WICC The Voice of Connecticut

40 Episodes
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By: WICC

A heritage radio station covering Bridgeport and greater Fairfield County. This podcast focuses on the communities, people and news for your neighborhood.

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Melissa in the Morning: Paul Pacelli
Yesterday at 3:38 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with former host of Connecticut Today, Paul Pacelli.


Melissa in the Morning: Lee Ganim
Yesterday at 3:35 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with That Garden Guy, Lee Ganim, about his many years with the station and how his show still performs today. 


Melissa in the Morning: Jon Wolfert
Yesterday at 3:33 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we went back to the archives and met the man behind decades of legendary jingles for the station. We spoke with Jonathan Wolfert, President of JAM Creative Productions Inc.


Melissa in the Morning: Jim Crossan
Yesterday at 3:31 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with Jim Crossan of the former talk show he co-hosted with his wife called Crossan and Crossan.


Melissa in the Morning: Ed Butler
Yesterday at 3:30 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with Chief Engineer, Ed Butler, about his decades of experience working at the station and managing the historic transmitters. 


Melissa in the Morning: Bill Jacquemin
Yesterday at 3:30 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with former Chief Meteorologist, Bill Jacquemin. 


Melissa in the Morning: Becky Soukup
Yesterday at 3:29 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with legendary news reporter, Becky Soukup, taking a look back at her journey on air. 


Melissa in the Morning: Dee Young
Yesterday at 3:28 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with many behind-the-scenes key players to the stations' success, including Dee Young.


Melissa in the Morning: Chris Mancini
Yesterday at 3:27 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with former producer of The Jim Buchanan Show, Chris Mancini. 


Melissa in the Morning: Sue Evans
Yesterday at 3:26 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we took a walk down memory lane with former news reporter & anchor, Sue Evans.


Melissa in the Morning: Tim Quinn
Yesterday at 3:25 PM

For WICC's 100th anniversary, we spoke with former news director of WICC, Tim Quinn. 


The Beat & The Badge: Believe Half of What you See
The Beat & The Badge: Believe Half of What you See episode artwork
Yesterday at 3:23 PM

With the emergence of artificial intelligence, what is the impact on some jobs like cops and reporters? Gary and Melissa use real-life examples where AI has complicated their respective industries and how to identify ways to navigate forward for the public. 


Melissa in the Morning: New Rules for PD
Melissa in the Morning: New Rules for PD episode artwork
Last Friday at 2:24 PM

Milford is putting new rules in place for police surveillance technology. The Board of Alders unanimously approved a resolution requiring board approval and public input before new public safety tools are added or existing systems are expanded. Police must also provide an inventory of current technology, vendors and costs within 90 days. The move comes after months of debate over privacy and Flock license plate reader cameras. We spoke with the Chairman of the Public Safety Review Committee, Jim Woyciesjes, about these new rules.


Melissa in the Morning: EMS Shortages
Melissa in the Morning: EMS Shortages episode artwork
Last Friday at 2:19 PM

EMS staffing shortages are causing dangerous delays in Plymouth, where one patient waited 30 minutes for an ambulance Thursday — nearly four times the normal response time. Officials say the problem extends across Connecticut, with dozens of ambulance providers losing personnel as emergency calls continue to rise. We spoke with Jon Arnold, Chief of Service for Easton Volunteer EMS to get more perspective on this issue.


Melissa in the Morning: Life360 App
Melissa in the Morning: Life360 App episode artwork
Last Friday at 2:19 PM

The defense has rested its case in the trial of a Connecticut man accused of killing his teenage girlfriend with his pickup truck. Prosecutors allege the 21-year-old man ran over his 17-year-old girlfriend in 2023 after she allegedly fell from the truck. But what’s fascinating about this case is the relevance of the tracking app, Life360. We asked our legal expert, Attorney Bill Bloss, about the case and how the court should weigh a “tech witness.”


Wake Up With Finch And Kane - Nov. 1, 2026
Last Thursday at 7:51 PM


Wake Up With Finch And Kane - Oct. 25, 2026
Last Thursday at 7:39 PM


Wake Up With Finch And Kane - Oct. 18, 2026
Last Thursday at 7:39 PM


Wake Up With Finch And Kane - Oct. 11, 2026
Last Thursday at 7:33 PM


Wake Up With Finch And Kane - Oct. 4, 2026
Last Thursday at 7:33 PM


Wake Up With Finch And Kane - Sep 27, 2026
Last Thursday at 7:32 PM


Melissa in the Morning: Online Gaming Dangers
Melissa in the Morning: Online Gaming Dangers episode artwork
Last Thursday at 2:27 PM

Connecticut officials are warning parents about extremists using online games to target and recruit children. Authorities say groups like 764 build relationships with vulnerable kids before using threats, blackmail and manipulation to push them toward self-harm or violence. Experts urge parents to monitor online activity, know who their children are talking to, and keep conversations about internet safety ongoing. To talk more about this, we spoke with our law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara.

