Bridgeport Law Firm Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder Files Suit On Behalf Of FBI Agents
Yesterday, the firm filed suit against both as yet unamed defendants as well as the U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Of America on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA) for multiple causes of action relating to the current administrations ongoing actions concerning the potential threats to those agents.
J
osh Koskoff, who is well known for his firm's achieving a one billion dollar judgment against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones on behalf of Sandy Hook families for his repeated false claims that the tragic killing of 20 young children and 6 staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a hoax and that the parents faked their own children's deaths.
The 23 page Complaint filed in the Federal District Court for the District Of Columbia, alleges, in part actions called for by one of the leaders of the of the proud boys, Enrique Tarrio, against one of the Special Agents by name. Tarrio was pardoned by Trump along with all of those convicted for the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.
The allegations also includes, among others First Amendment and Due Process Violations including "Intentional Violation of Privacy Interests and reputational harm.
The suit references "The FBI employs approximately 13,800 Special Agents. Approximately 12,000 of the FBI’s 13,800 Special Agents are members of FBIAA."
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National new reporting has claimed that something in the neighborhood of 6,000 agents and FBI employees were somehow connected to the the investigation of the riot at the Capitol.
The remedies requested in the suit include "Enjoin Defendants from any further collection or dissemination of personally identifiable information of Plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons; and Writs of Mandamus. Mandamus is an order from a court to an inferior government official ordering the government official to properly fulfill their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion. See e.g. Cheney v. United States Dist. Court For D.C. (2004) . In theory, the Court could order officials of the DOJ and others to take certain actions as part of the relief sought by the plaintiffs.
To follow this case as it progresses visit the Federal Court Website: USCourts.gov and click on Search For A Case
The Press Release from the Koskoff firm is as follows:
FBI Agents Association Files Temporary Restraining Order to Block Trump Administration from Releasing Names of Special Agents Targeted for Work on January 6 Investigations
WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), alongside several anonymous FBI Agents and employees, today filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent the mass public release of names of Agents and FBI employees who worked on cases related to the criminal events that occurred on January 6, 2021.
The TRO, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, asserts that there is clear evidence the Justice Department intends to publicly disclose the names of employees it plans to demote, transfer, or terminate—apparently as a form of retaliation and stigmatization. The TRO argues that such disclosure would violate both statutory and constitutional law.
“FBI Special Agents who risk their lives protecting the country from criminals and terrorists are now being placed on lists and having their careers jeopardized simply for doing their jobs,” said FBIAA President Natalie Bara. “Exposing the names of FBI Agents and employees on these lists would put the safety of these individuals and their families at risk. Further, this reckless action would create a chilling effect within the law enforcement community and weaken the Bureau’s ability to combat criminal and national security threats.”
“The DOJ’s plan to release the names of FBI agents who investigated January 6th is an appalling attack on non-partisan public servants who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities and our nation. It is clear that the threatened disclosure is a prelude to an unlawful purge of the FBI driven solely by the Trump Administration’s vengeful and political motivations,” said attorney for the FBI agents Chris Mattei of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder. “Releasing the names of these agents would ignite a firestorm of harassment towards them and their families and it must be stopped immediately.”
In recent weeks, as part of their Senate nomination hearings, Attorney General-nominee Pam Bondi and FBI Director-nominee Kash Patel both committed that FBI Agents would be afforded due process and protected from retaliation based on their case assignments. Director-nominee Patel further reiterated this commitment in a meeting with the FBI Agents Association, where he emphasized that Agents would not face retribution for carrying out their lawful duties. The public exposure of Agent and employee names would directly contradict these commitments.
"Releasing the names of the FBI agents would create a significant harm to the agents and their families. We oppose releasing names of those agents who were fulfilling their duties as federal law enforcement officers, said a Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) spokesperson.
Today’s legal filing urges the Court to intervene to prevent the public release of Agents’ identities to uphold the principles of fairness, protect those who serve in good faith, and ensure that FBI Agents can perform their vital mission of safeguarding the American people.
