Month: December 2024

Bridgeport News: Structure Fire

At approximately 4:50 PM, Bridgeport ECC received phone calls of a structure fire of a wood frame residential building on Connecticut Ave. 3 individuals were transferred to the hospital for evaluation and unfortunately, there was one fatality. 4 adults and 4 children are being relocated by the Red Cross. The Bridgeport Fire Marshal’s office in conjunction with the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion investigation unit are investigating.

Arrests made in Stolen Motor Vehicle Case

On December 22, 2024, at approximately 2:57 PM, Westport Police responded to a residence on a stolen vehicle report. The complainant reported they pulled into their driveway and went inside while leaving their vehicle, a 2020 Bentley, running in the driveway. While inside, the complainant witnessed unknown suspects steal his car from the driveway. Westport Police observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed but did not pursue. The vehicle was outfitted with a tracking device and ultimately recovered in Elmhurst, NY, by members of the NYPD. NYPD also made an arrest of two individuals who were in a different stolen vehicle traveling with the stolen Bentley.

This incident comes on the heels of a release that was sent out last week regarding a burglary near Compo Beach. Although not confirmed, Westport PD has a working theory that the victim in this case may have been followed due to the value of his vehicle.

Westport Police continue to implore individuals to lock their cars and homes, be cognizant of their surroundings, and report any suspicious behavior to Westport Police.

Bridgeport Public Schools Launches Attendance Task Force to Combat Chronic Absenteeism

Bridgeport Public Schools is taking a proactive step to address chronic absenteeism and improve student outcomes with its Attendance Task Force, which launched earlier this month. This initiative brings together district leaders, school administrators, educators, parents, and community organizations to develop strategies aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering student success.

Currently, 29% of Bridgeport Public Schools students are identified as chronically absent, with high schools facing the greatest challenges. The task force aims to reduce chronic absenteeism to pre-COVID levels, which were 19%, by addressing barriers to attendance, improving student engagement, and fostering stronger community-school collaboration.

Organizations participating in the task force include LifeBridge Community Services and United Way, alongside district leaders and school staff, all working together to create meaningful solutions for families and students.

Key areas of focus for the task force include:

•     Identifying Barriers: Addressing factors like transportation issues, childcare challenges, social media threats, and language barriers.

•     Community Engagement: Expanding partnerships with local organizations to provide resources and support for families.

•     Innovative Solutions: Exploring flexible scheduling, home visit programs, and targeted 9th-grade transition initiatives.

“This task force represents a collaborative effort to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Royce Avery, acting superintendent. “By engaging our community at every level, we can remove the obstacles that prevent our students from attending school consistently and thriving academically.”

The Attendance Task Force will meet monthly to analyze data, propose interventions, and track progress. Immediately the next steps include a review of absentee data, and the development of actionable plans tailored to the unique needs of Bridgeport students.

Man Arrested in NY for Violent Home Invasion and Protective Order Violations in Norwalk

On December 16th, 2024, Christian Chavez-Sosa was arrested in Gloversville, NY, by the US Marshals. Norwalk Detectives transported him back to Norwalk Police Headquarters, where he was charged with Home Invasion, Strangulation in the Second Degree, three Violations of a Protective Order, and Burglary in the First Degree.

The home invasion incident occurred when Chavez-Sosa already had an existing protective order in place. On October 30th, he broke into the victim’s home, first destroying items and later re-entering the home only to terrorize the victim again. He strangled the victim as they laid in bed with their (victim’s) child, causing them to lose their breath. This only stopped when someone entered the room, causing an interruption. Chavez-Sosa then fled the residence.

On November 4th, he followed and harassed the same victim, making obscene gestures from his vehicle, once again violating the no-contact order of protection. The Marshals were able to locate him in NY, and the warrants for those crimes were served.

Chavez-Sosa was arrested on December 20th, 2024, and his bond was set at $300,000 for the home invasion incident and $50,000 for the third protective order violation. His court date is scheduled for December 23rd, 2024.

