Down wires are being reported in the Grovers Ave. area. Approximately 405 customers without power. Estimated restoration time per UI is 8:15pm.
Bridgeport News: Downed wires cause Power Outage
Month: March 2025
Fairfield Warde DECA Shines at State Competition, Sending Finalists to International Conference
Fairfield, CT – Fairfield Warde High School’s DECA chapter continues to make history, competing against over 1,200 students at the Connecticut State DECA Competition and achieving outstanding results. In just its third year, Warde DECA has more than doubled in size, growing to an impressive 78 members. This year, 25 students placed in the top five of their categories, a testament to their dedication, talent, and hard work.
A special congratulations to our qualifying finalists, who have earned a coveted spot at the DECA International Career & Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, from April 25-30. There, they will compete on a global stage against more than 21,000 students from around the world, showcasing their business and leadership skills while representing Warde DECA with pride.
This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our parents, volunteers, and the entire Warde community. Their encouragement and commitment continue to strengthen our program and help our students reach new heights.
For more information about Warde DECA and how to support our students on their journey to ICDC, follow them on Instagram: warde_deca or please contact jsauro@fairfieldschool.org
About DECA
DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The program provides students with real-world business experience through competitive events, networking, and leadership development opportunities.
Congratulations to our Finalists!
Governor Lamont Announces Job Assistance Available for Displaced Federal Workers
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has launched several programs to assist Connecticut residents who have been fired or placed on unpaid administrative leave from their federal government jobs.
“The federal government may have decided that they don’t want these skilled workers, but we want them to know that we value their public service and that Connecticut employers can use their skills,” Governor Lamont said. “Right now, Connecticut has more than 70,000 jobs available, and the Connecticut Department of Labor can help connect jobseekers to new employment or even help them begin an entirely new career if that’s what they want to do.”
Information specifically for federal workers and contractors is available on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol. This resource outlines steps for filing unemployment claims, getting answers to unemployment questions, and accessing career services. Currently, there are approximately 18,800 federal employees working in Connecticut.
“This continues to be a very difficult time for federal workers, and CTDOL staff and partners are here to help,” said Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo. “Filing for unemployment benefits is complex – it’s a federal system that requires workers to have specific separation documentation. Some workers may have been notified of their dismissal in a non-standard way and need assistance. Others may have severance and need career counseling or job search support. No matter the circumstance, CTDOL resources are available.”
CTDOL’s Rapid Response team, Business Engagement Unit, and Consumer Contact Center are working to help laid-off federal workers reenter the job market quickly. The agency also plans to host a job fair specifically for displaced federal workers and has five general job fairs scheduled for March. These job fairs are free for all jobseekers, and all participating employers and job opportunities are vetted by CTDOL.
Job placement and career services are available at no cost through the American Job Centers, offering resume writing assistance, career workshops, job search help, and support for veterans transitioning to civilian work. Both in-person and virtual appointments are available.
Unemployment benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, including work and salary history, place of residence, and other factors. Workers who received severance packages or salary continuation payments should wait until those payments end before filing for unemployment.
CTDOL also warns jobseekers to remain vigilant against fraud. The agency does not send text messages, make unsolicited phone calls or emails, or ask for unemployment account details. Jobseekers should verify any communication with CTDOL through the Consumer Contact Center and be cautious of employers charging fees to submit job applications or for employment services.
Police Arrest Vehicle Break-In Suspect
The Shelton Police Department has responded to approximately 25 vehicle break-ins over the past several days. A firearm was reported stolen in one of the break-ins. The incidents occurred downtown and along the Bridgeport Ave corridor. Police increased patrols and worked with detectives to investigate. During their efforts, they identified a suspect vehicle, which was reported stolen.
On 03-03-25, Officer Ray Laudato was patrolling the downtown area due to these recent incidents. He located the suspect vehicle in the Cornell St parking lot. When approached, the vehicle fled at a high speed, nearly striking Officer Laudato’s police vehicle. The stolen vehicle then crashed into another car on Howe Ave, and a male suspect exited, fleeing on foot. During the chase, Officer Laudato saw the suspect reaching into a bag while running. He was able to apprehend the suspect shortly after.
A flashlight, ski mask, and multiple sets of car keys were found in the suspect’s bag. Police also searched the area where the foot pursuit occurred and located the firearm reported stolen from one of the break-ins.