New Westport Parks & Rec Director To Take Office On February 18th
Town Of Westport Press Release February 4, 2025:
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that the Town of Westport has hired Erik Barbieri as the new Director of Parks and Recreation, effective February 18, 2025. Mr. Barbieri brings over 25 years of experience in parks and recreation management to the town, having led major municipal recreation initiatives and facility development projects throughout Connecticut.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Erik to Westport. His extensive leadership in parks and recreation, combined with his commitment to community engagement and facility excellence, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Parks and Recreation Department into the future.”
Barbieri joins Westport from the City of New Britain, where he has served as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services since 2015. In this role, he managed seven divisions, including parks, recreation, a golf course, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability programs. Under his leadership, New Britain successfully completed multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects, including the $10.5 million reconstruction of Osgood Park and the $5.4 million rehabilitation of AW Stanley Park. His expertise extends to overseeing major city-wide events, developing innovative recreation programs.
Prior to his tenure as Director, Barbieri served as Superintendent of Recreation for New Britain, where he oversaw large-scale youth programs, after-school initiatives, and the transformation of local parks and sports facilities. His leadership resulted in enhanced community engagement, increased program accessibility, and the successful hosting of high-profile sporting events, including international soccer exhibitions, and managing the operational budget.
Barbieri is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management. His technical skills include expertise in municipal recreation software and budgeting systems, ensuring efficient operations and fiscal responsibility.
In his new role in Westport, Barbieri will oversee the town’s parks, beaches, recreational facilities, and community programs, working to enhance public spaces, expand recreational opportunities, and continue the tradition of excellence in parks and recreation services.
Avian Flu Strikes Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Photos above, courtesy of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's are their Bald Eagle, Barn Owls and their magnificent Amur Leopard. Their exhibit birds are safe and receiving special care. None have been affected.
One of our area's true gems, Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has detected a case of Avian Flu
Beardsley Zoo Press Release:
Bridgeport, CT – (January 30th, 2025) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (CBZ) has received preliminary results of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI), commonly known as avian flu, following testing of a deceased Cotton Patch goose on grounds, Tuesday, January 28th. In response, the zoo has taken additional steps above and beyond already established protective measures to ensure the health and safety of its birds, animals, staff, and guests. The zoo is working closely with state and federal partners, including U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to follow guidelines and conduct ongoing reviews as a result of the detection.
Health and safety precautions had already been enacted at CBZ in response to HPAI cases reported in Connecticut. Out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of zoo animals, staff and guests, additional and increased measures have been implemented.
They have enacted protocols to protect their beautiful bird collection which include a temporary closing of the farmyard and outdoor aviary, limited staff contact to care providers and specialists, and they will use dedicated tools, disinfected after each use and increased PPE for staff.
CBZ is reporting, "Birds in nearby exhibits that did not have direct contact with the affected flock, including ravens, peafowl, and turkeys, will be quarantined and tested to ensure that staff with proper PPE can monitor the flock. (*Update: these particular birds (such as guinea fowl, peacocks, raven) were tested, and we received preliminary results last night – test was negative for HPAI). In accordance with state and federal guidelines, the zoo has humanely euthanized the remaining affected birds in the pond community (12 birds total) that may have been exposed to HPAI, to prevent the possible spread of the disease."
To help support this wonderful zoo, visit: Beardsley Zoo.org. To Donate, click: Donate To Beardsley Zoo
The New England Patriots: Love Them Or Hate Them, Get the Inside Scoop At The Westport Library On Monday, February 3rd
The Y's Men and the Westport Library Welcome Jeff Benedict, author of "The Dynasty" the definitive story of the New England Patriots
In anticipation of the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, which is always one of the biggest party of the year, come to the Trefz Forum at The Westport Library, on Monday, February 3 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and learn the real inside story about the Patriots and their drive to become one of the greatest pro football teams in NFL history.
