WICC The Voice of Connecticut

The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association officially unveiled its new brand identity. The group now represents lodging properties in addition to restaurants across our state, marking the next chapter for an association that has advocated for Connecticut's hospitality industry since 1961. To talk more about this, we connected with Scott Dolch, president and CEO of The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.

To learn more: https://www.hospitalityct.org/
To attend the CRAZIES: https://www.hospitalityct.org/events/crazies-awards

From Sunday’s storm that wreaked havoc on Fairfield County to a deadly collision involving a tow truck driver last week, we checked in with Josh Morgan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. We also got an update on one of Connecticut’s biggest transportation projects is entering another important phase in Norwalk: the WALK Bridge project.

To submit a form for flood damage: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/CTDEMHS/request.html
To learn more about project: https://www.walkbridgect.com/

GLP-1 medications have quickly become a major part of the conversation around weight loss and diabetes care — but they’re also creating a major challenge for employers and health insurers. As the cost of these increasingly common medications continues to add up, some companies are scaling back coverage or putting new limits on who qualifies.

That could mean higher out-of-pocket costs or fewer options for some employees — while employers are weighing the potential long-term health benefits against the immediate price tag. We spoke in length about this with Quinnipiac University professor of management and medical sciences, Angela Mattie

A new poll shows Governor Ned Lamont maintaining a clear lead over Republican challenger Ryan Fazio in Connecticut’s governor’s race. The poll from Sacred Heart University, WFSB, and CT Insider shows Lamont with 48 percent support among registered voters, compared with 34 percent for Fazio. But Fazio is gaining ground, narrowing the gap since August. We looked closer at the latest poll with Sacred Heart University political professor, Dr. Gary Rose.

To read the poll: https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/article/ct-governor-race-lamont-fazio-poll-22427596.php

Connecticut farmers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for disaster relief. The state has $52.9 million in federal funding available, with eligible farmers able to receive up to 95 percent of qualifying losses. Round one applications are open now through October 7. We are chatting now with Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Want to learn what makes Disney one of the world’s most successful brands? Join the Greater Norwalk Chamber for Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence and discover the customer-service, leadership and business strategies behind the magic. We got more of the details from Shannon O’Toole Giandurco, President & CEO at the Greater Norwalk Chamber.

For more information and to register to the Sept. 23rd event: https://www.greaternorwalkchamber.com/

Stratford’s new speed cameras are already catching thousands of drivers. Nearly 4,900 tickets were issued in July across three school zones, with fines starting at 50 dollars. Town officials say speeding has dropped by about 80 percent since the cameras went into effect. We checked in with Stratford Police Chief Renee Dominguez.

Connecticut regulators are cutting back proposed health insurance increases for 2027, but premiums will still rise by double digits. Individual plans will increase an average eleven-point-three percent, while small-group plans will rise fifteen-point-one percent. The state says its review cut more than one-hundred million dollars from insurers’ requested increases, affecting about 220-thousand residents. We spoke with state Senator Jeff Gordon who is also a doctor about the increases.

We're seeing more undercover operations targeting people seeking sex with minors in Connecticut. It highlights the reality of sex trafficking prevalence in our state and the need to better protect our kids from sex buyers. We spoke with Jamie Manirakiza, Executive Director of Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT) and Jess Michaels, a 1991 survivor of Jeffrey Epstein.

For more information: https://peht.org/

For gala tickets: https://peht.salsalabs.org/lovechangeseverything2026/index.html

A top artificial intelligence executive is calling for the industry to slow down. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says companies need to pace AI development amid growing concerns about misuse, including hacking, surveillance and fraud. We spoke to our AI and cybersecurity expert, Dr. Vahid Behzadan, about the news and what it means for us in the near future.

Twenty-five years later, September 11th still lives in American history—and in our hearts.
On that morning, the PATH 745 train car pulled into the World Trade Center just before the attacks happened. As commuters got out, operators moved the train to the lowest level.

Buried beneath the rubble for months, it now has a new home: Connecticut’s Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven. We spoke with Wayne Sandford, general manager of The Shore Line Trolley Museum, who also was the East Haven fire chief during 9/11, with direct ties to the PATH 745 car.

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Where were you when the world stopped turning on September 11th, 2001? Anyone who was old enough on that day remembers it like it was yesterday. But many of us eventually moved on with our lives without 9/11 staying top of mind. Airline workers are not some of those people. We spoke with retired commercial airline pilot, Paul Zielinski, about what changed for the airline industry after 9/11.

