@TheDayCT covering Killingly, Plainfield and Putnam. Former @HartfordCourant reporter. @UConn grad. Email me: a.cross@theday
Articles by Alison Cross
State to hold hearing on alleged campaign finance violations by three state Republicans | The Day
State to hold hearing on alleged campaign finance violations by three state Republicans A Republican campaign treasurer accused of violating campaign finance laws said he is not responsible for the expenditures at the center of a complaint involving the 2024 campaigns of Rep. Anne Dauphinais (R-District 44) and two unsuccessful Republican candidates for state house and senate.
Plainfield 'smudge' case concludes with few answers | The Day
Once again this holiday season The Day will continue its long-running tradition of publishing its Make a Difference series. The daily series highlights our neighbors who area social service agencies say need our help this holiday season. More stories can be found .
Putnam Science Academy, beset by legal and financial challenges, closes | The Day
Putnam — After operating for months without state authorization, the scandal-ridden Putnam Science Academy has officially closed its doors. In a message to staff Sunday, PSA President Tieqiang “Tie Q.” Ding announced that the beleaguered prep school had shuttered its day and boarding school programs. As of Monday morning, the school’s website had also shut down.
How swatting events in eastern Connecticut defined the school year | The Day
On the eve of summer break, the arrest of a Killingly teen on swatting-related charges capped a turbulent semester marked by escalating hoax threats to schools throughout eastern Connecticut. The 14-year-old was charged Tuesday with first-degree threatening violence with the intent to cause an evacuation, falsely reporting a large-scale emergency and second-degree breach of peace in connection to a June 8 threat at Killingly High School.
Danielson Borough appoints new fire chief | The Day
Killingly — With a month and two weeks as interim chief under his belt, Keven McNeill was sworn in Wednesday as the Danielson Fire Department’s official new chief. The Borough of Danielson Council’s appointment of McNeill ends a monthslong search for a permanent chief that became mired in controversy when the council opened the position to external applicants, prompting the resignations of the former interim chief, the deputy chief and nearly a dozen other volunteer firefighters in May.
Police arrest Killingly girl after months-long investigation into school swatting calls | The Day
Police arrest Killingly girl after months-long investigation into school swatting calls Killingly — A 14-year-old girl has been arrested in connection to a hoax threat at Killingly High School, according to state police. Police said the unidentified teen was charged Tuesday with first-degree threatening violence with the intent to cause an evacuation, falsely reporting a large-scale emergency and second-degree breach of peace.
Killingly zoning commission passes moratorium on new warehouses | The Day
Killingly — A year-long moratorium on new warehouse developments will take effect in July after receiving near-unanimous support from the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday. The moratorium represents a major win for residents whose opposition to large-scale distribution centers has dominated zoning, wetlands and Town council meetings since January.
Plainfield board pushes off magnet school vote until September | The Day
Plainfield — A vote to authorize the district’s application to create a new interdistrict magnet program within Plainfield High School is likely to occur in September, according to the Board of Education. After reviewing the district’s complete application for the Magnet for Universal Studies in Expression, or MUSE, on Wednesday, board members said they wanted more public input on the proposal before submitting the application to the state.
Plainfield BOE pushes off magnet school vote for September | The Day
Plainfield — A vote to authorize the district’s application to create a new interdistrict magnet program within Plainfield High School will likely occur in September, according to the Board of Education. After reviewing the district’s complete application for the Magnet for Universal Studies in Expression, or MUSE, on Wednesday, board members said they wanted more public input on the proposal before submitting the application to the state.
Illegitimate diplomas, unpaid staff, missing transcripts and foreclosures deepen crisis at Putnam Science Academy | The Day
Illegitimate diplomas, unpaid staff, missing transcripts and foreclosures deepen crisis at Putnam Science Academy Putnam — Facing foreclosure and fraud allegations, Putnam Science Academy is fielding new accusations involving phony diplomas, wage theft and overall dysfunction within the private boarding school.
Veterans call on state lawmakers to address tax exemption and other concerns | The Day
Putnam — One year after Connecticut updated its property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating, veterans met with state representatives in the Quiet Corner this week to discuss the benefits and shortfalls of the legislation. Tuesday’s bipartisan panel at Putnam Middle School brought together Sen. Mae Flexer, D-29th District; Rep. Pat Boyd, D-50th District; Rep.
