Good morning, Hartford.

Violence intervention leaders met Thursday at Phillips Health Center to develop a safety plan that city and police will review by the end of spring for a safe summer; the effort will include youth programs and community outreach to lower local violence.

The 20th Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival began Thursday, Apr.

9 at Trinity College with lectures and workshops and will continue with free dance battles, graffiti showcases, and beatboxing competitions at Parkville Market on Saturday.

During a Wednesday (Apr.

8) evening forum, Hartford schools superintendent Andraé Townsel rejected the state's claim of a $2.5 million surplus and said the district faces a $74.5 million deficit over the next two years, calling the surplus a miscalculation.

Girish Rishi M’92 spoke at the University of Hartford’s Theodore D.

Veru Symposium on April 08, highlighting that human traits such as conscience, intuition, and instinct remain essential in an AI-driven world — urging students to embrace AI literacy as they enter the workforce.

At a public forum Wednesday night, Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Andraé Townsel said the district faces a $74.5 million deficit over the next two years plus he rejected state claims of a surplus.

A University of Vermont study finds that invasive insects (causing nearly a quarter of tree deaths in Connecticut) and disease are now responsible for more forest losses in the Northeast than logging.

The research compared over 300,000 records from 2009 to 2024 and blames climate change for increasing tree mortality.

Demand for weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Zepbound, is rising and some Hartford med spas have received cease-and-desist letters for selling unapproved alternatives—health experts warn these unregulated versions may be unsafe and urge consumers to choose FDA-approved options.

Local health officials warn Hartford residents that unapproved weight loss drugs are circulating and may pose safety risks (FDA approval remains essential) as concerns about misleading products grow.

An investigation is underway to protect consumer health.

Prospect Medical did not set aside funds for malpractice claims at its Connecticut hospitals, including a Waterbury facility, leaving patients and doctors at risk of high costs and unresolved litigation.

Lawsuits filed before its January bankruptcy continue to challenge the chain's self-insurance plan.

CT scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported that over 100 ticks were submitted on Monday & this early peak activity occurred despite a cold winter.

They found a 40% Lyme disease rate in these ticks and urged residents to use tick repellents when outdoors.

Four local ice hockey figures were inducted into the Connecticut High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame this year, highlighting West Hartford’s strong hockey legacy.

Induction ceremonies on April 2 for the girls and April 8 for the boys celebrated leaders like former coach Bruce Woolley & player Emily Corrales.

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.

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.

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.

Manufacturing Happy Hour

4-6 PM — New Park Brewing — Free entry — Connect with fellow manufacturers while enjoying local beers in a relaxed setting.

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.

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.

Native Gardens

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets start at $118 — An unforgettable theatrical experience in Hartford.

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.

Turf Opener: 37 Years of Racing Madness

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — R/C Madness — Registration open — Celebrate 37 years of racing with intense turf competitions across multiple classes.

Native Gardens

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets from $136 — Experience the can't-miss live show at Hartford Stage.