Image Credit: Reuters 

Twenty-five years ago, Americans began an ordinary day on September 11, 2001, until the terrorist attacks happened. That morning, the news cycle was put to the test: what is true and what is false; how do you vet the developing news; how do you effectively get that information out to the public? We spoke to Ben Bogardus, Chair of the Department of Journalism at Quinnipiac University about news gathering and delivering then and now.

Image Credit: Reuters

We spoke with Ken Feinberg, one of the nation’s foremost experts on compensation and conflict resolution. Following the attacks of September 11th, Ken Feinberg was appointed Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund -- tasked with the extraordinary responsibility of determining how to compensate families who had suffered unimaginable loss. He chronicled that experience in his book, What Is Life Worth? 

Image Credit: Reuters

2026 marks 25 years since the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks. To commemorate this tragedy, Chris Williams talks with Joe McHugh, FDNY Battalion Chief (Ret.), who served with Ladder 25 on that day and responded to the World Trade Center. Joe shares his recollections of that tragic day 25 years ago

Image courtesy of Joe McHugh

Following the latest ALICE Report, we spoke with Renee Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners. What can we do to create affordable housing? Who in our state needs this type of housing? We reintroduced the work of the 35-year-old non-profit, CHP, and why they are part of the solution to our housing crisis.

To learn more about CHP: https://cthousingpartners.org/
To buy tickets to the CHP Sept. 29th event: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NJe/

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The ALICE Report reflects the number of individuals and families that are struggling to make ends meet since the cost of living has outpaced their income. Today, the United Way of Connecticut will host a formal launch event at the State Capitol for the latest ALICE report. We got a sneak peek of the data from Daniel Fitzmaurice, Director of Advocacy for United Way of Connecticut.

To access the ALICE report and more information: https://unitedwayinc.org/our-work/wages/alice/

Drivers could soon be guaranteed access to AM radio in new vehicles. The House is set to vote on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to keep free, over-the-air AM radio in new cars. Supporters say AM remains critical for emergency alerts and local news, especially during severe weather and disasters. We spoke with Senator Richard Blumenthal about the legislation, its purpose and predictions if it will pass this year.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

GLP-1 drugs are changing the way employers approach health coverage—but rising costs are forcing some to rethink those benefits. More companies are tightening eligibility or dropping coverage for weight-loss medications, as demand continues to grow. Is a big problem with GLP-1 coverage the fact that on the surface, many believe it’s just a drug to get skinny? We asked Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health for more.

Image Credit: Griffin Health System

As a society, we focus a lot on sports teams. What sport will my kid play? Sometimes, we focus on the arts – will my kid play an instrument or act in a play? But what about academic teams…Numerous studies across the country highlight the value of academic teams for a child’s development. Right now, Trumbull is selling fig trees to raise funds for the ACE Foundation, a group that supports academic teams in the Trumbull School System. Ken and Linda Halaby join us now to explain more.

To buy your fig tree, email: kenhalabysr@gmail.com

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the children and families facing cancer. Each year, thousands of children are diagnosed across the country. Here at home, we have some amazing non-profits focused on raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research to improve treatments and give young patients a better chance at beating cancer. Capalbo Strong is one of those movements – created in honor of Charlie Capalbo. His father, Anthony Capalbo, joined us in studio to talk more about the non-profit and an upcoming 24K fundraiser.

To register for the 24K in Fair...

While we are no longer facing a national blood crisis, the blood supply remains extremely vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges, such as end-of-summer travel and back-to-school activities which can disrupt a donor’s availability to give. Richard Branigan, CEO of the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region joined us back on the show for more.

To download the Red Cross Emergency app: redcross.org/apps

The state is fighting the release of a DCF report into how the agency handled the alleged Waterbury captivity case. The man at the center of the case, known as “S,” says he was held captive by his stepmother for more than two decades. His attorneys say the report could help prove the state failed to protect him. However, the state argues the records should remain confidential. We talked to State Senator Jason Perillo, the ranking senator for the Committee on Children and has been critical of DCF, the agency, not the workers, especially in cases like this one in Wate...

One week ago, Point Stratford Renewal hosted its second townwide community meeting regarding the former army engine plant in Stratford. Point Stratford Renewal is the development team leading the redevelopment effort for the massive waterfront property. We spoke with Peter Cabrera, a principal and Executive Vice President of Point Stratford Renewal.

For more information: www.pointstratford.com

Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport. Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767 overshot the runway Sunday, hitting two vehicles on the ground. The NTSB says it’s still too early to determine what caused the crash. To get perspective on this case, we spoke with retired commercial airline pilot, Paul Zielinski.

