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The Connecticut Mirror’s two community engagement reporters started mid-year, but they took no time in making their presence known in their cities.

They ran text lines and shared information through social media. They met hundreds of people through meetings, listening sessions, events and through interviews for stories about issues the community shared were important to them.

From education and voting in Bridgeport to housing and cultural history in Hartford, Reginald David and Mariana Navarrete Villegas were there to capture it. Here’s a recap of their efforts to engage with two of the state’s largest cities in 2025.

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

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📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Swipe to learn more, and visit CTMirror.org/newsletters to get registered.

#nopaywall

📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Swipe to learn more, and visit CTMirror.org/newsletters to get registered.

#nopaywall

📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Swipe to learn more, and visit CTMirror.org/newsletters to get registered.

#nopaywall

📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Swipe to learn more, and visit CTMirror.org/newsletters to get registered.

#nopaywall

📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Swipe to learn more, and visit CTMirror.org/newsletters to get registered.

#nopaywall

📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

We bring you lots of great reporting here, but there's so much more where that came from. If you want the latest Connecticut headlines in your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Swipe to learn more, and visit CTMirror.org/newsletters to get registered.

#nopaywall

📷: Associated Press, CT Mirror staff

On Monday, May 18, a group of vehicles pulled up on Lafayette Street in Hartford between the Superior Court building and the offices of Community Partners in Action. At least five officers, who appeared to be federal immigration agents, jumped out of the vehicles, arrested a man and took him away in a white Dodge Durango.

The officers wore tactical vests with the word “Police” on the front, according to video of the event shared by advocates who were present. Several, though not all, of the officers wore masks. The officers did not appear to be wearing any clear identification.

One of the people recording the arrest told the agent, who was masked, that Connecticut law doesn’t allow law enforcement officers to wear masks.

The incident took place just two weeks after Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law a bill that, among other things, prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from wearing masks and requires that they be “clearly identified” by a badge or name tag. Violating this law is considered a Class D misdemeanor in the state.

Last week, the federal government filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, calling the law “blatantly unconstitutional” and saying the state has no authority to tell federal agents what they can and cannot do. The federal government argued that requiring agents to remove masks or show identification would put them in danger.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Shahrzad Rasekh)

We are seeking a part-time Arts & Culture Editor to launch this new area of coverage for The Connecticut Mirror. This role is both editorial and entrepreneurial: the editor will help define the vision, shape the coverage, and establish the voice of arts journalism within a public policy newsroom.

Our approach to arts coverage will differ from traditional outlets. We are not focused on reviews, event-driven recaps, or best-of lists. Instead, we aim to produce substantive journalism that both explores and celebrates the arts and examines how the arts function – financially, structurally, and within communities – while also helping readers engage with cultural experiences in real time. This includes reporting on arts funding and government support, the sustainability and growth of cultural institutions, and the broader ecosystem that supports creative work across the state.

To read the full job description and apply, visit this link: https://ctmirror.org/work-for-us/. (The link can also be found in our bio.)

Eversource announced its intention to seek a $503 million rate increase from its electric customers in Connecticut, citing the need to keep up with inflation and spend more money to maintain the electrical grid in a state of good repair.

The proposed rate hike, which requires approval from regulators, would increase customer bills on average by about 11% across all customer classes, the company said in a letter to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Wednesday.

The letter serves as the first step in the opening of a formal rate case, in which PURA will review the company’s finances and spending to determine whether the requested rates are in the public’s interest and allow Eversource sufficient revenues to operate its portion of the electrical grid. If approved, the new rates would take effect in July 2027.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Shahrzad Rasekh)

Eversource announced its intention to seek a $503 million rate increase from its electric customers in Connecticut, citing the need to keep up with inflation and spend more money to maintain the electrical grid in a state of good repair.

The proposed rate hike, which requires approval from regulators, would increase customer bills on average by about 11% across all customer classes, the company said in a letter to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Wednesday.