Killingly residents protest Amazon distribution center | The Day
Killingly — Opponents of Amazon’s plan to build a massive warehouse on Westcott Road turned out in full force on Monday for the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission’s final public hearing on the proposal.
Police: One arrest made after 84-year-old Killingly man lost $15,000 in phone scam | The Day
Police: One arrest made after 84-year-old Killingly man lost $15,000 in phone scam Killingly — A West Hartford woman is scheduled to appear in Danielson Superior Court on Tuesday after police identified her as a co-conspirator in an elaborate impersonation scheme that scammed an 84-year-old man out of $15,000. Idalis A. Wynn, a 23-year-old who previously lived in Bridgeport, is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the Jan. 8, 2025, scam of an elderly man on Snake Meadow Road.
Massive Plainfield-Sterling solar farm to face public hearing Thursday | The Day
Plainfield — A plan to install 109,000 solar modules across 210 acres of woods and farmland in Plainfield and Sterling is scheduled for public hearing before the Connecticut Siting Council on Thursday. The 50-megawatt project, known as Husky Solar, would include 200 acres of solar fields in both towns near Sterling Road and Sterling Hill Road, as well as a switchyard on a 17-acre parcel on Sugar Brook in Plainfield near the intersection with Black Hill Road.
Connecticut doctor arrested in adult son's gun death | The Day
ASHFORD — A local doctor who lost an 8-year-old son in an accidental Uzi shooting in 2008 was charged Friday after Connecticut State Police said he negligently stored a firearm that was tied to his adult son’s death in March. His 28-year-old son reportedly used the firearm in his death by suicide, according to state police. Charles Bizilj, 70, is charged with violation of large-capacity magazine requirements, risk of injury to a child and negligent storage of a firearm, state police said.
Conn. trooper reprimanded for Facebook post asking Trump to fight state's immigration policies | The Day
Conn. trooper reprimanded for Facebook post asking Trump to fight state's immigration policies A Connecticut State Police trooper was reprimanded for Facebook posts targeting state Attorney General William Tong, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and illegal immigration, according to an internal affairs report.
U.S. will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war | The Day
U.S. will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. military contractors need at least three years to replenish stockpiles of three key weapons systems used heavily in the Iran war, according to an analysis released Wednesday, adding to concerns that American forces would have limited firepower in any future conflict with China.
UFC fighting cage rises on White House lawn for bout celebrating America's 250th anniversary | The Day
UFC fighting cage rises on White House lawn for bout celebrating America's 250th anniversary Washington — Yet another White House construction project is underway, though this one is meant to be only temporary. Crews are erecting an octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn that will host next month's UFC bout, helping mark the nation's 250th anniversary — and President Donald Trump 's 80th birthday.
ECC H.S. baseball/softball: LaFleur pitches Whalers into ECC semifinals | The Day
ECC H.S. baseball/softball: LaFleur pitches Whalers into ECC semifinals New London — Jacoby LaFleur pitched a two-hitter with 16 strikeouts as No. 3 New London beat No. 6 Lyman Memorial 8-0 in an Eastern Connecticut Conference Division II Baseball Tournament quarterfinal on Wednesday. Lucas Donovan and LaFleur each had two hits and drove in two runs and Javi Gonzalez and Lou Lugo also had two hits each for the Whalers (11-10). Lyman is 9-12.
High school roundup: Norwich Tech advances to CT baseball and softball finals | The Day
Norwich — Norwich Tech advanced to the Connecticut Technical Conference tournament finals in softball and baseball on Wednesday. The softball team, the top seed and defending champions, beat No. 5 Goodwin Tech 13-4 in the semifinals. The Warriors play No. 2 Abbott Tech in the final on Friday at Albertus Magnus College at 11 a.m. The baseball team, the No. 2 seed, beat No. 6 Wilcox Tech 12-2.
