Good morning, Hartford.

Representatives with the Department of Children and Families are investigating the fatal choking of toddler Saunti at the YWCA childcare center in New Britain on Tuesday—911 received the call at 11:44 a.m., family members said he began choking while eating meatballs, and local officials offered support to the grieving family.

A tall, heavy-set man wearing a full face mask entered a KFC on Burnside Avenue in East Hartford at around 8:30 p.m. last night after his phone payment for a 2-piece chicken meal declined, and although he sat inside before leaving and then returned with a gun to demand cash, the employee grabbed the gun—refusing to hand over money—and police said he fled north on Westbrook Street without being found.

Recent summer heat has strained cooling centers across Connecticut and left unhoused residents like Clarence Braun struggling to stay cool; on July 16th, amid a heat wave, local centers saw high demand with nearly 1,600 hotline searches.

Local advocates argue that while temporary measures help, the state—along with local providers—must improve support and increase housing options for those in need.

Mayor Arulampalam announced on Wednesday that he plans to name interim Chief James Rovella the permanent police chief.

Rovella, who has led the police department since February, is praised for his community-first approach— a town hall will be organized soon to discuss his nomination.

A state audit found that CT DOC paid employees on disciplinary leave for up to three extra years, resulting in $834,955 in overpayments during fiscal years 2022 and 2023—delays in investigations worsened the costs while the agency works to tighten oversight and has cleared 21 staff to return to work.

A report released Wednesday showed that changes in federal funding could force nearly 175,000 residents to lose Medicaid or Affordable Care Act coverage as states that expanded Medicaid face a 14.5% cut compared to a 7.9% cut for others — the report also warned that over 119,000 jobs could be lost and state GDP may shrink by $2 billion by 2029.

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival

1-9 p.m. — Mortensen Riverfront Plaza — Free entry — Experience the vibrant flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean at this lively food festival featuring island cuisine and music.

Pantera: The Heaviest Tour of the Summer

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Xfinity Theatre — Tickets from $33 — Experience the sheer power of Pantera and Amon Amarth in a night of metal domination.

Riverfront Music Series - Town Band

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Riverfront Community Center — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening with live music from the Town Band at Riverfront Park.

Dreamwake Release Show

7-9 p.m. — The Webster — All ages — Experience Dreamwake's unique wavecore sound at The Lost Years release show.

Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Workshop: Hip and Thigh

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — StrongHouse Studio — Check for availability — Explore the connection between hip issues and overall body movement with expert guidance from Sarah Ernst-Edwards.

Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Bushnell Park Conservancy — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of jazz music under the stars.

Kayaking and SUP Coaching Session

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Collinsville Canoe & Kayak — Free entry — Get hands-on coaching for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in a scenic location.

Bonsai Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — WeHa Brewing & Roasting Company — Check for costs — Get creative with your friends as you craft miniature bonsai trees.

Gabriel Rutledge Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of quick wit and laughter with standout comedian Gabriel Rutledge.

Barrington Levy Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Webster — Tickets from $36 — Experience the thrilling sounds of Barrington Levy in Hartford's vibrant venue.