WFSB - Eyewitness News

Atlanta Police investigate threat made against Delta flight via TwitterATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46)- Atlanta Police are investigating after being alerted to a possible threat against a Delta flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Atlanta Airport spokesperson Elise Durham confirmed a 911 operator alerted authorities after seeing a tweet concerning a threat to the Delta flight. She said ground stop was lifted after 15 minutes. Delta released the following statement to our newsroom: "Flight 2234 was delayed Wednesday evening due to a threat issued via social media. Out of an abundance of caution the aircraft was taken out of service for a security search by law enforcement. Passengers are being re-accommodated on a different aircraft to their destination." That flight was completely de-planed and has been moved to an isolated area of the airport. Atlanta Police and an explosives unit are sweeping the aircraft. CBS46 will continue to provide details on CBS46.com and at 9 p.m.
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Flooding, wind a concern with storm on ThursdayHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A storm is expected to bring rain Wednesday night into Thursday. Channel 3 declared an Early Warning Weather Alert for that time frame because the rain could be heavy and lead to flooding. Chief Meteorologist Bruce DePrest said a flash flood watch was issued through Thursday. Temperatures will rise from the 30s [Wednesday] evening to the 40s to possibly near 50 degrees by morning. Areas of fog will develop as the mild and increasingly moist air flow across the cold snow and ice cover," DePrest said. "Precipitation will be in the form of spotty light rain, but rain will become steadier before dawn." The storm is expected to move away by the Thursday evening commute. A flash flood watch is in effect for the entire state. A wind advisory has also been issued for southern portions of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties. A coastal flood advisory has been issued for all of coastal CT from noon until 3 p.m. on Thursday. Rain will be heavy at times on Thursday. Rainfall totals will range from 1 to 2 inches, but there could be towns that see higher amounts of over 2 inches. A combination of heavy rain and temperatures in the 40s and 50s is expected to cause rapid snow and ice melt. "The combination of heavy rain and mild temperatures will cause rapid snow and ice melt. Plus, the ground is frozen due to our recent cold snap. That means there will be nowhere for the water to go, except to runoff," DePrest said. The flooding is possible in poor drainage areas and basements. "The coastal storm will move away from New England tomorrow night. The northwesterly wind will usher in much colder. Temperatures will fall into the 20s," said DePrest. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph is possible. Any standing water will turn to ice. Friday looks to be partly sunny and cold with highs in the low-to-mid 30s. The wind may continue to gust up to 30 mph. The weekend will start out dry and cold with temperatures in the lows of 5 to 15 degrees on Saturday. Sunday morning could see snow showers. Read the complete technical discussion <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/weather/technical_discussion/" target="_blank">here</a>. For weather updates on smartphones and tablets, head <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/site/station_info/apps" target="_blank">here</a> or text "WFSB" to 23765 to download the Channel 3 app.
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Air traffic controllers continue to feel impacts of government shutdownWINDSOR LOCKS, CT (WFSB) - Air traffic controllers at Bradley Airport are speaking out on how the government shutdown has impacted them. Fewer people on the job could be affecting safety. This Friday, federal employees affected by the shutdown will miss their second paycheck. This is creating stress, and some say the shutdown is a safety risk for all of us. "When you have to worry about bills or creditors being paid, or being able to pay for childcare, it doesn't allow you to focus 100 percent,” said Bryan Krampovitis, air traffic controller. Bryan Krampovitis is an air traffic controller at Bradley Airport. He says the government shutdown has created problems. They are short staffed, working long hours, and on top of that, they are not getting paid. Senator Chris Murphy is urging President Donald Trump to end the shutdown. "The safety of air travel cannot sustain this shutdown lasting much longer,” said Murphy. Murphy says the shutdown poses potential security risks and travel delays as long as federal employees are forced to continue working without pay. Mick Devine represents air traffic controllers throughout New England. "To be very clear, it is not as safe to fly as it once was 30 days ago,” said Devine. On Wednesday in Washington, federal workers flooded Capitol Hill in protest. This is now day 33 of the shutdown. All of them demanding are to go back to work. As for air traffic controllers, Channel 3 was told some have left their jobs at other airports to take other jobs. That's not happened at Bradley, yet. "Air traffic controllers will have to start making some hard decisions on how to support their household,” said Krampovitis.
