Month: January 2025

3 Arrested in Norwalk Smoke Shop Burglary

At approximately 2:25 a.m. on January 30, Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a report of a suspicious person near Van Tassell Court, not far from the store. Shortly after, an unidentified caller whispered into the phone before the call was lost. Although dispatchers could not hear the individual, they were able to trace the call’s location to 213 Main Ave.

Patrol officers quickly responded and discovered broken glass at the storefront. Inside, three male suspects were seen attempting to burglarize the business. As officers approached, the suspects fled on foot, prompting a police pursuit. Two men were eventually apprehended, while a female suspect was found hiding inside a parked car near the scene. The third male suspect managed to escape and remains at large.

During the investigation, officers learned that an employee had been inside the store when the suspects broke in. Fearing for his safety, the worker took cover inside a beverage cooler and was unharmed.

The Norwalk Police Detective Bureau has assumed the investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Detective Courtney Downer at 203-854-3182 or via email at Cdowner@norwalkct.gov.

Suspects Arrested:

  • Faith Cintron, 23, of Framingham, MA
    • Charges: Conspiracy to commit burglary (third degree), theft of a plate, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief (first degree)
    • Bond: $150,000
    • Court Date: February 14, 2025
  • Ronin LaCourt, 18, of Norwalk, CT
    • Charges: Burglary (third degree), conspiracy to commit burglary (third degree), criminal mischief (first degree), interfering with an officer, larceny (sixth degree)
    • Bond: $150,000
    • Court Date: February 14, 2025
  • Caleb Martias, 20, of Bronx, NY
    • Charges: Burglary (third degree), conspiracy to commit burglary (third degree), conspiracy to commit criminal mischief (first degree)
    • Bond: $150,000
    • Court Date: February 14, 2025

Strong Work By Bridgeport Firefighters

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Collage.mp4

What an incredible effort by the heroes at Bridgeport Firefighters to keep this inferno to just one building. Special thanks to Marc from Top Notch Chimney for capturing the image of the dog being rescued.

Strong work by all!

You can reach Marc at 888-845-9585 or topnotch.chimney@aol.com

GOVERNOR LAMONT AND COMMISSIONER RUSSELL-TUCKER ANNOUNCE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT ISSUED TO K-12 SCHOOLS ON THE PROTECTION OF STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM PERTAINING TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker today announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education has issued a guidance document to every K-12 public school district in Connecticut in response to questions regarding the impact that recent changes in policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pertaining to immigration enforcement activities may have on school operations, student privacy, and the safeguarding of students while in school.

Both Connecticut and federal law protect a student’s right to attend public school, regardless of their immigration status. This guidance is intended to provide school districts and their governing bodies with an overview of state and federal laws pertaining to student rights and the responsibilities of school districts, and assure districts, students, and families that Connecticut is welcoming to all students. It is also intended to provide districts with a framework for the development of policies and procedures that protect student rights, consistent with state and federal laws.

“Our schools are primarily places for learning and growth. It is important for our students and families to feel welcome and protected by their schools so educators can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning,” Governor Lamont said. “To achieve this, we are supporting our school leaders in developing procedures that prioritize the protection of students and their information to the fullest extent permitted by the law.”

“Students are at their best when they are in school, fully engaged in learning, and feeling safe and supported by their school community,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “This guidance is designed to help school districts develop policies and procedures that are clear and aligned with state and federal law, while ensuring all students feel welcome in their classrooms.”

“BLACK HISTORY MONTH” EVENTS SCHEDULED AT LIBRARY

Film & Literature Programs Set in Stratford

The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of “Black History Month,” will present special events relating to the Black experience, covering film, discussion, and literature. As part of its long-range plan, the Library will provide Stratford residents with materials and programs that foster understanding and appreciation for their heritage and the diversity of the community. Programs are free and open to the public. All events will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room.

The special “Black History Month” events scheduled at the Library:

  • Talk: Learn About RiSE
    The purpose of the RiSE study is to learn whether the stress reduction program, called “Resilience, Stress, and Ethnicity,” improves the body’s response to stress in African American women who have risk factors for heart or metabolic disease. At this tabling event, you can ask questions, grab handouts, and sign up to be screened for eligibility. Participants may receive up to $500 for their time.
    Date: Monday, February 10, 10am – Noon (Main Lobby)
    Snow date: February 12, 2025
  • Monday Matinees: “The Piano Lesson”
    This monthly series will screen the critically acclaimed film adaptation of August Wilson’s prize-winning drama. During the aftermath of the Great Depression, the Charles family debates the value of their family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor. Samuel L. Jackson leads an excellent cast.
    Rating: PG-13, 125 minutes
    Date: Monday, February 10, Noon (Lovell Room)
  • Books Over Coffee: Master Slave Husband Wife
    This monthly book discussion examines author Ilyon Woo’s true story about a young, enslaved couple, Ellen and William Craft, who achieved one of the boldest feats of self-emancipation in American history. Posing as master and slave, while sustained by their love as husband and wife, they made their escape together across more than 1,000 miles.
    Host: Linda LiDestri
    Date: Wednesday, February 26, Noon (Lovell Room)
  • Meet the Author: Andy Piascik
    Author Andy Piascik will discuss his new book, Radical Connecticut, which details how Nutmeggers have a long tradition of making history ‘from the bottom up’. Autographed copies of his book will be available for purchase following the talk.
    Date: Thursday, February 27, 6:30-8 pm (Lovell Room)

