🎤 Adam Sandler, Fireworks, & Rainforest Upgrades

July 02, 2025

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Hey there! 👋 We’re halfway through the week and things are popping—literally (hello, fireworks!). From a major comedy legend returning to CT to a local zoo getting a tropical glow-up, there’s a lot to explore across the state this week. Scroll down to catch the highlights:

Here’s what’s inside:

🎤 Adam Sandler returns to Mohegan Sun
🐾 Beardsley Zoo's rainforest building reopens
🎆 New Milford changes its fireworks location
📗 This Month in CT History: When Connecticut said “no” to war
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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The “You’re My Best Friend” tour hits Mohegan Sun this September

Comedy legend Adam Sandler is heading back to the stand-up stage—and he’s making a stop at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. as part of his nationwide tour. The “You’re My Best Friend Tour” spans 30 cities and is expected to sell out fast (like his last two tours).

Sandler fans can snag tickets starting Friday at noon via Ticketmaster, or grab them in person at Mohegan Sun’s box office on Saturday, if they’re still available. With a Netflix sequel to Happy Gilmore dropping in July and a comedy special already under his belt, the Sandman is having a moment—and Connecticut gets to be part of it.

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🐾 BEARDSLEY ZOO’S RAINFOREST BUILDING GETS A WILD REFRESH

New look, new animals, same tropical vibes

After a winter of renovations, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo just reopened its rainforest building—and it’s looking better than ever. The updated space features fresh exhibit walls, smoother walkways, lush tropical plants, and a few new residents.

Meet Evita, a 14-year-old ocelot, plus two bright-red scarlet ibises who just joined the flock. The upgrades are designed to improve both animal care and the guest experience, so it’s a great time to plan a visit (and maybe snap some selfies with the zoo’s newest stars).

🎆 NEW MILFORD MOVES FIREWORKS SHOW FOR A BETTER VIEW

New spot, same spectacular tradition

If you’re heading to New Milford’s Fourth of July fireworks this year, take note: the launch site has officially moved to Young’s Field Road to give everyone a clearer view of the night sky.

In recent years, trees around the old site on Peagler Hill Road blocked the best sightlines, so the town is going back to a tried-and-true location.

The show is scheduled for the evening of Sunday, July 6, and town officials say this new-old spot will allow more people to see the fireworks from downtown.

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Whether you're craving skyline views from the Empire State Building or want to get lost in MoMA, this is the move for your next New York adventure. The Go City New York Explorer Pass lets you choose 2 to 6 attractions from over 100 top-rated experiences—including museums, boat cruises, food tours, observation decks, walking tours, and more—with savings up to 50% off regular ticket prices.

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TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A governor’s defiance sparked a constitutional clash in 1812

During the War of 1812, Connecticut took a rare—and bold—stand against the federal government that nearly triggered a national crisis. While New England as a whole opposed the war with Britain, Connecticut’s resistance went even further under Governor Roger Griswold’s leadership.

In July 1812, Griswold flatly refused a federal order to send Connecticut militia troops into battle, citing the Constitution’s limits on when states were required to relinquish control of their militias. He argued that without a clear and present invasion, the federal request was unconstitutional—and he wasn’t budging.

This move set off a legal showdown that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which eventually ruled against Connecticut. But Griswold didn’t live to see the verdict—he died that October, still holding firm to the belief that his state’s troops didn’t belong in “Mr. Madison’s War.”

A fiery moment of state vs. federal power, and one of the boldest stands in Connecticut’s political history.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🛣️ CT roads rank among worst in U.S., report shows
A federal report flags 2,100 miles of Connecticut roads as being in poor condition—landing the state near the bottom nationwide. Experts say icy winters and strong reporting systems contribute to the rough rankings, but there’s a silver lining: more data can help unlock more federal funding.

🚨 5 corrections officers hospitalized after inmate overdose in Suffield
An inmate at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution overdosed, prompting officers to respond—only to fall ill themselves shortly after. The incident highlights growing concerns over drug smuggling methods in prisons, from tampered mail to visitor contraband.

🔕 Lamont signs law allowing wearable panic alarms for teachers
Connecticut schools can now equip staff with silent, ID-sized panic alarms to alert law enforcement during emergencies. The new law—part of a growing national movement—aims to improve response times and save lives during school threats.

🍕 Dino’s Pizza in Haddam to close after 29 years
A beloved local favorite, Dino’s Pizza will serve its final pies on June 29 as the owners retire. The announcement prompted hundreds of heartfelt messages from longtime customers remembering the good food and memories.

🥪 Grinders Keepers in Bristol closing after decades of service
Another community staple is shuttering: Grinders Keepers will close its doors on June 30, with the owners also stepping into retirement. Fans praised the shop not just for its sandwiches—but for the kindness behind the counter.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter—we’re glad you stopped by! If you liked what you saw, forward it to a friend who could use a little local flavor in their inbox.

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