WICC The Voice of Connecticut

It was arguably one of the biggest upsets in local election results across Connecticut. Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti was not re-elected to his seat. Voters overwhelmingly voted in Frank Tyszka as the mayor-elect. We got his reaction to the election results and heard his plans for Ansonia.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Host Paul Pacelli cranked up a post-Election Day edition of "Connecticut Today" on Wednesday chatting about various local races and the landslide election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's next Mayor (00:45). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Columnist and Editor Dan Haar also weighed in on Tuesday's elections (14:24). CBS News Washington reporter Aaron Navarro updated us on the White House reaction to last night's election results (20:23). Finally, Fiona Firine from the non-profit organization "For Cameron," talked about an upcoming fundraiser (22:51) Image Credit: REUTERS

Host Paul Pacelli ushered in a new week on "Connecticut Today" wondering if the present-day Democratic Party is straying too far from the common sense principles and message that anchored it for so many decades (00:28). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio joined us to chat about her latest column highlighting large amounts of self-approved overtime being worked by a Connecticut State Police Lieutenant (15:11)Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

November is National Veterans Month; a time to honor both the service of veterans and the sacrifices of their families. Recently, I was introduced to Walter Schuppe, who is the founder of Faces of Freedom. This project preserves and archives the personal histories and images of U.S. military veterans and Holocaust survivors.For more information: https://www.facesoffreedom.us/Image Credit: Getty Images

We knew last year when Mayor Harry Rilling would not run for reelection, Norwalk’s mayoral race and seeing an open seat for the first time in a long time was a race to watch. Based on unofficial results, Barbara Smyth is the mayor-elect for the city of Norwalk. We learned more about her vision for Norwalk.Image Credit: Getty Images

It was a bit of a no-brainer in Stamford. Voters re-elected Mayor Caroline Simmons for another term in office. According to unofficial results, Mayor Simmons captured just over two-thirds of the vote. We spoke with her about her win and continued plans for the city.Image Credit: Dee Ortiz

A major flip from Republican leadership to Democratic leadership happened in the city of Milford. We spoke with Mayor-elect Rich Smith about his win and plans for the city.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

It is arguably one of the biggest upsets in Connecticut’s local elections: the Stratford mayoral race. We spoke with Mayor-elect David Chess after his victory and learned his vision for Stratford.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Following Election Day 2025, we spoke with Monroe First Selectman Terry Rooney, winning his reelection bid serving his 2nd term in office.Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff

Following Election Day 2025, we spoke with Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, winning his reelection bid serving his 18th term in office!Image Credit: Dee Ortiz

Following the most recent controversial decision by PURA to raise UI rates starting November 1st, GOP lawmakers are sounding the alarm about another major decision this month. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s plans to issue a final decision on Nov. 19 on the proposed sale of Aquarion Water Company. We spoke with Senator Ryan Fazio, ranking senator on the Energy & Technology Committee, about this. If you oppose the plan, send an email to [email protected] and reference Docket # 25-04-03 Image Courtesy of Senator Ryan Fazio

According to a AAA analysis on data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, 5 to 6 p.m. just became increasingly dangerous now that the clocks rolled back an hour. That can feel like a real shock for people getting out of work and all of the sudden it looks like the middle of the night. We spoke with Jim Cameron of Talking Transportation about how to handle the bright lights now inundating drivers since the clocks changed.For Jim's article: https://ctmirror.org/2025/11/02/blinded-by-the-head-light/Image Credit: Getty Images

Right now, North Haven Firefighters are investigating a deadly fire that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy and an elderly relative. For good reason, we focus a lot on the family and community impact; but what about the first responders traumatized after responding to these events? We talked to Linda Ross with the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team. It is a nonprofit alliance of mental health professionals dedicated to helping first responders and the Connecticut community, heal from trauma, tragedy, and stress. For more information: https://fctrt.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) released the results from the 2024–25 Next Generation Accountability System, which offers a comprehensive view of school and district performance across 12 indicators. We spoke with Ajit Gopalakrishnan, Chief Performance Officer for the Connecticut State Department of Education, about key takeaways from the report. To read the report: https://portal.ct.gov/sde/press-room/press-releases/2025/students-continue-upward-trend-in-achievement Image Credit: Getty Images

The Wall Street Journal just highlighted the importance of having a code word. The article says criminals increasingly use generative AI to mimic real people’s voices and con their loved ones out of money. There’s a simple solution to this high-tech problem: a code word. We talked to crime prevention expert, Jim Perez, about the importance of code words and sharing that information with “your village.”Image Credit; Getty Images

