cook and Grow program teaches Bridgeport youth nutrition, gardening, and life skills through hands-on cooking in a real kitchen.
Politics
Can CT Bars Sell THC-Infused Drinks? State Law Explained
Connecticut bars cannot legally sell THC-infused drinks. Learn who can sell them, the 2024 rule change, and what the state's cannabis law requires.
Politics
UConn Graduate Assistants Rally for Higher Pay, Lower Fees
UConn graduate assistants rallied in Storrs, demanding fee freezes, higher stipends, and stronger protections for international students amid contract talks.
Politics
Connecticut Pushes Congress to Reform the Jones Act
Connecticut lawmakers are urging Congress to reform the 1920 Jones Act, citing higher energy costs, burdens on Puerto Rico, and clean energy delays.
Politics
Connecticut Pre-K Endowment Funding in Peril as Surplus Shrinks
Connecticut's Early Childhood Education Endowment may receive just $30M -- less than 10% of what lawmakers promised -- as the state's budget surplus dwindles.
Politics
Bridgeport Cop Took Ambulance Meant for Shooting Victim
A Connecticut Inspector General report reveals a Bridgeport officer redirected an ambulance from dying shooting victim Dyshan Best to a colleague with a panic attack.
Politics
Connecticut Bills Would Shield Officials' Addresses From Public
Connecticut lawmakers weigh three bills exempting public servants' addresses from FOIA disclosure, raising press freedom and accountability concerns.
Politics
John Larson Faces Primary Challenge in Connecticut's 1st District
Rep. John Larson, 77, faces an unprecedented primary challenge in Connecticut as three younger Democrats push for generational change in Congress.
Politics
CT Finish Line Scholarship Faces Funding Shortfall in 2026
Connecticut's Finish Line Scholarship Program may serve only one-third of eligible students this fall due to proposed budget cuts by the governor.
Politics
CT's Southeast Resiliency Project Delayed by DEEP Decision
Eastern Connecticut's critical gas pipeline upgrade is 90% complete, but a state agency review is blocking the final three miles from moving forward.
Politics
CT Lawmakers Advance Key Child Welfare Nominations
Connecticut's nominations panel unanimously approved Elena Trueworthy for Office of Early Childhood and advanced Christina Ghio as child advocate to the full House.
Politics
Connecticut Homelessness Triples: A Housing Affordability Crisis
Unsheltered homelessness in Connecticut has nearly tripled since 2022. Researchers say unaffordable housing is the primary driver of the growing crisis.
Politics
CT Pension Funds Post 14% Return, $8.3B Gain in 2025
Connecticut's pension fund earned a 14% return in 2025, generating $8.3 billion in gains and ranking in the top 17% of peer funds nationwide.
Politics
CT's Hidden Per Pupil Pension Subsidy Fuels School Inequity
Connecticut's $1.7B teacher pension contribution bypasses school funding equity reviews, creating a hidden subsidy that favors wealthier districts.
Politics
Connecticut's New Civics Seal: What It Means for Students
Connecticut's new State Seal of Civics Education lets high schoolers earn diploma recognition for civic knowledge and real-world engagement, starting in 2026-2027.
Politics
Connecticut Knows How to Prevent Homelessness. Will It Act?
Unsheltered homelessness in CT rose 45% last year. Housing advocates say flexible funding can prevent the crisis before it starts.
Politics
CT Senators Back Bipartisan Housing Bill to Cut Costs
Connecticut Senators Blumenthal and Murphy voted to advance the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, targeting supply shortages and institutional investors.
Politics
New Canaan Faces Affordable Housing Project Despite Moratorium
A developer tests New Canaan's 2024 affordable housing moratorium with a 14-unit proposal, arguing state law exempts the assisted living project.
Politics
CT Bill to Ban Convertible Pistols Faces Massive Opposition
Governor Lamont's bill to ban convertible pistols in Connecticut drew 1,900 opposition testimonies versus 50 in support at a packed Capitol hearing.
Politics
Connecticut Lawmakers Hear Testimony on ICE Accountability Bills
Hundreds testified in Hartford in support of bills limiting ICE enforcement and creating safe spaces in schools, churches, and medical facilities in Connecticut.
Politics
Connecticut Housing Committee Advances Eviction Reform Bill
Connecticut's Housing Committee moves to pass Senate Bill 257, which would largely ban no-fault evictions in apartment buildings with five or more units.
Politics
Bridgeport Schools Request $106M Budget Increase
Bridgeport Public Schools seeks $106M in additional funding, warning that a $45M shortfall could force deep cuts to staffing and programs for 20,000 students.
Arts & Culture
Five Weekend Events Showcase Fairfield County's Spring Arts and Culture Scene
Fairfield County residents have multiple options for arts and cultural activities this weekend, according to local event listings, as March brings longer daylight hours and early signs of spring.
Technology
UConn Students Push for Campus Disability Cultural Center with Strong Survey Support
Two University of Connecticut students are leading an effort to establish a disability cultural center at the Storrs campus, garnering overwhelming support from their peers and backing from university leadership.
Politics
Wilton Sen. Ceci Maher announces retirement, calls for generational change in politics
Sen. Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, announced Thursday she will not seek reelection, citing a responsibility to step aside for younger leaders to shape Connecticut's future.
Food & Dining
Connecticut High School Culinary Teams Compete at Mohegan Sun for State Championship
High school culinary students from across Connecticut gathered at Mohegan Sun on Monday for the 20th annual Connecticut ProStart Invitational, marking the first time the competition was held inside the casino's Earth Ballroom.
Business
Connecticut Tourism Generates $19.5 Billion Economic Impact as State Welcomes 70 Million Visitors
Connecticut's tourism industry generated $19.5 billion in total economic impact in 2024, according to the state's latest official tourism economic impact figures, as approximately 70 million visitors traveled to destinations including Bridgeport, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, and New London.
Technology
FAA Plans to Cap Daily Flights at Chicago O'Hare This Summer to Reduce Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration will limit the number of flights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport this summer to address overscheduling and reduce flight delays at one of the nation's busiest airports.
Politics
Connecticut Child Care Advocates Seek $70M Emergency Funding Amid Provider Crisis
Child care advocates are urging Connecticut lawmakers to allocate $70 million from an emergency fund to address what they describe as a crisis in the state's Care4Kids program, according to proposed legislation.
Business
Connecticut Child Care Crisis Deepens as 3,844 Children Wait for Subsidies Despite State Investment
Connecticut faces a worsening child care crisis as families struggle with rising costs and lengthy waits for assistance, even as the state prepares major reforms scheduled for 2027.
Real Estate
Hartford Museum Exhibition Showcases North End Stories Through Five Original Graphic Novels
The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History opened a new exhibition last week that brings Hartford's North End history to life through original graphic novels, according to museum officials.