Good morning, Westport.

Ellis Tibere, a Guilford man, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with an additional 10 years of special parole—he took a plea deal in March after pleading guilty to charges including attempted murder for a 2020 Westport parking lot attack that left a victim with lifelong injuries.

The new state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 gives some towns more education funding while 96 municipalities, including Westport, receive the same funding as before.

Bridgeport, Danbury, New Britain and Waterbury will get over $10 million more each year thanks to adjustments in the Education Cost Sharing formula—designed to help districts with higher student needs.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station said that while the Asian needle ant — an invasive insect with a venomous sting — has been reported in 20 states, there is no confirmed evidence in Connecticut, although a 1980 report noted a sighting nearby.

Home and landowners who suspect the ants should collect a sample in a small container and freeze it for 24 hours before sending it for identification.

The state Department of Transportation proposed a 5% fare increase for Metro-North starting Sept.1 and another 5% hike on July1, 2026 to support rail upgrades and service levels.

Public meetings and pop-ups are scheduled to gather rider feedback — comments are accepted until July6.

Westport Police warned that a planned protest on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge on June 14 at 11:00 a.m. will cause heavy traffic and possible road closures downtown—motorists should seek alternate routes since the Yankee Doodle Fair will start at 1:00 p.m. later that day.

Connecticut regulators approved Verizon’s deal to buy Frontier’s Connecticut operations on June 11th, keeping a $10B transaction on track to finish later this year — union talks for a new labor contract are underway.

My Sinatra

8 PM – 12 AM — Westport Country Playhouse — Tickets available — Cary Hoffman brings his heartfelt tribute to Frank Sinatra through music and storytelling.