Ghosts? What ghosts? New year, new narrative for EL baseball | The Day
Norwich — The postseason arrived Wednesday morning, a game that leaked into afternoon, with a familiar, if painful, narrative Jack Biggs has seen more than he’d like. Close game. Low scoring. Every pitch carries an accompanying gasp. And though this was a mere league quarterfinal game, the ghosts of tournaments past appeared front and center. OK, so maybe not front and center.
Old Lyme wins Shoreline girls' tennis doubles title | The Day
Old Lyme — Friends since the third grade, Old Lyme sophomores Katie Ferman and Addyson Morosky became doubles partners this season. They've been a perfect match. They extended their undefeated season on Wednesday by winning their first Shoreline Conference tournament doubles championship, beating the No. 2 duo of Westbrook’s Natalie Palumbo and Reagan Zambrello, 6-3 and 6-1, at Old Lyme High School’s tennis courts. Their tight bond off the court helps them be in sync on the court.
Two chain themselves to fire trucks during rally at Taftville firehouse | The Day
Norwich — In a show of support to the Taftville volunteer fire company — which thought it might be suspended Wednesday by the city — two women chained themselves to fire trucks during a rally at the fire station Wednesday morning.
Courtney visits Norwich to discuss home heating oil price fluctuations from Iran War | The Day
Courtney visits Norwich to discuss home heating oil price fluctuations from Iran War Norwich — In times when the oil market is operating smoothly, Mystic Fuel Owner Kevin Spurgess can sleep soundly at night, without having to check per-barrel oil prices in the middle of the night. But, amid an ongoing energy crisis fueled by the United States' war with Iran, rapid, unpredictable changes in the market price for oil have made Spurgess's habits a little more restless.
New London man charged in rape to be committed, not imprisoned | The Day
A New London man charged in the rape of a teenager was released from prison on Wednesday and ordered to be involuntarily committed because of his developmental disability. Kier Johnson, 42, was charged by New London police in February with first-degree sexual assault by use of force or threats. The victim in the case, who was known to Kier, reported to police that Johnson had forcibly sexually assaulted her at a residence in New London.
Police logs — May 28, 2026 | The Day
Groton Town Eric J. Griswold, 49, of 91 Fair Acres Circle was charged Monday with engaging police in pursuit, failure to drive in the proper lane, unsafe backing and second-degree reckless endangerment. Jaiden M. Margiotta, 21, of 8 Merry Lane, Ledyard, was charged Sunday with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, improper turn/stop – no signal and two counts of failure to obey a stop sign. John M.
ECC girls' tennis semifinals | The Day
Featured Media Waterford’s Marina Matas returns a serve in a singles semifinals match during the Eastern Connecticut Conference girls’ tennis tournament at Stonington High School Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day) Waterford’s Marina Matas returns a serve in a singles semifinals match during the Eastern Connecticut Conference girls’ tennis tournament at Stonington High School Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Lost in love: Air Supply to play Mohegan Sun | The Day
Air Supply provided the soft-rock soundtrack to the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the duo — Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock — are now in the midst of their 50th anniversary tour. That tour will bring them to Mohegan Sun on Saturday.
St. Bernard School names new interim president | The Day
St. Bernard School names new interim president Montville — St. Bernard School announced Wednesday its next leader, who will take the reins from outgoing 12-year Head of School Don Macrino, set to retire at the end of the school year. Soon-to-be Interim President of St. Bernard School Nanci DeRobbio will start the job July 1.
5 Seconds of Summer play Mohegan Sun | The Day
My introduction to the pop-punk superstars of 5 Seconds of Summer (or, affectionately, 5SOS) was on the bus to middle school. My friend unzipped her backpack to reveal a full-sized 5SOS poster, which she carried with her just to remind herself that she had one. That brand of die-hard fan has followed 5SOS since their establishment in 2011 all the way to their latest album, “Everyone’s a Star.” With red-hot songs (and red-hot looks to match), how could any teenage girl not be a fan?
Masters of the Mic perform at Foxwoods | The Day
It’s quite a lineup of heavy hitters scheduled to play Foxwoods on Saturday: Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, MC Lyte, EPMD, Big Daddy Kane, Arrested Development. Phew. The Foxwoods website does note that the lineup for this stop on the Masters of the Mic 2026 Tour could change, but even so, that’s a deep bench. Doug E.
