Good morning, Danbury.

Officials announced that a $1.5M grant will help complete the Norwalk section of the 30-mile trail, which runs from Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk to Rogers Park in Danbury through Wilton, Ridgefield, and Redding.

Once finished, the paved and fully handicap-accessible trail — the longest recreational trail in Fairfield County — will offer improved connectivity and recreation for local residents.

McDonald’s said it will hire 2,600 workers in Connecticut this summer as part of a national push to add up to 375,000 jobs—this comes as the fast-food chain reported a second consecutive quarter of declining sales while planning to open 900 new locations nationwide.

State programs are modernizing manufacturing practices—advanced tool design, automation, and quality control now require better trained workers.

Local training initiatives are being developed to meet the new industry demands.

The Connecticut Humane Society brought 11 puppies to the State Capitol Tuesday to urge lawmakers to pass animal welfare bills such as Senate Bill 1282, which would cut the quarantine time for animals with suspected rabies—legislators expect action by the House soon.

The group also supports House Bill 6832, which would ban dogs, cats, and rabbits from pet stores amid concerns over overbreeding.

Connecticut lawmakers announced they will not propose new homeschooling regulations this year—after a large protest at the state Capitol and an informational hearing on the issue.

The decision leaves Connecticut among the few states without formal oversight on homeschooling despite concerns raised by a controversial case in Waterbury.

Connecticut police officers, state troopers and loved ones biked 300 miles from Hartford to Washington, D.C. on May 12 for National Police Week—Dominique Pelletier honored her late husband and Will Garten rode in memory of a fallen officer.

Holi Festival Celebration

12-3 p.m. — City Center Green — Free entry — Experience the vibrant colors and joyous spirit of Holi at this community festival.

Graphic Design Certificate Program

Time TBA — American Graphics Institute — Cost varies — Gain hands-on skills and knowledge for a career in graphic design with this comprehensive certificate program.

FREE Baseball & Life Skills Clinic

9 AM – 12 PM — Rogers Park — Free entry — Learn baseball skills from MLB alumni and enjoy lunch while connecting with the community.

Community Tag Sale

1:30 PM — Candlewood Town Park — Free entry — Discover great deals and connect with your neighbors in a vibrant community atmosphere.