A small fire was quickly contained to the ladies’ restroom at Home Depot on Barnum Avenue in Stratford, but it left a noticeable smoke condition inside the store. Crews responded swiftly, and the situation was brought under control without further spread.
2025-12-02@8:09pm #Stratford CT #ctfire
Westport, CT — Parks and Recreation Director Erik Barbieri announced today that the Longshore Golf Course will officially close for the season on Sunday, December 7.
“We are pleased to have been able to extend the 2025 golf season this far into December,” said Barbieri. “On behalf of the Town of Westport, Head Golf Professional Jon Janik, Golf Course Superintendent Sean Charles, and the entire staff at Longshore, we wish all our loyal Longshore golfers a Happy and Healthy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.”
Bridgeport, CT – December 2, 2025 — Bridgeport Public Schools is launching its first district-wide podcast, The Voice of the District, on Friday, December 5. This new platform is designed to enhance communication with families and the broader community by providing clear, accessible updates on district progress, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.
The podcast will offer direct insight into district priorities, highlight student and staff achievements, and feature conversations that promote transparency and meaningful community engagement. The Voice of the District will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and additional streaming platforms to ensure easy access for all listeners.
Early episodes will include guest interviews with key leaders such as:
State Senator Sujata, sharing legislative perspectives and educational support.
State Representative Christopher Rosario, Chair of the Bridgeport Delegation, discussing advocacy efforts and partnership with Bridgeport Public Schools.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery emphasized the importance of strengthening communication, stating:
“Transparency has been my number one priority since stepping into this role. Keeping our families, community, and stakeholders informed is key to building trust and ensuring everyone understands the work taking place across our district. This podcast is another step toward strengthening that connection.”
Bridgeport Public Schools looks forward to offering this new platform as part of its ongoing commitment to open communication and community partnership.
BNPL products may expose consumers to unclear terms, hidden fees, and debt traps
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong led a multistate coalition of seven attorneys general sending letters to the six largest buy now, pay later (BNPL) providers seeking detailed information regarding their pricing and repayment structures, consumer contracts, user agreements, and disclosures. The inquiry aims to determine if BNPL companies are complying with consumer protection laws and whether their products may be placing Connecticut consumers at financial risk.
Letters were sent to Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal, Sezzle, and Zip.
Connecticut’s action follows a decision by the Trump Administration to abandon a federal rule issued by the Biden Administration that would have required BNPL providers to adhere to the same consumer protections as other lenders.
As a part of this inquiry, Attorney General Tong is asking BNPL providers to explain how they assess a consumer’s financial capacity to repay these loans, and to provide information related to billing practices, late fees, and the handling of disputed charges.
“Buy now, pay later may appear to be a convenient way to afford a purchase, especially now during the holiday season, but shoppers need to watch out for debt traps. We’re asking the six largest buy now, pay later lenders for detailed information on their costs and fees, their disclosures, how they vet their customers’ abilities to pay, among other questions. As Trump rescinds critical protections for buy-now-pay-later consumers, it’s up to states now to ensure shoppers know what they are getting into, and to ensure these companies are held accountable,” said Attorney General Tong.
These loans are a form of point-of-sale financing that allow consumers to divide the cost of purchases into multiple installments. But there are downsides. The BNPL industry has scaled quickly as consumers use the loans for a wide range of goods and services, from clothing and groceries to event tickets. As we head into the busy holiday shopping season, consumers are increasingly relying on BNPL loans, potentially racking up serious debt and fees.
Attorney General Tong joined a coalition of attorneys general in 2022 urging federal regulation of the BNPL industry, raising concerns that by touting quick credit application approvals and convenient, flexible payment schedules, BNPL loans and services are particularly appealing to borrowers already struggling with debt or younger borrowers who lack experience with credit. The attorneys general also pointed out that, similar to predatory lending products, BNPL loans may contain terms and features that are known to trap people in cycles of debt. While some BNPL products do not charge interest, most BNPL providers charge late fees and report late or missed payments to credit bureaus. As a result, borrowers may accumulate more debt and end up paying more when utilizing BNPL loans.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an interpretive rule in 2024 clarifying that BNPL providers are covered under the federal Truth In Lending Act (TILA), meaning they have to give consumers the same clear disclosures and protections as traditional credit products. However, under the Trump Administration, the CFPB rescinded the rule in May 2025, undermining consumer protections.
