Police in Wilton are connecting with residents through a “Coffee with a Cop” event aimed at strengthening community relationships. Officers met Wednesday with locals at Theo’s General Store, giving people a chance to ask questions and share concerns in an informal setting. Police also handed out safety vests funded through a state grant to help improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The program is part of a national effort to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Police in Newtown are investigating after a 14 year old driver crashed a car into a utility pole, causing the vehicle to flip onto its side. Officers say the crash happened near Cemetery Road when the car went off the roadway and struck the pole. The driver and a juvenile passenger were able to get out and were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and enforcement action is pending against the teen driver.

A 39 year old Bethel man is being held on a $500,000 bond following what police call an unprovoked stabbing at a downtown deli. Authorities say Sean Vota is accused of attacking a 69 year old man who was sitting and drinking coffee, leaving the victim with multiple stab wounds that were not life-threatening. Police say witnesses, including an off-duty officer, helped track the suspect before he was taken into custody. Vota faces a string of charges and is due back in court later this month.

A former Waterbury school teacher is facing new charges in an ongoing investigation involving inappropriate contact with students. Police say 42 year old Philip Hughes of Southbury is now accused of sending harmful messages to another minor, adding to earlier allegations involving a 16 year old student. Hughes has been charged with harmful contact with a minor, released on bond, and is due in court. He has been fired from the school system and is banned from school property as the investigation continues.

A Texas appeals court is putting the brakes on an effort by The Onion to take control of the InfoWars platform founded by Alex Jones. The court issued a temporary stay on a turnover order tied to efforts to recover more than $1.4 billion in judgments awarded to families of Sandy Hook victims. The move delays a lower court decision on a proposed deal that would give The Onion control of InfoWars’ intellectual property. The case now remains on hold as appeals move forward.

A 24 year old Newtown man accused of approaching an 8 year old girl in a locker room is being given a chance to avoid a criminal record. Adam Bowditch was granted a two year diversionary probation program in Danbury court, despite strong objections from the child’s family. Police say the case stems from a July incident at the Newtown Community Center where Bowditch allegedly passed a note to the girl and later tried to destroy evidence. A judge cited evaluations showing a low risk of reoffending, along with no prior record, in approving the program with strict conditions.

An online fundraiser is underway following the death of 18 year old Christopher Lema, a Danbury High School senior killed in a motorcycle crash in Newtown. Police say Lema died after his motorcycle struck the rear of a delivery truck on Hawleyville Road. Family members describe the loss as sudden and devastating, as donations have already begun coming in to help cover funeral and burial costs. School officials say Lema was nearing graduation and will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and generosity toward others.

State officials in Connecticut are planning another step toward possible nuclear energy expansion, with a public workshop set for May 13 in Hartford. The session, led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will focus on emerging fusion technology and its potential to provide carbon-free power. Experts say fusion could offer reliable, around-the-clock energy, though major technical and economic hurdles remain. Officials say the workshops are designed to gather public input as the state considers future nuclear development options.

New workforce training opportunities are expanding in Connecticut as new apprenticeship courses receive state certification. Officials say the programs at Lincoln Technical Institute will focus on electrical systems and HVAC training, with classes expected to begin in June pending final approval. The programs include 1,200 hours of instruction and are designed to meet growing demand, with more than 13,000 jobs projected in those fields by 2032. State leaders say the goal is to prepare job-ready workers while helping employers fill critical skilled trade positions.

A garbage truck striking a power line triggered a fire and widespread outages in Ridgefield Wednesday morning. Police say more than 2,000 customers lost power after the line was clipped around 8:50 a.m., though most service was restored within an hour. Roads in the area were temporarily closed as crews responded and put out the fire.