Good morning, Hartford.

Residents will celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks tonight.

Waterbury's Post University will launch its sixth annual show from Holy Land USA at 6:30 p.m. (weather permitting), Hartford's First Night event has free displays at 6 p.m. and midnight in Bushnell Park, and Shelton's display begins at 7:30 p.m.

Connecticut roads had 57 pedestrian fatalities as of Dec.

17, above the five-year average of 55.8, as local law enforcement and the Department of Transportation work on safety measures such as wrong-way detection and red-light cameras even though overall traffic deaths fell to about 260.

Morneault's Stackpole Moore Tryon in Hartford will close its 18-year shop at its Pratt Street location at the end of January as it relocates to a smaller boutique due to lease issues and slow recovery from covid (the men's line continues to perform well).

Customers can purchase items and store fixtures until Jan. 17.

Connecticut will raise its minimum wage to $16.94 an hour starting Thursday+ making it the second highest statewide rate, behind Washington's, as part of an ongoing policy update.

Connecticut's minimum wage will rise to $16.94 per hour on Jan.

1, 2026 as one of 19 states to increase wages to help beat inflation—a measure expected to boost pay for about 8.3 million Americans and rank Washington highest at $17.13 per hour.

UConn Health planned a $250 million upgrade of Waterbury Hospital to improve care and lower costs after a November hearing where Saint Mary’s raised concerns about service duplication.

Officials said the system will negotiate with insurers and expand outpatient care, with final purchase expected by January.

Bill Garrity of AFT Connecticut said his union welcomes the new agreement—empowering Attorney General William Tong to back frontline healthcare workers after Hartford Healthcare's recent purchase of Rockville and Manchester hospitals.

He stressed that the workers need safe staffing and resources after years of instability.

Hartford HealthCare is closing its $86.1 million acquisition of Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals today after meeting key regulatory requirements.

The network promised to invest $225 million to upgrade the facilities (including keeping its 24-7 ER open) and has set conditions to help patients and workers.

Hall/Conard girls hockey ended the year with a 7-0 shutout win against Daniel Hand on Dec.

29. Sweeney and Cohane each had five-point nights while goalie Avery Freiday kept a clean sheet.

On Tuesday, the Hall High School Titans overcame Waterbury Career Academy 70-62 in West Hartford despite missing injured captains Aiden Delaney and Eli Kramer; coach Bryan Moretti said the team will play upcoming games (at Avon and South Windsor) starting Jan.

2.

Nike New England Winterfest Volleyball

Competitive Matches — Jan 10 - 26 — Connecticut Convention Center — Entry Fee Required — Experience the thrill of youth and adult volleyball in an exciting tournament atmosphere.

Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto

7:00-8:30 p.m. — PeoplesBank Arena — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of Arendelle and Casita with thrilling performances and beloved songs.

The Cottage

7:30-9 p.m. — Hartford Stage — $ — A fast-paced farce where love, betrayal, and telegrams collide in a quaint English countryside home.

The Cottage

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Unforgettable performance awaits in this captivating theatrical event.

The Cottage at Hartford Stage

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets starting at $207 — Experience a captivating performance with The Cottage in downtown Hartford.

Ghosts of Jupiter with John Ferrara

8-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Ticket details not listed — Experience psychedelic rock with Ghosts of Jupiter and innovative bass compositions by John Ferrara.

Urgent - A Tribute to Foreigner

8-11 p.m. — New Park Brewing — $0.55+ service fee — Experience electrifying hits from Foreigner brought to life by the premier tribute band Urgent.

Kermit Lynch Wine Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Artisan Restaurant West Hartford — $125 per person — Experience a gourmet five-course dinner paired with exquisite Kermit Lynch wines as you explore French and Italian flavors.

Valentine Craft Workshop

6-7 p.m. — The Mark Twain House & Museum — $25 per person — Learn the Victorian language of flowers and craft unique Valentines to express your true sentiments.