GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES BUSINESSES WILL RECEIVE A 6% DECREASE IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATES IN 2025

Connecticut Insurance Department Approves Eleventh Consecutive Year of Rate Decreases (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the ongoing trend of decreasing rates in workers’ compensation insurance will result in Connecticut businesses receiving a 6% rate decrease beginning January 1, 2025. The Connecticut Insurance Department has approved an annual workers’ compensation rate filing for 2025 with a decrease of 6.1% to the voluntary market loss costs and a decrease of 6.2% in assigned risk plan rates. This becomes the eleventh consecutive year that the Connecticut Insurance Department has approved rate decreases for workers’ compensation insurance, resulting in significant cost savings for employers. The trend reflects a continued decline in workplace injuries and filed claims. “These positive trends are…

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Bridgeport Man Arrested for December 2023 Fatal Accident on Route 8 in Trumbull

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Christopher Lazo, a 26-year-old resident of Bridgeport, turned himself in at Troop G in Bridgeport following an active arrest warrant. The warrant was issued in connection with a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on Route 8 in Trumbull in December 2023. Lazo was arrested without incident and charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, failure to maintain proper lane on a limited access highway, and improper passing or cutting in at an unsafe distance. Lazo was processed and later released on a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on December 23, 2024. For further details, see the attached arrest warrant and criminal information summary.

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Governor Lamont and Mayor Ganim Announce Development Agreement Reached that Paves Way for Demolition of Former Coal Plant

Bridgeport, CT— Governor Ned Lamont and Mayor Ganim were joined by state and local leaders today to announce that a formal agreement has been reached to transfer ownership of the decommissioned PSEG coal plant in Bridgeport to a private developer, Bridgeport Station Development. As a result, abatement and demolition activities will begin on the site in the coming weeks.  This work is expected to be completed within three years. The state, through the Community Investment Fund (CIF), is providing $22.5 million for the demolition and remediation of the plant.  This is the fund’s largest award to date. “This transformational project along the coastline in Bridgeport, the largest city in the state, demonstrates how our community investments continue to successfully leverage…

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Air Quality Advisory: Smoke from Massachusetts Fires Reaches Connecticut

The ongoing wildfires in Massachusetts are impacting air quality across the region, with smoke traveling south and affecting areas in Connecticut. Residents may notice a smoky smell in the air, which could pose health concerns for those sensitive to air quality, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Officials recommend minimizing outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, and staying indoors with windows closed to reduce exposure. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news and health advisories.

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Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest and Discovery of Narcotics, Firearm in Vehicle

https://youtu.be/ad03AZl3130 On the evening of November 17, 2024, Officers Montero and Harry pulled over a black Acura TL near Ocean Terrace and Wordin Avenue after the driver failed to use a turn signal. The driver, Gregory Jimenez, appeared extremely nervous, was uncooperative, and repeatedly tried to rush the officers during the stop. During the investigation, officers conducted a pat-down for weapons and took Jimenez into custody for narcotics violations. While performing an inventory of the vehicle before towing, officers found a bundle of white powder (54.9 grams), which tested positive for cocaine, using a field test. They also recovered a fully loaded Glock 30 handgun with a round in the chamber, an additional loaded magazine, a digital scale, and clear…

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Waterbury Man Arrested in Connection to Ansonia Shots Fired Incident

On November 12, 2024, Edward Rumley, age 32, of Waterbury was taken into custody on an arrest warrant for his involvement in the August 31, 2024 shots fired investigation in Ansonia. Rumley was charged with Criminal Attempt at Assault First Degree, Reckless Endangerment First Degree, Unlawful Discharge, Criminal Possession of Firearm, and Carrying a Pistol without a Permit. Rumley was held on a $250,000.00 bond, he was arraigned in court on November 13, 2024 and turned over to the custody of the Department of Corrections. Rumley’s next court appearance is November 21, 2024. At least one more arrest will be made in this case, the suspect is currently in custody with the Department of Corrections on unrelated charges and will…

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Norwalk News: Merritt Crash by Exit 40 Causes Shutdown

Report of a motor vehicle accident on the Merritt Parkway by Exit 40. The Northbound side is currently shut down. Initial report is that one of the cars is on fire. One party does seem to be ejected from the vehicle according to unconfirmed radio reports. You could get this report as a notification on your phone if you had the Doing It Local app to make sure you're aware of traffic issues as soon as they happen!

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ARREST OF JOSE ALBINO-SANTIAGO FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD, AND ENTICING A MINOR

In early September 2024, the Bridgeport Police Department’s (BPD) Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Haven regarding Possession of Child Pornography (CSAM) Child Sexual Abuse Material.  As a result of that communication, BPD SVU Detective Davon Polite opened a case, here at the local level, in Bridgeport, CT.  In early October Detective Polite received additional information from the Connecticut State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) where he received multiple Cyber Tipline reports of numerous uploaded files related to child pornography.  Federal Statute 42 USC 13032 mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must register with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and then report any occurrences of…

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Bridgeport News: Firefighter Injured, Six Displaced in Early Morning Bridgeport Blaze

At around 4:35 a.m., the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 555 Capitol Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames at the rear of the building. During the initial fire attack, a firefighter was struck by falling debris, prompting a mayday alert. The firefighter was evaluated at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and has since been cleared for full duty. Six adults affected by the fire are receiving assistance from the Red Cross, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the incident.

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Opera Program at Stratford Library November 24

The Stratford Library will host a special opera and writing event featuring Italian opera singer and poet Stefano Russo on Sunday, November 24, at 2 p.m. Russo, who previously impressed audiences during “National Poetry Month,” will perform opera selections alongside acclaimed pianist Jacob Wang, while friend Joe Naylor reads and discusses excerpts from Russo's memoir, The Prisoner. The program is free and open to the public. Born in Rome, Italy, Stefano Russo is an Italian American artist who moved to the U.S. in 2011. His career began with opera singing but evolved into a passion for writing, particularly poetry. He has published several collections, including Life, a Labyrinth of Thoughts and Beyond the Chains of the Mind, and released his…

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