There is more debate surrounding speed cameras. Does speeding actually lead to collisions? Do speed cameras solve the problems over other solutions like speed humps? We heard your questions and did a deeper dive into this heated discussion happening throughout Connecticut. 

Today is 9-8-8 day and our United Way wants to raise awareness about the life saving hotline. Today, officials want to focus on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as a major resource available to help youth (and their parents) when they are experiencing a mental health crisis, with a special focus on student athletes. We spoke with Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO, United Way of Connecticut.

For more information: https://www.preventsuicidect.org/get-help/ct-988/

Connecticut’s largest business organization released its annual legislative scorecard, tracking lawmakers’ votes on key bills from this year’s session. CBIA says the measures focused on affordability, healthcare, energy, workforce development and transportation. Lawmakers with records of 85 percent or higher were recognized as “affordability champions.” But were they really? To break down the latest report, we spoke with Chris Davis, vice president of public policy at CBIA.

To read how your lawmakers voted and the impact on state affordability:
2026 State Senate Voting Records » CBIA
2026 State House Voting Records » CBIA

A 71-year-old Florida woman has died after police say she opened fire inside the Port Orange Police Department. Police say she ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon before officers opened fire. We wanted to get perspective on cases like this: if someone walks into the territory of a cop, what’s happening and how do officers respond? We spoke with our law enforcement expert, retired police chief Gary MacNamara.

Image Credit: Nicole Perelli

The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Clancy is accused of killing her three young children in 2023. Her defense argued she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and was not criminally responsible. Prosecutors say the killings were planned. The case could now be retried. To get legal perspective on what happens next, we spoke with Attorney Bill Bloss. *Bloss has no ties to the Clancey case*

Image Credit: Reuters

Norwalk Public Schools is getting a 23-thousand-dollar grant to help put artificial intelligence policies into practice. The funding will support teacher training, parent education and efforts to protect student data privacy. Norwalk is one of just ten school systems nationwide selected for the program, which also addresses AI literacy and academic integrity. We spoke with Ralph Valenzisi, the Assistant Superintendent of Digital Learning and Innovation for Norwalk Public Schools, about AI emergence for the district. 

Wilton is considering hiring an outside firm to help oversee major town and school construction projects. Officials say the town faces roughly 130-million dollars in building needs, and an owner’s agent could help manage projects and maximize state reimbursements. We learned more from First Selectman of Wilton, Toni Boucher.

Dr. Joanne Passalaqua from Hartford Healthcare spoke with Jon about the reality of Measles in CT, after the State see's it's third diagnosis this year.

We continued our back to school series focusing on other emergencies and unexpected events that could happen during the school day. We talked about swatting incidents, medical emergencies, evacuations and reunification so families feel more "in the know" while their kids are at school.

We met the 2027 Barnum Festival Ringmaster: Nick D'Addario. Find out about the Easton Selectman and local business leader's deep connections to the festival and P.T. Barnum. 

To keep tabs on the Barnum Festival: https://www.barnumfestival.org/

Image Credit: Elaine K. Ficarra

Florida’s privately run Brightline railroad was supposed to prove passenger rail could turn a profit. Instead, in 2025, it carried less than half its projected ridership and lost $127 million — plus another $114 million in interest. Now, with billions in debt and possible bankruptcy ahead, Connecticut’s rail advocates are asking: is privatization really the answer? That’s what Jim Cameron discussed in his latest article of Talking Transportation in CT Mirror.

To read his article: https://ctmirror.org/2026/08/30/floridas-failing-for-profit-railroad/

Swatting incidents are becoming more common during the school year. We spoke with Special Agent In-Charge, PJ O’Brien, and Public Affairs Specialist, Christine Jeltema, both from the FBI New Haven office, about the source of swatting calls and how to best combat them.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. The state is reaffirming its commitment to combating the overdose crisis and bringing attention to addiction, recovery, and overdose prevention resources. We spoke with Luiza Barnat and Christopher McClure from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to talk more about overdose statistics in the state and resources to better support addicts.

For more information:
https://ctaddictionservices.com/
https://liveloud.org/

Connecticut is getting ten million dollars in federal funding to help young students improve their reading. The money will expand small-group instruction, train teachers, and provide new literacy materials and assessments. The program will focus on students in kindergarten through third grade, with a pilot launching in select schools. We spoke with Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, about improving reading rates in our state.

Ryan Piper with an 18.49lb bluefish is the unofficial winner of The Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth. He weighed in at Cow Harbor Bait & Tackle in Northport, NY.