2023-06-14@11:00pm–#Brideport CT– Neighbors told me there were over 10 shots fired in the parking lot at Benham and Park Avenue. One person was shot and went to the hospital in a private vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. A couple of parked vehicles were probably hit as well.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut will observe Juneteenth Independence Day as a legal state holiday for the first time in the state’s history on Monday, June 19, 2023.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, the news took time to make its way around the country. As such, it was not until June 19, 1865, when the Union army brought word of the proclamation to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, making them among the last to be freed.
“For far too long, Juneteenth and the end of slavery have not been truly appreciated as a major part of United States history to the extent that they should,” Governor Lamont said. “Embracing this history is an important component of educating everyone about how our nation was built and the significance of what this day means. When we ignore the impact of slavery, we ignore who we are as Americans and the extraordinary injustice that it created. Making Juneteenth a legal state holiday does not erase the cruelty of slavery, however it makes it clear that Connecticut acknowledges this gross injustice in our collective history and recognizes its impact.”
“Today, we commemorate the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Juneteenth serves as a solemn reminder of the continued work we must do to repair the centuries-long harm done as a result of slavery, racism, and segregation. As we mark the first time that we will observe Juneteenth as a legal state holiday, we celebrate the progress we have made while still recognizing the work we have yet to complete.”
This new legal state holiday was created by Public Act 22-128, which Governor Lamont signed into law in 2022. It requires every June 19 to be observed as Juneteenth Independence Day beginning in 2023. If June 19 falls on a Saturday, the legal state holiday will be on the prior Friday, and if it falls on a Sunday, the legal state holiday will be on the following Monday.
State offices in Connecticut will be closed for the day. Additionally, by law, legal state holidays are bank and credit union holidays, during which bank and credit union transactions are generally suspended. The decision to close public schools for the day is up to each school district. By law, any school district that remains open on a legal state holiday must hold a suitable educational program in observance of the holiday.
2023-06-14@2:49pm–#Bridgeport CT– A crash on Route 8/25 northbound near exit 5 taking up the right shoulder and right lane. No word on injuries.
2023-06-14@12:32am–#Fairfield #Bridgeport CT– A homeowner in the Thorme Street area confronted a catalytic converter who displayed a firearm before fleeing. Thankfully Fairfield was alerted so that I could pass this on and warn you!
This press release was made possible by:
2023-06-13@7:30PMish–#Fairfield CT– A viewer sent in this photo of teens being led from Jennings Beach by police for allegedly fighting. A short time later police were called to Warde High School for teens on da roof.
Suspect Andre Johnson, wanted for the murder of Aaron Hunt, was apprehended today by members of the US Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Bridgeport Police Homicide Detectives, members of the Bridgeport Violent Crime Task Force, and the Waterbury PD.
2023-06-13@3:20pm–#Fairfield CT– Another crash despite the delayed green light at Jennings and Black Rock Turnpike. No word on injuries.
It is the start of the busy summer travel season and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding the public the CTDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO continues to provide roadside assistance at no cost on weekdays across Connecticut. Each year, the Safety Patrol responds to nearly 15,000 service calls in Connecticut. During the summer, services rendered by the Safety Patrol increase by more than 25%.
“With additional travelers heading across Connecticut this summer season and with more active construction and work zones on the roadways, we need motorists to slow down and pay attention behind the wheel. We want drivers to keep themselves and others safe, but in case someone has any vehicle trouble, they can count on the CTDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO to be there,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “These professionals are there to help get motorists back on the road as quickly and safely as possible to help prevent crashes or injuries. I appreciate the hard work of our Safety Patrol team members who are delivering this service at no cost to thousands of motorists throughout the state.”
Special white and blue pick-up trucks proactively patrol Connecticut highways on weekdays between 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to assist stranded motorists. Services include changing flat tires, jump-starting vehicles, and moving disabled vehicles to the shoulder. There is never a charge for these services, and Safety Patrol drivers cannot accept tips.
In a recent survey submitted by a Connecticut motorist assisted by the CTDOT Safety Patrol, Christina writes: “I am a realtor, and I was on my way to show houses when I got a flat tire on Interstate 84 and limped the car down an exit ramp onto Route 8 off into the grass…Out of nowhere, an angel named William from the DOT appeared with a half-hour left in his shift, he stopped to see if I was OK…not only was he efficient, he was kind…I was absolutely floored by the experience with William. I honestly had no idea this service existed.”
In addition to assisting stranded motorists, the Safety Patrol works with emergency responders at incident scenes. The Safety Patrol also clears debris from the highway to improve traffic flow and prevent future incidents.
The CTDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, vehicles are active on weekdays between 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. along highways, including I-84, I-91, I-95, I-291, I-395, Route 2, Route 7, Route 8, and Route 15.
The CTDOT Safety Patrol is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The CTDOT Safety Patrol program is operated solely by CTDOT personnel who are not authorized to contact GEICO on behalf of the motorists or assist in insurance claims.
This press release was made possible by:
2023-06-11@9:17pm–#Bridgeport CT– First responders are on scene of a two-car crash with injuries in the 300 block of Beechwood Avenue.
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) on Wednesday introduced legislation to extend and expand the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program, which supports the U.S. maple syrup industry through research and education, natural resource sustainability, and the marketing of maple syrup and maple-sap products. The Market Access, Promotion and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers (MAPLE SYRUP) Act would extend and increase authorized funding to $30 million for the federal maple support program, and it renames it the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) co-sponsored the legislation.
“There’s nothing better than real New England maple syrup. For years, I’ve fought to support Connecticut’s small maple syrup producers, and the Maple program is key to helping grow their businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is included in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Murphy.
“New Hampshire maple syrup is not only delicious, but it also plays an important role in our state’s economy and identity,” said Shaheen. “Investing in our maple industry is critical to its longevity, as well as the success of Granite State agriculture. I’ll work to include this legislation in the upcoming Farm Bill to ensure our maple producers in New Hampshire and throughout New England have the environmental and economic resources they need for their businesses to thrive.”
“This measure is an investment in the hardworking maple syrup producers in Connecticut and across New England,” said Blumenthal. “The farms, sugar houses, and small businesses that make up the backbone of the industry deserve our support. Expanding resources for research, marketing, and sustainability will put them on a path for success and future growth.”
