Mark Pazniokas
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Articles by Mark Pazniokas
FBI arrests CT man accused of threatening Republicans
Connecticut’s political world ended the week with stark reminders of how political discourse has turned threatening: The state’s two Democratic U.S. senators were intended recipients of packages with substances that raised suspicions, and a Naugatuck man was arrested by the FBI and accused of threatening to kill Republicans.
CT voters see economy worsening, rank affordability as top concern
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat with a positive job approval and a double-digit lead over Republican Ryan Fazio, appears immune to concerns over the high cost of living in Connecticut as voters direct their ire at a Republican president whose brand has become toxic in the midterm election. A new Wesleyan SurveyLab CT poll finds […] Get Instant Access to This Article Gov.
Poll: CT voters sour on Trump and economy, an anchor on Fazio
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat with a positive job approval and a double-digit lead over Republican Ryan Fazio, appears immune to concerns over the high cost of living in Connecticut as voters direct their ire at a Republican president whose brand has become toxic in the midterm election.
Lamont leads Fazio by 20 points in Quinnipiac poll
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat seeking a third term as Connecticut’s governor, had a commanding lead of 58% to 38% over Republican Ryan Fazio in a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Despite Fazio’s campaign spending $7.2 million for ads on broadcast, cable or streaming television since July, 30% of those polled said they hadn’t heard enough to express an opinion about the 36-year-old state senator from Greenwich.
Lamont's lead over Fazio reaches 20 points in Quinnipiac poll | The Day
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat seeking a third term as Connecticut’s governor, had a commanding lead of 58% to 38% over Republican Ryan Fazio in a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Despite Fazio’s campaign spending $7.2 million for ads on broadcast, cable or streaming television since July, 30% of those polled said they hadn’t heard enough to express an opinion about the 36-year-old state senator from Greenwich.
Lamont’s lead over Fazio reaches 20 points in Quinnipiac poll
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat seeking a third term as Connecticut’s governor, had a commanding lead of 58% to 38% over Republican Ryan Fazio in a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Despite Fazio’s campaign spending $7.2 million for ads on broadcast, cable or streaming television since July, 30% of those polled said they hadn’t heard enough to express an opinion about the 36-year-old state senator from Greenwich.
Lamont’s lead over Fazio reaches 20 points in Quinnipiac poll
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat seeking a third term as Connecticut’s governor, had a commanding lead of 58% to 38% over Republican Ryan Fazio in a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Despite Fazio’s campaign spending $7.2 million for ads on broadcast, cable or streaming television since July, 30% of those polled said they hadn’t heard enough to express an opinion about the 36-year-old state senator from Greenwich.
Fazio, Lamont campaigns spend $20.2M in three months
Republican gubernatorial challenger Ryan Fazio’s campaign spent $9.6 million from July 1 through September 30 as he worked furiously to raise his name recognition and sow doubt about Gov. Ned Lamont with a publicly financed outreach on television, the internet and directly to the phones of Connecticut voters.
Lamont plans $12.7M boost in heating aid as oil prices surge
The funding will provide a fourth crisis payment as oil prices approach $6 a gallon and federal aid remains uncertain. Get Instant Access to This Article The policy and political impacts of skyrocketing home heating oil prices came together Tuesday as Gov. Ned Lamont announced the planned release of $12.7 million from the $500 million contingency fund created last year to address the impact of federal cuts since Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House.
Delayed by investigation, Fazio spent $9.6M over summer challenging Lamont
Republican gubernatorial challenger Ryan Fazio’s campaign spent $9.6 million from July 1 through September 30 as he worked furiously to raise his name recognition and sow doubt about Gov. Ned Lamont with a publicly financed outreach on television, the internet and directly to the phones of Connecticut voters.
Delayed by investigation, Fazio spent $9.6M over summer challenging Lamont
Republican gubernatorial challenger Ryan Fazio’s campaign spent $9.6 million from July 1 through September 30 as he worked furiously to raise his name recognition and sow doubt about Gov. Ned Lamont with a publicly financed outreach on television, the internet and directly to the phones of Connecticut voters.
