Bridgeport Public Schools Building and Operations DepartmentMaximizes Resources with New Cleaning Technology

Bridgeport, CT – Bridgeport Public Schools Building and Operations Department is introducing new technology to increase efficiency, lower costs, and make the most of every resource while providing students and staff with a clean and safe environment.

The department recently launched the TASKI Ecobot 50 Pro, an autonomous floor scrubbing machine, at Harding High School. Capable of cleaning 10,000 to 20,000 square feet in just four hours, the Ecobot allows staff to streamline daily operations, focus on other essential maintenance needs, and keep critical areas such as school cafeterias and kitchens consistently spotless and sanitary.

“Every minute and every resource counts when it comes to keeping our schools operating at their best,” said Jorge Garcia, Chief Operating Officer. “This technology lets our team work smarter, ensuring that time and staff are used where they have the greatest impact and that our kitchens and cafeterias meet the highest standards of cleanliness.”

The Ecobot will expand next to Bassick High School, Central High School, and Fairchild Wheeler Campus as the department phases in the equipment districtwide. By reducing labor hours, chemical use, and water consumption, the Ecobot is projected to generate significant cost savings that can be reinvested directly into classrooms and districtwide programs.

“Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to doing business differently to better serve our students and families,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “By streamlining operations and investing in the right tools, we are maximizing our resources, saving money, and directing those savings back into the district where they can support teaching and learning.”

The Ecobot 50 Pro uses smart navigation, real time sensors, and water saving technology to maintain exceptional cleanliness while reducing energy and chemical use. This innovation reflects the district’s focus on operational efficiency, long term sustainability, and responsible financial management.

Milford Man Arrested on Inciting, Stalking, Threatening & Harassment Charges

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., Detectives from the Eastern District Major Crime Squad and Milford Police served an arrest warrant on Frank David of Milford. David was located, taken into custody without incident, and transported to Troop G – Bridgeport for processing.

According to State Police, David is charged with Inciting Injury to Persons or Property (C.G.S. 53a-179a), Stalking 2nd Degree (C.G.S. 53a-181d), Threatening 2nd Degree (C.G.S. 53a-62), and Harassment 2nd Degree (C.G.S. 53a-183). He was held on a $250,000 court-set bond and was scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on September 19, 2025.

Westport Fire Department Awarded a Grant for Swiftwater Rescue Training

Westport, CT – September 25, 2025 – The Westport Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant of $94,952 through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The AFG program is a highly competitive national initiative that helps fire departments across the country strengthen their emergency response capabilities.

This award will fund swiftwater rescue technician training for Westport firefighters. The program will include hands-on, scenario-based instruction in moving water environments, providing firefighters with the critical skills to perform rescues during flooding, coastal incidents, and other water emergencies. With Westport’s proximity to rivers, streams, and Long Island Sound, the training will ensure the department is fully prepared to protect residents and support neighboring communities through regional mutual aid.

“Our firefighters are often called to respond to emergencies during severe weather and flooding events in our community,” said Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan. “This funding provides us with the resources to receive advanced training that will keep both our residents and our first responders safe during rescue operations.”

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker added, “We are grateful for this grant, which ensures our department is prepared with the highest level of readiness. Investing in our firefighters’ training is ultimately an investment in community safety.”

The award comes at a critical time as Connecticut and other coastal communities continue to face an increase in extreme weather events and flooding. By strengthening water rescue readiness, this grant helps ensure Westport remains resilient in the face of these challenges.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments nationwide to help them meet their firefighting and emergency response needs. The program focuses on ensuring that first responders have the tools and training necessary to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and other hazards.

The Westport Fire Department extends its appreciation to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for this award, and to the Town of Westport leadership for their continued support of public safety initiatives.

Fairfield Police Arrest Man in August Anti-Semitic Graffiti Case; Hate Crime Charges Filed

John Kuhn, 68, of Bridgeport, turned himself in at Fairfield Police Headquarters and was arrested in connection with a series of anti-Semitic vandalism incidents that occurred throughout August in Fairfield. Multiple locations were defaced with Stars of David altered with swastika-like tails, causing approximately $3,000 in damage; similar incidents were also reported in nearby communities.

Following a comprehensive investigation, Fairfield Police Detectives identified Kuhn as a suspect. After interviews, detectives determined his actions were motivated by current events between Israel and Palestine.

Kuhn was charged with three counts of Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, and three counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. He was issued a $30,000 court-set bond and brought to court the same day.

Fairfield Police condemned the acts of hate and thanked community members whose reports and surveillance footage helped resolve the case. Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact the Fairfield Police Detective Bureau at (203) 254-4840, text tips by sending FPDCT and a message to 847411 (Tip411), or submit online at fpdct.com/tips.

Trumbull Library (Sept. 22–29)

Featured (Main Library)

  • Democracy and the Constitution with State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox — Wed, Sept. 24, 6–7:30 p.m. Conversation on how the Constitution balances power, what principles matter now, and how current interpretations affect the future of governance.
  • Community Puzzle Swap — Sat, Sept. 27, 1–4 p.m. Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle (300+ pieces, good condition, all pieces bagged inside box).
  • Shakespeare’s Queens — Sun, Sept. 28, 2–3:30 p.m. Poornima Kirby’s one-woman play blending Elizabeth’s story with Shakespeare’s life—history, humor, and sparkling poetry.

