Hello Bridgeport! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Cruel Summer: a back-to-school concert featuring hits by Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and more! and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Bridgeport's Barnum Festival Names 2027 Ringmaster (patch.com) — Bridgeport residents can look ahead to the 2027 Barnum Festival, where Easton selectman Nick D'Addario, born in Bridgeport, will serve as Ringmaster, continuing his family's long local legacy. The 79-year-old festival, founded by Bridgeport business leaders, will spotlight "A New Generation of Community Leadership" with its traditional regional events, fireworks, and Great Street Parade.
2. Free Family Learning Event at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (westfaironline.com) — Families in Bridgeport can enjoy free admission, food, carousel rides, and early-learning activities at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo on Saturday, August 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. The Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition is hosting this Sparkler Summer Series event for families with children birth to age 5, with registration through the Sparkler app unlocking the free perks and resources.
3. Bridgeport Democrats reject plea deals in election-related criminal cases (hartfordbusiness.com subscription) — Two Bridgeport Democratic officials, including a sitting city councilman, have rejected plea deals and will face jury trials on multiple election-related charges tied to recent mayoral races. Several other Bridgeport residents have already pleaded or entered programs in related absentee-ballot cases. The outcomes could reshape local political trust and how future elections are run in the city.
4. Connecticut absenteeism is falling. Who's still missing school? (ctpost.com) — While many Connecticut districts are seeing chronic absenteeism drop, Bridgeport School District is experiencing a steady increase, bucking the statewide trend. Researchers and educators point to persistent economic and structural barriers that keep students out of class, even as programs like LEAP succeed elsewhere. The story underscores why Bridgeport families and schools may need new, locally tailored solutions.
5. Fairfield University Alpha Sigma Nu Chapter Recognized as a 2025-2026 Chapter of the Year (fairfield.edu) — Bridgeport residents are benefiting from Fairfield University's Alpha Sigma Nu chapter, whose members created holiday cards for patients at Bridgeport Hospital and supported local families in need. The honor society was named a 2025–2026 Chapter of the Year after a busy season of service, campus events, and teaching awards that strengthened ties between students and nearby communities.
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Ok Bridgeport! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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