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Articles by Kat Ramkumar
CT tick populations are growing. Here’s what to know.
Ticks were once most active between March and October, but due to a consistent increase in warm weather spurred by climate change, varying tick species are now active year round in Connecticut.
CT tick populations are growing. Here’s what to know.
Ticks were once most active between March and October, but due to a consistent increase in warm weather spurred by climate change, varying tick species are now active year round in Connecticut.
In Bristol, these ‘Old Cranks’ keep CT’s clockmaking history ticking
The rhythmic sounds emitted by his trusty gold pocket watch and rotating array of wristwatches provide accompaniment (and the time) as he sets clocks throughout the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol. Thorin, 77, is one of two “Old Cranks” — the other is 73-year-old Michael Dion — who volunteer every Friday to wind 65 clocks. Their tools: white cloth gloves and a cardboard box full of clock keys. “You’ve got to make sure you’re not cranking like a crazy person,” Thorin said.
Back-to-school shopping? Here’s where Bridgeport, Hartford families can find help
Back-to-school season can be an exciting time for students and families, but preparing for a new school year can also come with a long list of expenses — from clothing and shoes to backpacks and school supplies. Now through Saturday, state residents can take advantage of the Sales Tax-Free Week. And for Hartford and Bridgeport families looking to stretch their budgets before school begins on Tues., Aug. 25 and Thurs., Aug.
CT is installing free sunscreen dispensers. Here’s where to find one
Melanoma is one of Connecticut’s most common types of cancer, ranking among the top 10 diagnoses every year. So, Connecticut health officials have partnered with CT Cancer Partnership and American Cancer Society to place free sunscreen dispensers in some beaches, parks and public spaces in the state and provide sun safety outreach. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends everyone wear sunscreen to minimize damage to the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
CT is installing free sunscreen dispensers. Here’s where to find one
Melanoma is one of Connecticut’s most common types of cancer, ranking among the top 10 diagnoses every year. So, Connecticut health officials have partnered with CT Cancer Partnership and American Cancer Society to place free sunscreen dispensers in some beaches, parks and public spaces in the state and provide sun safety outreach. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends everyone wear sunscreen to minimize damage to the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
CT launches online credential registry covering 130 schools, 4,200 programs
Connecticut’s Office of Higher Education has launched a redesigned credential registry — online — which officials hope will serve as a one-stop-shop for students interested in learning about post-secondary education and training programs across the state. The tool combines enrollment information on approximately 130 colleges, universities and private career centers and more than 4,200 credit and noncredit programs.
CT launches online tool for students to search post-secondary programs
Connecticut’s Office of Higher Education has launched a redesigned credential registry — online — which officials hope will serve as a one-stop-shop for students interested in learning about post-secondary education and training programs across the state. The tool combines enrollment information on approximately 130 colleges, universities and private career centers and more than 4,200 credit and noncredit programs.
CT launches online tool for students to search post-secondary programs
Connecticut’s Office of Higher Education has launched a redesigned credential registry — online — which officials hope will serve as a one-stop-shop for students interested in learning about post-secondary education and training programs across the state. The tool combines enrollment information on approximately 130 colleges, universities and private career centersand more than 4,200 credit and noncredit programs.
Bear sightings are increasing in CT. Here’s what you need to know.
Connecticut officials estimate the state’s black bear population at between 1,000 and 1,200. And they often come face-to-face with the state’s human population. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has received reports of more than 7,300 bear sightings so far in 2026. That’s comparable to bear sightings last year, when state environmental officials received more than 12,000 reports, according to its “State of the Bears” report.
A Biden-era student loan repayment plan ended. What to know
The Trump administration ended the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) student repayment plan in March, requiring millions of borrowers to switch to new repayment options. The Biden administration launched the SAVE plan in 2023, allowing about 7.5 million student loan borrowers to have their monthly payments reduced based on their adjusted gross income and family size.
New CT laws taking effect July 1: Absentee ballots, zoning, AI
More than six dozen Connecticut laws addressing the state’s housing growth, absentee ballot rules, availability of AI resources and more will wholly or partially take effect on July 1. Connecticut laws are passed by the General Assembly during the legislative session each year — this year’s ran from Feb. 4 to May 6. They typically take effect on Jan. 1, July 1 or Oct. 1. Here’s a look at some of the dozens of laws that will be implemented next month. Portions of a wide-ranging housing bill that Gov.
