Daily
Hartford
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A locally made film 'Watching Mr. Pearson' will play in Hartford theaters on Apr. 9 + actress Dominika Zawada shared her behind-the-scenes experience making the film. NBC Connecticut
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Connecticut’s DEEP released its 2025 State of the Bears report in late March that showed bears expanding far beyond the usual western areas; the report noted three bear attacks and 40 home break-ins in 18 towns (reminding residents to secure trash and remove bird feeders). CT News Junkie
- ➤ West Hartford expanded its food scrap drop-off program by adding six new bins at popular locations including Fernridge Park (by tennis courts) and Vanderbilt Park; another four bins will be installed next month to further reduce waste. We-Ha
- ➤ DEEP invites families to join trout stocking events (a spring fishing tradition) on Saturday, April 11 to start the catch-and-keep trout season statewide. Staff will release over 500,000 trout into more than 100 lakes and ponds and 135 rivers, and anglers can keep fish from 6 a.m. with varying limits. CT News Junkie
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CTDOT officials announced that vehicles over 20 tons will be restricted on the Putnam Bridge in Wethersfield until Nov. 2028 + the Gold Star Memorial Bridge in Groton will reduce its southbound lanes to three starting today, so drivers must slow down and follow posted limits. FOX61
- ➤ Connecticut officials and hospital leaders continue talks on a multi-year tax deal to support hospitals as federal Medicaid cuts threaten future funding. Gov. Ned Lamont’s team is weighing tax hikes and extra payments while uncertainty over state aid persists due to shifting federal rules. CT Mirror
- ➤ Sen. Chris Murphy introduced his bill — the Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act — at Key Food Supermarket in Hartford on April 6. The legislation, co-sponsored by other senators, aims to hold large retailers accountable for pricing practices that many independent stores say hurt their business. CT News Junkie
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new report by the Urban Institute says almost 200,000 people in Connecticut could lose Medicaid if new federal work rules start Jan. 1, while state lawmakers are exploring ways to reduce the loss by improving how work hours and exceptions are tracked. Connecticut Public
- ➤ Healthcare advocates from HUSKY 4 Immigrants and over 500 providers delivered a letter at the State Capitol on April 7 urging Gov. Lamont and legislators to extend proposed funding safeguards to all residents regardless of immigration status. The push comes amid federal cuts that could affect state-run programs. Connecticut Public
- ➤ Connecticut added three case managers in February — boosting enrollment for families waiting for autism waiver services like respite care and job coaching. Connecticut Public
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A team of Puerto Rican journalists is spotlighted at ESPN’s Bristol headquarters for creating bilingual sports content that has boosted the engagement of local Latino sports fans — interviews with figures like Jose Canelo Alvarez Martinez and Michele LaFountain-Stokes were conducted on March 16. Connecticut Public
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Jeff Leeson Stand-Up Comedy
7-10 p.m. — Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant — Ticketed event — Experience the phenomenal improv of Jeff Leeson as he leaves the crowd amazed.
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Turn It Up Dance Challenge Competitions
All day — Rockville High School, Vernon, CT — Registration fees apply — Experience an unforgettable weekend of dance competitions with awards and scholarships.
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XVI Annual Taste of Wethersfield
7-9:30 p.m. — Keeney Memorial Cultural Center — $35-$40 — Enjoy a night of local flavors with food and drinks from area restaurants while supporting educational programming.
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Hartford Symphony Orchestra - Brahms' Third
3-6 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Tickets available until 2/11 — Enjoy an evening of classical music with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra performing Brahms' Third Symphony.
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Family Magic Show
5-6 p.m. — Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library — Free entry — Experience an enchanting magic show suitable for the whole family during spring break.
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Manufacturing Happy Hour
4-6 PM — New Park Brewing — Free entry — Connect with fellow manufacturers while enjoying local beers in a relaxed setting.
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Nature Storytime with Miss Jan
1-2 p.m. — Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library — Free entry — Explore the wonders of nature and learn about worms in this engaging storytime session.
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Whine & W3rk Caribbean Dance Fitness Class
7-9 p.m. — The Webster — Ticket required — Get ready to unleash your energy with a high-energy Caribbean dance fitness class open to all levels.
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Native Gardens
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets start at $118 — An unforgettable theatrical experience in Hartford.
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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: The Greatest Show On Earth
7-10 p.m. — PeoplesBank Arena — Ticket required for ages 2+ — Experience the thrill of circus fun with exciting performances and spectacles.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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