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Reporter for The Day newspaper covering the City of New London. Contact me at 860-857-6965.
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Articles by John Penney
First new Fort Trumbull residential development in decades gets a name | The Day
New London — The city’s newest apartment complex — and the first being built on the Fort Trumbull peninsula since an infamous eminent domain case was settled — now has a name: The Mizzen. The moniker, a term referring to a ship’s mast or sail, is in keeping with the developer’s penchant for bestowing nautical names onto its local properties.
L+M and unions reach contract agreements after months of talks | The Day
New London — Lawrence + Memorial Hospital leadership and unions representing nearly 1,700 healthcare employees have ratified multiyear collective bargaining contracts after months of stalled negotiations. The hospital, which announced the agreements Friday, said new contracts with union nurses and technologists will run through March 31, 2029, while a contract covering workers in service and clerical jobs was approved through Oct. 16, 2028.
L+M, unions reach contract agreements after months of talks | The Day
New London — Lawrence + Memorial leadership and unions representing nearly 1,700 healthcare employees have ratified multi-year collective bargaining contracts after months of stalled negotiations. The hospital, which announced the agreements on Friday, said new contracts with union nurses and technologists will run through March 31, 2029, while one covering workers in service and clerical jobs was approved through Oct. 16, 2028.
Newest MLK scholars to be recognized at annual dinner this month | The Day
Thirteen high-achieving southeastern Connecticut high school seniors will be recognized later this month as the latest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund recipients. The scholars, chosen after a selection process that reviewed academic records, community service and writing ability, will each receive $25,000 that will be distributed in $6,250 installments over their four-year college journey.
A New London store wanted to sell beer. Then the police chief weighed in. | The Day
A New London store wanted to sell beer. Then the police chief weighed in. New London — The shelves of Roscoe’s Convenience Store on Wednesday were filled with the sorts of sundries familiar to anyone walking into a neighborhood mini-mart. Bags of individually-sized chips and boxes of candy bars were displayed near tobacco products and coolers filled with milk jugs and sodas.
New London approves ban on blocking sidewalks and building entries | The Day
New London — Despite concerns raised by a state representative and former police officer, the City Council this week passed a new sidewalk and building entryway anti-obstruction law that will take effect next month. The council on Monday voted 5-2 to approve the ordinance that prohibits, under certain circumstances, individuals from sitting on commercially zoned sidewalks or willfully obstructing entrances to any building — or risk a fine.
New London celebrates transformation of former Day headquarters | The Day
New London — Over the course of several hours Thursday, city officials, business leaders and community boosters got an intimate look at three major downtown development projects spearheaded by the same development firm, including an apartment complex set to rise from where the storied Day newspaper once operated.
New London names longtime Ocean Beach Park head as venue manager | The Day
New London — Dave Sugrue’s first unemployment stint in four decades ended on Monday, less than a week after it began. The City Council on Monday night approved a new contract with the longtime general manager of Ocean Beach Park that will pay Sugrue $120,000 to manage the city-owned venue for a year — and no longer. The vote came days after the latest contract with Sodexo Live!, which managed the park since 1999 — with Sugrue at the helm — ended on Thursday.
'Wonka's the Golden Ticket' resurrects Gene Wilder's voice with AI. The result is lifeless | The Day
'Wonka's the Golden Ticket' resurrects Gene Wilder's voice with AI. The result is lifeless So they've turned "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" — which is not to say "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the 1964 Roald Dahl novel from which the 1971 movie was extruded — into a reality competition series called "Wonka's the Golden Ticket," which is on Netflix.
Trump blinks | The Day
Trump and others in his administration had tried to depict the commercials as patriotic public service announcements when, clearly, they were political in nature and timed to influence the midterm elections. In a recent editorial, “Trump fleeces taxpayers to pay for his propaganda,” we expressed the frustration and outrage shared by many Americans about President Trump using taxpayer money to pay for his series of self-serving political ads.