Join the Y's Men as they welcome Jeff Benedict, best selling author of "The Dynasty". Join the Y's men to talk football and discuss his definitive book on the New England Patriots.
A best-selling author, producer, and commentator, Benedict is the ultimate cultural authority on the most dominant sports dynasty of the 21st century, the New England Patriots. With unprecedented access inside the organization for five years, Benedict provides the definitive inside story of the team.
Sports Illustrated’s Gary Smith said, “Benedict slips inside, lowers the drawbridge, and waves us in to see the ramparts, towers, turrets, and castle keep where the Brady-Belichick-Kraft trinity ruled.” Benedict’s re-telling of this iconic sports story inspires audiences to look to the Patriots as a case study on teamwork, overcoming adversity, consistency, and the momentum of success.
The eponymous 10-part docuseries, The Dynasty: New England Patriots, was produced with Imagine Documentaries in cooperation with the New England Patriots for Apple TV+. This intimate portrait capturing the human drama of enduring success is a byproduct of access, exhaustive research, engaging storytelling, and humanity. Benedict gives insight not only into the success of the New England Patriots, but the true meaning of greatness.
Join us for a conversation that will have something for every football fan, with Benedict discussing the inner workings of one of the most storied dynasties in football history as well as the two epic Patriots-Giants Super Bowls, including how the Patriots bounced back from losing their undefeated season to the Giants in 2008.
About Jeff Benedict
Benedict is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and an Emmy Award-winning producer whose storytelling power has captivated audiences across mediums. Benedict has written 17 nonfiction books and many feature stories about some of the most iconic figures in sports history. He has been tapped as executive producer and writer for documentary adaptations of his books, including a 10-part series based on his bestseller The Dynasty, the definitive inside story of the New England Patriots, with Imagine Entertainment for Apple TV+ in 2024.
Books are available for purchase at registration and also on the night of the event. Benedict will be signing copies after his talk.
Invite your friends and enjoy some delicious baked treats from Cobs Bread of Westport.
Click here to register for this special event: Register For The Dynasty Event
Frigid Temperatures Take Their Toll
UPDATE: Westport Library To Re-Open At 1:00 Sunday, January 26, at 1:00 PM
The Westport Library announced earlier today that they will be closed Friday, January 24, and Saturday, January 25, due to a burst water pipe.
All programs for these two days are either postponed or canceled.
The Winter Dance Party with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez, originally planned for tonight, has been rescheduled to February 7.
We are tentatively planning to re-open as scheduled at 1 pm on Sunday, January 26.
Please check back to The Westport Library website (westportlibrary.org) for updates.
Westport Library Packed For Conversation With Shonda Rhimes In Honor Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Westport Library in association with the Westport Country Playhouse held their 19th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday.PIctured here is Ms. Rhimes, one of Hollywoood’s greatest success stories and a proud Westport resident in conversation with fellow Westporter Trey Ellis, a novelist, screenwriter, playwright, essayist and professor at Columbia University.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above: Shonda Rhimes speaking with Try Ellis on a variety of issues in relation to the celebration of MLK, Jr. and on a wide range of topics on hee own achievements and success in the entertainment industry, and how she came to make Westport her home. Bottom: Getting ready to begin the program Ms. Rhimes pauses for a photograph with Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey, U.S. Senator from Connecticut Richard Blumenthal, Start-Up Co-Founder Jay Norris, Ms. Rhimes and Trey Ellis. At right, the program began with remarks from Harold Bailey.
The YouTube link to the entire event is posted at the end of the story.
Two things became abundantly clear on Sunday. Shonda Rhimes loves Westport and Westport loves Shonda Rhimes. Within an hour of the announcement of the Shondaland creator’s appearance at this years MLK celebration, more than 400 ticket’s were sold and overflow requests began to fill a wait list. The threatening storm did little to curtail the attendance with few seats unfilled even as the snow was falling outside.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above: (L to R) the program began with Harold Bailey introducing Senator Blumenthal, followed by Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Westport-Weston Clergy Association and Westport Country Playouse artistic director Mark Shanahan.
