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Thursday, May 7th, 2026

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Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • This Saturday, food pantries aim to collect 50,000 pounds of food during Stamp Out Hunger, a team-up by Person to Person, the Food Bank, and the National Letter Carriers Association. Residents may pick up a donation bag from their mail carrier and leave it by their mailbox (no glass jars).  News 12 Connecticut

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Connecticut drivers are crossing into Massachusetts for cheaper gas (local prices in CT average over $4 per gallon) as they seek better fuel deals.  WFSB-TV

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Hartford students walked and biked to school today for National Bike and Roll to School Day — joining a nationwide push for outdoor activity and healthy habits.  WFSB-TV

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Connecticut officials and advocates gathered Tuesday to urge lawmakers to expand the state’s shield law (protecting health care providers) as Planned Parenthood spent $800,000 to stockpile key medications amid a legal challenge. Gov. Ned Lamont advised residents to dial 211 for care information.  Connecticut Public
  • The Connecticut Senate passed HB 5143 today requiring new homemaker-companion agency employees to complete eight hours of paid dementia training and mandating annual updates for current staff (the bill will take effect late 2026 and early 2027 if signed by the governor).  CT News Junkie
  • State lawmakers approved new restrictions that require retailers to attach weights to helium balloons to prevent them from rising and harming the environment. Retailers who do not comply may face a $20 fine per violation — the rules will be implemented through 2027.  News 12 Connecticut

HEALTH NEWS

  • Doctors are hosting Survive Stroke Week through May 9 to raise awareness as younger adults show increased stroke risk. Locals are urged to learn warning signs (such as facial drooping and arm weakness) and call 911 immediately.  Connecticut Public
  • Connecticut hospitals were ranked No. 1 for patient safety by Leapfrog’s Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades, with 64.5% earning an A grade — a sign of high-quality care in academic, teaching, community, and rural facilities as noted by Hartford HealthCare.  WTNH News 8

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Sharks opens on May 9 at the Connecticut Science Center in downtown Hartford. The exhibition transforms gallery space into an immersive ocean environment (featuring full-size models and interactive displays) that invites visitors to explore shark history and conservation.  We-Ha
  • Speak Up Storytelling event, themed 'Rebellious,' takes place Saturday, May 9, at the Museum for Culture and History in Hartford at 7 p.m. Hosted by Elysha Dicks, the event features teacher and bestselling author Matthew Dicks along with new and seasoned storytellers, and offers free drinks, snacks, and museum entry.  We-Ha

SPORTS NEWS

  • Conard's girls lacrosse team remained undefeated with a 9-8 win against Simsbury on May 5 in West Hartford. Ashley Gorman scored five goals to help the team keep a 10-0 record.  We-Ha
  • Tina Charles, a Connecticut basketball icon, retired Tuesday after a 14-season career (including national titles, Olympic gold, and record-setting numbers) in the WNBA. Her time at UConn and with the Connecticut Sun marks the close of an era in women’s basketball.  News 12 Connecticut
  • The CT Distance Festival runs tomorrow from 4-9 p.m. at Hall High School in West Hartford, where athletes will compete in 1-mile and 5K races amid music, food trucks, and gear demos (admission is free).  We-Ha

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Test of Strength: Dear Norma 6

    6-8:30 p.m. — Dudleytown Brewing Company — VIP $30, GA $20 — Experience an electrifying showdown of strength with thrilling matches and fierce competition.

    Fri, 5/8/26

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  • Strange Machines Concert

    8-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fusion of funk, rock, and livetronica from the East Coast's jam scene favorites.

    Sat, 5/9/26

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  • Buckethead Live Performance

    8:30-11:30 p.m. — Infinity Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience the virtuoso guitarist Buckethead as he dazzles with multi-genre performances.

    Fri, 5/15/26

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  • Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats

    1:10 – 4:10 PM — Dunkin' Park — Tickets available — Kids can run the bases post-game for a fun family experience.

    Sun, 5/17/26

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  • Gryme: The Ultimate Nu-Metal Experience

    9-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Free parking available — Experience the energetic sounds of iconic nu-metal bands like System Of A Down and Linkin Park.

    Thu, 5/28/26

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  • Concert by Robert Earl Keen

    7-10 p.m. — Infinity Music Hall Hartford — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of American folk and country music with Robert Earl Keen.

    Sat, 5/30/26

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  • Wishes on Wheels Car Show

    11 AM – 3 PM — Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — Admission details not specified — Enjoy a variety of classic cars, food trucks, and live music in support of a good cause.

    Mon, 6/1/26

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  • 40th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction

    5:30-9:30 p.m. — Aqua Turf Club — Click for reservations — Celebrate 40 years of sports and community spirit at this fundraising banquet.

    Tue, 6/2/26

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  • Simsbury Land Trust 50th Anniversary Dinner

    5:30-8:30 p.m. — Rosedale Farms & Vineyards — Tickets required — Celebrate stewardship and community with music, food, and a keynote from Marshall Epstein.

    Thu, 6/4/26

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  • Wine & Roses Fundraiser

    6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pond House Cafe — $150 per person — Enjoy a cocktail reception and live music while supporting Elizabeth Park Conservancy.

    Fri, 6/5/26

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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