Good morning, Hartford.

News 12 Connecticut held a back-to-school celebration on Aug 11 at 10:00 a.m.—backpacks from News 12, Optimum and Warner Bros.

Discovery were donated to ease the transition for students and families.

Diquat is a common herbicide used on local lakes and ponds to fight weeds like hydrilla, and the Army Corps of Engineers resumed its use on the Connecticut River as part of a long study this summer.

The EPA and Connecticut DEEP approved its use if safety rules are followed—experts stressed that workers must wear protective gear because undiluted diquat can be harmful.

Gov. Lamont said thousands of households now face losing a vital solar energy program after the EPA terminated a $62.45M grant last week that was set to help residents lower their energy bills & cut carbon pollution.

Attorney General Tong noted that state officials will review legal options to protect the funds, which were meant to support affordable clean energy for many Connecticut homes.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal and state officials called for federal regulators to tighten oversight of utility transmission projects to prevent rising electric bills—citing growth in spending from $58 million to about $1.2 billion and noting that the state approved borrowing $155 million to ease costs.

Connecticut activated an extreme hot weather protocol on Monday that will run until at least 8 p.m. on Thursday as hot, humid weather is expected; the governor said state agencies are working with 2-1-1 to help residents find cooling centers—locals are urged to stay hydrated and use air-conditioned shelters if needed.

Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department was cited today for a serious safety violation when firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr. died fighting a brush fire on Lamentation Mountain last October, as a UTV rolled over on loose ground—OSHA said the department must now enforce helmet use, seat belts, and proper training.

32 Sports runs a free flag football league in Hartford that sent teams to the Junior Olympics; the 6U boys finished third + the 7U and 13U teams finished second.

The program gives local kids a chance to compete and grow in the sport.

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.

Kayaking and SUP Coaching

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Collinsville Canoe & Kayak — Free entry — Learn the basics of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at a local venue.

Riverfront East Hartford 5 Mile

6:15–8:00 p.m. — Goodwin University — Registration fees apply — Test your endurance at this scenic 5-mile run along the riverfront in East Hartford.

Ultimate Music Trivia Night

6-8 p.m. — Powder Hollow Brewery — No cover charge — Test your music knowledge with trivia spanning all genres and earn prizes in a fun atmosphere.

Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats

7:10-8:40 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch a thrilling Minor League Baseball game between the Sea Dogs and the Yard Goats.

Portland Sea Dogs at Hartford Yard Goats

7:10-8:40 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Check ticket prices — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup between the Sea Dogs and Yard Goats.

UConn Huskies Football 2025 Season Tickets

Aug 28-29 — Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — Prices may vary — Secure your seats for all the thrilling home games of the UConn Huskies this football season.

Josh Johnson: The Flowers Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of sharp wit and hilarious storytelling with Emmy-nominated comedian Josh Johnson.