NaturalAnnie essentials Candle Bar is working with the Jamaican American Connection Inc. (JAC)& American Friends of Jamaica to serve as a drop off location to collect donations for families in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Check the second slide to see all the non-monetary donations needed. Every contribution makes a difference!
Report of 2 cars in the water at 79 Fern Street due to the flooding in the street. Firefighters are currently in the process of securing those in the cars.
WESTPORT — On Tuesday, October 27, 2025, at about 8:52 p.m., Westport officers received license plate reader alerts indicating a reported stolen vehicle in the Saugatuck area. An officer located the vehicle traveling northbound on Saugatuck Avenue and, with a second officer’s assistance, conducted a felony high-risk stop near Riverside Avenue and Post Road West. The four occupants complied with commands and were removed from the vehicle without incident. A search of the passenger compartment uncovered a firearm on the rear floor below the driver’s seat.
Police say the vehicle, a Toyota Scion, had been reported stolen in Branford on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The recovered firearm was a “ghost gun” assembled from assorted parts with no serial number; it contained one round of live ammunition in the magazine. Three male juveniles were taken into custody and charged with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle; they were issued juvenile summonses and released to their parents pending juvenile court appearances. The adult, identified as Jermell Elmore, 18, of West Haven, was charged with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Illegal Possession of a Firearm, and Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Possession of a Firearm. Elmore’s bond was set at $20,000; unable to post, he was transported to Stamford Superior Court for arraignment on Wednesday, October 28, 2025.
(Westport, CT) As Halloween quickly approaches, the Westport Police Department wishes to take the opportunity to offer our residents and visitors some basic reminders intended to promote a safe experience for all. We always ask that motorists drive with care and caution through our neighborhoods, but especially on Halloween when our streets are certain to be filled with trick-or-treaters. Slow down, don’t drive distracted, be mindful of pedestrians, use extra caution when exiting driveways and please drive sober. Drivers should be focused on the road ahead and prepared to react quickly to a variety of unanticipated situations.
Trick-or-treaters should walk safely and opt for costumes that do not limit their field of vision while also maximizing visibility to traffic. We strongly encourage carrying flashlights, wearing bright colors or reflectorized garments, and pre-planning a route through well-lit and familiar neighborhoods. Stick to sidewalks where they are available, walk against the flow of traffic where there are no sidewalks, use marked crosswalks, and walk, don’t run, through neighborhoods. Always assume that drivers do not see you and be especially cautious around cars that are backing up or turning. Traveling in large groups is encouraged to promote safety. Only visit houses where outside lights are illuminated. A darkened house is likely not prepared to receive trick-or-treaters.
Children should not eat any treats until they return home, when parents can take the time to properly inspect them. Check all treats for any signs of tampering and throw away anything that is not factory sealed or otherwise questionable looking. Never eat anything that is homemade. Anyone receiving items suspected of having been intentionally tampered with should report that to their local police department immediately.
While we encourage everyone to enjoy Halloween, we also warn that vandalism and acts of mischief that threaten safety or result in property damage will not be tolerated. With that said, parents are urged to please monitor their children’s activities not only on Halloween night, but also on Thursday, October 30, the traditional “Mischief Night.”
Rest assured that the men and women of the Westport Police Department will also be putting on our costumes this coming weekend, in the form of increased high visibility patrols. We wish all a safe and Happy Halloween!
A water main break has caused heavy flooding, making several areas inaccessible until further notice. Avoid North Washington Ave & River St, Knowlton St & River St, and River St & Evergreen St.
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
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.
A viewer sent in this video of a compactor on fire in the 800 block of Union Avenue. Firefighters were able to pull the compactor away from the building and had the blaze out in minutes.
