WICC The Voice of Connecticut

The suspect behind the deadly truck attack in New Orleans reportedly planted several bombs ahead of the vehicle ramming. Thankfully, the bombs did not go off and more people’s lives weren’t taken. But this most recent case of terrorism in America begs the question: how could this have been detected and prevented? We asked Congressman Jim Himes, recently briefed by the FBI about this case and the reality of terrorism in our country.

 

Image Courtesy of Jim Himes

The third annual Jim Jam concert event is back Saturday, January 4th. Event proceeds all go to the Jimmy McGrath Foundation. We spoke with Kevin McGrath, Jimmy’s dad and the creator of the foundation, about the work being done to help youth in Connecticut and gave details about the 3rd annual concert in Fairfield.

For tickets and more information: https://jimmymcgrathfoundation.org/

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

Rumor has is that a top Republican Senator in Connecticut will not be sworn in next week ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Political reporter, Mike Cerulli, gave us the scoop on what could be true regarding State Senator Kevin Kelly.

Image Courtesy of Kevin Kelly

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off 2025 on Thursday with his thoughts on a new survey showing that Connecticut is one of the least-desirable states to move to (00:33). Former FBI agent and current University of New Haven Senior Criminal Justice Lecturer Ken Gray talked about the investigation into the recent terror attack in New Orleans (15:28). Blogger Chris Powell also joined us for his monthly check-in on all things Connecticut (23:18)

Image Credit: iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus

179 people were killed in a horrific plane crash in South Korea. It happened on December 29th and pressure on authorities to determine the cause of the crash is building. It’s hard to overlook that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 737. There are questions from investigators about the maintenance and operation of the plane. There are also questions about whether there was professional negligence in the case. Senator Richard Blumenthal has been an outspoken voice about these issues in general surrounding the airline industry. He talked about the alarming coincidence that Boeing is again in the hotseat and lingering problems with air traffic controller shortages. 

Image Credit: Reuters

Fairfield parents are reportedly calling for more cell phone policies in public schools. It’s the latest district to have these conversations cracking down on phone use in the classroom. We spoke with Superintendent of Schools, Michael Testani, about the ideas on the table and whether anything will change soon for Fairfield students.

Image Credit: Getty Images

The legislative session is beginning later this month and we know housing will be a major discussion in Hartford. Let’s look at what can be done to create more affordable, workforce housing in the state. Renee Dobos, CEO of CT Housing Partners, is here to weigh in.

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

As 2024 comes to a close, we checked in with Flagman Safety. It’s a non-profit organization focused on Slow Down, Move Over laws here and across the country to create safer roads for first responders, construction workers, tow truck drivers and people pulled over. It was created following the tragic death of Corey Iodice, a local tow truck driver struck and killed on the Merrit Parkway. We spoke with Corey’s sister, Cindy Iodice, creator of Flagman, and Fran Mayko, public relations director of Flagman, about the work accomplished in 2024 and goals for the new year.

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

Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. We spoke with Dr. Mohammad Elahee, professor of international business at Quinnipiac University. He was a key organizer of President Carter’s visit to Quinnipiac in 2007 and shared Carter’s legacy left behind (0:00). We also spoke with Former White House Correspondent & Carter historian Peter Maer who worked in media following Carter’s political career starting when he was governor (7:19).

Image Credit: Reuters

The 2024 legislative session saw the passage of a sweeping bill intended to clarify some of the state’s cannabis and hemp regulations. What does that change really mean for consumers and the rights of municipalities? We asked State Rep. David Rutigliano, the top-ranking House Republican on the committee primarily responsible for the regulation of cannabis and related products.

Image Credit: Getty Images