Chris Keating comments on the beginning of the session and what we can expect.

Kate Dias from CEA discusses the Legislative Session

The legislative session in Connecticut began with the swearing in of new legislators, the election of Speaker Matt Ritter for a third term, and the governor's State of the State address. Key issues include the implementation of a new two-year budget, artificial intelligence's impact, and housing shortages. The UConn men's basketball team ranked ninth nationally, and the women's team is seventh. Flu cases are surging, with tripled numbers in recent weeks. Former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral was held, and California wildfires caused significant evacuations. The legislative session is expected to be busy, with many bills to be discussed and debated. The conversation centers on the opening of the 2025 Connecticut legislative session, focusing on the Social Security Fairness Act and its impact on public service employees. Kate Dias from the Connecticut Education Association discusses the bill's passage, highlighting its bipartisan support and the unfairness of previous penalties. The discussion also covers the importance of teacher salaries, class sizes, and the need for adequate funding in education. Additionally, the conversation touches on the flu outbreak, the need for temporary housing for fire victims, and the potential adjustments to fiscal guardrails in the state budget. Ryan Fazio discussed his recent election victory, emphasizing his efforts to bridge partisan divides and his stance on fiscal guardrails. He highlighted the importance of the budget debate, noting that Connecticut is the second-highest taxed state and stressing the need for responsible spending. Brian interviews Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, Republican leaders Vince Candelora and Stephen Harding, and Comptroller Sean Scanlon, discussing the budget priorities and the potential for changes to the fiscal guardrails. The conversation highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation, effective governance, and the role of the media in covering state-level politics.

The conversation primarily revolves around the New England Patriots' recent coaching changes and the performance of the team. Brian Shactman criticizes Robert Kraft for hiring Gerard Mayo as head coach without sufficient experience, noting that Mayo had not been a coordinator before. Shactman also highlights Kraft's poor management decisions, including not spending money on players and having inadequate assistant coaches. The discussion also touches on the Patriots' decline from a successful franchise to one of the worst in the league in a five-year span. Additionally, there are mentions of other NFL teams, such as the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, and their coaching searches. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes and reflections on movies and sports. The show also covers various topics, including a discussion on the movie "Raising Arizona," which features a complex plot involving multiple characters with different issues, including baby adoption and prison breaks. The conversation then shifts to news updates, including severe cold weather protocols in Connecticut, a homicide case in Hartford. Additionally, there are updates on the Biden administration's actions, such as removing unpaid medical debt from credit scores and the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay. This Tech Tuesday Erik Semmel of Computer Talk with TAB talks about VPN issues with Floridians and lots of hack going on in the United States. Congressman John Larson also calls in to update us on the latest changes in Social Security.

Erik Semmel of Computer Talk with TAB joins Brian this week for Tech Tuesday. The topics discussed include, Floridians can’t see their Porn anymore, Apple AI is draining your battery, US Treasury hacked by China, BeyondTrust Hack 9000 Self-Managed systems still exposed, Car Company left your location data exposed.

Brian Shactman discussed the heavy snowfall in DC , noting the high costs of skiing at Sugarbush and the lack of snow in southern Vermont. He mentioned the New England Patriots' loss of the top NFL draft pick and the firing of coach Jerod Mayo, with speculation on potential replacements like Mike Vrabel. The UConn women's basketball team faced a scare when Paige Bueckers was injured. The conversation also covered the upcoming Connecticut legislative session, financial resolutions, and the impact of rising oil prices. Additionally, the Golden Globes were mentioned, with Jeremy Allen White and Demi Moore among the winners. The conversation covered various topics, including the certification of the 2024 election, with Kamala Harris presiding, and the impact of tariffs on companies like Stanley Black & Decker, which could face a $200 million hit, and the Biden administration banned new offshore oil and gas drilling, affecting 625 million acres. The Connecticut Education Association supported the Social Security Fairness Act, benefiting 3 million public employees. The discussion also touched on the financial struggles of City Place One in Hartford and the valuation of UConn's athletic program at $178 million. Guests this morning included Jill Schlesinger discussing financial resolutions. Lon Seidman live in Las Vegas covering CES. Also the Connecticut Business Blend with Greg Bordonaro, Editor Hartford Business Journal. For today, we talk about Stanley Black & Decker making a major donation to Trump’s inauguration, Hartford's largest office tower facing loan delinquency and UConn having the 71st most valuable sports program in the country.

Lon Seidman joins us live from Las Vegas for 2025 CES

Jill Schlesinger, CFP® CBS News Business Analyst talks Financial Resolutions for 2025

Connecticut Business Blend Greg Bordonaro, Editor Hartford Business Journal. For today, we talk about Stanley Black & Decker making a major donation to Trump’s inauguration, Hartford's largest office tower facing loan delinquency and UConn having the 71st most valuable sports program in the country.