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WATCH: Democratic lawmaker arrested for DUI after failing roadside sobriety test as wife slept in backseat

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WATCH: Democratic lawmaker arrested for DUI after failing roadside sobriety test as wife slept in backseat

A Democratic lawmaker was caught on a police body camera after allegedly driving impaired, and authorities noted the Connecticut state representative’s eyes were “red and glossy.”

Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving, according to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Bumgardner’s office for comment.

“Last night, I was cited for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence,” Bumgardner said in a statement Monday. “I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret this mistake. I am grateful that no one was harmed and that no accident occurred.” 

WATCH: DEMOCRAT STATE SENATOR HANDCUFFED AFTER REFUSING TO SHOW DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TRAFFIC STOP

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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)

Bumgardner, 30, initially told officers he had “struck something” in the road and was returning home from an “event” with constituents, according to the report. 

Authorities noted one of his vehicle’s front tires was flat and “barely staying on the rim,” and Bumgardner’s eyes were “red and glossy” with a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath as he spoke.” 

The report noted Bumgardner “appeared to be very nervous,” “had a slight slur in his speech” and initially denied having anything to drink when questioned. 

Body camera footage shows Rep. Aundré Bumgardner as he performs a roadside sobriety test after authorities suspected he was driving under the influence in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)

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Body camera footage of the incident, obtained by Fox News Digital, shows Bumgardner repeatedly failing multiple roadside sobriety tests as a woman, later identified by authorities as his wife, was asleep in the backseat of the car. 

Bumgardner can be seen in the footage stumbling as he is unable to follow the officer’s instructions throughout the tests. The report states Bumgardner made four attempts to complete a standard “walk and turn” test and did not pass. 

STATE SENATOR PUSHED TO THE GROUND, ARRESTED WHILE TRYING TO ENTER GEORGIA HOUSE CHAMBER

After multiple failed attempts at completing an exercise that required Bumgardner to stand on one foot, he can be heard telling the officer, “I’m sorry sir. I’m not much of a balancer.” 

SEE IT: Body camera footage shows Bumgardner at a Connecticut police station after his arrest

Bumgardner was placed under arrest, handcuffed and transported to the Groton Police Department, where he contacted his attorney. Officers took Bumgardner’s wife, who had slept through the encounter, home.  

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During the booking process, Bumgardner pointed at the officer’s body camera, saying “it felt very invasive to him” and appeared to be evasive when asked to sign paperwork informing him of his rights, according to the report. 

Bumgardner’s license was revoked for 24 hours, and he was released after being ordered to appear in court next week. 

STATE LAWMAKER HAS HOUSE CHAMBER BAN REVOKED AFTER VIRAL SCUFFLE LEFT HIM HOSPITALIZED

Rep. Aundré Bumgardner calls his lawyer after being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)

Bumgardner has been removed from his leadership positions and committee assignments “until further notice,” State Rep. Matt Ritter, the speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, confirmed to Fox News Digital. 

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“I am disappointed and disheartened after hearing of Rep. Bumgardner’s arrest for driving under the influence,” Ritter said in a statement. “I have spoken with Aundré, and he understands that he must take full responsibility and work every day to win back the trust of his constituents and colleagues. Aundré is a dedicated and compassionate young man, and it is clear from talking to him that he is owning this very serious mistake.”

Bumgardner was re-elected to the House in 2022 and serves as the assistant majority leader of the House Democratic caucus. He’s also a member of the Finance, Environment, Energy and Transportation committees.

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“I recognize the seriousness of this situation and am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure it never happens again,” Bumgardner said. “To my family, friends, colleagues, and the residents of the 41st District, whom I am honored to serve, I sincerely apologize for my actions and the disappointment I have caused.” 

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New Hampshire

School health insurance rates are increasing across New Hampshire. There’s more at play than just GLP-1 weight loss drugs

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School health insurance rates are increasing across New Hampshire. There’s more at play than just GLP-1 weight loss drugs


Duane Ford has managed budgets for the Bow and Dunbarton school districts for more than a decade, but nothing quite prepared him for this year’s health insurance bill: a 16% jump in premiums, the steepest increase he’s ever seen. “It’s a part of the budget that we don’t have any control over,” he said. The […]



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New Jersey

From Belmar to Asbury Park, here’s why NJ goes all-in for St. Patrick’s Day

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From Belmar to Asbury Park, here’s why NJ goes all-in for St. Patrick’s Day


I almost take the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the celebration of my Irish heritage for granted. I said almost.

I am fortunate to ride in New Jersey’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will now run on Saturday, March 28, 2026. It was postponed because of the Jersey Shore snowstorm that dumped a couple of feet of snow.

Photo via vadimguzhva

Photo via vadimguzhva

I am also fortunate to serve as the Grand Marshall in 2015 and continue to ride in the Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will step off this Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1 p.m.

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New Jersey 101.5 (Canva Edit)

New Jersey 101.5 (Canva Edit)

Just those parade experiences alone are filled with so many people lined up to catch the parades, the pipes and drums, the marchers, along with having fun and enjoying the experience.

2024 Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Seaside Heights

2024 Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Seaside Heights (Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee)

There are many other parades up and down the Jersey Shore and all over New Jersey celebrating the wearing of the green.

There are a considerable number of exceptionally good Irish pubs, bars, and restaurants sprinkled all over the Garden State. A fan favorite is Irish dancers and Irish music at big venues like the Count Basie in Red Bank.

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Highlands St.Patrick’s Day parade

Highlands St.Patrick’s Day parade (Highlands Business Partnership)

All those festivities and the celebration have made New Jersey the number one state in the country for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

According to new data released by BETMGM, the company analyzed Google Trends search data across categories such as alcohol and drinkware, green clothing, costumes, party supplies, Irish artists, Irish music, and miscellaneous topics over the past three years.

Jon Polunas poses with Women of Irish Heritage members on St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2021 in Belmar. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Jon Polunas poses with Women of Irish Heritage members on St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2021 in Belmar. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

The data showed that New Jersey still grew with celebration intensity. As a result, New Jersey claimed the top shillelagh in the country. Indiana, Iowa, Georgia, and Illinois fared well, too.

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I found it interesting that Irish music has gained the biggest leap in popularity with an 82% of all states compared to the previous two years.

(Gloucester City Irish Events)

(Gloucester City Irish Events)

Alcohol and drinkware are on the down trend along with green clothing and costumes on a national basis.

New Jersey likes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it is a celebration of unwinding, having a little fun and enjoying the atmosphere of the great New Jersey tradition. Enjoy, see you in the parades.

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The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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Pennsylvania

Cause determined for plane crash that killed school board president in Chester County

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Cause determined for plane crash that killed school board president in Chester County


Friday, March 6, 2026 7:13PM

Cause determined for plane crash that killed school board president in Chester County

WEST CALN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Investigators have revealed the cause of a plane crash that killed a Chester County school board president two years ago.

The National Transportation Safety Board blamed it on inadequate preflight inspection.

There was a loss of engine power because the fuel was contaminated with water from a recent rainfall, the NTSB said.

The plane crashed shortly after takeoff in West Caln Township on February 1, 2024.

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Octorara Area School District School Board President Sam Ganow was killed when a small plane crashed Thursday in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The pilot, Sam Ganow, was the only one onboard.

He was the Octorara Area School District board president.

Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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