What to know about the allegations against former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart
Erin Stewart served as mayor of New Britain for 12 years. After her term came to an end in November, she announced her intention to run for Connecticut governor on the Republican ticket. Democrat Bobby Sanchez, elected to replace Stewart, took over the mayor’s office in November.
Grad school loan limits may worsen medical shortages
Kansas City University is home to the fourth largest medical school in the U.S.by class size. However, president and CEO Marc Hahn is worried about students being able to afford classes after July. Federal student loans have undergone massive changes under the Trump administration. Republicans’ massive tax and spending bill passed last July placed borrowing limits on graduate and professional degrees. This month, the Education Department gutted the Biden-era SAVE loan forgiveness plan.
Grad school loan limits may worsen medical shortages
Kansas City University is home to the fourth largest medical school in the U.S.by class size. However, president and CEO Marc Hahn is worried about students being able to afford classes after July. Federal student loans have undergone massive changes under the Trump administration. Republicans’ massive tax and spending bill passed last July placed borrowing limits on graduate and professional degrees. This month, the Education Department gutted the Biden-era SAVE loan forgiveness plan.
University of Missouri defunds identity-based umbrella organizations
Five multicultural student organizations at the University of Missouri learned they will lose funding starting July 2026. Organization leaders met with the University of Missouri’s Division of Student Affairs Friday, when they learned they will no longer receive funding due to a federal memo.
University of Missouri defunds identity based umbrella organizations Original
Five multicultural student organizations at the University of Missouri learned they will lose funding starting July 2026. Organization leaders met with the University of Missouri’s Division of Student Affairs on April 3, where they learned they will no longer receive funding due to a federal memo.
Missouri universities are handing over student data to the U.S. Department of Education
Dawn Medley is the new vice president for enrollment management at Missouri State University. In her 30 years of working with higher education data across the country, she has spearheaded programs to forgive student debt, expand free tuition and allow for student re-enrollment. However, during these 30 years, she has never seen a request as big as the one incited by the Department of Education last year.
Missouri universities comply with Department of Education student data collections
Dawn Medley is the new vice president for enrollment management at Missouri State University. In her 30 years of working with higher education data across the country, she has spearheaded programs to forgive student debt, expand free tuition and allow for student re-enrollment. However, during these 30 years, she has never seen a request as big as the one incited by the Department of Education last year.
Senate Republicans renew effort to avoid federal gun laws - Gasconade County Republican
JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Republicans renewed pushing a bill Tuesday that would bar local law enforcement agencies in the state from enforcing federal firearm policies. House Bill 1175, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, passed the House in late March. Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, the bill would penalize state authorities for enforcing federal gun laws.
House passes bill that allows income tax reduction for capital gains - Gasconade County Republican
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri will be the first state to grant a 100% capitol gains deduction if a bill passed by the Missouri House on Wednesday is signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Sponsored by Reps. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, and George Hruza, R-St. Louis, House Bill 594 and House Bill 508 would allow Missourians to deduct 100% of all capital gains income reported on federal taxes from their state income taxes.
House passes bill that allows income tax reduction for capital gains
Missouri will be the first state to grant a 100% capitol gains deduction if a bill passed by the Missouri House on Wednesday is signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Sponsored by Reps. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, and George Hruza, R-St. Louis, House Bill 594 and House Bill 508 would allow Missourians to deduct 100% of all capital gains income reported on federal taxes from their state income taxes.
Capitol Report 5/9/2025
Statehouse Reporting Posted Friday, May 9, 2025 11:26 am Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network coverage this week included coverage of education and landlord bills and efforts to revive a state law restricting enforcement of federal gun laws.
House passes bill that allows income tax reduction for capital gains
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri will be the first state to grant a 100% capitol gains deduction if a bill passed by the Missouri House on Wednesday is signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Sponsored by Reps. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, and George Hruza, R-St. Louis, House Bill 594 and House Bill 508 would allow Missourians to deduct 100% of all capital gains income reported on federal taxes from their state income taxes.
House passes bill that allows income tax reduction for capital gains
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri will be the first state to grant a 100% capitol gains deduction if a bill passed by the Missouri House on Wednesday is signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Sponsored by Reps. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, and George Hruza, R-St. Louis, House Bill 594 and House Bill 508 would allow Missourians to deduct 100% of all capital gains income reported on federal taxes from their state income taxes.