The letter serves as the first step in the opening of a formal rate case, in which PURA will review the company’s finances and spending to determine whether the requested rates are in the public’s interest and allow Eversource sufficient revenues to operate its portion of the electrical grid. If approved, the new rates would take effect in July 2027.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Shahrzad Rasekh)

By qualifying over the weekend for the first primary against a Connecticut governor in nearly half a century, state Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden flipped the script on what was supposed to be a summer of ease for Gov. Ned Lamont and discomfort for Republicans burdened by the unpopularity of President Donald Trump.

On Monday night, Lamont campaigned in Newington, hunting for votes among the Democrats gathered from five towns to nominate an ally, state Sen. Matt Lesser of Middletown, for a fifth term. The reception was cordial, and a woman asked Lamont if he would be vacationing at his summer home in North Haven, Maine.

“I think I’ll be in North Haven, Conn., this summer,” Lamont replied.

They laughed.

Lamont remains the favorite in the August 11 primary, most likely a prohibitive one. But he has work to do. He is paying a price for not taking Elliott seriously, largely ignoring the liberal lawmaker’s visits to Democratic town committees. Elliott portrayed the governor as rich and disconnected.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Jessica Hill)

By qualifying over the weekend for the first primary against a Connecticut governor in nearly half a century, state Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden flipped the script on what was supposed to be a summer of ease for Gov. Ned Lamont and discomfort for Republicans burdened by the unpopularity of President Donald Trump.

On Monday night, Lamont campaigned in Newington, hunting for votes among the Democrats gathered from five towns to nominate an ally, state Sen. Matt Lesser of Middletown, for a fifth term. The reception was cordial, and a woman asked Lamont if he would be vacationing at his summer home in North Haven, Maine.

“I think I’ll be in North Haven, Conn., this summer,” Lamont replied.

They laughed.

Lamont remains the favorite in the August 11 primary, most likely a prohibitive one. But he has work to do. He is paying a price for not taking Elliott seriously, largely ignoring the liberal lawmaker’s visits to Democratic town committees. Elliott portrayed the governor as rich and disconnected.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Jessica Hill)

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong on Friday over a new state law that prohibits federal agents from wearing masks and requires them to display identification when operating in the state.

The law, passed this spring by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont, establishes “protected areas” — including schools, hospitals, social service agency facilities and houses of worship — where people cannot be arrested solely on the basis of a civil offense, such as an immigration violation. It prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty. It bans former federal law enforcement officers who were found to be guilty of misconduct or retired during an investigation from being hired by Connecticut state or local police, and it requires police officers to complete 480 hours of training before they can be hired by state agencies.

The federal government called the law “blatantly unconstitutional,” saying that the state has no authority to tell federal agents what they can and cannot do. The government argues that the law goes against the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says that when state and federal laws clash, federal laws override those of the states.

Attorney General Tong said in a statement Monday that the new law was “fully lawful and necessary to protect public safety.”

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas)

Bridgeport celebrated its first-ever Haitian Flag Day Parade today 🇭🇹

The community came together at Seaside Park for music, dancing, food, and culture during Haitian Heritage Month. A day full of pride, unity, and celebration.

#haitianflagday #bridgeportct #fyp #communityengagement #share

Erin Stewart suspended her campaign for governor Thursday after an investigative report concluded that her personal use of a city credit card as mayor of New Britain was a “repeated and deliberate circumvention of the city’s purchase order system to benefit herself, members of her family, and her political campaigns.”

Stewart immediately endorsed her chief rival for the Republican nomination, state Sen. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich.

The “great majority” of the $207,076 in purchases charged to Stewart’s city-issued credit card over nearly a decade were unrelated to city business, and they warrant a criminal investigation by state and federal criminal authorities, concluded a law firm hired by her Democratic successor, Mayor Bobby Sanchez.

