Good morning, Hartford.

Stratford-based Sikorsky won a $10B contract to build nearly 100 CH-53K transport helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps, a deal that will keep the firm busy until 2033—supporting local jobs and the state's supply chain.

General Manager Rich Benton said the agreement is a big boost for Connecticut, where Sikorsky employs over 7,000 workers in multiple locations.

Hartford Prints on Pratt Street reopened its expanded store, tripling its size from when it opened in 2013, as owner Rory Gale reinvested in downtown retail—shoppers now enjoy more space and a vibrant neighborhood scene.

Spirit Airlines will end service at Bradley International Airport on Oct.

31 as it restructures its schedule, and customers with affected reservations will receive refunds—its service at Minneapolis will also end on Dec. 1.

Travis Bivans of Fashion Week Connecticut and designer Dani Simone previewed an event that will run from Oct.

5 – Oct. 11 and promise a fresh lineup for local fashion fans.

Sacred Heart University in Fairfield unveiled a new School of Performing Arts in a recent meeting to unite theatre, music, dance & choir programs.

Charles A. Gillespie, the associate dean, said the structure will strengthen collaboration and boost opportunities for over 1,000 students involved in performance.

Over a dozen highway ramps on Interstate 91, Interstate 291, and Interstate 84 closed Monday as DOT installed wrong way detection signs and conducted its bi-annual inspections — the closures will remain until Thursday.

At the State Capitol, Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned that unless lawmakers pass a continuing resolution, the government will shut down at midnight today—jeopardizing essential services and health care subsidies relied on by many Connecticut residents.

Local veterans joined Gov. Lamont and state leaders yesterday at the Capitol when he signed the CT Hero Act to honor veterans by establishing November as Veterans’ Month, creating special license plates and expanding the tuition waiver program—measures that also include fee waivers and additional support services for military members. The state will implement these changes under Public Acts 25-15 and 25-95 to enhance benefits for those who served.

Yale will pay Prospect Medical Holdings $45M to settle lawsuits over a hospital sale dispute—ending a lengthy legal fight.

The settlement asks a judge to approve the deal by Oct. 10 after a cyberattack disrupted operations and Yale dropped a $435M deal in 2022.

A series of new state laws will take effect on October 1, changing benefits for firefighters with cancer—expanding eligibility to include skin cancer—and tightening rules on street takeovers, cannabis use in vehicles, and online gaming violations.

The laws will also protect domestic violence survivors and long-term care residents, ban first-cousin marriages, and update procedures for coastal reviews, evidence collection, and police use of defense weapons.

Connecticut candidates for governor and congressional seats can earn a spot on the primary ballot by winning party endorsements at spring conventions or by collecting the required number of notarized, in-person signatures during a 42-day window—challengers who miss delegate support must gather thousands of signatures to meet state rules. Critics argue the process favors party insiders while making it harder for upstarts to qualify.

A panel at the Connecticut Legislative Office Building convened by the University of Connecticut’s ARMS Center, Yale School of Public Health, and Builders Movement reviewed proposals to prevent political violence following shootings such as that of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman — the panel examined ideas for safe gun ownership, gun literacy, and community investment. The discussion aimed to move beyond polarization by seeking practical measures to support public safety.

UConn Health is finalizing its bid to buy three hospitals—Day Kimball, Bristol, and Waterbury—to expand care for patients while addressing a persistent budget gap reported by a consultant.

Officials say state support will be crucial for Waterbury Hospital, which needs about $250 million in upgrades, and lawmakers are asking for details to safeguard taxpayer funds.

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley appeared on CBS Mornings on Monday to promote his new book Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes to Be Great—he shared how personal struggles helped him build his success.

UConn will host an event tomorrow at 7 p.m.—tickets include a copy of the book and cost $35 for students and $40 for the general public.

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.

English - A Captivating Play

7:30 PM — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $194 — Immerse yourself in the drama and magic of English on stage.

Connecticut Code + Coffee

11 AM – 2 PM — West Hartford CoWorking — RSVP required — Bring your laptop for coding and coffee in a supportive community atmosphere.

English Play at TheaterWorks Hartford

7:30-11:30 p.m. — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $188 — Experience an unforgettable theatrical performance with captivating drama and magic on stage.

Crusita Birthday Bash Hosted by Gigi

9:00 p.m. — 321 Sports and Bar — Ticket info available — Celebrate Crusita's birthday with great music and fun at this local hotspot.

Team Tommy Fund Charity Run

11:55 a.m. — 60 Elm St, Hartford, CT — $100 minimum fundraising — Participate in the Eversource Hartford Marathon and support childhood cancer awareness with Team Tommy Fund.

Kuhn's Inaugural Fall Festival & Paddle Sport Event

11 AM – 4 PM — Kuhn Employment Opportunities — Fundraising event — Enjoy paddle sports, live music, and support local adults with disabilities.

English Play Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — TheaterWorks Hartford — Tickets from $180 — Experience captivating performances in a theatrical show you'll never forget.