WICC The Voice of Connecticut

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/

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.