“The apparent diversion of public funds and municipal assets for improper purposes not only constitutes a serious breach of the public trust, but may also implicate statutes governing Fraud, Larceny, Embezzlement, False Statements, Wire Fraud, and Misuse of Government Property,” the law firm wrote.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas)

Republican gubernatorial candidate Erin Stewart promised supporters at a campaign rally Tuesday night she will make a substantive response to reports about her use of a city credit card for personal purchases while mayor of New Britain — but not until after this weekend’s nominating convention.

Stewart intends to make a freedom of information request Wednesday to the administration of her Democratic successor, Bobby Sanchez, for records of the purchases made with her city credit card over the final nine years of her 12 years as mayor, said her senior campaign adviser, John Healey.

About $22,000 of the $207,076 in purchases made with Stewart’s city card were for purchases delivered to her home, including women’s clothing, makeup, a compact ice maker, thank-you notes for a baby shower, diapers and $129.60 for Similac baby formula.

“Until today, the only people who possess the records in question were the Democrats, the media and my Republican opponents,” Stewart said. “So I want you to know that I am in the process of personally engaging a team to obtain and review all of these records myself.”

Read more at the link in our bio.

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

In collaboration with our partner @ctmirror

Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday night with lawmakers passing 218 bills concerning homeschooling, federal immigration actions, absentee voting, AI regulation and more.

But many bills never made it out of their committees — or, if they did, were never voted on by the full legislature. That’s in part because legislative sessions in even-numbered years are shorter and because it can be politically difficult to pass contentious bills in an election year.

Here’s a look at some of the bills that didn’t make it to final passage this year.

Read a longer list at the link in our bio.

📝: CT Mirror
📸 : Getty Images, @trussell.ct

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin won the Democratic endorsement for Congress in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on the second ballot Monday night, upsetting the 14-term incumbent, John B. Larson, and setting the stage for a primary in August.

Bronin praised the 77-year-old Larson in his acceptance speech then pivoted to an assertion marking the moment: No one in Connecticut ever has forced a primary against an incumbent congressman, much less besting one by winning a party’s endorsement in a contested convention.

Rep. Jillian Gilchrest of West Hartford qualified for the primary by the slimmest of margins, winning 15.04% of the delegate vote on the first ballot with the help of Larson allies who prefer a three-way primary to a one-on-one fight with Bronin. Assured of the primary, she withdrew before the second ballot.

Ruth Fortune, an appointed member of the Hartford Board of Education, ended the first ballot with less than 1% of the vote, too little to go further.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas)

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin won the Democratic endorsement for Congress in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on the second ballot Monday night, upsetting the 14-term incumbent, John B. Larson, and setting the stage for a primary in August.

Bronin praised the 77-year-old Larson in his acceptance speech then pivoted to an assertion marking the moment: No one in Connecticut ever has forced a primary against an incumbent congressman, much less besting one by winning a party’s endorsement in a contested convention.

Rep. Jillian Gilchrest of West Hartford qualified for the primary by the slimmest of margins, winning 15.04% of the delegate vote on the first ballot with the help of Larson allies who prefer a three-way primary to a one-on-one fight with Bronin. Assured of the primary, she withdrew before the second ballot.

Ruth Fortune, an appointed member of the Hartford Board of Education, ended the first ballot with less than 1% of the vote, too little to go further.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas)

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin won the Democratic endorsement for Congress in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on the second ballot Monday night, upsetting the 14-term incumbent, John B. Larson, and setting the stage for a primary in August.

Bronin praised the 77-year-old Larson in his acceptance speech then pivoted to an assertion marking the moment: No one in Connecticut ever has forced a primary against an incumbent congressman, much less besting one by winning a party’s endorsement in a contested convention.

Rep. Jillian Gilchrest of West Hartford qualified for the primary by the slimmest of margins, winning 15.04% of the delegate vote on the first ballot with the help of Larson allies who prefer a three-way primary to a one-on-one fight with Bronin. Assured of the primary, she withdrew before the second ballot.

Ruth Fortune, an appointed member of the Hartford Board of Education, ended the first ballot with less than 1% of the vote, too little to go further.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas)