WICC The Voice of Connecticut

A new audit questioned how much Connecticut examines poor driving of state vehicles. We spoke with Len Besthoff, Chief Investigative Reporter at NBC & Telemundo Connecticut, about the findings and what it means for accountability for state workers with taxpayer funded cars.

A new report highlights the ongoing crisis of domestic violence in Connecticut. Nearly one-third of the state’s homicides are tied to domestic violence, while advocates warn funding cuts could threaten critical support services. We connected with Meghan Scanlon, President & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, about the latest data and how the state is responding to the findings.

For more information: https://www.ctcadv.org/ CTSafeConnect.org; call or text (888) 774-2900

An estimated 3,940 people in Connecticut are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and roughly 420 to 430 lives are lost to the disease annually. What if your mammogram could tell you more about your future breast cancer risk? Everlywell’s Clairity Breast uses FDA-authorized artificial intelligence to analyze your mammogram and estimate your five-year risk. We spoke about this potential breakthrough tool with Dr. Susan Boolbol, System Chief for Breast Surgery and Director of Breast Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute.

Lace up for a cause that honors America’s heroes! The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk is coming to Bridgeport on Saturday, October 17th. Join the community to remember the sacrifice of 9/11 hero Stephen Siller and support our nation’s fallen and injured first responders, military members, and their families. We spoke with Brian Turco of Port Five to get all the details for the upcoming event. 
For more information: https://www.portfiveusa.com/

Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and dancing with a purpose! Join Adam’s House for Dancing with the Stars: First Responder Edition, Friday, October 23rd, at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Watch local heroes take the dance floor to support grieving children and families. Every dollar raised helps keep Adam’s House grief support programs completely free. We spoke with Allison Wysota and Ann O'Leary from Adam's House about the non-profit's work and the upcoming event this month.
For more information: https://adamshousect.org/dancing-with-the-stars/

Stamford-based non-profit, Soundwaters, teaches the science of Long Island Sound to 30,000 students every year through hands-on experiences on the water and on the shoreline. Now, that instruction is expanding beyond the two coastal facilities in Stamford with the R/V Brewer. We spoke with Leigh Shemitz, President of Soundwaters, about the new vessel under construction and set to make its way to more school districts starting in 2027.

For more information: https://soundwaters.org/brewer/

Netflix is cutting roughly one-thousand jobs, about six percent of its global workforce, in its largest round of layoffs since 2022. The cuts will primarily affect product, technology, legal, and human resources teams. The move leads to questions about the broader implications of workforce reductions across the entertainment industry, including similar cuts at Disney and NBCUniversal. We spoke with Julie Buck, assistant professor of film, television and media arts at Quinnipiac University.

A new appointment for an interim position for the city of Bridgeport is raising questions for some council members about hiring procedures. Former City Council President Thomas McCarthy is back as provisional personnel director under Mayor Joe Ganim, a decade after the two clashed over McCarthy’s city employment. After speaking with one of those members, Councilmember Galen Murray, we wanted to hear from the city about this. We spoke with Tom Gaudett, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bridgeport.

Medicare open enrollment begins today. And later this month, open enrollment begins for Access Health CT. What can we expect from this year’s enrollment period? We spoke with one of our health insurance experts in the state, Alan Sheketoff, of Macman Insurance Associates in Fairfield. Alan is one of the top producers for several insurance carriers; he also specializes in Medicare as well as group markets which include: Medical, Dental, Long and Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.

For more information: https://www.macmaninsurance.com/

Republican Michael Goldstein is making another run for Congress in Connecticut’s 4th District. The Greenwich physician and attorney won the Republican primary and will face Democratic incumbent Jim Himes in November. Goldstein previously challenged Himes in 2024, and now hopes to flip the seat in the November 3rd election.

For more information: https://goldsteinforcongress.com/

We covered the 21st District Senate seat race; that seat covers Stratford, Seymour, Shelton, and Monroe. We spoke with incumbent Senator Jason Perillo (R) and his challenger, Carolann Reid (D).

For more information on Senator Jason Perillo: https://www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/senators/jason-perillo/
For more information on Carolann Reid: https://www.reidforstatesenate.com/

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Connecticut’s state college system is promising reforms after an independent report found major failures in handling sexual harassment complaints. In an interview with WFSB, interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell defended the decision to end an investigation into former Central Connecticut State University President Zulma Toro after her resignation. Investigative reporter with WFSB’s I-Team, Cassidy Williams, conducted that interview and joined us to share more.

To watch Cassidy’s story: https://www.wfsb.com/2026/10/13/i-team-interview-with-cscu-interim-chancellor-natalie-braswell/

For many workers, the ‘Sunday Scaries’ are getting worse. That feeling of anxiety before the workweek begins can make it hard to enjoy the last day of the weekend. Work stress, burnout and the pressure to always be available may be contributing. Experts say setting boundaries and making time to unplug can help ease the dread. We spoke with Psychiatrist Dr. Andre Newfield, with Hartford HealthCare The Shores Mental Health in Westport.

