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Stratford

Stratford Police Make Drug Arrests Near Success Avenue Following Neighborhood Complaints

Jan 22, 2026 Alex

The Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice & Intelligence Unit continues to investigate and address persistent community complaints regarding suspected narcotics activity in neighborhoods near the Success Avenue corridor, including the Stonybrook Condominium Complex and Success Village Housing Complex. Residents have reported that ongoing drug activity has negatively affected their daily quality of life, prompting sustained enforcement efforts in the area. On January 16, 2026, the unit conducted targeted operations that resulted in two arrests. Joseph Villafane, a convicted felon, was charged with Failure to Appear in the First Degree, Illegal Possession of Narcotics 3rd Offense, and Illegal Possession of Crack/Cocaine 3rd Offense, along with additional failure-to-appear charges from other agencies, and is being held on bonds totaling $460,000 with a…

Uncategorized

GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTS TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE FROM RISING TAX ASSESSMENTS

Jan 20, 2026 Alex

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is taking immediate action to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land that could force the conversion of these lands to more intensive uses. In a letter transmitted today to Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Interim Secretary Joshua Wojcik, the governor is directing OPM to reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values under PA 490, effective immediately. “Family farms are vital to Connecticut’s economy and are an essential part of our heritage,” Governor Lamont said. “Preserving Connecticut’s farmland and open spaces is critical to maintaining a reliable source of food and farm products, conserving our natural resources, and promoting the welfare and…

Valley

Prospect Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges After Two-Year Investigation

Jan 20, 2026 Alex

On January 19, 2026, Alexander Beardsley, age 33, of Prospect was arrested by warrant for possession of child pornography. The investigation into Beardsley began in 2024 when he was a resident of Ansonia. During the course of the investigation search warrants were conducted where computers, phones and various electronic storage devices were seized and examined. The examinations resulted in the discovery of over 100 images of child pornography. The investigation was led by Detective Mark Clifford with the assistance of the Shelton Police Department, Prospect Police Department and the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Digital Forensic Unit. Beardsley was charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, he was held on a $75,000.00 bond to…

Milford

Structure Fire

Jan 19, 2026 Alex

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.

State News

GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IMPROVE STATE LICENSING, CERTIFICATION, AND PERMITTING PROCESSES AND RESPONSE TIMES

Jan 18, 2026 Alex

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…

Westport

A new initiative within the department: the Community Care Unit

Jan 18, 2026 Alex

(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…

Westport

Westport Police Department Announces Change to Railroad Parking Violation Fine Schedule

Jan 18, 2026 Alex

(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…

Fairfield

Senator Tony Hwang Commends Carla Miklos for Nearly 20 Years of Leadership at Operation Hope

Jan 17, 2026 Alex

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…

State News

BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON GAO REPORTS ON COAST GUARD’S INADEQUATE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Jan 17, 2026 Alex

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the below statement following the release of two reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) efforts to implement reforms aimed at addressing sexual misconduct: “I am deeply disappointed that USCG has dropped the ball on basic reporting requirements that would provide transparency about sexual misconduct in the Coast Guard. GAO’s findings reveal that the Coast Guard’s culture of coverup—exposed by my PSI investigation—continues to this day. While the Coast Guard has taken some steps to support survivors, it is clear more work needs to be done to adequately protect cadets and Coasties.” In September 2023, as then-Chair of PSI, Blumenthal initiated an inquiry into the…

Westport

Brooklyn Man Arrested in Illegal Cannabis Sales Investigation at Westport Smoke Shop

Jan 16, 2026 Alex

The Westport Police Department announced the arrest of Mohemed Hedimy, 25, of Brooklyn, New York, in connection with an investigation into illegal marijuana sales at Savvy Smoker, located at 940 Post Road East in Westport. The investigation began in March 2025 following multiple complaints regarding unlawful cannabis sales at the business. On April 8, 2025, Westport Police, assisted by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division, executed a search and seizure warrant at the location, recovering various illegal marijuana and THC-containing products. Based on the evidence seized, an arrest warrant was issued for Hedimy, a sales associate at the store. On January 12, 2026, Stamford Police Department notified Westport Police that Hedimy was in their custody on the…

Stratford Police Make Drug Arrests Near Success Avenue Following Neighborhood Complaints

GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTS TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE FROM RISING TAX ASSESSMENTS

Prospect Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges After Two-Year Investigation

Structure Fire

GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IMPROVE STATE LICENSING, CERTIFICATION, AND PERMITTING PROCESSES AND RESPONSE TIMES

A new initiative within the department: the Community Care Unit

Westport Police Department Announces Change to Railroad Parking Violation Fine Schedule

Senator Tony Hwang Commends Carla Miklos for Nearly 20 Years of Leadership at Operation Hope

BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON GAO REPORTS ON COAST GUARD’S INADEQUATE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Brooklyn Man Arrested in Illegal Cannabis Sales Investigation at Westport Smoke Shop

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