The suspect, 27-year-old Jostyne Morales-Ortiz of Bridgeport, was charged with multiple offenses, including Interfering with an Officer, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Theft of a Firearm. He was also charged with Violation of a Protective Order and several motor vehicle offenses. Additionally, Morales-Ortiz had outstanding warrants for Failure to Appear 1st Degree and two warrants for Violation of Probation, which were served by Shelton Police. On 03-04-25, he was brought to Derby Superior Court for arraignment.
Shelton Detectives are continuing their investigation, and additional charges or arrests may follow.
The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bridgeport News: Structure Fire
Report of a fire on Washington Terrace near Park Ave. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and knocked down an internal fire.
Solicitor Permit Suspension
Effective today, the City of Norwalk has suspended the solicitor permit issued to Limitless Management LLC dba Frontier Communication for 120 days.
The suspension follows multiple arrests of unlicensed solicitors, reports of solicitation after dark, and aggressive solicitation practices targeting Norwalk residents. Some of these incidents occurred on properties displaying “No Soliciting” signs.
In Norwalk, solicitation is only allowed by companies with a valid permit and licensed employees who carry clear identification. Additionally, solicitation is strictly prohibited after dusk and on properties where “No Trespass” or “No Soliciting” notices are posted.
Residents who wish to file a complaint can call 203-854-3000 or use the city’s tip line.
“Fashions of the Gilded Age” at Stratford Library Lifestyles of the Wealthy Is Topic on March 9
The Stratford Library will present “Fashions of the Gilded Age,” an entertaining talk focusing on the 1870s thru 90s “bustle periods” and the lifestyles of the wealthy in their Newport mansions and beyond, on Sunday, March 9 at 2 pm. Historian Karen Antonowicz will be the guest speaker. The talk is free and open to the public.
Taking her audience for a dynamic walk through the culture, history, and style of the late 1800s, Antonowicz utilizes a professional slideshow with a variety of references to the hit HBO television series, The Gilded Age. In addition, a large array of period clothing, footwear, and accessories will be on display for audience members to see and touch up close and personal.
Karen (Ren) Antonowicz received her Master’s Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, with a concentration in Historic Costume & Textiles from the University of Rhode Island. She then taught History of Fashion and other courses full-time at the college level for 13 years and taught part-time in the CE Program at the Rhode Island School of Design.
“Fashions of the Gilded Age” will begin at 2 pm on March 9 in the Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main Street in Stratford. General seating begins at 1:30 pm.
For further information, visit www.stratfordlibrary.org or call the Stratford Library Programming Office at 203-385-4162.
Crash Involving Firetruck
While responding to an emergency call at Santa Fuel, Engine 1 was involved in a MVA at the corner of Myrtle and South Ave.
No injuries to members of the Fire Department. The driver of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation. The Bridgeport Police Department is investigating this incident.
Board of Selectmen Restores $2 Million to Fairfield Public School Budget
Fairfield, Conn., March 4, 2025—During the Board of Selectmen’s (BOS) Deliberative Budget Session on March 3, the Board voted to restore $2 million to Fairfield’s Public School budget.
The Board of Education (BOE) had initially requested a 6.7 percent increase, one of the highest in the region and in Fairfield’s past two decades. While 4.45 percent of the increase was attributed to necessary teacher and paraeducator salary adjustments, concerns arose due to minimal grand list growth of only 0.24 percent. This meant that much of the increase would lead to higher property taxes.
Selectman Christine Vitale made a motion to restore $2 million in funding, which was seconded by First Selectman Bill Gerber. Gerber’s administration had been actively seeking revenue opportunities and expense reductions to support school funding since early January, when Superintendent Michael Testani first proposed the increase. Both Gerber and Vitale emphasized the potential for cost savings through shared services between the Town and school administration, which could be explored further in the future.
Vitale stated, “The school budget is driven by the needs of the children and how many children are in our schools. If there can be a cost savings in buses or transporting children that can then be applied to resources to better educate children, I think we should look at them.” She added that shared Town and school services could be a viable cost-saving measure if both administrations commit to finding efficiencies.
First Selectman Gerber expressed his discomfort with the original $3.9 million in cuts, acknowledging the financial strain on the town. “Providing an excellent education for our children is always one of my top priorities, and compensation for our teachers is not in question,” he said. However, he emphasized the need for the BOE to make well-considered budget decisions, given that affordability remains a concern for many families in town.
