Connecticut lawmakers have approved a bill requiring new designs for handicap parking placards to crack down on misuse. The measure calls for expiration dates to be easier for police to see and updates the application process for obtaining the placards. State officials say the changes are aimed at making sure accessible parking spaces are reserved for people who truly need them. If signed by Governor Ned Lamont, the new placards would begin replacing current versions starting January 1st of next year.

Two New York residents are facing charges after Ridgefield police say they used a fake dating profile to scam a local man out of thousands of dollars. Police say 25 year old Messiah Guest and 22 year old Jaelyn Barksdale posed as a woman on Match dot com and convinced the victim to send money through Zelle, CashApp, and Western Union. Investigators say the victim lost at least 18-thousand dollars and later received threatening messages demanding more money. Both suspects have been arrested now, and both of them are due in Danbury Superior Court.

Connecticut transportation officials are urging motorcycle riders and drivers to stay alert as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month continues. The state Department of Transportation says more than 50 motorcyclists are killed in crashes across Connecticut each year. Officials say speeding and alcohol are factors in many deadly crashes nationwide. The DOT is also promoting rider training programs and reminding motorists to check blind spots and give motorcycles enough space on the road.

More than 850 Eversource customers in New Milford lost power Sunday night following an equipment problem on Candlewood Lake Road North. The outage happened just before 8:45 and affected several areas of town. Eversource crews were sent to the scene to make repairs, with restorations stretching into early this morning. A small number of outages were also reported in nearby New Fairfield.

Newtown residents can once again drop off worn American flags for proper retirement ahead of Flag Day. Scouts Troop 270 and VFW Post 308 are working together for the annual collection drive. Flags can be dropped off through June 13th at several locations in Newtown and Brookfield. A final drive-up collection event is planned June 13th at the C.H. Booth Library.

Danbury Youth Services will hold its annual Butterfly Breakfast on Wednesday at the Amber Room in Danbury. The event runs from 7:30 to 9:30 in the morning and highlights programs supporting youth and families across Greater Danbury. Organizers say the agency provides mental health counseling, after-school programs, leadership development, and life skills training. Tickets are 50 dollars, with sponsorship opportunities also available.

Connecticut has joined a national coalition focused on growing the outdoor recreation economy and expanding access to outdoor activities. The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says the move connects Connecticut with more than 20 other states working on conservation, tourism, workforce training, and park improvements. State leaders say Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy is valued at about 6 billion dollars and supports more than 50-thousand jobs statewide.

A 33 year old Trumbull man is facing charges following a Silver Alert investigation in Newtown. Police say Brennan McGrath turned himself in Friday evening at the Newtown Police Department on an active arrest warrant. He’s charged with first-degree custodial interference and interfering with police. McGrath was processed and later released on a 500-thousand-dollar surety bond. He’s scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court today.

Connecticut lawmakers have approved a bill making it a crime to rig sports betting outcomes, sending it to the governor for final action. The measure expands existing cheating laws to include match fixing and misuse of insider information tied to wagers. Violations could carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to 5 thousand dollars. The move comes as legalized sports betting continues to expand across the state.

New Milford has approved its first 7 Brew drive-thru coffee stand along the busy Route 7 corridor. The location will feature a double drive-thru system designed for speed, with average service times around three and a half minutes. The stand will offer coffee, energy drinks, and smoothies with no indoor dining. The project is part of continued commercial growth along one of the region’s busiest roads.