• Avoid using BNPL if you can pay for the entire purchase in full.
• Consider alternative options such as credit cards or other loans, which may be more manageable over time and have better procedures for resolving disputes.
• Examine the terms of the loan, including any late fees, subscription fees, or other fees.
• Monitor the activity on your account for any billing errors or unauthorized charges.
• Carefully track your BNPL loan payment due dates so that charges to your debit or credit card don’t come as a surprise.
Report any issues with BNPL lenders to the Office of the Attorney General by filing a complaint at ct.gov/agcomplaints.
The Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin joined Attorney General Tong in sending today’s letter.
Assistant Attorneys General Amor Rosario and Rebecca Borné under the supervision of Michael Wertheimer, Chief of the Consumer Protection Section and Phil Miller, Chief of the Finance Section are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.
A teacher, 9 months pregnant, was kicked in the stomach, according to unconfirmed radio reports, at Staples Elementary School at 515 Morehouse Road. There are no further details.
2025-12-02@10:40am– #Easton CT
CORRECTION: Initially, there was confusion about the location, and it was reported to be at Easton Country Day School, 660 Morehouse Road. this has been corrected and it happened at Staples Elementary School at 515 Morehouse Road.
A man in his 50’s was struck and injured by a car in the 500 block of Clinton Avenue. Clinton Avenue between Fairfield and Elmwood Avenue will be closed for the accident investigation.
2025-12-01@4:52pm– #Bridgeport CT
A mother and child were hit by a car at Stoehrs Place at Main Street. Both were transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. The driver stopped and is cooperating.
2025-12-01@2:58pm #Bridgeport CT
The SWIFT Act would expand Social Security benefits for over one million Americans
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced legislation to expand Social Security benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses. The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act makes necessary changes to Social Security benefit rules by addressing outdated benefit caps, arbitrary legal restrictions, and claiming requirements—resulting in increased benefits for widow(ers) and surviving divorced spouses.
“The SWIFT Act corrects outdated rules and restrictions and removes barriers limiting Social Security benefits—ensuring widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses receive the Social Security benefits they rightfully deserve. Social Security is a lifeline for Americans, playing a critical role in their economic security and financial well-being—and yet, many individuals face burdensome hurdles and arbitrary requirements preventing them from receiving the full benefits they are owed. With this legislation, we make sure that no American is missing out on the benefits they need to live with dignity,” said Blumenthal.
“Our seniors have spent a lifetime working hard and paying into Social Security, and they deserve to receive adequate benefits and retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by,” said Gillibrand. “But outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors, especially widowed spouses, and women disproportionately, aren’t receiving the benefits they’ve earned or being treated fairly. Our SWIFT Act will help modernize the program and strengthen benefits for our seniors.”
The SWIFT Act allows widow(ers) and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their age, and empowers widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses to increase their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps. The legislation also expands child-in-care benefits for widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses caring for children, significantly helping families struggling with the burden of caregiving.
The legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Reps, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, The Arc of the United States, Justice in Aging, Alliance for Retired Americans, National Association of Disability Representatives, Social Security Works, and Strengthen Social Security Coalition.
“Our communities are stronger when families have the support they need during times of tragedy — and that’s exactly what the SWIFT Act provides. By ensuring widows and widowers can access their full Social Security survivor benefits, this bill will prevent countless families from falling through the cracks after losing a loved one. On behalf of 1.4 million AFSCME members, the public service workers who support working families every single day, we thank Sen. Blumenthal for introducing this critical piece of legislation and urge the Senate to pass it without delay,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.
