HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Stephen Kalin, a New York native who has covered economic and political issues in Egypt for several news organizations, has been hired to help cover Connecticut’s legislative session for The Associated Press.

The appointment was announced Wednesday by East Regional Editor Karen Testa and Connecticut Correspondent Michael Melia.

Kalin will work closely with Connecticut Statehouse reporter Susan Haigh to cover the General Assembly and issues including the legislative response to the Newtown school shooting.

Before joining AP, Kalin worked as a freelance writer in Cairo, contributing reporting to outlets including The New York Times and The National of the United Arab Emirates. He also received an Overseas Press Club Foundation Fellowship. He is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina.