DoingItLocal – Local News in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford, Norwalk, and Beyond!

Structure Fire

Firefighters were called to a structure fire in the 1100 block of Pembroke Street. Firefighters found heavy fire on the third floor. Firefighters immediately began searching for anyone in the large building; everyone made it out safely, and there were no reported injuries. The Red Cross was called to take care of the displaced residents, and the fire marshal was called to investigate the cause of the fire. Firefighters continued chasing hot spots in the attic until 5:30pm. Thank you, Madeline, for sharing your video with our viewers!

2025-12-20@3:20pm– #Bridgeport CT #ctfire

Make Music Fairfield to Host Winter Solstice Stroll Through Downtown

FAIRFIELD, CT — Make Music Fairfield announced it will host the winter edition of its community music event, The Solstice Stroll, on Sunday, December 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the winter solstice with song.

The event will feature a musical promenade through the heart of Fairfield’s Cultural District, beginning at the Fairfield Theatre Company’s StageOne Box Office. Participants will stop at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre and the Main Library before concluding at the Sherman Green Gazebo, where holiday-themed music will be performed throughout the walk.

Organizers say the event is free and open to all, similar to Make Music Fairfield’s larger summer solstice festival. Musicians and singers of all skill levels are invited to participate, reinforcing the event’s focus on community and accessibility.

Make Music Fairfield is part of the national Make Music Day Alliance, which includes 141 participating cities across the country. Each year on June 21 and December 21, communities nationwide come together to celebrate the solstices with free public music events.

The Solstice Stroll will include familiar holiday favorites such as Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Hannukah Oh Hannukah, Mele Kalikimaka, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Joy to the World, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Deck the Halls, and Holly, Jolly Christmas. More information is available by following @MakeMusicFairfield on Facebook and Instagram.

Third Floor Fire

Report of a fire on the third floor of a building in the 1000 block of EAST Main Street in Bridgeport. Firefighters are on scene reporting that the fire is out at this time.

EDIT: It was East Main Street, not Main Street.

Pedestrian Struck

A pedestrian was struck in front of the photo store on River Street. They were transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.

2025-12-19@7:09pm– #Milford CT

Two Pedestrians Struck

Report of a pedestrian struck on Fairfield Ave near King Street in Bridgeport. The road is currently closed and there is a major traffic backup in the area. UPDATE: Another pedestrian reported struck around the 100 block of Boston Ave in Bridgeport. 2025-12-19@5:40PM

Bridgeport, Alliance Distribute 2,000 Blessing Boxes to Families Using SNAP and EBT

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The City of Bridgeport, in partnership with the Alliance for Community Empowerment, hosted a Blessing Boxes distribution event on Wednesday, December 17, providing food and household essentials to residents during the holiday season.

The event took place from noon to 3 p.m. at 1151 Park Avenue and served individuals and families who receive SNAP or EBT benefits. Using a drive-through and walk-up format, volunteers distributed 2,000 Blessing Boxes designed to provide meals and essential items while ensuring easy and efficient access for residents.

Mayor Joe Ganim thanked the many volunteers and partners involved, including Alliance, M&T Bank, and other community supporters. He said the event reflected the spirit of the season and demonstrated how collaboration can positively impact thousands of residents.

Alliance for Community Empowerment Executive Director Dr. Monette Ferguson highlighted the role of partnerships in making the event possible, thanking the Ritter Foundation and the City of Bridgeport for matching donations that funded the boxes. She said the effort will allow families to return home with meals for several days and credited volunteers for helping move the boxes directly into the hands of those in need.

City officials said the Blessing Boxes initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and connect residents with critical resources. Residents who attended expressed appreciation for the accessibility of the event and the city’s continued focus on community support.

Construction Causes Mass Pole Issues Down Gregory Street

At approximately 10:30am, a company was conducting a demolition in the Gregory Street and Myrtle Avenue area. Parts of the building took down power lines along with a UI pole. UI has been notified, and their estimated time of arrival is within 30-45 minutes. The building did not collapse due to the storm and there are no reported injuries.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG SECURES COURT ORDER PROTECTING SNAP BENEFITS

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today released the following statement after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to penalize states with millions of dollars in fines related to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operations:

“The Trump Administration couldn’t get their own story straight, but wanted to penalize states anyway for not following their unlawful guidance that they had already abandoned. We sued, and once again we have a court order blocking Trump from defunding SNAP and using hunger as a political weapon,” said Attorney General Tong.

On November 26, Attorney General Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration after it attempted to cut off SNAP benefits for tens of thousands of lawful permanent residents. On December 10, the administration reversed itself and issued new guidance, confirming that lawful permanent residents – including former refugees and asylees – remain eligible for SNAP benefits. Despite that reversal, the administration continued to threaten states with millions of dollars in fines, claiming that states had missed a required “grace period” for implementing the new guidance, even though the final guidance was not issued until December 10.

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon issued an order temporarily blocking those penalties. The court’s decision prohibits the federal government’s efforts to impose severe financial penalties on states and protects the continued operation of SNAP programs while the case proceeds.

Two Men Critically Injured in Bridgeport Crash Involving Parked Tractor-Trailer

On December 16, 2025, at approximately 3:39 p.m., Bridgeport Police officers responded to a serious motor vehicle collision at the intersection of North Washington Avenue and Housatonic Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers observed emergency medical personnel from American Medical Response transporting a male passenger to St. Vincent’s Medical Center and a male driver to Bridgeport Hospital.

The scene was secured, and the Bridgeport Police Reconstruction Team was requested and responded to the location. A preliminary investigation determined that a silver four-door sedan, operated by a 32-year-old Bridgeport resident and occupied by a 31-year-old Bridgeport resident passenger, was traveling westbound on North Washington Avenue when it collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked in the westbound lane.

The tractor-trailer was occupied by a 61-year-old male New York resident, who was not injured and remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation. The 32-year-old driver and 31-year-old passenger of the sedan were both listed in critical condition.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Officer Rory Anderson at (203) 576-7640 or via email at rory.anderson@bridgeportct.gov.

Robbery Investigation Leads to Norwalk Man’s Arrest in Stamford

NORWALK, CT — A robbery investigation that began on Woodward Avenue last month has resulted in the arrest of a Norwalk man, according to police.

On November 17, 2025, at approximately 9:04 PM, Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a report of an armed subject in the area of 42 Woodward Avenue. The caller reported that a male was outside with a firearm threatening individuals, while a second suspect allegedly stole money from the complainant. Both suspects fled the area before officers arrived.

The Norwalk Police Department Detective Bureau assumed the investigation and, through surveillance video review and other investigative efforts, Detective Imparato identified one of the suspects as Jimmie Springer. An arrest warrant was subsequently obtained through Stamford Superior Court.

On December 18, 2025, members of the Norwalk Police Department’s Special Services Division, assisted by the Detective Bureau and the Stamford Police Department Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, located Springer in Stamford and took him into custody without incident. Following his arrest, Springer was remanded into the custody of parole.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Arrested: Jimmie Springer, 33
Charges: Robbery in the First Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Fourth Degree
Bond: Remanded by parole
Court Date: December 30, 2025

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Norwalk Police website or by texting “NORWALKPD” to TIP411 (847411).