Daily
Hartford
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Hartford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ray and Barbara Dalio announced a $75M donation that will seed investment accounts for about 300,000 children in Connecticut from lower-income areas, giving roughly $250 per child. The gift aims to boost early financial literacy and equal opportunity. Connecticut Post
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Wheelhouse Live event recorded on Dec. 10 in Hartford examined how political satire faces new challenges on TV, with guests discussing shifts in media funding and free speech (a key part of open debate). Connecticut Public
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CT awarded $28.2 million in grants to clean up 16 contaminated brownfield sites, including in Hartford and West Hartford. The funding will clear over 200 acres for new housing and businesses — West Hartford plans to redevelop a former UConn campus with $6 million, spurring further community investments. CT Mirror
- ➤ Connecticut’s marketing chief, Anthony Anthony, will leave state service on Feb. 6 to launch a marketing consultancy after a successful pizza campaign boosted tourism and earned a PRWeek award finalist nod. The departure comes amid concerns that state tourism spending is declining despite a strong economic turnaround and improved image. Connecticut Post
- ➤ Congressman Larson criticized his rival Bronin for being indifferent to local unions during his eight years as mayor — key union leaders endorsed Larson to stress his commitment to labor. CT Mirror
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the CT Health Foundation and the CT Department of Public Health unveiled a Maternal Health Equity Blueprint to reduce maternal morbidity in childbirth. The plan calls for a review committee and more support from doulas, midwives, and community health workers (focusing on addressing care gaps for women of color). FOX61
- ➤ Hartford residents can now find doula support through local groups like Doulas4CT and Lucinda’s House. Doulas offer non-medical care during pregnancy, labor, and after birth (such as easing stress and supporting breastfeeding) and may be covered by HUSKY under select conditions. CT Mirror
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Hartford’s Vacant Lot Task Force and CT Home Funds will create affordable homeownership in 2026 by redeveloping 20 city-owned lots for families earning up to 120% AMI. The program is funded with $2M each by city and state (offering up to $150,000 per unit) and seeks local developers. Connecticut Public
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday night at PeoplesBank Arena, Solo Ball scored a career-high 26 points and Tarris Reed Jr. added 16 as UConn beat Butler 79-60 in their Big East opener — UConn improved to 12-0 against Butler from past matchups. NBC Connecticut
- ➤ The top women’s basketball team UConn hosted Marquette on Wednesday night in Hartford and showcased its skill in a key game that brought local fans together. WFSB-TV
- ➤ Berlin High School’s football team became Class M state champions today; seniors appeared on Morning News to share the win. The victory highlights a key moment for the school's athletic program. FOX61
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Inder Sahani - Stand Up Comedy Live
6-11 p.m. — The Theater of the Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience an evening of laughter with the witty Inder Sahani in Hartford.
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Glow - Hartford
12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — A vibrant concert experience awaits at this must-attend event in Hartford.
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Glow - Hartford
12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience one of Hartford's top concert picks this December.
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Glow - Hartford
3:00-4:30 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Fair pricing — Experience one of the top concert picks happening in Hartford.
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Glow - Hartford
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience an illuminating concert that lights up Hartford this December.
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Christmas Eve Mass
4-10 p.m. — Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center — Free entry — Experience a heartwarming liturgy and music to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
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The Return of Max B
9 PM – 12 AM — 321 Sports and Bar — Ticket information available — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Max B in Hartford.
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Mass Movement Wrestling: New England Debut
3:30-5:30 p.m. — The Lincoln Room — Free entry — Experience thrilling wrestling matches featuring top talent from the region.
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Magic of Lights
11:59 PM - 1:29 AM — Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — Ticket price varies — Experience the enchanting display of lights to ring in the New Year.
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Nike New England Winterfest Volleyball
Competitive Matches — Jan 10 - 26 — Connecticut Convention Center — Entry Fee Required — Experience the thrill of youth and adult volleyball in an exciting tournament atmosphere.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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