Picture Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

A.A. Milne’s classic stories of Winnie the Pooh officially turns 100 years old today. It was October 14th 1926 that the world learned about a honey-loving bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Christopher Robin and his stuffed animal pals have resonated with generations, and it continues to be a series that touches the hearts of millions across the globe. We had the opportunity to speak with Gerry Manser, the creator of Pooh Trek Tours in the UK. He takes guests through Ashdown Forest, the place that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood.

For more information: ww...

Quiet quitting is out — and “loud working” is in. As job security concerns grow, more employees are making their accomplishments known to bosses and recruiters, hoping to stand out for promotions or avoid layoffs. The trend also extends to LinkedIn, where workers are building their personal brands to stay visible in an increasingly uncertain job market. We spoke with our career strategist, Julie Bauke, about this. 

Sixty-year-old Elvin Hernandez, a longtime state Department of Transportation employee, was killed September 25th while working along Interstate 95 in Fairfield. And the danger extends beyond DOT crews. Since 2020, seven roadside workers and responders in Connecticut — including two DOT employees, a state trooper, a construction worker and three tow truck operators — have died in roadside crashes, according to the nonprofit Flagman Incorporated. For the latest on road safety efforts, we checked in with Josh Morgan from the DOT. 

For more information on the mobility study meetings: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2026/public-invited-to-i-95-fairfield-bridgeport-mobility-study-open-houses?language=en_US

A familiar face is returning to Bridgeport City Hall — and the appointment is raising questions. Former City Council President Thomas McCarthy is back as provisional personnel director under Mayor Joe Ganim, a decade after the two clashed over McCarthy’s city employment. Now, some council members are questioning whether proper hiring procedures were followed. One of those members is Councilmember Galen Murray for the 130th district in Bridgeport.

Have you ever heard of the Cleary Act? It's required for every college and university across the country. Gary breaks down the purpose of the report and how it could be beneficial for families sending their kids off to college. 

Milford police are investigating a disturbing series of attacks targeting people living in a homeless encampment near Lowe’s. We spoke with Milford Mayor Rich Smith about the investigation and his push to bring accountability to the individuals involved in the case.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Four years ago today, one of the most tragic line of duty deaths happened right here in our state. Two Bristol police officers were shot and killed in an ambush attack after responding to a fake 911 domestic disturbance call. We spoke with former Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould to reflect on the anniversary and discuss officer wellness since the incident happened.

For more information on the ‘Serve well, Be well’ program: https://www.cpcanet.org/

Today is Columbus Day and we wanted to get a check on the latest with the Columbus statue in Bridgeport. Will it be making a public return? We spoke with Chris Caruso, president of the Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport.

Two Connecticut state senators are pushing for stronger sexual assault laws following rape allegations at Cornell University. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and Tony Hwang want to close a legal loophole involving voluntary intoxication, saying technicalities should not undermine protections for survivors. They also want to have more public conversations surrounding the case beyond just politics.

To read the bipartisan op-ed: https://www.ctinsider.com/opinion/article/cornell-hwang-gadkar-wilcox-22468211.php

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Scandal, resignations, and calls for accountability are rocking Connecticut’s public college system. The turmoil over the last two years is raising big questions about leadership and oversight. We spoke with Senator Henri Martin, the Ranking Member on the Higher Education Committee, about inconsistencies in investigations and leadership accountability.

Today is Ageism Awareness Day. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about age-based stereotypes, discrimination and inequities and to promote a more inclusive society for people of all ages. To talk more about this, we welcomed back Nicole Fidanza, Clinical Associate Professor & Chair of Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy.

We covered the 36th District Senate race covering the towns of Greenwich, North Stamford, and portions of Stamford, New Canaan. We spoke with Jill Oberlander (D) and Joe Kelly (R / Independent) about their political backgrounds and plans if elected in November.
For more information on Jill Oberlander:

According to national reports, about 1 in 5 women get lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. There’s a new tool in the toolkit for breast cancer patients in Connecticut. St. Vincents Medical Center is the first in the state to offer a Lymph Scanner. We spoke with Breast Surgeon Dr. Valerie Brutus of Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

For more information: https://hartfordhealthcare.org/services/cancer-care

A new American Psychiatric Association poll found that one in three adults feels lonely at least once a week—and one in ten feels lonely every day. Isn’t it fascinating in a world that seems more connected than ever, real connection doesn’t happen enough. Stamford Health’s Chair of Psychiatry, Dr. Berlin, came back to talk about the effects of loneliness and what to do about it.

