Headlines
News
According to the Hartford Courant and confirmed by other press sources, State Police are investigating…
Community News
By John McNamara Renovations and expansion of the Stanley H. Holmes Elementary School on Stanley Street will…
Opinion
By the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition (NBRJC) is…
News Analysis
By Rhona Cohen and Olive O’Brien-Cohen Steven “Stevie” Jones, 55 years old, died on March…
Featured Journalism
by John McNamara Sponsors and attendees at the New Britain Public Library’s (NBPL) 10th Annual Fundraiser on…
New Britain Racial Justice Coalition
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
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
As the summer days wind down and back-to-school shopping begins, familiar signs of a new school year appear. Store shelves are stocked with school supplies, shopping carts start to fill, and a growing sense of anticipation starts to creep in. Across the town of New Britain, students are preparing to return to the school halls […]
History
By John McNamara Saturday, March 7th was one of those days when New Britain lived…
Flooding Series
Latest News and Opinion
By John McNamara Renovations and expansion of the Stanley H. Holmes Elementary School on Stanley Street will be completed in the coming weeks. Members of the School Building Committee toured the K-5 school on April 22 with Kamil Musical , Newfield Construction’s project manager, and School District staff members. The Holmes School was built in 1956 and is undergoing […]
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 […]
Happy 4th of July!
The New Britain Progressive wishes you, from our families to yours, a happy and safe celebration of the Independence of the United States of America! As we celebrate our nation, let us all reflect on the great ideals this country was built on – equality, democracy, justice and freedom for all – and continue our […]
Banned Book Club at New Britain Public Library to Discuss “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins
The New Britain Public Library is hosting its Banned Book Club, saying, The Library says that the event is its, Join us for this monthly book club where we discuss books that have been banned or have been requested to be removed from public libraries or school libraries. This month’s book is Crank by Ellen […]
2024 New Britain 4th Of July Fireworks, “Great American Boom” Planned
New Britain’s widely attended July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks display, celebrating Independence Day, is planned for the 2024 celebration. The 2024 Great American Boom fireworks event has been scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2024 in Willow Brook Park. The event is to feature food trucks, DJ dance party and, of course, fireworks. An estimated […]
Community Events and Meetings in New Britain, July 1st to 7th
In New Britain, community meetings and events from today to Sunday, July 7, 2024 include,
Ronald Davis Presented CT NAACP President’s Award; Watson, Sanchez, Hayes and Nixon-Moore Named 100 Most Influential Blacks
The Connecticut NAACP held its annual awards ceremonies honoring its 2024 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut on Saturday evening. At the ceremonies, special honors were presented to the New Britain NAACP’s longtime President Ronald P. Davis. Scot X. Esdaile, President of the Connecticut NAACP, presented Davis with the Connecticut NAACP’s President’s Award for his twenty-five […]
Stewart Administration Proposes New Self-Storage Zoning Rules
Yet another raft of zoning proposal has been submitted by the administration of Mayor Erin Stewart (R), including new rules concerning self-storage businesses, proposed against a backdrop of an ongoing dispute between Stewart and former Republican Council member James Sanders, Jr. The new list of zoning proposals were introduced by Council Republican leader, Ald. Robert […]
2024 Summer Music Series Starting in New Britain
Evenings of live music at the Darius Miller Bandshell are one of the joys of summer for many people in New Britain. The 2024 Summer Music Series at New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park is planned, with a series of live band performances. The Summer Music Series offers free performances on Monday and Wednesday evenings, […]
An Open Letter Honoring Dr. Alton Brooks
To the family of Dr. Alton F. Brooks, My deepest condolences to you in this sad time. As we come together to remember and honor the life of Dr. Alton F. Brooks, I know you know how much he meant to so many people – and I hope you feel the embrace of that love, […]
Tribute to Dr. Alton Brooks: Candyce Scott
Ald. Candyce Scott is sharing videos she took of Dr. Alton Brooks speaking during a visit by her with Dr. Brooks and other residents of the apartments at the old New Britain High School. Editor’s note: The cover photo is by local photographer and photo historian, Dr. Frank Gerratana.
Tribute to Dr. Alton Brooks: From the City Council
New Britain City Council leaders, President Pro Tempore, Ald. Francisco Santiago, Majority Leader, Ald. John McNamara and Assistant Majority Leader, Ald. Iris Sanchez, issued a statement mourning the loss of Dr. Alton Brooks. The statement read, It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Alton Brooks, a revered community leader, who […]
Dr. Alton Brooks Homegoing Celebration Details Announced
Rev. Dr. Jonathon D. Counts, Pastor of Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church has announced the Homegoing Celebration arrangements Dr. Alton Brooks. Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church added that, “We ask that all resolutions are emailed to the church email and any cards of condolences can be mailed to the church address as well. Please read through the […]
Community Events and Meetings in New Britain, June 24th to 30th
In New Britain, community meetings and events from today to Sunday, June 30, 2024 include,
The Allen St. Problem-Project #2 Oak St. to Beacon St. Our 20th Presentation to New Britain Officials. June 26, 2024
To: Ward 4 Constituents, Taxpayers, Property Owners, Flooding Victims and New Britain Officials This updated record is being shared regarding the status of our neighborhoods’ storm-sewer systems and the Federal-State-City responses. Our concerns must be given the highest priority. Our quality of life is suffering and our property values have declined by 15%. When the […]
Tributes to Dr. Alton Brooks: Dr. Aram Ayalon
Dear editor, As a former member of the school board and Common Council of New Britain I got to know quite a few of the members who were mentored by Alton Brooks. He was especially instrumental in engaging African Americans in the politics of New Britain and through that giving voice and influence to African […]
Community Mourns and Thanks Dr. Alton Brooks, Revered Community Leader
By Tim O’Brien, with contributing research by John McNamara and from an interview with Dr. Brooks by Rev. Brian Riley and photography by Dr. Frank Gerratana People across New Britain and beyond are in mourning because of the passing of Dr. Alton Brooks, the legendary leader, who did so much for so many, organizing, inspiring […]
New Britain Celebrates Juneteenth
New Britain celebrated Juneteenth on Wednesday with the city’s 2024 Juneteenth Freedom Festival in downtown New Britain. The event was hosted by the city Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and Mayor Erin Stewart, and includes the raising of the Juneteenth flag in Central Park in front of city hall. The event included a free […]
Happy Juneteenth from the New Britain Progressive
From our families to yours, best wishes in celebration of Juneteenth. Let us celebrate true freedom as we remember the victory over the racist evil of slavery. It is a celebration for African Americans and all others, since the value of equality and justice for all is what defines us as a country and brings […]
“Summer Bash!” at New Britain Public Library
The New Britain Public Library is hosting a “Summer Bash!”, saying, Activities for all ages. For children: crafts, planting seeds, tattoos, science try-its, games, and more! Activities for teens and adults. Check out our Makerspace. Everyone welcome! The event is Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The Library says that the event is […]
City of New Britain Discloses Violation in Drinking Water Monitoring
The City of New Britain has disclosed that the State Department of Public Health notified the city that it, “violated drinking water monitoring and/or reporting requirements.” “During summer 2023,” the city disclosed about the violation, “we did not monitor for the presence of synthetic organic chemicals (IOCs) in our reservoirs.” The United States Environmental Protection […]
The 2023 $4M Bogus Transfer For The Allen St. Project #2
To: Voters in New BritainRe: 2023 $4M Bogus Transfer Time Line.