Good morning, Hartford.

CT State Manchester and CT State Asnuntuck held their commencement ceremonies on May 22—Asnuntuck at Dunkin’ Park and Manchester on campus—with over 5,200 graduates earning 6,084 associate degrees and certificates.

Nearly 1,744 graduates completed nursing and health care majors and about 970 earned transfer degrees for guaranteed junior admission.

On May 27, the state House passed a 100-page housing bill after a daylong debate that reworked the original proposal into two amendments and was approved 84-67 — the bill sets new zoning rules for multifamily and low-income housing — and it requires towns to update their affordable housing plans every five years.

State auditors issued a 44-page report saying the Department of Children and Families needed to tighten its internal procedures—highlighting that 656 of 3,114 reviews were not completed in 30 days and 15 issues were repeated from earlier audits.

DCF said it had removed extra approval layers and was using overtime to address the backlog while agreeing with the auditors’ concerns.

House Speaker Matt Ritter said on Wednesday morning that a one-year budget is being considered due to a $140 million labor settlement and the looming legislative adjournment next week — a proposal that Gov. Ned Lamont warned would be a mistake, with his office promising more details at a media availability later today. The debate centers on safeguarding essential programs while addressing the crunch created by cutting edge labor costs.

On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill that would give unemployment benefits to strikers after two weeks without work—defying Gov. Lamont’s expected veto—and House Speaker Matt Ritter said the House will vote on the measure in its final week before the deadline.

During its meeting on Tuesday, the Regulation Review Committee rejected two proposed updates to cannabis regulations (the proposals can be revised and refiled) and approved new gas pipeline safety standards that replace rules dating back to 1964.

Conard beat Southington 11-10 in overtime during a CCC semifinal boys lacrosse game in West Hartford (at Robert McKee Stadium) on May 27.

The win sends the Red Wolves to the finals (game today at 6:30 p.m.) where they will try to avenge an earlier loss.

Yard Goats Baseball Game

12:10-3:00 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — $40 — Catch the Hartford Yard Goats in action while enjoying a buffet and great seating on the Yeungling Party Deck.

Back To The Future - The Musical

8 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Tickets available — The beloved 80's film classic comes to life in a brand-new musical journey through time and space.

Evening Retreat for Music Ministers

6-9 p.m. — Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center — $45 for non-members, $35 for NPM members — Gather with fellow music ministers for an evening of singing, learning, and spiritual reflection.

Smino's Kountry Kousins Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Webster — Ticket prices vary — Experience Smino's genre-blurring sound with sharp lyricism and infectious groove alongside Samara Cyn.

Back to the Future - The Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Tickets available — Experience the musical adaptation of the iconic 80's film with Marty McFly and friends.

Unicorn World

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Family-friendly fun — Experience a magical world with life-like unicorns and enchanting activities.

Little Poland Festival

12:30-6 p.m. — Little Poland Festival — Free entry — Experience live music, ethnic food, and vibrant folk performances in New Britain's Little Poland district.

Educational Dinner on Hemophilia Treatments

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Artisan Restaurant West Hartford — $10 for non-members — Discover Qfitlia, a new therapy for Hemophilia A and B while enjoying a meal.

Youth Fountain Concert

7-10 PM — The Webster — Tickets may be required — Experience a cathartic pop-punk and post-emo musical journey.

Comedy Night at Long View Ciderhouse

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Long View Ciderhouse Orchard Bar — Enjoy the humor and laughter with talented comedians showcasing their skills.