Connecticut

AAA: Battery issues increased with cold weather spell in Connecticut

Published

5 months ago

February 2, 2026

Press Room

AAA: Battery issues increased with cold weather spell in Connecticut

Is your car taking a little longer to start or not starting at all? The cold weather may be a major reason.

“The cold air always affects everything,” Aquaysha Johnson of New Haven said.

Everything that involves using your car. For drivers in Hamden, the recent freezing cold spell is doing a number on their vehicles.

“It seems like the battery, the gas, it’s always something,” she said.

Something electric car drivers are dealing with, especially when it comes to their batteries. One driver says his car batteries aren’t working as well, making it harder when he’s out and about.

“You can notice it for sure. You can notice the range drop. Even your car will tell you its range is 20 to 30 miles less than normal,” Pedram Motevalli of Hamden said.

AAA says it’s seeing more battery issues for drivers in Connecticut. Last week, there were 8,000 roadside assistance calls, with 3,000 for battery issues. AAA says that’s a 50% jump from the week before.

“It’s a lot of calls for jumpstart, lockout, tow, RV extraction,” Jose Alvarez, a tow truck driver, said.

He responds to AAA calls and has seen the uptick firsthand.

“Probably in the three weeks before, we got a lot of jumpstarts,” Alvarez said.

AAA says to keep your car battery in the best shape, park in garages away from the elements if possible, and keep terminals clean. It also says electric cars should have their batteries preconditioned while plugged in to charge. Drivers say they’ll do whatever they can to weather this latest cold spell.

“Do whatever you can. Wrap up tight. It’s way too much,” Johnson said.

AAA says if you do have an old battery that’s close to needing to be replaced, it may be a good idea to get it done sooner or later, with the cold temps sticking around for a bit.

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Connecticut

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

Published

11 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”

Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.

Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.

Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.

“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.

Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.

Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.

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Connecticut

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Published

21 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.

“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”

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