Bridgeport Public Schools Join Connecticut’s Largest Cities in Call for Increased State Education Funding 

BRIDGEPORT, CT – January 15, 2025– Bridgeport Public Schools joined forces with mayors and superintendents from Connecticut's five largest cities – Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury – to urgently call on Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to increase state education funding for all students and to adequately and equitably support Connecticut's educational system during the 2025 legislative session. Facing significant financial challenges, the district remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring that every student has the resources needed to succeed.  Facing a $39 million budget deficit, the Bridgeport Public Schools district remains deeply committed to safeguarding students from any negative effects. The district continues to prioritize student success and well-being, working diligently to uphold…

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Untimely Death

Earlier today, the Bridgeport Emergency Communications Center was alerted by a judicial marshal regarding former city assistant fire chief Harold Clarke’s failure to appear in court this morning. Bridgeport Police responded to Clarke's last known GPS location, where they discovered a tragic, untimely death. In November, a six-person jury convicted Clarke on two counts of second-degree sexual assault. He faced a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years for these charges. Authorities have confirmed that this is an ongoing investigation. I send my condolences to Harold Clarke’s family. I'm deeply sorry for your loss, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I’m wishing you comfort and peace during this time of…

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STAMFORD VAPE SHOP RAIDS

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG, MAYOR SIMMONS, STAMFORD POLICE, STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCE CONFISCATION OF MORE THAN 135 LBS OF ILLEGAL CANNABIS (Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Stamford Police Chief Tim Shaw, Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton, and Department of Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today announced results of a December raid on Stamford smoke shops, netting more than 135 pounds of illegal cannabis products from eight shops found violating numerous criminal and civil statutes including illegal drug sales, underage sales, labor violations,…

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Mayor Ganim Announces the City of Bridgeport to Join National Program to Advance Park Equity

Bridgeport, CT – Bridgeport has been selected as one of 7 cities to participate in Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk® Park Equity Accelerator, a national initiative committed to increasing access to high-quality parks in communities across the U.S. As part of the Accelerator, Bridgeport and New Haven will work closely with Trust for Public Land (TPL) to work towards ensuring every resident has access to a park or green space within a 10-minute walk from home. This partnership reflects Bridgeport’s and New Haven’s commitments to creating equitable and accessible green spaces that enhance quality of life for all. “As the Park City, we are excited to participate in this opportunity with Trust for Public Land,” stated Mayor Ganim. “Trust for Public…

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Bridgeport Public Schools Takes Proactive Steps with Launch of Special Education Task Force to Strengthen Student Support 

Recognizing the pressing challenges within the Special Education (SPED) department, Bridgeport Public Schools has taken proactive steps by launching a Special Education Task Force. This initiative underscores the district’s deep understanding of existing issues and its commitment to ensuring all students receive the high-quality support and education they deserve. The task force was formed to make an in-depth assessment of current practices, identify areas for meaningful improvement, and implement innovative solutions. By prioritizing this initiative, the district is reaffirming its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment where every student can thrive.  “We fully acknowledge the concerns surrounding our Special Education services and are taking decisive action,” said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent. “As a father of a…

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Bridgeport Police Issue Public Safety Alert on Vehicle Break-Ins

https://youtu.be/weef_qpcxGs Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport Police Department has issued a public service announcement following a surge in vehicle break-ins across the city. Lt. Stacey Lyons of the Bridgeport Police Department shared valuable tips to help residents safeguard their vehicles and belongings: Park in Well-Lit Areas: Criminals are less likely to target vehicles parked under streetlights or in brightly lit areas. Activate Vehicle Alarms: If your car has an alarm, ensure it is activated whenever you park. Choose Locations with Cameras: Parking near surveillance cameras can deter potential thieves. Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Do not leave items like laptops, cell phones, or GPS devices visible in your vehicle. Bring these items inside your home to avoid temptation. Use Indoor…

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POLICE RESPONSE TO INCIDENT INVOLVING HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

https://youtu.be/GqxHRkPPZ_4 FAIRFIELD, CT – On December 1, 2024, at approximately 12:25 PM, the Fairfield Police Department was notified by an area hospital of a young adult male being treated for significant hand injuries. The injuries were reportedly caused by an explosive device. The patient disclosed to hospital staff that he and a friend had built and detonated multiple homemade explosive devices earlier that day. A subsequent investigation by our Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, FBI, and Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad revealed that the individuals had constructed four devices using materials purchased online and at retail locations. The devices were later transported to a secluded area in the Pine Creek Marsh where they attempted to detonate them. Two devices were successfully…

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