Image Credit: Nicole Perelli


Melissa in the Morning: Google Access in Schools
Melissa in the Morning: Google Access in Schools episode artwork
Last Thursday at 2:26 PM

Google is facing backlash over a new policy that could leave some students without access to its search engine. Schools using Google's education software will have to allow certain AI features if they want students to use Google Search. The company says it's giving schools more control, but critics, including Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, say it's putting pressure on schools to adopt artificial intelligence. We got reaction to this from our cybersecurity and AI expert, Dr. Vahid Behzadan.

Image Credit: Reuters


Melissa in the Morning: Republicans Staying Relevant
Melissa in the Morning: Republicans Staying Relevant episode artwork
Last Thursday at 2:24 PM

Connecticut Democrats scored major victories in Tuesday's midterm elections, expanding their already sizable majorities in Hartford. In the legislature, Democrats picked up several seats, leaving Republicans with significantly less representation at the State Capitol. We are connected now with Connecticut House Republican Leader, State Representative Vincent Candelora.

Image Credit: Reuters


Melissa in the Morning: Senator-Elect Blanchard
Melissa in the Morning: Senator-Elect Blanchard episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 2:46 PM

According to unofficial numbers, Rob Blanchard is claiming victory in the 28th district state senate race representing Fairfield, Easton, Newtown and Bethel. This is the first time the seat flipped to Democrat in 50 years. We spoke with Blanchard about his goals in this new political role including more bi-partisan work in Hartford.

To connect wtih Rob Blanchard: https://www.robblanchardct.com/


Melissa in the Morning: The CT Republican Party
Melissa in the Morning: The CT Republican Party episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 2:46 PM

Despite the blue wave we are seeing nationally, let’s look at the blue wave in Connecticut. We are seeing the Republican numbers dwindle substantially in an already super majority in Hartford. We spoke with Ben Proto, the Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, about the state trends.


Melissa in the Morning: Voter Turnout
Melissa in the Morning: Voter Turnout episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 2:45 PM

Let’s look at voter turnout for the 2026 election in Connecticut. According to the Secretary of the State’s website – Connecticut saw more than 53% of registered voters cast their ballots. We did a break down of the voter turnout numbers with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.

To see full election results: https://ctemspublic.tgstg.net/#/home


Melissa in the Morning: Blue Wave
Melissa in the Morning: Blue Wave episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 2:45 PM

If it looks a lot bluer today, it’s not because it’s a bright day out with clear skies. It’s because both Connecticut and the country have spoken; we are experiencing a major blue wave post 2026 election results. We did a political recap with Dr. Scott McLean, Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University.


Melissa in the Morning: Monroe Zoning Changes?
Melissa in the Morning: Monroe Zoning Changes? episode artwork
11/03/2026

A proposed 84-unit apartment complex in Monroe is raising concerns among neighbors in nearby Trumbull. The plan calls for two three-story buildings along Main Street, just steps from a quiet residential neighborhood. Residents worry about increased traffic, noise, privacy and overcrowded schools. The developer is expected to revise the proposal ahead of another public hearing on November fifth. We got the scoop on the potential zoning change problem from Justin and Laura Sime. *We have reached out to the town of Monroe Planning and Zoning and have not heard back yet*

For more information: Mainstreetneighbors.net


Melissa in the Morning: Bodycam Footage
Melissa in the Morning: Bodycam Footage episode artwork
11/03/2026

We got our hands on the bodycam footage from Easton Police Department regarding a political sign crime in town. As we reported, incumbent state representative Anne Hughes is facing a misdemeanor larceny charge after her Republican opponent says his campaign signs were stolen. An Airtag attached to one of the signs revealed Hughes had them stored on her property. We dug into the police exchanges with Hughes.

To watch the bodycam footage: https://youtu.be/3iX5uIYmnU8?is=Bf5XaP1Ox9JOjyuw


Melissa in the Morning: Reshape the Workforce
Melissa in the Morning: Reshape the Workforce episode artwork
11/03/2026

Microsoft is offering buyouts to roughly 60-thousand employees in what the company says is its largest voluntary exit program ever. The move could affect about a quarter of its workforce, as the tech giant looks to cut costs while pouring billions into artificial intelligence. We spoke about reshaping the workforce as the AI race accelerates — without calling it layoffs, with our career strategist, Julie Bauke.