Children’s (Main Library unless noted)

  • Toddler Time (Walkers–Age 3) — Mon, Sept. 22, 10–10:30 a.m. Music & movement; drop-in.
  • Preschool Time (Ages 3–5) — Mon, Sept. 22, 2–2:45 p.m. Circle time, stories, craft; no registration.
  • Toddler Time (Walkers–Age 3) — Tue, Sept. 23, 10–10:30 a.m. Drop-in.
  • No School Movie Matinee — Tue, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m. How To Train Your Dragon (PG live action).
  • New Baby Meet-Up — Tue, Sept. 23, 12–1 p.m. Casual parent meet-up; no registration.
  • Baby Time (Birth–Walking) — Wed, Sept. 24, 11–11:20 a.m. Story, songs, fingerplays; no registration.
  • Preschool Time (Ages 3–5) — Thu, Sept. 25, 10–10:30 a.m. With Miss Katie; no registration.
  • PJ Story Time (Ages 3–6) — Thu, Sept. 25, 6–6:45 p.m. PJs & stuffed animal; registration suggested.
  • Sensory Scientists (Ages 3–5) — Fri, Sept. 26, 2:30–3 p.m. Fun sensory activities; registration required (register children only).
  • Drop-In: Button Making (Merwin Room) — Sat, Sept. 27, 10–11 a.m. Make a button pin; supplies provided (bring stickers/drawings if you like).
  • Jurassic Classroom — How Do We Know? (Gr. 2–5) — Mon, Sept. 29, 4–5 p.m. Real fossils and paleontology skills to separate fact from fiction.

Teen Programming

  • Teen R&R — Mon, Sept. 22, 4–5 p.m. Low-key activities (coloring, Legos, simple crafts); snacks provided; registration required.
  • DROP IN: Button Making (Family, Merwin Room) — Sat, Sept. 27, 10–11 a.m. First-come, first-served.
  • Teen (P)SAT Exam (Online) — Sat, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Full-length practice SAT with interactive score report; online only.

Fairchild Nichols Branch

  • Tiny Tales 2s, 3s & 4s — Tue, Sept. 23, 10:30–11 a.m. Stories, music, and a show-stopping craft with Miss Niki.
  • Michele Urban Music: “Dinosaur Roar” (Ages 2–8) — Sat, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. A prehistoric music adventure exploring feelings, diversity, kindness, inclusion—and dino facts.
  • Autism and Parenting — Mon, Sept. 29, 6–7:30 p.m. Jeremy Farrell on autism, neurodiversity, and parenting with insights and strategies.

Register for events: https://trumbull.libcal.com/calendar?cid=15779&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=15779&inc=0

Fatal Crash at Broad & Elm: 71-Year-Old Driver Dies After Striking Pole

At about 12:44 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2025, Bridgeport EOC received multiple 911 calls for a crash at Broad St. and Elm St. involving a black vehicle into a pole with airbags deployed and an unresponsive male. AMR, Bridgeport Fire Engine 1, and Bridgeport Police responded; first responders provided immediate medical aid and transported the driver to St. Vincent’s Medical Center with serious injuries. The scene was secured and the Serious Crash Investigation Unit responded. Preliminary investigation indicates 71-year-old Robert Knuckles of Bridgeport was traveling north on Broad Street in a 2020 Acura RLX when he struck a concrete post at the intersection; he was pronounced deceased at 1:20 p.m. The Bridgeport Police Department offered condolences to Mr. Knuckles’ family and friends.

GOVERNOR LAMONT TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: GET GOOD GRADES AND RECEIVE AUTOMATIC ADMISSION TO SEVERAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

(HARTFORD, CT) – As the 2025-2026 school year has begun, Governor Ned Lamont today is reminding Connecticut’s high school students that if they earn good grades, they can receive automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities under a recently launched state program that simplifies the process of seeking higher education.

Established in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is open to all graduating Connecticut high school seniors who have a 3.0 weighted grade point average (GPA) or a 2.75 unweighted GPA. Students need to fill out only one application, and they will be automatically admitted to the program’s 10 participating colleges and universities. The program waives the application fees, student essays, and recommendation letters that are typically associated with the admissions process.

“We created this program because we want to simplify the application process and encourage high school students who never thought that they could go to college that it is possible,” Governor Lamont said. “The only thing this program requires is good grades. There are no application fees, and you only have to fill out one form. I strongly encourage every high school student in Connecticut to seize this opportunity.”

The program is administered on behalf of the state by Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App.

“The Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program is an example of how CSCU is creating educational access and equity by simplifying the admissions process and making it easier for Connecticut’s students to attend our institutions,” CSCU Interim Chancellor Dr. O. John Maduko said. “CAAP removes barriers to higher education – particularly for first-generation, minoritized, and underserved students – creating a bridge to access, opportunity, and a great postsecondary education.”

Participating colleges and universities include:

  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Albertus Magnus College
  • Goodwin University
  • Mitchell College
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of Hartford
  • University of New Haven

After applying, Common App sends letters to eligible applicants informing them they have been accepted and encouraging them to make the decision to enroll in one of these schools.

The application period for high school seniors who wish to enroll in a higher education institution for the 2026-2027 academic year has already begun and is open until May 1, 2026.

For more information and application instructions, visit www.ct.edu/autoadmit.

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