In 'Lanterns,' Poorna Jagannathan takes another turn as a TV baddie: The Manhunter | The Day
In 'Lanterns,' Poorna Jagannathan takes another turn as a TV baddie: The Manhunter Poorna Jagannathan has played everything from a ruthless gangster (“Deli Boys”) to an overbearing immigrant mom (“Never Have I Ever”). Now with HBO’s “Lanterns,” she adds an all-powerful galactic android to her acting resume. Her character’s identity was a secret for much of HBO’s DC Comics series until a reveal in Episode 4 that a rancher’s trophy wife, Zoe Macon (Jagannathan), was, in fact, the deadly Manhunter.
Paramount and Warner Bros are now one Hollywood giant: Skydance. Here's how we got here | The Day
Paramount and Warner Bros are now one Hollywood giant: Skydance. Here's how we got here CHICAGO (AP) — It’s official: Skydance-owned Paramount has closed its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The companies completed the deal on Tuesday, ushering in a new Hollywood giant with the now shorter “Skydance” nametag. The merger brings two of America’s oldest moviemaking studios together.
New London names longtime Ocean Beach Park head as venue manager - for a year | The Day
New London — Dave Sugure’s first unemployment stint in four decades ended on Monday, less than a week after it began. The City Council on Monday night approved a new contract with the longtime general manager of Ocean Beach Park that will pay Sugrue $120,000 to manage the city-owned venue for a year — and no longer. The vote came days after the latest contract with Sodexo Live!, which managed the park since 1999 — with Sugrue at the helm — ended on Thursday.
Agreement allows for recreational programming at shuttered New London school | The Day
New London — A new agreement gives permission for the city’s Recreation Department to host a variety of classes at a recently closed elementary school while also allowing the school district to consolidate its pre-school classes elsewhere. The city, Board of Education and Recreation Department last month signed a memorandum of agreement (MOU) that lets the department use C.B Jennings International Elementary Magnet School ‘s gym, cafeteria and library for programming through June 30, 2027.
39th District race pits incumbent Democrat against New London business owner | The Day
The battle for the 39th District’s state representative seat pits a sitting Democratic legislator against a local business owner, both with very strong — but differing — opinions on a host of fiscal and social service issues. Republican candidate John Russell, 75, is challenging four-term Democratic incumbent Anthony Nolan, 58, for a district seat that encompasses New London’s first and second voting districts.
New London council to again discuss hiring veteran Ocean Beach Park manager | The Day
New London — The City Council on Monday will again discuss a proposal to keep longtime Ocean Beach Park supervisor David Sugrue on the job for another year — but this time as a consultant for the city-owned venue. The proposal is different than one discussed during a Sept.
Frustrated plea by New London ACO leads to 'insane' show of generosity | The Day
New London — “Animal welfare professionals are tired.” That admission prefaced a Sept. 24 Facebook post by New London Animal Control Officer Tonya Kloiber in which she lamented the lack of pet adopters at a time when animal surrenders, abandonments and cruelty cases are straining her department’s food stores. That post, within hours, also led to an outpouring of donations that were still trickling a week later.
New London approves 235-unit apartment project near popular seafood eatery | The Day
New London — After months of discussion and design revisions, a Norwalk-based developer got the go-ahead Thursday to construct 235 apartments near a popular seafood restaurant. The Planning and Zoning Commission, after a three-hour public hearing, unanimously approved site plan and special permit applications submitted by Spinnaker Real Estate Partners for construction of three apartment buildings along Hamilton and Howard streets.
Adding Silver Sneakers could mean a $156K yearly loss for New London community center | The Day
Adding Silver Sneakers could mean a $156K yearly loss for New London community center New London — Introducing the Silver Sneakers program into the New London Community Recreation Center could result in a $156,000 annual loss, facility managers said earlier this month. Silver Sneakers is a program that allows eligible seniors — typically 65 or older or enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Medigap — to visit participating fitness centers for free.
