Month: September 2025

Bridgeport Firefighters Rescue Two Victims from Early Morning Blaze

Bridgeport, CT – At approximately 1:05 a.m., the Bridgeport Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Bick Terrace for a reported structure fire. Fire units arrived to find a working fire with members of the Bridgeport Police Department already removing one victim from the building.

Firefighters launched an aggressive attack, and during a primary search, Ladder 5 located a second victim inside. Both victims were transported by AMR to St. Vincent’s Hospital for treatment. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Bridgeport Fire Marshal’s Office.

BLUMENTHAL, MARSHALL, LANDSMAN, & LAWLWER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL BILL PROMOTING INFANT SCREENING FOR VIRUS THAT CAUSES BIRTH DEFECTS

cCMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects, affecting 1 out of every 200 births.

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and U.S. Representatives Greg Landsman (D-OH) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced the Stop CMV Act, legislation to raise awareness of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) and encourage early screenings for newborns to allow for early treatment and intervention. cCMV is a common virus that can cause deafness, seizures, & other serious birth defects and health conditions in babies, and early screenings can help prevent severe health complications. 

“The Stop CMV Act provides health care providers with the tools and resources to identify cCMV and incentivizes newborn screenings—critical action to ensure babies affected by cCMV receive the quality care they need. cCMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects, often leading to serious health conditions and developmental delays, and yet it all too often goes undetected and untreated. By raising awareness and encouraging early intervention, the Stop CMV Act supports families and children impacted by cCMV and reduces the risk of the illness,” said Blumenthal.

“Too many families are blindsided by Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) simply because it goes undetected,” said Marshall. “I am proud to cosponsor the Stop CMV Act – a bipartisan bicameral effort that will invest in early screening and intervention to ensure every child has the best shot at a healthy future.”

“Every parent wants their kids to grow up healthy and strong. The bipartisan Stop CMV Act will help make that possible by expanding testing, research, and awareness so more children are diagnosed early and get the care they need. This is about protecting the health of our kids and giving families peace of mind,” said Landsman.

“Congenital CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in America, yet too often it goes undetected. The Stop CMV Act will help ensure families get answers early, doctors have the tools they need, and children have the best chance at a healthy start in life. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation because protecting the health of our youngest and most vulnerable is something we can all agree on,” said Lawler.

The Stop CMV Act authorizes new funding to incentivize hospitals and other health care facilities that care for children to screen babies for cCMV within the first 21 days after birth. The legislation also authorizes funding to collect data on cCMV and to encourage research, education, and training of health care providers, families, and the general public.

The full text of the bill can be found here.     

Fire On Da Roof!

Firefighters responded this afternoon to Garavel Subaru on Main Avenue in Norwalk after a reported solar panel fire broke out on the roof. Crews quickly arrived on scene around 3:03 p.m. to address the incident and ensure the flames did not spread further into the dealership building.

The blaze was confined to rooftop solar panels, and no injuries have been reported at this time. Firefighters remained on scene to secure the area and investigate the cause of the fire.

2025-09-19@3:03pm #Norwalk CT #ctfire

Senator Tony Hwang Vows to Remain Engaged Until Fairness and Transparency Prevail in Utility Siting Decisions

BRIDGEPORT, CT – At a press conference in Bridgeport, State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) once again reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the residents of Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport in the ongoing fight for fairness, transparency, social and environmental justice in utility infrastructure siting. Alongside local residents, faith leaders, and community advocates, Senator Hwang underscored that this issue remains top-of-mind and one of his priorities in representing Fairfield and Southport.

“Once again, I stand with all of you, and I want to make it absolutely clear: I will be at every meeting, every discussion, and every critical step of the way until this issue is transparently and equitably resolved,” Senator Hwang declared. “This is not a one-time effort, this is a sustained fight to ensure fairness, equity and justice for our communities. Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport deserve to have their voices heard, and I will continue to fight tirelessly to make sure that happens.”

