WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Stamford police say a pair of armed men posed as Amazon workers and invaded a home, assaulting a couple living there. We got more details about the case from Lt. Doug Deiso and shared advice to residents how to avoid this type of crime.

Host Paul Pacelli opened Thursday's "Connecticut Today" talking about former New York Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey's entrance into the 2026 Connecticut Governor's race on the Republican side (00:42). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his reaction to a controversy about a proposed drone contract with the City of Bridgeport (14:44). CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi updated us on a meeting with Venezuela's opposition leader (20:56), while columnist and blogger Chris Powell weighed in on recent anti-ICE unrest here in Connecticut and across the country (24:23)

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We spoke with Jamie Manirakiza, Executive Director of Partnership to End Human Trafficking, about the reality of this problem in our state and how to spot the signs of a potential trafficking situation.For more information: https://peht.org/

If you use Verizon, good news, the outage impacting thousands of people yesterday has been resolved. Downdetector, a site that tracks outages, showed a large spike in issues affecting Verizon, starting just before noon Eastern Time. Users reported their phones were in “SOS” mode, meaning they couldn’t connect to the network and make calls, unless for 9-1-1 calls. According to X, it wasn’t just Verizon dealing with nationwide outages. T-Mobile, AT&T, U.S. Cellular, Xfinity and other entities were all facing outages throughout the day yesterday. We talked about the outage drama with cybersecurity expert, Dr. Vahid Behzadan.Image Courtesy of the University of New Haven and Dr. Vahid Behzadan

Former New York Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey is planning to run for governor of Connecticut. She joins State Senator Ryan Fazio and former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart who already declared they are running for the Republican nomination for governor. We also know former state Representative Harry Arora is exploring a run for governor as a Republican candidate. For the latest on the 2026 gubernatorial race in Connecticut, we spoke with News 8 political reporter, Mike Cerulli.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Host Paul Pacelli used Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" to weigh in on the latest political twist in Bridgeport, involving a controversial drone contract (00:34). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar dropped by to chat about the Governor's race and the sale of a state utility (15:27). University of New Haven Associate Professor of Homeland and National Security and International Affairs Dr. Matthew Schmidt analyzed the current situation in Iran (25:52)

Host Paul Pacelli jump-started Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering if the Trump Administration would get the U.S. further involved in growing unrest in Iran (00:47). CBS News Washington reporter Linda Kenyon had the latest on White House statements regarding Iran (15:21). Landmark Legal Foundation Vice-President of Legal Affairs Mike O'Neill broke down oral arguments in a big U.S. Supreme Court case regarding transgender athletes (16:58). GOP State Sen. Dr. Jeff Gordon talked about some possible tax increases facing state farmers (22:33). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio looked ahead to a coming "short session" of the General Assembly (27:50)

Host Paul Pacelli started off a new week on Monday's "Connecticut Today" with his thoughts (00:35) on the previous week's ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. On that topic, we also heard from CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman (15:08), University of New Haven Senior Criminal Justice Lecturer Ken Gray (18:56), and CTNewJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill (29:19)

Host Paul Pacelli opened another edition of "Connecticut Today" urging protesters to use a bit of common sense, in light of reported injuries the night before during an anti-ICE demonstration in Hartford (00:51) Connecticut Inside Investigator reporter Marc Fitch dropped by to talk about the latest state payroll numbers and the continuing investigation into the state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (17:35). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso had his weekly update (22:17), while we ended the week welcoming New York Times writer Ken Belson, author of, "Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural & Economic Juggernaut" (32:38)

After a major announcement that the Bridgeport Police and Fire Departments would begin using drones for emergency responses, the city council shut down the plan. Two City Council committees rejected a contract with Flock to equip the departments with two drones to be flown over crime scenes and fires. We spoke with Council President Jeanette Herron about the special meeting last night and what happens next.