West Hartford restaurant lending a hand to federal employeesWEST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - As the government shutdown enters its second month, many federal workers are relying on their local communities to help them during this time of need. A West Hartford restaurant is helping out to make sure federal employees don’t miss a meal. Luna Pizza in West Hartford serving more than just hot slices of pizza. The restaurant is stepping up to do what it can to help federal employees who are at risk of missing yet another paycheck. Both sides are losing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat, you’re not getting paid. You’re working and not getting paid,” said Alexander MacDonald, Owner of Luna Pizza. The pizzeria is one of many West Hartford restaurants encouraging federal employees to start a house account. “Order what you need to and what you’d like and when you get paid, you pay us,” said MacDonald. MacDonald says not getting paid shouldn’t mean you miss a meal. “Just let us know what you need. I’m here to help. Call up, tell me what you address is, tell me what your phone number is,” MacDonald said. It works for takeout, delivery, and those choosing to dine in. Customers think it’s a great idea. “It allows people to eat, which is pretty much a very big necessity, especially with when how are you going to pay for groceries, you have a lot of your other bills to pay. It’s really a great gesture and Alex is a wonderful person for doing it,” said Matthew Rist. You can order meals as many times as you need to. “For the duration. Until it’s over, until it gets worked out, until it gets figured out and everyone gets their backpay,” MacDonald said. MacDonald says since he first posted about the initiative on social media, more and more people are offering to help furloughed workers. “It’s amazing, I didn’t expect any of that really its really heartwarming to know that there’s so many people out there that want to help,” said MacDonald. MacDonald says this is his way of making sure federal employees have a meal to eat until the government shutdown is resolved and workers get their paychecks again. Luna Pizza says you don’t even have to show a government ID to start a house account, just go on over, and they’ll help you out.
Resources in place to help Coast Guard families affected by shutdownNEW LONDON, CT (WFSB) - The partial government shutdown is wrapping up day number 33. Meanwhile, another missed paycheck looms for hundreds of thousands of federal workers. People all across the state are stepping up to help. There are many resources in place. At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy the Chief Petty Officer’s Association has a pop-up pantry and gift coupons to help families get through the shutdown. The pop-up pantry will stay open daily until 8 p.m. at least through the weekend. Rashad Lockhart was picking up some basic food items to get him through the government shutdown. He's a Coast Guardsman stationed in Port New London. "Lot of support, people coming up and showing support, and just helping us get by," said Lockhart. The Coast Guard's Top Admiral, Karl Schultz spoke up on social media saying members of the armed forces shouldn't be expected to shoulder the burden of the partial government shutdown. "Ultimately, I find it acceptable that Coast Guard men and women have to rely on food pantries and donations to get through day-to-day life as service members," said Schultz. Kate Batchelder is holding down the family while her Coast Guard husband is commanding the Coast Guard Buoy Tender Juniper out of Newport. She says it’s been stressful, yet the food pantries at the Coast Guard offers help. “Any groceries are appreciated. So that all the other dollars can go towards paying bills that we don’t have that money for,” said Batchelder. To help furloughed federal employees and Coast Guard families struggling to pay their utility bill, Norwich Public Utilities is waving any late payment penalties. “If they’re going to be late paying their bill we’re not going to penalize them for that. We’re not going to forgive their bills, but we want to make sure than can do what they can when they can as this shutdown continues,” said Chris Riley, Norwich Public Utilities. This week, a local auto group donated $30,000 dollars while the Retired U.S. Coast Guard Alumni Association donated $25,000 to help families not getting a federal paycheck put gas in the tank or pay out of pocket medical bills. Meanwhile to help forget the stress of the lack of a paycheck, Mystic Seaport is providing free admission to furloughed federal workers and others not getting a check. With three young ones to take care of, Batchelder is moving forward. “Got to hold strong, keep our heads held high,” said Batchelder. There’s a growing list of Connecticut banks participating in the loan program for federal employees impacted by the shutdown. The Gemma Moran Food Bank in New London supplies food to 74 pantries in eastern Connecticut as well as 10 mobile pantries. "At this point, we're hearing anecdotally that numbers are up," said Dina Sears-Graves, food bank manager. From throughout Connecticut, the Sikh community is doing their part to help, by collecting and donating food and supplies. "We thought this is a really need because food, everybody needs it and people are tight. Nobody has money because of the shutdown," said Manmohan Singh, Sikh community. As the government shutdown continues we will keep you updated on the latest offers and assistance for federal employees in Connecticut.
