WICC The Voice of Connecticut

A judge has cleared the way for a retrial of Raul Valle in the deadly stabbing of Fairfield Prep student James McGrath. Valle was acquitted of murder last year, but the jury deadlocked on four lesser charges. When you look back on the first trial, something still doesn't sit right with a lot of people...two other teens got immunity deals. How do immunity deals work, why are they offered, and how does it work when police have informants? 

Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" looking at the previous night's primary results, which included an easy win for incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont and an upset win for former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin (00:34). ABC News Campaign Reporter Gaby Vinick dropped by to chat about some other key national primaries (14:16), while Hearst Connecticut Media's Dan Haar offered his thoughts on some of Tuesday's final numbers (17:16). He also talked about the death of former Connecticut Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman

"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli welcomed Connecticut's Primary Day 2026 by wondering why so many Connecticut residents constantly vote for candidates who get very little done (00:29). ABC News law enforcement contributor and retired Senior Secret Service Agent Don Mihalek dropped by (14:50), along with columnist and blogger Meghan Portfolio (19:48)

Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli rolled into a new week looking at a plea to cities and towns from Gov. Ned Lamont for a pause in installing new automated license plate reader systems (00:25). We also chatted with ABC's News Digital Health and Science reporter Mary Kekatos (13:25), as well as columnist and blogger Terry Cowgill (16:34)

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another busy week on "Connecticut Today" wondering about Hamden state Rep. Josh Elliott's promise to arrest ICE officers and set up a legal defense fund for immigrants facing deportation, if he's elected Governor (00:31). We also welcomed ABC News correspondent Chris Boccia (13:56), Southington GOP state Sen. Rob Sampson (17:23), and former Bridgeport Democratic state Rep. Chris Caruso (24:48) to the show as well

Host Paul Pacelli highlighted news concerning big national increases in regular, daily use of marijuana as the lead story on Thursday's edition of "Connecticut Today" (00:44). We checked in with Stonington GOP state Rep. Greg Howard - who's also an active-duty police officer - regarding a controversial bill that could put local law enforcement officers in legal jeopardy during the current election season (13:11). ABC News reporter Alex Stone dropped by to chat about another disturbing artificial intelligence story (21:08), while former state Senate GOP Leader John McKinney was on board with his weekly update (24:05)

Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with word that a couple of high-ranking Democratic state lawmakers are contemplating further regulations on those controversial automated license plate readers, or ALPR's (00:35). GOP state Sen. Dr. Jeff Gordon also weighed in on the ALPR controversy (14:31), while ABC's Diana Paulsen dropped by the talk about the previous night's big primaries (21:25). Finally, we welcomed Hearst Connecticut Media's Dan Haar with his weekly update (25:38)

Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli chatting about the reluctance of the state's big teachers' unions to get behind a federal voucher program sponsored by the White House that involved no state money (00:32). ABC News Digital Journalist Oren Oppenheim joined us to chat about some of the day's big primaries (16:24), while Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by with her weekly update (20:07)

Host Paul Pacelli opened a new week on "Connecticut Today" looking at some surprising statements from former Vice-President Kamala Harris, who's rumored to be considering another White House run for 2028 (00:35). Retired FBI agent Ken Gray joined us from the University of New Haven to chat about the growing controversy surrounding automated license plate readers (14:34), while blogger and columnist Terry Cowgill dropped by from the CT NewsJunkie (22:40)

Dr. Shea Gregg from Hartford Healthcare spoke with Jon about the rising number of e-bike and e-scooter accidents and what prospective riders need to know before hopping on one! 

Dr. Stephanie Sudikoff, Chief of Pediatrics at St. Vincents, spoke with Jon about what vaccines are needed for the upcoming school year, and how a recent executive order may shake up the schedule.

Despite Governor Lamont's decisive victory in the primary, Josh Elliot's impressive performance may be yet another sign of a coming generational shift in the modern Democratic Party. Bridgeport DTC member John Fitzpatrick spoke with Jon about the growth of progressive politics in CT.

Filling in on "Melissa in the Morning," host Paul Pacelli welcomed Quinnipiac University Sports Dietitian and Clinical Professor of Health and Exercise Dana White to discuss the newly published "National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Evaluation of Dietary Supplements for Athlete Safety and Performance."

Following the primary election results, we spoke with Senate Minority Leader Steve Harding. With a democratic majority in Hartford and the primary results now in the rearview mirror, what are the chances of having a Republican governor? We also spoke about a public forum tackling growing black bear populations in the state.

