WICC The Voice of Connecticut

The first human case of Rickettsia Parkeri, a tick-borne illness, has been detected in a woman who lives in Fairfield County. We asked Dr. Browne about this disease and why it’s so uncommon to Connecticut, despite being detected in other parts of the US frequently. We also talked about more funding proposed federally to combat tick and mosquito-borne illnesses as well as his thoughts on a food dye ban.

IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Fred Browne / Griffin Hospital

Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli offered his opening thoughts on the previous night's Vice-Presidential debate (00:29). We also had further debate reaction from CBS News political reporter Allison Novello (06:39), Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor and Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose (12:50), and Hearst Connecticut Media senior editor and reporter Dan Haar (21:56)

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Peter Prowe, a Red Cross volunteer and Connecticut native, is back after responding to the call to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. He joined us hours after his return from Florida to share his experience and how people can continue to help.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: You can text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.

Image Credit: Reuters

We spoke with some of our political experts following the Vice Presidential Debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. Quinnipiac Political Professor Scott McLean spoke about the real headline following the debate. ((00:00)) We also spoke with Quinnipiac Polling Analyst, Tim Malloy, about how polling works and whether last night’s debate will have any impact on future poll results. (14:15)

Image Credit: Reuters

Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" commenting on a story out of the Midwest where a non-citizen was sworn in as a police officer (00:40). Attorney, former Time Magazine Senior Reporter and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at St. Peter's University Alain Sanders talked about the upcoming Vice-Presidential debate (06:02). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about her latest piece on the state's power problems (16:02)

Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Gertie's Pie of Hope is back until the end of the month! All proceeds for buying a mac & cheese pizza from Letizia's Pizza in Norwalk goes to the American Cancer Society. Third generation owner, Dennis, told us about the pizza in honor of his mom and the history of the popular pizza joint in Norwalk. Danny shared how much money Gertie Pies have raised over the years. 

For more information: https://letiziaspizza.com/

United Illuminating is asking state regulators for a distribution rate increase on its electricity customers. The proposed increase would add around 30-dollars to the average customer's power bill. UI indicates the revenue is needed for 350 different infrastructure projects throughout its service area, but lawmakers are calling it a tone-deaf cash grab. Senator Ryan Fazio, the Ranking Senator on the legislature’s Energy & Technology Committee, shares his thoughts on the proposal.

Image Credit: Getty Images

A new PSA, created by the Department of Transportation, is highlighting the importance of the slow down, move over law here in Connecticut. Josh Morgan with the DOT explains the importance of the new messaging and why it’s a change of heart, not education, for drivers that will make the difference.

To view the new PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjq6QYIDiZU

Image Credit: Getty Images

A middle school student was arrested and accused of making a social media threat. It’s the second time Fairfield reported hoax online threats last month. Lt. Jim Wiltsie of the School Safety Division with the Fairfield Police Department shared the details of both incidents and a call to action for local families.

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The annual election period for Medicare begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. One of the biggest challenges in Fairfield County, is Aetna’s abrupt decision to terminate all three of its plans offering fitness reimbursement benefits. The carrier is reportedly just dropping recipients and residents need to call a broker about coverage before the new year. We spoke with Alan Sheketoff of Macman Insurance Associates in Fairfield about the changes and direct impact on thousands in southern Connecticut.

Image Credit: Getty Images