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Reporter

Abigail Brone

I graduated with my master's in journalism from Columbia University in 2020. I received a bachelor's in journalism and English from the University of Connecticut in 2019. Before working for Hearst Connecticut Media Group I worked at the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, covering the towns of Enfield and Windsor. I have previously worked at the Hartford Courant, the Norwich Bulletin and the Republican-American. I love all things cats and Disney.

Stories By Abigail Brone

Norwalk bans pesticides on public land — with a few exceptions

All non-organic pesticides have been banned on Norwalk public land except for certain situations where natural pest killers won’t suffice, such as poison ivy. By Abigail Brone

Blumenthal calls out airlines for cancellations; demands refunds

About 3 percent of all Connecticut flights were canceled in recent weeks, but major airlines have yet to release specific delay and cancellation data. By Abigail Brone

How should Norwalk redesign the Yankee Doodle parking garage?

Norwalk is conducting an online survey to gather the community’s feedback on paint designs and other features for the Yankee Doodle Garage. By Abigail Brone

Bradley Airport unveils $210 million transportation center

With the transportation center, travelers no longer have to take a shuttle to pick up rental cars. The project also added 800 covered parking spaces. By Abigail Brone

State police in CT ‘work to prevent accidents’ over July 4th

A month after a dozen people died in roadway crashes over Memorial Day weekend, the state is ramping up police presence before another summer holiday. By Abigail Brone

After pandemic surge, Norwalk sees fewer fireworks complaints

The return of Norwalk’s Fourth of July celebration for the first time since the start of the pandemic coincides with a drop in illegal fireworks complaints. By Abigail Brone

Norwalk invests $400K more in program helping migrant children

The Latinx Integrated Care Program has provided clinical services for about 74 families and made referrals for another 100 between March 2020 and March 2022. By Abigail Brone

How former CT man is leading effort to help Ukrainian refugees

Adam Keehn has spearheaded Americares’ response to the war in Ukraine and is helping to bring a fundraiser concert this weekend to Connecticut. By Abigail Brone

Grant will help CT police recognize cannabis-impaired drivers

The state will begin soliciting volunteers to consume cannabis and take part in various sobriety tests as part of a police education grant program. By Abigail Brone

How Norwalk is using $15 million to improve MLK Corridor

As part of the Norwalk MLK Corridor Initiative, the city pledged another $1 million for home facade improvement grants and announced a low-interest home improvement loan program. By Abigail Brone

Sinkhole repaired on CT golf course in time for Travelers

The pipeline, railroad tracks and soil repairs in Cromwell cost $5 million, but FEMA is expected to reimburse upwards of 90 percent of the cost. By Abigail Brone

After eight-month search, Norwalk hires new assistant city clerk

Jordan Schantz, who has been a legislative liaison in the Nassau County executive’s office, has been hired in Norwalk. By Abigail Brone

Shore Line East struggles to regain train riders in COVID era

Shore Line East has regained only about 28 percent of its prepandemic ridership, while the Hartford Line has thrived with 70 percent returning rides. By Abigail Brone

MTA: Metro-North hits new one-day high for ridership

Ridership recovery is approaching 70% on Metro-North, but the railroad did see a weekend one-day high approaching 99 percent of pre-COVID levels. By Abigail Brone

How Norwalk plans to spend $2M on park and playground upgrades

“Some of the parks in the neighborhoods, they’re almost an embarrassment,” Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said when announcing how the funds will be allocated. By Abigail Brone

Will you benefit from CT’s new tax cap on motor vehicles?

Residents in the 72 municipalities will pay lower taxes on their motor vehicles after a statewide tax cap of 32.46 mills goes into effect. By Abigail Brone

What Norwalk residents want to see in new Wall Street corridor

Norwalk residents favor preserving the Wall Street history, restructuring the intersection outside the library and more green spaces in the area. By Abigail Brone

Thousands in Norwalk eligible for CT child tax rebate

Thousands in Norwalk are eligible for the Connecticut child tax rebate — worth up to $750 — but officials say families have been slow to apply. By Abigail Brone

Amid lifeguard shortage, Calf Pasture Beach fully staffed

Unlike many spots in Connecticut, including several state parks and beaches, Norwalk is fully staffed for lifeguards at Calf Pasture Beach. By Abigail Brone

Why 13 heat sensors have been installed around Norwalk

The 13 heat sensors were attached to trees or electrical poles near public facilities, including several Norwalk schools and other public facilities. By Abigail Brone