Good morning, Hartford.

On May 8, 2025, 14 students from the Barney School of Business worked with Upper Albany Main Street at the Chrysalis Center to present projects that help local business owners improve tech skills, digitize records, and use data for decisions—led by Chavon Campbell, the event was attended by community members and Speaker Matt Ritter. Their work is expected to support business growth in the neighborhood.

Specialty Printing, a family-owned label and packaging maker on Day Hill Road in Windsor, received an $11.5 million investment from a New Orleans-based private equity firm on May 7—this funding will add 50 jobs to its existing 215 employees.

The InvestCT-supported capital will also upgrade operations at the company's 330,000—square-foot facility.

On May 8, a crash involving two vehicles closed part of I-91 north in Enfield and a rollover crash slowed traffic on Route 15 in Orange — Southington Public Schools investigated a high school fire linked to a dangerous TikTok trend and five people were shot in Hartford with one fatally injured. Meteorologist Scott Gagliardi forecast heavy rain tomorrow — drivers should prepare for wet conditions.

Hartford police investigated a fatal shooting on Capitol Avenue after officers responded at 1:28 p.m. Wednesday and found Jared Floyd (25) unresponsive before first responders took him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hartford Public Schools held its annual STEM Fair at Hartford Armory today with over 500 local students from 28 schools showing their projects — including robotics and drone displays — as judges reviewed entries and noted the event's role in inspiring future STEM careers.

Connecticut lawmakers are debating a bill that would require the Secretary of the State to supply correctional facilities with absentee ballot applications so that eligible incarcerated people can vote more easily.

The measure passed a committee vote in March and awaits a final vote in the House—critics argue it does not fully remove barriers like postage costs.

Spring Fling 600

8 a.m. — YMCA Camp Sloper — Registration details available — Celebrate the outdoors with the CT Trailmixers at the eighth annual Spring Fling event.

Music Bingo Night

7-9 p.m. — Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue — Free to play — Enjoy a night of music bingo with great food, drinks, and prizes.

The Great Gatsby - Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Tickets available — Experience the glitz and glamor of the Roaring Twenties in a stunning ballet adaptation of Fitzgerald's classic.

The Carousel Museum Conference 2025

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Carousel Museum — Ticket purchase required — Experience hands-on workshops and explore the wonderful history of carousels.

Mindful Hike at Penwood State Park

1-4:15 p.m. — Penwood State Park Parking — Free entry — Experience a moderate hike combined with mindfulness skills amidst the beauty of nature.

Hartford and Springfield Actuaries Convention

5 AM – 2 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Registration fees apply — Engage in professional development and networking with top industry speakers.

Destined Rivals Prerelease Tournament

Tournament Name — 10 a.m. — Tabletop Gaming Center — Registration fee applicable — Compete in the latest TCG series with fellow enthusiasts.

Senior Living Awards Virtual Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Online Event — Free entry — Explore the best of senior living communities and their exceptional services and awards.

League Challenge Tournament

6:30 PM — Tabletop Gaming Center — Competitive entry — Show off your TCG skills at the local league challenge.

New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Hartford Yard Goats

7:10-8:40 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling action as the Fisher Cats take on the Yard Goats in an exciting baseball showdown.