Good morning, Hartford.

The West Hartford Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives is accepting grant applications for projects boosting community wellbeing & vibrancy.

Applications opened on July 31 and are due by 5 p.m. EST Friday, Sept. 4.

Voting is open for the 12th Annual Best of West Hartford contest, allowing one daily vote until Sept.

7 to support local businesses. A celebration featuring Dancing with WeHa Stars will be held on Sept. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Back Nine Tavern in New Britain.

Hartford and 40 other districts have received $10.6 million in grant funding to build in-district special education programs.

The Hartford district will use its $350K to hire two special education teachers and a social worker to expand the RISE Academy at Bulkeley High School.

University of Hartford hosted its fourth annual Industry Partner Appreciation Breakfast on campus on Aug.

13, where 120 representatives from 73 local groups met to forge new partnerships that prepare students for future careers — the event highlighted dynamic exchanges among educators and community leaders.

Police say new school bus cameras are detecting drivers who fail to stop when red lights flash & a $250 fine applies as students head back to school.

Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger stressed drivers must remain at least 10 feet away.

Spotted lanternflies are now visible in downtown Hartford as they reach their flying adult stage and crowd near tall buildings.

Local biologists advise residents to squish the bugs + help control their numbers as the invasive species begins laying eggs.

Scientists at DEEP said reports from boaters indicate that populations of brown, dusky, and sand tiger sharks are slowly increasing in Long Island Sound.

Officials note the sharks do not attack humans and environmental protections help maintain a balanced ecosystem.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services said its Medicaid provider portal was breached on June 25, exposing payment and claims details for about 41,000 HUSKY Health members; mailed notices with free credit monitoring were sent on Aug.

21 as officials add safeguards and investigate with law enforcement.

Connecticut SNAP enrollments dropped over 17% after expanded work rules in Dec.

2025, affecting nearly 63,000 people and leaving Hartford estimated to lose $16.8 million in benefits while the state offers a one-time $300 grocery benefit to help households.

The troubled Rocky Hill apartment complex — renamed The Beacon — continues to face scrutiny as Attorney General William Tong holds its landlords responsible.

On Friday, NBC Connecticut's panel discussed GLP-1 medications, saying they help with weight loss and treat issues like fertility and sleep apnea while patients need 6 to 12 doctor visits for proper care (to monitor nutritional health).

Early research is exploring these drugs for reducing alcohol use.

Connecticut state data shows that in May, e-cigarette unit sales hit record lows while the nicotine sold increased by over 240%, and sales of nicotine pouches grew with youth use at 2.4%.

Yesterday, Apple TV premiered “The Dynasty — UConn Huskies” worldwide, a documentary series about the 40-year run of the UConn women’s basketball program led by Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma.

The series features archival footage and interviews that detail its evolution.