WTIC Public Affairs

A brand-new East Hartford tradition is about to take flight! Marot Connor Martin talks about this great event and other events in the future. In partnership with the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Town of East Hartford presents its first annual kite festival at Rentschler Field! Featuring food trucks, music, performances, demonstrations, activities, drinks, and so much more!

Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell gives an update on a number of initiatives from his Office, including the funding of pensions for state employees and teachers.

Gerri Griswold, White Memorial Conservation Center Director of Administration and Development talks with us about their upcoming events. Including the big event, White Memorial's 44th Annual Family Nature Day September 26th, 2026. All the information can be found at https://whitememorialcc.org under What's Happening.

Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias gives an update in time for back-to-school for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Dr. Amy Fogelstrom-Chai, the Republican running in Connecticut's First Congressional District, delivers an updat on her campaign, after Luke Bronin's primary upset over 14-term incumbent Congressman John Larson earlier this month.

Luke Bronin displaces 14-term incumbent John Larson in Connecticut's First Congressional District. The democrat discusses the upset victory, opposition, and path to the November 3, 2026 General Election.

In this episode of At Home in Connecticut on WTIC News Talk 1080, host Joey Bourgoin sits down with Patrick Moore, the new owner of Avery's Beverage, a iconic Connecticut soda brand established in 1904. Moore shares the history behind his involvement with Avery's, moving the bottling facility to its new Hartford Square location in New Britain, and how they continue to craft classic, natural, and honey-sweetened sodas using real cane sugar in traditional glass bottles. The discussion covers everything from their popular "Totally Gross" soda line and custom collaboration with New England Patriots player Pop Douglas to downloadable at-home soda-tasting kits and where listeners can find Avery's products across the country.

Richard Brannigan, the CEO at the American Red Cross: Connecticut and Rhode Island, discusses the escalation of its second national blood crisis.

Josh Elliott, the progressive democratic challenger in the 2026 race for Governor, delivers a campaign update as the primary approaches.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union Real Estate Lending Vice President Patty Mason explains the latest in first-time homebuying and homeownership trends in Connecticut.

Republican Ryan Fazio delivers an update on his campaign for Governor.

Coast Guard Auxiliarist David Obedzinski discusses water safety, including boating and swimming,.

On this Sunday's edition of News You Can Use on WTIC Newstalk 1080 at 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM, host Ann Baldwin is joined by WFSB Meteorologist, Mike Slifer for a conversation about his journey from growing up in Central Connecticut to becoming one of the state's most recognizable weather personalities. Mike reflects on the experiences that sparked his passion for meteorology at a young age and shares how that childhood dream became a lifelong career. Listeners will also hear about Mike's professional path to WFSB, the mentors who helped shape his career, and what it's like delivering Connecticut's forecast every day. Whether you're fascinated by weather, interested in local success stories, or simply enjoy getting to know the people behind the headlines, this is a conversation you won't want to miss on News You Can Use with Ann Baldwin.

Liberty Bank Security Officer Dave Delvecchia explains the latest in financial scams that particularly target elderly residents.

Cyndi Tolosa, Director of Advancement, CT Humanities, Project Manager, America 250 | CT talks about some more activities that the state has planned as we continue our America 250 celebration.

The Bristol Bazaar is expanding and not just with events, but Locations! Care Verikas owner and shall we say curator of the Bazaar updates us on happenings and expansion plans. Events and updates can be found at www.thebristolbazaar.com

Incumbent Democratic Congressman John Larson discusses the latest with his campaign ahead of the August 11, 2026, primary he faces, while also going into some of the top issues he's following in Washington.

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin updates us on his campaign to unseat Incumbent Democratic Congressman John Larson (CT-01), as the race heads to a primary on August 11.

Democratic State Representative Jillian Gillchrest of West Hartford advances to a primary in a three-way Democratic fight against Incumbent John Larson.

On this weeks episode we talk with John Lyman who celebrates their 285th birthday. Growing season is off to a great start and local produce across the state look to be great this year.

State House Speaker Matt Ritter offers the democratic response to issues that emerged in the 2026 Legislative Session that recently concluded.

Former Bolton Republican State Representative Pam Sawyer continues advocacy for the Baby Safe Haven law, over 25 years since it first passed in Connecticut.

John J. Gianoni President of the The Forestville Village Association and Chairman of the Forestville Duck Race fills us in on what is a duck race, and what we can expect for this years event on May 3, 2026

Republican Fifth Congressional District candidate Chris Shea introduces his bid to unseat Democratic Incumbent Jahana Hayes.

Rachel Lenda - Director of Tourism, State of Connecticut talks about some of the great events coming up in Connecticut this Spring and Summer. Grab that calendar and a pen and lets make some memories!

Stephanie Abrams, President & CEO of the New England Air Museum. School break events and Space exploration and History, right here in CT

CT Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera delivers an update on the latest with the agency and how it's impacting drivers, as well as April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Paul Petrillo, owner of Petrillo's Fairs and Festivals talks about some of the Food Truck Festivals and other spring time festivals coming up across the state.

Michael Fasulo, and Dawn Miceli of the Southington Drive-in Committee give us an updates up on the 2026 movie lineup, the hostory of the drive inn and some great events coming up this season.

Bill Flynn, Executive Director New Canaan Nature Center joins us for another week and topic. Bill talks about all the work the Nature Center has been doing in natural weed and pest control to make your yard safe and easy to care for this year. Take the easier route to enjoying your yard this season.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong delivers an update on several issues concerning housing and utilities in Connecticut.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) discusses issues concerning the first week of the U.S./Israel war on Iran.

Bill Flynn, Executive Director New Canaan Nature Center talks about spring time events and summer camps.

Maple syrup is natures liquid gold. This season is looking to be a great season. Rob Lamothe, from Lamothe's Sugar house in Burlington updates us on the season's outlook.

Governor Ned Lamont opens up on some of the issues facing Connecticut and goals he's laying out during his campaign for a third term.

Tom Andersen, Director of Communications of the Connecticut Audubon Society talks feeders in the winter and what birds are hanging around during this record setting winter.

We address the recent story of Margaret Healey, a 93-year-old Alzheimer's resident at a nursing home, who wandered off overnight on February 8, 2026, and died in the cold. Democratic State Representative Jane Garibay, Chair of the Aging Committee, and Carolyn DeRocco, the Vice President for programs and education at the Connecticut Alzheimer's Association, address several issues related to the case and disease.

Jeff Dorman of Feeding Families Foundation and Michael Pollock of the New Haven Pizza Club team up for a good cause to bring food to families dealing with hospitalizations.

Sue Frisch and Devin Willow talk about the 9th Annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk (WIN), happening Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22. For a full schedule and the latest updates, visit weekendinnorfolk.org

Jay Dougherty, GM of Mount Southington talks about how to get started in skiing. Events that the mountain will be hosting. Along with what it is like to have a ski season where mother nature is providing some actual snow and cold temperatures.

Kristie Gonsalves, President of North East Expos, Inc., the show's producer who is a Board member of the Home & Garden Show Executives International, and a past president of the National Association of Consumer Show Producers. 44th Connecticut Flower & Garden Show”, starting Thursday, February 19 through Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Days/Hours: Thursday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discounted admission tickets can be purchased now at www.CTFlowerShow.com

Campaign Director Chelsea Dropik and West Hartford-based Board Member Robert O'Meara from Blood Cancer United talk about the Student Visionaries program to raise money for blood cancer research.