WICC The Voice of Connecticut

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.

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.

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.”

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

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

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

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/

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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]

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.

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.

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/

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

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

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...

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

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.

We did a break down of the deadly Oregon school shooting and highlighted key takeaways from the case. We also reiterated what Connecticut has done since Sandy Hook to improve our responses to threats at schools. 

A case out of Dallas, TX sounds eerily familiar to issues we've seen here in Connecticut. We talked about a recent case of an inappropriate teacher who was able to bounce from different districts putting more kids at risk. What does this case show when it comes to leadership and workplace culture?

Are you ready to fall back? This weekend the clocks roll back an hour. The change happens early Sunday morning, giving most of us an extra hour of sleep. But the time shift can also affect your sleep schedule. We spoke with Hartford Healthcare’s Dr. Steven Thau, sleep medicine specialist with St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Before you reach into that Halloween candy bowl, a dietitian says not all treats are created equal. We spoke with Hartford Healthcare’s Cody (crau-wick) Krawec, Registered Dietitian with St. Vincent’s Medical Center to get more details before we indulge this weekend.

To read Cody’s article: What a Dietitian Wants You to Know About Your Favorite Halloween Candy - Health News Hub

A federal judge says a lawsuit over Yale New Haven Hospital's cognitive testing of older doctors must go to trial. The EEOC claims requiring physicians 70 and older to undergo testing amounts to age and disability discrimination. Yale says the screenings are necessary to protect patient safety. The judge says there are too many disputed facts to decide the case without a trial. No trial date has been set. We did a follow-up on this case with employment attorney, Gary Phelan. Phelan is with Hurwitz Sagarin & Slossberg in Milford and is also a law professor at Quinnipiac University.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, shining a light on the barriers people with disabilities still face in the workplace. In Connecticut, advocates say closing the gap means more than awareness — it means getting employers to hire inclusively. We asked Elizabeth Navarro, Deputy Director of Jobs at Best Buddies International, what the state has done well but can still improve upon when it comes to hiring people with disabilities.

For more information: https://www.bestbuddies.org/connecticut/

A holiday tradition in New Haven is going dark this year. Goodwill of Southern New England has canceled its annual Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park because of severe storm damage that left the grounds unsafe for the drive-through display. We spoke to Rich Borer, the President and CEO of Goodwill of Southern New England, about the tough decision to cancel and the financial impact now that their biggest fundraiser isn’t happening.

For more information: https://www.goodwillsne.org/

There’s been a shake-up in Stamford high school football. The head coach resigned after a heated first half against Fairfield Warde last Friday. The school says the coach had confrontational exchanges with players and showed poor judgment. He later expressed remorse, but officials say he will not return. We asked Glenn Lungarini about coaching conduct but also fans conduct at games. Glenn is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), the governing body for interscholastic sports in Connecticut.

Connecticut is making $19.5 million available to help nonprofits upgrade their facilities and equipment. The state announced the ninth round of grants to support improvements in safety, accessibility, technology, and energy efficiency. Nonprofits can apply through January fifth, with awards expected next spring. The program has provided more than $166 million for over 700 projects statewide. We got more insight into this from Melissa Morton, planning specialist for the Office of Policy and Management.

For the application: https://portal.ct.gov/das/procurement-programs-and-services/ctsource?language=en_US
https://portal.ct.gov/opm/health-human-services/hhs-grants-and-block-funding-homepage/nonprofit-grant-program-homepage?language=en_US

It’s arguably the biggest hot button topics in Connecticut: public safety surveillance cameras. There may be bi-partisan support to slow the roll out of these cameras and include the public in understanding the need for them. But what isn’t being discussed enough: the vendor of the cameras. We asked our surveillance camera expert, Nick Santarsiero of Property Protection Consulting.

Connecticut towns are facing mounting pressure from special education costs. A new Citizens’ Assembly proposal would shift the entire $3.3 billion annual cost of special education statewide to the state, instead of leaving most of the burden on local communities. Right now, towns pay about two-thirds of that bill. We asked Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director at the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, about this concept.

A new proposal could bring highway tolls back to Connecticut. The state’s Citizens’ Assembly says tolls on interstate highways could generate up to $950 million a year, helping eliminate local car taxes and ease property tax burdens. We went back to the residents who fought many years to stop lawmakers from passing this. We spoke with Patrick Sasser, founder of the group No Tolls CT.