Good morning, Hartford.

Katy Guaman was crowned Ecuadorian Queen at the Association of Ecuadorians in Connecticut pageant on May 29 at the Waterbury Marriott Hotel, representing 40,000 people.

She will launch a mental health project and the association plans a Gala Dinner on Aug. 1 plus a parade on Aug. 8 in Waterbury.

Central Connecticut State University is moving ahead with a polytechnic restructuring focused on AI, cybersecurity, automation, and tech-aligned training — though faculty, staff, and students have raised concerns over shared governance with nearly 1,000 petition signatures reported.

Connecticut education officials celebrated six Blue Ribbon schools Tuesday at Conard High School in West Hartford.

Selected using 2024-25 accountability results and recognized for high performance & gap closing, the honorees from Danbury, Greenwich, Meriden, Oxford, Ridgefield, and West Hartford highlight statewide academic excellence.

Granby Public Schools confirmed a former employee is no longer with the district after concerns surfaced on social media and a parent alerted officials; the district said it is following procedures to protect students and families (the former employee passed all background checks when hired) while authorities review the matter.

Orientation began on June 10 at University of Hartford where incoming Hawks enjoyed campus tours, group activities, and academic guidance.

Two more sessions are planned in June and one in August for the Class of 2030.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday, Jun.

10 that Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties are under a Stage 2 drought advisory because of low river water levels, reduced precipitation, and increased wildfire risk. The advisory urges residents and businesses to conserve water by reducing outdoor irrigation and fixing plumbing leaks.

Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol today at 10 a.m., with temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees and heat indexes reaching 100+; cooling centers will be available statewide until 6 p.m. Sunday.

A readers poll in Best of Hartford named former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart best local politician and best social media influencer even as an investigation questioned her city-issued credit card spending.

The Connecticut Insurance Department reviewed double-digit rate hike filings from Anthem, ConnectiCare, and United Healthcare for next year's individual and employer-sponsored health plans while lawmakers condemned the increases and urged a public option.

Policy holders said they face higher costs while final decisions come in early September.

Eligible houses of worship, including churches and synagogues, can use funds from a $5M state security grant (Connecticut’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program) announced by Gov. Ned Lamont to install ballistic glass and metal detectors.

Three children died from an apparent overdose linked to the dangerous Benadryl Challenge in Connecticut, and health officials urge Hartford parents to store medications safely to prevent accidental ingestions.

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.

Cyanotype Coaster Workshop

5-11 p.m. — The Firestone | Art studio + Cafe — Pre-registration required — Create stunning ceramic coasters using the magic of cyanotype and real foliage.