Alex

GOVERNOR LAMONT ASKS LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE FUNDING INCREASE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Governor Proposes $43.3 Million Increase for Next Fiscal Year, on Top of the $45 Million Increase Approved in the Current Budget (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is asking the Connecticut General Assembly to approve a $43.4 million increase in funding to support the expansion of early childhood education services statewide when they vote on the fiscal year 2025 state budget in the coming weeks. This proposed increase will come on top of the $45 million increase for early childhood education that was approved last year in the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 biennial budget. The expansion of early childhood education has been a high priority for Governor Lamont, noting that it is not only needed…

Read More

Fairfield News: Stay Inside!

These two cars that crashed at the intersection of Bronson Road and Cider Mill Lane sent in by David is the perfect example of the dangers of driving in the snow.In the past 3 hours we have heard at least 8 different spin outs and crashes, a lot of which were on I-95.

Read More

Parolee Busted: Trumbull Police Seize Drugs and Cash in Routine Vehicle Stop

Trumbull Police recovered cocaine, heroin, and cash from a Bridgeport man who was out on parole after his vehicle was stopped for an equipment violation. The operator, Phillip Rorie, age 49, of Marigold Avenue, Bridgeport, was also found to have a small plastic bag containing a white rock-like substance, and over $1000 in cash in his possession. On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at about 2:30 a.m., a Trumbull officer stopped a vehicle on Route 8 Northbound for an equipment violation and the vehicle’s registration was suspended due to insufficient insurance. When the officer approached the car, he observed multiple $20 bills laying on the front passenger seat and other items consistent with drug packaging scattered throughout the passenger compartment of…

Read More

BLUMENTHAL & COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO GIVE BUREAU OF PRISONS OFFICERS FAIR PAY

Bill would ensure all Danbury Bureau of Prison employees receive competitive pay [Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) to introduce the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act to ensure fair pay for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees in rural areas. The bill will help to address staffing shortages at Federal Correctional Institution Danbury (FCI Danbury) by allowing for competitive pay that better reflects the cost of living, commute times, alternative careers, and the hard work and dedication of BOP employees. FCI Danbury’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale employees receive New York locality pay—a cost of living adjustment that bumps pay to be more competitive with the high cost of…

Read More

Bridgeport Drug Bust: Guns, Cash, and Stolen Motorcycle Seized!

On February 7, 2024, officers working under the direction of Bridgeport Police Lieutenant Trevor Niestemski and Sergeant Michael Paoletti concluded a month-long investigation into 28-year-old Anthony Durham of Bridgeport CT for suspected narcotics and weapons violations.  Search warrants were obtained for an apartment in the 200 block of Broad Street as well as a vehicle being used by Anthony Durham.  Police officers located Durham inside his parked vehicle within the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing community.  As police officers approached the vehicle one of the occupants, later identified as 19-year-old Dominick Francis of Derby CT, fled the vehicle engaging police in foot pursuit.  Francis was quickly apprehended, placed under arrest, and found to be in possession of a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with high-capacity magazine and narcotics.  Francis…

Read More

5th Annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala: March 23rd at Fairfield Theater Company (FTC):

The not-to-be-missed charity event of 2024! On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, Westport-based non-profit Rach's Hope will host their 5th Annual PJ Gala at FTC The Warehouse in Fairfield, Connecticut. PJ Gala guests are invited to wear "pajama-chic" attire, a signature spin to their annual night of food, fun, and dancing for a cause. This year's epic night of Hope and celebration features live music by local favorites Michael Cantor and fan-favorite Fairfield rock band Ellis Island, phenomenal food by AMG Catering, and Tito's cocktails. Partygoers will also enjoy an unforgettable evening while browsing an exciting live and silent auction and connecting with friends – new and old. Rach's Hope supports local families navigating the critical illness of a child by providing nutritious food,…

Read More

This Week’s Stratford Library Events

Stratford Library has more teen events lined up. From February 12th to 16th, Grades 6-12 can visit the Teen Dept. between 2:30 and 5:00 pm for Resume Prep. Get ready for summer job opportunities as we help you turn your school, community, and volunteer experiences into a solid first resume. No registration required. On February 13th at 3:30 pm in the Lovell Room, join the Anti-Valentine's Day Party. Grades 6-12 are welcome to skip the traditional celebration and enjoy food, games, crafts, and fun with friends. No registration is required. Experience a unique Blind Date with a Book Grab 'N' Go on February 13th starting at 3:00 pm in the Teen Dept. Grades 6-12 can pick up a book without…

Read More

The Connecticut Association for Human Services Announces the Greater Bridgeport Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Kickoff

Bridgeport, CT – Today, a press conference was held to announce the Greater Bridgeport Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) Kickoff, hosted by the Connecticut Association for Human Services. The VITA program is comprised of volunteer tax preparers that would provide free tax preparation and assistance to households that have made $63,000 or less during 2023. Mayor Ganim stated, “The vitality of this program is made possible by the volunteers and the leadership of those who work tirelessly to help our residents receive much-needed assistance and the tax credits they may be eligible for. It’s programs like these that are going to provide our hardworking families with the extra money they need to make ends meet and I’m grateful that this has…

Read More

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG CONCLUDES WHISTLEBLOWER INVESTIGATION INTO CONNECTICUT PORT AUTHORITY

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today released a letter to the Connecticut Auditors of Public Accounts summarizing and concluding a whistleblower investigation into the Connecticut Port Authority. In January 2020, the Auditors received several allegations from a whistleblower regarding potentially improper and unethical conduct by Port Authority employees, board members and a contractor, Seabury PFRA LLC (“Seabury”). The APA reviewed the whistleblower’s allegations and, in April 2020, reported its findings to the Office of the Attorney General. Upon receipt of those findings, The Office of the Attorney General opened an investigation pursuant to Sections 4-61dd(a) and (d) of the Connecticut General Statues. As part of that investigation, the Office of the Attorney General conducted interviews and reviewed over 223,000 pages…

Read More