Lisa Hagen
Verified- DC Correspondent, The Connecticut Mirror
- DC Correspondent, Connecticut Public
- DC Correspondent, WNPR-FM (Hartford, CT)
Washington, D.C.
DC-based reporter @ctmirror & @WNPR. Support local news. On the board @RegionalReports, former Standing Committee of Correspondents. Email: lhagen@ctmirror.org
Articles by Lisa Hagen
Larson lost to a younger challenger in CT. Could Blumenthal face a similar test?
Hours after celebrating the decisive win of a popular incumbent governor, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was back at work. Standing out in the sun in front of a Ukrainian Catholic church in Hartford, the three-term Connecticut senator told a small group of supporters about the Senate’s recent passage of a wide-ranging Russia sanctions bill he helped get across the finish line. Shortly after, he headed to New Britain’s farmers market to meet with farmers.
Larson lost to a younger challenger. Could Blumenthal face a similar test?
Hours after celebrating the decisive win of a popular incumbent governor, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was back at work. Standing out in the sun in front of a Ukrainian Catholic church in Hartford, the three-term Connecticut senator told a small group of supporters about the Senate’s recent passage of a wide-ranging Russia sanctions bill he helped get across the finish line. Shortly after, he headed to New Britain’s farmers market to meet with farmers.
Former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman dies at 80 | The Day
Former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman dies at 80 Nancy S. Wyman, a prescient voice of caution about Connecticut’s unfunded pension liability as state comptroller, then the lieutenant governor who gave Democrats a crucial tie-breaking vote as the presiding officer in an evenly divided state Senate, died Wednesday. She was 80. Her death was announced by the office of Gov. Ned Lamont. “Nancy Wyman was a good friend to me, a good friend to Democrats and a good friend to the people of Connecticut,” Lamont said.
Inflation cooled last month as gas prices fell, though costs remain elevated | The Day
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. inflation slowed last month and a measure of underlying price pressures also cooled, suggesting higher oil and gas prices from the Iran war are only having a limited impact on broader costs in the economy. Consumer prices rose 3.4% in July from a year ago, down slightly from 3.5% in June, the Labor Department said Wednesday. But inflation is still higher than before the Iran war began in February, when it was 2.4%. On a monthly basis, prices rose just 0.1% from June to July.
Trump says Secret Service and the military wanted him off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat | The Day
Trump says Secret Service and the military wanted him off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he slipped away from Air Force One after a trip last month in Turkey because the Secret Service and military wanted him on a “different plane” due to a threat that he insisted didn't scare him.
Case of the Disappearing House is resolved | The Day
This is Part II of the second in an occasional series about New London’s ‘mobile homes’: notable houses that have been moved from their original location. You will recall from Part I of this article that sometime between 1901 and 1904 the Henry P. Haven mansion had been moved from its original, prominent location at the corner of Broad and Hempstead Streets to an unknown location. Reuben T.
The Good Old Days: End of summer brings its messengers of hope | The Day
When the lazy days of July began to fade and August was just around the corner, my mother would say, “When you hear the sound of the katydids chanting in the night, summer is saying goodbye.” Growing up on Fitchville Road in Bozrah during the 1960s, I learned to recognize the changing of the seasons through my mother’s eyes. Our family lived beside a pond encircled by a wide dirt path that tenderly embraced the water.
Daughter's wedding planning has been hijacked | The Day
DEAR ABBY: My 33-year-old daughter is getting married, and the mothers have taken over her wedding plans. They want more than 200 guests, a full Catholic ceremony, fine wines, a full bar, plated dinner and a live band. My daughter wants to please everyone but is not a practicing Catholic. She wants a small, intimate wedding with twinkling lights, a DJ and house wines from the California vineyard venue.
News flash: We live in a mixed economy | The Day
Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan keeps calling himself a capitalist. And the Democratic Socialists of America keep backing him to the eyeballs. Why? Because the DSA understands that El-Sayed has to say that to win over even Democrats in a moderate state like Michigan. They firmly expect that once elected, he would do as they say, which happily conforms with what he truly believes. Confusing? Yes, on purpose. But let's move beyond this war of labels.
