Reader: Better Regulation Needed After Release of Methane Gas by the Oxford Compressor Station
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection must more closely regulate the Oxford Compressor Station in light of the recent breakdown that resulted in a rapid release of methane gas. The public needs continued and close monitoring of all pollutants being emitted by this facility, so as to protect air quality and the health of […]
Commentary: New Britain Should Build an AI Apprenticeship Layer
By Gleb Tsipursky, PhD New Britain already has two pieces of the workforce model the AI era needs. Central Connecticut State University’s AI Corridor is built around applied research, hands-on learning and industry-connected projects. This spring, Connecticut also highlighted newly certified apprenticeship coursework at Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain, where students combine rigorous instruction […]
Reader: We Have Come Too Close to Nuclear War Too Many Times
By Joseph Wasserman The Unites States and Russia both have nuclear missiles on hair trigger alert, leaving a very brief window of minutes to decide if a warning is a false alarm or an oncoming attack. All of us should be aware of the many false alarms that could have resulted in the end of […]
Friends of the New Britain Public Library Hosting Annual Textbook Sale
By Friends of the New Britain Public Library The Annual Textbook Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the New Britain Public Library will be held from August 29 – September 19 this year, on the Main floor of the library on 20 High Street in New Britain. It will be open during library hours (visit […]
CT People’s Survival Programs: Coalition to Close Osborn Correctional Institution to Hold Rally
Opinion by CT People’s Survival Programs On Saturday, August 8 at 12:00 PM, the coalition Close Osborn Correctional Institution will hold a rally outside Osborn Correctional Institution (OCI), located in Somers, Connecticut, to demand the closure of the medium-security prison. Speakers will share statements from men currently incarcerated at OCI and highlight the ongoing health, […]
Spotted Lanternflies: Working Together to Stop a Growing Threat to New Britain’s Trees
By Carol S. Austad, Ph.D The spotted lanternfly is no longer someone else’s problem. It has arrived in New Britain. Some residents are beginning to see increasing numbers of these invasive insects in their neighborhoods. Originally introduced into the United States from Asia, the spotted lanternfly has spread rapidly throughout the Northeast, including Connecticut. While […]
Letter to Editor – Daytime Fireworks Yesterday Traumatizing to New Britain Veteran(s)
By Molly Felth Dear New Britain Progressive, Thanks for the work that you do! I write on behalf of my Iraq War veteran partner. You may know that yesterday, July 5th, New Britain Parks and Rec discharged all the fireworks they were going to use on July 4th, during the day, at Walnut Hill Park […]
Reader: New Britain opposed its urban highways—and it can do it again
By Thomas Broderick During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s the state of Connecticut disastrously gutted its cities by ramming urban freeways through their cores. Interstate 91 and Interstate 84 in Hartford, Interstate 95 (originally known as the Connecticut Turnpike) and Route 8 in Bridgeport, and Interstate 95 and the Oak Street Connector in New Haven […]
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Reverend Nannie Lou Lampkin
April 26, 1929 – June 21, 2026 With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, Peggy and Christine, together with our family, announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and beloved matriarch, Reverend Nannie Lou Lampkin. Nannie passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2026, […]
The Trillion Dollar Military Budget will Hurt Us All
By Joseph Wasserman Our nation must oppose the trillion dollar military budget proposed by the Trump administration. We do not need a military budget bigger than the next ten military powers put together . We do not need to be exporting weapons all around the world, engaging in endless wars and we not need the […]
How did we get here? – A Truck Stop Is the Wrong Vision for Batterson Park’s Future
By Neil P. Connors – Batterson Park Conservancy For more than a decade, volunteers, advocates, neighbors, and public officials have worked to bring Batterson Park back from the brink. Through cleanup efforts, community organizing, fundraising, and countless hours of volunteer work, people never gave up on the idea that this remarkable regional resource could once […]
Mayor Bobby Sanchez and City of New Britain Hosting Open House at Public Works Center
Editor’s note: The cover photo is by Dr Frank Gerratana. Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) says he is inviting residents to attend an open house at the city Department of Public Works. The event, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, the city says, “will provide residents with an opportunity to meet Public Works […]
2026 Race in the Park Held to Support Breast Cancer Education and Research
Photojournalism by Gregory L Gerratana The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI) held its 2026 Race in the Park on Saturday, May 9th, continuing a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in New Britain. People come to the event each year to honor breast cancer survivors, and remember loved ones while supporting the work of the Connecticut […]
Bike New Britain Providing Elementary School Bicycle Education Program
By Bike New Britain On Monday, Bike New Britain will be providing the 5th grade class at Smalley School in New Britain with a bike safety education program. Beginning on Monday, May 4th and continuing through Thursday, May 7th, members of Bike New Britain will be conducting safety education classes from 8am to 9:45am Then […]
Nuclear Weapons Deliver No Security, Only the Promise of Annihilation
By Joe Wasserman Members of Back from the Brink CT carried a poster into the Hartford office of Senator Chris Murphy on April 28th . The poster said the “UN Secretary General says Nuclear weapons deliver no security, only the promise of annihilation – Senator Murphy please cosponsor S. Res 323.” Senate Resolution 323 calls […]
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut Honors New Britain Mentor and Parent
Community Announcement by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT) honored two New Britain residents during its annual Big Night celebration this Saturday, recognizing Big Sister Alex Steel as the 2026 Big of the Year and Jessica Mercado as the 2026 Parent Partner of the Year. Both were celebrated […]
New Britain Community Leaders Honored at Polish Day at the Capitol
Annual Event Celebrated the 235th Anniversary of the Polish Constitution Photojournalism by Dr Frank Gerratana. Staff report based on reporting by Dr Gerratana. Cover photo by Dr Gerratana. New Britain residents and elected officials carried on a proud, decades-long tradition at the State Capitol, gathering to celebrate Polish Day and the 235th Anniversary of the […]
Republicans Sue Over Ward 2 Council Vacancy; Democrats Call it Distraction from Republican Scandals
Staff report The New Britain Republican Town Committee (NBRTC) says it officially filed a lawsuit over the appointment of former Council member Colin Osborn to the Ward 2 City Council seat, but the New Britain Democratic Town Committee fired back – calling it a distraction from unfolding Republican scandals. The Ward 2 seat had been […]