Melissa in the Morning: Deadly Incident on the Highway
Melissa in the Morning: Deadly Incident on the Highway episode artwork
11/03/2026

A deadly incident on the Merritt Parkway in Woodbridge shut down the roadway Saturday morning, as state police launched an investigation. Forty-three-year-old Todd Atkins died after suffering serious injuries near the Route 114 overpass. We spoke loosely about the case with Connecticut State Police Trooper Stephanie Gurski.

For any anonymous tips please email: [email protected]


Melissa in the Morning: Screen Time in School
Melissa in the Morning: Screen Time in School episode artwork
11/03/2026

How much screen time is too much? New district data from Milford Public Schools shows Chromebook use increases with each grade, from an average of 16 minutes a day in first and second grade to 63 minutes in fifth grade. Now, Milford schools are looking to balance technology and AI with traditional, screen-free learning. We spoke to Milford Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anna Cutaia, about the new data and how the district wants to strike a balance.


Melissa in the Morning: Tidal Wave
Melissa in the Morning: Tidal Wave episode artwork
11/02/2026

A little-known story of courage and survival during World War Two is getting new attention in a new book. “Tidal Wave,” by Adam Makos, revisits the deadly 1943 Allied bombing raid over Romania and the remarkable story of American airmen rescued by Romanian citizens, including a princess and an enemy fighter ace. We spoke with author, Adam Makos, to learn more.


Melissa in the Morning: Time Change Driving
Melissa in the Morning: Time Change Driving episode artwork
11/02/2026

Connecticut drivers are facing a more dangerous evening commute as daylight saving time ends and darkness arrives earlier. We spoke with Jim Cameron of Talking Transportation in CTMirror, about how to mentally adjust to a different driving experience.

TO read Jim’s article: https://ctmirror.org/2026/11/01/your-most-dangerous-drive-home/


Melissa in the Morning: Stealing Signs
Melissa in the Morning: Stealing Signs episode artwork
11/02/2026

Connecticut State Representative Anne Hughes has been charged with sixth-degree larceny after police say campaign signs belonging to her Republican opponent were found on her property. An AirTag hidden in one of the signs led investigators to the Easton property. Hughes returned several signs and issued an apology, saying she takes full responsibility for her actions. To get law enforcement perspective on this, we spoke with our law enforcement expert on the show, retired police chief Gary MacNamara.

Image Credit: Nicole Perelli


Melissa in the Morning: Election Integrity
Melissa in the Morning: Election Integrity episode artwork
11/02/2026

As voters head to the polls, the FBI plays an important role in protecting the integrity of elections. While states and local officials oversee voting and count ballots, the FBI investigates potential federal election crimes, including voter intimidation, ballot fraud, threats against election workers and foreign interference. We got more insight on this from Special Agent In-Charge, PJ O’Brien, and Public Affairs Specialist, Christine Jeltema, both from the FBI New Haven office.

Image Credit:  Eric Urbanowicz


Melissa in the Morning: Lodging and Human Trafficking
Melissa in the Morning: Lodging and Human Trafficking episode artwork
11/02/2026

Human trafficking remains a concern in Connecticut, putting a spotlight on oversight at hotels and motels. State law requires lodging operators to train employees to recognize potential trafficking and suspicious activity, maintain guest records, and post notices with victim assistance information. A new Connecticut law will add annual registration requirements and give the Department of Consumer Protection greater authority to inspect records and enforce compliance, beginning in January 2027. We spoke with Jamie Manirakiza, Chief Executive Officer at Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT), about these new changes to combat human trafficking in our state.

For more information...


Melissa in the Morning: South Florida Plane Crash
Melissa in the Morning: South Florida Plane Crash episode artwork
11/02/2026

Federal investigators are looking into a deadly plane crash in South Florida that killed all nine people on board. The Learjet 60 went down Sunday afternoon in a residential neighborhood in Palm Beach County, erupting into a massive fireball. The plane was traveling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas. The pilot reported icing and turbulence before declaring an emergency. The NTSB and FAA are investigating. We spoke with retired commercial airline pilot, Paul Zielisnski, about the case.

Image Credit: Reuters


The Beat & The Badge: Active Observer
The Beat & The Badge: Active Observer episode artwork
11/02/2026

Ever heard of people watching? Besides it being a fun activity to pass the time, it's actual a crime prevention skill we should all be focused on. Find out why little moments in time could lead to significant events if we catch them.