WICC The Voice of Connecticut

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to remind people that reaching out, listening, and letting someone know they’re not alone can make a difference. Here in Connecticut, Ellie Haney of Here For You Clothing is using her platform to help spread that message and encourage conversations about mental health, hope, and support. Ellie shared her story and what led to her brand.

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

West Haven is moving forward with new noise detection devices aimed at loud vehicles along shoreline neighborhoods. The city plans to install four devices on existing cameras, alerting police when vehicles exceed the noise limit. The first violation could bring a 100-dollar fine, with repeat offenses costing more. Officials say the system should be in place within a month. We got more details from West Haven Mayor, Dorinda Borer.

A new survey found Connecticut business leaders are facing rising costs and a shrinking workforce. According to CBIA, 9 out of 10 employers reported increased expenses, while just 27 percent expect the state economy to grow over the next year. Meanwhile, that same CBIA survey found rising costs are putting financial pressure on Connecticut households. Nearly nine in ten residents say their cost of living increased over the past year, while half say they’re worse off financially. To break down the findings, we spoke with CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima, the president of the CBIA Foundation. 

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The local news line up today is one for the record books:

Former Connecticut budget official Kosta Diamantis has fled the country just days before he was set to be sentenced on federal corruption charges. Then you’ve got a scathing independent review prompting calls for reform at Connecticut’s public college system. The nearly 80-page report found multiple failures in how CSCU leaders handled sexual harassment allegations involving former interim Chancellor O. John Maduko. We spoke about these serious stories and question of leadership in state department positions with House Minority Leader, Vincent Candelora.

Every year, there’s a big meeting involving superintendents across the state of Connecticut and this week that meeting took place and no surprise, Fran Rabinowitz was a key speaker at the event. What were key takeaways from the meeting and what can we anticipate being a focus for this school year? We asked Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director at the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

A coalition that includes The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has surpassed a major conservation milestone: recovering more than 4,000 lost and abandoned lobster traps from Long Island Sound. We spoke with Justin Susarchick, senior research scientist at The Maritime Aquarium.

A Connecticut state agency is rebuking utility regulators over thousands of public records documents. The Office of the Consumer Counsel says regulators failed to disclose records that should have been available to the public. The dispute raises new questions about transparency and how the state handles public information. Our energy expert on the show, Bryson Hull, has studied and worked in the energy field for 25 years. Hull is also the Deputy Northeast Director for the Consumer Energy Alliance.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

New artificial intelligence tools could help doctors stop deadly superbugs before antibiotics fail.  According to new University of Houston research announced this week, Texas researchers are using computer models to predict how drug-resistant staph infections like MRSA may change.  Federal health data shows untreatable superbugs sicken over two-point-eight million Americans and kill over 35-thousand people each year. We talked about this in depth with Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health.

Image Credit: Griffin Health

The president of Central Connecticut State University is under investigation following a complaint alleging a workplace culture of fear, intimidation and bullying. The complaint, filed by a longtime university employee, details 14 alleged incidents involving President Zulma Toro. This story was brought to light by the WFSB I-Team. Joining us now is Cassidy Williams from that team.  

To read Cassidy’s story: https://www.wfsb.com/2026/09/09/ccsu-president-under-investigation-culture-fear-intimidation-bullying/

Connecticut is cracking down on prediction markets offering sports wagers. The state issued nine cease-and-desist orders and nearly 30 subpoenas as officials investigate alleged illegal gambling. The state says these platforms bypass Connecticut’s regulated sports betting system and may accept wagers from prohibited betters. We talked about this in depth with Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner, Bryan Cafferelli.

Connecticut is getting a new way to explore its spooky side. The state is presenting its latest tourism trail: the Connecticut Haunted History Trail. The statewide trail features more than 130 locations tied to haunted landmarks, paranormal lore, witch trials and centuries of unexplained stories. For all the creepy crawly details, we spoke to Connecticut Tourism Director, Rachel Lenda.

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

Connecticut’s special education funding crisis could get some relief — without abandoning the state’s efforts to pay down debt. Comptroller Sean Scanlon says changing Connecticut’s fiscal guardrails could free up money for schools, as districts face rising special education costs and limited resources. We spoke with Comptroller Scanlon about this and another story trending regarding verified healthcare payments highlighted in a state audit.

Milford’s Board of Alderman met this week deciding on the latest moves with license plate readers in the city. The board also officially created the Public Safety Technology Review Committee. Joining us to give us more insight following that meeting is Alderman Andy Fowler.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association officially unveiled its new brand identity. The group now represents lodging properties in addition to restaurants across our state, marking the next chapter for an association that has advocated for Connecticut's hospitality industry since 1961. To talk more about this, we connected with Scott Dolch, president and CEO of The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.

