WICC The Voice of Connecticut

We know there’s a real effort from lawmakers to prioritize our volunteer firefighters. What is being discussed in Hartford to support volunteer firefighters better? We had State Representative Kara Rochelle in studio, the daughter of a 50-year-volunteer firefighter in the state. Rep. Rochelle is also the co-chair of the Blue Collar Caucus.

A total of 27 bulletproof vests, valued at more than $12,000, went missing from the state Judicial Branch over a two-year period, creating a possible threat to public safety. That’s according to a recent state audit. We spoke with John Geragosian, state auditor for Connecticut, to learn more.

For the full audit report: Judicial Branch FULL_20260324_FY2023,2024.pdf

The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity released the Connecticut Workforce & Education Strategy Blueprint. It’s a comprehensive plan to align high school workforce programs with the state’s current and future economic needs. We got more details on the report from Dustin Nord, the CBIA Foundation Director.

To read the full report: https://www.cbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT-Workforce-Education_0226-2.pdf?_cldee=T1TsswDvHOoNys9pTzyPWKRb4mTllr1mV2TV1tP-Bjij1iYATITEsjHAglNuTChGf1CNKwOn10WpTjpxlcVLWw&recipientid=contact-e850fef8fdedea1180e8005056a9116f-b058dd4ebf654730964336a68a40f21f&esid=007f47bd-112d-f111-88b4-6045bd065fcb

The Connecticut United Football Club is having its home opener at UConn later this month. We checked in with Andre Swanston, CEO of CT Sports Group which owns the team. He talked about the homecoming, the inaugural season and got his take on the lack of investment from the state when it comes to a permanent stadium.

For more information: https://www.mlsnextpro.com/ctunited/

On Thursday's "Connecticut Today," host Paul Pacelli talked about a nasty accident that involved a Connecticut State Police cruiser and a teen driver on the Merritt Park Way to ask if allowing some teens to drive is just too risky (00:28). Former State Senate Republican leader John McKinney drooped by with his weekly Capitol update (15:55)

Things got contentious at this past Monday's Democratic Town Committee meeting in Bridgeport. Jon spoke with two DTC members to get the scoop!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut creates one-to-one mentoring relationships that help young people build confidence, achieve their goals, and realize their full potential. April is National Volunteer Month and if you want a place in the community to make a big impact, maybe being a mentor is the perfect fit! We spoke with Andy Fleischmann, President & CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut for more.
For more information: https://ctbigs.org/

Is smoking cool again? A recent New York Post article highlighted trends going back up and now doctors fear the renewed glamorization of cigarettes could signal younger generations to smoke. Dr. Vinnie Mase with the Yale School of Medicine weighed in on the conversation.

For the NY Post article referenced: Smoking is cool again! Here's what you need to know

A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals the trepidations Americans have with artificial intelligence. We spoke with Dr. J, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Associate Chair for Computing, to break down the poll and highlight key takeaways.

We met Owen Weaver, who is running for Connecticut’s 14th State Senate District seat, representing Milford, Orange, parts of West Haven and Woodbridge.

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

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The BA.3.2 variant, commonly known as the ‘cicada’ variant, has been confirmed in more than half of U.S. states, including Connecticut. What is this variant all about and how do we protect ourselves from it? We asked Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health.

Image Courtesy of Dr. Fred Browne and Griffin Health

We met Toni Lombardi, who is running for State Representative in the 118th district, representing Milford.

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

Should the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing so-called "birthright citizenship" to anyone born on U.S. soil, be changed or eliminated? Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering what would happen to thousands of Connecticut kids born to illegal immigrants if such changes were made (00:44). We got analysis on U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in that case from CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum (15:10) and Mike O'Neill from the Landmark Legal Foundation (21:41). Finally, Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar joined us with his weekly update (27:13)

Should the state of Connecticut get into the student loan business? That's what host Paul Pacelli asked on Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Gov. Ned Lamont offering up to $10 million to replace Trump White House federal loan cuts (00:46). Quinnipiac University Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Don McAulay discussed the announced sale and move of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun to Houston (16:16). Hartford Courant columnist Kevin Rennie talked about his story on a growing controversy at the State Office Building (21:37), while Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio discussed what bills have a chance to become law at the Capitol (29:30)

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" asking listeners about any effects - good or bad - from the third round of "No Kings" rallies held around the state the previous weekend (00:16)

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week on Friday's "Connecticut Today" wondering if the General Assembly will tax corporate profits in the state connected to Artificial Intelligence - and in the process - scare away certain businesses (00:30)? We also got the latest political perspectives from Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang (16:11) and former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso (21:58)

The U.S. Mint has halted production of new pennies, prompting at least six state legislatures to introduce bills standardizing how retailers round cash transactions to the nearest nickel. Connecticut is NOT one of those states, however, local businesses got advisories from the state earlier this year. We got more perspective from Jack Ciarletto, owner of Kitchen Corner in Fairfield.

It’s our monthly check-in with the American Red Cross Connecticut chapter. We welcome for the first time Danielle Huntington and Kate Georgini from the American Red Cross Blood Services team. And today we are focused on Power Red blood donation, a donation option we’ve recently begun offering in Connecticut during blood drives.

For more information to give the gift of blood: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Fairfield residents beware: some of you who live near Long Island Sound may not be able to build that in-ground pool you wanted. That is, if a town proposal gets approved. Kathy Braun and Veronica Monahan, members of the town’s planning and zoning commission, explained the reason behind the potential ban and who would be impacted.

April is World Autism Month, focusing on increasing awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for people with autism. The state will be focusing on Autism especially April second up at the capital, thanks to Ashley McClain and her team at LINKED Autism Safety Project. We spoke with her about her work helping people on the spectrum.

