Month: May 2021

Bridgeport News: Person Shot

#Bridgeport CT–On May 8, 2021 at approximately 11:45pm the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center reported a gunshot wound victim was brought into an area hospital. 

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Raekwone McDonald, sustained a single non-life-threatening gunshot wound.  McDonald said he was shot while traveling to a corner store located somewhere along Berkshire Avenue.  Another citizen drove the victim to the hospital.  He was treated and is reported to be in stable condition.

The Bridgeport Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Detective Angel Llanos at 203-581-5229 or utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.

This press release was made possible by:

Westport News: Larceny in the First Degree (Motor Vehicle Theft)

#Westport CT– On September 5, 2020 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Westport Police officers responded to
Avis Rental Cars on a report that an individual rented a car and then allegedly failed to return the
vehicle. The manager stated that the car in question was supposed to have been brought back to
Avis in early August, but as of September 5 it had yet to be returned. The person who rented the
vehicle was identified as Michelle Kinner and prior to contacting the police Avis purportedly
sent a letter to Ms. Kinner requesting that she return the car.


Since the vehicle was a month overdue and efforts to recover it from Ms. Kinner were not
successful the car was deemed to be stolen. Therefore, a warrant for Ms. Kinner’s arrest was
completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.


On the morning of May 6, 2021, Ms. Kinner turned herself in at the Westport Police
Department and per the warrant she was charged with Larceny in the First Degree (Motor
Vehicle Theft). Ms. Kinner was released on a Promise to Appear and is scheduled to be
arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court the morning of Friday, May 21, 2021.

Connecticut College Corps

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that applications are now being accepted for the recently created Connecticut College Corps, which aims to recruit college students interested in working at summer enrichment programs as part of the governor’s plan to provide K-12 students and families with engaging enrichment and learning experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the initiative, the state will partner with local colleges and universities to recruit 500 higher education students to participate in summer programs for children. Participants will receive training on social-emotional health, equity, diversity, and academic training to support the summer programs.

The state is partnering with local college and universities to identify students interested in participating. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut State Department of Education, Fairfield University, and other public and private higher education institutions across the state will work together to recruit college students and match them with summer programs. The effort is a collaboration of a statewide working group of higher education institutions seeking to support K-12 education summer enrichment efforts. It is funded with $1.5 million of Connecticut’s Coronavirus Relief Funds, in addition to $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds under a proposal the governor recently submitted to the state legislature.

“Thousands of students have had their school years significantly disrupted from the pandemic and it is critical that we help them have a stimulating summer and an engaging educational experience,” Governor Lamont said. “Our administration is launching the Connecticut College Corps as a way to provide K-12 students with much needed summer enrichment opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time giving college students experiences that will improve their career opportunities.”

“Investment in the Connecticut College Corps will ensure summer program providers have the staff necessary to expand access to high-quality, high-impact learning and enrichment opportunities,” Connecticut Education Acting Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said. “College students will gain meaningful experience, and our children will benefit from the mentorship of older students, supporting our efforts to address children’s social-emotional well-being leading up to the fall. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to assist with this initiative to provide support to Connecticut students and hope that it will make a significant difference for those who fell behind academically during the pandemic,” Connecticut Office of Higher Education Executive Director Tim Larson said. “If the results are as encouraging as we anticipate, we should consider spinning it off into an AmeriCorps program model.”

“Fairfield University is honored to be the home for the Connecticut College Corps,” Fairfield University President Mark Nemec said. “Connecticut’s higher education institutions have worked collaboratively and in strong partnership with the state since last March. We are eager to continue that partnership in the form of the Connecticut College Corps and we look forward to recruiting and providing the necessary training to these young adults so they are equipped make a difference in the lives of children throughout the state this summer.”

Applications are open until May 21, 2021. Applicants should be undergraduate college students who attend Connecticut colleges and universities, including class of 2021 graduating seniors or Connecticut residents who attend college out of state.

More information on the program, including the application materials, is available online at www.fairfield.edu/collegecorpsct.

This press release was made possible by:

State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), voted for legislation extending telehealth services in Connecticut for another two years. This extension allows health care providers and patients to have continued flexibility utilizing a tool that continues to be great benefit for Connecticut residents seeking health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill approved in a bipartisan vote in both the state Senate and state House of Representatives now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“This legislation will ensure the coverage needed for patients who continue to seek care online or over the phone,” said Sen. Moore. “It is helpful for those who don’t have access to transportation to receive the medical care they need, and it is beneficial to those struggling with their mental health who may not want to leave their home during a traumatic global pandemic. This particular treatment can be lifesaving.”

Under House Bill 5596, “An Concerning Telehealth,” telehealth services temporarily expanded by a bill led by Democrats last summer would be extended until June 30, 2023.

These services extended include:

  • Expanded types of providers and licensed professions that can provide telehealth services including: dentists, behavior analysts, music therapists, art therapists, physician assistants, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants
  • Allow telehealth by audio-only without requiring video
  • Licensed providers in other states allowed to provide telehealth services to Connecticut residents as long as they have minimum professional liability insurance coverage

Additionally, a provider has to determine if the patient has health insurance coverage. If yes, then has to find out if the coverage includes telehealth prior to offering health services by that means.

Also, physicians and advanced practice registered nurses may use telehealth services to issue a written certification to qualifying patients for medical marijuana.

Telehealth refers to the virtual method of providers delivering health care and other health services to patients through communication and information technologies. Telehealth has helped facilitate the providing of numerous health care needs including, but not limited to: diagnosis, consultation and treatment, and self-management of a patient’s mental and physical health.

This virtual practicing of medicine continues to be a critical tool in connecting state residents with health care and related services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth has enabled people to be able to meet with their providers from the safety and comfort of their home, while secure in the knowledge their medical privacy remains upheld due to federal privacy requirements when receiving treatment through audio and visual communication platforms. In addition, the remote interaction works to lower the spread of COVID-19 by removing the need for close physical interaction between the patient and provider.

This press release was made possible by:

Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
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