To learn more: https://www.hospitalityct.org/
To attend the CRAZIES: https://www.hospitalityct.org/events/crazies-awards

From Sunday’s storm that wreaked havoc on Fairfield County to a deadly collision involving a tow truck driver last week, we checked in with Josh Morgan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. We also got an update on one of Connecticut’s biggest transportation projects is entering another important phase in Norwalk: the WALK Bridge project.

To submit a form for flood damage: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/CTDEMHS/request.html
To learn more about project: https://www.walkbridgect.com/

GLP-1 medications have quickly become a major part of the conversation around weight loss and diabetes care — but they’re also creating a major challenge for employers and health insurers. As the cost of these increasingly common medications continues to add up, some companies are scaling back coverage or putting new limits on who qualifies.

That could mean higher out-of-pocket costs or fewer options for some employees — while employers are weighing the potential long-term health benefits against the immediate price tag. We spoke in length about this with Quinnipiac University professor of management and medical sciences, Angela Mattie

A new poll shows Governor Ned Lamont maintaining a clear lead over Republican challenger Ryan Fazio in Connecticut’s governor’s race. The poll from Sacred Heart University, WFSB, and CT Insider shows Lamont with 48 percent support among registered voters, compared with 34 percent for Fazio. But Fazio is gaining ground, narrowing the gap since August. We looked closer at the latest poll with Sacred Heart University political professor, Dr. Gary Rose.

To read the poll: https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/article/ct-governor-race-lamont-fazio-poll-22427596.php

Connecticut farmers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for disaster relief. The state has $52.9 million in federal funding available, with eligible farmers able to receive up to 95 percent of qualifying losses. Round one applications are open now through October 7. We are chatting now with Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Want to learn what makes Disney one of the world’s most successful brands? Join the Greater Norwalk Chamber for Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence and discover the customer-service, leadership and business strategies behind the magic. We got more of the details from Shannon O’Toole Giandurco, President & CEO at the Greater Norwalk Chamber.

For more information and to register to the Sept. 23rd event: https://www.greaternorwalkchamber.com/

Stratford’s new speed cameras are already catching thousands of drivers. Nearly 4,900 tickets were issued in July across three school zones, with fines starting at 50 dollars. Town officials say speeding has dropped by about 80 percent since the cameras went into effect. We checked in with Stratford Police Chief Renee Dominguez.

Connecticut regulators are cutting back proposed health insurance increases for 2027, but premiums will still rise by double digits. Individual plans will increase an average eleven-point-three percent, while small-group plans will rise fifteen-point-one percent. The state says its review cut more than one-hundred million dollars from insurers’ requested increases, affecting about 220-thousand residents. We spoke with state Senator Jeff Gordon who is also a doctor about the increases.

We're seeing more undercover operations targeting people seeking sex with minors in Connecticut. It highlights the reality of sex trafficking prevalence in our state and the need to better protect our kids from sex buyers. We spoke with Jamie Manirakiza, Executive Director of Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT) and Jess Michaels, a 1991 survivor of Jeffrey Epstein.

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

For gala tickets: https://peht.salsalabs.org/lovechangeseverything2026/index.html

A top artificial intelligence executive is calling for the industry to slow down. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says companies need to pace AI development amid growing concerns about misuse, including hacking, surveillance and fraud. We spoke to our AI and cybersecurity expert, Dr. Vahid Behzadan, about the news and what it means for us in the near future.

Twenty-five years later, September 11th still lives in American history—and in our hearts.
On that morning, the PATH 745 train car pulled into the World Trade Center just before the attacks happened. As commuters got out, operators moved the train to the lowest level.

Buried beneath the rubble for months, it now has a new home: Connecticut’s Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven. We spoke with Wayne Sandford, general manager of The Shore Line Trolley Museum, who also was the East Haven fire chief during 9/11, with direct ties to the PATH 745 car.

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Where were you when the world stopped turning on September 11th, 2001? Anyone who was old enough on that day remembers it like it was yesterday. But many of us eventually moved on with our lives without 9/11 staying top of mind. Airline workers are not some of those people. We spoke with retired commercial airline pilot, Paul Zielinski, about what changed for the airline industry after 9/11.

Image Credit: Reuters 

Twenty-five years ago, Americans began an ordinary day on September 11, 2001, until the terrorist attacks happened. That morning, the news cycle was put to the test: what is true and what is false; how do you vet the developing news; how do you effectively get that information out to the public? We spoke to Ben Bogardus, Chair of the Department of Journalism at Quinnipiac University about news gathering and delivering then and now.