Mohegan Sun hosts Chocolate Expo | The Day
Choco-holics, mark your calendars. Mohegan Sun is hosting The Chocolate Expo this weekend. It’s one of the country’s largest chocolate festivals, with more than 100 vendors offering tastings and selling all sorts of artisan chocolates, as well as baked foods and more, including chocolate-themed craft beverages.
A night of K-Pop songs at the Garde | The Day
If you have spent any time around children in the past couple of months, you likely have heard of the blockbuster movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which follows a flashy K-Pop girl group, HUNTR/X, as they defend the public from soul-sucking demons. The elaborate pastel costumes and intricate synchronized dancing have entranced kids and adults worldwide and has helped usher in a new generation of K-Pop fans, straight into the arms of iconic groups like BTS and BLACKPINK.
The music of the night: Goodspeed to honor Andrew Lloyd Webber | The Day
Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most famous and successful composers of musical theater, well, ever. Just a sampling of his hits: “Cats.” “The Phantom of the Opera.” “Evita.” “Sunset Boulevard.” “School of Rock.” He has had at least one of his shows running in London's West End for 50 years and on Broadway for 43 years.
Chelsea Players stage a comedy in Norwich | The Day
For anyone wanting to see a big, broad comedy, Chelsea Players is here to provide. The Norwich-based theater group will stage “Dance for a Manatee,” a farce written by Mara Dresner, who lives in the Hartford area. The Norwich production will mark the show’s Connecticut premiere. The storyline starts like this: A stranger encourages some Indiana residents to hold a fundraiser to save the manatees. Now, granted, there are no manatees in their landlocked state, but that doesn’t deter them.
Trump says Iran 'negotiating on fumes,' insists that midterm elections won't impact his war strategy | The Day
Trump says Iran 'negotiating on fumes,' insists that midterm elections won't impact his war strategy WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and insisted that November's midterm elections won't make him rush into a deal to end the nearly three-month-old conflict that's spurred unease across the global economy. Speaking at the start of a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence that a deal is near.
Taking advantage of beach weather | The Day
Groton — The Johnson sisters Haylee, 12, Lily, 10, and Gabby, 8, did cartwheels in the sand of Eastern Point Beach on Wednesday as nearby their younger brother Henry, 6, and mother Deandra worked on building a sandcastle. "This is our favorite place," said Deandra Johnson as she watched her girls. She said she homeschools the siblings, and since they finished their lessons quickly Wednesday morning, they decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go to the beach.
Heart's Ann Wilson talks new documentary, touring after chemotherapy | The Day
Last seen slaying Climate Pledge Arena with Heart in November, Seattle rock hero Ann Wilson came home recently to premiere her new documentary, “Ann Wilson — In My Voice.” The film chronicles Wilson’s journey from childhood through Heart’s rise to fame and beyond, casting Wilson’s life against the backdrop of evolving American culture.
In the Galleries: 'Art in Bloom' comes to ACGOW in June | The Day
Mother Nature’s paintbrush composes a stunning work of art across southern New England during the month of June, and, after a long, arduous winter, the sights and scents of her handiwork are enjoyed by all. This June, the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly (ACGOW) celebrates with the show, “Art in Bloom.” In addition to new and vibrant artwork, the Ocean Community YMCA Garden Club will add to the visual feast by interpreting specific artists’ creations in the form of flower arrangements.
Celebrating Independence Day, whatever day that is | The Day
It’s time to plan your party to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Woohoo! Mark your calendars for July 4th! No, wait, that’s not right. There’s a dispute about the date. Some historians say it wasn’t signed on the 4th, but instead on Aug. 2. Other scholars disagree, claiming that at least some of the delegates signed on July 4, while others signed on Aug. 2, with a few signing later.
Updated: Pedestrian hit by vehicle in Norwich | The Day
Nature Conservancy offers training for environmentally friendly stream crossings News |News DE |Breaking News |Police-Fire Reports |Police-Fire-Courts Updated: Pedestrian hit by vehicle in Norwich By Alison Cross Day Staff Writer Published: May 26, 2026 6:31 PMUpdated: May 27, 2026 12:26 PM Norwich — A pedestrian was injured after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday at Washington Square.
