Henry Abbott Technical High School celebrated its Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies at Danbury Ice Arena. The school graduated 164 seniors from 18 communities across three counties. School officials say about half of the graduates plan to enter the workforce directly in their trades, while others will attend college or join the military.

Two Waterbury men are facing charges after police recovered a luxury car reported stolen from Ridgefield. Investigators say officers found the Alfa Romeo parked in Waterbury and arrested 19 year old John Laporte after a brief foot chase. Eighteen year old Luis Rodriguez was also charged. Both face motor vehicle larceny counts.

A 34 year old Guatemalan man facing attempted arson charges in Danbury is now in federal custody. Prosecutors say Edvin Barnica Esquivel was arrested for illegally reentering the United States after being deported twice. He appeared in federal court in Bridgeport and was ordered held pending further proceedings.

Federal immigration officials have arrested a 52 year old Guatemalan man after his release from a Connecticut prison. Authorities say Sergio Hipolito Reyes-Cordero was previously convicted of moving a dead body and evidence tampering after dumping a Bridgeport woman’s body in Redding. He now faces a federal charge of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations.

The Center for Empowerment and Education has named Kelly Rybczyk as its new executive director. Rybczyk brings experience in education, fundraising, and domestic violence advocacy, including six years with Project SAGE, a sister agency serving survivors. She succeeds Ashley Dunn, who led the organization through a period of growth over the past four years.

Danbury and Wilton are among the communities receiving state conservation grants. In Danbury, more than $173,000 will help fund improvements at Tarrywile Park, including native plantings, invasive species removal, and new picnic and reflection areas. In Wilton, nearly $579,000 will help preserve almost 16 acres of open space, expanding trail connections and protecting wetlands and wildlife habitat.

More than 350,000 Connecticut children are receiving an additional $120 each in summer food assistance through the state’s Summer EBT program. The benefit helps families buy food while schools are closed for the summer. State officials say more than $42 million in assistance will be distributed, with most eligible families receiving the funds automatically. Applications remain open through August 31 for families not already enrolled.

The American Red Cross here in Connecticut is urging blood and platelet donors to schedule appointments as summer travel and holiday celebrations increase demand. Donors who give blood between June 29th and July 12th will receive a limited-edition Red Cross and Looney Tunes T-shirt while supplies last. Officials say maintaining a strong blood supply helps hospitals remain ready for emergencies and patient care needs.

Health officials are warning Fairfield County residents to be on alert as invasive lone star and Asian longhorned ticks continue spreading across coastal Connecticut. Experts say both species can transmit ehrlichiosis, a flu-like illness, while lone star ticks can also trigger a potentially serious red meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome.

A New York jeweler has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in a jewelry theft ring that targeted malls, including locations here in Connecticut. Prosecutors say 55 year old Salim Sakal bought and sold stolen jewelry valued at more than 4-point-4 million dollars. He was also ordered to pay nearly 2-point-5 million dollars in restitution.