Good morning, Hartford.

Business owners gathered in Hartford on Dec.

3 to discuss how TikTok is fueling local growth. Entrepreneur Adam Rivard from Somers said his 3D printed toy business (Bumpa Built) grew from one to 70 printers, and officials noted over 56,000 state businesses use TikTok for sales and exposure.

Gov. Ned Lamont activated the Severe Cold Weather Protocol at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec.

4, to protect vulnerable people from forecast arctic temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal and it will run until noon on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Those needing shelter should visit 211ct.org (or call 2-1-1).

In towns like Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Westport, rules limit the daytime use of gas-powered leaf blowers.

A state proposal would push agencies to switch to electric equipment beginning in 2027 (pending further review) to reduce noise and air pollution.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health urged residents to get vaccinated as over 600 influenza cases and nine COVID-19 deaths were reported; it reminded locals to seek immunizations during National Influenza Immunization Week ending today and ahead of holiday gatherings.

Connecticut Children's Medical Center opened an eight-story clinical tower at its main campus in Hartford to improve pediatric care.

Work began in 2023 and will finish in 2026, offering family-friendly features such as a fetal care center (and private NICU rooms) to help children feel at home.

Connecticut families may face steep premium hikes if Congress does not extend ACA subsidies.

By Dec. 15, 28,000 residents (including Sue Lohle) could see their monthly costs jump from $700 to nearly $4,000 while a vote is expected next week.

Tonight's bitter cold weather prompts local homeowners to lock windows & doors and add weather stripping to keep the warmth inside while scheduling heating system maintenance.

Energy experts advise signing up for free Home Energy Solutions evaluations to cut heating costs by up to 15%.

UConn men’s basketball will face Texas at Hartford on Dec.

12 as part of its nonconference schedule. Coach Dan Hurley said the team is focused on building its own identity — aiming to set higher goals without relying on past championship banners.

UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell becomes the first Huskies' skill player in 20 years to receive a Senior Bowl invitation.

He broke school records this season (and is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award) as he prepares to play in Mobile on Jan. 31.

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.

Glow Hartford

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Limited tickets available — Experience one of Hartford's top concert picks this December.

Glow Concert

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket info available — Experience a top concert event in Hartford this December.

Glow - Hartford Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Must-attend concert experience — Don't miss this top music event lighting up Hartford this December.

Glow - Hartford

4:00-5:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket prices not specified — Experience one of Hartford's top concert picks this December.

Bulkeley vs. Prince RVT Basketball Game

6:00-7:15 p.m. — A.I. Prince Technical School — Free entry — Catch the Prince RVT varsity basketball team in action against Bulkeley on their home court.

Inder Sahani - Stand Up Comedy Live

6-11 p.m. — The Theater of the Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience an evening of laughter with the witty Inder Sahani in Hartford.