The Norwalk Police Tip Line is available at 203-854-3111. Anonymous internet tips can be submitted through the Norwalk Police website at www.norwalkpd.com, or text tips can be sent by typing “NORWALKPD” followed by the message and sending it to TIP411 (847411).

Milford News: Pedestrian Struck on the Highway

Report of an accident which occurred on I-95 South by exit 38. The initial report over the radio was for a pedestrian struck. First responders have just arrived on scene at this time. UPDATE: Unconfirmed radio reports from first responders are saying that it was a person that was struck on the Highway. Why the person was out of their car on the highway is unknown.

STRATFORD LIBRARY TEEN EVENTS IN JANUARY 2025


1/8: 4:30-6:00 pm: Teen Vision Board
The New Year is upon us so let’s take some time to create some goals to look
forward to. Come by the Teen Department and create your vision board and enjoy
a few snacks. Grades 6-12. No registration required.
1/9: 4-6:00 pm: Throwback Thursday Teen Movie Night: Bring It On
Come lay back and watch a throwback movie at the library with friends. Snacks
and refreshments provided. Location: Lovell Room. Grades 6-12. No registration
required.
1/10: Mid-Term Stress Buster Kit Grab N’ Go Kit
Help yourself to a few stress busters to get you through mid-terms. Kits include:
stress ball, note cards, erasers, pencils, mini post-its, highlighter, mints (for
concentration), and granola bar for energy. (Midterms begin 1/21). Location: Teen
Department. Grades 6-12. No registration; while supplies last.
1/14: 4-5:00 pm: Food Fear Factor
Do you consider yourself an adventurous eater? Are you up to the challenge of
eating mystery foods to win prizes? See how far you get and test your fears at the
program…if you dare. (Please note this activity may contain allergens including but
not limited to dairy, egg, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, and others). Location: Lovell
Room. Grades 6-12. Registration Required.
1/15: Express Yourself
Are you into drawing or writing? Come express yourself each month with fun
prompts to get you started. At the end of each session you will have the
opportunity to share your work with the group. Notebooks provided. Location:
Board Room. Grades 8-12.
1/21: 3:30-4:30 pm: MLK Jr. “Be the Dream” Bracelets
Let’s celebrate MLK, Jr. Day together.  Snack on some yummy brownies while we
make beaded “Be the Dream” bracelets or make a bracelet of your own design.
Snacks provided. No registration; while supplies last. Location: Lovell Room.
Grades 6-12.
1/28: 3:30-4:30 pm: Teen Silent Book Club
Enjoy reading whatever you choose in a quiet space with other teens. When
everyone is finished there is the option to discuss what you’ve read. Snacks
provided. Location: Board Room. Grades 8-12. No registration required.
1/30: 3:30-5:00 pm: Book-Pin Bowling
Yes, that’s right! We are bowling in the library-kind of! Teams will compete for the
BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY. No registration required. Location: Lovell
Room. Grades 6-12. Snacks provided.

BLUMENTHAL & SWALWELL INTRODUCE BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO REDUCE STUDENT LOAN DEBT FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act, legislation to expand the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to provide meaningful student debt relief to teachers, police officers, public health workers, and others who dedicate their careers to public service.

“Our nation’s dedicated public servants make incredible sacrifices for the betterment of our country, and they deserve relief from the immense weight of student debt,” said Blumenthal. “The Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act provides a helping hand to the loyal police officers, teachers, and healthcare workers serving our communities and expands opportunities to ease financial burdens—repaying a debt of gratitude to our public servants.”

“We should support students seeking a career in public service. That’s why I introduced the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act,” said Swalwell. “Too often students are prevented from pursuing a career in public service because of crippling college loan debt. This bill seeks to offer student loan forgiveness to teachers, police officers, public health workers and others who dedicate their careers to public service. Incentivizing students to seek public service careers while staying debt free will not only benefit our communities, but also allow students to freely make decisions for their future.”

The Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act expands PSLF and eliminates uncertainty for borrowers. The legislation allows borrowers to receive forgiveness for their loans in qualifying intervals, further incentivizing individuals to pursue careers in public service.

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

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