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

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation is launching a statewide driving awareness and enforcement campaign to crack down on distracted drivers. We spoke with Josh Morgan from the DOT about this as well as local matters like the Cribari Bridge in Westport and millions of dollars for upgrades to certain Metro North branch lines.

Public Comment for Cribari Bridge until April 17th: Public Engagement

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

A bill being discussed in Hartford would use IQ tests to determine eligibility for Connecticut state benefits. The measure already passed unanimously out of the Human Services Committee and allows more people to qualifies for services. But ranking senator on the committee, Jason Perillo, says it doesn’t necessarily make the impact it should. We also talked about a bill regarding state sales tax breaks got bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for a vote and how it doesn’t financially go far enough.

Picture Credit: Dee Ortiz

State Senator Tony Hwang announced his retirement at the end of his term this year. The Fairfield-based Senator has been in the legislature representing the 28th district for five terms. We got an exclusive in-studio interview with Senator Hwang about his decision and what his future political plans are.

To read his recent Op-ed: https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/hwang-washington-kings-democracy-22157159.php

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Last week, a jury awarded $375 million against Meta for violating New Mexico’s unfair trade practices law by failing to safeguard users of its apps from Child predators. Also, an LA jury just awarded a single plaintiff $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against Meta and YouTube following allegations that the design features were intended to be addictive. We spoke with Attorney David Slossberg of Hurwitz Sagarin & Slossberg in Milford about these cases. Attorney Slossberg is the leading authority in CT on our state’s unfair trade practices law.

We spoke with career strategist, Julie Bauke, about the concept of living your career in chapters like we do in our lives. How do we adjust our thinking on our workplace chapters, identify transferable skills and other jobs that would work for us besides “the obvious?”

A bill that would commission a study on building a bridge between Long Island and Bridgeport may not become a reality this year. Developer Stephen Shapiro spoke with Jon about why this project is not only worth the time and money, but could also have massive long-term gains. 

A man accused of murdering a Bridgeport firefighter over the weekend is expected to appear in court Monday. When police responded to Feeley Street in Stratford, where they found 41-year-old Bridgeport firefighter, Terrence Cramer, bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound. Hours later, police arrested Jabari Bush in Derby after a brief chase. We spoke with Stratford Police Captain Jerry Pinto about the investigation and suspect involved.

Bridgeport is mourning the loss of a dedicated city firefighter. Terrence Cramer served the City of Bridgeport for 9.5 years. Chief Lance Edwards says Cramer demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and safety of others. The investigation around Firefighter Cramer’s passing is underway. We spoke to Fire Chief Lance Edwards about Cramer’s legacy.

A man allegedly killed his girlfriend and two kids before turning the gun on himself in Plainville. What can we take away from this case of domestic violence and how can we tackle this ongoing issue in our state? We spoke with former police chief Gary MacNamara who is on the board for the Center for Family Justice, protecting survivors and their children in domestic violence situations. He is also the White Ribbon Committee Chairperson to end violence against women by engaging men in the process of personal, relational and social change.

For more information to get...

At last check, the Save America Act, which tackles voter registration and absentee ballots, has passed in the US House but is still being debated in the US Senate. If it passes, there are a lot of polar opposite policies in the act compared to our election laws on the books here in Connecticut. We spoke with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas about the confusion surrounding the Save America Act and its impact on Connecticut if approved.  

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora and members of the House Republican Caucus will hold a news conference today to discuss a proposal on property tax relief. We got the scoop ahead of the announcement what a tax break entails.

After the case of a Darien teacher allegedly touching a student inappropriately, a state representative worked with the district to create a bill to better protect kids. Rep. Tracy Marra shared the details of House Bill 5327: An Act Authorizing the Disclosure of an Open Investigation of Abuse or Neglect or Sexual Misconduct in the Hiring Process of School Employees.

For the full bill: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05327-R00-HB.PDF

Connecticut lawmakers are demanding financial relief for local farmers. State Republicans are highlighting how Connecticut farmers face an unsustainable crisis due to low milk prices and high production costs with two bills. We got insight from Seth Bayler, owner of Oakridge Dairy in Ellington, a fifth-generation farmer in our state.

New research was published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealing how physical therapy costs vary substantially based on state/location in the U.S. and insurance status. So, how does Connecticut fare? We asked Dr. Josh Skydel, co-author of this study and part of the Yale School of Medicine, for more.

For more on the study: https://news.yale.edu/2026/03/05/cost-physical-therapy-varies-widely-state-state

The trial is underway for former State Senator Dennis Bradley of Bridgeport. Bradley was charged with campaign finance fraud connected to his winning 2018 run for legislative office. We spoke with Bradley’s attorney, Darnell Crosland, about the case and what we can expect next.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved the sale of Aquarion Water Company.  Parent company Eversource is selling Aquarion to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, paving the way for the state's largest water utility to become a public entity. We checked back in with Senator Ryan Fazio about what, if anything, lawmakers could do moving forward with this deal.

A new police chief is nominated in New Haven. Mayor Justin Elicker nominated David Zannelli as the city's next police chief. Zannelli has served as acting police chief since the departure of former Police Chief Karl Jacobsen amid an embezzlement scandal earlier this year. We got to know Chief Zannelli and his vision for the department moving forward.  

Pfizer is working on a Lyme Disease vaccine, and many Connecticut residents are eager to have more tools in the toolbox to take on ticks in our state and tick-borne illnesses. But is this actually the answer? Our infectious disease expert, Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health, says he’s not convinced it’s a good idea, yet.

Image Courtesy of Griffin Health System and Dr. Fred Browne

A revised bill would adopt new cardiac screening requirements for all Connecticut high school athletes, including possibly mandating electrocardiogram tests in some cases. But are rules like these already in place? We asked Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the CIAC.