Good morning, Hartford.

2-4-1 Sports is set to host its second annual Play It Forward fundraiser on Wed, Aug.

26 at the Pond House Café in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford—a night of sports games, food, and drinks to support youth programs and honor local volunteer Stephanie Blozy. Tickets are available.

Otis Worldwide announced it will move its global headquarters to the Town Center building at 29 South Main Street in West Hartford in 2027 - the relocation is expected to boost local business confidence.

Connecticut recorded its best ever finish in CNBC's Top States for Business rankings, climbing to 23rd place on July 15.

Analysts (including CNBC's Scott Cohen) said faster permit approvals helped improve ratings even as high costs and aging infrastructure remain challenges.

The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame appointed Kimberly Kersey as its new executive director effective July 6; she brings nonprofit leadership experience from Hartford’s Amistad Center for Art and Culture plus the Artists Collective and is set to expand the Hall’s impact on women and girls.

Eversource requested a $727 million annual rate increase + an 18 percent jump in monthly electric bills, citing years of storm-related costs; the attorney general called the move a tone-deaf insult amid concerns over high Connecticut rates.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection forecasts unhealthy smoke levels in the air across the state today.

Residents are advised to monitor air quality — especially if spending time outdoors.

Eversource filed a request for an 18% rate increase that would add $727 million annually to residential bills; Attorney General William Tong called the move a tone-deaf insult (raising concerns over consumer impact).

Connecticut school administrators and state officials welcomed Congress’s decision last year to close a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that let dangerous hemp products reach children, and enforcement will begin this November.

Local leaders warn that some groups are lobbying to reopen the loophole.

Access Health CT announced 2027 open enrollment runs from Oct.

23 to Dec. 23, allowing Hartford residents to sign up for health and dental insurance; enrollees by Dec. 15 will start coverage on Jan. 1 while later sign-ups start on Feb. 1 with free help online * and by phone.

Runners in Hartford will join the 5th annual MOVE!

5K and Movement Festival at Keney Park on Saturday, July 18 at 9 a.m. Hosted by the Urban League of Greater Hartford and the Hartford Marathon Foundation (with fitness demos, live music, and awards), the event spotlights the league’s health pillar.

An Orkin report shows Hartford ranked 26th among 50 U.S. cities for bed bug treatments from May last year to May this year—a surprisingly high position given the city's size.

City officials urge residents to report infestations to the housing division or 311 hotline.

Beep baseball uses sound cues to help visually impaired players hit a ball and run bases — the program was featured by SOMOS CONNECTICUT as part of Connecticut Public’s effort to share local Latino stories and promote inclusive sports opportunities.

44th Annual Life-Be In It Extravaganza

5:00 – 9:30 PM — Mill Pond Park — $25 for unlimited rides on July 17th — Experience a local carnival with exciting rides, games, and delicious food.

11th Annual Hartford Latino Fest 2026

12-7 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Free admission — Celebrate the vibrant Latino culture with food, music, and community festivities.

ConnectiCon - Sunday

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Tickets from $107 — Experience an unforgettable event for fans at the heart of Hartford.

Hartford Healthcare Women's Championship - Friday

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Golf Club of Avon — Tickets from $62 — Experience a can't-miss live golf competition in Avon.

Ne-Yo & Akon Concert

8:00 p.m. — The Meadows Music Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting night of R&B and hip-hop with two music icons.

Hartford Healthcare Women's Championship

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Golf Club of Avon — Tickets from $62 — Experience the excitement of top-tier women's golf at a premier venue.

Season 5 Finale Celebration

2-4 p.m. — Mandell JCC — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the culmination of an exceptional season of dance with performances and a reception.

Luh Tyler Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets required — Experience Luh Tyler's infectious melodies and dynamic flow in a vibrant live performance.

Of Virtue & Savage Hands Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets from $77 — Experience an unforgettable live show featuring Of Virtue & Savage Hands at the Webster Underground.

Lake Terramuggus Olympic Triathlon

8:00 am – 2:00 pm — Blish Memorial Park — Registration required — Experience a challenging Olympic distance triathlon suitable for all levels amidst moderate hills.