Good morning, Hartford.

Connecticut residents are preparing for peaceful protests scheduled for tomorrow, August 2, in towns including Canton, Middletown, Waterford, West Hartford, Litchfield, and others to demand changes on issues like federal cuts and gun violence prevention.

Several groups are following a national call (Rage Against the Regime) and urging participants to stay nonviolent and leave weapons at home.

A 19-year-old suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds and a man in his 30s sustained non-life-threatening injuries after both were taken to Hartford Hospital around 9:35 p.m. near 1630 Main Street on Thursday night—Hartford police are investigating the case.

Hartford police arrested 18-year-old Kaylon Williams for a shooting on September 13th last year near 1072 Capitol Avenue that killed 56-year-old Yakpoaro Kollie; Williams—already behind bars on unrelated charges—faces charges of murder, conspiracy, robbery and larceny with a $2 million bond.

On Thursday morning, defense attorneys in the Farmington hot tub home invasion trial claimed police overlooked key evidence — a cellphone from a former exotic dancer and a fingerprint that was not entered — which they argued might have affected the investigation.

The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford will host a restorative practices retreat for educators on August 7 and 8—helping them prepare for new state-mandated practices in schools this fall—while offering professional development hours, meals, and resource guides.

Connecticut private universities have sticker prices above $90,000 for the 2025–26 school year with Wesleyan in Middletown reaching $96,546 & schools like Trinity in Hartford and Yale in New Haven also showing rising rates.

Robust financial aid programs at these institutions can lower net costs to around $50,000 or less for many students.

James Rovella accepted the role as Hartford police chief during a news conference on Thursday.

Nearly 100,000 people on Connecticut’s health exchange may face steep insurance cost increases if lawmakers do not extend enhanced premium tax credits by year-end, according to state comptroller Sean Scanlon.

The planned changes could force many Access Health CT customers to choose between paying bills and staying insured—while the state plans safety nets that will impact its free insurance program for low-income residents.

UConn women's basketball team will take part in the 12th annual Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena, playing Michigan on November 21 at 8:00 p.m. on FOX and Utah on November 23 at 2:30 p.m. on FS1 + Syracuse is also in the tournament though UConn will not face them.

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.