Good morning, Westport.

Connecticut companies Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky helped supply key aircraft parts used in a recent U.S. military operation, demonstrating the importance of local aerospace manufacturing to national defense.

The firms, which support thousands of local jobs, have also secured significant new contracts.

Levitt Pavilion wrapped its season (56 free shows and 13 paid events) including a gala featuring the Tedeschi Trucks Band on Sept.

14 plus diverse performances like Argentine tango and comedy. The events brought varied audiences together near 40 Jesup Road on the Saugatuck River.

Bret Hanna-Shuford, a Broadway actor connected to Westport through his work at the Westport Country Playhouse and known for roles in Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and The Little Mermaid, died Saturday at 46 after battling T‑cell lymphoma and HLH, with his husband Stephen announcing his peaceful passing on Instagram.

Connecticut lawmakers have formed a 25-member working group on riparian buffers to study enhanced protections before new proposals affect local development.

The group, which includes state officials and local advocates, will meet on Jan. 7 and submit its recommendations on Jan. 15 — a move aimed at balancing environmental safeguards with growth.

Experts from Yale and UConn are researching ways to improve biological age by testing lifestyle changes and medical treatments—clinical trials will assess therapies aimed at boosting healthspan for local residents.

The studies target mitochondrial function and cellular repair to promote healthier aging.

The UConn men’s basketball team is riding a 10-game win streak and improved to 14-1 after victories over Marquette and Xavier.

They will face Providence’s Friars Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Peacock.

UConn men’s basketball is No. 4 in the AP Top 25 after a 10-game win streak (14-1 record).

The team will face Seton Hall on Jan. 13 and Villanova on Jan. 24 and hopes continued victories move them up the rankings.

UConn women stay No. 1 on Carl Adamec's Top 25 ballot with a 31-game winning streak + four key Quad-1 wins, and they will challenge Tennessee on Feb.

1 and Villanova on Feb. 18 to extend their record.

Northwest Catholic, Sacred Heart Academy, Sheehan and Greenwich are leading in the GametimeCT Top 10 high school girls basketball poll ahead of Jan.

5 games. SHA will host Sheehan Friday at 7 p.m. while Bristol Central faces New Britain on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

Battle of the Bands Competition

7-11 p.m. — The Westport Library — $500 grand prize — Cheer on Fairfield County's top teen and college bands as they compete for the title.