Animal advocates are reporting a troubling increase in cases of abuse and neglect across Connecticut this year. The severity and frequency of these incidents they say, are alarming, with reports ranging from a malnourished dog to a pit bull discovered dead with signs of trauma and neglect. In just one small area, they noted 33 new cases this year alone, compared to 28 during a similar period in that area last year… calling it a disturbing trend of escalating violence against animals, reflecting broader societal issues. Investigations into these cases continue, with many groups offering rewards for information leading to arrests.

ARKA Group’s Danbury Mission Technologies plant has unveiled an $85 million expansion, boosting its capacity for producing cutting-edge imaging systems for satellites and military use. The investment is seen as underscoring Danbury’s pivotal role in advanced aerospace technology and national defense contracts.

A man living under an alias here in Connecticut has been extradited to Canada to face charges for two homicides. According to federal officials, Kensworth Francis, originally from the Bahamas, was apprehended in Hartford last month after a search by Canadian authorities. The charges stem from an incident in July 2022 at a nightclub in Ontario, where Francis allegedly opened fire during an argument, resulting in the deaths of two security guards and injuring a woman. He was discovered in Hartford living under a false identity and in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition. Canadian authorities have now brought him back to Ontario to face justice.

A man from New Haven was arrested by New Haven Police after an incident in Wilton. 39 year old Perry Charnas faces charges including criminal impersonation and false reporting after investigators say he was impersonating an FBI agent and making false reports to Wilton Police back in October 2022. He was locked up and held on a $30,000 bond.

In New Milford, the school board has received town approval to allocate $250,000 for evaluating HVAC systems in all five schools, as mandated by state law. The evaluation, conducted by Consulting Engineering Services, is underway and will continue through the summer. State regulations require comprehensive inspections of HVAC systems in schools by January 1, 2025, and every five years thereafter, ensuring compliance and indoor air quality. While this funding covers assessments, any necessary system solutions will require separate budgeting.

Three school districts… Danbury, Newtown, and Region 12… are each now actively searching for new superintendents. This week, the Newtown Board of Education received notice from Superintendent Chris Melillo about his plans to step down at the end of the academic year. The board aims to appoint his successor by mid-summer, with contingency plans for an interim superintendent if needed. Meanwhile, Danbury’s search began earlier this year after the negotiated departure of former Superintendent Kevin Walston. The board is leading the search and hopes to finalize the appointment by August before the new school year begins. In Region 12, Lorrie Rodrigue has been serving as interim superintendent since December, and the board plans to launch its search for a permanent leader soon.

In Danbury, a major downtown sewer main was unexpectedly discovered beneath a proposed warehouse on Lee Mac Avenue. City engineers made the surprising find during final redevelopment review, avoiding potential disaster during construction. The sewer line, vital for preventing river flooding, was never recorded in land records, prompting a redesign to ensure access and safety.

Governor Ned Lamont is pushing for legislation to boost solar energy here in Connecticut schools, aiming to quadruple the number of schools equipped with solar panels. Currently, around 300 public schools have solar installations, saving thousands on utility bills. The proposed changes would remove existing caps on non-residential solar installations, allowing schools to benefit from new financial incentives and streamlined processes overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Critics cite concerns over potential ambiguities, while proponents emphasize the dual benefits of clean energy and cost savings.

In a recent report from WalletHub.com, several cities in Connecticut have been recognized among the most diverse in the nation for 2024. Danbury secured a spot in the top ten, coming in at number ten. WalletHub evaluated over 500 of the largest cities across various diversity categories. According to WalletHub, these cities showcase diversity across multiple dimensions, fostering understanding and empathy among residents while contributing to economic success. For the top spots nationally, Maryland cities took the lead, with Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and Germantown ranking as the most diverse cities in the country for 2024. To see the full list of diverse cities,

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A man living under an alias here in Connecticut has been extradited to Canada to face charges for two homicides. According to federal officials, Kensworth Francis, originally from the Bahamas, was apprehended in Hartford last month after a search by Canadian authorities. The charges stem from an incident in July 2022 at a nightclub in Ontario, where Francis allegedly opened fire during an argument, resulting in the deaths of two security guards and injuring a woman. He was discovered in Hartford living under a false identity and in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition. Canadian authorities have now brought him back to Ontario to face justice.