Lamont to bolster heating assistance using CT contingency fund
The policy and political impacts of skyrocketing home heating oil prices came together Tuesday as Gov. Ned Lamont announced the planned release of $12.7 million from the $500 million contingency fund created last year to address the impact of federal cuts since Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House.
Flock camera controversy puts AI surveillance under scrutiny in CT
Without public notice, the unblinking eye of Flock Safety came to South Windsor in April 2025 to begin its 24/7 mission of uploading images of every vehicle passing by a few chosen spots. Artificial intelligence cataloged license plates and other details into a searchable, privately-controlled database. The unheralded arrival of Flock’s automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, was typical of a company that had rapidly, and mostly quietly, amassed a network of 120,000 cameras in 49 states.
How opposition to Flock took flight in the state | The Day
Without public notice, the unblinking eye of Flock Safety came to South Windsor in April 2025 to begin its 24/7 mission of uploading images of every vehicle passing by a few chosen spots. Artificial intelligence cataloged license plates and other details into a searchable, privately-controlled database. The unheralded arrival of Flock’s automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, was typical of a company that had rapidly, and mostly quietly, amassed a network of 120,000 cameras in 49 states.
How opposition to Flock cameras took flight in CT
Without public notice, the unblinking eye of Flock Safety came to South Windsor in April 2025 to begin its 24/7 mission of uploading images of every vehicle passing by a few chosen spots. Artificial intelligence cataloged license plates and other details into a searchable, privately-controlled database. The unheralded arrival of Flock’s automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, was typical of a company that had rapidly, and mostly quietly, amassed a network of 120,000 cameras in 49 states.
If Democrats win, Himes says Trump won’t ‘accept’ election results Original
Congressman Jim Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, warned Wednesday of efforts to undermine faith in U.S. elections by foreign powers and one domestic one: President Donald J. Trump. “We don't know what the results will be. But if Polymarket is to be believed, it's not going to be a good Election Day for the president,” Himes said, referring to the prediction markets.
Blumenthal talks Trump, war — but not age — during ‘In the Room’
Posted 10/7/26 Asked about the prospect of running again in 2028 at age 82, Blumenthal pivoted, quoted Mark Twain and added: “This is my why moment.” This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Blumenthal talks Trump, war — but not age — during ‘In the Room’
On a stage in Fairfield — with four stops behind him and two more ahead at opposite ends of Connecticut — it was as good a time as any for U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., to field questions about aging and the prospect of running for a fourth six-year term in 2028 at age 82. Blumenthal, who lives in Greenwich, began his day Wednesday with an event in Hartford, then ones in Norwich, Mashantucket and New Haven.
Blumenthal talks Trump, war — but not age — during ‘In the Room’
On a stage in Fairfield — with four stops behind him and two more ahead at opposite ends of Connecticut — it was as good a time as any for U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., to field questions about aging and the prospect of running for a fourth six-year term in 2028 at age 82. Blumenthal, who lives in Greenwich, began his day Wednesday with an event in Hartford, then ones in Norwich, Mashantucket and New Haven.
If Dems win, Himes says Trump won't 'accept' election results | The Day
Congressman Jim Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, warned Wednesday of efforts to undermine faith in U.S. elections by foreign powers and one domestic one: President Donald J. Trump. “We don’t know what the results will be. But if Polymarket is to be believed, it’s not going to be a good Election Day for the president,” Himes said, referring to the prediction markets.
If Democrats win, Himes says Trump won’t ‘accept’ election results
Congressman Jim Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, warned Wednesday of efforts to undermine faith in U.S. elections by foreign powers and one domestic one: President Donald J. Trump. “We don’t know what the results will be. But if Polymarket is to be believed, it’s not going to be a good Election Day for the president,” Himes said, referring to the prediction markets.
