Local News

Danbury Man Charged in Alleged Home Renovation Scheme

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:56:36 -0500

49 year old Trevor Bridle of Danbury faces first-degree larceny and conspiracy charges involving an elderly Monroe homeowner. Investigators say Bridle and his associates collected more than one-point-one million dollars from her between December 2023 and April of this year for supposed home improvements. They allege more than 900 thousand dollars was billed for renovations, but only minor cosmetic repairs were completed. Bridle is scheduled to appear in court October 15.

Connecticut Lowers Flags to Honor Highway Worker

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:54:56 -0500

American and state flags at Connecticut state buildings will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today in honor of transportation employee Elvin Hernandez. He was struck and killed by a vehicle last week while doing road maintenance on Interstate 95 in Fairfield. Residents, businesses and municipalities are encouraged to lower their flags as well.

Lily Rose Haunted House Opens Tonight in Danbury

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:54:54 -0500

The Lily Rose Haunted House opens tonight at DAV Chapter 25 in Danbury. The chapter’s main fundraiser runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October at 25 Segar Street, about half a mile from Danbury Fair Mall. Doors open at six each evening, rain or shine. Admission is 15 dollars per person, with discounts for military members and first responders. More information is available at LilyRoseHaunt dot com.

Haunted House Returns to Benefit Danbury Veterans

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:52:58 -0500

The Lily Rose Haunted House returns to 25 Segar Street in Danbury every Friday through Sunday this month. The haunted maze features dozens of life-size animatronics, props and spooky actors. Proceeds benefit Danbury’s disabled American veterans through DAV Chapter 25. Details are at lilyrosehaunt dot com.

Connecticut Awards Grants for 50 Trail Projects

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:51:00 -0500

Connecticut is awarding ten-point-five million dollars for 50 recreational trail projects statewide. Newtown will receive 170 thousand dollars to extend the Housatonic Rail Trail, while Monroe gets 288 thousand for trail maintenance, equipment and outreach. The Western Connecticut Council of Governments will receive 500 thousand dollars for an east-west trail study. Statewide, the grants will support construction, repairs, accessibility improvements and planning.

Bolinsky Calls for Gas and Diesel Tax Suspension

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:51:00 -0500

Newtown State Representative Mitch Bolinsky wants Connecticut’s gasoline and diesel taxes suspended through December 31. The Republican is urging Governor Ned Lamont and legislative Democrats to support the proposal. Bolinsky says it would give drivers relief and reduce transportation costs for businesses. Republicans estimate the suspension would cost 128 million dollars. They point to nearly 650 million dollars in transportation fund reserves and projected surplus to cover the cost.

Down The Hatch Sold To Local Restaurant Group

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:14:54 -0500

Down The Hatch in Brookfield has been sold, ending months of uncertainty over the future of the popular Candlewood Lake restaurant. Tower Realty says the sale includes the restaurant property at 292 Candlewood Lake Road and 5 Kellogg Street, along with four rental cottages. The Parente family had been looking for a buyer who would continue the restaurant’s longtime tradition. Tower Realty says the new owners are an experienced local restaurant group and plans call for Down The Hatch to reopen.

Connecticut SNAP Benefit Limits Rise Today

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:59:30 -0500

Connecticut’s maximum SNAP benefits increase today with the annual cost-of-living adjustment. The monthly maximum rises to $306 for one person and $1,023 for a family of four. Actual payments depend on income and expenses. Meanwhile, expanded federal work rules already in effect require certain adults ages 18 through 64 to meet work, training or volunteer requirements unless exempt. Those who don’t qualify can receive benefits for only three months in a three-year period.

Danbury Driver Gets Eight Years for Fatal Newtown Crash

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:57:17 -0500

20 year old Alexis Salazar of Danbury will serve eight years in prison for a Newtown crash that killed 19 year old Mary Cordero of Danbury. Salazar was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to manslaughter, evidence tampering and reckless endangerment. Police say the Mustang was traveling more than 89 miles an hour in a 40-mile-an-hour zone before hitting a tree in August 2025. His sentence also includes five years of probation.

Newtown Housing Plan Faces Court Challenges

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:57:15 -0500

The developer of Castle Hill Village and Newtown’s Borough Zoning Commission are asking a Danbury court to dismiss homeowners’ objections to the project. The two sides reached a settlement calling for 115 single-family homes near Taunton Pond. Neighbors oppose the development’s impact on the landscape and changes involving a historic trail. The developer says the trail will remain open and nearby land will be preserved. Two separate court challenges could affect the agreement.