Good morning, Hartford.

Early Friday morning, the annual 99.1 WPLR Chaz & AJ Crabtree Motor Group Toy Drive kicked off to benefit local children’s charities, with Channel 3 broadcasting live as Santa greeted attendees.

Hartford's First Night event takes place Dec.

31 at Bushnell Park with all-day music and fireworks at 6 p.m. and midnight — a newly added benefit ball runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Bond Ballroom.

A LendingTree study shows Connecticut drivers rank fourth in the nation after steady drops in accident and speeding incidents.

The report analyzed millions of insurance inquiries (Jan. 1 through Sept. 30) and marks a turnaround from previous years.

Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, Connecticut schools have used Sandy Hook Promise programs and the STOP School Violence Act to train over 689,000 youths and adults in spotting warning signs (as part of a seven-year initiative).

State officials plan to continue these efforts to promote safer, supportive school environments.

West Hartford Public Schools will add Asian American history to its World War II lessons, featuring stories like Medal of Honor recipient Sadao Munemori.

Nearly all grades (covering 9,300 students) will integrate these lessons in the coming year, except fourth and fifth.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is urging homeowners with unfinished window replacement and siding projects from NewPro Operating LLC's Chapter 7 filing on Nov.

3 to file claims with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court + submit a complaint online for possible payment from the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund.

Gov. Lamont directed that U.S. and Connecticut flags be lowered to half-staff on Sunday from sunrise to sunset at the State Capitol and state-operated buildings statewide in remembrance of Sandy Hook victims (20 children and 6 adults died in 2012).

Lamont urged all schools, businesses, and municipalities to follow suit.

Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in October, and over 3,500 nurses have applied for a multistate license that lets them work in 43 states (according to Gov. Lamont and health officials).

The new option will allow both local and out-of-state nurses to help address the nursing shortage.

State regulators approved Hartford HealthCare’s bid to purchase Manchester Memorial and Rockville General — requiring Rockville’s 24/7 emergency department to stay open for three years.

The bond package will fund improvements and the purchase will close Dec. 31 with new management taking over Jan. 1.

UConn's No. 5 men's basketball team faces Texas Friday night at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford at 8 p.m. The Huskies announced a stripe out (fans should check seating for blue or white) ahead of their final home and home series.

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.

Glow - Hartford

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — A vibrant concert experience awaits at this must-attend event in Hartford.

Glow - Hartford

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Connecticut Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience one of Hartford's top concert picks this December.

Glow - Hartford

3:00-4:30 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Fair pricing — Experience one of the top concert picks happening in Hartford.

Glow - Hartford

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Connecticut Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience an illuminating concert that lights up Hartford this December.

Christmas Eve Mass

4-10 p.m. — Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center — Free entry — Experience a heartwarming liturgy and music to celebrate the joy of Christmas.