Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dunkin* announced via Instagram that it gave away one million free coffees on May 19 to reward Connecticut fans. The promotion sparked local buzz. Connecticut Post
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Record heat today forced some schools lacking air conditioning to dismiss early + many families headed to Silver Sands State Park for relief. WFSB-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has imposed a temporary alcohol ban at 10 state recreation areas to curb crowding and misconduct. The ban runs from today until Monday, Aug. 17, affecting sites such as Gardner Lake State Park and Wadsworth Falls State Park. CT News Junkie
- ➤ School districts across Connecticut have used bus cameras to issue thousands of citations for passing school buses during student pick-ups and drop-offs, and officials reviewed footage to address accuracy concerns. Drivers have contested fines—leading to more careful reviews to boost roadway safety and ensure fair enforcement. WFSB-TV
- ➤ Marty Guay, board chairman of the state colleges and universities system, resigned Monday amid an ongoing investigation, making him the third leader to step down this past year. WFSB-TV
- ➤ The CT Department of Correction announced reforms to improve healthcare for incarcerated individuals on Tuesday, May 19. The plan includes hiring Craig Burns as executive director of inmate medical services and modernizing electronic health records - with a task force tackling a backlog of specialty care appointments. CT Mirror
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ TMS (a magnetic pulse treatment) is gaining popularity in Connecticut as more teens and adults seek help for depression. Doctors report it as a safe option with few side effects after the FDA cleared it for teen use in 2024. Connecticut Public
- ➤ A heat advisory was in effect for parts of inland Connecticut Tuesday as record temperatures and reduced air quality prompted local officials to urge residents to remain in air conditioning and drink fluids (CDC safety tips advised scheduling outdoor activities and avoiding strenuous work). WTNH News 8
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ West Hartford teens volunteered three days a week after school at Healing Meals in Avon to prepare nutrient-rich meals for families in health crisis; the program celebrated 10 years and 250,000 meals delivered (a milestone that shows local service and youth empowerment). We-Ha
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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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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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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.
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