Jackie Robinson's Legacy As 'The Greatest'

April 25, 2013

Years ago, sportscaster Howard Cosell was asked to name his all-time favorite athlete.

Segregated Prom Lingering Vestige Of Old South

April 11, 2013

It's prom season. For a lot of teenagers, this means drama.

Don't Worry — UConn In A League Of Its Own

March 28, 2013

How many of you had Florida Gulf Coast University advancing to the Sweet 16 in your NCAA Men's basketball pool?

New Haven Can't Rest On DeStefano's Record

March 14, 2013

When New Haven Mayor John DeStefano announced his retirement in January, I knew it was just a matter of time before school Superintendent Reginald Mayo would exit, too.

Fight The Power Of Ignorance To Enslave

February 28, 2013

Two of my favorite quotes are from Frederick Douglass, an American hero and one of more compelling voices in the 19th century on slavery and human rights.

Young Fathers Must Raise Their Children

February 14, 2013

Among the promising ideas President Barack Obama spelled out in his State of the Union address, the one that resonated with me is a premise on which we can all agree.

Michelle Obama Impresses As First Black First Lady

February 1, 2013

With the inauguration over, the second term for this historic White House figure — viewed by many through the prism of race and seen as a benchmark for the country's prickly race relations — bears watching.

Does Armstrong Have A Good Deed Left In Him?

January 17, 2013

I was in a sports department store last week and saw one of those yellow Livestrong wrist bands on a rack selling for $1.

Gun Violence Requires Focus On Young

January 7, 2013

Seven years ago, I disagreed with a New Britain minister — who once was my pastor — when he started a petition to bring metal detectors to the high school. His well-intended response was to allegations that a student at the school was found with a loaded pistol and ammunition.

Autism Links In Newtown Case Unfounded

December 20, 2012

Usually, at this time of year, I write my "Stanta" column, complete with a mug of me decked in a red Santa suit and hat — and giving good-natured, gift-giving jabs at some notable Nutmeggers.

Require Swimming Lessons For Every Child

December 6, 2012

I didn't learn to swim until my early teens. I had a deep fear about the deep end of the swimming pool. I didn't understand how people could stay afloat when they dove into water over their heads. To this aspiring journalist, the concept of "treading water" was breaking news.

Obama Must Step Up His Political Diplomacy

November 8, 2012

On Election Day, I almost blew it.

A Bold Gambit For Apartment Tower Downtown

October 25, 2012

Say this much about Abul Islam, the businessman and developer who wants to transform the old WFSB property in downtown Hartford into 15 stories of apartments; he is resilient. He has overcome stereotypes about his culture and religion in making the transition from left-leaning socialist sympathizer as a kid in Pakistan to unapologetic American capitalist — and real estate investor.

Sandusky's Shame Casts Lasting Shadow

October 11, 2012

The last time a child abuser showed as much audacity as Jerry Sandusky did Tuesday in Bellefonte, Pa., was 12 years ago. Philip Giordano, then Waterbury's mayor, in a long shot bid to unseat incumbent Sen. Joe Lieberman, accused Lieberman of votes Giordano said left children open to attack by pedophiles.

Kevin Ollie's Motor Will Take Him To The Top

September 27, 2012

Whether Kevin Ollie gets off to a good start as the new head coach at the University of Connecticut or struggles mightily, know this: His future is in the professional ranks — not college.

Edsall Still Put UConn Football On The Map

September 13, 2012

Dear Husky Nation:

Armstrong Can't Dodge His Tainted Legacy

September 4, 2012

Lance Armstrong's decision not to fight long-standing allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs to spike seven Tour De France cycling championships came within days of Roger Clemens' decision to lace up his spikes again. (The 50-year-old pitcher actually delivered a better-than-decent outing against a Bridgeport minor league team.)

Race Ruling On College Admissions Should Stand

August 16, 2012

The issue of race and whether it should be a consideration in college admission criteria is back on the Supreme Court's plate.

Curfew Means City Has No Solution To Violence

August 3, 2012

When I see what's happening in Bridgeport and its desperate attempts to curb violent crime by enforcing a curfew, I think back to Hartford's misguided efforts four years ago.

Forgive Ernie Newton — But Don't Vote For Him

June 7, 2012

I had the privilege to meet the great John Lewis a few weeks ago at a house reception in Hartford. The Georgia congressman is an American hero, a man who literally put his life on the line — withstanding physical beatings, arrests and threats — as he persevered withMartin Luther King Jr., fighting for equal rights.

Naughty Or Nice, It's A Holiday Special Delivery

December 23, 2011

OK, it has been awhile. And yes they had to dig deep — DEEP — into the photo archives to find this mug. Make no mistake though, "Stanta" is back! Yes, by popular demand. (That's what I told the op-ed folks anyway.)

No Forgiveness For Megachurch Leader In Abuse Case

December 9, 2011

Bloomfield Man, 70, Recalls Being Michael Jackson's Chauffeur

July 11, 2009

Robert Farmer didn't watch this week's tribute to Michael Jackson.

Alzheimer's Forces Renowned Surgeon, 58, Into Retirement

June 14, 2009

Lining the shelves in the den of Anthony Mackay Morgan's elegant Simsbury home are books on philosophy, religion — and, curiously, words.

Ex-Inmate Goes To The Top For Help He Needs

May 13, 2009

It could have worked out so much worse for Leroy James Gardner.

Something To Take From Madoff, AIG

March 18, 2009

I don't know what's been funnier to watch in past days: Bad Bernie Madoff, the swindling investor who made off with $65 billion of his clients' money over the last 20 years, pleaded guilty to fraud and insisted no one else in his family business was in cahoots.

Eddie's 'Lapse' Under Criminal Spotlight

January 28, 2009

The breakfast meeting with Eddie Perez was about five years ago. The memory is foggy on the details. But it was at the old Hal's Diner on Main Street, and it was sometime after Perez's first election as strong mayor. He was talking about his vision for the city, and later the topic turned to the allegations against Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, who was accused of extortion, bribery and mail fraud. Perez was adamant that he would never find himself in such a fix.

Let Our Judges Call The Strikes

April 2, 2008

Gov M. Jodi Rell — championing a bill that would revoke pensions for corrupt state employees — has emphasized the importance of a judge using discretion in deciding whether to eliminate or reduce the amount.