Bridgeport firefighters rescued five people from a structure fire Sunday night in the 1200 block of Kossuth Street. A ceiling collapse inside the building forced crews to evacuate and continue firefighting operations from the exterior.
Firefighters were dispatched to Greene Homes tonight for an automatic alarm, which was quickly upgraded to a full assignment while crews were en route after additional information indicated an active fire. Upon arrival, smoke was visible from the sixth floor of the building.
Crews advanced to the sixth floor, stretched a line from the standpipe, and extinguished a bedroom fire. All occupants were already out of the building when firefighters arrived, and a small number of pets were removed safely. No further issues were reported at the scene.
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Report of a house on fire on Bryan Hill Road in Milford. Firefighters are on scene confirming heavy fire in the back and are currently putting out the blaze.
Report of a fire at the abandoned Harding High School building at the 1700 block of Central Ave. Firefighters on scene are reporting fire in a window and are currently putting it out at this time.
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Executive Order Requires Application Fees Be Refunded if Licenses, Certificates, and Permits Are Not Processed by Certain Deadlines
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order (Executive Order No. 26-1) to improve the processes and response times Connecticut residents and businesses face when applying for and renewing state licenses, certifications, and permits, with the goal of making it easier and faster to interact and complete such transactions with state government.
The executive order sets up a process that will ultimately enable residents and businesses to have their application fees refunded if their application has not been processed by certain, prescribed deadlines. It also implements a review of existing digital services that residents and businesses use to apply for licenses, certificates, and businesses, and directs state agencies to determine which license, certification, and permit processes could benefit from additional technological resources, including online applications.
The initiative is part of Governor Lamont’s ongoing commitment to make it easier and faster to interact with Connecticut state government and improve how government operates.
“Since our administration began, we’ve made significant progress in bringing more state government transactions online, improving processing times, and eliminating backlogs, and I want us to take another step forward in making these services work faster and be even easier to navigate,” Governor Lamont said. “Connecticut residents deserve a state government that is as responsive as possible. With this order, we are going to set specific standards that will let Connecticut residents and businesses know how long it will take for agencies to process their applications, and if that is not met they will get their money back.”
Specifically, the executive order requires all state agencies under Governor Lamont’s authority to compile and submit to his office within a specific period a report containing a list of all licenses, certifications, and permits issued by the agencies and a summary of what they are and how applications are accepted (e.g. paper, email, web portal, or other). Among other information, the reports must also contain data on how many applications are received annually and how long on average it takes to process them. Additionally, agencies must propose a maximum number of days for applications to be completed for each individual license, permit, and certification.
Following receipt of the agency reports, the executive order requires the Office of the Governor to publish a list setting deadlines that each license, certification, and permit must be approved or denied. After publication of that list, if an agency has not completed processing applications within the designated amount of time required for each respective license, certification, and permit, applicants may request a refund of the application fee from the agency.
The executive order was modeled after a recent, successful initiative launched in Pennsylvania under the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro. That initiative has been recognized nationally for its success in improving government efficiencies and the delivery of digital services.
Since taking office, the Lamont administration has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce wait times and streamline state government transactions and bring them online. This includes the launch of several one-stop-shop portals – including business.ct.gov, jobs.ct.gov, and health.ct.gov – and the launch of online services at several state agencies for transactions that previously required in-person visits and paper forms.
(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department is pleased to announce the formalization of the Community Care Unit (CCU), an initiative that builds on long-standing collaboration between the Police Department and the Town of Westport’s Human Services Department and other community partners. The CCU is led by Lieutenant Sereniti Dobson and Officer Ruta Pratt.
Since Fall 2025, Lt. Dobson and Officer Pratt have been closely tracking the increasing volume and complexity of calls involving individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. These efforts reinforced the need for clear directionality and coordinated response pathways that extend beyond the immediate police intervention. The CCU strengthens that directionality by aligning police response with established Human Services referral, follow-up, and care coordination processes through a trauma-informed approach.
The purpose of the CCU is to enhance the Department’s ability to identify individuals who may benefit from additional support and ensure timely, appropriate connection to Westport Human Services and community-based resources. These supports include mental health care, addiction services, and other social service interventions designed to address underlying needs and reduce repeated calls for service.
While the Police Department and the Human Services Department, directed by Elaine Daignault, have collaborated for decades, the CCU formalizes and expands this partnership by clarifying roles and strengthening follow-through. Police officers remain focused on managing immediate safety concerns, while Human Services leads resource navigation, referral, and ongoing engagement. This shared framework allows for continuity of care beyond the initial police response and supports long-term stabilization.
Lt. Dobson and Officer Pratt will work closely with patrol officers, Human Services staff, and community providers to ensure a compassionate, consistent, and solution-focused response. Through this collaborative model, the CCU reinforces a unified system of care that prioritizes safety, accountability, and meaningful follow-up for individuals and families served by the Town of Westport.
(Westport, CT) Effective on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the fine for non-permit holder parking violations at both Westport Railroad Station lots will increase.
At the request of the Westport Police Department, the Board of Selectmen recently approved an increase of the fine amount for non-permit holders parking in permit holder designated areas of the lots. The current fine of $25.00 for these violations will increase to $50.00 beginning on Tuesday.
This measure is intended to ensure that permit parking designated areas remain accessible only to parking permit holders. As has always been the case, daily parking areas are available at both stations for non-permit holders.
Anyone seeking general information about permit parking and/or wishing to purchase a permit can do so by following the link below:
Police are investigating a crash involving an SUV that struck two ambulances that were parked in the ambulance bay at St. Vincent’s/Hartford Healthcare on Hunting Street. The driver was attempting to take the child from the emergency room and crashed. He was the child’s father. The man was arrested.
2026-01-17@4:42pm– #Bridgeport CT
FAIRFIELD, CT—State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) today announced his heartfelt appreciation and recognition of Carla Miklos, Executive Director of Operation Hope in Connecticut, following her announcement that she will retire at the end of March after nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Throughout her tenure, Carla Miklos has been a steadfast advocate for individuals and families facing economic hardship and homelessness, drawing on her robust background to strengthen community-based solutions. Under her leadership, Operation Hope expanded its reach and deepened its impact, becoming a trusted lifeline for countless residents across the region.
Senator Hwang and Miklos worked closely over many years to address the root causes of economic insecurity and homelessness, collaborating on efforts to support families navigating job loss, housing crises, rising costs of living, and food insecurity. Most recently, they partnered to assist residents impacted by disruptions in SNAP food assistance programs that affected families and seniors.
“Carla’s leadership has been defined by compassion, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting our neighbors facing economic hardship and homelessness,” said Senator Hwang. “Throughout the years, we have worked closely together to support families and individuals during some of their most difficult moments, most recently during the SNAP food assistance challenges that affected communities just before Thanksgiving and remain ongoing.”
Senator Hwang also praised Miklos for her collaborative approach and ability to unite nonprofits, volunteers, government partners, and the private sector to achieve meaningful, lasting change.
“Carla’s ability to bring people together has made a profound difference in the lives of countless residents,” he added. “As she enters a well-deserved retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dignity, and selfless leadership that will be hard to follow. I wish Carla the very best in her next chapter and thank her for her extraordinary service to our community.”
Carla Miklos’ leadership and dedication have left an enduring imprint on Operation Hope and the communities it serves, ensuring her impact will continue well beyond her tenure.
