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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 […]
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 […]
City Seeks $5 Million Grant For Allen Street Stormwater Project
By John McNamara City officials confirmed last week they are seeking a major grant to close the gap in the funding of the Allen Street Utility-Road Phase II project where flooding and sewage overflows have caused problems in the neighborhood for decades. The regional Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) received the New Britain application for $5 million to […]
Council Approves Resolution to Consider Actions Against Ald Robert Smedley for Online Comments; Smedley Apologizes
The New Britain City Council has approved a resolution that starts a process that could lead to the removal from Council or some other again against Council member, Ald Robert Smedley (R-4), due to comments Smedley made online that the resolution said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”. Ald Smedley spoke at the meeting, saying […]
City Tax Collector Cheryl S Blogoslawski Placed on Administrative Leave
The City of New Britain has announced that its Tax Collector, “has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into years of alleged financial malfeasance within City Hall.” The Tax Collector, according to the city’s website, is Cheryl S Blogoslawski. Blogoslawski became Tax Collector as a Republican when the […]
Council Fills Ward 3 Vacancy…City Backs Immigrant Rights…Events Mark Black History Month
News briefs for week ending February 14, 2026 By NB Politicus Council fills Ward 3 vacancy Democrat Alberto Borrero, a Concord Street homeowner, is the new Alderman from Ward 3 on the New Britain Council succeeding State Rep. Iris Sanchez (D-25) who was elected to the state House of Representatives in a January 6 special election. The Common […]
Rep. Iris Sanchez joins legislature…State grant boosts Mt. Pleasant Phase 1…Schools seek 14.82% more…City mourns Ald. Hargraves
News Briefs for Week Ending February 7, 2026 By NB Politicus State Rep. Sanchez Joins Legislature for 2026 Session State Rep. Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-25) was one of two new members of the House of Representatives to take their seats for the first time at the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2026 session on opening day, February […]
Alderman Hargraves Brought People Together
Remembering A Life of Public Service, Helping Others Alderman Jerrell Hargraves, who died unexpectedly this week, brought a quiet, unassuming demeanor to his work as the city’s human rights officer and on the Common Council representing Ward 2. When Jerrell spoke in that baritone voice on any issue before the Council he had something substantive […]
Lawmakers Discuss Issues on Tap for 2026 Legislature at LWV Brunch
By John McNamara School aid, affordable housing and countering unlawful Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were key topics discussed at a January 31 Legislative Brunch organized by the New Britain area League of Women Voters (LWV). State Representatives Rebecca Martinez (D-22) of Plainville and Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-25) and David DeFronzo (D-26) of New Britain […]
New Britain Week in Review
Short Takes on local news and occurrences for week ending 1/31/26 By NB Politicus Storm Benjamin On Sunday January 25th the biggest storm in a decade dumped 16.4 inches of snow in New Britain prompting city government to replenish its supply of road salt with more than seven weeks left in winter. It took more […]