New library laptop borrowing program aims to get needy patrons connected | The Day
Inside the Public Library of New London's main check-in desk on Wednesday sat a rolling cart filled with dozens of soft black carrying cases, each containing a new Dell Pro 16 laptop. Those 55 devices, like hundreds of others recently delivered to libraries across the state, are destined to be checked out to patrons — in some cases for up to five years — as part of the state’s Laptop Connect program which aims to help patrons without personal computers get online.
Retiring owner of New London gallery and framing shop reflects on 'intriguing' work | The Day
Retiring owner of New London gallery and framing shop reflects on 'intriguing' work New London — In 1983, Sara Munro walked into a small downtown gallery and framing shop and began a job for which she’d unknowingly been preparing nearly her whole life. “I’ve cut glass, done crafting and embroidery and furniture refurbishing,” Munro said Friday from inside the Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery at 140 Bank St., its location since 2008.
Retiring New London frame and gallery owner reflects on decades of 'intriguing' work | The Day
Retiring New London frame and gallery owner reflects on decades of 'intriguing' work New London — In 1983, Sara Munro walked into a small downtown gallery and framing shop and began working at a job she’d unknowingly been preparing nearly her whole life for. “I’ve cut glass, done crafting and embroidery and furniture refurbishing,” Munro said on Friday from inside the Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery at 140 Bank St., it’s location since 2008.
'Comptroller on steroids,' New London selects finance director as city's first CFOO | The Day
'Comptroller on steroids,' New London selects finance director as city's first CFOO New London — David McBride, the city’s longtime finance director, will soon have a new title — chief financial operating officer — that comes with a nearly $25,000 annual raise.
New London works to relocate city fuel station from under Gold Star bridge | The Day
New London — The city is paying a consultant $10,000 to assist with the state-mandated relocation of its municipal fuel station from under the twin spans of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge to the Fort Trumbull area. The station, which consists of four gas and diesel fuel pumps and two underground storage tanks located not far from the transfer station, is used to fill the tanks of all city vehicles, from ambulances and school buses to police cruisers, public works plows and fire trucks.
Armed with a new state law, New London to revisit short-term rental discussions | The Day
New London — When Ben Hyde moved back to the city about a decade ago, he did so with the hope of providing his children with the same happy experiences he had growing up in New London. He and his wife in 2021 purchased a pretty 1½-story blue Cape Cod-style home on Alewife Parkway, whose white-shuttered windows overlook Alewife Cove.
New London looks to keep Ocean Beach Park catering and event money flowing | The Day
New London — The City Council on Monday will discuss a proposed agreement with an East Windsor catering firm that would keep Ocean Beach Park off-season revenue continuing to flow even after a long-running contract with a venue management firm expires at the end of the month. Mayor Michael Passero is asking the council to approve an 18-month, stop-gap agreement with Chez Hospitality LLC to provide event and banquet services at the city-owned park’s Port ‘N Starboard boardwalk restaurant.
New London school board looks to hire superintendent search firm by end of month | The Day
New London — The Board of Education hopes by the end of the month to hire a search firm that will assist members in finding the district’s new superintendent. Board President Elaine Maynard-Adams said Wednesday that the search company will work with a newly formed Executive Personnel Search Committee — made up of all seven board members — to identify a candidate to succeed Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie. Ritchie announced in July she plans to retire at the end of the year.
New London looks to put city's best foot forward in time for museum opening | The Day
The city is forming a new task force that will discuss how best to prepare for the opening of National Coast Guard Museum next year.
Joe Sakic plans to indefinitely stay in GM role for Avs with no search scheduled, AP source says | The Day
Joe Sakic plans to indefinitely stay in GM role for Avs with no search scheduled, AP source says Castle Rock, Colo. — Joe Sakic will remain in the role of general manager for the Colorado Avalanche indefinitely with no search scheduled, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. Already the president of hockey operations, Sakic added the title of GM in June when the Nashville Predators hired away Chris MacFarland to lead their front office.