Image Credit: Reuters

We spoke with Ken Feinberg, one of the nation’s foremost experts on compensation and conflict resolution. Following the attacks of September 11th, Ken Feinberg was appointed Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund -- tasked with the extraordinary responsibility of determining how to compensate families who had suffered unimaginable loss. He chronicled that experience in his book, What Is Life Worth? 

Image Credit: Reuters

2026 marks 25 years since the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks. To commemorate this tragedy, Chris Williams talks with Joe McHugh, FDNY Battalion Chief (Ret.), who served with Ladder 25 on that day and responded to the World Trade Center. Joe shares his recollections of that tragic day 25 years ago

Image courtesy of Joe McHugh

Following the latest ALICE Report, we spoke with Renee Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners. What can we do to create affordable housing? Who in our state needs this type of housing? We reintroduced the work of the 35-year-old non-profit, CHP, and why they are part of the solution to our housing crisis.

To learn more about CHP: https://cthousingpartners.org/
To buy tickets to the CHP Sept. 29th event: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NJe/

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The ALICE Report reflects the number of individuals and families that are struggling to make ends meet since the cost of living has outpaced their income. Today, the United Way of Connecticut will host a formal launch event at the State Capitol for the latest ALICE report. We got a sneak peek of the data from Daniel Fitzmaurice, Director of Advocacy for United Way of Connecticut.

To access the ALICE report and more information: https://unitedwayinc.org/our-work/wages/alice/

Drivers could soon be guaranteed access to AM radio in new vehicles. The House is set to vote on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to keep free, over-the-air AM radio in new cars. Supporters say AM remains critical for emergency alerts and local news, especially during severe weather and disasters. We spoke with Senator Richard Blumenthal about the legislation, its purpose and predictions if it will pass this year.

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

GLP-1 drugs are changing the way employers approach health coverage—but rising costs are forcing some to rethink those benefits. More companies are tightening eligibility or dropping coverage for weight-loss medications, as demand continues to grow. Is a big problem with GLP-1 coverage the fact that on the surface, many believe it’s just a drug to get skinny? We asked Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health for more.

Image Credit: Griffin Health System

As a society, we focus a lot on sports teams. What sport will my kid play? Sometimes, we focus on the arts – will my kid play an instrument or act in a play? But what about academic teams…Numerous studies across the country highlight the value of academic teams for a child’s development. Right now, Trumbull is selling fig trees to raise funds for the ACE Foundation, a group that supports academic teams in the Trumbull School System. Ken and Linda Halaby join us now to explain more.

To buy your fig tree, email: kenhalabysr@gmail.com

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the children and families facing cancer. Each year, thousands of children are diagnosed across the country. Here at home, we have some amazing non-profits focused on raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research to improve treatments and give young patients a better chance at beating cancer. Capalbo Strong is one of those movements – created in honor of Charlie Capalbo. His father, Anthony Capalbo, joined us in studio to talk more about the non-profit and an upcoming 24K fundraiser.

To register for the 24K in Fair...

While we are no longer facing a national blood crisis, the blood supply remains extremely vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges, such as end-of-summer travel and back-to-school activities which can disrupt a donor’s availability to give. Richard Branigan, CEO of the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region joined us back on the show for more.

To download the Red Cross Emergency app: redcross.org/apps

The state is fighting the release of a DCF report into how the agency handled the alleged Waterbury captivity case. The man at the center of the case, known as “S,” says he was held captive by his stepmother for more than two decades. His attorneys say the report could help prove the state failed to protect him. However, the state argues the records should remain confidential. We talked to State Senator Jason Perillo, the ranking senator for the Committee on Children and has been critical of DCF, the agency, not the workers, especially in cases like this one in Wate...

One week ago, Point Stratford Renewal hosted its second townwide community meeting regarding the former army engine plant in Stratford. Point Stratford Renewal is the development team leading the redevelopment effort for the massive waterfront property. We spoke with Peter Cabrera, a principal and Executive Vice President of Point Stratford Renewal.

For more information: www.pointstratford.com

Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport. Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767 overshot the runway Sunday, hitting two vehicles on the ground. The NTSB says it’s still too early to determine what caused the crash. To get perspective on this case, we spoke with retired commercial airline pilot, Paul Zielinski.

There is more debate surrounding speed cameras. Does speeding actually lead to collisions? Do speed cameras solve the problems over other solutions like speed humps? We heard your questions and did a deeper dive into this heated discussion happening throughout Connecticut. 

Today is 9-8-8 day and our United Way wants to raise awareness about the life saving hotline. Today, officials want to focus on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as a major resource available to help youth (and their parents) when they are experiencing a mental health crisis, with a special focus on student athletes. We spoke with Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO, United Way of Connecticut.

For more information: https://www.preventsuicidect.org/get-help/ct-988/