If you have questions or comments regarding bears, email: stephen.harding@cga.ct.gov

More and more communities in Connecticut are trying to navigate safer ways to deal with e-bikes in their neighborhoods. Recently, Norwalk had a serious crash between a juvenile rider and a truck. We spoke with Police Chief James Walsh from the Norwalk Police Department about the upward trend of young people riding these e-motorcycles and how families can help be part of the solution.

Connecticut’s primary results are in—and there’s a major shakeup in the First Congressional District. Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated 14-term Congressman John Larson, marking a historic incumbent primary loss. Meanwhile, Governor Ned Lamont turned back a challenge from progressive state Representative Josh Elliott. For more key takeaways from the primary election, we checked in with Sacred Heart University political professor, Dr. Gary Rose.

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education formally launched its redesigned Connecticut Credential Registry. It’s a mobile-friendly public resource that allows users to search for Connecticut schools and explore education and training programs offered across the state. We got more details on this from Sean Seepersad, Division Director of Academic Affairs at the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

For more information: p.veoci.com/CTCredentialRegistry

Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families is making changes following concerns raised after a child’s death. DCF says it’s strengthening case reviews and safety practices, including additional oversight of high-risk cases. The changes come after the Office of the Child Advocate raised concerns about whether DCF policies were being consistently followed. We spoke with Christina Ghio, the state’s child advocate.

Many Gen X workers are feeling the strain of being caregivers at home and employees at work. A new survey found nearly 1 in 4 Generation X workers spend the equivalent of two full workdays each week on caregiving responsibilities. It reportedly creates the need for more conversations about employee support, workplace flexibility and long-term workforce planning. We spoke to our career strategist, Julie Bauke, about the importance of meeting employees where they are at with personal needs outside the office.

 Connecticut is facing growing controversy over license plate reader cameras. Police say the technology helps solve crimes and find stolen vehicles, but privacy advocates worry about how much driving data is collected—and who can access it. We dive into the pro's and con's of the technology and why it's important to separate the conversation about ALPR's with speed enforcement cameras. 

We had Cindy Iodice and Fran Mayko in studio from Flagman to talk about new plans in the new school year in Connecticut and across the country.

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

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

More than $20 billion was reported lost to internet crime in the U.S. in 2025, according to the FBI. The IC3 received more than a million complaints. That's a 26% increase in reported losses from 2024. We spoke with Special Agent In-Charge, PJ O’Brien, and Public Affairs Specialist, Christine Jeltema, both from the FBI New Haven office, about cybersecurity crimes.

Picture Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Recent US data shows 92% of young people who have heard of the “R” word, heard it used as a slur first. We are seeing an increase in the use of this word and organizations, like Special Olympics, are working to combat it in society. We spoke more about that work with Andrea Cahn, Senior Vice President of Unified Champion Schools, working closely with Special Olympics on this.

Melissa welcomed Assistant Clinical Professor Stephen Burrows to the show to talk about Sacred Heart University's new Health Data Analytics program, which is the director of.

Image Credit: Sacred Heart University

Norwalk could become the first city in Connecticut to give buses priority at traffic lights. The proposed system would automatically extend green lights or shorten red lights for approaching buses, helping keep them on schedule. City officials say the technology could improve transit reliability without causing significant delays for other drivers. We got more details from Fred Eshraghi, City Traffic Engineer and Charlie Baker, Senior Traffic Engineer for the city of Norwalk.

Residents in South Norwalk are pushing back against plans to transform Manresa Island into a commercial destination with restaurants, event space, and an outdoor amphitheater. Neighbors say the project could bring more than a million visitors a year, worsening traffic, straining emergency access, and overwhelming already congested roads. We spoke with one of those neighbors, Kim Tromba, about the concerns around the concept of Manresa Wilds.

To check out the Manresa Neighborhood petition: www.manresaneighborhood.com

Connecticut's tourism industry is booming. A new report says the state welcomed more than 72 million visitors in 2025, with tourism growth outpacing the national average. We spoke with Rachel Lenda, Tourism Director for the state, about the report’s findings.