Putnam passes town, school budgets | The Day
Putnam — All aspects of the 2026-27 budget passed in Tuesday’s referendum that brought out roughly 5% of the town’s voting population. The $11.2 million general government spending package passed 232-103. The $23.7 million Board of Education budget passed 245-90. A $1 million appropriation for one year of capital projects passed 246-87 and the full five-year capital improvement plan passed 252-80.
CT city plans to sell off 86 acres from park land. It would be for a truck stop in a suburb. | The Day
CT city plans to sell off 86 acres from park land. It would be for a truck stop in a suburb. In the same year when long-closed Batterson Park in Farmington is expected to reopen with a $10 million makeover, neighbors are balking at a developer’s truck-fueling center and warehouse on nearby woodlands. Hartford’s retirement fund is planning to sell 86 acres to Noble Energy Real Estate Holdings, which proposed to use about 10 acres for development and leave the rest as a protected conservation area.
Editorial Cartoon - May 27, 2026 | The Day
News DE |Cartoons |Opinion Editorial Cartoon - May 27, 2026 Published: May 27, 2026 12:01 AMUpdated: May 26, 2026 5:07 PM Editorial Cartoon - May 27, 2026 Click on the flag next to a comment to report it. The Day's Digital Archive 142 years of history at your fingertips. Search for FREE here.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wins GOP runoff for US Senate, ousting longtime Sen. John Cornyn | The Day
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wins GOP runoff for US Senate, ousting longtime Sen. John Cornyn Plano, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, defeating four-term Sen. John Cornyn in the latest contest where President Donald Trump sought to defeat an incumbent he saw as not sufficiently loyal. Trump endorsed Paxton last week.
High school roundup: Killingly baseball advances to quarterfinals of ECC Division I Tournament | The Day
High school roundup: Killingly baseball advances to quarterfinals of ECC Division I Tournament Killingly — The Killingly High School baseball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I Baseball Tournament on Tuesday with a 10-1 win over Fitch. Gaighe DeBella pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and striking out six. The Trail Blazers meet No. 1 East Lyme on Wednesday morning at 11 at Dodd Stadium.
RFK Jr. posts video of himself wrangling live snakes at Dr. Oz home | The Day
RFK Jr. posts video of himself wrangling live snakes at Dr. Oz home Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday posted a video of himself wrangling live snakes on the patio at Dr. Oz’s Florida beach house. The health secretary grabbed the two or three hissing North American racer snakes in the corner of the deck as his TV star wife Cheryl Hines tried in vain to get him to stop.
Cann is a double winner for Old Lyme boys at Shoreline Conference meet | The Day
Durham — Old Lyme senior Tyler Cann capped off his conference career on Tuesday with a pair of wins at the Shoreline Conference Boys' Track and Field Championships. Cann won the shot put at 50 feet, 5 inches and took the discus with a throw of 158-10. Teammate Patrick Lynch won the long jump at 22-6 as the Wildcats finished sixth with 55 points. Old Lyme finished fourth in the girls' meet with a score of 69.
Sabalenka's necklaces sparkle in the sun during French Open win. Gauff, Osaka, Sinner advance | The Day
Sabalenka's necklaces sparkle in the sun during French Open win. Gauff, Osaka, Sinner advance Paris — Aryna Sabalenka's diamonds sparkled in the sun during a first-round victory at the heat-soaked French Open on Tuesday. The top-ranked Sabalenka looked light on her feet on Court Philippe-Chatrier, despite wearing two thick necklaces in a 6-4, 6-2 win against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
St. Bernard's Maddox Roan | The Day
St. Bernard's Maddox Roan Montville — The days are winding down in Maddox Roan’s high school lacrosse career. A St. Bernard High School graduate as of last Friday, Roan is preparing with his teammates for the upcoming state tournament. Roan’s impact on the St. Bernard/Wheeler Co-op program stretches beyond statistics. A top-notch defender, respected captain and good teammate, Roan made his mark on and off the field. “He’s a tremendous player for us,” coach David Howes said.
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