Multiple Families Displaced After Bridgeport Apartment Fire

At least a dozen families were left homeless after a major fire tore through an apartment building in the 3000 block of Main Street Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses said several residents attempted to jump from windows to escape the flames, but firefighters were able to rescue them safely.

Investigators discovered four 55-gallon drums containing unknown materials on the second floor, though officials said the blaze began on the first floor and the drums do not appear to be related. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause, and the American Red Cross is assisting displaced families with immediate needs.
2025-10-28 @ 4:34 PM — #Bridgeport CT #ctfire

Borealis Cannabis by Shangri-La Celebrates Grand Opening of $34 Million Cultivation Facility in Stratford

STRATFORD, Conn. (October 28, 2025) — Local and state officials joined business and community leaders Tuesday morning to celebrate the grand opening of Borealis Cannabis by Shangri-La, a new state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation and processing facility located at 305 Hathaway Drive in Stratford.

The 40,000-square-foot facility represents an investment of more than $34 million and marks a major milestone in the growth of Connecticut’s cannabis industry. The site will employ approximately 80 people across cultivation, processing, compliance, packaging, and administrative roles.

“This facility is just another investment we’re making in Connecticut,” said Nevil Patel, Founder and CEO of Shangri-La Enterprise, the parent company of Borealis. “We’re proud to be part of this community and excited for what’s to come.”

The Stratford facility will produce up to 20,000 square feet of premium cannabis canopy annually, yielding a variety of high-end products including flower, infused pre-rolls, live resin vapes, solventless concentrates, and gummies. Borealis will also offer white-label manufacturing for other brands in Connecticut’s growing adult-use market.

Dr. Kepal Patel, President of Borealis Cannabis, said the company expects to begin planting in mid-November, with its first harvest and product launch projected for early 2026. “We’re bringing products and innovation Connecticut hasn’t seen yet,” Patel said. “Every product will be crafted with precision, consistency, and quality at the forefront.”

Mayor Laura Hoydick welcomed Borealis to Stratford and praised the company’s investment. “We love our manufacturers, and this is a different kind of manufacturing that will truly benefit our community,” she said. “Your investment here—$34 million—is no small thing, and we’re grateful for the partnership.”

Founded in 2019, Shangri-La Enterprise operates 14 retail locations nationwide, including dispensaries in Norwalk, Waterbury, and Plainville, with additional Connecticut locations planned. The company’s philosophy blends craftsmanship, science, and sustainability, with an emphasis on community partnership and consumer education.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting, guided tours of the new facility, and remarks honoring the advocates who paved the way for Connecticut’s legal cannabis industry.

About Borealis Cannabis by Shangri-La

Borealis Cannabis by Shangri-La is a premium cannabis brand dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and wellness. A division of Shangri-La Enterprise, Borealis combines cutting-edge cultivation techniques with sustainable practices to produce high-quality cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, and solventless concentrates. Shangri-La’s mission is to empower consumers through education, safety, and consistent quality — providing professional, reliable access to cannabis while fostering community growth and responsible development.

For more information, visit www.shangriladispensaries.com.

Boy Injured After Being Struck by Car

At around 2:30 p.m., Bridgeport Police responded to Broad Street and Linden Avenue after reports of a motor vehicle accident involving a child on a bicycle. Officers found that a young boy had been struck and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital with a possible broken arm. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with police. No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.

Disturbance at Calf Pasture Beach Leads to Arrest; Drugs and Weapon Recovered

NORWALK, CT — On October 23, 2025, at approximately 11:25 a.m., Norwalk Combined Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a disturbance at Calf Pasture Beach involving a driver operating erratically and threatening to shoot another motorist. Patrol officers responded, located the suspect BMW X1 traveling on Canfield Avenue, conducted a motor vehicle stop, and detained the operator, identified as Alexander Freedman, 37, of Norwalk, while the investigation proceeded.

Witnesses reported the driver had been speeding, driving recklessly, and performing donuts in the parking lot, and that when confronted, he threatened to shoot the individual with a gun from his vehicle. A search of the BMW recovered several vape cartridges, a glass jar of liquid hashish, multiple jars and bags of marijuana with a total combined weight of 4.817 pounds, and a metal impact weapon. Freedman was placed under arrest without incident.

Freedman was charged with Threatening in the Second Degree, Breach of Peace in the Second Degree, Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, Possession with Intent to Sell 1 Kilogram or More of a Cannabis Substance, Sale of 1 Kilogram or More of a Cannabis Substance, Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Violation of Restricted Substances, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Renew Registration. He was held on a $125,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 6, 2025.

STRATFORD LIBRARY TEEN EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

11/1, 11/19: 4:30-5:30 pm: Teen Lingo Lounge
Have you been looking for a fun way to learn or practice a new language? Come connect with others and help each other perfect this skill. We will also use the library’s database Transparent Language as a guide. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.
¿Has estado buscando una forma divertida de aprender o practicar un nuevo idioma? Ven a conectar con otros y ayúdense mutuamente a perfeccionar esta habilidad. También utilizaremos la base de datos de la biblioteca, Transparent Language, como guía.

11/12: 4:00-5:00 pm: Teen Food Explorers: Chopped!
Join Food Explorers for a round of Chopped! You’ll be teaming up to create your own DIY tacos. Choose from a limited pantry of ingredients and get to work creating your own fillings, toppings, salsas and sauces. Teamwork is key! All ingredients are nut free and vegetarian. Grades 6-12. Registration Required. Location: Lovell Room.

11/20: 4:00-5:30 pm: Zines For Teens
Teens – Learn the art of making a zine: a self-published, DIY mini-comic or magazine! We will have all the supplies, and help you get started with topics and ideas. Let your creativity flow! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

11/25: 4:00-5:30 pm: Thanksgiving Cupcake Decorating
Let the holiday season begin! Join us while we learn how to create these tasty holiday treats. Registration opens on 11/1. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

Overnight Fire on Helen Street Sends One to Hospital

Bridgeport firefighters battled heavy flames early this morning on Helen Street after a blaze tore through the second floor of a multi-unit building around 4:00 a.m. One occupant was transported to Bridgeport Hospital with injuries as crews worked for over half an hour to bring the fire under control. The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, and the Red Cross has been called to assist displaced residents.

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