News You Can Use

On this week’s show on WTIC NewsTalk 1080 at 5:30a and
9:00a, host Ann Baldwin speaks with Nancy Sarra,
Superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain.
Nancy discusses the challenges that urban districts are facing,
especially now as COVID continues to wreak havoc with our
children. She also talks about how test scores shouldn’t define the
ability of a student, especially in a district where many are nonEnglish speakers.
As Superintendent of New Britain Schools for nearly 7-years, she
also speaks about the system improvements that have been
made and continue to be implemented in the district and called for
more support from political leaders.
For a true and candid look inside what Superintendent’s in our
state are faced with, this is going to be a conversation that you
are going to want to listen to. 

On this week’s show on WTIC NewsTalk 1080 host Ann Baldwin speaks with Daryl McGraw, Addictions Counselor, Recovery Support Specialist, a Criminal Justice Professional, founder of Formerly Inc. and a longtime friend of Ann’s.

Daryl shares his story of addiction, incarceration, and recovery with listeners. Even though both Ann and Daryl have been in recovery for 10+ years, they discuss challenges that they go through in their long term recovery.

On top of all of his titles, Daryl is also a huge advocate for racial equity. He speaks on the importance of coming together and closing that racial divide that our world has been facing. Ann and Daryl also talk about how racial equity and inequity is featured in the media.

To learn more about Daryl and all that he does, you can visit FormerlyInc.org

On this Sunday’s edition of News You Can Use on WTIC NewsTalk 1080 host Ann Baldwin talks with Donna  R. Gore, also known as Ladyjustice,

Donna began the conversation.by sharing the story of her father’s murder in 1981 and how that has inspired her to get involved with  any aspects of homicide and missing persons in Connecticut and nationally.  
She is a former Officer and founding Board Member of Survivors of Homicide of CT Inc. which began  her 40 year journey with homicide families. 
One of the cases Donna dives into is that of Jennifer Dulos. She gives her thoughts on her disappearance and touches on Fotis Dulos, husband of Jennifer, and his motives.

Another local Connecticut case Ann and Donna discuss is the Richard and Connie Dabate case out of Ellington, CT which has been ongoing since 2015. The true landmark case of CT, the Tracey Thurman Case from 1983   that changed the national landscape of Domestic Violence was referenced for listeners to read about on her website.
Ann and Donna close out the show by speaking about the Gabby Petito case and some of the new updates that have been revealed in the past couple of weeks.

You can check out more information about Donna and what she does at her website, DonnaGore.com

On this Sunday’s edition of News You Can Use on WTIC NewsTalk 1080 at 5:30a and 9:00a, host Ann Baldwin talks with Norma Peterson, Executive Director of Document the Abuse and Sister-in-Law of Stacy Peterson, who has been missing since 2007.

Norma shares Stacy's story and gives listeners an insider's look at what happened on October 28, 2007, when she found out that her sister-in-law was missing. Many, including Norma, believe that Drew Peterson, Stacy’s husband, killed her. Norma talks about some of the domestic violence and warning signs of abuse between the couple leading up to Stacy’s disappearance.

Stacy’s story then inspired the late Susan Murphy Milano, a domestic violence awareness advocate, to create an Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit that allows victims to be able to assemble evidence of their abuse and keep it as a digital diary. If anything were to happen to a victim and they are not there to testify on their own behalf, this affidavit can be used as a legal document in court.

As the executive director of Document the Abuse, Norma shares how the affidavit works and urges anyone who is experiencing any sort of abuse to go to DocumentTheAbuse.com and quite literally, start documenting the abuse.

If you are experiencing any sort of abuse or violence in any facet of your life, please go to DocumentTheAbuse.com and start your own Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit

This Sunday’s edition of New You Can Use on WTIC News Talk 1080 at 5:30a and 9:00a, is an encore interview of host Ann Baldwin’s conversation with Jordan Oaks, country music singer and songwriter from right here in Connecticut.
Ann shares her experience with Jordan Oaks on Fox & Friends. Jordan performed his new single which honors law enforcement, “He Bleeds Blue”, live on Fox & Friends this past week for the kick off of Law Enforcement Week.
Jordan tells Ann the crazy story of how he got his start in music and chronicles his journey from there. He talks about some of the people he has met along the way as well as some of the incredible people he has gotten to work with on his songs.
Listeners also get an in-studio performance of one of Jordan’s singles, “Sometimes I Drink Alone”, which you can listen to on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, or iHeartRadio.
Stayed tuned until the end of the show to listen to his newest single, “He Bleeds Blue”!

Ann Baldwin talks with Brenda Wilson, CEO and Founder of the Ryan Woods Autism Foundation and Ian Woods, Program Director of the Ryan Woods Autism Foundation.
Brenda talks about her overnight ‘epiphany’ to start the Ryan Woods Foundation, which is inspired by her grandson who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 3. She and Ian go on to detail the many things that the foundation has to offer including after school programs, summer camp and parental support.
Ann and Ian speak about how they met at the Berlin Fair after Ian, aka Big Kountry Boi, won Berlin’s Got Talent. Ian shares his love for country music and his dreams of one day becoming a country music sensation

Ann Baldwin talks with Jordan Oaks, country music singer and songwriter from right here in Connecticut.

Jordan tells Ann the crazy story of how he got his start in music and chronicles his journey from there. He talks about some of the people he has met along the way as well as some of the incredible people he has gotten to work with on his songs.

Listeners even get an in studio performance of one of Jordan’s singles, “Sometimes I Drink Alone”, which you can listen to along with all of his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Youtube.

Jordan also talks about the respect and honor that he holds for law enforcement. Stayed tuned until the end of the show for an exclusive debut of his yet to be released single, “He Bleeds Blue”!

Ann Baldwin talks with Brian Foley, Spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services, former Investigative Reporter for Fox 61 and retired Homicide Detective. 

Brian gives some insight into the Gabby Petito case and breaks down some of the information that has been released in the ongoing investigation. Ann and Brian also talk about how COVID-19 has impacted crime in both Connecticut and across the nation.

From police officer shortages to what we can all do to stay safer in our communities, this is a discussion that you won’t want to miss!

On this week’s show on WTIC News Talk 1080 at 5:30a and 9:00a, host  Ann Baldwin speaks with Gary “Doc” Schmidt, President of the 2021 Berlin Fair. 

With the fair right around the corner, less than a week away on September 17th-19th, Gary shares his excitement. He emphasizes the family friendly environment, the delicious food, fun rides and events, and the agriculture.

On this week’s show on WTIC News Talk 1080 at 5:30a and 9:00a, host Ann Baldwin talks with Rob Rudewicz, a longtime friend and ex Public Information Officer with the Hartford Police Department.  Ann and Rob talk recovery and sobriety, health, and Rob’s recent cross-country trip.