Bridgeport Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision

On January 25, 2025, Bridgeport Police observed a serious motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Barnum Avenue and Harriet Street while on routine patrol. A 53-year-old male, later identified as Andre Scarlett of Bridgeport, sustained serious injuries when his black 2000 Saturn SC2 was struck by a gray 2013 Hyundai Sonata with North Carolina plates (HCZ1398) as he attempted to pass through the intersection. The occupants of the Hyundai Sonata fled the scene on foot. Scarlett was transported to Bridgeport Hospital by American Medical Response but tragically succumbed to his injuries.

The Bridgeport Police Serious Crash Investigation Team is leading the investigation and extends its condolences to Scarlett’s family and friends. Police urge anyone with information to contact Officer A. Orum at (203) 576-7640, the Bridgeport Police TIPS Hotline at (203) 576-TIPS, or via email at Andrew.Orum@bridgeportct.gov. Bridgeport Police remind drivers to slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions while on the road.

Bridgeport Teachers Speak Out: A Call for Action and Change

Governor Lamont Calls for Change in Bridgeport Schools Amidst Challenges of Leadership and Resources

On Friday, an important meeting shed light on critical issues facing our schools. The teachers’ firsthand accounts were so compelling and insightful that they demand more than a typical report. Their voices offer a unique perspective on the challenges and realities they encounter every day—perspectives that deserve to be heard.

Bridgeport, CT — During a candid discussion with local educators and officials, Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the urgent need for systemic change within Bridgeport’s struggling school system. The governor, who has decades of experience addressing education issues, expressed deep concern over the district’s challenges, ranging from resource shortages to leadership instability.

“I think you’ve been let down by lousy leadership,” Governor Lamont stated bluntly. He pointed to mismanagement of funds, bloated administrative overhead, and frequent turnover in key leadership positions such as the Board of Education and superintendent’s office. “The money is not going to your classrooms,” Lamont said, calling the situation “shameful” and urging unions and administrators to ensure taxpayer dollars are allocated to directly support students and teachers.

The governor’s remarks followed a heartfelt session with teachers, Mayor Joe Ganim, and Acting Superintendent, during which educators painted a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by students and staff alike. Teachers spoke of overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and the challenges of addressing the needs of students dealing with trauma, language barriers, and poverty.

One teacher, a 22-year veteran of the district, described classrooms bursting with nearly 30 students, many of whom require individualized attention due to diverse learning needs or recent migration to the country. “When you have 29 students with different learning needs, it’s incredibly difficult to provide the instruction they deserve,” she explained. “Some of these students are dealing with trauma that makes it impossible for them to focus on academics.”

Another teacher shared how innovative strategies, such as using translation apps and bilingual instruction tools, have been critical for reaching English Language Learner (ELL) students. However, even these efforts are hindered by a lack of sufficient support staff, such as social workers, guidance counselors, and interventionists. “We need people,” the teacher stressed, noting that trauma and poverty are significant barriers to learning. “Kids can’t focus on letters and sounds when they’re hungry or walking to school past drug dealers and violence.”

The need for comprehensive family engagement was also a recurring theme. Teachers explained that many parents want to support their children’s education but face challenges such as language barriers or lack of access to resources. Some teachers have resorted to providing materials in Spanish and utilizing technology to bridge the gap, but systemic support remains lacking. “We need to meet families where they are and provide the tools they need to be part of their children’s education,” one educator said.

Governor Lamont echoed these concerns and highlighted stark inequities between Bridgeport and neighboring districts like Fairfield. “Why are predominantly Black and working-class students in Bridgeport facing these challenges while classrooms a few miles away have half the number of students and better resources?” Lamont asked. He stressed that all children deserve equal educational opportunities, regardless of their ZIP code.

Mayor Joe Ganim, who joined Lamont at the meeting, has been actively pushing for state support to address Bridgeport’s budget shortfalls and resource gaps. “We’re working together to see what we can do to turn things around,” Ganim said. “Our kids deserve better.”

In addition to calling for leadership changes, Governor Lamont outlined steps to address the crisis, including increasing access to social services, expanding family engagement programs like the LEAP initiative, and bringing in apprentice teachers from local colleges to assist in classrooms. He also emphasized the importance of addressing basic needs, such as food security, to ensure students are healthy and ready to learn.

Despite the challenges, many teachers expressed hope that with the right support and leadership, meaningful change is possible. “We need to address the root causes of these inequities,” one educator said. “We owe it to these kids to give them the same opportunities as their peers in more affluent districts.”

As the discussion concluded, Lamont reiterated his commitment to helping Bridgeport’s schools and urged stakeholders to come together for the sake of the city’s children. “This isn’t just about money,” he said. “It’s about leadership, accountability, and making sure every dollar goes where it’s needed most—into the classrooms.”

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