(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today promised to fight for Connecticut clean air, clean water and climate following the announcement by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin that his agency will gut regulations protecting Americans from airborne toxins, smog, dirty power plants and more.
The Trump Administration has also taken steps towards rescinding the 16-year-old “endangerment finding” establishing the non-controversial, scientifically-supported and widely understood connection between greenhouse gases and harm to human health and the environment. That finding is the foundation enabling regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from numerous sources, including power plants and motor vehicles.
“This is a dangerous attack on the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the planet we all rely on for life so that the world’s biggest polluters can pocket even bigger profits. The Office of the Attorney General was involved in establishing many of these regulations, and we’re going to fight these reckless rollbacks at every single step,” said Attorney General Tong. “I’m particularly worried about what these actions mean for air quality. Connecticut sits at the end of our nation’s tailpipe. Without strong federal regulations and responsible actions by our upwind neighbors, there’s nothing we can do to stop the influx of smog from our country’s heaviest cross-state polluters. A dirty power plant operator four states away is going to get a free pass while kids in Connecticut choke. These regulations were carefully crafted over decades after intensive public scrutiny and analysis, and we’re not going to let Trump erase them without a fight.”
On March 13, 2025 – The Bridgeport Police Task Force arrested three adults and three juveniles following an investigative stop on Bond Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the evening of March 13, 2025. Officers recovered two firearms and other contraband from the vehicle, leading to the immediate arrest of all six individuals involved.
Task Force Officers were conducting an on-going investigation when they observed a Honda Accord with six occupants in the area of Boston Ave and Bond St. The stop was conducted within the 300 block of Bond St.
As Officers made contact with the occupants of the vehicle, firearms were observed inside the vehicle. No person in the vehicle had a valid pistol permit to carry a firearm. Further search of the vehicle revealed quantities of Xanax pills and 200 grams of marijuana. Firearm’s seized were identified as a FN 509 9mm handgun with a 24 round magazine and laser attachment, the second firearm was a 9mm “Ghost Gun.”
The arrested adults, Wazin Ali (20), Rafael Velez (19), and Gianna Petree (19) have been charged with multiple firearm offenses, including weapons in a motor vehicle, failure to obtain serial number (Ghost Gun) and high-capacity magazine. The juveniles are facing similar charges, and their cases will be handled in accordance with juvenile justice procedures.
“With the change in seasons, we often see an increase in home improvement projects and decluttering efforts,” said Fire Marshal Dunn. “However, improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical outlets, and spontaneous combustion of oily rags can all lead to devastating fires.”
The recent structure fires have been linked to common hazards, including improperly discarded chemicals, electrical malfunctions, and combustible materials being stored too close to heat sources. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported, but the fires have caused significant property damage.
Fire Prevention Tips
The Westport Fire Department urges residents to follow these safety measures to prevent garage and structure fires:
Store flammable liquids properly: Keep gasoline, paint thinners, and other combustibles in approved containers, away from heat sources.
Dispose of oily rags safely: Never pile up rags used with oil-based stains or paints. Store them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid or lay them out to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Check electrical wiring: Avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Inspect cords for fraying or damage.
Keep combustibles away from heat sources: Do not store cardboard boxes, wood, or paper products near water heaters, furnaces, or other heat-producing appliances.
Ensure proper ventilation: When using flammable chemicals or conducting renovation work, maintain good airflow to reduce fire risks.
Additionally, the Connecticut State Fire Marshal recommends the importance of having working smoke detectors and multiple exit plans to enhance home safety. While fire-related fatalities have declined compared to last year, continued vigilance is essential.
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials
Proper disposal of hazardous materials is critical in preventing fires. Residents are encouraged to participate in Westport’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day to safely dispose of items such as oil-based paints, solvents, and chemicals. Improper disposal can increase fire hazards and lead to environmental contamination.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Details:
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Greens Farms Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road, Westport, CT
“Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing fires,” Dunn added. “If you have concerns about fire safety in your home, our department is always available to provide guidance.”
For more fire safety information, visit westportct.gov/fire or contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 341-5020.
First Selectman Bill Gerber announced today that the Town of Fairfield will begin a long-planned replacement of the East Trunk sewer line in May 2025 with an expected project duration of approximately 18 months. Aging sewer lines will be replaced to improve the reliability and efficiency of the Town’s wastewater system, reduce maintenance cost, prevent future disruptions and support development in the Town by providing necessary infrastructure for growth. Two public informational meetings will be held to share important details about the project, primarily affecting residents who live on the following streets: Kenard Street, Kenwood Avenue, Dalewood Avenue, Ash Street and Grasmere Avenue. There will be a staggered schedule of project work so that neighborhood impacts will be limited to shorter time periods of one to three months as work progresses. Impacts may include one way traffic and an on-street parking ban during work hours. “This Capital project is estimated at a total cost of $30.8 million, with $13.5 million funded by the Town, $13.5 million funded by the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the final $3.8 million funded through a state grant. This is a long-deferred but critical improvement to the Town wastewater system,” said Gerber. “Replacing aged sewer pipes will improve flow efficiency, reduce our maintenance costs and avoid disruptive repairs. We delayed this project but the time to modernize the East Trunk line is now.” All residents are invited to attend one of the public information sessions, scheduled for March 20 and March 25.
