Fire officials just across the state line in Putnam County, NY say a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery caused a garage fire at a home in Carmel. The homeowner’s quick actions helped keep the blaze from spreading through the residence, although smoke and heat damage were reported. Authorities are reminding residents to use approved chargers and regularly inspect rechargeable batteries for damage.

A 63 year old Ridgefield man who owned a Danbury daycare and preschool has pleaded guilty to failing to pay federal employment taxes. Prosecutors say Thomas Walker failed to file required tax forms and make payroll tax payments between 2018 and 2024, resulting in a loss of more than $639,000 to the IRS. He is scheduled for sentencing August 31.

A second Jersey Mike’s restaurant could be coming to Danbury. Plans call for the sandwich chain to renovate a vacant space at Airport Plaza on Backus Avenue, near Danbury Fair. The proposal goes before the city’s Planning Commission this week as retail development continues to grow along the busy corridor.

Connecticut has approved a wide-ranging artificial intelligence law that includes new protections for consumers, students, and workers. The measure requires disclosure when AI is used in hiring decisions, adds safeguards for AI chatbots, and launches workforce training programs. Computer science education, including AI instruction, will also become part of public school curricula.

More than 97,000 Connecticut residents will soon receive letters informing them that some or all of their medical debt has been erased. The latest round of a state-supported debt relief program is eliminating nearly $315 million in medical debt. Since the initiative began in 2024, more than 252,000 Connecticut residents have had over $513 million in medical debt canceled.

Connecticut has approved a new law aimed at protecting children online and regulating the use of artificial intelligence. The measure requires parental consent for certain social media features used by minors, limits overnight notifications, and adds safeguards for AI chatbots and employment decisions. The law also expands workforce training programs focused on artificial intelligence skills.

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Connecticut residents could soon face higher energy costs. Gas prices have climbed sharply in recent months amid disruptions to global oil supplies, while Eversource is seeking a residential electric rate increase of at least 13 percent beginning in July 2027. Many utility customers have already seen rate increases, adding to concerns about rising household expenses across the state.

A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in an attempted cryptocurrency robbery that led to the violent kidnapping of a Danbury couple in 2024. Prosecutors say 25 year old Adam Iza helped coordinate the plot, which was tied to the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin. Six other suspects charged in the case have also entered guilty pleas.

An 18 year old New Fairfield High School graduate is recovering after suffering a severe brain injury in a multi-vehicle crash in Virginia. Brendan Cummins, a freshman college student, was a passenger in a car involved in the May 14 crash on Interstate 495 in Fairfax County. Family members say his long-term prognosis remains uncertain, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with medical and travel expenses.