When Bob Mandelkern developed Parkinson’s disease, he became a champion for embryonic stem cell research. He thought the fight had been won until last week, when a federal judge issued an order that could impede research into Parkinson’s and many other conditions.

“It’s wrong, it’s immoral, and it hurts people and the quality of life,” he said. Read more

The state income tax has dominated legislative revenue debates since its controversial enactment nearly two decades ago.

But the sales tax, whose base rate of 6 percent hasn't changed since that watershed debate in 1991, may be back in the spotlight next year as politicians begin the task of closing the largest projected budget deficit in state history. Read more

WASHINGTON -- When the health care debate started bubbling up in Congress last year, Ethan Rome jumped straight into the pot, helping to lead a liberal coalition in favor of the bill. Now the West Hartford native is in the middle of another fight: trying to mold public opinion in favor of the reform law.

It is no easy task. A new poll says Americans remain decidedly split and intensely partisan in their views of the measure. Read more

SOUTHINGTON -- The Tea Party may have preferred the full-throated, anti-government zeal of Peter Schiff, but its adherents demonstrated Tuesday night they will accept Linda McMahon's milder brand of conservatism.

McMahon headlined a fundraiser for Tea Party organizer and Republican state Senate candidate Joe Markley, drawing 200 people who applauded a speech devoid of the fiery attacks on Washington that are a staple of many Tea Party events. Read more