Group against legalizing recreational marijuana holds rallyHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Connecticut lawmakers may decide to legalize recreational marijuana, meanwhile, those on both sides of the debate want to be heard. On Wednesday, those against marijuana say there are many dangers. Lawmakers have talked about legalizing marijuana for a few years, but this year, it could happen. Our new governor, Ned Lamont, supports it and it could bring in badly needed revenue. But some say people need to know the risks. The Anti-Marijuana Movement has many faces. There are police officers who are very much against it. “We don't need another recreational drug out there. We have enough problems with alcohol. And another drug out there, we don't have enough resources especially with drugged-driving,” said Chief James Cetran, Police Chief’s Association. Police say legalizing marijuana will create more problems and it's not worth the money. According to studies done in Colorado and Washington state, half the pot money promised for drug prevention and treatment never materialized, more Colorado youth are being arrested for pot-related offenses, and use among elementary and high school students has increased 34 percent. It's now legal to buy marijuana in Massachusetts. Pro-pot groups are pushing CT lawmakers to legalize and regulate it. "This is about adult use that we are putting in, you have to be 21,” said Joe Lachance. But opponents say people can buy it and then sell it to adults and even to minors, making it more accessible. That's the concern for these high school students from Guilford. "People need to know it’s not a good substance and there are a lot of dangers to it,” said Elizabeth Abernathy, Guilford senior. The three teenagers say they've seen the effects of marijuana on some of their classmates. “There are a couple of people in my class who come high and they say, ‘I just get high because I don't want to be here, don't like this class’ and I say, ‘You're not here if you are high,’" said Julia Rubbo, Guilford sophomore. Ten states, and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. There are 24 new freshman Democratic lawmakers in the House alone. They could be the ones who support this help get it passed.
Bridgeport school closed until Monday following pipe burstBRIDGEPORT, CT (WFSB) – A Bridgeport elementary school will be closed until Monday due to a pipe burst in the school. Bridgeport Public Schools said the pipe burst at Thomas Hooker School on Wednesday. As a result of the water damage, nine classrooms were impacted. All students and staff were dismissed early on Wednesday. The school system said the school will remain closed Thursday and Friday while crews work to repair the sprinkler line burst. The burst was a result of the cold weather over the past few days. At this time, students will resume regular school hours on Monday. Any updates will be posted here.
Eversource warning customers of robo call scams(WFSB) – Eversource is warning customers of a scam targeting customers in the state. The company said an automated robo call is telling customers that their power will be shut off in 30 minutes if no payment is made. They are warning customers that the company is not responsible for these robo calls and they are a scam. Eversource is also warning customers that some scammers can manipulate their caller ID to say the call is coming from Eversource. The company said they never contact customers with demands for immediate payment or threats for shut off. Customers can always verify if they are speaking to an Eversource representative by calling 800-286-2000 and ask for some basic information about your account. For more information, click <a href="https://www.eversource.com/content/ct-c/residential/safety/protect-yourself/avoid-scams" target="_blank">here</a>.