WPKN Local Daily News Podcast · John Iannuzzi, WPKN

January 20, 2026

January 20, 2026·21 min

John Iannuzzi opens WPKN News with a local update for Connecticut and Long Island. The broadcast moves quickly, but it keeps its facts concrete, starting with the planned Free America walkouts, the expected Hartford protest in front of the state capitol, and the broader anti-ICE organizing behind the day. The first stop is Hartford. Sean Krofcik says more than 500 protesters are expected nationally, while Allison Greenlaw of CT 5051 says the Hartford event could draw several hundred, building on a New Haven gathering the week before that she says reached about 700. The coverage stays close to the street. The show then widens to Connecticut's governor's race, describing the field as an uphill climb for challengers rather than pretending the contest is already settled. That note is brief. Next comes manufacturing in the Nutmeg State, where a long-form conversation turns toward Cubtech and the broader question of what is being made inside the large industrial buildings drivers pass every day. The example matters. The segment explains that Cubtech began as a husband-and-wife idea for a medical-imaging device about 20 years ago and has grown into a full Connecticut operation employing hundreds and producing state-of-the-art equipment. The broadcast sounds proud without getting glossy. Organizers also say the public is welcome at the event, where they will hand out awards, tour the facility, and let curious listeners see a working manufacturer up close. It is practical civic radio. The final local news block turns to Long Island Railroad riders who are frustrated by new fare policies, especially the need to wait until the last minute to buy a ticket and the $8 penalty for purchasing on board. Riders want more flexibility. MTA officials say the change is meant to curb fare evasion, including cases where a conductor never checks a ticket and a rider could save it for future use. The policy has a cost either way. Newsday reports that riders feel the new rules undercut planning, while the railroad says it loses about $25 million a year in uncollected fares. The show closes softly. After a tease about seasonal affective disorder, it settles into a vitamins sign-off and a round of thanks to the WPKN news team.

As heard by us

A local news roundup that treats protest, transit, and manufacturing as part of the same civic weather.

John Iannuzzi moves the WPKN local newscast at a steady clip, tying together Free America walkouts, Hartford protest planning, the Connecticut governor's race, manufacturing, and Long Island Rail Road fare changes.

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Why you'd press play

You want a steady local scan of Connecticut and Long Island headlines today.

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