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
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.
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.
Jillian Gilchrest tries to break through in primary, one door at a time
When Jillian Gilchrest goes out to knock on doors in her campaign for Congress, it’s a “mixed bag.” On average, she says, two or three people answer for every 10 doors. Some are unaware of the Democratic primary on Aug. 11.
Jillian Gilchrest tries to break through in primary, one door at a time
When Jillian Gilchrest goes out to knock on doors in her campaign for Congress, it’s a “mixed bag.” On average, she says, two or three people answer for every 10 doors. Some are unaware of the Democratic primary on Aug. 11.
Voting by mail in Connecticut: Here’s what you need to know
Connecticut’s expansion of voting by mail coincides with President Donald Trump’s assertion of extraordinary, unprecedented federal powers to dictate the conduct of U.S. elections. Essentially, the state and the Trump administration are working at cross purposes regarding the fundamental question of ballot access and ease of voting. This year, for the first time, any voter in Connecticut can vote by absentee ballot for any reason.
Candidates in CT 1st District primary take aim at each other, Trump
In Connecticut’s deepest blue district, the four Democratic candidates running to represent part of the state in Congress are all in alignment about the direction of the country under President Donald Trump. But as U.S. Rep. John Larson touted and defended his decades-long tenure during an hourlong forum hosted by NBC Connecticut Monday, his three challengers also took aim at the Democratic Party itself.
🔒 CT officials cheer Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship
Connecticut officials and immigrant rights advocates applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday that upheld birthright citizenship and blocked President Donald J. Trump’s attempt to curb automatic citizenship for those born in the U.S. But they cautioned against taking their foot off the gas when it comes to opposing the rest of the president’s […] Already a Subscriber?
CT officials cheer Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship
This story will be updated. Connecticut officials and immigrant rights advocates applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday that upheld birthright citizenship and blocked President Donald J.
CT officials cheer Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship
This story has been updated. Connecticut officials and immigrant rights advocates applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday that upheld birthright citizenship and blocked President Donald J. Trump’s attempt to curb automatic citizenship for those born in the U.S. But they cautioned against taking their foot off the gas when it comes to the rest of his immigration agenda.
CT lawmakers support passage of federal housing bill. What’s in it?
Connecticut lawmakers joined overwhelming majorities in both chambers of Congress this week in support of a comprehensive housing bill, a once-stalled measure that was on the fast track this week to becoming law. It’s one of the rare pieces of bipartisan legislation that got through a divided Congress ahead of the midterm elections.
CT lawmakers support passage of federal housing bill. What’s in it?
This story has been updatd. Connecticut lawmakers joined overwhelming majorities in both chambers of Congress this week in support of a comprehensive housing bill, a once-stalled measure that had been on the fast track this week to becoming law. But President Donald Trump said Wednesday he won’t sign it until Congress takes up his elections reform bill. It’s one of the rare pieces of bipartisan legislation that got through a divided Congress ahead of the midterm elections.
Ruth Fortune qualifies for a four-way primary in 1st District
Ruth Fortune secured a spot on the Democratic primary ballot for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on Monday, making it a four-way contest for the seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. John B. Larson. After failing to make the ballot at last month’s nominating convention — the more traditional route — Fortune pulled off the logistically challenging feat of qualifying for the ballot through the petition process.
Ruth Fortune qualifies for a four-way primary in 1st District
Ruth Fortune secured a spot on the Democratic primary ballot for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on Monday, making it a four-way contest for the seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. John B. Larson. After failing to make the ballot at last month’s nominating convention — the more traditional route — Fortune pulled off the logistically challenging feat of qualifying for the ballot through the petition process.
Ruth Fortune qualifies for a four-way primary in 1st District
Ruth Fortune secured a spot on the Democratic primary ballot for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on Monday, making it a four-way contest for the seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. John B. Larson. After failing to make the ballot at last month’s nominating convention — the more traditional route — Fortune pulled off the logistically challenging feat of qualifying for the ballot through the petition process.
