Connecticut listeners are waking up to a busy week across the state, with new developments in government, the economy, and the community. In top headlines, FOX61 reports that Portland’s middle and high schools have reopened after a major sewage backup forced closures, while the court appearance of Clayton Hackling, the lineman facing manslaughter charges in a deadly 2024 boat crash on the Connecticut River, is drawing statewide attention.

On the political front, the state legislature remains in the spotlight as lawmakers debate a comprehensive new housing bill. According to reporting from the Yankee Institute, legislators are being pushed toward a special session to address the measure, which aims to reshape Connecticut’s zoning policies and increase affordable housing. Critics, however, note that the bill remains unfinished and largely hidden from public scrutiny even as a vote is urged, raising concerns over transparency and public trust.

In a separate controversy, Connecticut Public highlights calls from state GOP leaders for tighter oversight and transparency on budget earmarks, following federal investigations into how some funds have been distributed to local organizations. The legislature is expected to reconvene soon, prompted both by budget issues and looming federal program cuts.

Economic news reveals both optimism and caution. The Hartford Courant details that Connecticut ended the last fiscal year with a $410 million surplus amid record stock market gains and low unemployment. Officials warn, however, that economic uncertainty from ongoing federal government shutdowns and trade tariffs may shape future budgets. Meanwhile, AdvanceCT points out that the state’s economy grew the fastest of any on the East Coast earlier this year, showing strong momentum for local businesses.

Small businesses and innovation are seeing renewed energy in Hartford, where the city announced a second year of its microgrant program for very small businesses. Grants have increased to $5,000 in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Hartford, supporting entrepreneurs and the growth of Black- and minority-owned firms. The city is investing in an entrepreneurial ecosystem, community-driven food markets, and new infrastructure initiatives as the Arrowhead Gateway sees major redevelopment.

In education, a $199 million, state-funded Bridgeport Bullard-Havens Technical High School is set to open its doors in December, according to CT Insider. At the same time, the state board of education voted not to fund the opening of the Capitol Prep Middletown charter school, despite prior approval and fervent community support, highlighting ongoing tensions over school funding priorities, FOX61 reported.

Infrastructure and public safety efforts are moving ahead, as the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has unveiled a nearly $45 million resilience fund to help municipalities shore up defenses against extreme weather, with grants for flood control and climate-adaptive infrastructure. In Waterbury, city officials have selected a site for a new $10-12 million firehouse to serve the East End, avoiding the use of eminent domain and improving emergency response, the CT Post reports.

The manufacturing sector is in the public eye this week, as the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s Manufacturing Tour continues, spotlighting the industry’s role in employing 153,000 workers and contributing nearly 12 percent to the state’s economy. The tour seeks to showcase advanced manufacturing facilities and the importance of workforce training.

Significant weather events have been avoided in recent days, but infrastructure and climate resilience remain top priorities as state and local governments look ahead to winter preparations.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect continued debate over the proposed housing legislation, possible...