Former Connecticut State Senator Dennis Bradley is facing charges over alleged absentee ballot violations in Bridgeport. Investigators say Bradley opened a voter’s completed absentee ballot and instructed her to change her vote in favor of his brother, Mark Bradley, during the August Democratic primary. Bradley denies wrongdoing. He’s due in court October 21st. What can legally happen with this case? We asked our legal expert on the show, Attorney Bill Bloss. *Bloss has no ties to the Bradley case(s), he only provided legal insight and predictions *

The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, but Connecticut’s two Democratic senators opposed it. The bill would create new rules for name, image and likeness payments, transfers and athlete compensation. The bill now heads to the House. We spoke with Senator Blumenthal about this and a renewed push to pass a road safety bill. It comes following the deaths of Connecticut DOT workers and a tow truck driver. The legislation would increase protections for roadside workers and tow operators, including stronger penalties for drivers who fail to move over.

Picture Credit: REUTERS

Norwalk Public Schools is getting recognition for its efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism. The district’s absenteeism rate fell to 15-point-four percent during the 2025-26 school year — a two-and-a-half percentage point drop from the previous year. That puts Norwalk below the statewide average. In the midst of this report, we also are excited to meet Norwalk’s new district leader, interim Superintendent Sandra Faioes.

Connecticut has set an ambitious goal: 100-percent voter participation by 2030. A new state task force is exploring ways to boost turnout, particularly in local elections, where participation is much lower. Ideas include automatic voter registration, greater civic education and making it easier for young people to vote. The group must deliver recommendations to lawmakers by February. We spoke with Miles Rapaport, Executive Director at 100% Democracy and co-chair of the new task force.

This week is National Fire Prevention Week. It’s a chance to provide an important opportunity to highlight not only fire safety and preparedness, but also the critical need for Red Cross volunteers. As we head into the colder months, when home fires become more common, Disaster Action Team volunteers are needed more than ever. We spoke with Richard Branigan, CEO of the American Red Cross in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

For more information: redcross.org/volunteer or call 877-287-3327

A third person has pleaded guilty in the federal fraud case involving Bridgeport and Stratford’s Success Village housing complex. Trumbull businessman Richard Messina admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors say he and others submitted fraudulent or inflated invoices, diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, what does this mean for the former president of the board?

Milford’s Board of Aldermen is pausing the use of Flock Condor surveillance cameras, pending a review by the city’s technology committee. The decision follows weeks of heated public debate, with residents raising concerns about privacy and surveillance, while police say the cameras are an important public safety tool. We spoke with Andy Fowler from the Milford Board of Alderman about the latest city camera decision.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

All summer long, the FBI was working to dismantle criminal organizations and recently released its summer heat 2.0 initiative. From June first to September 21st, the FBI conducted nationwide work, and our New Haven Field Office was part of that. 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 key takeaways from the report and what it means for Connecticut.

To see results: https://www.facebook.com/FBINewHaven/posts/all-summer-long-the-fbi-was-working-to-dismantle-criminal-organizations-and-brin/984573824660946/

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

For Gen Z workers, feedback may need a makeover. A new Wall Street Journal report says younger employees want more frequent, specific guidance—not harsh criticism. Experts suggest managers check in, focus on clear next steps, and make performance conversations feel more like coaching than an annual review. We talked about this concept of “gentle bossing” with career strategist, Julie Bauke.

You Can't Choose a College From a Website, a point that Mia Coluccio, the Director of Campus Experience at Sacred Heart University, looked to drive home with Melissa. 

Connecticut is getting an F for financial literacy education in the latest national report card—but the state is on track for an A by 2027. Starting with next year’s graduating class, Connecticut high school students will be required to take a personal finance course. But does that really mean we are making the grade when it comes to financial literacy for our kids? We spoke with John Pelletier, senior fellow at the National Endowment for Financial Education, about this.

Full 2026 Report Card: https://www.nefe.org/initiatives/national-report-card/default.aspx

Trumbull is putting the brakes on new data centers with a two-year moratorium—but a proposed AI upgrade to an existing facility can still move forward. The site on Merritt Boulevard could become one of Connecticut’s first known AI data centers. As you can imagine, residents aren’t too amped about it. We spoke with Richard White, a Trumbull resident and member of the Facebook group, Trumbull AI Data Center Watch, about the concerns surrounding this center.

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pauseaidatacentertrumbullct/
Petition Link: https://www.change.org/p/petition-for-a-joint-special-meeting-on-ai-data-centers

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The Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative is taking its message on the road with the Dear Dad Tour. The statewide effort celebrates positive fatherhood through storytelling, community events and outreach, while promoting violence prevention and stronger families. We learned more about CFI from Diana DiTunno, Senior Educational Program Administrator at Connecticut’s Department of Social Services.

For more information on the Dear Dad Tour: https://cfideardadtour.org/