Good morning, Hartford.

A January count showed 3,735 people were homeless in Connecticut — a nearly 10% increase from January when there were 3,410, with more people living outside and rising numbers of older adults losing housing.

Local providers said federal funding remains in flux amid unsettled HUD rules that may affect shelter services.

Communities across Connecticut hold memorial ceremonies to honor nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11 attacks—town officials say the events mark reflective remembrance of this tragic loss.

Hartford is launching a microgrant program that gives funds to small businesses to help local entrepreneurs grow their ideas — the program is now in its second year.

UConn researchers and students are using AI to improve weather forecasts by studying past storm data to fix errors in current models.

They plan to add tools to predict tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires using meteorologist insights—making forecasts closer to real conditions.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Treasurer Erick Russell announced Wednesday that Moody’s and Fitch upgraded Connecticut’s credit ratings due to improved fiscal health — balanced budgets, surplus funds, and a record rainy day fund — which will lower future borrowing costs.

The treasurer’s office will offer over $1.8-billion in general obligation bonds later this month to finance upcoming projects.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday the creation of a new state office — headed by former social worker Howard Sovronsky — to improve access to mental health care and help providers get payments from insurers.

In his new role, Sovronsky will listen to patients and work for changes in the system.

Kirti Patel, a Simsbury businessman with 30 years in the private sector, was named Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer on Sept.

11 and succeeds Paul Lavoie, who left in July to join the University of New Haven. He previously led Enfield-based Eppendorf Manufacturing Corp and said he will work with industry leaders to maintain Connecticut’s global competitiveness.

West Hartford Town Council voted Tuesday night to approve a resolution to apply for the Brownfield Municipal Grant Program and secure a $6 million grant for cleaning up and redeveloping the former UConn campus property at 1800 Asylum Avenue—officials say the funds will address environmental issues and support new development. City leaders noted the grant follows years of planning and will advance the town’s redevelopment goals.

Attorney General William Tong said he wrote to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert on Sept.

11th asking for five sets of documents and a meeting after reports raised concerns that the league might block a sale that would keep the Connecticut Sun in the state at a below-market price. He warned that this move could hurt local fans and the economy—raising questions about possible state and federal law violations.

Gov. Ned Lamont assured Hartford residents on Thursday at Charter Oak Health Center that they could get COVID-19 vaccines despite conflicting federal guidelines, and state officials detailed updated executive actions and guidance to keep vaccine access wide.

Today, the state Department of Public Health extended oversight of Hartford’s St. Francis Hospital for six more months after inspections showed unsafe care, including staff throwing and slapping a patient.

An independent monitor will check the hospital for 40 hours each week — ensuring that staffing, cleaning and patient safety improve — as it works to fix these issues.

Developers from Condyne Capital Partners and Mark Greenberg Real Estate purchased the former Konica Minolta building on Day Hill Road in Windsor for $2.7 million and plan to convert the 20.64-acre site into 300 apartments and commercial space pending a zoning amendment—Konica Minolta will vacate the building by year-end.

Conard girls soccer fell behind to Bristol Eastern on Tuesday in West Hartford but rallied for a comeback win 2 to 1 when Caitlin Walsh tied the score and senior Maddie Rodgers scored the winning rebound.

The team will face Rocky Hill in their next match—hoping to build on this momentum.

Hike to the Mic

5-11 p.m. — Heublein Tower — Free entry — Experience the breathtaking views and historic charm of Talcott Mountain during an adventurous hike.

CT Horrorfest Show - 2 Day Pass

10 a.m.-7 p.m. & 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket pricing varies — Meet horror icons, shop themed vendors, and enjoy Q&A panels at this thrilling festival.

Hartford Girls Rock! 2025

1-3 p.m. — Hartford Marriott Downtown — Donations support scholarships — Celebrate and honor outstanding young women for their leadership and community service.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters Concert

1-4 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the classic early songs of Elvis Costello with The Imposters backing him.

Hartford Whine and W3rk Fit Camp

7-9 p.m. — Warehouse 635 — Ticket required — Join a high-energy Caribbean dance fitness camp suitable for all fitness levels.

Area 11 Convention Preview

8 a.m. – 11 p.m. — Sheraton Hartford South Hotel — Registration required — Explore community recovery resources at the 66th Area 11 Convention.

BASWA's 25th Anniversary Celebration

3-7 p.m. — Farmington Gardens — Free venue parking — Celebrate 25 years of beauty and culture with live entertainment and local vendors.

Twenty One Pilots Live in Hartford

8:00 p.m. — Xfinity Theatre — Tickets starting at $82 — Experience the cinematic spectacle of Twenty One Pilots on their Clancy Tour: Breach 2025.

Twenty One Pilots - The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025

8:00-9:30 PM — Xfinity Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the electrifying performance of Twenty One Pilots live in Hartford.

The Notebook - The Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional journey of love in this captivating musical adaptation of the beloved story.