Good morning, Hartford.

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, over 1,000 runners joined West Hartford’s Celebrate West Hartford FUNd RUNS.

The event featured a 5K course from Blue Back Square to Trout Brook Trail and a Kids K at Blue Back Square, with proceeds aiding local funds for low-income families.

Cricket Press, a West Hartford staple since 1971, partnered with UConn School of Business and the CTSBDC in its spring Honors case competition, where students recommended an AI tool to boost operations.

Owner Greg Confessore now plans to build the system & team with regional printers.

Bill Pustari and his wife Mary have run Modern Apizza since 1988 and earned national recognition for keeping the business local.

Their success shows strong ties with Hartford’s long-established food scene.

The 2026 Kids Count report by the Annie E.

Casey Foundation shows Connecticut moved from eighth to seventh in child well-being, with strong education and health scores but lower economic and family results. Gov. Lamont plans to launch pre-K funding for low-income families (families under $100K) to boost early education.

The free Diasporican Educational Program from CENTRO offers an online course that explores Puerto Rican identity and includes a special lesson on Hartford’s role in the diaspora.

Launched last fall, it attracts thousands who learn about language, citizenship, and local cultural symbols — including Hartford’s unique monument.

Connecticut has invested over $6 million in statewide robotics programs since 2024 to build STEM skills and support curriculum development in underserved districts — efforts aimed at preparing students for future engineering careers.

Metro-North and CTrail will raise ticket rates for commuters to help reduce the state subsidy needed to support rail operations, an agency spokesperson said.

The rate change will take effect soon to help sustain current rail services.

A recent study by the Open Communities Alliance finds that state and federal housing vouchers keep many families in low-cost urban neighborhoods such as Hartford—where rental options are limited by strict budgets.

The report suggests changes to help families access better schools and cleaner environments.

Gov Ned Lamont signed a law requiring homemaker companion workers to complete eight hours of training every two years starting in January — the change aims to boost worker skills as demand grows in home care.

On Apr. 27, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-3 that bars religious exemptions for school immunizations to keep measles vaccination rates high in Connecticut.

The law aims to protect communities as increased international travel this summer raises outbreak risks.

Advocates hosted an event Monday at Sisson Avenue Fire House to warn against leaving children in hot cars and pushed for a federal rule that adds alert systems to new vehicles—Sen. Blumenthal participated, noting nearly 40 child deaths occur each year from hot cars.

Officials reported that Lyme disease–infected ticks spiked earlier this season based on data from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven.

As of May 19, the infection rate reached 38.5% compared to the usual 32% amid snowy winter conditions & active testing continues statewide.

Jay Leach has been named the Hartford Wolf Pack's ninth head coach by NY Rangers GM Chris Drury and brings 12 years of coaching experience.

He will lead the team in the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Jonquel Jones had an emotional return to Connecticut Monday night as the Sun retired her No. 35 jersey ahead of the Liberty game — a tribute recognizing her key contributions since the 2016 trade from the Sparks for Chelsea Gray.

Connecticut golfer Ben James qualifies for his third consecutive U.S. Open — the tournament will be held from June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills G.C. in Southampton.

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.

Latino Comedy Fest 2026

7-11:30 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Ticket price varies — Laugh your heart out while supporting Latin culture at this unique comedy show and fundraiser.

Art in the Park 2026

10 AM – 4 PM — Center Memorial Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant outdoor show featuring over 200 exceptional artists, crafters, and performers.

New Britain Bees vs. Lowell Spinners

6:35 p.m. — New Britain Stadium — Tickets available — Catch the exciting baseball showdown between the Bees and Spinners this June.

Secondhand Serenade Concert with Every Avenue

7-10 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Catch the emotional acoustic sounds of Secondhand Serenade alongside Every Avenue.

Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats

7:10-8:10 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Discounted tickets available — Enjoy a summer evening cheering for the Yard Goats at the ballpark.

Styles P Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate an evening of hip-hop with acclaimed artist Styles P in Hartford.

Crossfire Hurricane: A Rolling Stones Tribute

7-8:30 p.m. — Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall — Tickets available — Experience New York's #1 Rolling Stones tribute band bringing you the legendary rock hits live.

Nashua Silver Knights vs. New Britain Bees

1:35–5:35 p.m. — New Britain Stadium — Tickets from $34 — Catch a thrilling baseball match between the Nashua Silver Knights and the New Britain Bees.