Rabbi Weiderhorn told of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, his involvement in the civil rights movement and when he marched in Selma, Alabama with Dr. King. He repeated Clarence Jones', the keynote speaker from last year's celebration who said of Heschel, "he felt like his legs were praying" Mr. Shanahan spoke of his pride and that of the Playhouse in supporting this event and the "No Place For Hate Initiative" in Westport schools.
Mr. Bailey told WestportLocalPress, ““The event delivered an outstanding opportunity to focus on the North Star of Dr. King’s Dream for us all as we celebrated one of the most accomplished children of that Dream. In addition, through the generosity of the Luckett Foundation (led by Walter and Valita Luckett), we had over 50 young people from Bridgeport attend and spend time directly with Shonda Rhimes as well.”
Above: (L to R) Comments by the Senator and Shanahan who invited the audience to attend the screening of King, Into The Wilderness at the Playhouse on Monday. Next, Library Executive Director Bill Harmer gave remarks and then introduced Christian Servance to perform. Servance, an alumnus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston for an outstanding performance of "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway. Mr. Servance was invited back again this year by TEAM Westport's Harold Bailey to assist in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year and once again thrilled the crowd with his superb vocals and passionate performance and showmanship.
Mr. Ellis in conversation with Ms. Rhimes with the live video being projected on the giant screen behind them.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Shonda Rhimes, a prominent figure in the television industry, is renowned as the CEO of Shondaland, a groundbreaking storytelling company. She has established herself as the creator, head writer, and executive producer of several hit television series, including "Grey’s Anatomy," "Private Practice," "Scandal," and "Inventing Anna." Additionally, she has contributed as a producer to popular shows like "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Bridgerton."
Rhimes is notable for being the first woman to create three television dramas that have surpassed the 100-episode mark, a significant achievement that underscores her influence in the field. Her work has garnered a multitude of accolades, including a Golden Globe, the Peabody Award, and lifetime achievement recognitions from the Directors Guild of America, Writers Guild, and Producers Guild. She has also received numerous AFI Awards for Television Program of the Year and NAACP Image Awards.
In 2017, Rhimes was inducted into the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. That same year, she made a significant shift in her career by leaving traditional television to partner with Netflix, where Shondaland now produces content exclusively for the streaming platform. She has been a highly visible figure in Westport and appeared in the Library’s annual “Booked For The Evening” event in June of 2023: WestportLocalPress, Shonda Rhimes: Booked For The Evening
Mr. Ellis asked about how Shonda began, to which she replied "I always have a hard time talking about how I began, at this point I don't even really know..." drawing laughter from the audience, and she continued "I was always writing, I've been writing since I was a child" The laughter continued when she spoke of always wanting to be "Beloved" author Toni Morrison, saying "...can't be Toni Morrison 'cause only Toni Morrison is Toni Morrison." She added that she "always wanted to do something with words" and after arriving in L.A. she discovered television writing and how much she enjoyed it and how she wanted to find "a place where my voice could be heard.
When queried about future endeavors Rhimes responded that although just because she can do almost anything, she is interested only in doing shows that she would want to watch. She added that she discovered that shows, such as she produces that feature diversity make more money.
They touched upon the current state of politics, briefly and Rhimes said she "campaigned like crazy for Kamala Harris", going all over the country. She added that "we can't tell people what to do, or vote", but as in her productions, she can show people a different reality, saying "I always want our shows to be both a window and a mirror."
There is far more than we can cover here, so for a fascinating insight into Shonda Rhimes and to learn more about her many viewpoints on a wide array of topics we suggest viewing the entire event on The Westport Library YouTube channel, Shonda Rhimes Martin Luther King, Jr. event.