If Democrats win, Himes says Trump won’t ‘accept’ election results
Susan Collins 3 hours ago Susan Collins Is the Living Worst The Bulwark - Jonathan V. Last • 3h The most despicable Republican is actually the “reasonable” Republican. 1. Mainers Democrats are boat-racing the Republican in Georgia.
Documents show DHS probed nonprofits, obtained millions of records in hunt for noncitizen voters
The Department of Homeland Security obtained tens of millions of unspecified records as part of a sweeping nationwide effort to find voter fraud, according to internal DHS reports, and weighed using undercover agents to investigate voter registration efforts by nonprofit groups. The reports from May and June by Homeland Security Investigations, a sub-agency of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, provide updates on its “election integrity” investigations.
Cornell University case means we must redouble the fight for institutional change on campuses
IN 2012, while I was a student at Boston University, sexual assault allegations involving members of the men’s hockey team put campus sexual violence at the center of the conversation. Students were talking about it everywhere. The newly opened Center for Gender, Sexuality and Activism, where I became involved, was perfectly positioned to turn that outrage into organizing and demands for institutional change.
Kosta Diamantis, still a fugitive, sentenced to 7 years in prison
Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, a fugitive waging a relentless publicity campaign for a presidential pardon from overseas, was sentenced in absentia Wednesday to 84 months in prison for extorting bribes from contractors as a high-ranking state official overseeing school construction grants. U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill imposed a sentence shorter than the range of 121 to 151 months in prison recommended by sentencing guidelines and sought by prosecutors.
Kosta Diamantis, still a fugitive, sentenced to 84 months
Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, a fugitive waging a relentless publicity campaign for a presidential pardon from overseas, was sentenced in absentia Wednesday to 84 months in prison for extorting bribes from contractors as a high-ranking state official overseeing school construction grants. U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill imposed a sentence that fell below the range of 121 to 151 months in prison recommended by sentencing guidelines and sought by prosecutors.
Blumenthal, Lamont: Trump blocking CT grants for political reasons
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Gov. Ned Lamont complained Friday that the Trump administration has yet to release federal energy grants terminated a year ago on the basis of whether the recipients were in states won by Kamala Harris in 2024 and are represented by Democratic senators. “It’s illogical, illegal, intolerable — and that’s in effect what the court found.
CT police standards council recommends new rules on Flock cameras
A law enforcement group that sets police standards in Connecticut recommended stringent new rules Thursday for the deployment and use of a wide range of surveillance technology, including automated license plate readers that have become hugely controversial over the past year. The Police Officer Standards and Training Council adopted and forwarded to Gov. Ned Lamont a 59-page report likely to be the basis of legislation drafted after the General Assembly returns in January.
Blumenthal, Lamont: Trump blocking CT grants for political reasons
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Gov. Ned Lamont complained Friday that the Trump administration has yet to release federal energy grants terminated a year ago on the basis of whether the recipients were in states won by Kamala Harris in 2024 and are represented by Democratic senators. “It’s illogical, illegal, intolerable — and that’s in effect what the court found.
Blumenthal, Lamont: Trump blocking energy grants to Connecticut for political reasons | The Day
Blumenthal, Lamont: Trump blocking energy grants to Connecticut for political reasons U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Gov. Ned Lamont complained Friday that the Trump administration has yet to release federal energy grants terminated a year ago on the basis of whether the recipients were in states won by Kamala Harris in 2024 and are represented by Democratic senators. “It’s illogical, illegal, intolerable — and that’s in effect what the court found.
Blumenthal, Lamont: Trump blocking CT grants for political reasons
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Gov. Ned Lamont complained Friday that the Trump administration has yet to release federal energy grants terminated a year ago on the basis of whether the recipients were in states won by Kamala Harris in 2024 and are represented by Democratic senators. “It’s illogical, illegal, intolerable — and that’s in effect what the court found.
Blumenthal, Lamont: Trump blocking CT grants for political reasons
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Gov. Ned Lamont complained Friday that the Trump administration has yet to release federal energy grants terminated a year ago on the basis of whether the recipients were in states won by Kamala Harris in 2024 and are represented by Democratic senators. “It’s illogical, illegal, intolerable — and that’s in effect what the court found.