In Glastonbury, voters are deciding on a referendum that proposes banning artificial turf fields from the town. If this measure passes, the current turf field at the high school wouldn’t be impacted. However, this would prohibit new turf fields from coming in. To get perspective on the impact of turf fields, we spoke with Glenn Lungarini, the executive director of the CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.) For more information on turf fields: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/environmental-and-occupational-health-assessment/artificial-turf-fields?language=en_US Image Credit: Getty Images

Host Paul Pacelli opened Friday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with the latest developments on the possible loss of SNAP food benefits for thousands of state recipients (00:42). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly wrap-up (12:58). Quinnipiac University journalism department Chair and Professor Ben Bogardus talked about big changes being announced at CBS News by its new leader (22:12), while we welcomed Hartford Courant sportswriter Dom Amore, co-author of, "More than a Game: How the UConn Basketball Dynasty Was Built On a Culture of Caring." (30:18)Image Credit: iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus

UI customers will see an increase in their bills starting this weekend. PURA approved a total revenue requirement of $450 million for the rate year. That amounts to about $10 more per month for customers using 750 kilowatt hours. As you can imagine, not too many people are happy about it, including AARP. We spoke with John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut Senior Advocacy Director, about the sudden news this week. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Governor Lamont nominated Christina Ghio to serve as Connecticut’s child advocate. She is already the acting child advocate for the state but in February, the legislature will potentially approve her nomination where she would serve a five-year term in this role. We got to know Christina Ghio and her intentions for this role protecting kids better in Connecticut.IMAGE CREDIT: David Bednarz / Office of Governor Lamont

The general election is next Tuesday. We checked in with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas about some of the drama in certain municipalities during early voting periods and the latest news for Election Day. For any voter information: https://myvote.ct.gov/ IMAGE CREDIT:

There’s already a lot of controversy around the idea of having school resource officers. But have you heard that The Board of Education in Bristol is considering allowing armed security guards in schools? Law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara, weighed in on the debate. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

Thursday's "Connecticut Today" kicked off with host Paul Pacelli wondering if the two weeks of early voting in Connecticut actually has negative effects on elections (00:37). CBS News Washington reporter Linda Kenyon updated us on any new developments in the ongoing government shutdown (16:30), while Landmark Legal Foundation Vice-President of Legal Affairs Mike O'Neill weighed in on call for President Trump to release federal SNAP benefits by using the "Administrative Procedures Act" (19:13) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

The state is hiring an outside consulting firm to help the Bridgeport school system. Pennsylvania based Public Works LLC will be working with the district through June of next year. We got an update from interim superintendent of schools, Dr. Royce Avery. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP by Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at noon using the link here: https://bit.ly/48Le7mY The event will also be streamed via www.bridgeportedu.net and Bridgeport Public Schools - YouTube Image Credit: Getty Images

We spoke with Attorney Ed Miller, representing a Fairfield County woman facing charges for protesting on a Connecticut overpass. We dive into the controversy surrounding these cases. Image Credit: Getty Images

The FDA is moving to streamline the approval process for generic biologic drugs. What kinds of drugs are we talking about and how much of a price reduction could we see from this major change? We asked Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health.For the full FDA press release: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-moves-accelerate-biosimilar-development-and-lower-drug-costsImage Courtesy of Griffin Health

If the government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits. We checked in with the Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves for more.For contact information and more resources: https://portal.ct.gov/dss/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program---snap?language=en_USImage Credit: Getty Image

Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering - in light of new evidence - if state agencies hold any culpability in the death of 11-year-old Mimi Garcia due to alleged neglect (00:53). CBS News Legal Analyst Thane Rosenbaum talked about the legal implications surrounding a call for President Trump to release federal SNAP benefits by using the "Administrative Procedures Act" (15:51). Yankee Institute for Public Policy Fellow Frank Ricci joined us on the current state employee contract negotiations (23:05). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar stopped by to chat about the state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, as well as the state and national politics surrounding SNAP benefits (29:55)Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

A new report highlighted the sever understaffing situation at the Department of Social Services and the impact on wait times at its call center. We spoke with Sheldon Toubman, a litigation attorney with Disability Rights Connecticut, about the problem with attracting and retaining staff at DSS and the call to action for lawmakers. Image Credit: Getty Images

