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Major headlines for West Haven and the surrounding New Haven area for Saturday, January 3, 2026, include a security evacuation at the regional airport and local sports achievements.

Public Safety & Community

• Tweed-New Haven Airport Evacuation: The terminal at Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport was evacuated and temporarily closed around 3:40 p.m. today due to a "security incident". Law enforcement resolved the matter quickly, and the terminal has since reopened for scheduled flights. Officials reminded passengers to inform TSA during screening if their footwear contains electronics or LED lights.
• West Haven Resident Charged in NYE Shooting: Heshimu Barker, 53, of West Haven, was arrested and charged in connection with a New Year’s Eve shooting on Chapel Street in New Haven. Barker was located in West Haven and faces charges including first-degree criminal attempted assault and carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Downtown Revitalization Study: Recent reports highlight a $250,000 state-funded study for the West Haven Downtown Municipal Development Plan. Mayor Dorinda Borer noted that the plan aims to revitalize areas like the West Haven Green and parking lots behind Campbell Avenue to foster community ownership and investment. 

Sports & People

• Sean Goldrich Named UNH Head Coach: West Haven native and former Notre Dame-West Haven standout Sean Goldrich has been named the 21st head football coach at the University of New Hampshire. He will be formally introduced at a press conference on January 6.
• Notre Dame-West Haven Basketball: Abdou Toure, the top-ranked high school basketball prospect in Connecticut, continues to be a major draw for the Notre Dame-West Haven team this season as they look to build on past championship success.

Regional News

• Alder Resignation in New Haven: Ward 7 Alder Eli Sabin resigned just 40 minutes before the city's inauguration ceremony on Thursday. A special election will be required to fill the vacancy as Sabin moves to the Westville neighborhood.
• Connecticut Kid Governor: Fifth-grader Theresa "Tessa" Hallinan of North Haven was recently announced as Connecticut’s 2026 Kid Governor.