WICC The Voice of Connecticut

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

Image...

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/

It’s no secret; we are facing higher prices at the pump and in our home heating bills. The military conflict in Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war have dramatically increased the price of gasoline, diesel and home heating oil. But why? And is there any relief in sight? We got some perspective from Chris Herb, CEO and President of the Connecticut Energy Marketers’ Association – also known as CEMA.

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

In the midst of the Cornell University case, there is a lot of public focus on the current investigation and who responded in 2024? But what about the prevention of offending before anyone even stepped on campus? We focused on the importance of adults teaching their kids about healthy relationships. 

We welcomed incumbent Senator James Maroney (D) and challenger Owen Weaver (R) in studio for a debate ahead of the general election in November. District 14 covers Milford, Orange, West Haven and Woodbridge.

To contact Senator James Maroney: james@maroneyforus.com
To contact Owen Weaver: owen@owforsenate.com

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents is meeting today following the resignation of vice chair Juanita James. James stepped down last month, citing what she called a “dysfunctional culture and political infighting.” She is one of several senior leaders within the state’s public colleges and universities system who have stepped down this year. Meanwhile, State Republican leaders are calling for the entire Board of Regents to resign amidst all the drama surrounding the CSCU scandals. We talked about this more with House Republican leader, Vincent Candelora.

Connecticut manufacturing remains a major economic driver, generating more than 11 percent of the state’s GDP last year. But a new industry report finds manufacturers are facing rising energy, labor and healthcare costs, along with workforce shortages and tariff uncertainty. We spoke with CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima for key takeaways; CBIA released this report.

A new Quinnipiac University poll finds Americans are deeply concerned about artificial intelligence. The timing of this poll is interesting as Connecticut’s new AI employment laws roll out for the start of October. For key takeaways in the report, we connect with Dr. Brian O'Neill, Associate Dean of Quinnipiac University's School of Computing and Engineering and Associate Professor of Computer Science.

To read the full QU poll: https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3969

A developer wants to turn an office property on Greens Farms Road in Westport into a multifamily project, with 30% of the new units designated as affordable. It’s a $100-million-dollar project and while the town continues talking about it – I wanted to talk generally about the importance of this model: taking current infrastructure and creating housing opportunities and making it affordable. We spoke with Renee Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners about this example of creating affordable opportunities in our state.

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

A Griswold High School fencing coach is facing charges involving alleged sexual misconduct with a minor. This coach is on administrative leave, and an investigation is now underway. But this case led to the conversation about holding coaches accountable while also making sure coaches get due process when serious allegations come up. We spoke about this generally with Glenn Lungarini, Executive Director at CAS-CIAC – that’s the Connecticut Association of Schools - Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.

There are new state investments in Connecticut’s CT Grown for CT Kids grant program. The funding supports the state’s Farm to School initiative, helping schools buy more locally grown food and expand food education. The announcement comes during National Farm to School Month. For more details, we spoke with Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner, Bryan Hurlburt.

To apply for grants: https://portal.ct.gov/doag/adarc/adarc/grants/ct-grown-for-ct-kids-grant?language=en_US
To find a farm near you: https://ctgrown.org/

Connecticut drivers, take note: new rules take effect October first. Holding your phone while driving — including scrolling — will be prohibited. Distracted driving in a highway work zone can now be charged as reckless driving. And drivers convicted three or more times for passing a stopped school bus could lose their license for six months. We spoke with DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera about the new rules and how to best inform drivers.

Connecticut is putting new rules around artificial intelligence into effect. The state’s AI Responsibility and Transparency Act requires companies to provide disclosures when AI is used in certain employment decisions, and adds safeguards for AI chatbots, including protections for minors. The law also creates programs aimed at responsible AI development and workforce training. What does this mean from an employment standpoint? We asked employment attorney, Gary Phelan, with Hurwitz Sagarin & Slossberg in Milford and is also a law professor at Quinnipiac University.

A criminal investigation is reopening into alleged sexual assaults at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024. A former student sued, alleging she was drugged and assaulted by seven fraternity members. The Tompkins County D.A. says the case will be presented to a grand jury, while Cornell says it conducted a Title Nine investigation and disciplined students involved. We spoke with Attorney Bill Bloss, our legal expert on the show, about the New York state law on the books regarding alcohol/drug consumption and consent.

Forget resumes and handshakes—the latest job interview debate is about iced coffee. A viral TikTok from a recruiter sparked a heated conversation over whether bringing a cold brew to an interview looks too casual. We talked about this with career strategist, Julie Bauke.

Connecticut is facing a shortage of volunteer firefighters, with more than 60 percent of the state’s fire departments relying on volunteers. Officials say staffing gaps are creating concerns about daytime response, especially in rural communities. The state is now examining fire protection statewide, with new local plans required beginning in 2027. We spoke to Comptroller Sean Scanlon who conducted a 2025 examination highlighting these issues.

