Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
Good morning, Hartford.
The Seniors Job Bank (a nonprofit based at West Hartford Town Hall) elected new officers including Co-Presidents Jeffrey Ferketic and Yvonne Matthews, Vice President Meg McCrudden, Treasurer George Konefal, and Secretary Lauren Milardo.
The board will boost employment opportunities for older adults across Greater Hartford.
Connecticut business leaders said this legislative session delivered both gains and challenges.
Tax credits and a small business concierge office were introduced to support innovation (while new AI rules and labor protections may add costs) during the session.
Today, Hartford hosts the bi-annual Bizarre Bazaar at State House Square Plaza from 12 to 4 p.m., where local artists and vendors offer Halloween-themed shopping and live music.
Next door, the Old State House celebrates its 230th Birthday Party with a commemorative cake, tours, and a Spring Market.
Jorge Zamanillo (founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Latino History) spoke at the Museo de Cultura e Historia in Hartford on May 7 to gather Latino stories for a national museum representing 60 million Latinos that is expected to take 10 to 12 years to build.
Electric utilities Eversource and United Illuminating announced that starting July 1 their supply rates will drop—from 12.64 to 11.58 cents for Eversource and from 13.69 to 11.99 cents for UI—which could save customers roughly $7 and $12 monthly as regulatory review is pending.
Connecticut's steady drop in births since 2010 has led to a nearly 14% decline in school enrollment from 578,000 students in 2006 to 497,800 this school year (with first and second graders hardest hit), and reduced immigration has also lowered multilingual learner numbers.
Local mothers in Hartford formed a committee (meeting every Wednesday at a church) to push for better translation services and facility upgrades at public schools.
They will also propose a traffic light near Maria Sanchez ahead of the city council’s final budget vote on May 21.
Connecticut lawmakers, including Rep. Joe Courtney, criticized new federal student loan caps that exclude many nursing programs, saying the changes will raise education costs.
The regulations part of a larger loan overhaul will take effect on July 1 and have prompted bipartisan efforts to widen the professional definition.
A panel of fusion energy experts at DEEP headquarters in Hartford explained how the state aims to explore new nuclear technology to deliver safer, cleaner power as part of a plan by New England governors.
Public comments are open until 4 p.m. ET May 27.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health warned residents yesterday about a hepatitis A outbreak investigation in New York linked to contaminated shellfish and advised caution when eating raw or undercooked shellfish — state agencies continue rigorous water and pathogen testing for local harvests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
— 5:30-8:30 p.m. — Great River Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music by local bands in a family-friendly atmosphere with scenic views.
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