Connecticut is releasing millions in state funding to improve 2-1-1 services and support homelessness prevention efforts. Governor Ned Lamont announced two-point-six million dollars will increase call capacity for the state's 2-1-1 helpline. Additionally, the governor said six-point-eight million dollars will go to support homeless services, including responding to homelessness. We welcome back to the show Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO, United Way of Connecticut, which operates 2-1-1.To learn more and apply for a 2-1-1 job: https://www.ctunitedway.org/

The Stamford Board of Education voted to reverse course on using block scheduling for high schoolers. It was a controversial plan put forward by the outgoing superintendent of schools. We spoke with Stamford Education Association President, John Corcoran,about the abrupt change coming for the 2026-27 school year.

The next mayoral election for Bridgeport is in 2027. But a city councilman has already filed the paperwork to run. We spoke with Councilman Jorge Cruz about his career serving the park city and why his sights are now on becoming the next mayor.Image Credit: Jon Kamal

Caring for a hospitalized child with a critical illness is very challenging for parents to say the least. Did you know that when a child is in the hospital for a critical illness, the child (as the patient) is provided food but the parents are not? Parents must pay for food or go without. That’s where Feeding Families Foundation comes in to help. We spoke with Jeff Dorman, co-founder of FFF, and one of the foundation partners, Ernie Santoro of Revive Physical Therapy.To register for the January 31st Winter Virtual Golf Classic: https://www.golfcovect.com/feedingfamiliesImage Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Melissa welcomed Dr. Lori Bindig-Yousman, Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences and Professor in the School of Communication, Media & the Arts at Sacred Heart University to discuss how new technologies are driving innovation in how stories are told, including VR/AR, data storytelling for clear communication of complex information, and transmedia storytelling across multiple platforms.

The woman convicted in connection with the disappearance and death of Jennifer Farber Dulos, Michelle Troconis, has one more day for a habeas corpus hearing. Day two of the three-day hearing was last Friday and once again, News 8 investigative reporter, Jeff Derderian, was in the courtroom. We got the latest on this case and what to expect in day three later this week.

The cost of healthcare is too high, and state lawmakers say they need action on a federal level to bring these costs down nationwide. However, year after year, efforts to pass Association Health Plans, which Democrats and Republicans and nonprofits and the private sector all support. We spoke with Senator Tony Hwang, Ranking Senator on the Insurance Committee, about the upcoming session and ways to make health insurance more affordable in Connecticut.

The President recently reaffirmed his support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. In Washington, there’s apparently an effort to pair this legislation, which mandates AM radio access in all new vehicles, with other bipartisan measures as part of a broader legislative package. We spoke about the importance of AM radio with Ben Bogardus, professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

It may be cold in Connecticut, but water safety should still be top of mind for you. We spoke with Karen Cohn, co-founder of Greenwich-based national water safety nonprofit, The ZAC Foundation, about winter water and ice safety.For more information: https://thezacfoundation.org/

Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day but in today’s world, cops aren’t always feeling the love. We spoke with State Senator Paul Cicarella about the climate officers are in and the impact of the police accountability law in Connecticut on recruitment and retention.

The Fairfield Superintendent of Schools unveiled a proposed operating budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It represents a nearly 6% increase over the current budget. We asked Michael Testani about the need for an increase and if it included any reductions.Image Credit: Dee Ortiz

There was plenty of discussion on Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli (00:40), CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro (15:03), and Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Law Wayne Unger (17:51) all talking about the previous day's deadly ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota. We also welcomed GOP State Sen. Rob Sampson to talk about a request from the Department of Justice to examine Connecticut's voter registration lists (26:05)

Some major health news has come out of Washington DC this week that has a direct impact on Connecticut. We spoke with Dr. Fred Browne about the new food pyramid and the CDC’s new list of recommended childhood vaccines.Image Courtesy of Griffin Health System

