25 April, 2026

New Britain Racial Justice Coalition

2 mins read

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 […]

The Arts

1 min read

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 […]

Schools

Latest News and Opinion

4 mins read

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 […]
3 mins read

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 […]

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2 mins read

Lauding Founder Joey Listro, New Britain ROOTS Begins Search for New Executive Director

Praising its founder and outgoing Executive Director, Joey Listro, local social justice, food access and education organization, the Board of Directors of New Britain ROOTS has announced plans for its leadership transition and ongoing work. Listro has recently announced that he is taking the leadership position at the Connecticut Forest & Park Association and is […]

1 min read

Friends of the New Britain Public Library Sponsoring Pop-Up History and Biography Sale

Friends of the New Britain Public Library are sponsoring a Pop-Up History and Biography Sale. “Students of history, history buffs and anyone interested in learning how the past is an important pointer to the present have a unique opportunity to browse a huge selection of history – sorted by categories (e.g. Civil War, Middle East, […]

10 mins read

Mayor Bobby Sanchez Delivers First State-of-the-City Address

The following is the annual State-of-the-City address delivered by Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) at the March 11, 2026 City Council meeting: Good evening. I want to begin by thanking the members of the Common Council, our state legislative delegation, city employees, community leaders, and the residents of New Britain who make this city such a […]

1 min read

Music Series at South Church Concert to Feature Organist Nicholas Capozzoli

The Music Series at South Church is hosting its organist Nicholas Capozzoli, saying, “Known for his thrilling performances and bold programming, organist Nicholas Capozzoli has delighted audiences at venues like the Maison Symphonique (Montreal), Washington National Cathedral, and Amsterdam’s Orgelpark.” The Music Series at South Church says that, His repertoire spans from Baroque masterpieces to […]

4 mins read

New Britain City Council Censures Ald Robert Smedley for Online Comments

The New Britain City Council has censured Ald Robert Smedley (R-4) because of a series of online comments that the censure resolution calls, “divisive, harmful, and offensive to members of the community.” The resolution was approved by vote of 8 to 3. Members of both parties had sponsored the censure resolution. The act to “censure” […]

1 min read

Reader: The last guardrail is gone—and the Iran war shows why that’s dangerous

By Joseph Wasserman, As the war involving Iran continues to widen, it’s clearer more than ever that the world has entered a new nuclear era. Yet at the very moment when we need guardrails the most, the last remaining US–Russia arms‑control treaty—New START—has expired. For the first time in decades, there are zero binding limits […]

3 mins read

Gorgy by Candy’s runway celebration honors Black History Month

On February 28, 2026, the New Britain Library hosted a fashion show celebrated Black History Month, bringing together local designers, performers, organizations, and vendors for a morning centered on culture and community. Guests first explored booths from small Black-owned businesses, selling things from African-style clothing to handmade jewelry. The market-like atmosphere highlighted local businesses while […]

3 mins read

Irish Parade, Taste of Ramadan Affirm New Britain as City of Immigrants, Diversity

By John McNamara Saturday, March 7th was one of those days when New Britain lived up to being known as a “city for all people” with two annual faith and cultural celebrations In the morning the city’s contingent to the 54th Greater Hartford Saint Patrick’s Day Parade organized by the Central Connecticut Irish Cultural Committee […]

2 mins read

Nine Bullets Too Many

By Rhona Cohen and Olive O’Brien-Cohen Steven “Stevie” Jones, 55 years old, died on March 4th from gunshot injuries sustained at the hands of a Hartford police officer during a mental health crisis. Famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, the state and local NAACP, Jones’ surviving family members, and a broad swath of Hartford’s community […]

1 min read

TRIAD Grand Breakfast Planned

New Britain Police say, Please join us in supporting our senior community while enjoying a morning of good food! Triad’s Grand Breakfast is happening March 15th from 8AM–11AM, and we’d love to see you there!” “Triad,” New Britain Police say, “works to build strong partnerships between seniors and law enforcement by sharing important information to […]

2 mins read

Council to Hold Hearing on Charges Against Ald Smedley for Online Comments

The New Britain City Council has scheduled a special meeting and hearing to determine whether Ald Robert Smedley should be disciplined or removed from office following a series of online comments that the charges against him said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”. This formal proceeding follows the Council’s approval of Resolution No. 37071 in […]

1 min read

New Britain Symphony Orchestra Presenting “A Time for Peace” Symphony Concert

The New Britain Symphony Orchestra says that it, “ushers in spring in this, its 76th year,” announcing that it is presenting “A Time for Peace” symphony concert. The Orchestra says that, Under the baton of Maestro Toshi Shimada, the NBSO welcomes the Farmington Valley Chorale, directed by Ellen Gilson Voth. The program includes Ralph Vaughan […]