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 […]
“The Last Night” at Hole in the Wall Theater Explores Connecticut Witchcraft Executions
New Britain’s Hole in the Wall Theater will host, “The Last Night”, a play, “that explores not only the facts of the Hartford Witchcraft Panic, but the hearts and souls of two women accused and hanged,” the Theater says. The Theater says that the play, “was originally commissioned by the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington in […]
Students’ Art, Music and Essays Commemorate MLK Day in New Britain
“America has not reached greatness yet because we are all not great together.” –Bishop Rha-Sheen Brown, Right Now Ministries by John McNamara On the 38th anniversary of the national holiday for the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 95th anniversary of his birth, New Britain held its commemorative program Monday (January 15) featuring music, […]
Engineering Report Confirms Residents’ Concerns About Effects of Neighborhood Flooding
A professional engineer has reported that the effects of repeated flooding, “can be structurally compromising,” of a home in the neighborhood to the southwest of CCSU that includes, Newbury, Hampton, Allen, Brighton and Stewart streets and Eton Place and Roxbury Road. Residents in the neighborhood have been seeking action by the city to address long-standing […]
“Virtual Quiz Bingo” to be Hosted by the New Britain Public Library
The New Britain Public Library invites people to, “Try your hand at Virtual Quiz Bingo!” “Register to get the trivia link,” the Library says, “or check out our instagram page for the login code the day of the Bingo event.” The event is to be Wednesday January 24, 2024 at 7:00pm.
Ten New Britain Schools Need Major Renovations in 10 Years – A New Report Suggests
On the January 8th 2024 Consolidated School District of New Britain Board meeting, the board heard a report titled “Facility Condition Assessment & Energy Audit” prepared by Bureau Veritas. In the current buildings’ conditions only Holmes Elementary was not classified as “well maintained” but as in “functional conditions.” Holmes Elementary School was original constructed in […]
Critical Neighborhood Flooding Update: 1-16-24
By Frank and Sharon Chase The following is a recent message sent to city officials. This updated record is being shared regarding the status of our neighborhood’s storm-sewage systems and city-state responses. Our concerns need to be given the highest priority. When the flooding water recedes we are forgotten by our city officials. To our […]
Martin Luther King and the Economic and Social Bill of Rights
By Tim O’Brien Editor’s note: The following commentary is a republication of an article originally published personally by the author in 2014. This weekend, our nation, state and communities celebrate and remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments. It is a time when I have always felt inspired by his work, […]
Community Events and Meetings in New Britain, Jan 15th to 21st
In New Britain, community meetings and events from today to Sunday, January 21, 2024 include, the celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the continuing work of the City Rights Movement.
Op-Ed: Council Democrats Address Stormwater, Audit and Shelter For Unhoused Issues
Hearing From Citizens Will Be Essential During City Budget Process Two months into a new term the new Democratic majority on the Common Council is working on key issues raised in last year’s municipal election and in responding to public concerns on housing and shelter for the unhoused, stormwater infrastructure and the status of the […]
Protesters Advocate for Palestinians, U.S. Money to Support Local Services Instead of War
Protesters gathered in downtown New Britain Thursday to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and an end United States funding for the ongoing war. Protesters chanted, “money for jobs and education, not for guns and occupation.” City Council member, Ald. Nate Simpson (D-1) thanked people for, “rallying today for nothing but peace.” He said that, […]
North-Oak NRZ to Hold Host “Know Your Rights Discussion” at Regular Monthly Meeting
North-Oak NRZ President Manny Sandoval has announced that, We’ll be having an ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader Gus Marks-Hamilton at the next meeting providing you a KNOW YOUR RIGHTS informational session. That’s next Wednesday the 17th at 6pm at the New Britain House of Pizza. Please make sure to come out. LETS GET THAT KNOWLEDGE GOING […]
New Britain City Council Invites Public to Discussion on Homelessness
The New Britain City Council says that it, “is excited to invite residents, community leaders, business partners and collaborators to a vital discussion aimed at addressing the pressing issue of homelessness within our community.” The Council’s President Pro Tempore, Ald. Francisco Santiago (D-5), and the Majority Leader, Ald. John McNamara (D-4), issued a public statement […]
A Coming Galactic Merger to be Discussed at the CCSU Planetarium
Did you know that our own Milky Way Galaxy is going merge with the giant Andromeda Galaxy? “This massive collision won’t happen for 4.5 billion years,” the CCSU Planetarium assures, “but it’s always good to be prepared!” “Join us to learn more about this celestial train wreck at our next free public planetarium show!” the […]
CCSU To Host National Girls And Women In Sports Day
Central Connecticut State University Athletics will host its annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. CCSU says, “Presented by Eversource, this free event invites girls from kindergarten through sixth grade to learn about a variety of sports from Central’s female student-athletes!” CCSU adds, Central will host activity stations to introduce participants to volleyball, soccer, […]
Central Car Club Planning 2024 Spring Charity Car Show
The Central Car Club says that, “Join us Sunday April 14th at New Britain Stadium for our semi-annual car show!” “Admission will be $20 per show car, and as always, spectators park free. More information to follow!,” the Club announced. The event is to take place at New Britain Stadium on Sunday April 14, 2024 […]
City Council To Establish A Committee On Housing And Homelessness
In response to recent testimonies by people who are homeless or at-risk to becoming homeless and due to substantial increase in the rate of homelessness in New Britain, the city council, under the leadership of the democratic caucus, is voting in its January 10th meeting to add to its ordinance a Committee on Housing and […]
Banned Book Club at New Britain Public Library to Discuss “Looking for Alaska” by John Green”
The New Britain Public Library’s Banned Book Club is to discuss “Looking for Alaska” by John Green at its upcoming meeting. The Library says that the event is its, Monthly book club where we will be reading books that have been challenged or banned in public libraries. The book for January is Looking for Alaska […]
CCSU and YWCA to Collaborate on Community Health Worker Program
Central Connecticut State University has announced that at $100,000 Community Health Foundation grant will allow it to work with YWCA New Britain to, “ensure more young people have representation in community health policy.” CCSU says that the grant, “will fund the development of a Community Health Worker (CHW) course at Central and subsequent outreach and […]
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Planned
The city, the Mary McLeod Bethune Club and the Black Ministerial Alliance of New Britain are planning the community’s annual celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event is to be on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 10:30am at the Roosevelt School.
Public Library to Host Puzzle Tournament
“Puzzle Tournament!” the New Britain Public Library announces, inviting, “Let’s make puzzles!” The event is Saturday January 20, 2024 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm in the Library’s Community Room. “Try alone or with a team to beat the clock and finish a 300 piece puzzle,” the Library says. “Register yourself or your team online or over […]