Raul Valle, who was found not guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Fairfield Prep student, Jimmy McGrath, has a new attorney. We spoke with Attorney Darnell Crosland about the case, his client and plans to file motions and potentially avoid a second trial.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has filed a federal lawsuit against the State of Connecticut for failure to produce their full voter registration lists upon request. What does this mean and how are some lawmakers reacting to this? We spoke with State Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco, House Ranking Member of the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" featured a discussion from host Paul Pacelli on the latest figures regarding state worker pay (00:49). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Columnist and Editor Dan Haar dropped by with his weekly update, including reaction from Connecticut's Congressional delegation on the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife (16:24). CBS News Washington reporter Linda Kenyon updated us on White House reaction to Venezuela and new Trump threats being made regarding Greenland (26:22). Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor and Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Gary Rose commented on latest developments in the 2026 Connecticut Governor's race (29:35)

The city of Bridgeport unveiled its new drone program, Flock. We spoke with Chief Roderick Porter about how this program is a tool to help with better policing and emergency response in the park city.

New year, same goal: progress for the Bridgeport school district. We did a check in with interim superintendent, Dr. Royce Avery, about the 2026-27 budget and the latest on the superintendent search. There is also an upcoming Budget Community Forum January 10 at 10:00 AM at Central High School, located at 1 Lincoln Boulevard in Bridgeport.To attend or share feedback on the budget: https://tejoin.com/scroll/243384083

The Connecticut State Police launched an investigation into the allegations surrounding former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson following his confession to stealing from a city fund used for confidential informants. What charges could Jacobsen face and are other officers compromised in this case too? We asked our legal expert on the show, Attorney Bill Bloss. *NOTE: Attorney Bloss is not connected to this case professionally or representing any parties involved*

January is Blood Donor Month and we spoke with the CEO of our American Red Cross Connecticut chapter about our latest blood supply and shortage risk. We also learned about the current Super Bowl giveaway incentive happening right now for donors.For more information: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

In his most recent column Talking Transportation, Jim Cameron touched on the entities that handle all train-related matters in our state. From parking, to tracks, the train cars and much more; it’s complicated who’s in charge of what, to say the least. We did a deep dive into this and recapped the new rules for Metro North ticketing in effect for 2026.

How do police department funds specific to confidential informants work? That fund is at the center of a state police investigation looking at now retired New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson. We got perspective from former Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara.

Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with the results of a new survey on just how many people are moving into and out of Connecticut. Why does the state consistently do poorly in these types of studies and others as well? (00:49) Former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill talked about the weekend operation to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife from Venezuela (16:38). CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Nancy Cordes dropped by to discuss the White House's defense of last weekend's military action in Venezuela (25:12). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio gave us her weekly update (28:25), while New Haven Independent reporter Paul Bass had more details on the ouster of former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen (36:31)

Host Paul Pacelli opened a new week on "Connecticut Today" with analysis and opinion on the previous weekend's U.S. military raid that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife (00:51). We also heard from CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum (16:36), University of New Haven Associate Professor of Homeland and National Security and International Affairs Dr. Matthew Schmidt (23:47), Connecticut State Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto (31:57), CBS News Military Analyst U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Jeff McCausland (37:07), and CTNewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill (42:04)

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new year on "Connecticut Today" by chatting with former Fairfield GOP State Sen. John McKinney about the 2026 Connecticut Governor's race and races in the General Assembly (00:35). CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro joined us from Washington, D.C. on President Trump's health and the continuing U.S. military attacks on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific (11:11). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly update (15:09)

Michelle Troconis, convicted for her role in the 2019 disappearance and death of Jennifer Farber Dulos, was back in front of a judge for a habeas corpus hearing. We got the latest from investigative reporter Jeff Derderian.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The Wegovy pill just launched and the starting dose is now available at pharmacies around the country including here in Connecticut. Hartford HealthCare’s medical and surgical weight loss specialist, Dr. Danielle Friedman, with St. Vincent’s Medical Center talked to us about the significance about this medical treatment and compared it to the injectable weight loss drugs.

