Good morning, Hartford.

Salem Little League dedicated its field to late coach Casey Crafton during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held before a game between his former team and another local squad.

The field now honors his legacy and will soon benefit from donated lights for evening play.

A coyote took a small dog in a Wallingford backyard over the weekend, prompting officials to warn pet owners to keep pets leashed as coyotes become more aggressive during breeding season.

At PeoplesBank Arena on May 17, University of Hartford celebrated its Class of 2026 and honored Vin Baker, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and urged graduates to view challenges as chances to grow.

The school will name its new athletics complex after him in the fall.

CT college leaders are expanding free food access on campuses to help students cope with rising costs, with locations now more accessible at universities like Central and UConn.

These efforts, which include expanded food pantries and pop-up services, have already seen more students and faculty turning to them.

UConn will cut funding for 36 club sports teams on July 1; 14 teams (which do not use the rec center) will lose club status while others keep using the rec center and plan fundraisers to cover an $8,500 funding gap in a tight budget year.

Marty Guay resigned as chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents on Monday amid an investigation into allegations linked to a former interim chancellor (Gov. Lamont said the board must quickly proceed with a transparent review of recent events).

Guay will begin a leadership fellowship at Harvard in August.

West Hartford Public Works hosted a successful open house on Saturday (May 16) to celebrate National Public Works Week, drawing over 370 families to view heavy equipment and learn about town services.

Service partners provided free compost and soil to each family during the event.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2023, men now make up nearly 12% of nurses and nurse practitioners, up from 7% in 2002.

Nurse manager Kristopher Meyer at St. Vincent’s Medical Center said the trend highlights growing diversity in healthcare roles.

Monday’s warmth drew an early crowd to Hammonasset Beach State Park as locals enjoyed sun and sports despite chilly water (lifeguards begin duty on Memorial Day weekend).

West Hartford Public Schools will celebrate 50 years of softball at the Mayor’s Cup game on May 20 at Conard (former coaches Pam Moffo and Kathy Sweetland will throw ceremonial first pitches at 3:45 p.m. as Mayor Shari Cantor presents proclamations).

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.

Haiden Henderson Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Haiden Henderson in Hartford's vibrant venue.