News Analysis
City Updates Purchasing and Bid Policy for First Time in 11 Years
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 […]
Water Is Life: Citizen Opposition Nixes Another Threat to Wetlands and Watershed
Withdrawn Plan for Truck Stop Near Batterson Pond Echoes Past Fights Over New Britain Watershed by John McNamara http://nbpoliticus.com Residents of Farmington and New Britain rose up as one voice in recent weeks to oppose the plan of Noble Gas Real Estate Holdings to build a diesel-gas refueling facility and warehouse on about six acres […]
NB News Briefs: Dems discuss Absentee Vote Law…Council Hikes Fines for Blight, Code Violations…School District Recognizes Faculty, Staff at Awards Night
by John McNamara – NBpoliticus.com State Representative Matt Blumenthal on “No Excuse” Absentee Voting: “We Have Finally Caught Up with the Rest of Nation” State Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D-147), Co-Chair of the Government Administration and Elections (GAE), says Connecticut’s newly adopted election law allowing “no excuse” absentee voting and other provisions will promote more participation in […]
Council to Review Budget with Department Heads; May 15 is Deadline for Elderly Tax Relief
The Common Council will hold three meetings (May 5,6,7) to review the Mayor’s proposed budget for the July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027. City departments under the jurisdiction of the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee (PZH) will be reviewed Tuesday, May 5. The Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee (AFLPS) will continue the review on […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Officials Provide Update On Allen Street Project to Upgrade Stormwater System
By John McNamara City officials have provided an update on plans and financing to complete the Allen Street project to replace an outmoded storm water and sewage system that causes neighborhood flooding during heavy rains and extensive damage to basements and property. Mayor Bobby Sanchez said Allen Street improvements have been the priority for his […]
Area Residents Join Nationwide Protests Against the Fascism of Trump’s Republicans
Editor’s note: Photos of the protest in Farmington by Dr Frank Gerratana. Across the country, people of conscience stood up in protests against the fascism of the Republican Party and their President, Donald Trump (R). The Republicans of President Trump have made cuts, including to health care, food, household heating, housing, renewable energy and are […]