Among the many very enthusiastic young people in attendance were Engineering Science University Magnet School Students Grades 9-12 with Technology Teacher Lakesha Kirkland (4th from left in all black). These students were among a group of 50 young people from Bridgeport were in attendance through the generosity of the Luckett Foundation and were able to meet and speak with Shonda Rhimes.
Almost all available seating was filled. Cell phones were kept very busy during the entire presentation, preserving the special moments.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Trefz Forum is filled nearly to capacity for the 19th Annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
At the conclusion of the conversation between Ms. Rhimes and Trey Ellis, Christian Servance once again turned to the enthusiastic and appreciative audience to perform "Better Days" by Le'Andria Johnson.
When Mr. Bailey inquired as to his selection of songs, Servance said, " because of what the event represented I wanted to sing songs that inspired me to keep moving forward through all trials and tribulations. These selections were particularly important to Mr. Servance as he told WestportLocalPress that they were, "Absolutely an acknowledgment to (my) life experiences. Also an acknowledgment to all the tragedies that may still take place all over the world. From the fires in LA to just dealing with everyday struggles we all have as humans reminding ourselves through everything negative that happens out of our control, that better days are coming and someday we’ll all be free from the burdens we may carry." Christian will continue to pursue his career in music which began at Trumbull's Regional Center for the Arts as a high school student with his desire to take his career to the next level by recording and performing his original music.
The Engineering Science University Magnet School Students were thrilled by Servance’s closing performance. At right, we could not help but notice Shonda’s fabulous shoes, catching the lights.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The entire event is available online: Westport Library YouTube Channel
Y's Men of Westport/Weston And The Westport Library Host Lively Discussion On Politics And The Future Of News
Sunday afternoon the Y's Men of Westport/Weston and the Westport Library welcomed a distinguished panel of renowned news journalists as well as U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal for a discussion about the state of news reporting and the impact of social media on current and future generations. It's no great secret that the accuracy and validity of news reporting has been massively impacted by social media and is now causing great concern among our population.
Moderated by Y's Men Past President John Brandt, the panel, featuring noted reporters John Berman of CNN, Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs, formerly of Fox and CNN, local reporter Dan Woog of 06880 and Senator Blumenthal, providing the congressional perspective,. They delivered an honest discussion about concerns we all have about the accuracy of the news and information we are exposed to every day.
Photos By J.C. Martin and story by J.C. Martin and Dick Kalt For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, row one, (l to r) Senator Richard Blumenthal, Westport Resident Alisyn Camerota, Dan Woog, Dave Briggs, another Westporter with Woog. Row two: Moderator John Brandt, Blumenthal with Brandt, John Berman, Camerota. Mr. Briggs commented to WestportLocalPress, saying “Kudos to John (Brandt) for assembling an excellent panel. The crowd was terrific. I’m always thrilled to see how engaged my Westport community is. I wish there were more young people among the packed house, they have to power and intelligence to change the narrative.”
When Ms. Camerota spoke she discussed the election and spoke at length about the effects of the mass distribution of misinformation though media outlets, especially from the right, which have also focused upon cultural issues. Ms. Camerota defended the accuracy of the reporting on mainstream cable such as CNN, and Mr. Berman concurred citing the vigorous fact checking CNN does and spoke about how fact-checkers have come to be mocked "as these charlatans" saying that when he hears people have given up on fact-checking (as Meta has just essentially done) he said, "boy, do I find that disheartening."
Camerota was also impressed with the audience, telling WestportLocalPress, “The standing-room only crowd that showed up on a cold Sunday demonstrates how interested Americans are in the work of journalists. And how concerned they are for the future of press freedom.”
More than 350 people gathered in the Trefz Forum, the library’s premier event space for the two hour special event.
Photos and story by J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Senator Blumenthal began the discussion and addressed multiple issues including the divisive nature of politics and the stark differences between right and left. He the future of the American dream which seems to be getting more out of reach for our children saying "that dream is vanishing for a lot of Americans, (they) can't buy houses, can't buy cars. He also opined upon the issue of immigration and anger towards them as one of the factors contributing to this clear divide.
