Connecticut
Brittney Griner signs with Connecticut Sun in huge payday
The Connecticut Sun are making a big splash for their final season.
The team has agreed to a seven-figure contract to bring in Britney Griner, according to Sun sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby.
Griner, a nine-time WNBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer, is one of the most decorated players in the history of the league and will be playing in her 13th season since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2013.
The deal also comes after the WNBA introduced its new collective bargaining agreement, which will — among many other advances — raise players’ salaries, making a select group of them millionaires for the first time since the league’s inception.
The move comes one day following Jackie Young’s reported one-year, $1.19 million agreement to return to the Las Vegas Aces.
Griner, who spent last season with the Atlanta Dream, turned 35 this past October, was a standout on what was a surprising run to the league’s No. 3 seed, with the team finishing 30-14.
The 6-foot-9 center started in her first 25 appearances before being moved to an off-the-bench role.
The Baylor alum came off the bench for her final 14 regular-season showings and all three Dream playoff games.
The Dream were eliminated by the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever in the first round after opening with a 17-point win in Game 1.
Griner finished the 2025 season with career lows of 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
Griner spent her first 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, establishing herself as one of the best players in league history, starring on the 2014 WNBA Champion team, also led by Diana Taurasi and DeWanna Bonner.
The six-time All-WNBA honoree is also a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, having played for Team USA in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Summer Games, with two World Cup titles in 2014 and 2018.
She was also named to the W25, a list honoring the WNBA’s top 25 players of all time in celebration of the league’s 25th anniversary in 2021.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) is alerting residents on Friday about a recall of Darice Timeless Minis decorative toys that were found to contain lead levels that violate the federal paint ban.
The CTDPH is urging residents to stop using the decorative toy products immediately. The recall applies to the red wagons, watering cans, and chairs, all of which pose a risk for lead poisoning, according to CTDPH officials.
The CTDPH said residents who have one of the recalled products should:
- Stop using the product immediately and dispose of it
- Contact your child’s healthcare provider to discuss whether lead testing is
- appropriate
- Report any injuries or illnesses associated with these products to the CPSC
“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, and no level of lead exposure is safe for children,” Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., said in a written statement. “We are asking every parent, caregiver, childcare provider, and healthcare professional in Connecticut to take this recall seriously. If you have these products in your home, stop using them immediately and throw them away. If you have any concern that your child may have been exposed, please contact your
healthcare provider and ask about lead testing. Acting quickly makes all the difference.”
The recall was issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Looking for a free way to stay cool this summer in Connecticut?
Parks, recreation centers and beaches across the state are opening as temperatures continue to climb.
See News 8’s developing list below:
New Haven
- Foote Park in Brandford
- East Haven Town Beach
- Quasy Amusement Park in Middlebury
- Lighthouse Point Park
- Nolan Athletic Complex in Ansonia
- Villano Park in Hamden
Hartford
- Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester
- Nathan Hale in Beach in Manchester
- A.W. Stanley Park Pool in New Britain
- Willow Brook Park Pool in New Britain
- Chesley Park in New Britain
- Willow Street Park in New Britain
- Beachland Park in West Hartford
- Fernridge Park in West Hartford
- Kennedy Park in West Hartford
Middlesex
- Watrous Park in Cromwell
- Clinton Town Beach
- Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown
New London
- The Dinosaur Place in Montville
Windham
- Paderewski Park in Plainville
Splash pad locations operate at different times. Contact each location for specifics on parking, opening times and residency requirements.
Have a splash pad to add to our list? Email webproducer-wtnh@nexstar.tv
Download the News 8 app to get breaking news and weather alerts.
Watch News 8 on WTNH.com or the free WTNH News 8 streaming app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung Smart TVs.
Connecticut
Experts issue pet safety reminders during stretches of high heat, humidity in Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — As high heat and humidity stretch across Connecticut for the next couple of days, experts are warning pet owners that this weather can be tough on their furry friends.
Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital chief surgeon Dr. Cornelius Marrinan joined News 8 live with some safety reminders on Thursday.
To watch the full video, click on the player above.
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