Daily
Hartford
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Journey Home, Connecticut’s largest furniture bank for residents leaving homelessness, opened its second-hand store (Home for Good) in West Hartford in February to sell donated antiques and furnishings that fund its free services for around 400 families a year. Connecticut Public
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Two wolf dog puppies dumped in Prospect were taken to a sanctuary after officials confirmed that owning them is illegal in Connecticut. WFSB-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ According to the 2025 Connecticut Clean Energy Industry Report, the state's clean energy sector grew 2.8% in 2024 and reached over 47,000+ jobs, four times faster than the overall 0.7% growth rate, with fields including energy efficiency, clean generation, alternative transportation, and clean fuels. CT News Junkie
- ➤ State lawmakers passed a combined bill Wednesday to create new trade commissions with Germany and India that will boost international business ties and attract investment. The measure cleared the Commerce Committee unanimously and reflects Connecticut’s ongoing effort to build de-risked economic partnerships. CT Mirror
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 26-3 on Thursday to form a commission led by Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Wagner and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker to study public school funding — including a $100 million allocation from the state’s affordability fund to support districts until the commission reports next year. CT News Junkie
- ➤ On April 16, student-athletes at UHart hosted LoMaglio Day of Community Service and Citizenship at Al-Marzook Field, where more than 50 kids learned sports like baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer and built first aid kits for Hands On Hartford. The event offered young participants sports pointers and health basics. University of Hartford
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge began Thursday in state parks & forests across Connecticut to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Participants used the Goosechase app for interactive historical missions. FOX61
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ned Lamont backed a $1,000 health care tax credit for small businesses when he spoke at Fascia's Chocolates in Waterbury earlier this week. The credit covers eligible businesses with 50 or fewer employees (Fascia's has 45) and aims to ease health coverage costs. CT News Junkie
- ➤ A jury ruled Wednesday that Live Nation and Ticketmaster maintained a monopoly over big concert venues across 22 states, including Connecticut, which may lead to penalties and lower ticket prices for fans. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said the decision is a major step toward fairness in live entertainment. CT Mirror
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ As warmer weather boosts kids’ e-bike rides, medical experts at Hartford Hospital warn that heavier bikes may increase head injury risks if safety gear is neglected, and Connecticut’s new e-bike law affects who can ride legally (proper helmet and battery care is advised). NBC Connecticut
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hall High's hockey team won the Division III state championship on March 19 after a 2-1 overtime win over E.O. Smith-Tolland, with seniors Connor McHugh and Matthew Bonner breaking longstanding records & setting new marks for the program. Their record-breaking season shows true teamwork and skill. We-Ha
- ➤ The Conard girls lacrosse team remains undefeated at 4-0 after a 10-9 win over Fairfield Ludlowe Tuesday morning in West Hartford. The Red Wolves, ranked third in Class LL, will travel to Westport Saturday afternoon and host Southington Tuesday. We-Ha
- ➤ The Conard boys lacrosse team extended its four-game winning streak with a 10-9 comeback win over New Milford on Tuesday in West Hartford, with Ben Walsh scoring the game-winning goal and recording four assists. They will play at Avon Monday at 6 p.m. seeking their first CCC win. We-Ha
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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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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.
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Native Gardens
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets from $136 — Experience the can't-miss live show at Hartford Stage.
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Protoje Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets from $54 — Experience a night of vibrant reggae music with Protoje live on stage.
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Dar Williams Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Infinity Music Hall — Ticket prices TBD — Experience the evocative sounds of Dar Williams as she reflects on life through her music.
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Native Gardens
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets starting at $136 — Experience the can't-miss live event of Native Gardens in Hartford.
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Tayler Holder Live in Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Webster — $31.15 — Experience Tayler Holder in an all-ages concert showcasing his talent and energy.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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