Your stars - Aug. 12 | The Day
Your stars - Aug. 12 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Process information, consider your options and put a foolproof plan in place before you act. Don't let anger motivate you when intelligence and the will to make your life better are the paths to positive results. Choose to elevate situations by having an upbeat attitude to get others on board with your plans. 5 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take a moment to breathe, process and formulate a plan that is within your means.
Editorial Cartoon - Aug. 12, 2026 | The Day
The Day's Digital Archive 142 years of history at your fingertips. Search for FREE here. Latest AP/State By Lisa Hagen and Ginny Monk CT Mirror Aug 11, 2026 10:21 PM Luke Bronin greets voters at the polls at Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford on Aug. 11, 2026. Credit: Julia Levine / CT Mirror Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford who campaigned on the need for new voices in Congress, soundly defeated long-time incumbent U.S. Rep.
Wednesday On The Air | The Day
Baseball 11 a.m., ESPN — LLWS: Central Regional from Whitestown, Ind. Noon, NESN — IL: Buffalo Bisons at Worcester Red Sox. 1 p.m., ESPN — LLWS: New England Regional from Bristol. 2 p.m., MLB Network — High school: All-American Game from Dyersville, Iowa. 3 p.m., ESPN — LLWS: Northwest Regional from San Bernardino, Calif. 4 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres. 5 p.m., ESPN — LLWS: Metro Regional from Bristol.
UPDATED: Guidone defeats France in Republican primary for 19th District Senate seat | The Day
UPDATED: Guidone defeats France in Republican primary for 19th District Senate seat Jason Guidone, the party-endorsed candidate, defeated challenger Mike France in the Republican primary for the 19th District State Senate seat Tuesday night. With 99% of the vote counted at 11 p.m., Guidone had received 56% of the vote compared to 34% for France, causing the Associated Press to call the race in favor of Guidone.
Luke Bronin defeats Rep. John Larson in CT 1st District primary
Part of States Newsroom Stories From The States Pro-data center industry group behind ad campaign in 7 states 30:08 https://play.prx.org/e?ge=prx_14251_2655964d-4718-48b3-8086-8d4e75c37dfb&uf=https%3A%2F%2Fpublicfeeds.net%2Ff%2F14251%2Fstoriesfromthestates.xml Share Description Photo courtesy of CT Mirror Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford who campaigned on the need for new voices in Congress, soundly defeated long-time incumbent U.S. Rep.
Clement drives in tiebreaking run as Blue Jays beat Boston 5-3, hand Red Sox fourth straight loss | The Day
Clement drives in tiebreaking run as Blue Jays beat Boston 5-3, hand Red Sox fourth straight loss Toronto — Ernie Clement drove in the tiebreaking run in the sixth inning, Brett Bateman had two RBI and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox 5-3 on Tuesday night. Toronto’s George Springer walked to begin the sixth and went to third on Alejandro Kirk’s single before scoring on Clement’s fielder’s choice.
Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham deliver clutch hits for Yankees in 4-1 win over slumping Mariners | The Day
Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham deliver clutch hits for Yankees in 4-1 win over slumping Mariners New York — Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham each hit a two-run single in the seventh inning to send the New York Yankees past the slumping Seattle Mariners 4-1 on Tuesday night. Ryan Weathers carried a one-hit shutout into the sixth and Luis García Jr. sparked the decisive rally with his second double of the night for New York, which leads the American League wild-card race.
Pérez pitches six more scoreless innings, Albies and Olson homer for Braves in 4-0 win over Mets | The Day
Pérez pitches six more scoreless innings, Albies and Olson homer for Braves in 4-0 win over Mets Atlanta — Martín Pérez pitched six more scoreless innings, Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson homered, and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 4-0 Tuesday night. Pérez (8-6) stretched his scoreless stretch to 18 innings, the third-longest active starting streak in the majors behind Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen and Miami's Sandy Alcantara, both at 20 innings.
Luke Bronin defeats Rep. John Larson in CT 1st District primary
Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford who campaigned on the need for new voices in Congress, soundly defeated long-time incumbent U.S. Rep. John Larson in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, all but guaranteeing Bronin the seat. The Associated Press called the race around 10 p.m. on Tuesday with Bronin besting the congressman, 53.5% to 34.7%, with an estimated 51% of votes counted.
