Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Around 400 people attended the Free America Walkout at West Hartford Town Hall at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Speeches, music, and poetry led a downtown march (organized by West Hartford Stands Up and Indivisible CT) urging locals to disrupt work and school to show unity. We-Ha
- ➤ Ken Engelman of Branford urges local residents to volunteer 30 minutes a week to help neighborhood nonprofits that support families, veterans, and students. He says even a short commitment can boost community services (a timely reminder for Hartford neighbors). CT Mirror
- ➤ Federal rules now require extra verification for childcare funding that may delay reimbursements in some states. Although Connecticut remains unaffected today, YWCA Hartford Region warns that future payment delays could strain local childcare providers and working families—a reminder that stable childcare is essential infrastructure. CT Mirror
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new WalletHub study shows that Connecticut ranked No. 47 out of 50 states for starting a business, with a score of 35.45. The study compared business environment, access to resources, and business costs. Connecticut Post
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ In March 2025, Manchester Public Schools conducted a survey that showed improvements in emotional health among students, with declines in anxiety, sadness, and suicidal thoughts and increased participation (rising from 53% to 70%); officials said the results will guide future prevention and support plans. CT Insider
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residential solar sales are expected to drop 20-25% in 2026 after the federal tax credit ended on Jan. 1, pushing companies to offer new financing options, and a state law now requires condo complexes to allow solar panel installations unless they opt out by Jan. 1, 2028. CT Mirror
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CT towns are advancing speed camera use as 11 municipalities including Beacon Falls & Fairfield have received state approval while Hartford awaits a decision. Local officials say the cameras help slow traffic and strict privacy laws limit data retention to 30 days. CT Mirror
- ➤ Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol through noon today, and residents are advised to brace for Arctic winds and frigid temperatures. WFSB-TV
- ➤ Connecticut faces deeper food insecurity as federal food aid will drop over $180 million while state spending increases by $27.6 million through FY27; state officials recommend creating a special fund to support food and nutrition programs — a step to help fill the gap. CT Mirror
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ned Lamont announced $70M in health care subsidies in December to help Connecticut families offset lost federal tax credits. Prices on the state health exchange have not been updated yet and are expected to show the relief by late March. CT Mirror
- ➤ Hartford HealthCare employees celebrated earning the national Quest for Quality Prize today outside the Southington Care Center when a LIFE STAR helicopter crew presented the trophy (known as the Stanley Cup for health care systems); the honor will soon visit all 44,000 team members. FOX61
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Conard boys swimming and diving clinched an 80-79 win over Newington on Friday, Jan. 16 at Cornerstone Aquatics Center in West Hartford (short handed but determined) and will face Southington today at the Southington YMCA. We-Ha
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Ghosts of Jupiter with John Ferrara
8-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Ticket details not listed — Experience psychedelic rock with Ghosts of Jupiter and innovative bass compositions by John Ferrara.
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Urgent - A Tribute to Foreigner
8-11 p.m. — New Park Brewing — $0.55+ service fee — Experience electrifying hits from Foreigner brought to life by the premier tribute band Urgent.
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Kermit Lynch Wine Dinner
6-9 p.m. — Artisan Restaurant West Hartford — $125 per person — Experience a gourmet five-course dinner paired with exquisite Kermit Lynch wines as you explore French and Italian flavors.
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Valentine Craft Workshop
6-7 p.m. — The Mark Twain House & Museum — $25 per person — Learn the Victorian language of flowers and craft unique Valentines to express your true sentiments.
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CT River & Roots Series: Kimaya Diggs
2-3:30 p.m. — Windsor Art Center — Free entry — Enjoy a free acoustic performance by R&B/soul musician Kimaya Diggs in a welcoming gallery setting.
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Pressed Flower Heart Art Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Connecticut Valley Brewing Company — Free entry — Create a lasting heart-shaped artwork using pressed flowers.
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PMP Certification Bootcamp
9 AM – 5 PM — 100 Pearl Street Gallery Parking — Cost varies — Fast-track training to become a Project Management Professional with expert coaching and resources.
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Eric Lindell Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Tickets available — Experience the soulful tunes of acclaimed singer-songwriter Eric Lindell in an intimate setting.
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Harvest & Rust - A Neil Young Experience
7-9 p.m. — Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater — Ticketed event — Enjoy an authentic tribute to Neil Young with stirring performances from one of the premier bands in the Northeast USA.
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Communication & Self-Esteem Workshop with Brisa Albuquerque
5-8 p.m. — Our Lady of Fatima Child Care Center — Limited slots — Explore authentic communication and confidence-building techniques to enhance personal and professional growth.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
~ Navy SEAL saying
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