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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Calling all Altos, Tenors and Basses to join Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. It's spotted lanternfly squishing season in downtown Hartford, biologist says (ctpublic.org) — Downtown Hartford is swarming with spotted lanternflies right now, especially around tall buildings near Main Street, CityPlace, and the Starbucks hub. Biologists say the invasive insects are at peak adult season, pose no threat to humans, but can harm trees, and they're urging residents to help by safely squishing as many as possible to slow their spread.
2. West Hartford Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives Now Accepting Grant Applications - We-Ha (we-ha.com) — Local nonprofits and community groups in West Hartford can now apply for grants from the West Hartford Community Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, with applications due Sept. 4. The fund backs projects that boost wellbeing, access to services, and neighborhood vibrancy, and recently awarded more than $45,000 to eight local organizations. Details, eligibility rules, and examples of past projects are available online.
3. West Hartford Superintendent Provides Updates as 2026-2027 School Year Set to Begin - We-Ha (we-ha.com) — West Hartford school families are about to see big changes as teachers return Aug. 24 and students head back Aug. 26, with new principals, building upgrades, and free breakfast for all. The district is rolling out block scheduling at both high schools, expanded air conditioning and safety projects, and new programs like police explorers and an EMT course, while also reexamining student screen time and cellphone use.
4. Honduran national admits to illegal reentry in Connecticut after prior deportation from US (fox61.com) — A Honduran citizen who repeatedly reentered the U.S. and was arrested several times in Connecticut is now awaiting federal sentencing in Hartford this November. Prosecutors say he pleaded guilty in New Haven to unlawful reentry and faces up to 20 years in prison after a series of prior state convictions and a previous deportation.
5. Nominations open for 2026 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, honoring impactful military service (fox61.com) — From Hartford, state leaders are inviting nominations for the 2026 class of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, which honors veterans who keep serving their communities after military life. Any veteran born in Connecticut or living here at least five years can be nominated, and completed packages are due by Sept. 30 to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill.
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Ok Hartford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
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