He also expressed deep concern with the stated actions of Donald Trump especially as to the nomination of several people to top department leadership positions including Kash Patel at the FBI, Tulsi Gabbard and also Pete Hegseth to head the Department of Defense. He called attention to what he determined the poor qualifications for these vital posts, saying some of Trump's picks seemed to be "outside the realm of what used to be realistic nominees, qualified and prepared... people of character and competence", and further mentioned the lack of transparency of the Hegseth background check and to his qualifications to run that department effectively. Blumenthal also mentioned his deep concern about the emergence of deep fakes and their potential to further erode confidence in the public sector as to what is real. The Senator cited his work with conservative Republican Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law on deep fakes in elections.
Local politicians in attendance included First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, above left, Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore (next) seated with former First Selectman Jim Marpe. Staples High School's award-winning journalism teacher Mary Elizabeth Fulco is introduced to the audience and students in the upper level take note of the ongoing discussion.
As the discussion continued, Mr. Woog, as Westport's leading blogger with a tremendous reach in the community spoke about how he addressed the political climate in his 06880 blog. He described articles which addressed the heated rhetoric especially concerning Trump including the great golf cart controversy at Longshore where a heated exchange resulted from the display of Trump flags on the cart as it drove through the golf course causing some to think he was a Longshore employee which he neither claimed or denied. This raised directly the issue of free speech, another political hot button issue.
His other mention was is piece on the Maple Ave. North who displayed a sign saying "honk for Trump", which resulted in enough "honks" to disrupt the neighbors resulting in legal action that achieved an order for that neighbor to remove the sign which was deemed to be free speech, but was also found to be disruptive.
Dave Briggs also focused on the issue of the widespread dissemination of mis-information through the vast social media landscape, and described having conversations with "intelligent, college educate people" whose understanding of the facts bore "no resemblance to the truth" and "arguing with them is impossible because they read it somewhere." Briggs also mentioned an article in the respected publication "The Economist" which called the U.S. economy the envy of the world which did not seem to have much of an effect on the 2024 race.
A portion of the program included a presentation by the team at Staples High School’s Inklings News, the journalism department’s award-winning multi-media platform.
Above, (l to r) Staples journalism teacher Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Inklings news advisor and teacher Joseph Del Gobbo, Staples seniors and Inklings News co-Editors-In-Chiefs Nina Bowens and Lily Hultgren.
Inklings Co-Editor Nina Bowens told WestportLocalPress, "It was a huge honor to speak onstage alongside such accomplished journalists and our Senator, Richard Blumenthal. Lily and I were excited to share a small aspect of what Inklings, as an organization, was able to cover during the 2024 election. Though our Instagram video, which we discussed during the panel, was relatively small, we believe that local politics has a major impact, and hope our journalism helped contribute to that impact. We are always looking to educate both our peers and the broader Westport community through honest and dedicated reporting."
Co-Editor Lily Hultgren added, "Inklings has made such an impact on our lives so we are very grateful for the opportunity to share a bit about what we do. We are very lucky to have such supportive advisors and such a talented staff, so we hope that the community continues to support us and tune into all we do whether that be our paper, website, TV show or social media.”
Inklings reporter Anna Kercher is hard at work writing her article on the event which will appear this week and can be found by visiting Inklings News.
Photos and story by J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Members of the audience line up to pose their questions for a response from the distinguished panel.
Near the end of the program a slot was reserved for questions from the audience. Mr. Brandt cautioned folks to be brief and requested they ask a single question. The first couple of questioners did so, including one question about the qualifications of Mr. Hegseth which was of concern. Another audience member began with a comment about how he was in the minority of the audience (which as we suspect is not composed of very many conservative or maga leaning individuals) He then started reading an email as a preface to a question on the bias of pubic radio against the conservative point of view as a result of their desire to receive funding, which was of concern to him. The moderator had to request that he discontinue his comments as they were preventing other questioners from getting their turn. In fact, 4 or 5 people were not able to reach the mic before the event was ended. Ms. Camerota who might be viewed as leaning somewhat to left of center responded that she agreed the public radio should be more centrist and balanced in their broadcasts and that limiting their focus to more left-wing coverage may not be the best way to conduct journalism.
