Good morning, Hartford.

Hartford will host America 250 celebrations with patriotic fireworks today to mark the upcoming Fourth of July, joining similar festivities in nearby towns (East Windsor, Suffield, and North Stonington).

Renee DiNino spoke with The Mark Twain House and Museum at the Travelers Championship on June 26 to promote Birdies for Charity (a fundraiser presented by Webster Bank and supported by Aetna) that helps local charities raise funds.

Readers can visit the tournament website to donate.

ASAP invites community members to view a Summer Photography Intensive exhibition of Connecticut high school photography (free admission).

The event will be held Thursday, July 2 at 3 p.m. at The Silpe Gallery at Hartford Art School in West Hartford.

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities released a 2000-page report by former Chancellor Terrence Cheng on June 25 that outlines ideas to improve higher education in Connecticut.

Cheng, who stepped down after an audit, compiled the report using artificial intelligence and input from education leaders.

We-Ha.com is launching a new essay series that explains direct admission, a process where Connecticut seniors meeting certain GPA criteria can enroll at local colleges fee-free * offering practical college advice for students and parents preparing for the future.

In Connecticut, special education complaints have increased by nearly 30% since last year as parents use AI to summarize lengthy legal notices.

Experts warn that higher filing rates may force districts to hire more staff to manage complaints - adding strain to school budgets.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy introduced the Living Wage for All Act on June 26 to gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $25.

The bill gives larger employers a faster timeline and would help Connecticut workers earn enough for living expenses.

Connecticut Medicaid spending jumped 14% from 2023 to 2024, according to the state Office of Health Strategy (OHS) report, while it remained the cheapest option compared to commercial plans, officials said.

Pharmacy and long-term care expenses drove the increase and efforts to manage costs are underway.

A banner welcoming Travelers Championship players was seen on Unity Green, with many visitors at the Delamar Hotel.

Free breakfast for kids is offered daily at Smith STEM School until July 17 and the final Jubilation Thursday concert is set for July 2 at Blue Back Square courtyard.

At the Travelers Championship on Friday, Scheffler missed a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole and fell just short of joining Jim Furyk with two sub-60 rounds, settling for a 10-under 60 at TPC River Highlands.

He led early at 16-under 124 as other players kept pace.

NBC Connecticut's Julia LeBlanc led a mini golf tour on CT LIVE during the Travelers Championship, showing locals a fun look at the ongoing event.

The Travelers Championship 2026 will feature family activities and the Birdies for Charity program (raising funds for breast cancer awareness) as local experts advise attendees to plan ahead for parking and traffic at the PGA Tour event in Connecticut.

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.

Norwich Sea Unicorns vs. New Britain Bees Baseball

6:35-10:35 p.m. — New Britain Stadium — VIP tickets available — Enjoy a thrilling night of baseball with exceptional VIP experiences and amenities.

America 250: Hartford's Long Weekend Kickoff Concert

6-9 p.m. — Mortensen Riverfront Plaza — Free parking — Celebrate America’s 250th with an evening of live music and community spirit along the riverfront.

Sweeney Todd

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets start at $64 — Experience the thrill of Sweeney Todd in a captivating live performance.

Hartford Bonanza Celebration

12-4 p.m. — Bushnell Park — Free entry — Celebrate music, art, and community at this annual regional festival alongside the Connecticut Commemoration.

Artivity Summer Program

9 a.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Check website for pricing — Creative summer program for young artists at one of Connecticut's finest venues.

American Vanity Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets start at $62 — Experience the can't-miss live show of American Vanity in Hartford.

HANZEL LA H Live Concert

9 p.m. — United Banquet Hall — VIP packages available — Experience the urban music phenomenon HANZEL LA H along with special guest friends in a high-energy concert.

Petit Family Foundation 5K Road Race & Fitness Walk

7 a.m. — Plainville High School — Registration fee applies — Participate in a meaningful event honoring family legacy while enjoying fitness and community spirit.