Good morning, Hartford.

Residents and local merchants support Elmwood Blooms in 2026 on New Britain Avenue; donations (due by May 12) help maintain the project led by Charles Hilborn and managed by KNOX Inc.

Families practiced boarding a plane at the Autism Flies event (at Bradley airport), where children learned basic airport procedures in a supportive setting.

Connecticut lost 4,200 jobs in February and the unemployment rate climbed to 4.7% as January’s gains were canceled by the State Department of Labor.

Eversource has cut electric rates by 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour (its main service change) and customers now save about $30 a month.

The rate drop takes effect immediately and may ease energy bills.

Hartford Public Schools face a deficit ($74.5 million) for the next school year, with district leaders saying nothing is left to cut as teachers and students plead for more funding.

CSCU professors claim they earn below minimum wage while a former chancellor received over $400k, prompting questions on pay equity.

University officials are expected to review compensation practices in the coming weeks.

The state Senate passed Bill 452 banning the intentional release of helium balloons to protect the environment and wildlife; retailers must attach a weight to each balloon.

The bill now moves to the state House for further consideration.

West Hartford Police, in partnership with local health and prevention groups, will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall parking lot; residents may drop off unwanted medications (not IV, injectables, EpiPens, or needles) for safe disposal.

West Hartford is welcoming spring as over 2,000 tulips (displayed on Arundel Avenue) and flowering trees brighten the neighborhood after a long winter.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: The Greatest Show On Earth

7-10 p.m. — PeoplesBank Arena — Ticket required for ages 2+ — Experience the thrill of circus fun with exciting performances and spectacles.

Turf Opener: 37 Years of Racing Madness

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — R/C Madness — Registration open — Celebrate 37 years of racing with intense turf competitions across multiple classes.

Native Gardens

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets from $136 — Experience the can't-miss live show at Hartford Stage.

Protoje Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets from $54 — Experience a night of vibrant reggae music with Protoje live on stage.

Dar Williams Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Infinity Music Hall — Ticket prices TBD — Experience the evocative sounds of Dar Williams as she reflects on life through her music.

Native Gardens

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets starting at $136 — Experience the can't-miss live event of Native Gardens in Hartford.

Tayler Holder Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Webster — $31.15 — Experience Tayler Holder in an all-ages concert showcasing his talent and energy.

Test of Strength: Dear Norma 6

6-8:30 p.m. — Dudleytown Brewing Company — VIP $30, GA $20 — Experience an electrifying showdown of strength with thrilling matches and fierce competition.

Strange Machines Concert

8-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fusion of funk, rock, and livetronica from the East Coast's jam scene favorites.

Buckethead Live Performance

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Infinity Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience the virtuoso guitarist Buckethead as he dazzles with multi-genre performances.