TO VIEW THIS IMPORTANT AND INFORMATIVE DISCUSSION IN IT’S ENTIRETY:
Visit the Westport Library’s YouTube channel for the entire presentation: Election Impact: Journalists Alisyn Camerota, John Berman, Dave Briggs & Senator Richard Blumenthal
Westport Fire Department To The Rescue!
Firefighters paddle into the Saugatuck just south of the Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen bridge in downtown Westport to rescue a deer which was having a very bad day until Westport FD cam to save it.
Westport Fire Department photos.
There is one lucky deer wandering downtown Westport today thanks to the quick and skillful response of The Westport FirefightersAt 6:49 this morning Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a call about the scared, helpless deer which had fallen through the ice in the Saugatuck was brought to safety.
The FD press release states:
The Westport Fire Department responded with an Engine, Rescue, Shift Commander, and Safety Officer. Responding companies found a deer stuck in the ice of the Saugatuck River near the Post Road. Members from the Rescue Company utilized cold water rescue suits and equipment to enter the river and successfully remove the deer. The deer was able to walk away into a wooded area.
We don’t know if he/she thanked the rescuers but we can safely assume it was grateful as it look at the first responders who saved it’s life.
Cribari Bridge Re-Opened As Of 8:30PM
Cribari Bridge File Photo By J.C. Martin
Westport Police Department Press Release January 6, 2025 - Update: Bridge Now Open To All Traffic
At approximately 3:00pm this afternoon, a routine opening of the Cribari Bridge was conducted to allow a vessel to pass through. Upon attempting to reclose the Bridge, there was reported to be a mechanical issue that was preventing this from happening. Initial reports were that this would be a temporary condition with a prompt resolution.
Since that time, further updates from workers at the scene were that once closed, there was an additional issue preventing the re-opening of the Bridge to vehicular traffic. At the time of this writing, the duration of repairs and the associated road closure is unknown.
Officers are assisting with traffic control in and around the affected intersections, however this situation has caused significant congestion and delays. If possible, motorists should attempt to avoid the area and/or to seek alternate routes. An updated advisory will be published if/when this is resolved.
Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!
December 25th, Christmas Day is also the first night of Hanukkah-
This year, the first day of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas Day, marking a significant overlap that has not occurred in nearly two decades. Over the past century, this rare alignment has happened only four other times, with the last occurrence in 2005, and previously in 1959, 1921, and 1910. The difference in calendars explains the overlap; the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar, identifies months based on the moon’s phases, resulting in a calendar year that is shorter than the typical Gregorian calendar used widely in the Western world. As such, Hanukkah, beginning at sundown, falls on a day that is typically reserved for Christmas festivities, creating a unique moment for those who celebrate both holidays.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Hanukkah, also known as the Celebration of Lights, is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC following its liberation by Jewish fighters from foreign occupation. The holiday is observed through various traditions, including lighting the menorah, which holds nine candles, one for each night of the holiday and an additional candle used to light the others. Families gather to celebrate with special prayers, games, and traditional foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot. Hanukkah serves as a reminder of resilience and the enduring spirit of faith within the Jewish community.
Above left: Last year’s Menorah lighting celebration at the Pequot library in Fairfield, hosted by Chabad of Westport, Chabd of Fairfield and the Pequot library. This year the event will take place on Monday, December 30th at 4:30 PM at the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Avenue, Southport. There will be music by DJ Marv and of course latkes and donuts. All are welcome. Visit Pequot Menorah Lighting for more info.
Above right: The Lessons & Carols event at Christ & Holy Trinity church in Westport on Sunday, December 15th. To see our coverage visit: CH&T Lessons & Carols. The church hosted their annual Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com