Headlines
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 […]
Resource Fair Creates Access to Community Services for Spanish Speakers
by John McNamara Access to community and social services in a city as diverse as New Britain increases when language and cultural barriers decrease and awareness of those services spreads by word of mouth among residents who may need them most. Last winter first-term Alderwoman Jessica Vargas (D-1) hosted a constituent meeting in her ward […]
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 […]
Speakers Express Support for Greater School Funding at Budget Hearing
Staff report At the annual City Council budget hearing, members of the city community expressed support for increasing funding for New Britain’s schools and advocated for a good quality of education for the city’s children. The hearing was on the Mayor’s Proposed Budget for the budget year that goes from this July 1st to June […]
Rep DeFronzo and Lt Gov Susan Bysiewicz to Host Polish Day at the Capitol
State Rep Dave DeFronzo (D-26) will be joined by Lt Gov Susan Bysiewicz (D0 and the Polish Legislative Delegation at the 35th annual Polish Day at the Capitol. The event commemorates the 235th anniversary of the Polish Constitution and is a traditional celebration of Polish history, culture and the many people in Connecticut with Polish […]
Denigrating New Britain School Superintendent is Counter Productive
In her state of the city address 2021 the then mayor Erin Stewart stated: “What I will not do is blindly throw additional tax dollars into a massive bureaucracy that is failing our students” (New 8, March 18, 2021). In response, state representative and current mayor, Bobby Sanchez, said, “There is one obvious solution here […]
State Police Reportedly Investigating Allegations in Blogoslawski Report
According to the Hartford Courant and confirmed by other press sources, State Police are investigating after a scathing report was issued by the firm hired to investigate allegations of misconduct in the City Revenue Collector’s Office. That report said that, “The evidence indicates that Ms. [Cheryl] Blogoslawski improperly backdated tax payments for her own personal […]
Mayor and Legislators Call for Audit of New Britain School System
New Britain’s Mayor and state legislators have called for, “an independent audit of the district’s budget practices, financial assumptions, and administrative spending decisions. Taxpayers, parents, educators, and staff deserve full transparency and accountability.” Sen Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep Manny Sanchez (D-24), Rep David DeFronzo (D-26), Rep Iris Sanchez (D-25) and Rep Gary Turco (D-27) joined […]
Council Appoints Colin Osborn to Vacancy in Ward 2
The City Council has voted to appoint former Council member Colin Osborn to fill the Council vacancy in Ward 2. Ald Jerrell Hargraves had represented the seat until he passed away recently. Council Republicans had introduced a resolution that would have appointed Dr Valerie Ruby Ingram to the seat, representing mainly the East Side. However, […]
Mayor Sanchez Announces Allen Street Project on Track for $5 Million in Funding
Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) has announced that the long-awaited Allen Street infrastructure project has taken a major step forward as the City of New Britain remains on track to secure $5 million in transportation funding. The Mayor’s office stated the funding is being pursued through the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) Local Transportation Capital […]
Central Connecticut State University’s Theatre Department Presenting “In Pieces”
The Central Connecticut State University’s Theatre Department is presenting “In Pieces”, which it says is, “a bold, contemporary new musical featuring a pop-driven score that dives into echoes of love, loss, and self-discovery by weaving the romantic journeys of six characters across three-chapters of life.” The play is April 30th, May 1st and 2nd at […]
Fitch Ratings Gives New Britain ‘A’ Rating with Positive Outlook
The office of New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) announced that Fitch Ratings has affirmed its ‘A’ bond rating for the city, with a Positive Outlook. “This affirmation is strong recognition that New Britain is moving in the right direction,” said Mayor Sanchez. “My administration met with Fitch and discussed our focus on responsible budgeting, […]
Dr Valerie Ruby Ingram Proposed to Succeed Ald Jerrell Hargraves in Representing Council Ward 2
Editor’s note: The cover photo by Frank Gerratana. Dr Valerie Ruby Ingram is being proposed by Council Republicans to succeed Ald Jerrell Hargraves on the City Council representing Ward 2. Ald Hargraves unexpectedly passed away recently, leaving a vacancy on the Council in Ward 2. According to the City Charter, Hargraves’ successor is chosen by […]
Racial Justice Coalition Questions Sanchez Budget Proposal
By the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition (NBRJC) is raising serious concerns about Mayor Bobby Sanchez’s proposed FY27 budget, stating clearly that it reduces overall education funding while failing to meaningfully invest in libraries and community services. Despite public claims of increased support for schools, the full budget shows […]
Indivisible Farmington Valley Hosting “Chips, Dips & Democracy” Event
Indivisible Farmington Valley says that it is hosting a “Chips, Dips & Democracy” event to invite people for political discussion. “Indivisible Farmington Valley invites everyone to this lively, interactive panel discussion about Gen Z and politics – moderated by Frankie Graziano of Connecticut Public,” event organizers say. “This is a free event, but we request […]
Mayor Bobby Sanchez Proposes Budget With No Tax Increase; $1 Million Increase in Schools Funding
New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) spoke to the City Council today, proposing a budget for the city with no tax increase, no cuts in services, overall spending flat and a $1 million increase in funding for schools. Sanchez said his proposed budget has no mill rate increase and no increase in water and sewer […]