Good morning, Hartford.

Rail services are adding extra trains and cars this week to handle the record number of riders expected for Thanksgiving—this added service is planned to ease crowded stations and improve holiday travel.

Cava Restaurant in Southington unveiled its holiday display on November 11—showcasing over 500,000 lights and themed rooms including Wicked, Venetian Masquerade, Abracadabra, Narnia, and the North Pole Express with Santa’s workshop and village.

The immersive exhibit remains open until February and offers a striking seasonal experience.

The Connecticut Department of Education said it met its first school-choice goal by placing 96% of Hartford families who applied for entry-grade spots in the state program (set after the Sheff v.

O’Neill settlement). The state will add 2,737 new seats by the 2028 to 29 school year (expanding access to magnet, Open Choice and technical high schools).

Walgreens recalled 41,328 bottles of saline nasal spray with xylitol on November 12 after tests found the bacteria pseudomonas lactis was present — the Class II recall may lead to temporary, reversible health issues.

The company is notifying affected customers by sending letters to those who bought the product at 70 local stores.

Connecticut drivers should fill up their tanks and check their tires and batteries before heading out for Thanksgiving since gas now averages $3.08 per gallon and AAA reported nearly 600,000 roadside calls last year.

AAA advises leaving before 11 a.m.—crashes, weather or construction could slow travel.

Azzi Fudd earned the AP Player of the Week award after she made key long-range shots in UConn's neutral-site wins against No. 5 Michigan and Utah.

UConn kept the top spot in the AP Top 25—receiving nearly all first-place votes as Fudd shined in both games.

UConn football player Skyler Bell is one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, marking the first time a UConn player has received this honor.

His season—101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games—has placed him among the nation’s best receivers, and the award winner will be named on Dec. 12.

The Connecticut Boys Soccer Coaches Association has released its 2025 all-state teams for Class LL, L, M, and S, recognizing top players in boys soccer and noting that Simsbury’s Keegan McCullough celebrated a game-tying goal in the Class L state championship on November 16 at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford — a sign of strong local talent. Coaches chose the teams based on a season of impressive play and skill.

GametimeCT released its Football Pick'Ems for Week 12 of the high school season, featuring 10 picks from 19 games and additional predictions for 20 Thanksgiving matchups—details shown in clear graphics that outlined key game matchups ahead of the holiday.

The selections were published by the staff on November 25th.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — Ticket information available — Experience a dazzling display of lights in a festive atmosphere.

Tribute to Enanitos Verdes

9:00 p.m. — Nicole's Restaurant — Tickets available — Celebrate classic rock with the iconic sounds of Enanitos Verdes.

Nutmeg's Nutcracker

12:30-2:30 p.m. — The Bushnell Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the magical holiday classic as the Nutmeg Ballet brings Clara's enchanting journey to life.

PMP Certification Bootcamp

9 AM – 5 PM — 100 Pearl Street Gallery Parking — Contact hours included — Fast-track your project management career with expert-led PMP training.

CTData Conference 2025

9 AM – 4 PM — Hartford Marriott Downtown — Registration required — Engage with leaders and learn data practices for community impact.

Jukebox Radio Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Elicit Brewing Co — Cover charge may apply — Enjoy a night of non-stop hits from Post Malone to Aerosmith with a full band.

Slick Rick Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Webster — Ticket prices vary — Experience the storytelling genius of hip-hop’s most sampled artist live in Hartford.

Self-Care Sound Bath Meditation

6-7 p.m. — Whiton Branch Library — Free entry — Experience the healing power of sound with bowls and drums in a relaxing environment.

Date Night Downtown: Magic and Humor

6:15-7:45 p.m. — WORK_SPACE — $25 per person, $20 early bird — Experience a night of magic and humor with Kody Hildebrand in a festive setting.

2000's Night

9 PM – 1 AM — The Webster — Tickets from $57 — Celebrate the nostalgia of the 2000s with live performances at Webster Theater.