For all things Connecticut tourism: ctvisit.com

This week, Connecticut's State Board of Education voted to send updated guidance on "bell-to-bell" restrictions that would keep phones and other personal devices off limits throughout the entire school day. But the other part of this that is important includes purposeful tech instruction which includes screen time limits. We spoke with Regina von Gootkin, founder of The Screen Smart Initiative, about the turning point this new guidance provides and how parents can have more control over screen time for their kids in school.

For more information: Screen Smart Initiative - Screen Smart Initiative

As online prediction markets continue to grow, Connecticut leaders are raising concerns about their risks. A new report from State Comptroller Sean Scanlon warns platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket can fuel gambling addiction, insider trading, and underage participation. We spoke with the comptroller to learn more.

To read the comptroller’s full report: https://osc.ct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/August-3-2026-Economic-Update.pdf

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another week on "Connecticut Today" wondering if Democrats are doing permanent damage to their messaging in light of comments made - or not made - regarding a recent deadly traffic accident involving an illegal immigrant (00:35). Also joining us were former FBI New Jersey Special Agent-in-Charge Rich Frankel (08:02) and Southern Connecticut State University Political Science and Urban Affairs Professor Dr. Jonathan Wharton (15:28)

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Thursday's "Connecticut Today" wondering about a new poll showing a creeping acceptance of socialism among many national Democratic Party voters (00:24). We also welcomed former state Senate GOP Leader John McKinney to the show for his weekly wrap-up (13:48)

On Wednesday's "Connecticut Today," host Paul Pacelli talked about Dr. Anthony Fauci's testimony earlier in the day to a Congressional Committee and whether there's still some lingering doubt among Americans about the origin of the COVID-19 Pandemic (00:31). We also welcomed ABC News Legal Analyst Royal Oakes (14:24), GOP state Rep. Gail Mastrofrancesco (18:06), and Hearst Connecticut Media's Dan Haar (22:43)

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering about growing local discontent over the use of automated license plate readers - ALPRs (00:31). We also welcomed ABC's Jordana Miller live from the Middle East (15:05), as well as Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio (18:28). She talked about the possibility of a state law regarding gasoline-powered leaf blowers

Host Paul Pacelli ushered in a new week on "Connecticut Today" wondering if an appearance the previous day by a high-ranking Democratic Socialists of America official was a harbinger of things to come in 2026 and 2028 (00:40). Shelton GOP state Sen. Jason Perillo dropped by to talk about efforts to get New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to drop her opposition to pipeline expansion (14:22). We also chatted with columnist and blogger Terry Cowgill about Maine's U.S. Senate race and Connecticut's growing costs for special education (21:07)

A popular Newtown restaurant is rebuilding after a fire destroyed its location over the weekend. JJ Stacks was completely lost in the early morning blaze; luckily no one was hurt. Firefighters kept the flames from spreading to neighboring businesses, and the owner says the restaurant will rebuild from the ground up. We spoke with Joe Attonito, owner of JJStacks in Newtown.

There will be a ceremony in Stratford to celebrate a major milestone in the cleanup of a former U.S. Army engine plant. It is one of the largest waterfront brownfield revitalization efforts currently underway in Connecticut. Connecticut-based Point Stratford Renewal Team, which owns the property, says today’s event marks the completion of the $74 million remediation of the tidal flats along the Housatonic River. We spoke with Peter Cabrera, a principal and Executive Vice President of Point Stratford Renewal and Stratford Mayor David Chess.

For more information on the project: https://www.pointstratford.com/

Connecticut is among the first states contributing health information to the new U.S. Disease Tracker. The online tool gives the public a snapshot of disease trends, vaccination rates, and other public health data across the country. We spoke with Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health about this and why Connecticut was selected to be one of only ten states to get involved.

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

Image Courtesy of Griffin Health System

From transforming blighted buildings to a specific housing project in Southport, we checked in with Renee Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners to talk about the latest housing news in Connecticut.

For more information on the River Bend property: https://cthousingpartners.org/river-bend/

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Connecticut domestic violence advocates are warning that delays in federal funding could have serious consequences. Leaders say shelters and support programs may be forced to cut services, reduce staff, or limit help for survivors if funding doesn't arrive soon. We spoke with Mark Antonini President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Family Justice in Fairfield County. CFJ was one of five organizations at a roundtable this week about this concern.

For more information on CFJ: https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/

After an overwhelming show of community support, Easton Volunteer EMS is bringing back its annual fireworks show. But before we started talking, we learned the new EMS building is NOT actually being used! We learned why from Jon Arnold, Chief of Easton EMS.