Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 17th of August.
Good morning, Hartford.
Reentry centers in Hartford and Waterbury stopped taking in former prisoners in July because funding ran out, and they now help only a few people—state money was cut from this year’s budget—and advocates warn more ex-inmates may become homeless.
Centers that serve hundreds each year now face layoffs and fewer services as they wait for new funds.
TEAM Inc, a Derby-based nonprofit, helped hundreds of flood victims after heavy rains flooded Oxford on August 11 by building a ramp for a woman who uses a walker and giving gift cards and propane tanks to those in need.
The group raised over $1.2 million and urged local officials to improve emergency response—planning better for future disasters.
Emergency crews responded to a house fire (Rocky Hill) early Saturday morning and reported no injuries.
Hartford police arrested 12 people in a citywide crackdown on narcotics and firearms—officers made stops on Bedford, Lawrence, Farmington, and New Britain Avenues where they seized items including ghost pistols, drugs, and cash.
Recent college graduates have faced a tougher job market as entry-level listings dropped 15% and underemployment rose above 41% in the second quarter of 2025 - many applicants have applied to over 150 jobs without a callback.
Young graduates say AI, tariff worries, and a lack of internship experience have reduced available opportunities while they retooled their resumes.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined 18 states — including the District of Columbia — in filing a lawsuit on Friday to stop the U.S. Department of Energy from capping funding for state-run energy programs that support affordable utility bills and staffing needs.
The lawsuit argues that the policy violates federal agreements on indirect costs and will harm Connecticut's energy services.
A retired couple from Berlin saw extra toll charges on their E-ZPass and discovered the fees were wrongly tied to a legislator’s license plate due to a mix-up in numbers.
They disputed the charges and received partial refunds, and their case exposes flaws in the system & may prompt changes in how toll errors are handled.
State Environmental Officials reissued an alcohol ban at nine state parks — including Quaddick State Park in Thompson and Naugatuck State Forest — because larger summer crowds led to more alcohol use and property damage; the ban will run through mid-November.
Officials said the move aims to prevent further issues at these parks.
Scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station discovered that longhorned ticks now carry Ehrlichia bacteria—this can cause Ehrlichiosis, a severe infection that hospitalizes many people.
Experts warn residents that warmer temperatures will make ticks active year-round and advise taking precautions when outdoors.
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.
Hardy Live Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — Xfinity Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the country rock extravaganza by ACM and CMA winner Hardy on his Jim Bob World Tour.
Hartford Jerk and BBQ Festival
10 AM – 12 AM — Tropix Caribbean Grille — $25 adults, $5 kids — Experience delicious Jamaican jerk cuisine along with family-friendly fun and entertainment.
Hartford Athletic FC vs. Indy Eleven
3:30-9:00 PM — Trinity Health Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Witness the excitement as Indy Eleven takes on Hartford Athletic FC live.
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