ūüĒí Reticent in primary, Lamont hits Fazio early in general-election ads
Gov. Ned Lamont, seldom comfortable with the grittier aspects of political combat, is regularly hitting Republican Ryan Fazio in a television advertising campaign that displays a rhythm and focus absent in his Democratic primary against Josh Elliott. On the air this week are paired 30-second ads by Lamont‚Äôs campaign: A positive piece features an amiable […] Already a Subscriber?
Police standards council recommends new rules on Flock cameras
A law enforcement group that sets police standards in Connecticut recommended stringent new rules Thursday for the deployment and use of a wide range of surveillance technology, including automated license plate readers that have become hugely controversial over the past year. The Police Officer Standards and Training Council adopted and forwarded to Gov. Ned Lamont a 59-page report likely to be the basis of legislation drafted after the General Assembly returns in January.
Police standards council recommends new rules on Flock cameras
A law enforcement group that sets police standards in Connecticut recommended stringent new rules Thursday for the deployment and use of a wide range of surveillance technology, including automated license plate readers that have become hugely controversial over the past year. The Police Officer Standards and Training Council adopted and forwarded to Gov. Ned Lamont a 59-page report likely to be the basis of legislation drafted after the General Assembly returns in January.
Reticent in primary, Lamont hits Fazio early in general-election ads
Gov. Ned Lamont, seldom comfortable with the grittier aspects of political combat, is regularly hitting Republican Ryan Fazio in a television advertising campaign that displays a rhythm and focus absent in his Democratic primary against Josh Elliott.
Kosta Diamantis is a fugitive who hasn’t quite disappeared
If there is such a thing as a typical international fugitive, it clearly is not Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis. He’s done at least three print interviews since fleeing the U.S. rather than face a prison sentence Thursday. He was live on WTIC-1080 talk radio Monday afternoon, and a television interview conducted via Facetime on Sunday was to air Monday night on WTNH, News 8.
Ritter: Post by GOP student running for CT House is antisemitic
A video recorded at the America Fest conference in December by Will Gifford, a 21-year-old journalism student nominated in May by Republicans for the General Assembly, shows Gifford nodding in seeming agreement as a white Christian nationalist figure tells him Judaism is “evil.” The top Democrat in the Connecticut House said Monday the video is evidence of antisemitism that should end Gifford’s campaign.
Ritter: Post by GOP student running for CT House is antisemitic
A video recorded at the America Fest conference in December by Will Gifford, a 21-year-old journalism student nominated in May by Republicans for the General Assembly, shows Gifford nodding in seeming agreement as a white Christian nationalist figure tells him Judaism is “evil.” The top Democrat in the Connecticut House said Monday the video is evidence of antisemitism that should end Gifford’s campaign.
Kosta Diamantis is a fugitive who hasn’t quite disappeared
If there is such a thing as a typical international fugitive, it clearly is not Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis. He’s done at least three print interviews since fleeing the U.S. rather than face a prison sentence Thursday. He was live on WTIC-1080 talk radio Monday afternoon, and a television interview conducted via Facetime on Sunday was to air Monday night on WTNH, News 8.
Editorial Cartoon - Sept. 18, 2026 | The Day
News DE |Cartoons |Opinion Editorial Cartoon - Sept. 18, 2026 Published: Sep 18, 2026 12:01 AMUpdated: Sep 17, 2026 2:46 PM Editorial Cartoon - Sept. 18, 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. Latest Police-Fire-Courts/Police-Fire Reports Sep 17, 2026 7:33 PM Matthew Lyons had been found guilty of hitting pedestrian Michael DePaola in 2023 in Westerly.
Vote 'no' on Norwich police station bond | The Day
On Nov. 3, Norwich voters are asked to approve a $55 million bond ceiling to convert the former Chelsea Groton Bank building at 300 Main St. into a new police headquarters. While our officers deserve safe, functional facilities, this proposal poses unacceptable financial and logistical risks. First, costs are ballooning. Originally pitched at $44.75 million in 2022, the price tag has jumped to $55 million.
