COVID-19 Red Alert Zones, Case Rates, Hospitalizations, School Cases All Rising

Good Friday morning Connecticut,

More sun, a tad warmer but also windy again on Friday. A sunny weekend is ahead, with temperatures in the low 60s and slightly less wind than we've been experiencing all week.

A special weather statement has been issued for Connecticut on Friday as there is an "elevated risk of fire growth and spread" due to the expected strong wind gusts and dry conditions.

Here are the news stories trending across Connecticut on Friday:

CT COVID-19 Red Alert Zones, Case Rates, Hospitalizations, School Cases On The Rise

Many of the state's key COVID-19 metrics are moving in the wrong direction.>>>Read more by clicking here.

3 Killed In Connecticut Crash, Police Investigating

A driver saw a car that had crashed on the side of the road and called 911. First responders found 3 dead, per police.>>>Read more by clicking here.

Hospital Ordered To Pay $12.5 Million In Malpractice Case: Report

A jury ordered the hospital to pay the family of a man who died following a surgical procedure in 2015, according to a report.>>>Read more by clicking here.

Teacher Accused Of Touching Student Inappropriately: Police

Police said a middle school teacher accused of touching a student inappropriately during class was arrested this week.>>>Read more by clicking here.

Man In Smoothie-Throwing Case Assigned To Rehabilitation Program

He will be supervised for one year, a judge ruled. If he's successful, the charges against him could be dismissed.>>>Read More by clicking here.

Current traffic conditions:

PUTNAM - Road Work on I-395 Northbound between Exits 47 and 49 (2.0 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 8:01 am.

SOUTHINGTON - Road Work on I-691 Eastbound between Exits 4 and 8 (3.7 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 8:11 am.

VERNON - Road Work on I-84 Eastbound between Exits 64 and 66 (1.9 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:57 am.

WINDSOR - Road Work on I-91 Northbound between Exits 40 and 42 in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:34 am.

CROMWELL - Road Work on I-91 Northbound between Exits 22 and 23 in effect today until 3:30 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:37 am.

STAMFORD - Delays. I-95 Southbound is congested between Exits 10 and 5 (4.0 miles). Reported Friday, April 29 at 7:01 am.

ROCKY HILL - The Ferry Is Closed Until Further Notice, Due To Mechanical Issues . Reported Friday, April 29 at 6:00 am.

COLCHESTER - Road Work on RT2 Eastbound between Exits 16 and 18 (3.7 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:30 am.

COLCHESTER - Road Work on RT2 Westbound between Exits 18 and 16 (3.6 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The left shoulder is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 10:41 am.

MIDDLETOWN - Road Work on RT66 at Arrigoni Bridge in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:18 am.

PLAINVILLE - Road Work on RT72 Westbound between Exits 2 and end of expressway in effect today until 3:30 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:48 am.

WATERBURY - Road Work on RT8 Southbound between Exits 32 and 30 (1.0 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 8:46 am.

OLD SAYBROOK - Road Work on RT9 Northbound between Exits 2 and 4 (4.1 miles) in effect today until 4:00 pm. Expect lane closures. Reported Friday, April 29 at 9:46 am.

NEWINGTON - Road Work on RT9 Northbound between Exits 29 and 30 (1.5 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, April 29 at 10:28 am.