Senator Hwang’s remarks come one day after Governor Ned Lamont’s appearance at a press conference at the State Capitol, where he publicly committed to ask the Connecticut Siting Council’s to delay their decision on docket 516R. This pause for greater scrutiny and negotiations is a critical step, providing much-needed time for more thorough discussions and ensuring that the decision-making process remains open and transparent.

“I am deeply appreciative of Governor Lamont’s leadership and his commitment to delay the Council’s decision,” Senator Hwang said. “This is a major recognition of the importance and concern over transparency, accountability and due process of the CT Siting Council. The advocates, state and local leaders concerns were heard loud and clear by the Governor. But we cannot rest yet as this delay would give the intervenors the time and due process needed to ensure that every community is treated fairly and that decisions are made in the light of day, not rushed behind closed doors.”

Senator Hwang expressed his gratitude to Bridgeport’s local leaders, including Mayor Joe Ganim, State Representatives Steve Stafstrom and Antonio Felipe, and State Senator Herron Gaston for their ongoing partnership and support in this critical fight for the people.

“Rep. Stafstrom, Rep. Felipe, Sen. Gaston, and Mayor Ganim have been steadfast allies in this effort,” Senator Hwang added. “Their dedication shows that this is not just a fight for one neighborhood, one city, or one party. It is a fight for every community to have a say in the future of their environment. We will not back down until we see true fairness and respect for all our people.”

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

Westport, CT –Human Services Director Elaine Daignault reminds income-eligible Westport residents to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) starting October 1, 2025.

Connecticut’s federally funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income households with winter heating bills. Connecticut’s Department of Social Services administers the program with local Community Action Agencies and municipal social services departments.

According to Daignault, “Westport residents that previously qualified for assistance through our office will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time may contact the Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.”

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). The maximum income for households is as follows:

  • Households of one (1)   $47,764
  • Households of two (2)   $62,460
  • Households of three (3) $77,157
  • Households of four (4)  $91,854
  • Households of Five (5)  $106,550

Daignault encouraged residents heating with oil or propane to complete their applications early in the season to ensure they receive the full benefit. Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease, or mortgage statements and other proof of income documents. Go to Human Services at www.westportct.gov/humanservices to learn more about Town programs and services.

Water Infrastructure Work Taking Place in Bridgeport

Water Main Replacement Project Starting This Week

Bridgeport, CONN. –September 17th, 2025 – Aquarion Water Company continues to perform essential work on infrastructure necessary to ensure continued system reliability. Water main replacement projects are scheduled to begin this week on Clarkson St, Coutland Ave, Gilman St, Jetland Pl, Jetland St, Livingston St, Montgomery St, Mountford St, and Newton St in Bridgeport, CT. The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. Final paving will then be scheduled in coordination with the Town of Bridgeport.

The project, which will replace approximately 4,900 feet of water main, is part of an ongoing program to improve Aquarion’s water distribution system and to ensure the highest quality water. The infrastructure upgrades will also help to reduce leaks and water main breaks that can cause service interruptions.

“We greatly appreciate residents’ patience during this project,” said Justin Xenelis, Aquarion’s Manager of Utility Programs.  “We will work closely with our customers, contractors, and town officials to coordinate the work and minimize any disruptions.”

Due to construction, customers should expect minor traffic delays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stratford-based Burns Construction Co. will be serving as the contractor for the water main replacement project.

To keep customers informed about scheduled/unscheduled work, Aquarion utilizes an Everbridge notification system to call affected customers. Aquarion encourages customers to sign up for this free service at www.aquarionwater.com/alerts.  Information regarding Aquarion construction projects can be found at www.aquarionwater.com/projects.

Customers with project-related questions may contact Leanne D’Acounto, Aquarion’s project manager, at (203) 362-3024 or LDAcounto@aquarionwater.com.  For service or water-related issues, please contact Aquarion Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678.

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