Josh Lanier

Assistant Managing Editor

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Josh Lanier started his reporting career in high school for his local newspaper. Many — many — years later, he’s still chasing leads for compelling stories. During his time writing for newspapers, magazines, and online publications, he’s covered everything from murderers to mommy bloggers, but his most interesting story is always the next one.


Josh Lanier's Contributions

3 Fitchburg Fires Ruled Arson; Latest Left 1 Injured, 7 Displaced: Fire Marshal 3 Fitchburg Fires Ruled Arson; Latest Left 1 Injured, 7 Displaced: Fire Marshal
3 Fitchburg Fires Ruled Arson; Latest Left 1 Injured, 7 Displaced: Fire Marshal Three recent fires in Central Massachusetts are now under investigation as arson, and authorities are asking the public for help, officials said. The blazes happened on Blossom Street, Day Street, and Myrtle Avenue in Fitchburg. Two of the fires broke out on Valentine's Day and Sunday, Feb. 15, inside a large apartment building with entrances at 43 Blossom St. and 40 Day St, the State Fire Marshal's Office said.  Fitchburg firefighters put both out before they could spread. A third fire was sparked on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at a multi-family home at 164 Myrtle Ave., about …
Former Disney Star, Milford Native Announces Positive Cancer Screening: 'It’s In God’s Hands' Former Disney Star, Milford Native Announces Positive Cancer Screening: 'It’s In God’s Hands'
Former Disney Star, Milford Native Announces Positive Cancer Screening: 'It’s In God’s Hands' Former Disney Channel star Christy Carlson Romano says she is in a "very vulnerable time" after receiving a positive cancer screening. The 41-year-old Milford, Connecticut, native shared the news in a tearful Instagram video posted this week. The mother of two young daughters said her family has a long history with the disease. View this post on Instagram Romano said in the video that both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer. Her mother survived. Her father "eventually didn’t." Her maternal grandmother also died of lung cancer. Relate…
College Hall Of Famer, Easton Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50 College Hall Of Famer, Easton Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50
College Hall Of Famer, Easton Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50 A former collegiate All-American and corporate executive died after a four-year battle with cancer, her family said. She documented her journey on YouTube to inspire others.  Molly Kauffman West, of Easton, Connecticut, died Feb. 10. She was 50. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Brian, and their son, according to her obituary. Her loved ones said she will be remembered for her determination and compassion. A native of Ithaca, New York, West grew up in Pennsylvania before returning to study at Cornell University, where she was an All-American goalkeeper on the school's field h…
Hartford Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Pulled Knife During Mental Health Evaluation: Officials Hartford Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Pulled Knife During Mental Health Evaluation: Officials
Hartford Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Pulled Knife During Mental Health Evaluation: Officials A Connecticut police officer shot and killed a suspect after he pulled a knife during a mental health evaluation, officials said.  The incident happened around 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, when Hartford officers went to an apartment in the 900 block of Capital Avenue to assist in the Capitol Region Mental Health Center's evaluation, authorities said.  During that discussion, the suspect pulled a knife, and at least one officer fired, Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert told reporters. Authorities rushed the man to an area hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.  The …
Man Accused Of Dragging Mass. Trooper During 2:30 A.M. Traffic Stop Arrested In New Hampshire Man Accused Of Dragging Mass. Trooper During 2:30 A.M. Traffic Stop Arrested In New Hampshire
Man Accused Of Dragging Mass. Trooper During 2:30 A.M. Traffic Stop Arrested In New Hampshire A New Hampshire man accused of dragging a Massachusetts State Police trooper during an early-morning traffic stop has been arrested following a short manhunt, authorities said. Binit Bikram Shah, 27, of Raymond, New Hampshire, was taken into custody early Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, after New Hampshire State Police received a request to be on the lookout for a 2021 BMW 5 Series from Massachusetts troopers, officials said.  A Massachusetts trooper said he or she pulled over Shah in the BMW around 2:30 a.m. near Central Square and Meridian Street in East Boston. After the officer learned Sh…