Meeting 1: Date: March 20, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM In Person Location: First Floor Conference Room Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 To Participate on line via Zoom: Via Web Browser
o https://zoom.us/j/7250682401 o Meeting Passcode: 123 From the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet: o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401 o Meeting Passcode: 123 Via Phone: o Call (646) 931-3860 o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401 o Meeting Passcode: 123
Meeting 2: Date: March 25, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Location: First Floor Conference Room, Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 To Participate on line via Zoom: Via Web Browser o https://zoom.us/j/7250682401 o Meeting Passcode: 123 From the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet: o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401 o Meeting Passcode: 123 Via Phone: o Call (646) 931-3860 o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401 o Meeting Passcode: 123
The Town of Fairfield is pleased to announce that Emmeline Harrigan has been appointed Director of Town Plan and Zoning, the Town’s land use agency, effective April 1. With Plan and Zoning Director Jim Wendt’s announcement of his retirement, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) appointed Harrigan to serve as Director of Town Plan and Zoning at their meeting on March 11. The appointment was subsequently approved by First Selectman Bill Gerber.
Harrigan has served the Town as assistant planning director for the past eight years. She has more than 25 years of planning experience, with a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. She is a certified Planner and Floodplain Manager. While in Fairfield, she has worked on the Town’s Transit-Oriented Development Plan, the Post Road Circle Safety Plan, and the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as coordinating the revisions to the Plan of Conservation and Development. As a Floodplain Administrator for two Connecticut coastal communities, she has ensured continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, increased resiliency through participation in the Community Rating System, and has applied and processed grant applications with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She is the current president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association, as well as a past president of the CT Association of Flood Managers.
First Selectman Bill Gerber said, “Emmeline Harrigan is an excellent choice to lead the Town Plan and Zoning Department as its new director. She has worked closely with Jim Wendt for years and is extremely qualified. Her professional stature and experience will be invaluable to the Town as we grow into the future.”
Following a two-month investigation, Stratford Police have arrested 42-year-old Xavier Rivera-Concepcion for allegedly selling crack cocaine in the Success Avenue corridor on the Stratford-Bridgeport line. Police say Rivera-Concepcion was operating out of his apartment in the Dogwood Condominiums at 250 North Bishop Avenue, Bridgeport.
On March 13, officers executed two search and seizure warrants, leading to his arrest. Rivera-Concepcion has been charged with Operation of a Drug Factory and Illegal Possession with Intent to Sell a Narcotic Substance. Police seized 43.7 grams of crack cocaine and $2,148 in cash as evidence. He is being held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2025.
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education (ED). On March 11, the Trump administration announced that ED would be firing approximately 50 percent of its workforce as part of its goal of a “total shutdown” of the Department. Attorney General Tong and the coalition today filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the targeted destruction of this critical federal agency that ensures tens of millions of students receive a quality education and critical resources.
“Do not play politics with our kids’ education. Donald Trump, his unelected billionaire wrecking ball Elon Musk, and their enabler Linda McMahon want to destroy the Department of Education, and they do not care what harm this inflicts on our kids and teachers. This is not a meme or an empty threat—these are thousands of jobs on the line and core support systems for our schools across Connecticut and the country. Congress did not authorize this, and American families do not want this. We are suing today and will seek an immediate court order to block this lawless attack on kids and schools,” said Attorney General Tong.
The ED’s programs serve nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million K-12 students attending roughly 98,000 public schools and 32,000 private schools throughout the country. Its higher education programs provide services and support to more than 12 million postsecondary students annually. Students with disabilities and students from low-income families are some of the primary beneficiaries of ED services and funding. Federal ED funds for special education include support for assistive technology for students with disabilities, teacher salaries and benefits, transportation to help children receive the services and programming they need, physical therapy and speech therapy services, and social workers to help manage students’ educational experience. The ED also supports students in rural communities by offering programs designed to help rural school districts that often lack the personnel and resources needed to compete for competitive grants.
As Attorney General Tong and the coalition assert in the lawsuit, dismantling ED will have devastating effects for states like Connecticut. The administration’s lay-off is so massive that ED will be incapacitated and unable to perform essential functions. As the lawsuit asserts, the administration’s actions will deprive students with special needs of critical resources and support. They will gut ED’s Office of Civil Rights, which protects students from discrimination and sexual assault. They would additionally hamstring the processing of financial aid, raising costs for college and university students who will have a harder time accessing loans, Pell Grants, and work study programs.
With this lawsuit, Attorney General Tong and the coalition are seeking a court order to stop the administration’s policies to dismantle ED by drastically cutting its workforce and programs. Attorney General Tong and the coalition argue that the administration’s actions to dismantle ED are illegal and unconstitutional. The Department is an executive agency authorized by Congress, with numerous different laws creating its various programs and funding streams. The coalition’s lawsuit asserts that the Executive Branch does not have the legal authority to unilaterally incapacitate or dismantle it without an act of Congress.
