Good morning, Hartford.

The Connecticut Education Association held a blood drive at its Hartford headquarters on Wednesday in partnership with the Red Cross to help boost the blood supply with about 40 donations—showing the community's support for those in need.

Residents in Connecticut with Jamaican ties are organizing donation drives as they await word from loved ones after Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with Category 5 winds Tuesday.

The Shubert Theater in New Haven and the West Indian Social Club in Hartford are accepting diapers, batteries, clothing and food—organizers are also urging monetary donations to support relief efforts.

Four companies have been awarded $2.6 million in state grants to expand operations in Connecticut using funds from a $25 million Strategic Supply Chain Initiative.

The grants will support $12.5 million in capital investments and create 83 jobs at AeroBond Composites, Beta Shim, Colonial Coatings — and Sheffield Pharmaceuticals.

A WalletHub report released on Wednesday ranked Connecticut as the 2nd best state for jobs (based on 34 indicators like employment growth and median income), with only Massachusetts ranking higher.

The study showed lower unemployment and strong job security (reflecting data on work hours, starting salaries, and commute times) compared to other states.

No Connecticut Lottery players won Tuesday night's Mega Millions jackpot—only smaller prizes were awarded as tickets cost $5 and 6,801 winning tickets were sold in the state.

The jackpot has grown to $754 million while the next drawing will take place Friday.

Governor Ned Lamont and state officials met Wednesday morning at the Capitol in Hartford to discuss drug misuse prevention.

They announced a new initiative to distribute 50,000 drug-deactivation pouches statewide—these are designed to help families safely dispose of unused medications.

Connecticut Children's in Hartford received a $50 million gift from philanthropist Tom Golisano, marking the largest donation in the hospital's history+ the donation will help expand care for children and pave the way for joining a network of 10 hospitals to share best practices in pediatric care.

A bankruptcy judge approved Hartford HealthCare's bid to purchase Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals for $86.1 million – with their unpaid bills rising by 33% this year to $122.6 million.

Hartford HealthCare must now file for state approval through an expedited emergency Certificate of Need process.

UConn forward Alex Karaban announced he will return for his fourth and final season to chase a third national title and break school records — he hopes to leave his career with no regrets by giving everything for the team.

The UConn men’s basketball team beat Michigan State 76-69 in an exhibition game at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford on Tuesday.

Alex Karaban and Solo Ball each scored 18 points while Jayden Ross added 13 points—Ball was named to the Preseason Watch List for the 2026 Jerry West Award.

UConn beat Michigan State 75-69 in a preseason exhibition game on October 28 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford—there were 56 fouls in a match that tested different lineups with missing starters.

Coaches Hurley and Izzo said the game cleared preseason jitters and pointed out that the team will work on reducing fouling and improving defense in upcoming contests.

The Nth Power - Halloween Funk Party

8-11 p.m. — New Park Brewing — $0.63 service fee — Experience the funk groove from The Nth Power in a special Halloween celebration.

UConn Huskies vs. UAB Blazers

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — Cheaper tickets available — Catch the exciting college football rivalry between the Huskies and the Blazers.

The Wrecks Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Webster — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience a night of live music with The Wrecks in Hartford.

Plaidcast in Person with Piper Klemm

6-9:30 p.m. — Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art — Free entry — Engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the sport with industry insights from special guests.

Playboi Carti Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — PeoplesBank Arena — Tickets from $73 — Catch Playboi Carti live in Hartford for an electrifying evening of hip-hop.

The Lone Bellow Concert

1-4 p.m. — Infinity Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience heartfelt Americana and indie rock with soaring harmonies and intimate storytelling.

PMP Exam Prep Course

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Regus - Hartford - Downtown — Pricing varies — Boost your project management skills with an intensive 4-day PMP certification training bootcamp.

Dvorak and Rachmaninoff Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — $5 for Capital students, faculty, and staff — Experience an evening of emotional orchestral brilliance featuring Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra: Dvorak and Rachmaninoff

8-11 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — $5 for Capital students, faculty, and staff — Experience an emotional journey through Dvorak’s lyrical Cello Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s dramatic Symphony No. 2.

Fernweh Lecture by Dr. Richard Benfield

6:30 p.m. — Windsor Public Library — Free entry — Explore distant places and experiences from over 137 destinations with Dr. Richard Benfield.