Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Former deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis — a veteran lawmaker who managed school construction projects — pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including extortion and bribery and will face trial in Bridgeport on Monday as defense attorney Norm Pattis added Gov. Ned Lamont as a potential witness. Connecticut Post
- ➤ A broken pill capsule found outside Kelley Elementary in Southington on Wednesday tested positive for fentanyl—principal Marilyn Kahl said a staff member located it on a sidewalk, police searched the school grounds, and indoor classes replaced physical education while parents were urged to discuss the danger with their children. WTNH News 8
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A WalletHub study showed Connecticut residents have the 7th highest student loan payments in the nation — the median payment is $227 — as federal rules from 2024 aim to protect future borrowers. The study notes that Americans owe over $1.67 trillion in student debt. WTNH News 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill that made Diwali an official state holiday in Connecticut—after legislators approved the law in August, Indian American communities will celebrate the Festival of Lights from Oct. 18-22. This recognition makes Connecticut one of only two states to officially observe Diwali. FOX61
- ➤ State Sen. Doug McCrory pressed state education officials to send up to $2 million to Hartford’s Legacy Foundation and records show $800,000 went to an organization run by his associate—who is under federal investigation. The education department and governor’s office have tightened oversight to ensure that public funds are used properly. Connecticut Post
- ➤ Connecticut officials are reviewing the $8.7 million federal grant—one with strict conditions—and consulting with state leaders as a judge has issued a temporary restraining order to keep funds unchanged while litigation proceeds. Connecticut Post
- ➤ An audit report by the state found that the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor did not follow rules for vehicle use and record keeping — the report covering fiscal years ending June 30 for 2023 and 2024 noted missing mileage logs, inventory errors, and unverified timesheets. WTNH News 8
- ➤ Connecticut erased about 50,000 criminal records under its Clean Slate law after years of delays—state officials fixed technical issues with help from iLab Consultants to restart the process. More than 100,000 eligible records will be cleared in the coming weeks to improve access to housing, education and jobs. Connecticut Public
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On March 3, state officials including Gov. Ned Lamont met at Charter Oak Health Center to discuss how federal Medicaid cuts could affect residents, while Dr. Luis Diez-Morales helped launch a new Latino-led clinical research institute. The National Hispanic Health Research Institute—created by the Hispanic Health Council with over 50 partners—will use a bilingual data platform to boost trust and participation in trials. Connecticut Post
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Jim Mora said the Huskies must work as one team and improve all three phases of the game as they build on back-to-back wins and get ready to host FIU—wearing special colored ribbons to honor those touched by cancer—while stressing that finishing games strong remains a goal. Connecticut Post
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English - A Captivating Play
7:30 PM — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $194 — Immerse yourself in the drama and magic of English on stage.
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Connecticut Code + Coffee
11 AM – 2 PM — West Hartford CoWorking — RSVP required — Bring your laptop for coding and coffee in a supportive community atmosphere.
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English Play at TheaterWorks Hartford
7:30-11:30 p.m. — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $188 — Experience an unforgettable theatrical performance with captivating drama and magic on stage.
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Team Tommy Fund Charity Run
11:55 a.m. — 60 Elm St, Hartford, CT — $100 minimum fundraising — Participate in the Eversource Hartford Marathon and support childhood cancer awareness with Team Tommy Fund.
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Kuhn's Inaugural Fall Festival & Paddle Sport Event
11 AM – 4 PM — Kuhn Employment Opportunities — Fundraising event — Enjoy paddle sports, live music, and support local adults with disabilities.
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Tito Nieves Live Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Tickets available — Experience the legendary 'Pavarotti of Salsa' as he performs classic hits and crowd-moving rhythms.
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