In final days, Dems seeking 1st District seat take message to voters
In a campaign that’s been waged aggressively on the airwaves and through mail in recent weeks, the four Democratic candidates running for the 1st Congressional District nomination spent the final days of their primary campaigns knocking on doors and meeting voters face-to-face in blistering heat. U.S. Rep. John Larson, who has been in office since 1999, faces three Democratic challengers who are calling for generational change.
In final days, Dems seeking 1st District seat take message to voters
In a campaign that’s been waged aggressively on the airwaves and through mail in recent weeks, the four Democratic candidates running for the 1st Congressional District nomination spent the final days of their primary campaigns knocking on doors and meeting voters face-to-face in blistering heat. U.S. Rep. John Larson, who has been in office since 1999, faces three Democratic challengers who are calling for generational change.
In final days, Dems seeking 1st District seat take message to voters
Part of States Newsroom Stories From The States Pro-data center industry group behind ad campaign in 7 states 30:08 https://play.prx.org/e?ge=prx_14251_2655964d-4718-48b3-8086-8d4e75c37dfb&uf=https%3A%2F%2Fpublicfeeds.net%2Ff%2F14251%2Fstoriesfromthestates.xml Share Description Photo courtesy of CT Mirror In a campaign that’s been waged aggressively on the airwaves and through mail in recent weeks, the four Democratic candidates running for the 1st Congressional District nomination spent the...
GOP Congressional hopefuls focus on issues, and campaign styles
Four Connecticut Republicans, despite the long odds in November’s general election, are fighting to win the GOP nominations Tuesday in two Western Connecticut Congressional Districts that are solidly blue. As in GOP primaries of the past, the candidates don’t have major differences on policies but are clashing over their approaches to the campaign. And some offered criticisms of both parties in addressing voters’ concerns around issues like affordability.
GOP Congressional hopefuls focus on issues, and campaign styles
Four Connecticut Republicans, despite the long odds in November’s general election, are fighting to win the GOP nominations Tuesday in two Western Connecticut Congressional Districts that are solidly blue. As in GOP primaries of the past, the candidates don’t have major differences on policies but are clashing over their approaches to the campaign. And some offered criticisms of both parties in addressing voters’ concerns around issues like affordability.
Burst of outside spending for Bronin, Larson in final weeks
A recent mailer delivered to voters in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District warns that Luke Bronin is “battery-powered by billionaires” along with pictures of a phone with the text “new hardware, same corporate software.” The mailer was paid for by a super PAC called “Count on Connecticut.” Another flyer — this one from “Time to Lead PAC” — attacks incumbent U.S. Rep.
đź”’ Sen. Chris Murphy, Cathy Holahan divorce, 2 years after separation
The Connecticut Democrat and his wife of 18 years ended their marriage in a one-day Hartford court proceeding, closing out a separation the couple announced just days after Murphy won a third Senate term. Already a Subscriber? Get Instant Access to This Article Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more. U.S. Sen.
Sen. Chris Murphy, Cathy Holahan divorce, 2 years after separation
Connecticut Public Radio | By Lisa Hagen Published August 5, 2026 at 6:27 PM EDT Mark Pazniokas / CT Mirror Chris Murphy and his wife at Dunkin' Park in Hartford shortly after he was declared the winner in his rematch with Matt Corey for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Cathy Holahan divorced in late July, nearly two years after the couple announced their separation, according to a court filing.
Sen. Chris Murphy, Cathy Holahan divorce, 2 years after separation
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Cathy Holahan divorced in late July, nearly two years after the couple announced their separation, according to a court filing. Holahan, who is an attorney, filed for divorce on July 20 in Hartford District Superior Court. The divorce was granted that same day by Judge Jason Lobo. Murphy’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked on his way to a vote in the Senate if he had a comment, Murphy said no.
