Patch PM CT brings you the breaking and trending news stories from all across Connecticut each weeknight. Here are those stories:

Gift cards and merchandise credits will be honored through close of business on July 14, according to the announcement. All sales are final during the store closing sale and no returns will be accepted, officials said.>>>Read More.

The diner, which has been an institution in town for 50 years, may be closing as plans for a new use are pending before the land-use boards.>>>Read More.

State police said in a report that the teens appeared to have been “slow rolling” on the highway before racing.>>>Read More.

The monkey, which cannot legally be owned in Connecticut, was captured with the help of its owner and relocated, reports say.>>>Read More.

Police said a man accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old child was arrested.>>>Read More.

Dr. Dwayne Smith, SCSU interim president, was among the 100 to receive the prestigious honor by the NAACP Connecticut State Conference.>>>Read More.

Other top stories:

The Patch community platform serves communities all across Connecticut in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, New London, Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield counties. Thank you for reading.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced a new key player in his administration Tuesday.

Matt Brokman, a senior advisor to the governor since January 2023, will take on the role as Lamont’s chief of staff, effective immediately.

Brokman, previously chief of staff for House Majority Leader Jason Rojas and former Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, has also worked in the Connecticut House Democrats Office.

“I think people in this building on both sides of the aisle know him,” Lamont said of Brokman. “They know they can take him at his word, and I think that’s going to be incredibly valuable for us as a state going forward for the next two years.”

With the next regular legislative session about six months away, crafting Connecticut’s next biennium budget is at the forefront. Lamont has said the next budget cycle could be “complicated,” with the state required to spend the last of American Rescue Plan Act funds by the end of 2026.

Brokman replaces Jonathan Dach, who stepped away as Lamont’s chief of staff after a year and a half in the role, citing a move to New York.

Speaking Tuesday, Lamont praised Dach’s work in the “round the clock” chief of staff job, and in various other positions in his administration over the last six years.

Dach said he will continue working with the governor in a senior advisory role on policy projects, such as energy supply, higher education and housing.

The next regular legislative session runs from early January to June 2025

(WFSB) – A clothing store announced the eventual closure of all of its Connecticut locations.

Bob’s Stores said on Monday that as part of a chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring plan, all of its locations, including the 10 in Connecticut, will close.

Hilco Merchant Resources in a joint venture with Gordon Brothers will manage an inventory liquidation event that will include all Bob’s Stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

The business said that as part of the liquidation, there has been “unprecedented discounts” on a wide range of workwear, footwear, team wear, and everyday clothing. The “going out of business sale” started on June 28 with discounts that ranged from 30 to 70 percent off.

Select store fixtures, furniture, and equipment were also available for sale.

“We regret that our financial position necessitated the liquidation of Bob’s Stores,” said Dave Barton, president of Bob’s Stores. “Bob’s has been a stalwart of our local communities for nearly 70 years, and we know our customers remember us as having been there for major moments in their lives. We remain grateful to our vendors, suppliers, customers and employees for all of their support over the years.”

The business said gift cards and merchandise credits would be honored through close of business on July 14.

It also said all sales are final. No returns will be accepted. Exchanges will be accepted in accordance with the company’s existing policies through the close of business on July 14. No exchanges for purchases made after that date will be accepted.

Here are the 10 Bob’s locations in Connecticut:

• Ansonia
• Hamden
• Manchester
• Middletown
• Milford
• Newington
• Simsbury
• Southington
• Waterbury
• Waterford

Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.