More information and body camera footage has been shared with the media following the gruesome discovery of 11-year-old Jacklyn Torres-Garcia's body earlier this month in New Britain. Jacklyn's mom, aunt and mother's boyfriend are all face charges connected to her murder which police shared happened over a year ago. The latest information in the case screams more system failures for DCF. We spoke more about this with Senator Jason Perillo, ranking member for the Committe on Children in Connecticut. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Success Village is a 900+ unit complex between Bridgeport and Stratford that’s been dealing with heat and hot water issues for a long time. Finally in 2024, a successor was put into place to get more consistent heat and hot water and work out the financial trouble for the complex. Attorney Barry Knott, the successor, gave us a progress report on the property and an update about rolling “heat out’s” ahead of the winter season.Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Senate Minority Leader, Steve Harding, talked about the continued fallout for PURA and the latest blow to electric ratepayers using United Illuminating. Image Courtesy of Senator Steve Harding

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the POCD in Fairfield. That’s Plan of Conservation and Development. There are questions about the legality of the most recently adopted POCD in town. Attorney Kathy Braun is also a Fairfield Town Planning and Zoning commissioner and shared her concerns around this. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Bridgeport's Board of Education had its latest meeting which included updates from the state. We got key takeaways from the meeting from Vice Chair of the Board, Joe Sokolovic. Image Credit: Getty Images

Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" looking at a recent poll of New Hamshire Democrats that gives former Biden administration Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg an early lead for the 2028 White House nomination. Will Buttigieg being openly gay hurt his national ambitions (00:55)? Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about her latest column regarding a major outflow of state pension benefits that leave Connecticut (15:07). Quinnipiac University School of Communications Dean Nadine Barnett Cosby - a native of Jamaica - joined us to talk about the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the wider Caribbean community (24:32) Image Credit: REUTERS

State officials are once again investigating Bridgeport city councilman Alfredo Castillo for allegedly collecting absentee ballots from public housing facilities ahead of the city’s general election next month. Castillo is even accused of posing as a HUD employee to collect ballots. CT Mirror Investigative Reporter, Andrew Brown, broke the news and shared more on this latest case of absentee ballot fraud in Bridgeport.For full article: https://ctmirror.org/2025/10/24/bridgeport-absentee-ballots-alfredo-castillo/Image Credit: Getty Images

Governor Lamont announced the release of 3-million dollars in emergency state funding to Connecticut Foodshare to help Connecticut residents who are expected to lose access to food stamp benefits from SNAP. But where is that money coming from? It’s not the rainy day fund; instead it’s apparently coming from a new slush fund. We spoke about the dangers of this with House Republican Leader, Rep. Vincent Candelora.Image Credit: Getty Images

In the age of more technological advances and the use of technology, more people are recording conversations at work. To protect themselves, some employees are even recording bosses without consent. What are the legalities around that? We asked employment attorney and Quinnipiac law professor, Gary Phelan.Image Credit: Getty Images

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week of shows on "Connecticut Today" wondering if either side in Congress is willing to see SNAP food benefits stop on November 1st because of the ongoing government shutdown (00:54). CBS News reporter Olivia Rinaldi joined us from D.C. with the latest on the ongoing government shutdown (15:53). National Taxpayers Union Senior Director of Government Affairs Thomas Aiello explained a Trump White House plan to possibly hit some generic medications with high-import tariffs (18:50). CTNewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill joined us with his thoughts on the big stories, including a look back on what we considered a major scandal in the Bill Clinton years (26:37) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week with a busy edition of "Connecticut Today," looking at the latest absentee ballot allegations against an embattled member of the Bridgeport City Council (01:15). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly update and thoughts on those latest absentee ballot rumblings (16:06). State Senate GOP Leader Steve Harding joined the show to talk about rumors of a resurrected housing bill for an upcoming General Assembly special session next month (25:23). Sacred Heart University Sports Management Professor Dr. Josh Shuart offered his thoughts on the current betting scandals connected to the National Basketball Association (32:03). CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman joined us for an update on the latest developments regarding the ongoing government shutdown (38:19). Finally - on "United Nations Day" - we welcomed Thant Myint-U, author of, "Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World" (42:34) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

More than 30 people, including three former and current N.B.A. players, were indicted on Thursday in a case involving insider bets on basketball games and poker games rigged by Mafia families. We spoke with Senator Richard Blumenthal about his ongoing effort to pass reforms and get a better handling on gambling problems in America.Image Credit: Reuters

Kim Kardashian shared on the season 7 premiere of The Kardashians that she's been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. The mother of four said the doctors said "stress" could have caused the aneurysm in which she blames her ex-husband for the increase in stress. The link between stress and an aneurism scared a lot of people. We got more information about brain aneurysms from Nuvance Health Neurosurgeon, Dr. John Marcus.Image Credit: Reuters