According to the numbers, over just the past couple of years, Connecticut has seen the closure of over 200 bank branches, impacting customers who frequented any given favorite bank branch, sometimes for decades. With the rise of digital banking, closures reflect banks’ focus on profitability and mergers. The trend is becoming a challenge for customers and banks alike, prompting reevaluations now of branch networks to balance convenience and service quality.

Both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly have endorsed an agreement with the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition on the wage reopener for 2024-2025, as stipulated in the current operating contract. The Senate passed the resolution with a vote of 24 to 12, while the House of Representatives approved it with a vote of 106 to 44. These votes mark the final procedural steps required by state law for the agreement’s implementation. The agreement, effective from July 1st this year, continues the existing 2.5% general wage increases and step increases for an additional year. Funding for this initiative was allocated in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

A Danbury teenager faces serious charges after being apprehended with a firearm following an altercation at Rogers Park. 18 year old Frailyn Nunez was arrested on charges including possession of a weapon on school grounds, carrying a pistol without a permit, and breach of peace after police responded to reports of a suspicious individual possibly armed near Lions Way. Nunez remains in custody, and is being held on a $75,000 bond at the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Like just about everything else we buy these days, the price of gas continues to increase. Here in Connecticut, gas prices have surged by 21 cents in just one week, reaching an average of $3.71 per gallon for self-service regular, that as reported by AAA. While gasoline here in Connecticut remains far from its peak price of nearly $5 per gallon in 2022, it is inching in that direction once again. Today’s AAA national average stands at $3.67 a gallon. In Danbury yesterday, it was $3.53.

Greenwich town records reveal that over 180 trees were illegally felled behind Governor Ned Lamont’s residence, affecting protected wetlands without necessary permits. The clearing, extending across several acres, altered the landscape to enhance scenic views, raising environmental concerns. Lamont, along with neighboring property owners, faces wetlands violations. The incident, occurred five months ago, and has now prompted calls for corrective action. Town officials there seek restoration and potential fines to address environmental impact and preserve wetland ecosystems.

Newtown residents have rejected the school portion of a $137 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with concerns centered on what many perceive as excessive spending proposed by the Board of Education. The $88.8 million school budget faced strong opposition, resulting in a resounding 1,701-to-1,194 vote against it. In contrast, the $48.8 million town portion of the budget narrowly passed with a vote of 1,465-to-1,424. As a consequence, the town budget moves forward while the school budget will be revisited by the Legislative Council for adjustments. The proposed budget hike would have led to a 3.8 percent tax rate increase, translating to an additional $350 per year in taxes for a home valued at $500,000. Voter turnout stood at 15 percent.

The Danbury Police Athletic League (PAL) is getting a makeover thanks to a collaboration with Henry Abbott Technical High School. Led by James Roberts, Head of the Plumbing & Heating Department at Abbott Tech, students are spearheading renovations in the PAL’s restrooms, concession stand, and locker rooms. The initiative aims to upgrade facilities that have remained unchanged since the PAL’s inception in 1997. The project kicked off on Tuesday as students started preparations for modern amenities such as touchless faucets and urinals. The team will return to the PAL today to continue their efforts.

Those in charge of things at Danbury’s Tarrywile Park defend recent clearing efforts amid criticism. The Tarrywile Park Authority cites invasive species concerns, noting plans to improve park accessibility and biodiversity. Some members of the community though, express mixed reactions to the ongoing restoration work.

A Massachusetts man faces charges after police say he threatened and harassed a synagogue’s education director in Southbury. The arrest of Manuel Pintado stems from a police investigation into a threatening audio message sent to B’nai Israel in March. Pintado accused the director of spreading misinformation about Palestine, and threatened to replicate events in Palestine at her home. He was traced through the phone number used for the message. Pintado has a history of similar offenses, including a prior incident in Florida. After extradition to Connecticut, he now awaits a plea hearing scheduled for May 31st.

The Greater Danbury Chamber Of Commerce is gearing up for the WestConn Society Breakfast… a breakfast for student success… which is now set to be held on Wednesday, May 1st from 7:30 to 9am at the Amber Room Cononnade in Danbury. This year’s breakfast will honor Tony Cirone, and all proceeds will benefit the mission of Western Connecticut State University through the WCSU Foundation. For tickets and information, call (203) 837-9820 or visit https://danburychamber.com