John Larson steps up attacks on Luke Bronin on labor, fundraising
Surrounded by union members and leaders on Monday, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson stepped up his attacks on his main opponent, the party-endorsed candidate Luke Bronin, seeking to cast distinctions between the two over money and labor as the Democratic congressional primary campaign ramps up. The longtime representative for Connecticut’s 1st District rolled out familiar attacks on Bronin about his tenure as the mayor of Hartford and where he’s received money from as a congressional candidate.
John Larson steps up attacks on Luke Bronin on labor, fundraising
Surrounded by union members and leaders on Monday, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson stepped up his attacks on his main opponent, the party-endorsed candidate Luke Bronin, seeking to cast distinctions between the two over money and labor as the primary campaign ramps up. The longtime representative for Connecticut’s 1st District rolled out a familiar refrain of attacks on Bronin about his tenure as the mayor of Hartford and where he’s received money from as a congressional candidate.
John Larson steps up attacks on Luke Bronin on labor, fundraising
Surrounded by union members and leaders on Monday, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson stepped up his attacks on his main opponent, the party-endorsed candidate Luke Bronin, seeking to cast distinctions between the two over money and labor as the primary campaign ramps up. The longtime representative for Connecticut’s 1st District rolled out a familiar refrain of attacks on Bronin about his tenure as the mayor of Hartford and where he’s received money from as a congressional candidate.
‘I don’t know if it exists’: Murphy casts doubt on Iran war deal
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., questioned the legitimacy of a preliminary deal to end hostilities in Iran as members of Congress shared concerns Tuesday about the lack of details provided so far by the Trump administration. Nearly four months after the war began, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance signed a memorandum of understanding Sunday that would extend the ceasefire and allow for nuclear negotiations.
Himes, CT delegation oppose FISA over Trump’s intelligence pick
Connecticut’s congressional delegation, including House Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes, on Thursday opposed a short-term extension of a controversial surveillance law, which looks likely to lapse at the end of the week. When a years-long renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act came before the House in April, Himes was the lone member of the delegation to back it, though Congress ultimately extended it only until mid-June.
Panel nixes challenge to DeLauro’s convention win
A panel with the state Democratic Party upheld the nominating convention results in Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District, dismissing a complaint by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s challenger, Andrew Rice, who fell short of getting a spot on the August primary ballot. A redo seemed unlikely.
In new book, Murphy mulls politics in era of lost connections
Chris Murphy believes a political realignment is coming — it’s just a matter of which party will be willing to embrace it first. He recalls talking this through at dinner a few years ago with JD Vance, who was then the U.S. senator from Ohio. Would Republicans broaden their coalition first through economic progressivism? Or would Democrats beat them to the punch with more openness toward social conservatives who align with the party on an economic vision?
In new book, Murphy mulls politics in era of lost connections
Chris Murphy believes a political realignment is coming — it’s just a matter of which party will be willing to embrace it first. He recalls talking this through at dinner a few years ago with JD Vance, who was then the U.S. senator from Ohio. Would Republicans broaden their coalition first through economic progressivism? Or would Democrats beat them to the punch with more openness toward social conservatives who align with the party on an economic vision?
CT delegation backs amended bill to boost housing supply
Connecticut’s congressional delegation voted Wednesday for federal legislation that aims to boost the supply of housing, the latest version of a bipartisan bill that has cut through the tense gridlock at a time when affordability is top of mind for Americans. It’s the second time the House passed the bill, which has gone through a series of changes in recent months and had been stalled since March.
CT delegation backs amended bill to boost housing supply
Connecticut’s congressional delegation voted Wednesday for federal legislation that aims to boost the supply of housing, the latest version of a bipartisan bill that has cut through the tense gridlock at a time when affordability is top of mind for Americans. It’s the second time the House passed the bill, which has gone through a series of changes in recent months and had been stalled since March.
