Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Alex Putterman

@alexputterman.bsky.social

600 followers 270 following 170 posts

Reporter for CT Insider, Hearst Connecticut Media. Proud Connecticut News Guild member. [email protected]

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · May 19

This week we publish something I've worked on a long time: a five-part series on inequality in Connecticut.

CT is known for wealth, but anyone living here knows that's only half the story.

Today's part explains what makes our state the nation's inequality capital.
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...

Two Connecticuts: How gaps between rich and poor define life in CT

Few places in the United States have inequality quite like Connecticut’s, where extreme wealth and extreme struggle coexist in startling proximity.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Jacqueline Rabe Thomas @jrabethomas.bsky.social · 8d

"Senator McCrory called (ed department's budget chief) and would like the full $2 million released now"

At least $250k of that went to a woman who federal investigators are looking into whether the senator is in a personal relationship with

www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

Connecticut state senator pressed state officials to steer money to associate

State Sen. Doug McCrory pushed for millions for a Hartford nonprofit. As much as $800,000 went to his associate's organization, records show.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

CT Insider @ctinsider.bsky.social · 8d

State Sen. Doug McCrory pushed for millions for a Hartford nonprofit. As much as $800,000 went to his associate's organization, records show.

Connecticut state senator pressed state officials to steer money to associate

State Sen. Doug McCrory pushed for millions for a Hartford nonprofit. As much as $800,000 went to his associate's organization, records show.

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 18d

CT leaders and institutions have taken varied approaches to the Trump administration.

Some have aggressively pushed back, a few have capitulated and others, including the governor, have often landed in the middle.

Perspective here from Lamont, Tong and others.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

To fight or play nice? CT officials, institutions take different approaches to Trump

Some Connecticut leaders have vocally pushed back against Trump. Others have acceded to his wishes.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Ken Dixon @kendixonct.bsky.social · 21d

Embattled Connecticut utility regulator Marissa Gillett abruptly resigns 'after deep reflection' www.ctpost.com/politics/art... #CTPolitics

Embattled Connecticut utility regulator Marissa Gillett abruptly resigns 'after deep reflection'

The PURA chairwoman became a political lightning rod this year with criticism from minority Republicans as well as the utility industry.

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 21d

Could the state really invest public money in the CT Sun?

Here's how it might work.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

Could the state really invest public money in the CT Sun? Here's how it might work

Direct state investment in a professional team has little precedent in American sports.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · 22d

Hearst management continues to violate the law by changing our working conditions without bargaining.

Today, employees gathered for lunch at our different offices and asked a simple question of the company:

We’re ready to bargain. Why aren’t you?

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 24d

And I highly recommend this piece from @victoriastavish.bsky.social and Natasha Sokoloff about Yale's footprint in the New Haven area and what that means for the city financially
www.ctinsider.com/news/educati...

How Yale’s 'massive' tax-exempt footprint can lead to financial strain on New Haven

While much of Yale's property is tax-exempt, the university is giving New Haven about $135 million over six years.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 24d

Also check out this very cool tool @victoriastavish.bsky.social created, where you can see the listed owner of almost any property in the state
www.ctinsider.com/projects/202...

Who owns CT? Search any address in the state

Explore property records by address and see who owns nearly any property in Connecticut.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 24d

It was fun to be part of this "Who Owns Connecticut" project, looking at some of the properties that tell the state's story, from a tobacco farm to a nature preserve to a 250-year-old inn to Gampel Pavilion
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

Who owns Connecticut? These 8 properties begin to tell the story

Here's a closer look at eight key properties, from tobacco farms and apartment complexes to one of America's oldest businesses.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · 25d

CT lawsuit seeks to loosen eligibility for intellectual disability benefits
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

CT lawsuit seeks to loosen eligibility for intellectual disability benefits

The suit was meant to assist one child, but it could wind up help many beyond that.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Sep 9

CT officials say the WNBA might be violating antitrust law in blocking a sale that could keep the Sun in Connecticut.

Do they have a case?
www.ctinsider.com/sports/artic...

Connecticut Sun sale raising possible legal concerns for some officials

There are now several parties interested in buying the WNBA franchise with little clarity on what happens next.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Sep 4

Dan Haar: CT preparing bid to buy a minority stake in the Connecticut Sun, sources say
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...

Dan Haar: CT preparing bid to buy a minority stake in the Connecticut Sun, sources say

The state would build a $100 million practice facility even if the Mohegan Tribe were to sell only a part-ownership stake.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Sep 1

This year, 99 employees at Whiting Forensic Hospital have missed work due to injuries suffered on the job.

