Good morning, Hartford.

CT Humane Society hosted Puppy Day at the State Capitol Monday morning, featuring about a dozen puppies in the building's lobby with adoption details provided to visitors.

Following the death of 15-year-old student Melvin Osiel Duarte Garcia, the Consolidated School District of New Britain said grief counselors and support staff are available at Catalyst Academy and Slade Middle to help students, urging families to check on their children if needed.

HB 5035 passed the House Monday and now heads to the Senate (it must pass by May 6) to ban cellphones in public schools; the bill exempts students with special learning plans and aims to ease classroom disruptions.

King Philip Middle School students will perform Matilda, Jr. — a musical based on Roald Dahl’s book — at the school auditorium in West Hartford from Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. through Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m., with tickets priced at $5 for students and $10 for adults.

A bill banning cell phone use in schools passed the state House on Monday and now heads to the Senate—its provisions require students to store personal devices during class except when needed for instruction or health reasons.

CSCU Chancellor John Maduko resigned Friday after he learned he was under investigation for alleged policy violations.

Karen Buffkin will serve as interim chancellor & a national search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Connecticut secured $9.5 million for LIHEAP, a program assisting about 100,000 families with energy bills despite federal budget cuts for next fiscal year.

Lawmakers said the funds will ease energy burdens after a harsh winter (DSS oversees the program) and guide efforts against the cuts.

Gov. Ned Lamont signed a vaccine law today that expands the Department of Public Health's power to buy vaccines (and upholds the ban on religious exemptions for public school children).

Hartford HealthCare CEO Jeffrey Flaks announced the plan to build a new hospital tower in Hartford; the project will add a patient arrival center, healing garden, and emergency department improvements between now and 2031.

On April 23, the Conard girls lacrosse team beat Avon 17-1 at their West Hartford field, extending their win streak; junior Jacqueline Capone recorded her 100th draw control (a milestone that highlights the team’s skill).

They will travel to Northwest Catholic Tuesday before hosting Simsbury on May 5.

Trumbull High's baseball team joined Connecticut's Top 10 rankings after beating No.2 Fairfield Prep and No.3 Fairfield Warde on Monday, Apr.

27.

On Sunday, Alex Karaban shared a heartfelt farewell to UConn on social media, thanking the school for four years of memories and growth.

The redshirt senior finished his career as a record-holder in wins + starts + minutes + 3-pointers, marking a storied legacy.

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.

Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats

1:10 – 4:10 PM — Dunkin' Park — Tickets available — Kids can run the bases post-game for a fun family experience.

Gryme: The Ultimate Nu-Metal Experience

9-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Free parking available — Experience the energetic sounds of iconic nu-metal bands like System Of A Down and Linkin Park.