Trump calls AI risks a 'hoax,' says there is a 'SICK conspiracy' against AI and data centers | The Day
Trump calls AI risks a 'hoax,' says there is a 'SICK conspiracy' against AI and data centers Washington — President Donald Trump said Monday that he would be a sufficient guardrail against rogue artificial intelligence, claiming that any efforts to limit the technology is part of a “SICK conspiracy.” Trump was pushing back against calls by tech leaders such as Anthropic's Dario Amodei, OpenAI's Sam Altman and Elon Musk to have greater government oversight of AI.
Ledyard falls to Lyman Hall in football season opener | The Day
Editorial Cartoon2 - Sept. 14, 2026 Featured Media Lyman Hall's Brandon LaPlante, left, and Brent Michaud, right, side bump after scoring off a catch against the Lancers in Ledyard on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. (Brian Delk/The Day) Lyman Hall's Brandon LaPlante, left, and Brent Michaud, right, side bump after scoring off a catch against the Lancers in Ledyard on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.
Police await autopsy report in New London moped crash that killed 17-year-old | The Day
New London — The police department is awaiting a final medical examiner’s report before completing its investigation into an August fatal moped crash that left a 17-year-old dead, police said on Monday. The Aug. 9 crash in the area of Ocean Avenue and Beech Drive involved a truck driven by City Council President John Satti and a moped operated by Zaeem Tyus.
Police await autopsy report in fatal New London moped crash that killed 17-year-old | The Day
Police await autopsy report in fatal New London moped crash that killed 17-year-old New London — The police department is awaiting a final medical examiner’s report before completing its investigation into an August fatal moped crash that left a 17-year-old dead, police officials said on Monday. That Aug. 9 crash in the area of Ocean Avenue and Beech Drive involved a truck driven by City Council President John Satti and a moped operated by Zaeem Tyus.
Editorial Cartoon2 - Sept. 14, 2026 | The Day
Police await autopsy report in fatal New London moped crash that killed 17-year-old News DE |Cartoons |Opinion Editorial Cartoon2 - Sept. 14, 2026 Published: Sep 14, 2026 12:01 PMUpdated: Sep 14, 2026 7:03 AM Editorial Cartoon2 - Sept. 14, 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.
Defusing a New London's man's cancer 'time-bomb' with early detection and treatment | The Day
Defusing a New London's man's cancer 'time-bomb' with early detection and treatment New London — Joel Deeter counts the day he fell off a warehouse ladder in 1996 — severely injuring his back — as one of the luckiest of his life. That accident, the gangly 54-year-old New London resident said, decades later led to the blood tests that enabled doctors to diagnose and treat his chronic lymphocytic leukemia early.
New London council approves community center membership fee increases | The Day
New London — The City Council this week approved slight monthly membership increases at the new community recreation center, two months after the request was first raised and immediately tabled — to the consternation of some councilors.
New London paves way for long-stalled apartment project to resume | The Day
New London — The City Council, during a Tuesday meeting that occasionally boiled over with discontent, nullified a 20-year-old development agreement that city officials said held hostage a long-stalled Bank Street apartment project. The council voted to nullify a 2002 development agreement with the Oaktree Green firm — one that had been amended several times over the years — concerning property at 330 Bank St., initially the proposed site of a three-building apartment complex.
New London career training school lauded for producing new waves of skilled workers | The Day
New London career training school lauded for producing new waves of skilled workers New London — Inside Porter and Chester Institute’s New London campus on Tuesday, Jessica Ventura enjoyed a slice of cake before heading back to the dental assistant classes she hopes will soon lead to a new career.
Proposed New London speed camera ordinance now under a tight deadline for passage | The Day
Proposed New London speed camera ordinance now under a tight deadline for passage New London — If a controversial speed camera ordinance — one that’s been discussed, tabled and re-tabled for a year — isn’t taken up by the City Council this month, the proposed measure “effectively gets dropped” from consideration, the city’s law director said.