Another leadership shakeup at Connecticut’s largest public college system. Board of Regents Vice Chair Juanita James has resigned, citing what she called a “dysfunctional culture and political in-fighting.” Her resignation comes days after an independent review found CSCU leaders failed to properly handle sexual harassment complaints. James had been expected to lead the search for a new permanent chancellor. We spoke with investigative reporter, Cassidy Williams, a member of the I-Team at WFSB.

A link to her story: https://www.wfsb.com/2026/09/28/cscu-board-regents-vice-chair-resigns-i-team-learns/

The Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council is recommending changes to the state’s speed and red-light camera rules. The council says camera data should remain separate from license plate reader systems. The recommendations come as 19 municipal camera plans have been approved by the state DOT since late 2024. We got more information from Chief Paul Melanson, vice chair of POSTC.

One Connecticut town has rumblings about rumble strips. Vernon is now considering a quieter way to make Route 527 safer. The state wants to install centerline “rumble strips” after 90 crashes were reported on the road over three years. But residents have raised concerns about noise. Jim Cameron of Talking Transportation talked to us about a newer design idea called “mumble strips.”

To read Jim’s article: https://ctmirror.org/2026/09/27/the-vernon-grumble-over-rumble-mumble-jim/

Connecticut’s police standards council is recommending changes to the state’s speed and red-light camera rules. The council says camera data should remain separate from license plate reader systems, and renters and lessees should have a clearer way to challenge tickets. We talked about the recommendations with law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara.

Photo Credit: Nicole Perelli

Connecticut is cleaning up after a powerful nor’easter brought heavy rain, coastal flooding and strong winds. Gusts reached 56 miles per hour in Bridgeport, while thousands lost power across the state. The storm also caused road closures and downed trees. Officials say conditions are improving, but coastal flooding and scattered rain remain concerns. We checked in with Tricia Modifica from Eversource for the latest on outages and storm aftermath.

For storm safety tips: After A Storm | Eversource

According to the CDC, 1-in-31 children age eight, has been identified with autism -- and 74% of autistic children in one large study had documented sensory differences. For families looking for a place where every child can play comfortably, sensory centers are becoming an important resource. To learn more, we spoke with Martha Parkins and Michele Lovallo, co-founders of Sensory Play Center in Shelton.

For more information: Sensory Play Center

A viral “Cat in the Hat” trend is prompting warnings from schools and police nationwide. Videos show an ominous version of the character appearing outside homes and schools, with some posts using AI and naming specific locations or students. We broke down the viral video dangers and how police respond regarding school safety. 

“Looksmaxxing” is a social media trend focused on improving physical appearance. It can range from simple changes like grooming, exercise and skincare, to more extreme practices. Experts warn that the pressure to look a certain way online can affect self-esteem, especially among young people. As the trend grows, so does the conversation about healthy versus harmful beauty standards. We spoke with Natalie Jennings, assistant director of fitness and wellness at Quinnipiac University about this.

Starting Monday, there will now be armed School Security Officers at all elementary schools in Milford. The district has hired officers for all eight elementary schools, as well as The Academy. With the start-up of the armed School Security Officer program, we anticipate curiosity from students and families across the district. To discuss this further, we have Dr. Ana Cutaia back on the show, superintendent of schools in Milford.

There’s encouraging news for Long Island Sound. A new report from Save the Sound finds water quality is improving, with all three major basin areas earning A grades. In Connecticut, 19 of 28 smaller coastal sites tested received an A or B. But officials say climate change, development and sewage overflows remain challenges. We talked about key takeaways from Peter Linderoth, Director of Healthy Waters and Lands at Save the Sound.

To read the Long Island Sound Report Card: https://www.savethesound.org/about-us/projects/long-island-sound-report-card/

As a nor’easter approaches Connecticut, the Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners to watch out for storm chasers. After the storm, don’t rush into repairs or fall for high-pressure sales. We spoke with Kristen Johnson from the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut to talk about warning signs and how to properly vet contractors.

Report scams here: bbb.org/scamtracker
Find businesses you can trust: BBB | Better Business Bureau

Central Connecticut State University President Zulma Toro is stepping down after nearly a decade leading the school. Her resignation comes amid an investigation into allegations that she bullied and intimidated employees. Toro is set to retire from the university October first. The investigation will not continue. But is that OK? Is that really the end of the story? We had that conversation with state Senator Henri Martin, Ranking Senator on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.

A new report from Connecticut’s Office of the Child Advocate shows 67 children died in 2025, down from 83 the year before. But officials are raising concerns about youth suicide. Sixty-two percent of children who died by suicide were under 15, compared with 34 percent in the previous four years. The report also highlights unsafe sleep deaths among infants. We spoke more about this with CT Child Advocate, Christina Ghio. 

It’s a pretty simple concept: slow down, move over. Not only is it the law but it’s a relatively easy task for drivers; yet, a lot of people don’t do it. That’s why non-profits like Flagman is making such a difference in the current driving trends and impacting the next generation of drivers. It all started after the passing of Corey Iodice. His sister, Cindy Iodice, created Flagman in his honor and was back in studio with the latest news surrounding the organization.

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