“The SWIFT Act delivers meaningful improvements for disabled survivors by removing outdated barriers and ensuring timely access to full benefits. NADR is proud to endorse this bill and values the bipartisan commitment to modernizing Social Security for the people who depend on it,” said Kelly Blad, President of the National Association of Disability Representatives.
“Losing a spouse is one of the saddest, most difficult times in a person’s life. For many, the emotional loss is compounded by sudden economic insecurity. The SWIFT Act recognizes this extra vulnerability, and addresses it by expanding Social Security’s benefits paid to those who have lost a spouse. Social Security Works enthusiastically endorses the SWIFT Act and thanks Senator Blumenthal for his extraordinary vision and sensitivity to this important issue,” said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works.
The full text of the bill can be found here:
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/download/2025-11-20_swift_act_bill_text
On Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 2:12 AM, Norwalk Patrol Officers were dispatched to the intersection of East Avenue and Van Zant Street on a report of a motor vehicle accident.
Norwalk Police, Norwalk Fire Department and Norwalk Hospital EMS were dispatched to the scene. First responders located a 24-year-old man, later identified as Anthony Martinez, inside a vehicle that had collided with the stone wall of the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery.
Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical care. Mr. Martinez sustained critical injuries and was transported by ambulance to Norwalk Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Martinez was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The Norwalk Police Crash Reconstruction Unit responded along with the Identification Unit to process the scene and assume the investigation. Based on preliminary findings, Mr. Martinez was operating his vehicle eastbound on Van Zant Street when he continued through the intersection at East Avenue striking the stone wall.
This is an active investigation and police urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Crash Reconstruction Unit Officer Wasilewski by phone at 203-854-3035, or by email at Cwasilewski@norwalkct.gov.
The Norwalk Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Anthony Martinez.
Information can also be shared anonymously using one of the following methods:
Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111
Anonymous Internet tips can be sent through the Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing NORWALKPD followed by the message and sending it to TIP411 (847411)
11/24–12/16: Clothesline of Comfort
Help the Stratford Library collect gloves, scarves, and hats for adults, children, and teens in need. Items can be handmade or store bought (keep the tags on). Please, no used items. Donations can be pinned on our clothesline, and then will be collected for the South End Community Center.
12/1: 3:30–5:00pm: Teen Open Art
Calling all artists! Join us in the Teen Department to draw, paint, or sculpt whatever you like! We’ll provide all the supplies, you bring your artistic inspiration! Grades 6–12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.
12/2: 4:30–6:00pm: Teen Crafting Kindness
Bring your creative style & decorate Tote Bags that we will be donating to the South End Community Center Food Pantry. This is an opportunity to have fun, be creative, and spread a little kindness in our community. We’ll have some music and snacks while we designing the totes so bring a friend & let’s make this a true celebration of the season of giving. (Participation can also earn you volunteer hours—even if you are not a volunteer!) Grades 6–12. No registration required.
12/9: 6:30–8:00pm: College Plans Can Begin Here
This 1 hour program can answer all of your questions about the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system. Learn about Academic & Workforce Programs, Accreditation, Credit Transfer, FREE tuition programs & plenty of other benefits available for new college students and adults. A college or certificate education can be a reality for everyone. Join Earl Graham, Director of Admissions, CTSU and bring your questions! Teens and Parents invited. Location: Lovell Room.
12/10: 3:00–4:30pm: Young Adult Job and Resource Information Session
Join The WorkPlace’s Platform to Employment Youth Initiative to learn about: paid training and work experience opportunities; job placement assistance; industry recognized certifications and credentials. Get career guidance into manufacturing; healthcare, IT, hospitality, skilled trades, entrepreneurship & more! Ages 18–26. High school diploma required. Location: Lovell Room.
12/18: 4:00–5:30pm: Cooking Around the World: Holiday Edition
Join ShopRite Dietitian Siddhi Sheth for a cooking class where we will cook a few dishes that are enjoyed during the holiday season in different parts of the world. Please share any dietary restrictions or allergies when registering. Grades 6–12. Registration Required. Location: Lovell Room.