Menapace works hard for the district | The Day
With a background that includes serving on the East Lyme Planning Commission, and as a teacher, Nick Menapace brings a wealth of useful and relevant experience to his position as state representative for the 37th District. This is particularly true in the area of state funding. In Salem, Nick has brought in $136,839 for education and property tax relief.
Menapace willing to listen | The Day
One of the most important qualities I look for in a state representative is someone who actually listens. I have appreciated Nick Menapace’s willingness to spend time talking with people in our community and hearing what they have to say. During his listening tour, he made an effort to speak directly with residents about the issues affecting their families, businesses and neighborhoods. That may sound simple, but listening is an important part of representing people.
Citizens define society's principles | The Day
The IRS may cut federal funding to colleges that have inclusive programs. Wesleyan University is speaking out against this, and defending their programs. It’s good to have arguments about policy and funding, but that’s only half the argument. Inclusive programs are underpinned by our society’s definition of racism; we need to talk about that too. Our definition of racism comes from we the people. Not from the powerful, and not from the rich. So, here’s a principle: Racism is wrong.
Trevor Story's 3-run homer lifts Red Sox to 4-3 win | The Day
Arlington, Texas — Trevor Story hit a three-run home run off All-Star closer Jacob Latz in the eighth inning, capping a comeback from a three-run deficit as the Boston Red Sox beat Texas 4-3 on Thursday night and dropped the Rangers out of the AL West lead. Texas (76-77) had won four straight games to gain a share of the lead but dropped one game behind Houston (77-76), which holds the tiebreaker. The Rangers trail by two games for the last AL wild card.
Friday On The Air | The Day
Australian Rules Football 3:30 a.m., FS2 — AFL women: North Melbourne Kangaroos at Hawthorn Hawks. 5:30 a.m., FS2 — AFL playoffs: Fremantle Dockers at Sydney Swans. 10:30 p.m., FS2 — AFL women: Geelong Cats at Collingwood Magpies. 3:30 a.m. (Saturday), FS1 — AFL playoffs: Brisbane Lions at Hawthorn Hawks. Auto Racing 4:30 p.m., truTV — NASCAR Cup Bass Pro Shops Night Race practice from Bristol, Tenn. 5:40 p.m., truTV — NASCAR Cup Bass Pro Shops Night Race qualifying from Bristol, Tenn.
Reese has 30 points as Dream rout the Sun 103-59 | The Day
College Park, Ga. — Angel Reese scored 30 points on 11-of-14 shooting and had 10 rebounds to help the Atlanta Dream rout the Connecticut Sun 103-59 on Thursday night in the first WNBA game following a nearly three-week break for the FIBA World Cup. A key member of the winning U.S. team in Germany, Reese reached 30 points on a free throw with 5:38 remaining and grabbed her 10th rebound a few seconds later for her 30th double-double of the season.
Local roundup: Ledyard tops Fitch in girls' soccer | The Day
Groton — Ledyard picked up its first win of the season, beating Fitch 2-0 in a girls' soccer game on Thursday. Sofia Allais and Sophia DeRosa scored goals for the Colonels (1-2-1). Fitch, which was outshot 24-7, is 1-4. H.S. volleyball • East Lyme beat Newtown 3-1 in a nonleague match, winning 25-14, 25-23, 11-25, 25-17. Keira Cunningham had nine digs, Augi Bryant had 11 kills and Olivia Diep had nine digs and five aces for the Vikings (4-2).
Westerly man gets 8 1/2 years in prison in fatal DWI crash | The Day
A Westerly man was sentenced Thursday in Washington County Superior Court to 8½ years in prison in connection with a drunken driving crash that killed a 31-year-old Westerly man. According to a statement by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers sentenced Matthew Lyons, 39, to 15 years in prison, with 8½ years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions and 15 years of probation.
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