Local News

Barnum Festival Sets Sail with “Barnum Sails the Sound” Aboard the PT Barnum

BRIDGEPORT – The Barnum Festival continued its 2025 celebration with one of its signature events, Barnum Sails the Sound, bringing together festival supporters, dignitaries, and guests for an evening cruise aboard the PT Barnum, operated by The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company. This year’s Ringmaster, Greggory Gnandt, led the festivities, accompanied by members of the Barnum Festival Royal Family. Guests enjoyed scenic views of Long Island Sound while celebrating the festival’s enduring tradition of honoring the legacy of P.T. Barnum, Bridgeport’s most famous showman. Entertainment for the evening was provided by the band Shameless, whose high-energy performance kept guests dancing throughout the night as the vessel cruised across the Sound. The combination of live music, picturesque views, and lively…

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Senator Praises Rejection of UI Transmission Line Proposal

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Senator Tony Hwang is applauding a recent decision by the Connecticut Siting Council to reject United Illuminating’s controversial Docket 516R proposal, which would have placed large transmission monopoles along the Metro-North Railroad corridor through Fairfield and Bridgeport. In a preliminary straw poll vote, the Council voted 4-2 against the proposal, signaling strong opposition and setting the stage for a formal denial. The vote means United Illuminating will now be required to submit a new and fully revised application if it wishes to move forward. “This is a major victory for the people of Fairfield, Bridgeport, and every community that stood together to oppose a harmful, unnecessary project,” Senator Hwang said. “The people spoke—clearly, persistently, and passionately—and…

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Nick D’Addario Launches Campaign for Easton First Selectman—Rain, Laughter, and a Case of Mistaken Name

https://youtu.be/W69v1Lz7860 EASTON, CT — June 7, 2025 — Undeterred by a torrential downpour, Easton Selectman Nick D’Addario kicked off his campaign for First Selectman on Friday with a rally that blended policy, community spirit, and an unexpected dose of humor—courtesy of Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. Bysiewicz, on hand to endorse D’Addario, praised his leadership and business experience, though she repeatedly referred to him as “Dave” during her remarks—apparently mixing him up with outgoing First Selectman David Bindelglass, who is not seeking re-election. “Nick—Dave—has shown the kind of steady leadership Easton needs,” Bysiewicz said, prompting some good-natured laughter from the soaked but supportive crowd huddled under umbrellas. “In all seriousness, Nick’s record on the Board of Selectmen and his experience running…

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Naugatuck Man Arrested for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material Following Online Sting

On May 15, 2025, Roger Pratt, age 36, of Naugatuck was arrested by warrant for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material First Degree. Pratt was arraigned in Derby Superior Court and held on a court set bond of $75,000.00. Roger Pratt’s arrest was the result of an investigation that began when he was accused of going online and attempting to meet an underage girl. A group of private citizens that uses social media to identify possible child predators engaged in conversations with Pratt and then confronted him in Ansonia. While the actions of the group to identify and expose child predators is commendable the Ansonia Police Department does not recommend private citizens confront someone they suspect, but rather reach out…

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Barnum Festival Hosts Ball, Honors Jay Piccirillo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CCu0e2fnwk Saturday night, the Barnum Festival held its annual ball at Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange, CT. Gregory Gnandt, this year's 75th Ringmaster, said, "The Ball is more than just a glamorous evening—it’s a vital fundraiser that helps support youth programs, scholarships, and cultural events tied to the festival. A fireworks display after dinner paid honor to Jay Piccirillo, owner of Micalizzi Italian Ice on Madison Avenue, who just recently passed. Jay was a legend in Bridgeport, always enjoyed a good fireworks display. The Barnum Festival events span from late spring to early summer each year in an effort to build community spirit, foster philanthropy, and celebrate the many diverse cultures represented by residents. The festival culminates in a…

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Fatal Rollover Crash In Easton

UPDATE: September 30, 2024 The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of the Fairfield Police Crash Investigation Unit. A preliminary investigation revealed that a two-car head on collision occurred on Rt. 58 south of Center Road. Both vehicles were occupied by one person. One operator was pronounced deceased at the scene. He is a male, age 58 identified as Mario Licona, a resident of Bridgeport, CT. The other operator was transported to Saint Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport and later succumbed to her injuries. She is identified as Florence Mahoney age 87 of Redding, CT. A fatal rollover accident on Black Rock Turnpike near Center Road. Expect the roadway shutdown for an extended period of time for the investigation. 2024-09-28@7:38pm--…

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Arrest Made in Ansonia School Threat

This morning, 9/19/2024, at about 6:40 A.M., the Ansonia Police Department received a complaint about a threat to the Ansonia Public Schools posted on social media. The Ansonia Board of Education was notified and a decision was made to cancel school. Our Patrol Division and Detective Bureau were able to interview several potential witnesses. During the interview process a 13 year-old female juvenile confessed to making the post and she was arrested. The juvenile was referred to Juvenile Court for Threatening First Degree and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Chief Williams commends the actions of the Ansonia Police Department’s Patrol Division and Detective Bureau for their quick response and coordinated effort to secure the schools and investigate the threat. Working…

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