For the People

This week, John Voket talks invasive plants with an expert from UConn whose department is hosting the upcoming ever popular biennial Invasive Plants Symposium.

Then - if you're making the last trip to the shoreline this weekend, we'll head to a different department at UConn to replay a June chat with a research scientist focusing on how everyone in Connecticut can help be better stewards of our Sound and the global ocean network.

And we'll close with our source at CERC, the Connecticut Economic Resource Center - and get the latest update on the second quarter's InformCT Connecticut Consumer Confidence Survey.

This week, John Voket hears about a new smoke free housing rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) aimed at protecting residents of federally funded public housing units from secondhand smoke.

Then we'll meet the organizer of All Sounds Fair - a music fest showcasing of the region's top LGBTQ artists, and benefiting the New Haven Pride Center.

And we'll wrap with some really exciting cancer research news from a physician and researcher at Starling Physicians that can help thousands of breast cancer survivors avoid the risks and side effects of chemo treatments.

This week, John Voket opens chatting with the two chairs of The Connecticut Health Council's Value Based Relationship work group, which is charged with identifying new approaches to controlling the cost of healthcare and improving outcomes.

Then we'll meet the Director of the Connecticut Working Cities Challenge and a United Way representative to talk about the five cities across the state that have earned 2018 grants to support cross-sector, collaborative leadership and employment programs

And we'll close replaying a call in from a fraud prevention expert talking about protecting Connecticut's older population from financial fraud.

This week, John Voket rings up state Attorney General George Jepsen to learn how Connecticut is working to stop the reduction of your federal deductions of state and local taxes.

Then we'll hear from a representative of Career Resources and the Bridgeport ReEntry Collaborative about how these organizations are working to help transition folks from incarceration to becoming self-sustaining tax paying members of the state's workforce.

And we'll learn how your participation in the New Haven Bed Race will help the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation expand burn prevention education and peer support for some of the state's youngest and most vulnerable burn victims.

This week, John Voket drops in on the team from the state's Commission On Human Rights & Opportunities to discuss why their recent symposium on Prisons and Mental Health was so compelling.

Then we'll turn to a research specialist at Food & Water Watch about a brand new report that gives Connecticut a D grade when it comes to developing renewable energy resources that are healthy and good for our environment.

And we'll meet the Director of the Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut to discuss a first of its kind in the state therapy system to help children suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

This week, John Voket celebrates three Connecticut towns improving public parks, trails and gathering spaces with AARP Community Challenge Grants.

Then we'll hear how the Department of Children and Families is implementing its ASSERT Treatment Model to help young people and their families cope - and kick - opioid addictions.

Then we're inviting everyone to Bike West Hartford and its Center Streets festival. C'mon out and join thousands rolling into to this ultimately bike friendly or welcomely walkable event.

This week, John Voket meets three creatives who brought the new children’s book 'Soulful Sydney Explores Diversity' to life — to discuss why discovering someone different should be celebrated, not feared.

Then we'll hear how one expert is teaching parents of difficult eaters how to help those peckish but picky kids discover and love new foods while developing healthy eating habits.

And we'll reconnect with the Center for Family Justice's CEO to hear how the regional agency is coordinating care for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking and child abuse. And we'll invite you to the support the CFJ at its 21st Annual 'Speaking of Women' event.

This week, John Voket checks in with Connecticut's Child Health & Development Institute to learn why so many of our youngest children are falling through the cracks and at risk for many significant health issues.

Then it's off to Griffin Hospital to chat up their 10th Anniversary Run & Walk to benefit the Center for Cancer Care - and reveal how to boost your personal health by lacing up for the Griffin Hospital/WTNH One Billion Steps Challenge.

And we'll close at Sport Hill Farm, celebrating Easton's agricultural heritage and inviting all of Connecticut to the FREE, family-friendly 10th Annual Citizens for Easton Farm Tour August 11.

This week, John Voket dives into the details of Connecticut's new State Water Plan - and reveals why everybody should be urging their State Reps and Senators to take up its review as soon as they head into session this fall.

Then we'll learn how local hospital's emergency department reduced the amount of opioids they provide for patients by nearly half, and the lessons all medical providers prescribing opioids can take from the Norwalk Hospital ER Docs who led the initiative.

And we'll close touching base with the Connecticut Business Leadership Network upon completion of their 4th Inclusion Works Here conversation, which delved into the important topic of the nation's escalating trend in suicides.