Add another to the list! Stamford was just approved for its red light and speed cameras. The department of Transportation gave the green light to the city’s 135-page plan, highlighting the need for several cameras, mostly in school zones. We got more details from Josh Morgan of the DOT.For more on approved camera plans: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/automated-traffic-enforcement-safety-device/approved-plans?language=en_USTo vote for the snowplow naming contest: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=-nyLEd2juUiwJjH_abtziwwsSPGQLy1EiXUlyKOrSGxUOVNTWUhROUtSRkdEU1NBRTRGNklQSEQzNC4u&route=shorturl

A scammer pretending to be associated with a well-known financial institution is inundating Connecticut residents with “too good to be true” loan offers. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut to get more information about the “J Morgan” underwriting scam.For more information: bbb.org/scamtracker

New year, same problem: housing. Part of the new housing law that passed in special session in 2025 included the creation of a Council on Housing Development to advise and assist in reviewing regulations, developing guidelines and establishing programs concerning the growth of housing in the state. The council was supposed to have its first meeting January first; it did not happen and apparently, not everyone has been appointed to the council. We spoke with Senate Minority Leader, Steve Harding, about the implications for our housing crisis and whether the recently passed law was just ‘checkmark’ legislation.To read the full language in House Bill 8002 that establishes the council: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/BA/PDF/2025HB-08002-R00SS1-BA.PDF

New year, same problem. Do you have nightmares about your electric bills? Of course you do! Our bills, already among the highest in the country, are set to go up again as a set of new utility regulators try to grapple with the mess left behind from their predecessors, including former Chair Marissa Gillett. To keep tabs on all things energy in Connecticut, we check in with Bryson Hull, Deputy Northeast Director for Consumer Energy Alliance.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The Bridgeport Police Department released its 2025 crime statistics and the numbers look really good in every category. We got a breakdown from Police Chief Roderick Porter.For full report details: file:///C:/Users/msheketoff/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Olk/Attachments/ooa-98ba9037-c260-4fdb-bef9-e8c6a3aab31a/3d43cda763cd9a1faad0a3199a17661fdcf5dbfcd40c6c5e2ddf21a1005f694c/Bridgeport%20PD%202025%20Crime%20Review.pdf

There's a call for state lawmakers to put forward a bill that would prevent people on probation from being sent back to prison for minor technical violations. What are the laws on the books and how would provisions impact Connecticut? We asked State Senator Paul Cicarella, ranking senator on the Public Safety and Security Committee and also serves on the Judiciary Committee.

Provisions of 22 new laws will go into effect in the new year. We got the breakdown about House Bill 8002 and what it means for 2026 from News 8’s political reporter, Mike Cerulli.

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. Despite the significance of this anniversary, there are questions about whether our state is investing enough energy and money into marking this milestone. We spoke with Cyndi Tolosa, the Deputy Director of Advancement at Connecticut Humanities and the project manager of America 250 CT chapter.For more information: https://ct250.org/

A local salon was destroyed by fire and it’s a good reminder to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The Black Swan Nail and Spa Salon is temporarily closed due to fire damage. But what’s more concerning is what volunteer firefighters detected inside -- potentially lethal levels of carbon monoxide. We spoke with Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to check that all detectors are functioning.

Minnesota is under fire for large-scale alleged Medicaid fraud, with over $350 million proven in fraudulent claims out of $18 billion spent on high-risk programs since 2018. It begs the question whether this could be an issue in our state. Here in Connecticut, lawmakers requested an audit in our state about 3 months ago. Did anything come of it? Joining us back on the show is doctor and state Senator, Jeff Gordon, who serves on the Appropriations Committee and is on the lookout for fraud and government misspending in Medicaid and general health care.

As we get ready to close the 2025 chapter and welcome 2026, let’s take a look back at the top five transportation-related news stories in our state. Jim Cameron, author of the "Talking Transportation" column runs in CTMirror, recently highlighted these stories and broke them down for us on the show.For the full article: https://ctmirror.org/2025/12/28/talking-transportation-2025/