House passes bill that allows income tax reduction for capital gains
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri will be the first state to grant a 100% capitol gains deduction if a bill passed by the Missouri House on Wednesday is signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Sponsored by Reps. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, and George Hruza, R-St. Louis, House Bill 594 and House Bill 508 would allow Missourians to deduct 100% of all capital gains income reported on federal taxes from their state income taxes.
Senate Republicans renew effort to avoid federal gun laws
JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Republicans renewed pushing a bill Tuesday that would bar local law enforcement agencies in the state from enforcing federal firearm policies. House Bill 1175, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, passed the House in late March. Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, the bill would penalize state authorities for enforcing federal gun laws.
Senate Republicans renew effort to avoid federal gun laws
JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Republicans renewed pushing a bill Tuesday that would bar local law enforcement agencies in the state from enforcing federal firearm policies. House Bill 1175, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, passed the House in late March. Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, the bill would penalize state authorities for enforcing federal gun laws.
Missouri Supreme Court upholds Prop. A, legislature continues attack
In a near unanimous ruling Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court decided to uphold a voter-approved paid sick leave and minimum wage law passed on November's ballot. Six of the seven justices agreed the language in Proposition A's summary and fiscal note did not mislead voters and that the results of the measure's statewide vote should stand.
Missouri Supreme Court upholds Prop. A, legislature continues attack
JEFFERSON CITY – In a near unanimous ruling Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court decided to uphold a voter-approved paid sick leave and minimum wage law passed on November's ballot. Six of the seven justices agreed the language in Proposition A's summary and fiscal note did not mislead voters and that the results of the measure's statewide vote should stand.
Missouri Supreme Court upholds Prop. A, legislature continues attack
JEFFERSON CITY – In a near unanimous ruling Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court decided to uphold a voter-approved paid sick leave and minimum wage law passed on November’s ballot. Six of the seven justices agreed the language in Proposition A’s summary and fiscal note did not mislead voters and that the results of the measure’s statewide vote should stand.
House backs bill freeing child abuse victims to speak
JEFFERSON CITY — Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, wants to remove any obstacles that may get in the way of child sexual abuse survivors speaking up. His bill, House Bill 709, disregards any nondisclosure agreement used to settle civil lawsuits over sexual abuse. "I'm advocating for these victims to be able to have their voices heard after their innocence has been taken through the criminal actions of others," Seitz said on the Missouri House floor.
Capitol Report 4/4/2025
Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network coverage this week includes stories on some emotional hearings on topics ranging from gender-shared spaces to pregnancy during divorce proceedings to proposed elimination of sunset provisions for several laws.
Both sides join forces to rally for Missouri prison independent oversight
JEFFERSON CITY — Previously incarcerated Missourians, their loved ones and prison staff gathered at the Capitol to advocate for independent prison oversight on Wednesday. As of now, the Missouri Department of Corrections can investigate itself. If there are reports of medical neglect, abuse or unsafe conditions, it is allowed to grade itself, which can result in a lack of transparency and accountability.
60 Universities Under Investigation by Trump Administration for Antisemitism
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent a letter to sixty higher education institutions on Monday warning them of “potential enforcement actions” if they don’t comply with actions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act of 1963 prohibits any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color and national origin, which includes Jewish students.
House Government Efficiency Committee debates restricting SNAP benefits
JEFFERSON CITY — Rep. Jamie Gragg, R-Ozark, spoke in favor of adding restrictions to SNAP benefits on Tuesday. House Bill 1222, which Gragg sponsors, would prohibit SNAP clients from purchasing certain foods such as "candy and soft drinks." "Food stamps have fueled the junk food epidemic," Gragg said. "Taxpayers are funding a growing child obesity program with this grant program." This bill, however, was met with opposition by members on the committee and witnesses due to its broad language.
Disability Rights Legislative Day calls Missouri to action
JEFFERSON CITY — Around 500 Missourians with disabilities and their loved ones gathered at the Capitol to garner support for disability rights on Wednesday. This is the 24th year that disability-based activist organizations and coalitions have come together to rally for better transportation, health care access, employment opportunities and increased wages for direct support professionals.
Disability Rights Legislative Day calls Missouri to action
JEFFERSON CITY — Around 500 Missourians with disabilities and their loved ones gathered at the Capitol to garner support for disability rights on Wednesday. This is the 24th year that disability-based activist organizations and coalitions have come together to rally for better transportation, health care access, employment opportunities and increased wages for direct support professionals.
Trump Administration Actions Are Sparking Nationwide Protests. Here’s How to Join the Next One.
