Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Persimmon Petals is busy fulfilling Mother's Day orders while donating profits from sales to Hartford's YWCA. The shop is accepting orders with pickup available on Sunday and offers bouquets ranging from $45 to $500 (customers should call ahead). FOX61
- ➤ A community baby shower held Friday, May 8 in Hartford provided essentials like diapers, clothing, and nursing pads to 100 new and expecting parents. Donations from local businesses and residents also supported resources such as lactation help and doula services. WTNH News 8
- ➤ Blood Cancer United hosted one of its largest annual fundraising events in Simsbury on Thursday night where more than 300 community members gathered to honor six Visionary of the Year candidates and support blood cancer research — the event aimed to raise over $300,000. FOX61
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ CT Mirror won seven CT SPJ awards, including the First Amendment Award for its exposé on predatory towing practices (created with ProPublica and honored with a Pulitzer Prize and as an FOI finalist). CT Mirror
- ➤ Playhouse on Park will present A Year with Frog and Toad on May 23, May 30, June 3, and June 6 in West Hartford. The musical, based on Arnold Lobel's stories (with music by Robert Reale), offers tickets at $25 with discounts for seniors and students. We-Ha
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at UHart's College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture presented over 100 projects at the spring CETA Design Expo today. They pitched innovations in fields including civil engineering + robotics while judges from industry, faculty, and staff awarded honors to 37 students across 13 projects. University of Hartford
- ➤ A cybersecurity breach compromised the Canvas learning platform used by schools and universities across the state, including Hartford, and IT officials are working to fix the security gaps and restore access. FOX61
- ➤ Freshta Tarin, who arrived in West Hartford after leaving Afghanistan, credits the local Adult Education program for helping her earn a driver's license and secure a new paraprofessional role at Morley School over the past year. We-Ha
- ➤ Yesterday, May 8, 2026, Hartford’s College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions hosted the 'We Are ENHP' Scholarship Showcase (showcasing research on fall prevention and AI in care) where students and staff shared their work. Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani highlighted how patient stories make data clear. University of Hartford
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Paula Bowman shared a video on Friday showing a venomous copperhead snake at a reservoir in West Hartford (a reminder of the area's natural wildlife). WFSB-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday morning, state law enforcement officers kicked off a 300-mile unity tour from Hartford in preparation for National Police Week. The event showcased their commitment to work together as they began the ride. WFSB-TV
- ➤ Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a settlement with Made-in-China to stop the sale of unsafe bootleg GLP-1 weight loss drugs in our state — the deal requires the removal of online listings within five days, includes a suspended $300,000 penalty, and signals further enforcement actions. FOX61
- ➤ On June 6, all-terrain wheelchairs will return for seasonal use in state parks and forests just as Connecticut Trails Day begins. Visitors must reserve a chair up to 30 days in advance after watching a safety video & signing a waiver. FOX61
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Moth-Style Storytelling Evening
7-9 p.m. — Hartford Flavor Company — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of entertaining true stories told live by local storytellers.
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Wethersfield Bicycle Festival and Swap Meet
8 a.m.–12 p.m. — Hanmer Elementary School — Free admission — Discover a variety of bicycles, parts, and enjoy family games at this vibrant community gathering.
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