Special Ed Surge Strains CT Schools | Hartford News

Gooseboro Drive-In Up for Sale | Hartford News

After 19 years at the wheel, Bill and Debbie Downes are selling the iconic Gooseboro Drive-In — a beloved burger spot on Route 202 since 1961 — hoping to start a new chapter with more time for family and travel. With loyal customers like Dan Bates and a prime location near state parks and campgrounds, this classic eatery is poised for a new legacy. The Downes, who even hired local students and are close to Robert Hammer’s family roots, are optimistic about finding the right buyer — and you’ve got until the end of the season to grab one last bite before the torch gets passed. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/9bcd337e7d7d923c

Rashad Frett’s Sundance Triumph | Hartford News

Rashad Frett just won the Sundance directing award for “Ricky,” a raw, heartfelt film about a man rebuilding his life in Hartford after prison — a city he knows intimately. Born from a short he wrote at NYU and shaped by real conversations with parole officers, the movie captures the fragile hope and messy reality of re-entry. Frett, a former combat medic turned filmmaker, credits his breakthrough to a mentor who pushed him to “sink or swim” — and he dove in, mastering every facet of filmmaking. His intuitive, intimate directing style — blending his background as editor, actor, and cinematographer — draws viewers into Ricky’s flawed, relatable journey. Now teaching film and eyeing a comeback for his earlier project “The Second District,” Frett’s Sundance win is just the beginning of his mission to spotlight Hartford and uplift stories that matter. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/e7b748a1ecdf56aa

Special Ed Surge Strains CT Schools | Hartford News

Connecticut’s special education student population has surged past 95,000—up 23% in a decade—straining budgets and forcing districts to spend more per student, often resorting to costly outplacements or launching in-house programs. With local property taxes and state grants falling short, educators and advocates are demanding systemic reform, including regionalized services or a complete overhaul of funding. The spike is fueled by improved diagnostics, heightened advocacy, pandemic impacts, and rising autism diagnoses. Governor Lamont’s Blue Ribbon Commission is now tasked with crafting a more sustainable, equitable funding model for K-12 education. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/39935f93d7648064

WNBA All-Stars Shine in Chicago | Hartford News

Team Spoon dominated Team Coop in a dazzling WNBA All-Star showdown in Chicago, crushing them 129-121 before a record crowd of 19,783 and a booming TV audience. The game was pure joy—players unleashed their talent, celebrated together, and delivered unforgettable moments, including a jaw-dropping dunk by 20-year-old Dominique Malonga. Jonquel Jones, a Connecticut Sun legend, stole the show as MVP with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. Caitlin Clark’s seamless chemistry with stars signaled a bright future for the league. While the regular season will bring back the grit and defense, the league’s best hope lies in preserving the fun, camaraderie, and electric energy that made this All-Star game a triumph for basketball’s most dynamic league. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/76300267b4412405

Insurity Invests $100M in AI for Insurance | Hartford News

Insurity is pouring $100 million into AI over the next two years to modernize insurance operations, reduce costs, and simplify the customer experience — a bold move led by new CEO Jatin Atre. Building on a prior $50 million AI investment, the company plans to embed AI into its own systems while developing new tools for its 500+ carrier clients. With the insurance industry’s heavy regulation, Insurity positions itself as a trusted partner to help firms adopt AI responsibly and transparently. As McKinsey confirms, AI adoption is accelerating across the sector, though most insurers are still in early stages — Insurity’s big bet signals it’s ready to lead the charge in reshaping insurance with smarter, scalable technology. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/73efbcc854509c90