4 Nabbed After Fairfield Armed Home Invasion Report; 2 Schools Closed 4 Nabbed After Fairfield Armed Home Invasion Report; 2 Schools Closed
4 Nabbed After Fairfield Armed Home Invasion Report; 2 Schools Closed A reported Connecticut armed robbery and possible home invasion led to multiple arrests, a shelter-in-place request, and two school closures on Thursday morning, Feb. 19.  Police responded to a report of an armed robbery and potential home invasion around 2:30 a.m. on Candlewood Road in Fairfield. They quickly arrested one suspect and another a few hours later in Hamden, Fairfield authorities said. Two more people were apprehended soon after.  Fairfield police believe they have captured everyone involved in the incident. However, the fallout continues to impact the area.  Re…
'Heat,' 'Manhunter' Star, Greenwich-Native Tom Noonan Dead At 74 'Heat,' 'Manhunter' Star, Greenwich-Native Tom Noonan Dead At 74
'Heat,' 'Manhunter' Star, Greenwich-Native Tom Noonan Dead At 74 Tom Noonan, a prolific character actor with credits dating back more than 40 years, has died.  The Greenwich native was 74. Director Fred Dekker announced his death on Facebook on Wednesday, Feb. 18, saying the 6-feet-5-inch-tall actor had died last week.  He did not provide a cause of death.  Noonan built a long and memorable career in film, television, and theater. His film credits include playing a crime boss in “RoboCop 2,” an assassin in “Last Action Hero,” a hacker in “Heat,” and a serial killer in “Manhunter.” Famed director Michael Mann, who directed hi…
Waterbury School Asst Band Director Accused Of Sending Inappropriate Texts To Student: Police Waterbury School Asst Band Director Accused Of Sending Inappropriate Texts To Student: Police
Waterbury School Asst Band Director Accused Of Sending Inappropriate Texts To Student: Police A Connecticut man who worked as a teacher and assistant band director is accused of sending inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old student, Connecticut State Police said. Philip Carl Hughes, 42, of Southbury, was arrested by the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad this week and charged with harmful communication with a minor, troopers said.  According to his arrest warrant, Hughes worked as an educator and assistant band director in Waterbury. The document did not list which school, but said he was hired in March 2025 and placed on leave Dec. 31.  Waterbu…
Ex-State Police Union President In Worcester, Lobbyist Sent To Prison In Corruption Case: Feds Ex-State Police Union President In Worcester, Lobbyist Sent To Prison In Corruption Case: Feds
Ex-State Police Union President In Worcester, Lobbyist Sent To Prison In Corruption Case: Feds The former head of the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the union’s longtime lobbyist are headed to prison after a sweeping federal corruption case that shook the ranks of more than 1,500 troopers and sergeants statewide. Dana A. Pullman, 64, of Worcester, was sentenced in a Boston federal court to two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release on Wednesday, Feb. 18, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. US District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns also ordered him to pay $43,915 in restitution. Anne M. Lynch, 75, of Hull, received 15 months in prison and one y…
West Hartford Drunk Driver Crashes Box Truck Into Utility Pole In Morning Highway Crash: Police West Hartford Drunk Driver Crashes Box Truck Into Utility Pole In Morning Highway Crash: Police
West Hartford Drunk Driver Crashes Box Truck Into Utility Pole In Morning Highway Crash: Police A box truck driver was driving under the influence when he crashed into a utility pole earlier this week in West Hartford, authorities said. Koby Champagne-Lambert, 25, of East Hartford, crashed the truck just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the 3000 block of Albany Avenue, police said. West Hartford police Capt. Aaron Vafiades said Wednesday that Champagne-Lambert was driving east when the vehicle went off the side of the road and crashed into the pole.  His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.12, above the legal limit of .08. He was charged with operating under the influenc…
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