Good morning, Hartford.

Connecticut reported an unemployment rate of 5.2% in June as 1,500 nonfarm jobs were added, boosting total employment to a record 1,726,500 even while Hartford shed 100 jobs.

Over the past year, the state gained 9,300 positions with strong growth in manufacturing and construction.

Hartford’s Summer Night Gyms program returns for its third year, offering free gym space for children at four city schools on weeknights; families benefit from organized physical activities and safe evening sports sessions.

Connecticut officials reported more than 7,300 bear sightings this year as encounters increase, with West Hartford and Glastonbury registering notable numbers.

Experts advise residents to secure food and trash (and lock pet food away) to deter bears from getting used to human spaces.

Connecticut reported 56 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases Monday, up from more than 30 last week, and the FDA cleared a Taylor Farms lettuce sample.

Fleet Feet donated 650 pairs of new sneakers and socks to children aged 6 to 19 at the Boys and Girls Club summer program a few weeks ago at its West Hartford and Glastonbury stores, with 30 local volunteers supporting the effort — marking the third year of increased giving.

Meghan Tiernan, a 2023 Hall High graduate from West Hartford, prepares for her senior swim season at Villanova University this fall.

She set school records, earned All-State honors, and plans to break personal bests (before taking a gap year for medical school).

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.