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Articles by Kent Pierce
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Law enforcement shares ways to get help in Connecticut Original
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and law enforcement officials are reminding everyone that there are multiple options for domestic violence victims to get help. In Hartford Wednesday morning, they even showed that there is more than one way to use your phone for help. You know you can call 911 in an emergency, but did you know you can also text 911? That can be very useful for victims of domestic violence. Unfortunately, there are a lot of those in Connecticut.
Connecticut firewood sellers see spike in orders as home heating oil prices soar
ORANGE, Conn. (WNTH) — The high price of home heating oil has many people thinking about burning more firewood this winter. Sellers are already seeing a spike in orders, and if you’re thinking about switching, it may already be too late. Joe Tirollo owns J & M Landscaping in Orange, and he is so busy delivering firewood that he barely has time to talk about firewood. “10,15, 20 calls a day, and when can you get it here and we’re 2-3 weeks behind on delivery,” Tirollo said.
Connecticut firewood sellers see spike in orders as home heating oil prices soar
ORANGE, Conn. (WNTH) -- The high price of home heating oil has many people thinking about burning more firewood this winter. Sellers are already seeing a spike in orders, and if you're thinking about switching, it may already be too late. Joe Tirollo owns J & M Landscaping in Orange, and he is so busy delivering firewood that he barely has time to talk about firewood.
Hartford elementary students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day with a bang
HARTFORD, Conn. (WNTH) — Wednesday is the annual Walk and Roll to School Day. Students all over the country are encouraged to walk, ride bikes or scooters to class. One Hartford school celebrates the day with a bang. Lots of students are walking and rolling to school today, but students at the Fred D. Wish Museum School in Hartford are doing it to their own drumbeat.
Hartford elementary students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day with a bang
HARTFORD, Conn. (WNTH) -- Wednesday is the annual Walk and Roll to School Day. Students all over the country are encouraged to walk, ride bikes or scooters to class. One Hartford school celebrates the day with a bang. Lots of students are walking and rolling to school today, but students at the Fred D. Wish Museum School in Hartford are doing it to their own drumbeat.
Hartford elementary students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day with a bang
HARTFORD, Conn. (WNTH) -- Wednesday is the annual Walk and Roll to School Day. Students all over the country are encouraged to walk, ride bikes or scooters to class. One Hartford school celebrates the day with a bang. Lots of students are walking and rolling to school today, but students at the Fred D. Wish Museum School in Hartford are doing it to their own drumbeat.
Dozens of local food entrepreneurs gather for Connecticut Food Business Lab
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Dozens of local food entrepreneurs gathered at the business school at Southern Connecticut State University Tuesday. They were there for the day-long Connecticut Food Business Lab. In Connecticut, making and selling food of any kind is more complicated than you might think. Connecticut has many entrepreneurs making different kinds of food, even for man’s best friend. Claudia Cupe started making dog food when her dog was recovering from an animal attack.
Dozens of local food entrepreneurs gather for Connecticut Food Business Lab
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Dozens of local food entrepreneurs gathered Tuesday at the business school at Southern Connecticut State University. They were there for the day-long Connecticut Food Business Lab. In Connecticut, making and selling food of any kind is more complicated than you might think. Connecticut has many entrepreneurs making different kinds of food, even for man’s best friend. Claudia Cupe started making dog food when her dog was recovering from an animal attack.
Blumenthal calls for more federal aid as heating oil costs rise
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling for more federal aid to afford heating fuel this winter as prices continue to rise. Monday night was cold, and the first of many more chilly nights to come. It comes as heating oil prices are approaching record highs. With the war with Iran driving up crude oil prices, multiple groups say the average U.S. home is expected to spend roughly twice as much on heating oil this winter. Sen.
Blumenthal calls for more federal aid as heating oil costs rise
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling for more federal aid for heating fuel this winter as prices rise. Monday night was cold, and the first of many more chilly nights to come. It comes as heating oil prices are approaching record highs. With the war with Iran driving up crude oil prices, multiple groups say the average U.S. home is expected to spend roughly twice as much on heating oil this winter. Sen.
UConn’s Dan Hurley shares insight into his winning formula at annual Middlesex Chamber of Commerce meeting
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) — Some words of wisdom came this morning from UConn head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley. He was the guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Its annual meeting is kind of like a pep rally for the team, and Hurley knows a few things about leading a team. “What it’s like on a day-to-day basis to get the most out of your team, out of your organization, out of the people who work with you, people that work for you,” Hurley said.
UConn’s Dan Hurley shares insight into his winning formula at annual Middlesex Chamber of Commerce meeting
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some words of wisdom came this morning from UConn head men's basketball coach Dan Hurley. He was the guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Its annual meeting is kind of like a pep rally for the team, and Hurley knows a few things about leading a team. “What it’s like on a day-to-day basis to get the most out of your team, out of your organization, out of the people who work with you, people that work for you,” Hurley said.