CT delegation backs amended bill to boost housing supply
Connecticut’s congressional delegation voted Wednesday for federal legislation that aims to boost the supply of housing, the latest version of a bipartisan bill that has cut through the tense gridlock at a time when affordability is top of mind for Americans. It’s the second time the House passed the bill, which has gone through a series of changes in recent months and had been stalled since March.
CT delegation backs amended bill to boost housing supply
Connecticut’s congressional delegation voted Wednesday for federal legislation that aims to boost the supply of housing, the latest version of a bipartisan bill that has cut through the tense gridlock at a time when affordability is top of mind for Americans. It’s the second time the House passed the bill, which has gone through a series of changes in recent months and had been stalled since March.
At Coast Guard Academy graduation, Trump heralds ‘golden age’ Original
President Donald Trump proclaimed Wednesday that graduating Coast Guard Academy cadets will enter the service in a “golden age” of America, projecting confidence at a time when the country is reckoning with an unpopular war. Trump received a warm reception on a blistering hot day as he made his way onto Cadet Memorial Field, despite the presence of a few hundred protesters gathered nearby, outside of the New London campus.
Tong joins lawsuit over student loan rules for professional degrees
Connecticut Public Radio | By Lisa Hagen Published May 19, 2026 at 4:57 PM EDT Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a federal lawsuit on Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Education over new limits to student loan borrowing. Tong argued that the limits could have implications for those looking to pursue certain careers in healthcare such as advanced nursing degrees.
Tong joins lawsuit over student loan rules for professional degrees
Attorney General William Tong joined a federal lawsuit on Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Education over new limits to student loan borrowing. Tong argued that the limits could have implications for those looking to pursue certain careers in healthcare such as advanced nursing degrees.
Tong joins lawsuit over student loan rules for professional degrees
Attorney General William Tong joined a federal lawsuit on Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Education over new limits to student loan borrowing. Tong argued that the limits could have implications for those looking to pursue certain careers in healthcare such as advanced nursing degrees.
Luke Bronin beats John Larson in convention upset, faces primary
Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin won the Democratic endorsement for Congress in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District on the second ballot Monday night, upsetting the 14-term incumbent, John B. Larson, and setting the stage for a primary in August.
Endorsements pile up in CT’s 1st District ahead of convention
Endorsements are piling up in the race for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District as U.S. Rep. John Larson and his three Democratic challengers seek to piece together critical support ahead of Monday’s nominating convention. That scramble kicked off Thursday morning as former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin announced the endorsement he secured from Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
Endorsements pile up in CT’s 1st District ahead of convention
Endorsements are piling up in the race for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District as U.S. Rep. John Larson and his three Democratic challengers seek to piece together critical support ahead of Monday’s nominating convention. That scramble kicked off Thursday morning as former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin announced the endorsement he secured from Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
CT lawmakers warn about threats to democracy at shadow hearing Original
Now just six months before the midterm elections in November, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro said affordability and cost-of-living issues are still at the front of voters’ minds. But the New Haven Democrat argued that the challenges to democracy that could threaten those elections should also be top of mind, whether it’s undermining the legitimacy of elections or intimidating local election workers.
FISA clears House, with only 1 CT congressperson in favor
After a dramatic few weeks of scrapped votes and tough negotiations, the U.S. House voted Wednesday to extend a controversial surveillance law that most Connecticut lawmakers opposed. When it last came up for a vote in 2024, all five members of Connecticut’s House delegation and one of the state’s two U.S. senators supported a renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, commonly referred to as FISA.
CT veteran files federal lawsuit over VA denial of child’s claim
A Connecticut Vietnam veteran and his daughter filed a lawsuit Monday against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for denying her application for benefits, alleging it is discriminatory based on the sex of the parent. Ron and Michele Christoforo are challenging a federal statute that says children who have certain birth defects are eligible for VA benefits if their mother served during the Vietnam War between February 1961 through May 1975.