On Monday, President’s Day, tens of thousands across the country participated in “No Kings on President’s Day” and “Not My President’s Day” marches, in protest of the Trump administration’s anti-democratic agenda.
Missouri House bills aim to limit state income tax and spending
By Kat Ramkumar, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — Some efforts to provide income tax relief for state residents also seek to impose spending restrictions on the legislature. HJR1 and HB 100, the focuses of a Tuesday House hearing, highlight efforts to eliminate income tax throughout Missouri while also limiting future spending. Bill sponsor Rep. Bishop Davidson, R-Republic, said he believes that there are three ways to do this and provide sufficient state funding.
Missouri House bills aim to limit state income tax and spending
JEFFERSON CITY — Some efforts to provide income tax relief for state residents also seek to impose spending restrictions on the legislature. HJR1 and HB 100, the focuses of a Tuesday House hearing, highlight efforts at eliminating income tax throughout Missouri while also limiting future spending. Bill sponsor Rep. Bishop Davidson, R-Republic, said he believes that there are three ways to do this and provide sufficient state funding.
Trump’s Federal Aid Cuts Met With Resistance
Two federal judges have blocked the Trump Administration’s efforts to cut all federal grant and loan programs. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan paused the cuts last Tuesday for a week to allow for full arguments on it. U.S District Judge John J. McConnell followed suit on Friday, siding with a coalition of 22 states. “The Executive cites no legal authority allowing it to do so; indeed, no federal law would authorize the Executive’s unilateral action here,” McConnell said in his ruling.
Capitol Report 1/31/2025
Statehouse Reporting Posted Friday, January 31, 2025 11:08 am Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network coverage this week included Gov.
Witnesses urge legislators to raise Missouri marriage age
JEFFERSON CITY — Sen. Tracy McCreery renewed efforts Wednesday to raise the minimum marriage age to 18 in Missouri. McCreery, D-Olivette, spoke in favor of her Senate Bill 66 to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee. In Missouri, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married to any person under the age of 21 with parental consent. McCreery wants to eliminate the parental consent language and limit marriage to those 18 or older.
Trump Terminates First Woman to Lead a Branch of the Military
Last Tuesday, January 21, President Donald Trump terminated U.S Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Lee Fagan. She was the first female leader to head a branch of the military. The Coast Guard appointment is a four-year term, but Fagan had only served two. She was nominated by former President Joe Biden to lead the Coast Guard in 2021 and assumed duties in 2022.
Krewson has confirmation hearing for UM Board of Curators
By Kat Ramkumar, Missouri News Network Editor's Note: Krewson's appointment to the UM Board of Curators was unanimously approved Thursday by the Senate. JEFFERSON CITY — Former St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson had a confirmation hearing Wednesday to be formally appointed to the UM System Board of Curators. Krewson, who has served on an interim basis since last summer, testified in front of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. She was appointed by Gov.
Krewson has confirmation hearing for UM Board of Curators
JEFFERSON CITY — Former St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson had a confirmation hearing Wednesday to be formally appointed to the UM System Board of Curators. Krewson, who has served on an interim basis since last summer, testified in front of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. She was appointed by Gov. Mike Parsons in 2024 and was joined on Wednesday by sponsor Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis.
Cecile Richards, Feminist Trailblazer and Former Planned Parenthood President, Dies at 67
Photo by Aiden Frazier on Unsplash Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president and life-long feminist activist, passed away Monday, January 20, from brain cancer at 67. Richards was a leader in progressive politics for decades and was most known for cementing Planned Parenthood as a political powerhouse during contentious right-wing attacks leading up to and during the first Trump presidency.
Calendar shift, warm weather and acorn boom lead to low deer harvest numbers
Boone County hunters brought in 1,558 deer during the November firearms hunting season, around 500 fewer deer than last year. Boone wasn’t the only county that saw diminishing game numbers. The total number of deer killed in Missouri this year was 159,120, compared to last year’s total of 193,885. Missouri Department of Conservation Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said three factors are at play: a calendar shift, warmer temperatures and a bumper acorn crop.
Boone County hunters report to chronic wasting disease test sites
For the first time, Boone County hunters reported to mandatory chronic wasting disease testing sites Saturday and answered a simple question: “Where’d you shoot that deer?” Knowing where deer were killed helps Missouri Department of Conservation workers track the potential spread of chronic wasting disease. The disease results in degeneration of the brains and nervous systems of deer, and there are no treatments or vaccines — it is always fatal for infected animals.
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