Hartford residents demanding safer streets near Maria Sanchez Elementary
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Members of one Hartford community will take complaints to the streets. Residents near the Maria Sanchez school are demanding action to slow traffic in their neighborhood. Parents, students, and neighbors will be out gathering signatures for a petition as the school day starts. They say an accident a few days ago hurt two pedestrians at the intersection of Park and Babcock Streets. That is just the latest in a series of issues.
Hartford residents demanding safer streets near Maria Sanchez Elementary school
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Hartford community members are expected to take their complaints to the streets on Monday. Residents near the Maria C. Colon Sanchez Elementary school are demanding action to slow traffic in their neighborhood. Parents, students, and neighbors are expected to collect signatures for a petition as the school day begins. How some teachers in Connecticut can live rent-free They say an accident a few days ago hurt two pedestrians at the intersection of Park and Babcock Streets.
High school students get hands-on experience in healthcare as part of ReadyCT program
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Dozens of high school students from around the state spent their Friday at Hartford Hospital. They are learning what it is like to work in the healthcare field. A program called ReadyCT is getting them prepared for careers that matter. Through ReadyCT, students get hands-on experience in the health care industry while still in high school. More than 60 students visited Hartford Hospital Friday. Some have already done this and more.
High school students get hands-on experience in healthcare as part of ReadyCT program
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Dozens of high school students from around the state spent their Friday at Hartford Hospital. They are learning what it is like to work in the healthcare field. A program called ReadyCT is getting them prepared for careers that matter. Through ReadyCT, students get hands-on experience in the health care industry while still in high school. More than 60 students visited Hartford Hospital Friday. Some have already done this and more.
Children at The Learning Experience in Newington show off their music skills
NEWINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — Little ones at The Learning Experience in Newington showed off their music skills Thursday. The 3- and 4-year-olds got a lesson in what a crescendo is. Instructors said learning music also helps with motor skills, balance and hand-eye coordination. Playing the bells added in numbers and colors, too. “For the holidays, they get to do jingle bells. It’s really, really cool,” Director Patricia Caschetto said.
Hartford students plan trip to the moon with the Space Foundation
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Students at Trinity Academy had the chance to plan their own trip to space Tuesday morning with the Space Foundation. The foundation is an educational non-profit that gets a lot of help from a familiar local charity. When the Space Foundation comes to your school, you get to do things like talk to an astronaut who’s been to space twice. “I flew two space shuttle missions, back in the shuttle days,” Capt. Winston Scott, U.S. Navy (Ret.) said.
Hartford students plan trip to the moon with the Space Foundation
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Students at Trinity Academy had the chance to plan their own trip to space Tuesday morning with the Space Foundation. The foundation is an educational non-profit that gets a lot of help from a familiar local charity. When the Space Foundation comes to your school, you get to do things like talk to an astronaut who's been to space twice. "I flew two space shuttle missions, back in the shuttle days," Capt. Winston Scott, U.S. Navy (Ret.) said.
Lamont, Fazio answer questions on business climate in Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The two men running for governor made their case to the Amity Chamber of Commerce Monday morning. News 8’s Kent Pierce was the moderator of a conversation between Gov. Ned Lamont and State Sen. Ryan Fazio. Questions centered on the climate for businesses in the state. “We need affordability,” Fazio said.
Lamont, Fazio answer questions on business climate in Connecticut
Lamont, Fazio answer questions on business climate in Connecticut Mon, September 28, 2026 at 5:42 PM EDT NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The two men running for governor made their case to the Amity Chamber of Commerce Monday morning. News 8's Kent Pierce was the moderator of a conversation between Gov. Ned Lamont and State Sen. Ryan Fazio. Questions centered on the climate for businesses in the state. "We need affordability," Fazio said.
Lamont, Fazio answer questions on business climate in Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The two men running for governor made their case to the Amity Chamber of Commerce Monday morning. News 8's Kent Pierce was the moderator of a conversation between Gov. Ned Lamont and State Sen. Ryan Fazio. Questions centered on the climate for businesses in the state. New Connecticut laws take effect on Oct. 1, 2026: Here’s what to know "We need affordability," Fazio said.
Connecticut boaters, ferries prepare for powerful weekend storm
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Folks along the shoreline are already getting ready for the storm headed our way this weekend. Marinas are telling boaters to put extra lines on their vessels, and some campers at one state park leaving their sites early. The weather and the people were all pretty calm at Clinton’s Cedar Island Marina on Thursday. Management was urging folks to take some steps before the storm.
State gives alleged victim in Waterbury captivity case access to internal DCF documents
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut state officials agreed to provide the alleged victim in the Waterbury captivity case access to internal documents from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as he sues the state and his stepmother. “S” alleges that his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, held him captive for more than two decades in their Waterbury home.
