Good morning, Hartford.

CT State Manchester will host the 26th annual Empty Bowls Project on Saturday, Oct.

17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where art and culinary students join forces to fight food insecurity. Attendees can buy a bowl for $30 and fill it with assorted soups donated by local restaurants (a united community effort).

Connecticut residents are starting new companies as business registrations increased 9% amid economic uncertainty.

They are using startups, gig work, and AI tools to launch fresh opportunities in the local market.

Actress Selma Blair will appear at the 90s Convention in Hartford this weekend despite pleading not guilty to charges involving an incident on a flight (her representative cited a medical emergency); photo ops remain available.

Hundreds of alumni, students, and families gathered at the University campus last weekend for Hawktober Homecoming and Family Weekend — featuring reunions, campus tours, live music, and a special luncheon honoring the 1996 men’s soccer championship team.

A new report from CT Voices for Children shows poverty in Connecticut climbed from 7% during the pandemic to 10.6% post-pandemic, and further public benefit cuts (including changes to SNAP and Medicaid) could push more residents into hardship soon.

In September, the First Church of Christ in Unionville donated over 100 children’s books to West Hartford Adult Education’s English for Families and Futures class (helping free up grant funds for other supplies) to boost literacy skills among parents and children.

Conard High School will host its Fall Ball Homecoming dance on Oct.

24 at 7:00 p.m. in a transformed cafeteria that replaces last year’s Town Hall venue; students will enjoy a DJ, cornhole, photo booths, and autumn treats (tickets range from $20 to $30 available during lunch waves).

Experts from the Connecticut Audubon Society report that osprey chick survival dropped from 1.25 to 0.87 per pair amid a decline in baitfish, likely due to commercial fishing and warming waters.

Researchers say the low numbers warn of wider effects on the coastal food chain and plan to monitor nests.

Connecticut ranked last in energy efficiency among New England states, and WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said energy-saving measures can lower household utility bills by up to 25%.

An analysis of today’s autumn market shows condo listings surged in Connecticut’s three biggest job centers even as the overall housing market remains tight+ inventories of houses stayed low.