Senate panel approves Blumenthal’s Kids Online Safety Act
At a May rally in Washington, advocates supporting the Senate’s version of a bipartisan kids online safety bill pleaded with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to once again bring it before his committee, as Congress’ schedule was filling up fast ahead of election season. Cruz, a supporter of the bill, vowed to do so, without a firm commitment on the date. Dozens of attendees, including mothers who attribute their children’s death to social media harms, chanted, “Mark it up, mark it up!” U.S. Sen.
Closed primaries are driving America crazy | The Day
How could Donald Trump with bottom-scraping approval ratings decide who would represent the Republican Party in the upcoming Texas senatorial race? The primary system offers an explanation. A simple open primary system would have let the broader public choose — and, ironically, save Republicans from a very possible loss in November. Open primaries let registered voters cast a ballot without being members of the party. Closed primaries allow only party members to vote.
1st Congressional District candidates square off in final debate
U.S. Rep. John Larson and his three Democratic challengers squared off in the final debate ahead of the Aug. 11 primary for Connecticut’s 1st District, seeking to draw contrasts on a range of policy issues and how Congress should exert its authority in the Trump era.
1st Congressional District candidates square off in final debate
U.S. Rep. John Larson and his three Democratic challengers squared off in the final debate ahead of the Aug. 11 primary for Connecticut’s 1st District, seeking to draw contrasts on a range of policy issues and how Congress should exert its authority in the Trump era.
1st Congressional District candidates square off in final debate
U.S. Rep. John Larson and his three Democratic challengers squared off in the final debate ahead of the Aug. 11 primary for Connecticut’s 1st District, seeking to draw contrasts on a range of policy issues and how Congress should exert its authority in the Trump era.
1st Congressional District candidates square off in final debate
U.S. Rep. John Larson and his three Democratic challengers squared off in the final debate ahead of the Aug. 11 primary for Connecticut’s 1st District, seeking to draw contrasts on a range of policy issues and how Congress should exert its authority in the Trump era.
Candidates for CT’s 1st Congressional District clash in fiery debate
In a debate focused heavily on the unprecedented political moment rather than policy, U.S. Rep. John Larson defended his nearly three decades in Congress as his three challengers sought to make the case for new leadership amid some fiery exchanges. Tuesday night’s hour-long, taped debate hosted by WTNH News 8 swung between attacks on Larson and on former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, the two well-financed candidates in the race who have been dominating the airwaves in the final weeks before the Aug.
Candidates for CT’s 1st Congressional District clash in fiery debate
Connecticut Public Radio | By Lisa Hagen Published July 29, 2026 at 12:17 AM EDT In a debate focused heavily on the unprecedented political moment rather than policy, U.S. Rep. John Larson defended his nearly three decades in Congress as his three challengers sought to make the case for new leadership amid some fiery exchanges.
Candidates for CT’s 1st Congressional District clash in fiery debate
In a debate focused heavily on the unprecedented political moment rather than policy, U.S. Rep. John Larson defended his nearly three decades in Congress as his three challengers sought to make the case for new leadership amid some fiery exchanges. Tuesday night’s hour-long, taped debate hosted by WTNH News 8 swung between attacks on Larson and on former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, the two well-financed candidates in the race who have been dominating the airwaves in the final weeks before the Aug.
Candidates for CT’s 1st Congressional District clash in fiery debate
In a debate focused heavily on the unprecedented political moment rather than policy, U.S. Rep. John Larson defended his nearly three decades in Congress as his three challengers sought to make the case for new leadership amid some fiery exchanges. Tuesday night’s hour-long, taped debate hosted by WTNH News 8 swung between attacks on Larson and on former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, the two well-financed candidates in the race who have been dominating the airwaves in the final weeks before the Aug.
After delays, CT finalizes $53M in federal disaster relief for farmers
More than a year and a half after Congress created a federal grant for smaller farming states, Connecticut finalized its $53 million allotment — and eligible farmers will soon get to apply for a portion of that disaster relief. The state and federal agriculture agencies worked through the final steps in early July of approving the program design and executing a contract that unlocks Connecticut’s funding.
After delays, CT finalizes $53M in federal disaster relief for farmers
More than a year and a half after Congress created a federal grant for smaller farming states, Connecticut finalized its $53 million allotment — and eligible farmers will soon get to apply for a portion of that disaster relief. The state and federal agriculture agencies worked through the final steps in early July of approving the program design and executing a contract that unlocks Connecticut’s funding.
