AltWeeklies Wire
Connecticut's Needle Exchange Programs Face the Chopping Blocknew
New Haven launched one of the first needle-exchange programs in the country in 1990, and it became a national model for curbing the spread of AIDS through intravenous drug use. Gov. Jodi Rell's plan to eliminate the entirety of the $455,000 the state spends yearly on needle exchange is pennywise and pound foolish, advocates say, ensuring a spike in infections.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
06-16-2009 |
Science
Ned Lamont Is Running for Connecticut Governornew

Lamont may not be technically running for governor, in the stage-managed press conference sort of way. That day may never come. He may bail on the idea before spending a dime on party balloons or polling. But he's doing everything that a candidate running for office does at this stage of the game.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
05-19-2009 |
Politics
Tags: Ned Lamont, Connecticut
The Mad World of Connecticut Taxi Regs Ain't Farenew
Connecticut closely controls how many cab licenses it gives out on the grounds that fewer cabs guarantees them more money — and that ensures safer, more dependable taxi service.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
04-21-2009 |
Transportation
Tags: Connecticut, taxicabs
Is Connecticut's Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban Making Roads Safer?new

The state makes virtually no effort to track that information and the evidence it has collected may leave you underwhelmed.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
04-07-2009 |
Policy Issues
Connecticut Gov.'s State Budget Is a Real Tear-Jerker, Especially for the Sick and Poornew
There is a fatal flaw in Gov. Jodi Rell's state budget proposal: She promises cuts that'll make you cry but didn't budget any extra for tissues.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
02-17-2009 |
Economy
Connecticut Judges Up for New Terms Get Blowback From Anonymous Defense Lawyersnew
The Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association has supplied members of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee with anonymous comments on state judges made by dozens of criminal defense lawyers. The vast majority of the comments are positive, but lawmakers are irate that judges would be criticized anonymously.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
01-27-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: Connecticut, judicial system
Connecticut's Senate Seats are Not For Salenew
The political horse-trading in Illinois and New York present the best opportunity in years to reform Connecticut's laws concerning filling Senate vacancies, says Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
12-30-2008 |
Politics
Connecticut Dems Can't Bring Themselves to Formally Punish Liebermannew
Democrats debated loudly last week whether Lieberman should be formally censured or simply rebuked in a letter signed by the party. The whole thing felt like a marriage therapy session gone wrong, with Lieberman as cheating husband and party leaders as spurned spouses.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
12-30-2008 |
Politics
While the Economy Tanks, Connecticut's Governor Cuts Ribbonsnew
On paper, Jodi Rell has what looks like the greatest job in the state. The governor, who earns $150,000 a year, packs her days full of friendly radio interviews and ceremonial events that take her all over the state to cut a ribbon here or stick a shovel in dirt there.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
12-09-2008 |
Politics
Documents on Operation Front Line Show Innocent Muslims Got Caught in Bush's Dragnetnew
Operation Front Line's stated goal was to disrupt terrorist cells that might be planning an attack during the campaign or on inauguration day. But government documents recently obtained by a team of Yale Law School students and faculty expose the program as a massive fishing expedition that hinged on racial profiling.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
11-25-2008 |
Immigration
The Working Families Party is Building a Third Party That Mattersnew

The party has grown not by running candidates, mind you, but by running issues. Rather than run its own candidates, the WFP traditionally cross-endorses major party candidates who support its agenda of workers' rights and health care for all.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
11-25-2008 |
Politics
Joe vs. Joe: Which Lieberman Will Emerge from Election '08?new
Lieberman met behind closed doors with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid last week to discuss his future, and emerged to tell reporters he's considering his "options." Here's what Dems and politics watchers are saying about the Lieberman conundrum.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
11-18-2008 |
Politics
Connecticut's Millionaires Can Breathe Easynew
Despite a projected $1 billion deficit, Gov. Jodi Rell remains "uncomfortable" with hiking taxes on the very wealthy.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
11-11-2008 |
Economy
Special Interest Money Leaks into Connecticut's First 'Clean' Electionnew
Why should we be surprised to learn that powerful labor unions and deep-pocketed campaign donors are funneling tens of thousands of dollars into Connecticut's first ever publicly-funded election?
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
10-28-2008 |
Politics
Dude, Where's My Bailout?new
The newspaper biz could use some government help too. An open letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
09-25-2008 |
Economy