Good morning, Hartford.

State police arrested 27-year-old Justin Perez, a former assistant athletic coach at Somers High School, on Tuesday after Enfield police turned him over following a traffic stop—he is accused of inappropriate contact with a female student, sending explicit texts and pictures and trying to secure a shared room on an overnight trip, and he was released on a $100,000 bond with a no-contact order.

Hartford police are searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man on Vine Street (the suspect fled in a black vehicle toward Albany Avenue).

International Children's Book Day was celebrated April 2 and highlighted Connecticut’s role in children’s literature by honoring local figures like Maurice Sendak—whose Ridgefield home is open by appointment—and Mark Twain, whose Hartford house offers tours.

Cheshire Library and other local groups also recognized authors such as Mercer Mayer, Anne Rockwell, and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace for their lasting impact on children’s books.

The federal Education Department froze more than $6 million in ESSER funds meant for CT school districts—New London and Waterbury were set to receive the bulk for upgrades and services, so district officials now risk using local funds if the change sticks.

Governor Lamont and state education leaders are taking action to seek project-specific extensions amid the budget challenges.

Connecticut lawmakers and advocates condemned the firing of all federal workers managing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program on April 2, warning that many families may lose the help they need to heat their homes—leaving vulnerable groups at risk as winter sets in.

State Sen. Matt Lesser and others stressed that without these workers, the program might soon cease to function.

About two dozen local groups urged Connecticut lawmakers with law degrees to back an ABA statement at a news conference on March 11 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford—saying federal actions hurt our courts—and state Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox said lawmakers must talk with communities about how these actions break the Constitution.

Jurassic Quest

12-6 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Save 30% with promo code CCC30 — A dinosaur adventure awaits with rides, baby dinos, and life-sized dino exhibits.

Somerset Patriots at Hartford Yard Goats

7:59-11:59 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Tickets from $19 — Experience the thrill of Minor League Baseball with the Hartford Yard Goats.

Jurassic Quest

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a dino-mite adventure with baby dinosaurs and excavation activities.

In-Person Parenting Education Class

9 AM – 4 PM — Catholic Charities — Registration required — Enhance your parenting skills through this comprehensive workshop by Catholic Charities.

Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs

7:10-11:10 PM — Dunkin' Park — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of minor league baseball as the Hartford Yard Goats take on the Portland Sea Dogs.

Charlotte Checkers at Hartford Wolf Pack

7-11 p.m. — XL Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the excitement of AHL hockey as the Wolf Pack take on the Checkers at home.

Birth Moon Crystal Bracelet Making Class

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal — $30.00 — Create a personalized moon phase bracelet while exploring lunar influences and crystal healing properties.

Hartford Caribbean Dance Fitness Camp

7-9 p.m. — Warehouse 635 — Fun event — Experience the world's most electrifying Caribbean dance fitness class with all fitness levels welcome.

Romeo and Juliet

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Ticket prices vary — An intoxicating blend of tragedy and hope unfolds in this timeless tale of young love.

Romeo and Juliet - Theatrical Production

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience the intoxicating blend of tragedy and hope in a classic tale of young love.