State gives alleged victim in Waterbury captivity case access to internal DCF documents
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut state officials agreed to provide the alleged victim in the Waterbury captivity case access to internal documents from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as he sues the state and his stepmother. "S" alleges that his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, held him captive for more than two decades in their Waterbury home.
Tweed New Haven Airport hosts emergency drill for first responders and airport officials
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — If you heard an explosion and saw emergency vehicles at Tweed New Haven Airport this morning, don’t worry; it was all part of a drill designed to help first responders practice to keep you safe. It looked like a regular flight boarding, but it was volunteers getting on the plane – and what happened next was a drill for first responders and airport officials. “There’s probably a few hundred folks involved.
Tweed New Haven Airport hosts emergency drill for first responders and airport officials
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — If you heard an explosion and saw emergency vehicles at Tweed New Haven Airport this morning, don't worry; it was all part of a drill designed to help first responders practice to keep you safe. It looked like a regular flight boarding, but it was volunteers getting on the plane - and what happened next was a drill for first responders and airport officials. “There’s probably a few hundred folks involved.
25 years later, 9/11 survivors and families reflect on enduring impact
MANHATTAN (WTNH) — The nation is marking a somber milestone Friday, 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and forever changed the country. Family members, survivors and political leaders will gather in Lower Manhattan for the annual memorial ceremony honoring those who lost their lives. For many attending, the day remains deeply personal.
25 years later, 9/11 survivors and families reflect on enduring impact
MANHATTAN (WTNH) -- The nation is marking a somber milestone Friday, 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and forever changed the country. Family members, survivors and political leaders will gather in Lower Manhattan for the annual memorial ceremony honoring those who lost their lives. For many attending, the day remains deeply personal.
25 years later: How America seeks to preserve memories of 9/11
NEW YORK (WTNH) -- As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, communities across the country are finding new ways to preserve memories of the day and educate a generation born after it happened. In New York City, preparations are underway for Friday's memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center, where the names of every victim will once again be read aloud.
25 years later: How America seeks to preserve memories of 9/11
NEW YORK (WTNH) -- As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, communities across the country are finding new ways to preserve memories of the day and educate a generation born after it happened. In New York City, preparations are underway for Friday's memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center, where the names of every victim will once again be read aloud.
Voices of Reflection exhibit in New Canaan highlights healing after 9/11
NEW CANAAN, Conn. (WTNH) — Friday marks 25 years since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Since then, many acts of kindness have been carried out in memory of the victims. A New Canaan family turned their tragedy into something positive for so many others. They have helped lots of people and continue to help victims’ families, survivors, and first responders. Some of what they have picked up along the way is on display in New Canaan.
Voices of Reflection exhibit in New Canaan highlights healing after 9/11
NEW CANAAN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Friday marks 25 years since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Since then, many acts of kindness have been carried out in memory of the victims. A New Canaan family turned their tragedy into something positive for so many others. They have helped lots of people and continue to help victims' families, survivors, and first responders. Some of what they have picked up along the way is on display in New Canaan.
25 years later: 9/11 PATH Train car preserves a piece of history at The Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Friday marks a somber anniversary: 25 years since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It’s a day that lives in American history and in the hearts of Americans across the country and in Connecticut. Separate from the New York City subway system is an underground rapid transit system called PATH run by the Port Authority. It goes between New York and New Jersey, and its busiest station is the World Trade Center. On Sept.
25 years later: 9/11 PATH train car preserves a piece of history at The Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Friday marks a somber anniversary: 25 years since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It's a day that lives in American history and in the hearts of Americans across the country and in Connecticut. Separate from the New York City subway system is an underground rapid transit system called PATH, governed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It goes between New York and New Jersey, and its busiest station is considered the World Trade Center.
49th Faxon Law Road Race set to take place in New Haven
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands of runners are preparing to take part in the 49th annual Faxon Law New Haven Road Race Monday morning! Five different races will take runners for miles and end on the New Haven Green this Labor Day. The 5K, 20K and half marathon all start around 8:30 a.m., and the 20K is a national championship race. This means that some of the top distance runners from across the country will be competing in New Haven.
Thousands of runners cross finish line in Faxon Law New Haven Road Race
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands of runners hit the streets of the Elm City on Labor Day morning for the 49th annual Faxon Law New Haven Road Race. Great running weather made for some fast times, and there were tributes to two men who helped make the race what it is today. Five different races took runners for miles, ending on the New Haven Green. The morning started out with the half-mile fun run for dozens of little kids “We’re happy to have weather like this.
