Connecticut Lawmakers Near Deal on $55.5 Billion Two-year Budget
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
Late-night talks between Governor Ned Lamont and legislative leaders brought Connecticut close to approving a $55.5 billion two-year budget. The deal hinges on using a 2017 law allowing a $200 million prepayment to the teachers’ pension fund, freeing up spending room for fiscal 2027. Final details are expected today.
Read MoreRidgefield School Community Rallies for Paraprofessional Critically Ill with Encephalitis
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
Glenny Montanari, a 71 year old special education paraprofessional at Scotts Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, is critically ill with encephalitis at Danbury Hospital. She is on a ventilator and unable to speak. The school community has organized prayers and support, while her family has raised over $36,000 to cover medical and household expenses.
Read MoreNew Milford Extends Recreational Cannabis Sales Ban for Six Months
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
New Milford Town Council voted unanimously to extend the moratorium on recreational cannabis sales for six more months. The town is gathering data on youth safety, traffic, crime, and revenue impacts from nearby towns with legal sales. Medical cannabis sales remain allowed under zoning rules.
Read MoreKentucky Man Wins $167 Million Powerball, Then Quickly Adds Arrest to His Record
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
James Farthing of Georgetown, Kentucky, hit the $167 million Powerball jackpot last Saturday. Just days later, he was arrested in Florida after allegedly punching someone and kicking a police officer during a hotel scuffle. Farthing, who’s on parole until August, is likely now learning that money can’t buy you a get-out-of-jail-free card.
Read MoreGirl Scouts of Connecticut Sets June 3 for Annual Giving Day
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
Girl Scouts of Connecticut will hold its annual Giving Day fundraiser next Tuesday, June 3, starting at noon. The 24-hour online event aims to boost support for programs ranging from science and leadership to outdoor education. Organizers say every donation, no matter the amount, helps fund opportunities for thousands of girls across the state. Supporters […]
Read MoreBrookfield Rite Aid to Close; Danbury Store Already Shuttered
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
The Rite Aid on Federal Road in Brookfield is the latest Connecticut location slated to close as part of the pharmacy chain’s bankruptcy proceedings. No final date has been so far released. Rite Aid’s Danbury location has already shut down, along with other area stores. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this month—its […]
Read MoreKnife Fight at Connecticut School Ends with 11 Students Charged
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
Eleven students were arrested after a knife fight broke out just before noon at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury. Police said nine boys and two girls under the age of 18 were charged with third-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace, and interfering with an officer. Several students were hurt, but none seriously. The […]
Read MoreFuel Miscalculation Caused 2023 Danbury Plane Crash, Ntsb Finds
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
Federal investigators say fuel exhaustion led to a small plane crash in Danbury in April 2023. According to a final NTSB report, the student pilot and flight instructor failed to properly verify fuel levels before takeoff. The Cessna 152 ran out of fuel after more than five hours of flight time. It crashed on Southern […]
Read MorePolice Investigate Obscene Prank Calls to Newtown Schools
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
Police in Newtown are ramping up the investigation into a series of obscene prank phone calls made to several schools and the police department on Wednesday. They say the calls came in during the afternoon and prompted an increased officer presence at affected schools, although no actual threat was found. Officials credited school staff for […]
Read MoreGreater Danbury Chamber Sets New Date for Annual Awards
- Ed Histed
- May 30, 2025
The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled its annual Chamber Awards event for June 18. Tickets are now available, and local businesses can still sign up to sponsor. The Chamber is also promoting an upcoming manufacturing tour. Details on tickets, registration, and sponsorship opportunities are posted online at www.danburychamber.com.
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