Good morning, Hartford.

Workers at PetSmart in East Hartford voted 20-7 on April 11 to join the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union at the 5 Main St. store—covering about 30 employees.

UFCW officials say they will soon start contract talks to improve workplace conditions.

On April 18, former U.S. Secretary Miguel Cardona addressed students and faculty of UHart’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions at the 'We Are ENHP' Scholarship Showcase (held at Gengras Student Union) and praised them as essential while noting federal plans to cut funding and close the department he once led.

State lawmakers are looking at a bill that would stop renewing driver’s licenses and car registrations for taxpayers with overdue taxes to help close a $3 billion tax gap, and critics say it unfairly targets low-income residents—while wealthier taxpayers get softer treatment.

The proposal is before the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and faces strong pushback.

Today, state Sen. John Fonfara of Hartford introduced Senate Bill 1560 to have Connecticut borrow $2.4 billion over three years to lower electric bills by removing part of the public benefits charge—supporters call it a step toward immediate relief while others express concern over the cost and feasibility of the plan. A committee vote is expected by April 24 to determine whether the measure will move forward.

Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford completed its 1,000th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using the Ion endoluminal system in less than 1,000 days— the system helps doctors reach deep lung areas and cut the wait from nodule detection to treatment from about 2.5 months to 17 days.

Hartford Caribbean Dance Fitness Camp

7-9 p.m. — Warehouse 635 — Fun event — Experience the world's most electrifying Caribbean dance fitness class with all fitness levels welcome.

Romeo and Juliet

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Ticket prices vary — An intoxicating blend of tragedy and hope unfolds in this timeless tale of young love.

Romeo and Juliet - Theatrical Production

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience the intoxicating blend of tragedy and hope in a classic tale of young love.

2025 NAfME All-Eastern Conference

April 24-27 — Connecticut Convention Center — Cost info not provided — Advocate, elevate, and celebrate music education at this enriching conference.

Mark Wood Performance

7-11 p.m. — Kingswood Oxford School — Tickets available — Experience an evening of music with Emmy-winning composer and recording artist Mark Wood.

HYPERGLOW Hartford 2025

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets available — Experience America’s largest glow party with neon lights and live performances.

Earth Day Celebration at Mill Street Marketplace

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Mill Street Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with a vendor market featuring sustainability, live music, and delicious food options.

Hartford Yard Goats vs. Chesapeake Baysox

7:10-11:10 p.m. — Dunkin' Park — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Hartford Yard Goats take on the Chesapeake Baysox in an exciting baseball matchup.

Spanish Parenting Education Class

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Catholic Charities — Free — Engage in a comprehensive parenting education class tailored for Spanish-speaking families.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Concert

2-6 p.m. — Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art — Ticket prices vary — Experience enchanting chamber music set against the backdrop of beautiful art exhibitions.