New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park could reopen late next week, following extensive storm damage
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — It’s been three weeks since a freak storm ripped through New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park. The city is still trying to tally up the cost of all the damage, but the director of the parks department said the park is just days away from reopening. On Friday, just inside Lighthouse Point Park, you see lots of piles. Piles of broken picnic tables and benches. A mountain of mulch from all the trees and branches they’ve already put through the chipper.
New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park could reopen late next week, following extensive storm damage
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — It's been three weeks since a freak storm ripped through New Haven's Lighthouse Point Park. The city is still trying to tally up the cost of all the damage, but the director of the parks department said the park is just days away from reopening. On Friday, just inside Lighthouse Point Park, you see lots of piles. Piles of broken picnic tables and benches. A mountain of mulch from all the trees and branches they've already put through the chipper.
Counselors available for North Stonington students after 6th grader dies after hitting school bus
NORTH STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — Counselors will be on hand at North Stonington Elementary School on Thursday, after a sixth grader there lost his life yesterday morning. Sixth-grader Torren O’Grady was riding his bike around the corner from his elementary school when just before 8:30 a.m. he collided with a school bus and died. We are still not sure of the exact details, who was at fault, and whether there will be any charges filed.
Shark sightings in Long Island Sound approach record numbers, expert says
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Just in time for the holiday weekend, more sharks have been spotted off the coast of Connecticut. One of the most recent was a rare hammerhead shark in the water off Niantic. But it’s just the latest in a series of shark sightings. We may be approaching record numbers for shark sightings in Long Island Sound. You may remember not too long ago, folks fishing just off the beach East Haven spotted several within 10 minutes.
Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum talks AI, attracting young people
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The state’s Manufacturing Innovation Summit went on all day Tuesday in Hartford, where hundreds of people discussed the future of making things in Connecticut. Organizers highlighted a new way to attract young people to manufacturing, as well.
Kaynor Tech students to be welcomed back after massive water main break damaged the Waterbury school
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — On Tuesday, students at Warren F. Kaynor Technical High School head back to school, just about a month after a water main break flooded and damaged the school. It’s fitting that students are heading back to Kaynor on a rainy morning, because this is a story all about the power of what water can do. The story started in late July with yet another Waterbury water main break. But this one was big.
Kaynor Tech students to be welcomed back after massive water main break damaged the Waterbury school
Kaynor Tech students to be welcomed back after massive water main break damaged the Waterbury school Tue, September 1, 2026 at 4:24 AM EDT WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — On Tuesday, students at Warren F. Kaynor Technical High School head back to school, just about a month after a water main break flooded and damaged the school. It's fitting that students are heading back to Kaynor on a rainy morning, because this is a story all about the power of what water can do.
What to know as New Haven students head back to the classroom on Monday
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — New Haven students head back to school on Monday, Aug. 31. Top officials will be out greeting students and parents on this first day back. It comes just days after a group of city alders went public with pictures of poor conditions in certain schools. In an interview with News 8 last week, the district’s superintendent Madeline Negron stressed that the most important thing for this first day of school is showing up for the first day of school. And every other day, too.
New Haven superintendent highlights new rules, programs for children ahead of school year
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Before students in the Elm City head back to school on Monday, officials are highlighting new rules about older students riding the bus and new after-school options for younger students. Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negron discussed Friday what parents need to know about the new academic year, continuing to emphasize the importance of showing up on day one and through the school year.
Milford Board of Alderman appears to vote to pause use of most traffic, Flock cameras
MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — In Milford late Thursday night, the Board of Aldermen appeared to vote to pause the use of most speed, red light, and Flock cameras in the city. The meeting was scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., but they had to go into recess several times as protestors had started chanting outside the meeting more than an hour before it started and kept interrupting the meeting over several hours. Calling this meeting contentious does not do this meeting justice.
Students in East Hartford begin new academic year Wednesday
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Students in East Hartford are heading back to school Wednesday. It’s the latest district to start the school year a little earlier than usual. Many districts are starting their school year two weeks before Labor Day instead of one week and East Hartford is joining the list. Kids in East Hartford have already been offered free backpacks full of school supplies. That giveaway was about three weeks ago.
Students in East Hartford begin new academic year Wednesday
Students in East Hartford begin new academic year Wednesday Wed, August 26, 2026 at 4:36 AM EDT EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Students in East Hartford are heading back to school Wednesday. It's the latest district to start the school year a little earlier than usual. Many districts are starting their school year two weeks before Labor Day instead of one week and East Hartford is joining the list. Kids in East Hartford have already been offered free backpacks full of school supplies.
Waterbury Public Schools begins 2026-2027 school year
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — It is back-to-school day in the Brass City, where Waterbury students start the new school year with more teachers and new bus routes. This year, Waterbury school officials are emphasizing better routes and better communication. Last week, Superintendent Dr. Darren Schwartz told News 8 the district’s main transportation company, Durham, has added staff and re-worked routes. They also promise better communication with the district and parents when there are busing issues.
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