Good morning, Hartford.

Hartford Lions Soccer Academy will host a gala to raise funds for youth programs that use soccer to connect children in the community.

The event will support expanding sports and learning opportunities for local kids.

Country singer Thomas Rhett will play at The Meadows Music Theatre in Hartford on July 16 as part of his Soundtrack to Life Tour, featuring opening acts Kashus Culpepper and Emily Ann Roberts.

Presale begins at 10 a.m. on March 11 with general tickets on sale from March 13.

UConn junior Sadaf Zarei said she lost contact with her family in Iran after news of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's death broke, sparking celebration before an internet shutdown amid a hereditary leadership shift.

Zarei remains hopeful for a free Iran and urges stronger actions against the IRGC.

WSHU's Ebong Udoma and CT Mirror's Theo Peck-Suzuki discussed proposals to ban cellphones during school hours in Connecticut.

Debate over a statewide bell-to-bell policy continues (with supporters citing classroom focus and parental safety and others emphasizing digital responsibility) as lawmakers weigh Education Department guidelines.

University of Hartford appointed four new board members on March 9, including James Alibrandi, Gina L.

Coleman, Jeffrey Hayman and Christopher Kmetz who will serve until June 30, 2028 + their combined experience in health care, technology, finance and insurance exceeds a century.

State officials have frozen funds for the home renovation program run by the Hartford Renaissance District — a project that was meant to upgrade low-income homes — after financial missteps prompted a $300,000 refund demand, leaving north end homeowners facing further delays.

Local lawmakers are reviewing Senate Bill 319 that would ban the sale of gas-powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers starting Jan.

1, 2029 and their use by Sept. 1, 2030. Health advocates support the ban (aiming to cut air and noise pollution) while contractors worry about rising costs.

Rocky Hill-based Respira Counseling and Wellness hosted a self-care retreat on International Women’s Day, March 7, in Hartford — featuring pilates, plant care, and personalized charcuterie boards as family members led fitness and beauty workshops to foster sisterhood.

According to Yale New Haven Hospital, Hartford residents feeling winter sadness may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The hospital recommends increasing outdoor time (even if cold), opening blinds, and seeking professional help if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

UConn legend Richard (Rip) Hamilton said the NCAA tournament will tip off soon and believes the Huskies will win another national title because their excitement for March Madness is unmatched.

Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Cleveland Monsters

7-8 p.m. — PeoplesBank Arena — Check the local AHL action as the Wolf Pack host the Monsters in a thrilling hockey showdown.

90s Con 2026

4-8 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — $176.10 — Celebrate the iconic decade of the 90s with a weekend of nostalgia in Hartford.

90's Con CT - Saturday

10 AM – 2 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — VIP ticket options available — Celebrate the beloved 90s with exclusive experiences and premium seating.

90's Con CT - Sunday

10 AM - 2 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Celebrate the iconic 90s with exclusive experiences and meet your favorite stars.

St. Patrick's Day Knitted Banner Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Manchester Public Library — Free entry — Create a festive yarn banner for St. Patrick's Day under the guidance of local artisan Mary Curley.

Turas - Contemporary Irish Music

6-9 p.m. — New Park Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a captivating evening of live Irish music with the band Turas.

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Theater of the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience a radiant ballet reimagining of Sleeping Beauty with stunning glow-in-the-dark costumes.

Shamrock Run & Walk

8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. — Chippens Hill Middle School, Bristol, CT — Registration fee applies — Celebrate Irish spirit with a community 5 & 2-mile road race and fitness walk for all ages.

Annual Johnny's Jog for Charity 5K

9 a.m. — Blue Back Square — Registration required — Participate in a community run and support a good cause with raffle prizes.

Christian Music Concert Series

7-11 p.m. — PeoplesBank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting sounds at a night of inspiring Christian music.