2020-10-24@4:37pm– #Fairfield CT– A woman called police to report that three teenaged girls walked by her house making fun of the political sign in her yard. She insisted on seeing a police officer which was dispatched.
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an annual observance that occurs during Fire Prevention Week and honors the sacrifices of fallen firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags – including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise – should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
“Firefighters dedicate themselves to the safety of our neighborhoods and put their lives on the line to protect others,” Governor Lamont said. “I am thankful to the firefighters who protect our communities and its people, and I encourage everyone to reflect upon those who have given their lives in the line of duty.”
This press release was made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
The City of Bridgeport Police is attempting to identify the suspect in the assault of a 74 year old man who was attempting to return bottles at the Stop and Shop located at 4531 Main St on 09/02/20. The victim was only able to describe the suspect as a black male, approximately 50 years old wearing a black jacket, knit hat with writing on the side of his pants legs. The attached picture snippets (first 4) were of the initial assault that occurred in the bottle return area. The 2nd two snippets were taking inside of Stop and Shop when it appears the suspect was trying to cash out his bottle returns receipts. The victim was treated at the hospital with serious injuries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kenneth McKenna at 203-581-5245 or by calling the Bridgeport Police TIPS Line at 203-576-TIPS
2020-10-03@1:11pm–#Fairfield CT– A citizen called police about a reckless driver on the Post Road near Southport. A short time later a call came in that the car crashed on the Post Road on Sasco Hill Road.
HARTFORD, CT) – Members of Connecticut Congressional Delegation today sent a letter to President Donald Trump to urge him to grant Governor Ned Lamont’s request for a major disaster declaration following as a result of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias.
“The significant outages and damage caused by the storm placed additional burdens on our state and local agencies, volunteers, and first responders at a time when they continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – putting some of our most vulnerable populations at risk. Federal assistance is critically necessary in order to facilitate full recovery from the storm,” wrote the delegation members.
The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Representatives John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jim Himes (CT-4), and Jahana Hayes (CT-5).
A complete copy of the letter is below:
Dear Mr. President:
We write strongly urging you to grant Governor Ned Lamont’s request for a major disaster declaration for all Connecticut counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations. Specifically, we support the Governor’s call for activation of Public Assistance (PA) and implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
On August 4, 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias tore through our state leaving over 750,000 residents and businesses without power, adversely affecting public transportation, causing damage to homes and infrastructure, and disrupting telecommunication systems. The significant outages and damage caused by the storm placed additional burdens on our state and local agencies, volunteers, and first responders at a time when they continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – putting some of our most vulnerable populations at risk. Federal assistance is critically necessary in order to facilitate full recovery from the storm.
The Governor’s request is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288), which provides financial aid and assistance for communities hit by unprecedented disasters like Tropical Storm Isaias. As the Governor’s major disaster declaration request makes clear, the joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (DPA) confirms that the State of Connecticut and all of its eight counties met or exceeded the minimum per capita requirements for additional federal assistance. The state and its partners took unprecedented steps to respond to the storm while continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary for the federal government to provide much-needed relief to our state during these unprecedented times.
This press release was made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont today signed legislation that will provide municipal election officials with the option of having more time to begin the process of verifying absentee ballots that have been received for the upcoming general election. The use of absentee ballots is anticipated to significantly increase for the November 3, 2020 election due do the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill the governor signed today allows local election officials to open the outer envelope used in absentee ballots and verify the legitimacy of the inner envelope beginning on Friday, October 30 at 5:00 p.m., rather than 6:00 a.m. on Election Day, as was previously required. The inner envelope, which contains a voter’s submitted ballot, still cannot be opened or the ballot counted until the day of the election.
Beginning the verification process on October 30 is entirely optional for each municipality, and requires a joint agreement between a local town clerk and registrar. Municipalities that choose to use these pre-counting procedures must notify the Secretary of the State in advance and obtain her approval.
“In America, every voter has the right to cast their ballot and have that ballot accurately counted, even during a pandemic,” Governor Lamont said. “This slight change in our election laws will provide some extra time for our registrars and town clerks to do their necessary administrative work, while ensuring that each ballot is safe and secure.”
Governor Lamont is reminding voters that every municipality in the state has been given at least one drop-box for voters to drop off their applications to request an absentee ballot, as well as the actual absentee ballots. All of the drop-boxes are located in secure spots outdoors, and most towns and cities have placed them at their local town hall buildings. Using the drop-boxes is a good idea to ensure that the ballots do not get delayed in the mail, the governor said.
“Your voice is your vote,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “No voter should have to choose between their health and exercising the fundamental right to vote. This legislation protects the integrity of our elections by ensuring that every valid vote cast in our state is counted accurately.”
“Absentee ballots are a proven, reliable, and safe option for voters, and every valid vote cast will be a vote counted in the state of Connecticut,” Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said. “This modest change to the process will make it a little easier for local election officials as they prepare for Election Day. No one should have to choose between protecting their health and casting their ballot.”
The legislation is House Bill 7005, An Act Concerning a Municipal Election Monitor at the 2020 State Election and Processing of Absentee Ballots for the 2020 State Election.
Earlier this summer, Governor Lamont signed a bill granting all registered voters in Connecticut the ability to vote in the general election utilizing an absentee ballot due to the need to socially distance because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For instructions on how to vote by absentee ballot in Connecticut, click here.
Police UPDATE: On October 3, 2020 at about 2:00 A.M., officers on patrol on Main Street in the area of Water Street heard several gunshots coming from the area of West Main Street. When officers responded to the area, they found a male in the municipal parking lot who had been shot. Officers rendered medical aid until an ambulance arrived and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The male, a 26-year-old Ansonia resident, was shot multiple times in the upper body and is currently listed in serious but stable condition. While still on scene, Griffin Hospital reported a second victim of a gunshot at their facility. Officers responded to the hospital where the second victim, a 24-year-old Ansonia resident, was being treated for a single gunshot to the lower body. The second victim, a male is currently listed in stable condition. The Derby and Seymour Police Departments assisted with securing the scene. The Ansonia Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact the department at 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously at TIP411 at the link below.
2020-10-03@1:52am–#Ansonia CT– Report of a shooting on West Main Street. A dark colored Malibu fled towards Seymour on North Main Street. Uncertain if anyone was hit.