Others have had to work repeated double shifts, leading to what they say are unsafe conditions for staff and patients.

"No one's getting their needs met”
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...

Dozens of Whiting hospital employees out with injuries amid staffing crisis: 'The system has failed'

More than 60 employees are out on workers' compensation, leaving others to work long, arduous shifts.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Sep 1

This year, 99 employees at Whiting Forensic Hospital have missed work due to injuries suffered on the job.

Others have had to work repeated double shifts, leading to what they say are unsafe conditions for staff and patients.

"No one's getting their needs met”
www.ctinsider.com/news/article...

Dozens of Whiting hospital employees out with injuries amid staffing crisis: 'The system has failed'

More than 60 employees are out on workers' compensation, leaving others to work long, arduous shifts.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · Sep 1

Happy Labor Day from the Connecticut News Guild!

✊🐳🗞️

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Aug 22

With gerrymandering and redistricting in the news, I enjoyed this piece from my colleague Jordan Fenster on how the process works in CT.

I learned a lot.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

Redistricting in Connecticut is different than Texas or California. Here's how it works

In 1981, plans were hand-drawn and had to be sent off to the University of Michigan's supercomputer.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Aug 12

Does Hartford have a chance to land the Connecticut Sun? Officials say they're fighting, even as challenges mount www.ctinsider.com/sports/artic...

Does Hartford have a chance to land the Connecticut Sun? There are challenges, but optimism

The WNBA appears skeptical about letting the Sun move to either Hartford or Boston.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · Aug 8

And of course, we’re not done yet.

We’ve joined with our unionized colleagues in Albany, Austin, Dallas and San Francisco to demand the respect we deserve.

We’ll fight for as long as it takes for Hearst to come to the table and bargain a fair contract!

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · Aug 8

Happy birthday to the Connecticut News Guild!

One year ago today, Hearst CT journalists announced we were forming a union.

Since then, we have withstood the company’s union-busting, won an election with 80% of the vote and become official NewsGuild of NY members.

Six smiling Hearst CT employees wearing beautiful whale t-shirts hold up a mission statement signed by dozens of members

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Aug 6

Hartford, Boston are battling for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. Here's what to know
www.ctinsider.com/sports/artic...

Hartford, Boston are battling for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. Here's what to know

Connecticut native Marc Lasry is leading a group that could keep the Sun in the state.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Aug 4

Updated with more details on the CT-based bidder — a group led by billionaire Marc Lasry — and a pitch from Hartford’s mayor.

“From the governor to corporate leaders to the city of Hartford, we're not going to let the Sun go without giving it a real fight."
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

CT group has competing offer for WNBA's Sun, Lamont says state will 'do what it takes'

Lamont confirmed a Connecticut-based bidder has made a competitive offer to buy the WNBA team.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Aug 4

Updated with more details on the CT-based bidder — a group led by billionaire Marc Lasry — and a pitch from Hartford’s mayor.

“From the governor to corporate leaders to the city of Hartford, we're not going to let the Sun go without giving it a real fight."
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

CT group has competing offer for WNBA's Sun, Lamont says state will 'do what it takes'

Lamont confirmed a Connecticut-based bidder has made a competitive offer to buy the WNBA team.

www.ctinsider.com

Alex Putterman @alexputterman.bsky.social · Aug 4

Gov. Lamont isn't giving up on keeping the Connecticut Sun in CT.

He says a local bidder has made a competitive offer and hinted the state could provide funding.

"We're doing everything we can to keep (the team) here in the state."
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...

Lamont still fighting to keep WNBA's Sun in Connecticut, says state will 'do what it takes'

Lamont confirmed a Connecticut-based bidder has made a competitive offer to buy the WNBA team.

www.ctinsider.com

Reposted by Alex Putterman

The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · Jul 31

Palestinian children have been killed at a rate of more than one child per hour during Israel's war in Gaza.

“A whole classroom of children killed every day for nearly two years,” UNICEF’s executive director said.

Here are some of their stories: wapo.st/3UCiAjn

Reposted by Alex Putterman

Brian Lockhart @blockhartreporter.bsky.social · Jul 31

MTA approves 10 percent increase for Connecticut train riders. Article below.:
www.ctpost.com/connecticut/...

MTA approves 10 percent increase for Connecticut train riders

The 10 percent fare increase for Connecticut Metro-North riders is planned despite public opposition and consistently increased ridership.