New London mayor wants longtime Ocean Beach Park manager to stay on for a year | The Day
New London — For the better part of four decades, the name David Sugrue has been synonymous with Ocean Beach Park. And if Mayor Michael Passero gets his way next week, Sugrue will continue to manage the popular city-owned venue for at least another year. The City Council is scheduled to meet in executive session on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to discuss an employment agreement with Sugrue — who currently works for the Sodexo Live! firm — that would keep him managing the park.
New London celebrates a downtown development boom years in the making | The Day
New London — For weeks, the sounds of muffled explosions and rock-splintering work have reverberated from a busy construction site at the corner of State and Unions streets, shaking nearby City Hall windows and startling passersby. But the cacophony is music to the ears of Felix Reyes, the city’s director of economic development and planning.
Popular New London seafood restaurant again challenges nearby plan for 235 apartments | The Day
Popular New London seafood restaurant again challenges nearby plan for 235 apartments New London — A developer’s plan to build 235 apartments on a dilapidated street leading to a popular seafood restaurant — one that was already tweaked to address parking and construction concerns — is still getting push back from project opponents.
New $4 million roundabout in New London set to break ground next spring | The Day
New London — The city’s latest roundabout project, this one planned for the busy intersection of Broad and Williams streets used heavily by bikers and pedestrians, is expected to break ground in the spring. Bids for the $4 million state-funded project were opened late last month and are due back on Sept. 18, Public Works Director Brian Sear said on Wednesday.
New London man's wait for a new liver ends with a hoped for phone call | The Day
New London — At 8:45 a.m. last Thursday, Jason Barwell got the call he’d been waiting months to receive: A deceased donor liver was ready to be transplanted into his immunocompromised body. The call came from the NYU Langone Transplant Institute in Manhattan, the same facility where the 40-year-old Barnwell was recovering on Monday after successful surgery over the weekend. Barnwell’s wife, Grier Barnwell, recalled her husband getting the notification.
Gathering for a weekend of dance, camaraderie and fellowship at Schemitzun | The Day
Mashantucket — The Mashantucket Pequot Cultural Grounds were a riot of color and sounds on Saturday as tribes from across the nation — and beyond — gathered in the spirit of tradition and fellowship to celebrate the 34th annual Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance festival.
Gathering for a weekend of dance, comraderie and fellowship at Schemitzun | The Day
Mashantucket — The Mashantucket Pequot Cultural Grounds were a riot of color and sounds on Saturday as tribes from across the nation — and beyond — gathered in the spirit of tradition and fellowship to celebrate the 34th annual Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance festival.
Hundreds of apartments set to rise on long vacant Fort Trumbull land | The Day
New London — More than 20 years after a notorious U.S. Supreme Court decision stripped dozens of Fort Trumbull residents of their homes and businesses, the first private development — a large-scale apartment complex — has broken ground on the peninsula.
'This, for me, is stability' | The Day
New London — As Giselle Santos walked through her new Center Street home on Friday, the sounds of her footfalls were quickly drowned out by the excited yelps of her two youngest children as they raced down halls and peeked around corners.
Herd of goats chew down overgrown New London park land | The Day
New London — Seconds after trotting off a trailer ramp on Wednesday morning, dozens of goats began nosing through a thickly overgrown patch of future park land that served as their buffet for the day. The goats, a mix of LaManchas, Nubians, Kikos and Nigerian dwarfs, had within 30 minutes cropped a section of waist-high scrub inside the Adam Jackson Black Heritage Memorial Park nearly to the ground. And the biological landscapers were just getting started.
L+M unions picket amid stalled contract negotiations | The Day
New London — Dozens of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital union healthcare workers took to the sidewalks on Monday as part of an effort to restart contract negotiations they said have stalled out for nearly a year over pay, staffing and other disagreements with administrators.
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