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Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) and the New Britain state legislative delegation, State Sen Rick Lopes…
Community News
News Analysis
NEW BRITAIN COMMON COUNCIL UPDATES Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual…
Featured Journalism
by John McNamara Sponsors and attendees at the New Britain Public Library’s (NBPL) 10th Annual Fundraiser on…
Opinion
By Neil P. Connors – Batterson Park Conservancy For more than a decade, volunteers, advocates,…
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 […]
Community Announcements
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 […]
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 […]
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
NEW BRITAIN COMMON COUNCIL UPDATES Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual services have been revised “for greater consistency and efficiency” for the first time in more than 11 years. The Common Council amended Chapter VIII of the ordinances at its June 10th meeting, increasing the threshold for competitive bidding from $7,500 to $25,000, The […]
Editor’s Note: The cover photo by Dr Frank Gerratana By Sean Gallagher On Sunday, June 15th, 2026, on Broad Street in New Britain the Polonia Business Assoc. held the annual Little Poland Festival. The festival is a major cultural celebration that welcomes thousands of people from all over the area and showcases New Britain’s Polish […]
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 […]
Proposal Would Increase City Fines
A proposal has been submitted to the New Britain City Council to increase a number of city fines, and is to be presented at an upcoming Council committee public hearing and meeting in April The proposal seeks to revise six key sections of the New Britain Code of Ordinances to provide “increased penalties” for a […]
Indivisible Farmington Valley Hosting “Pizza & Politics” Event
Indivisible Farmington Valley says that it, “invites young adults aged 18-30 to enjoy a slice of pizza and talk about issues that matter to you most.” “We want to converse about politics, listen to each other and talk about big and small actions you can take in your communities,” the organization says. The event is […]
Bring Common Sense to City Trash Bin Ordinance
With a recent proposal submitted to the City Council to increase certain city fines, including the one concerning when trash bins can be placed on the curb, now is a good time for the Council to bring a little more common sense to this quality-of-life ordinance – including making it easier on conscientious city residents. […]
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, […]
Ald Candyce Scott: Proud to Introduce Resolution Celebrating Ramadan
By Alderwoman Candyce Scott, I want to extend a Happy Ramadan to the Muslim community of New Britain during this holy month! I introduced the first Ramadan Resolution to the City of New Britain three years ago and was so happy to introduce this resolution again this year. This resolution means a lot to me […]
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Stanley’s 183-Year Legacy Ends: Cost-Cutting and Closures
By John McNamara News of the end of the line for making Stanley tools in New Britain came early on February 26. By the afternoon Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) officially announced the closing of its Myrtle Street facility where up to 300 workers will lose their jobs later this year. The dominance of the […]