Dec. 15, 2025 - Hartford Business Journal

Government & Politics

🔒Expert’s Corner: Why CT property owners should prepare now for 2026 tax assessment appeals

While the time to appeal property tax assessments is in February, it is critical for Connecticut property owners to take action now to determine if they will appeal and, if […]

Bioscience

🔒Shelton cancer-drug startup looks to Big Pharma after clinical trial pause

Shelton biotech Intensity Therapeutics paused its Phase 3 cancer trial after running low on cash. The company needs $30M to finish testing INT230-6, an injectable drug that attacks tumors directly.

Banking & Finance

🔒Amid rising nonprofit demands, DuBois-Walton boosts Community Foundation fundraising in first full year

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is on track to surpass last year's $33.3M fundraising total in CEO Karen DuBois-Walton's first full year. The foundation awarded $31.4M in grants in 2024.

Health Care

🔒Hartford HealthCare’s bid for Prospect Medical hospitals could further consolidate CT’s ambulance industry

Hartford HealthCare's bid to acquire Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals would also give it full ownership of two ambulance services, potentially controlling one-third of Connecticut's private ambulance providers.

Health Care

🔒St. Francis President Powell-Stafford touts recruiting, technology gains while hospital remains under state oversight

St. Francis Hospital leader Valerie Powell-Stafford navigated physician transitions and state oversight in her first year while investing in robotic surgery systems including Da Vinci 5 and Mako SmartRobotics.

Bioscience

🔒A CT startup wants a better pill for hair loss — and just raised $150M to try it

New Haven-based Veradermics raised $150M to advance its oral minoxidil pill for hair loss into Phase 3 trials. The biotech, founded by dermatologist Reid Waldman, is recruiting 1,500 patients for the study.

Economy & Labor

🔒Federal rule changes, uncertainty complicate hiring foreign-born workers in CT

CT companies face uncertainty over H-1B visa changes. Nearly 1,500 employers used the program last year, but a new $100,000 fee and shifting TPS rules are reshaping hiring strategies across tech, engineering and health care.

Economic Development

🔒A year in, Kooris’ CMDA sets stage for wave of transit-oriented projects

David Kooris built Connecticut's new Municipal Development Authority in 2025, with 32 communities joining to advance transit-oriented housing. The agency has $90 million in bonding to offer low-interest loans for development projects.

Accounting

Stew Leonard Jr. eyes CEO hand off after 34 years guiding regional grocery chain

Stew Leonard Jr. plans to hand off CEO role within the next couple years after 34 years leading the Norwalk-based grocery chain. The next CEO will come from five family members, marking a third-generation transition.

Education

🔒Amid Agwunobi’s return, UConn Health pursues statewide growth and acquisition strategy

UConn Health is pursuing a major expansion, bidding $13M for Waterbury Hospital and negotiating to acquire Bristol Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital. State lawmakers approved $390M in bonding to support the strategy.

Legal & Courts

🔒CT animal behaviorist alleges corporate espionage in trade secrets dispute

A Kansas City pet-training company sent a fake client to spy on Glastonbury dog behaviorist Allyson Salzer, sparking a federal lawsuit over noncompete agreements and trade secrets. A judge has issued a restraining order.

Logistics

🔒EB chief Rayha ramps up property purchases, hiring to meet sub production demands

Electric Boat is targeting 1,000 hires annually for next 3 years at its Groton shipyard. The company bought Waterford's Crystal Mall for $30M+ to convert into engineering and training hub as it works on Columbia-class submarines.

Real Estate & Construction

🔒From basement startup to high-tech Middletown hub, AI Engineers is investing millions in HQ expansion, tech upgrades

AI Engineers is expanding its Middletown headquarters with a multi-million dollar investment in new offices, a glass atrium and AI-powered tech. The 420-employee firm projects $90M revenue for 2025.

Dec. 15, 2025Edition

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