Good morning, Hartford.

A fire broke out on Franklin Avenue Friday morning, displacing five families and rescuing six dogs and one cat; firefighters reported no injuries and city inspectors deemed the building uninhabitable as the fire marshal investigates the cause.

Data show Connecticut tied with Rhode Island for the fifth-highest union membership among states in 2025 with 16.1% of workers unionized and more than half of public employees represented.

The ranking places CT behind New York, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.

Gas prices remain high ahead of Labor Day weekend despite the usual summer drop in rates in Hartford.

Local drivers and businesses may face increased costs during the holiday as supply challenges keep prices elevated.

Hall High School welcomed 343 freshmen in August as 91 junior and senior Link Crew leaders guided new students through tours and ice-breakers; the program, now in its 16th year, will host a Freshman Music Bingo social on Sept.

24 (6-8:30 p.m.) to help students connect.

The University of Hartford will honor ten distinguished alumni with its Anchor Awards on Thursday, Sept.

17 at 7:30 p.m. in Wilde Auditorium – recipients include professionals from theater, architecture, nonprofit, and community sectors recognized for excellence.

West Hartford schools will host Cub Scout join nights and open houses in September for children ages 5 to 10.

Families can visit several elementary sites, including Bugbee, Whiting Lane, Aiken, and Duffy, to learn about this co-ed program.

A report shows that 534 children statewide were unhoused as of Sept.

4, a 15% jump from last school year's 464, with Eastern Connecticut reporting 157 cases + Fairfield County nearly 100, prompting schools to monitor signs of instability.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong warned consumers today about offshore decentralized finance platforms that bypass state and federal rules — exposing them to financial losses.

He urged residents to research and verify that any crypto service is properly registered before making transactions.

Connecticut officials launched a campaign to raise awareness of urgent crisis centers that offer emergency mental health help for children as the new school year starts.

The press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 2 (in Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, and New London) urged families to call 211 for mobile crisis support.

Greg Hammond relaunched his annual CT Beer Tour on Saturday, Aug.

29 to raise funds for Blood Cancer United as Connecticut breweries host special events during Blood Cancer Awareness Month; the tour runs through early October, supporting his mission to honor his father.

UConn football kicks off its season today at Rentschler Field under head coach Jason Candle — a new era for the team.

Berlin's football team, fresh off a perfect 13-0 season and state championship last year (despite losing half its starters), will start its title defense Friday, Sept.

11 against East Hartford.