State of Connecticut Secures Amphitheater Venue at No Cost to Bridgeport Public Schools for 2025 Convocation

Bridgeport, CT – The 2025 Bridgeport Public Schools Convocation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the City of Bridgeport have partnered to secure the venue at no cost to the district.

Hosting Convocation at such a premier venue is an incredible opportunity for our district. We are truly grateful for the amphitheater’s generosity and ongoing community support, and we look forward to celebrating the start of the school year in a space that reflects the energy, pride, and unity of our school community.

“I’m truly grateful to our partners for coming together to make this event possible at no cost to the district. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration in support of our schools,” said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools.

The Convocation is an annual tradition that brings together all district staff to celebrate accomplishments, set the tone for the new school year, and reaffirm the collective commitment to student success. Bridgeport Public Schools will lead the planning of this year’s event.

For more information, contact the Bridgeport Public Schools Communications Department at communications@bridgeportedu.net.

Line Up Set for Fairfield Restaurant Week – Summer EditionAugust 25 – September 7!

Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development has announced the return of Fairfield Restaurant Week, which will run for two full weeks from August 25 through September 7, 2025. Now in its 14th year, the event will feature more than two dozen local restaurants offering prix fixe and discounted menus, ranging from casual bites to fine dining. Participating eateries include popular spots such as Artisan Southport, Barcelona Wine Bar, Blackstones Grille, Bodega Taco Bar, Mecha Noodle Bar, The Gray Goose, and many more, showcasing a wide variety of cuisines from seafood and steaks to Latin Fusion and Asian specialties.

Organizers emphasize that the event is more than just dining—it’s an opportunity to highlight Fairfield’s many attractions and community events taking place alongside Restaurant Week. With support from Fairfield University as lead sponsor and media partners including Star 99.9 and Hearst Media, the town hopes residents and visitors will enjoy a “night out” experience while supporting local businesses. More information, including participating restaurants, sample menus, and a calendar of events, is available at experiencefairfieldct.org.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO AT&T OVER UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced an investigation into AT&T over unauthorized charges added to customer accounts. The civil investigation follows criminal charges filed against a former AT&T employee in Stafford, Connecticut alleged to have added unauthorized lines to customer accounts in a ploy to earn bonuses and commissions.

“In multiple instances, AT&T employees are alleged to have opened fraudulent lines and added unauthorized charges to win bonuses. We need to understand whether these were isolated bad actors, or whether there is something about AT&T’s practices that is incentivizing or enabling more widespread fraud. If you have information relevant to this investigation, we want to hear from you. And, if you are a customer, please double check your accounts, and report any unauthorized charges,” said Attorney General Tong.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to file a complaint here.

“This is precisely the sort of inter-agency cooperation that benefits Connecticut residents. I am pleased that Connecticut State Police expertise with financial crimes, fraud, and computer crimes played a critical role in this investigation,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “I look forward to future cooperation between DESPP, the Connecticut State Police, and Attorney General Tong.”

The civil investigative demand sent to AT&T seeks information on the company’s footprint in Connecticut, all complaints from Connecticut consumers regarding unauthorized charges, as well as its procedures to prevent unauthorized charges and services, what steps the company takes when an unauthorized charge is reported, and details regarding the company’s sales compensation plan policies. Finally, the civil investigative demand seeks all documents relating to responses to other regulatory actions and law enforcement investigations, both civil and criminal.

Former AT&T employee Katie Barnaby of Stafford, Connecticut was first arrested in January on charges of computer crimes in the third degree. A Connecticut State Police investigation found that between 2021 and 2022, Barnaby added or removed insurance plans at least 30 times, costing customers over $1,000 in unauthorized charges. In other instances, she added unauthorized phone and tablet lines to customer accounts, including one instance that cost a victim approximately $2,000. After her arrest, State Police continued to investigate and filed additional charges against Barnaby in June. Her cases remain pending in Rockville Superior Court. According to the arrest warrant for Barnaby, State Police found similar fraudulent schemes in Michigan, where multiple store managers allegedly directed employees to add certain unauthorized services to all customer accounts to earn bonuses ranging from $300 to $3,000 tied to achieving a 90 percent “close rate” on those services.

The civil investigative demand further seeks information concerning the employment of Barnaby, records of any company investigation into her unauthorized charges.

Assistant Attorney General Joseph Gasser and Michael Wertheimer, Chief of the Consumer Protection Section, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

Shelton Woman Fights Off Burglar; Suspect Arrested After Victim Snaps Photos

Shelton Police arrested 57-year-old David Pavlik of Seymour after a 68-year-old woman interrupted a burglary at her Huntington home on Friday around 12:15 PM. The victim discovered Pavlik inside her residence, fought with him, and even bit him before he fled; she then managed to capture photos of both the suspect and his vehicle. Those photos quickly led police to identify Pavlik, and with help from Waterbury Police and Connecticut State Police, he was taken into custody and charged with Home Invasion, Robbery 3rd Degree, and Burglary 1st Degree. He was released on a $200,000 bond with a court date set for September 5th at Derby Superior Court. The victim was evaluated by EMS at the scene, and police noted Pavlik had previously done work at her home.

Structure Fire

Three families were displaced after a structure fire in the 400 block of Maplewood Avenue late Monday morning. One person was injured, though the extent of their injuries is not yet known.

Bridgeport Fire Chief Edwards said firefighters encountered heavy flames on the second floor at the rear of the building and quickly struck a second alarm to bring in more personnel and resources. Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down within 15 minutes. The fire did extend into the attic.

Everyone made it out safely, and the Fire Marshal has been called to investigate the cause of the blaze.

2025-08-18@11:58am– #Bridgeport CT #ctfire

CTDOT, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Law Enforcement Address Sharp Rise in Bicycle Fatalities

In response to an alarming increase in bicycle-related fatalities across Connecticut, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), together with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, today held a press conference to call attention to the troubling trend and outline critical steps being taken to improve safety for all road users.

So far in 2025, preliminary CTDOT data show six bicyclist fatalities — already exceeding the annual totals for 2021 through 2024, and matching the number of cyclist deaths reported in all of 2020. In addition, there have been 21 serious injuries and 102 minor injuries involving cyclists statewide this year.

“This is a crisis that demands immediate attention,” said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Every number in this data represents a human being whose life was cut short, or someone who will live with lasting injuries. We need everyone — drivers and cyclists — to commit to safer habits starting today.”

“Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all have the same goal: to get home safely,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “These numbers are unacceptable, and we must work together to stop this trend.”

The press conference, held at Charles Wright Elementary School in Wethersfield, featured local and state traffic safety advocates, law enforcement leaders, and community members who reinforced the importance of improved infrastructure, education, and behavioral change.

The event highlighted the latest outreach efforts being deployed across Connecticut to promote safer streets. For motorists, the focus is on increased awareness, caution, and respecting cyclists’ right to share the road. For cyclists, CTDOT is emphasizing helmet use, high visibility gear, and defensive riding practices.

According to state law, many electric bicycles (e-bikes), including pedal-assist models (pedelecs), are legally classified as bicycles. This means they are included in crash and fatality statistics when operated on public roads. For reporting purposes, a bicycle includes all pedal-powered vehicles such as bicycles, tricycles, and unicycles. Starting this fall, Connecticut’s new safety laws will require helmets for all cyclists under 18, all e-bike riders regardless of age, and all motorcyclists and moped riders under 21.

The state of Connecticut continues to collaborate with community partners, schools, and law enforcement agencies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on its roads. Officials today called on all residents to take action — whether through education, enforcement, or personal responsibility.

For more information on bicycle safety and related resources:

Exit mobile version