WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed State Senate GOP leader Steve Harding (00:23) and Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio (12:16) on the continued anger regarding rising electric bills around the state. Paul also had a few opening thoughts on the issue as well (22:39)

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In a population-based study of adults aged 40 and older, The National Library of Medicine reported approximately one third of those surveyed experienced severe grief after the loss of a loved one. Grief was associated with physical and mental health problems and increased use of health services. Ahead of National Grief Awareness Day August 30th, we asked our morning show counselor, Julius Dudics, about grieving in a health way.

 

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The Safe Havens law on Connecticut’s books popped up in the news recently. CT News Junkie reported that 57 newborn babies have been given up safely to local hospitals in Connecticut, including two this year. It’s a great opportunity to talk about the history of Safe Haven, how it works and the impact on Connecticut babies from State Senator Lisa Seminara is the Ranking Member of the Committee on Children.

For more information on Safe Havens: SAFE Havens Act for Newborns

For more information on Adoption & Foster Programs: https://portal.ct.gov/dcf/ctfosteradopt/adoption

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Headquartered in Stamford, shipping-and-mailing company Pitney Bowes announced the company is set to lay off about 1,000 employees and close several facilities in the U.S. It’s not clear how many, if any, Connecticut workers are impacted. The most up to date state head count report shows Pitney had about 800 employees based in Connecticut as of last November. Career strategist, Julie Bauke, gave us advice on preparing for a layoff during Julie on the Job.

 

Julie is also adding a new tool, check it out here: https://www.careercollective.ai/

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Host Paul Pacelli opened Monday's "Connecticut Today" wondering just how proposed cell phone bans and/or limits in state schools might be accepted by students and their parents (00:32). Blogger Chris Powell checked in with us to talk about a controversy in Fairfield County and what's wrong with the Connecticut State Republican Party (14:14). CT NewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill stopped by to chat about moving from Connecticut to Texas (26:21)

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The Lake Zoar Beach Club and Family Marina in Monroe is one of the impacted areas rocked by the historic flooding on August 18th. We spoke with the owner, Bob Defeo, to get an update on the property and plans to reopen for the 2025 season.

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National statistics from 2023 show 87% of parents of children under 18 say the back-to-school season causes them stress and anxiety (understood.org) As Connecticut students head back to class this week and next, we got advice on helping our kids cope with anxiety ahead of their new school year. Jake Sussman, founder of Superpower Mentors, pointed out red flags that kids are struggling and ways to support them through it.

For more information: https://www.superpowermentors.com/

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

It’s been one week since historic flooding impacted parts of Connecticut. We got a check-in with DOT Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto, to see how road closures are going and a timeline on rebuilding work wrapping up.

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East Haven Police put out a warning this month following recent juvenile attacks on officers in their department. We asked our law enforcement expert, Garay MacNamara, about combatting juvenile crimes against cops and the role parents play to help stop the divide between youth and local police.

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

From traffic patterns changing to stranger danger, we spoke about crime prevention ahead of the new school year. Crime Prevention Expert, Jim Perez, gave advice to families about ways to stay safe and keep their kids safe this school year.

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