Larson, Bronin waging an ad war in waning weeks before primary
A recent ad from John Larson’s campaign opens with past praise from his current rival in the Democratic primary. It features a clip of Luke Bronin at a convention in 2022, calling Larson “the best member of Congress this district could ever ask for.” That’s one of the questions both Larson and Bronin are trying to answer — on the airwaves and on the campaign trail — in the final weeks of the four-way Democratic primary for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District.
Larson, Bronin waging an ad war in waning weeks before primary
A recent ad from John Larson’s campaign opens with past praise from his current rival in the Democratic primary. It features a clip of Luke Bronin at a convention in 2022, calling Larson “the best member of Congress this district could ever ask for.” “So what changed?” the ad’s narrator asks.
Himes calls Trump's election speech 'easily disprovable lies' | The Day
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, called President Donald Trump’s primetime address to the nation about the state of the country’s election infrastructure and security “bald-faced” and “easily disprovable lies.” Citing the information he’s privy to and his work as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Himes argued that Trump’s speech served to sow doubt about the upcoming midterm elections and perpetuate unproven claims surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
Himes calls Trump’s election speech ‘easily disprovable lies’
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, called President Donald Trump’s primetime address to the nation about the state of the country’s election infrastructure and security “bald-faced” and “easily disprovable lies.” Citing the information he’s privy to and his work as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Himes argued that Trump’s speech served to sow doubt about the upcoming midterm elections and perpetuate unproven claims surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
Himes calls Trump’s election speech ‘easily disprovable lies’
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, called President Donald Trump’s primetime address to the nation about the state of the country’s election infrastructure and security “bald-faced” and “easily disprovable lies.” Citing the information he’s privy to and his work as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Himes argued that Trump’s speech served to sow doubt about the upcoming midterm elections and perpetuate unproven claims surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
Bronin, Larson rake in money for primary. Who’s donating to them?
Campaign fundraising — and sharp criticism of where the money originates — has largely defined the Democratic primary for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District, with U.S. Rep. John Larson and his challenger Luke Bronin raking in the most over the course of the campaign. New campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday continue to show Bronin and Larson as the top fundraisers and spenders, with challengers Jillian Gilchrest and Ruth Fortune lagging far behind.
Jahana Hayes splits with CT delegation on U.S. aid to Israel
U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5th District, was the only member of Connecticut’s congressional delegation to vote Wednesday for an amendment that would have cut off more aid to Israel as public opinion shifts on the issue and Democratic voters have grown critical of the country’s war in Gaza.
Jahana Hayes splits with CT delegation on U.S. aid to Israel
U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5th District, was the only member of Connecticut’s congressional delegation to vote Wednesday for an amendment that would have cut off more aid to Israel as public opinion shifts on the issue and Democratic voters have grown critical of the country’s war in Gaza.
Veterans group gives Bronin a boost on airwaves ahead of primary
This story has been updated. A political action committee that supports Democratic military veterans seeking office is giving Luke Bronin a major boost in his campaign for Congress with a nearly $1 million ad campaign, making it the first foray by an outside group into the four-way primary for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District. VoteVets’ ad buy in support of the former Hartford mayor starts Tuesday and will run through the Aug.
Veterans group gives Bronin a boost on airwaves ahead of primary
A political action committee that supports Democratic military veterans seeking office is giving Luke Bronin a major boost in his campaign for Congress with a nearly $1 million ad campaign, making it the first foray by an outside group into the four-way primary for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District. VoteVets’ ad buy in support of the former Hartford mayor starts Tuesday and will run through the Aug. 11 primary on cable and broadcast in the Hartford and New Haven media markets.
Veterans group gives Bronin a boost on airwaves ahead of primary
A political action committee that supports Democratic military veterans seeking office is giving Luke Bronin a major boost in his campaign for Congress with a nearly $1 million ad campaign, making it the first foray by an outside group into the four-way primary for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District. VoteVets’ ad buy in support of the former Hartford mayor starts Tuesday and will run through the Aug. 11 primary on cable and broadcast in the Hartford and New Haven media markets.
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