CT veteran files federal lawsuit over VA denial of child’s claim
A Connecticut Vietnam veteran and his daughter filed a lawsuit Monday against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for denying her application for benefits, alleging it is discriminatory based on the sex of the parent. Ron and Michele Christoforo are challenging a federal statute that says children who have certain birth defects are eligible for VA benefits if their mother served during the Vietnam War between February 1961 through May 1975.
Democrats want ICE reforms. Now they’re boxed out of the process
After months of pushing for reforms to immigration enforcement, congressional Democrats are now boxed out of the process as Republicans move to fund those agencies on their own. Senate Republicans took the first steps this week by passing a budget resolution after an all-night voting series. But the effort has also exposed fractures in the GOP over what should be prioritized in a party-line bill during a campaign year.
Democrats want ICE reforms. Now they’re boxed out of the process
After months of pushing for reforms to immigration enforcement, congressional Democrats are now boxed out of the process as Republicans move to fund those agencies on their own. Senate Republicans took the first steps this week by passing a budget resolution after an all-night voting series. But the effort has also exposed fractures in the GOP over what should be prioritized in a party-line bill during a campaign year.
🔒 Why are officials in CT seeking to regulate prediction markets?
Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years. Users can bet on the outcomes of everything from elections to sports to award shows. Already a Subscriber? Log in 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. Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years.
Why are officials in CT seeking to regulate prediction markets?
Connecticut Public Radio | By Lisa Hagen Published April 20, 2026 at 1:09 PM EDT Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years. Users can bet on the outcomes of everything from elections to sports to award shows. The proliferation of these platforms in the U.S. has also captured the attention of state officials and members of Congress. And for a growing contingent inside and outside of Washington, there are concerns over fraud, insider trading and gambling addictions.
Why are officials in CT seeking to regulate prediction markets?
Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years. Users can bet on the outcomes of everything from elections to sports to award shows. The proliferation of these platforms in the U.S. has also captured the attention of state officials and members of Congress. And for a growing contingent inside and outside of Washington, there are concerns over fraud, insider trading and gambling addictions.
USDA secretary: Federal farm grant ‘at the finish line’ for CT
It’s been nearly a year and a half since Congress passed disaster relief for small and midsized farmers, and the long-awaited federal block grant is “at the finish line for Connecticut,” according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Rollins provided the latest update at Thursday’s House Appropriations subcommittee hearing where she came to testify about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. U.S. Rep.
Larson, Bronin in a tight battle for campaign donations
Campaign contributions from national political groups, state legislators and executives in Hollywood are fueling the four-way Democratic contest for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District, but donations are favoring two candidates. U.S. Rep. John Larson and one of his Democratic challengers, Luke Bronin, are far ahead of the other hopefuls, but the former Hartford mayor narrowly outraised Larson again during the first three months of 2026.
Local groups urge CT delegation to back surveillance law reforms
As Congress gears up this week to consider renewing a warrantless surveillance law, more than a dozen grassroots groups and nonprofits across Connecticut signed a letter calling on the state’s congressional delegation to push for reforms related to data collection. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, expires next week unless it’s reauthorized.
Local groups urge CT delegation to back surveillance law reforms
As Congress gears up this week to consider renewing a warrantless surveillance law, more than a dozen grassroots groups and nonprofits across Connecticut signed a letter calling on the state’s congressional delegation to push for reforms related to data collection. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, expires next week unless it’s reauthorized.
As Trump proposes cuts, his budget singles out two CT towns
The Trump administration has singled out Greenwich and Waterford for “wasteful” uses of federal funding, for things such as theater projects, in its latest budget proposal. Throughout the 92-page document, the White House ticked through programs across the country it would like to pare back — or eliminate entirely — and highlighted several examples within each program. The examples are overwhelmingly in blue states.
As Trump proposes cuts, his budget singles out two CT towns
The Trump administration has singled out Greenwich and Waterford for “wasteful” uses of federal funding, for things such as theater projects, in its latest budget proposal. Throughout the 92-page document, the White House ticked through programs across the country it would like to pare back — or eliminate entirely — and highlighted several examples within each program. The examples are overwhelmingly in blue states.
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