05 May, 2026
4 mins read

Probate Judge Contest Is A Rematch Of 2021 Special Election: Republican Carrier vs. Democrat Rivera

By John McNamara Attorney and former Common Council Leader William Rivera won the Democratic Party’s endorsement for Judge of Probate last week setting up a rematch of last year’s special election won by Attorney Michael Carrier. Convention delegates from Berlin and New Britain nominated Rivera without opposition. In accepting the endorsement Rivera acknowledged Carrier, who […]

3 mins read

Party Endorsements To Be Made For Congress, Legislators and Probate Judge

Lamont, Bysiewicz and Constitutional Officers Endorsed at Saturday’s Democratic Convention Delegates to party conventions will endorse candidates for U.S. Congress, the State Legislature and Judge of Probate May 9-12 following statewide endorsements at major party conventions this past weekend. U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-5) is expected to be endorsed by acclamation on Monday, May 9th, […]

5 mins read

Council Committee Nixes Registrars’ Plan To Reduce Polling Places

Deadline Is May 11th To Finalize Voting Locations By John McNamara A plan by both Democratic and Republican Registrars of Voters to reduce the city’s Election Day polling places from 17 to 12 was unanimously tabled by the Common Council’s Committee on Finance, Administration and Law on May 4th less than a week before the […]

5 mins read

Campaign cash soared in ’21 municipal election but voter turnout declined

By John McNamara “Money is the mother’s milk of politics” goes the observation first coined in the 1960s that applies to almost every state and federal election cycle as all kinds of committees and special interests raise billions in reported and anonymous donations. That old saying about money in politics applies less frequently to local elections where […]

3 mins read

“Morning Without Child Care” Rally Set for Tuesday in New Britain

Coalition Says State Needs $700 Million To Address A “Crisis” Advocates of affordable child care are organizing a “Morning without child care” rally on Tuesday March 15th at child care centers across the state, including a New Britain rally at the Human Resources Agency (HRA) on Clinton Street. Coalition leaders, who include New Britain Board […]

3 mins read

Council Resolution Proposed To Support Ukraine

Local Responses Grow To War, Humanitarian Crisis By John McNamara A resolution affirming Ukraine’s “independence and territorial integrity” will be considered by the New Britain Common Council at its March 9th meeting. Alderman Aram Ayalon (D-3), consulting with members of the city’s Ukrainian and Polish communities, is submitting a resolution as war and a humanitarian […]

5 mins read

New Coalition Pushes for Child Care Investments To Close Gaps

40% of CT Families Live In “Child Care Deserts”; Shortage Is Severe in New Britain By John McNamara New Britain is one of the communities in affluent Connecticut with significant “child care deserts” — places where a high percentage of working and middle income families do not have access to quality and affordable services for […]

4 mins read

Remembering Steve Horowitz: Losing One of New Britain’s Best

Dr. Steve Horowitz, 68, CCSU Psychology Professor and a former President of the New Britain Board of Education, died last December 18th after a brief, sudden illness. For Democrats and political activists in New Britain, Steve’s passing meant the loss of a close friend and one of “New Britain’s Best.” You can be forgiven if […]

3 mins read

Atty. Carrier Exits Democratic Contest for Probate Judge; Will Accept Republican Nomination

By John McNamara New Britain Attorney Michael Carrier has dropped out of the Democratic contest to replace longtime Judge of Probate Walter A. Clebowicz in a special election to be held on November 2nd, the same day that voters will go to the polls to elect Mayor, City Councillors and other candidates to municipal offices. […]

5 mins read

Landlord Group’s “cage fight between Lamont & Zherka” remark stumps the press, brings apology to Governor

There’s No Mystery About Who Sam Zherka Is In New Britain By John McNamara West Hartford-based Connecticut Coalition of Property Owners (CCOPO) had to issue a quick apology on May 19th over its first version of a press release opposing an eviction moratorium and use of $400 million in federal pandemic aid to landlords and […]

1 min read

Highlights of the July 4th, 2017 Fireworks in New Britain

Some 40,000 people gathered in New Britain on July 4th, 2017 to view New Britain’s traditionally spectacular Independence Day fireworks display. While thousands gathered at Stanley Quarter Park, where the fireworks are actually launched from, thousands more gathered in numerous locations throughout a large swath of the city. Many people crowded into the festival in […]

8 mins read

2023 New Britain 4th of July Fireworks, “Great American Boom,” Planned

New Britain’s widely attended July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks display, celebrating Independence Day, is planned for the 2023 celebration. The 2023 Great American Boom fireworks event has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The event is to feature food trucks, DJ entertainment and, of course, fireworks. The administration of Mayor Erin Stewart says […]

6 mins read

Water-gate? Extreme Drought Continues While Stewart Drinking Water Well Sale Comes Under Increased Fire

Press Pool New Britain continues to be under “Extreme Drought” conditions, according to the United States Drought Monitor. The news comes as the plans by Republican Mayor Erin Stewart to sell a high-yield drinking city water well come under increased fire, with state legislation proposed in response to the sale. The well sale has come […]

6 mins read

A Delicious Ode to a Connecticut Icon

By Geoffrey Elterich Staff Writer The Featherweight. The TKO. The Jab. These are some of the delicious salads and sandwiches you’ll find at Willie Pep’s Corner Café. The names, and the café itself, are an homage to the legendary Hall of Fame boxer Guglielmo Papaleo, better known as Willie Pep. April Miller, Pep’s step-daughter, is […]