Good morning, Hartford.

Autism Speaks held its annual Empower Walk and 5K at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford on Sunday to celebrate differences and support autism research; experts noted that one in 31 children and one in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism + participants said the event showed a strong community spirit.

Local churches stepped in to support SNAP recipients amid a government shutdown, with volunteers at First Baptist Church in Manchester distributing canned goods and over 150 families receiving 5,000 food items last Sunday & parishioners at Grace Episcopal Church in Windsor donating nonperishable food to local banks. Uncertainty remains on when SNAP benefits will resume, leaving many to rely on these vital community efforts.

Michael Swart, a generous HVAC technician known for free repairs, died when his Chevrolet Silverado crashed on Douglas Road at about 10 a.m. on Oct 28; he is survived by his daughter, siblings, and loyal dog Matilda—his memorial service is scheduled for Nov 16 at Figaro’s Italian Restaurant in Enfield.

The Town of West Hartford is collecting pumpkins until Dec.

1 at three sites—Town Hall, the Public Works lot at 17 Brixton Street, and Westmoor Park; collected pumpkins will be processed locally into electricity and compost.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said SNAP benefits could resume on Wednesday, which may bring food aid to about 360,000 local residents.

Some recipients remain skeptical—waiting for the funds to reach their bank accounts before accepting the update.

Associate professor Jie Tao at Fairfield University developed an AI model that detects suicidal ideation in social media posts with nearly 90% accuracy by scanning six popular platforms—this tool alerts clinicians to follow up on concerning posts using rules from human counselors to cut down on false positives.

UConn's Jayden Ross improved from earlier struggles by scoring 13 points off the bench in an exhibition win over Michigan State—his performance comes as the Huskies, missing key players like Braylon Mullins, prepare to open their season today against New Haven on ESPN at 7 p.m.

On Oct. 31, Northwest Catholic hosted Daniel Hand in a CIAC Class M girls soccer tournament opener and the game remained 1–1 until the Lions clinched victory in a penalty shootout—securing a home match against Northwestern on Nov.

4 at 2 p.m.

The UConn women’s basketball team will open its regular season Tuesday without star Paige Bueckers and with returning leaders Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong bolstering a full 15-player roster.

Coach Geno Auriemma aims to repeat past success by leaning on five new faces and proven talent — with teams like South Carolina and Texas expected to challenge them — as the season unfolds.

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.

Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities

7:30-9:00 p.m. — William H. Mortensen Hall — Cost info not provided — Embark on an action-packed adventure in the Ninja Kidz multiverse where you control the outcome.

Macy Gray Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Infinity Music Hall — Tickets available — Experience Macy Gray's unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk with her captivating performance.

Glow Hartford

12 PM – 7 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Check event page for details — Experience a festive indoor light display reminiscent of neighborhood holiday decorations.