Good morning, Hartford.

Local muralist Andrea 'Drea' Sánchez from East Hartford has painted a mural called 'Borikén vive en mí' at Los Piraguas in Hartford to honor her Puerto Rican roots and the Taíno chief Caguax.

She uses her art to spark cultural conversation—helping people learn about and take pride in their heritage.

Sara Bronin, former chair of Hartford's Planning and Zoning Commission who founded Desegregate CT and the National Zoning Atlas, wins a $250K Heinz award for her work reforming zoning laws.

She said the prize will help speed up efforts to use zoning data for advocacy—efforts that aim to boost affordable housing and sustainable development.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection removed an AI-generated image with six fingers and gibberish text after it was mocked online and replaced it with a real photo—this mistake shows the growing use of AI.

State agencies will soon follow a strict framework for AI use while experts warn that added features may bring new data risks.

Marissa Paslick Gillett, chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, will step down effective Oct.

10 after sending her resignation to Governor Ned Lamont. She led reviews that resulted in utility rate reductions and tighter control of rate increases during her tenure since 2019.

Hartford Public Library said Barbour Library is closed due to facility issues and did not say when it will reopen—patrons are advised to use other libraries for service.

Veterans advocates in Stamford raised awareness at the CT Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual Stand Down event held at UConn Stamford on September 19 as they monitored federal funding uncertainties—many veterans sought legal help with housing disputes.

Local officials and groups noted that while concerns about future funding remain, the event helped connect veterans to essential benefits.

Today, the Litchfield County Firefighter Cancer Support Group partnered with Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute to offer free cancer screenings to 50 firefighters at the Litchfield County Regional Fire School in Torrington.

The event—funded by donations from local fire companies—aims to raise awareness of the higher cancer risk firefighters face and encourage early detection.

Connecticut joined six states and New York City to form its own vaccine guidance as Gov. Lamont said trusted advice is needed amid mixed messages on COVID-19 shots—he stressed that public health should not split along political lines.

The CDC held a key vote on its recommendations Friday, but the final decision awaited the director’s approval.

On September 18, Hartford HealthCare filed an $86.1 million bid to buy Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals from Prospect Medical Holdings—part of a bankruptcy auction set for October 22.

The bid will expand the system to nine hospitals and comes amid reports of reduced services and staffing issues at both facilities.

Eli Showerda, son of famed quarterback Jesse Showerda, made his first varsity start Friday night at Maloney and completed 15 of 18 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-14 win over Amity.

He said he is motivated to build his own legacy—drawing from his father's success—and leads Maloney's offense as he aims to exceed his dad's achievements.

Today at 3:30 p.m., the UConn football team will play Ball State at Pratt and Whitney Field at Rentschler Field—shown on CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 97.9 FM—as they try to bounce back from overtime losses at Syracuse and Delaware while missing running back Mel Brown after his collarbone injury. Ball State, coming off its first season win over New Hampshire, leads the all-time series 4—0 and aims to build on its early momentum.

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.

Live Music with The Boomers

6-9 p.m. — Cotton Hollow Kitchen — Free entry — Enjoy classic rock and pop hits while savoring great food and drinks.

Zain Zohaib Qawwali Mehfil

7-11 p.m. — Belding Theater — Ticket info not specified — Experience mesmerizing Qawwali performances by the talented Zain and Zohaib Ali, grandsons of legendary musicians.