During the Affordable Care Act debate, you may have heard the term health care exchange come up. Exchanges are a key part of the law that its supporters hope will create a competitive marketplace where consumers and small businesses can compare and buy insurance. We take a closer look at Connecticut's exchange that will be opening soon.

West Hartford's LocalOnlineNews.TV

Connecticut Readies Its Health Exchange

Driving through Hartford, you can't help but notice that big, beautiful, blue dome. Look below it though and you see that it sits on a decrepit building. But with new developers renovating the Colt armory building and the city of Hartford having a grand vision for it- the landscape will soon look very different. An effort is underway to have the Colt property recognized as a national park. Adam Chiara spoke with Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra to learn more.

Hartford Working to Preserve the Colt Building

Holding a forum at West Hartford's Town Hall, Congressman John Larson and Nick Nyhart of the Public Campaign Action Fund discussed why reforming money in politics is necessary. Nyhart says the the most startling fact that outlines this issue comes when looking at where winning members of congress get their money.

Congressman Larson Hosts Public Campaign Financing Forum in West Hartford

In West Hartford's well developed downtown, one open space stands out… But it may not for long. The town is taking proposals from hotel developers that want to build on the land which is owned by the town. West Hartford is looking for a full service hotel with about 120 rooms. Though the town already has the West Hartford Inn which is very close to the center, Community Development Director Rob Rowlson says a modern hotel in the center is needed.

West Hartford Hopes to Attract Hotel

Looking for great jazz? You'll find it in Hartford, Connecticut - even at the Hartford Public Library. This is the first On Your Block story from Adam Chiara and Sarah Miner.

On Your Block: Jazz in Hartford

Many veterans experience depression when returning from overseas, with some showing signs of being suicidal. While a veteran's family and friends might notice these warning signs, they don't always know how to approach the situation. The Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs recognizes this and has a new program called Coaching into Care. The program helps loved ones of veterans get help for those who need it.

Helping Loved Ones Find Help for Connecticut Veterans

West Hartford may not have the Hollywood sign, but it does have lights, cameras, and action going on inside what was once a Friendly's restaurant in the town's center. The movie being filmed is an action thriller called Pawn and has stars like Michael Chiklis, Forest Whitaker, Ray Liotta and Nikki Reed. A major reason the high profile film is being shot in Connecticut is because of the tax credits the state offers movie makers. LocalOnlineNews.TV was granted an exclusive interview with Pawn's producer Jeff Most to find out why they chose West Hartford as a shooting location. Pawn is scheduled to be released in 2013.

Exclusive Interview with "Pawn" Producer Jeff Most About Shooting a Movie in West Hartford

Lights, Lights and more Lights…They’re everywhere you look this time of year. How safe are they? And is anyone reading the fine print on the box? Localonlinenews.tv asked the store manager at Moscarillo’s in West Hartford, to help us with the safety warnings for stringed lighting and how they should be used.

Lighting the Holidays Safely

If you want to go beyond bringing that store-bought bottle of wine to your next holiday party, try making your own. Sarah Miner checks out the Cork and Brew in Southington that helps customers do just that. The unique shop can help you make your own wine, beer, and soda.

Brew Your Own Holiday Gifts at Southington's Cork and Brew

NASA launched the Mars Curiosity rover to the red planet on November 26, 2011. Read more at CTTechjunkie.com.

NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover in 60 Seconds

West Hartford's A Hand Up helps the homeless transition to new homes by accepting donations of furntiture and other household goods. They will pick goods up from your home, but bringing donations to their location helps them save money on fuel and transportation.

West Hartford's A Hand Up Helps the Homeless Transition to New Homes

Rolling into Connecticut in high gear, the Connecticut International Auto Show began its weekend showing at the convention center in Hartford. Governor Malloy and DEEP Commissioner Esty were some of the first spectators. Malloy stressed the importance of the auto industry in the state.

The Connecticut International Autoshow Returns to Hartford

If you're sick of high gas prices- now you can complain about long lines too. The rare October snowstorm has done more than just knock out power and damage property - it's caused a scramble to find an open gas station. And when you do find one like this Sunoco near the corner of Farmington Avenue and Prospect street in West Hartford, the lines can be ugly.

Tensions Flare at West Hartford Gas Station

Occupy Hartford protesters have set up camp at Turning Point Park in Hartford at the corner of Broad Street and Farmington Ave. Approximately 20 are living at the site full time, with others coming and going throughout the week. But the small group faces a big problem- most passing by have no clue what Organize Hartford is doing. A telling sign is that no one nearby would comment on the protest because they had no idea what was going on. This includes residents from Capitol View, the apartment building across the street.

Occupy Hartford Protesters Demand Change

This workout isn’t your jog in the park, but then again, CrossFit athletes wouldn’t want to have it any other way. CrossFit is a work out program that combines strength and cardio training, and uses full body and high intensity movements. Athletes had a chance to put their skills to the test by competing in the Beast of the East recently at the Durham Fair Grounds.

CrossFit High Intensity Workouts Gaining Popularity Here in Connecticut and Nationwide

West Hartford local news reported by professional broadcast journalists.

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