Joining Attorney General Tong in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
Storytimes The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers weekly storytimes for children. Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. On Mondays, Toddler Time meets for ages 0-2. On Tuesdays, Preschool Storytime meets for ages 3-5. Baby Lapsit meets on Thursdays for babies 0-18 months. Friday Fun offers stories and songs for ages 1-5. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
LEGO Club The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer LEGO Club on Sunday, March twenty-third at 2:00pm. Children ages five through twelve are welcome to register. Come build some LEGO creations with friends. LEGO Club will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is requested. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Seed Library Grab ’n’ Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept will offer a Seed Library Grab ‘n’ Go for pick up on Mondays starting in March; Butterfly Milkweed on March seventeenth and Penstemon on March thirty-first. You will receive both the seeds and instructions on how to plant. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Book Scientists The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children ages three through twelve. Each kit includes books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. This month the themes will be: On The Farm on March fourteenth and Green Books on March twenty-eighth. Return the Library books when they are due and keep everything else! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Treehouse Science The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Treehouse Science program with Perler beads on Friday, March fourteenth at 3:30pm and 3D pens on Friday, March twenty-eighth at 3:30pm. Children ages seven through twelve are welcome to join us for either program! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Read To a Therapy Dog The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will be offering the chance to read to a therapy dog on Saturday, March fifteenth from 11:00am to 11:45am. Children ages six through twelve may sign up for a fifteen-minute time slot, and can choose a favorite book to read to Ollie the dog. Time slots are on a first come first serve basis. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Kids LEGO Robotics Club Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a LEGO Robotics workshop on Wednesday, March seventeenth at 4:00pm for children ages seven through twelve. Thanks to a grant from the Stratford Rotary Club, the Library now owns a LEGO Spike Essential kit, which combines LEGO building with some coding fun! This program will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Ready for Kindergarten Grab ‘n’ Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a grab ‘n’ go activity kit to prepare preschoolers for Kindergarten. This kit is available for children ages three through five. Pick up is available beginning Wednesday, March nineteenth. Each month will be a different activity. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Piano with Friends The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Piano with Friends: Irish Music class on Thursday, March twentieth at 4:00pm for children ages seven through twelve. Piano Basics class is a prerequisite to sign up for this class. Learn to play some fun Irish tunes. Class does not replace professional piano lessons. Piano with Friends will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Treefort Science: Ed Emberley Drawing The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Treefort Science program for children ages five through seven on Friday, March twenty-first at 3:30pm. Have some fun drawing in the style of Ed Emberley. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Preschool Art Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for some creative fun on Saturday, March twenty-second at 11:00am for children ages three through seven. Preschool Art will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Nutmeg Book Group The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering a Nutmeg Book Group for readers in grades four to six. March’s pick will be “Falling Short.” Read the book, then join us for a book discussion on Monday, March twenty-fourth at 6:00pm in The Children’s Dept, program room. Books are provided to registered participants courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Science Club Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for our new Science Club with different activities every month. March’s session will be Solar System Models! Class meets Tuesday, March twenty-fifth at 6:00pm for ages seven through twelve. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Math Grab ’N’ Go Kit The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Math grab ‘n’ go kit for children ages six through ten. This month’s theme will be Number Lines. Each kit will come with informational lessons and activities about the topic. Pick up for the kits will begin on Wednesday, March twenty-sixth. Registration is recommended. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Junior Scientists Grab‘n’Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Junior Scientists grab ‘n’ go activity for children ages four through eight with pick-ups starting on Thursday, March twenty-seventh. Children can enjoy a science experiment with the help of an adult. This month’s topic will feature Wind. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Braiding With Seed Beads The Stratford Library Children’s Dept invites you to join us in learning how to braid with seed beads on Sunday, March thirtieth at 2:00pm. Patrons ages eight to adult are welcome to sign up. Participants should be comfortable working with small beads, and younger children may need a parent’s assistance. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Stratford, CT – Following a months-long investigation into fentanyl and cocaine distribution, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence (NVI) Unit executed multiple search warrants on March 7, 2025, resulting in the arrests of two individuals.
William Pjura, 29, of Ansonia, was identified as a key distributor supplying street-level drug dealers throughout Stratford. Search warrants were executed at residences in Ansonia and Shelton, as well as on a vehicle and Pjura himself, with assistance from federal and state law enforcement agencies. Pjura was charged with multiple drug offenses, including the operation of an illegal drug factory and possession with intent to sell fentanyl, crack cocaine, and other narcotics. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 17.
George Rich, 60, also of Ansonia, was arrested at the same location and charged with illegal possession of narcotics and obtaining prescriptions unlawfully. He was released on a $5,000 bond with a court date set for March 17.
Authorities seized approximately 42 grams of crack cocaine, 84 grams of fentanyl, oxycodone pills, a 2010 Cadillac CTS, and $1,600 in cash. The investigation was supported by the DEA and FBI task forces, along with the Connecticut State Police.
