WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's mid-week chapter of "Connecticut Today" wondering if society, in general, is giving legal marijuana use too much leeway and creating a far bigger problem (00:41). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by to talk about a proposal gaining steam in Hartford to help boost public-sector union membership in Connecticut (15:44). Hearst Connecticut Media senior columnist and editor Dan Haar talked about his piece on fears he heard from a Tesla driver regarding possible violence and vandalism ... if he buys a new Tesla (24:38)

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According to state statistics reported in February, parents in our state spend an average of 27% of their income on care, more than anywhere in the country. The data also reveals average cost of childcare is $15,964 per child. Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared with us the push to fund universal early childcare for families but also the need to help keep facilities up and running.

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23andMe announced it filed for bankruptcy and hours following the announcement, our Attorney General called for residents who have used the platform to remove data immediately. It’s all to protect you and your private information. We wanted to talk about this case and in general, get advice on avoiding identity theft. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut.

To check if your email has been part of a data breach: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

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Here are two big issues in Bridgeport: issues surrounding Hookah lounges and after-hours clubs and the use of ATVs, especially on neighborhood roads. For more on the issues and what ordinances are now in effect to help serve as solutions, we spoke with Mayor Joe Ganim.

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How do we get people to show up and vote, especially for local and state elections. A new proposal up in Hartford looks at creating a task force to investigate why voter participation in Connecticut is so low and to offer pilot project opportunities to municipalities that want to participate in them. We got more details on this bill from State Representative Matt Blumenthal from Stamford, House Chair of the Government Administration & Elections Committee.

Picture Courtesy of State Representative Matt Blumenthal 

Recently, DEEP was called into help in an investigation around high bacteria levels detected in Milford waters. There are concerns about how bacteria levels spiked and whether the tainted water will impact shellfish in the area. We spoke with Nisha Patel from the department about the investigation.

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US Sen. Richard Blumenthal has pledged that the U.S. Senate will block President Trump’s attempt to eliminate the Department of Education at the federal level following his recent executive order. But some Connecticut lawmakers are pushing back saying that the majority party is shifting the focus from state investments education by blaming the federal government. We spoke with House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora.

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Two basketball coaches are making national headlines, including UConn Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Dan Hurley. We talked to Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the CIAC, about both cases and key takeaways around having good sportsmanship from the top down.

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A Connecticut woman is being accused of holding her stepson captive for more than 20 years. Kimberly Sullivan is facing multiple charges including assault and kidnapping. A police investigation revealed the victim, now 32-years-old, had been "enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect and inhumane treatment." We spoke with Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, about the case and the latest from his client.

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Host Paul Pacelli opened a new week on "Connecticut Today" debating the possibility of an eventual "mileage tax," as state gasoline tax revenues are dropping with the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles (00:44). Independent Party of Connecticut Treasurer John Fahan stopped by to chat about his call for more information regarding who released security video connected to the current Bridgeport absentee ballot case (15:45), while CT NewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill spoke on news that so-called "Trump Derangement Syndrome" might actually exist (24:42)

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