The BOS restored the $2 million through offsets in the overall Town budget, including:
- Moving $928k in maintenance projects to the Capital Plan for bonding
- Adding $1.1 million to the drawdown to the Active Employee Benefits Fund
- Adjusting the reserve from uncollected taxes to $3.35 million by increasing the collection rate to 99.01 percent
- Raising the supplemental motor vehicle assessment assumption from $112 million to $113 million
- Increasing the grand list projection by $32 million, which, with motor vehicle depreciation adjustments, added $921k in revenue
Several small increases totaling $195k were also made to the budget, covering private school transportation, police department expenses, and costs related to the town’s 175th Independence Day celebration, marina software, and Emergency Operating Center expenses.
The BOS approved the total budget of $381,964,286 by a 2:1 vote, with Gerber and Vitale in favor. The decision reduces the Board of Education’s budget cuts to $1.9 million.
GOVERNOR LAMONT PROPOSES ELIMINATING FEES FOR OBTAINING AND RENEWING OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES
Fee Elimination Will Save Taxpayers $18.8 Million in FY 2026 and $25 Million in FY 2027
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he is proposing that eliminates the fees workers in certain professions are required to pay when initially applying for occupational licenses, as well as the fees associated with renewing them.
By eliminating these costs, the governor is hoping to remove a barrier and encourage jobseekers to pursue careers within in-demand fields in which employers have indicated a need to hire skilled workers. The fee elimination plan was included as part of the governor’s fiscal year 2026/2027 biennial budget proposal that he presented to the legislature last month.
“Workers in certain skilled professions are required to obtain licenses for understandable reasons, but we should be doing more to encourage jobseekers to enter these fields, and that is why I want to eliminate all of the costs associated with applying for and renewing these licenses,” Governor Lamont said. “Over the last several years, we’ve enacted more than $840 million in permanent tax cuts, most of which are specifically targeted at providing relief to middle-class taxpayers, and I am asking the legislature to continue on this path by eliminating these occupational license fees.”
Impacted professions under the governor’s proposal include nurses, dental hygienists, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, paramedics, physical therapists, physician assistants, electricians, HVAC workers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and teachers.
Fees for these licenses range in cost from $50 to $375 per year, depending on the license. The proposal will benefit nearly 180,000 workers, saving them approximately $18.8 million in fiscal year 2026 and $25 million in fiscal year 2027.
These licenses are administered by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the Connecticut State Department of Education. Under Governor Lamont’s proposal, workers in these professions will still be required to obtain and renew licenses, however there will be no costs associated with applying for them.
| List of Occupational License Fees Governor Lamont Wants To Eliminate | ||
| Professional Category | Fee Range | Number of Payers |
| Nursing | $70-$200 | 99,452 |
| Dental hygienist | $105-$150 | 3,715 |
| Mental health clinician | $50-$320 | 19,655 |
| Occupational therapist | $50-$200 | 2,814 |
| Paramedic | $150 | 2,783 |
| Physical therapist | $65-$285 | 6,771 |
| Electrician | $90-$150 | 14,259 |
| HVAC | $90-$150 | 11,311 |
| Plumber | $90-$150 | 7,424 |
| Sheet metal | $90-$150 | 1,549 |
| Teaching | $100-$375 | 8,385 |
| TOTAL | 178,117 | |
| **Download: Detailed list of all impacted licenses within these categories | ||
“For several years it has been my top priority to pass legislation to cut burdensome fees on Connecticut’s workers, including our great teachers, nurses, mental health professionals, electricians, plumbers, and hundreds of thousands of other licensed professionals,” State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich) said. “I appreciate the governor’s leadership in making it a priority this year. Workers shouldn’t have to pay this tax just for the right to work in our state. Let’s come together to cut licensing fees on workers and send a signal that we want to make it easier to work, live, and succeed in Connecticut.”
Eliminating these fees builds on Governor Lamont’s track record of reducing taxes to make Connecticut more affordable for middle-class workers. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Lamont has enacted more than $840 million in permanent tax cuts. This includes $500 million in income tax cuts for middle-class filers that was enacted in 2023 and became the largest income tax cut made in Connecticut history; increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit that have essentially eliminated income taxes for low-income filers; the elimination of taxes on pensions and Social Security for most seniors; and the creation of a cap on motor vehicle property taxes.
The proposal is included in Senate Bill 1246, An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement the Governor’s Budget. It is currently under consideration in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.