WICC The Voice of Connecticut

A lot of Connecticut residents are fuming after getting their July electric bill. Eversource customers are seeing increases in what’s called the “public benefits” portion of their bill and they are substantial! So, why the stark uptick and who’s to blame? Vice President of Rates and Regulatory Requirements at Eversource, Doug Horton, joined the show for more.

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A landmark decision was made this week. A judge ruled that Google is maintaining an illegal monopoly of online search engines, violating the U.S. antitrust law. More than 30 states, including Connecticut, sued Google a few years ago, accusing the company of paying companies big money to have their smartphones and web browsers automatically use Google's search engine. Attorney General William Tong reacted to the ruling applauding the judge but shared why he’s not celebrating just yet.

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

A new video series by the Bridgeport Police Department. It’s called Park City Confidential with the goal of generating tips from the public and bringing new life to cold cases. The videos are produced by the Bridgeport Police Department's Homicide Unit – and officials plan to release a new episode every two months, if not sooner. You can watch these videos on all Bridgeport PD social media platforms.

IMAGE CREDIT: Tia Josef / Bridgeport Police Department

"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's show with news and reaction about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being named as Vice President Kamala Harris' November running mate (00:29). University of New Haven Finance Lecturer David Sacco examined the recent turmoil in the U.S. and world financial markets (12:45). Finally, Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by to talk about the ongoing reaction to rising electric bills in the state (21:11)

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CBS Evening News’ Anchor, Norah O’Donnell, announced she is leaving the anchor chair to go back to a reporter role after the 2024 election wraps up in November. The announcement serves as another example of the journalism trends constantly changing, putting into question whether anchors are still considered the face of a network. We got a deeper perspective on this with Quinnipiac University associate professor of journalism, Rich Hanley.

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Caregivers are considered the unsung heroes of our community. And while professional caregivers face many challenges in their field, it can be an even bigger challenge when a caregiver is working with a loved one. According to national statistics, 45% of those caring for a spouse or parent reported stress compared with 35% for another relative and 18% for non-relative. 52% of co-resident caregivers experienced stress compared with 34% of non-resident caregivers. Counselor Julius Dudics offered advice to primary caregivers to cultivate a healthier relationship with loved ones needing help.

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We spoke with the CT Department of Transportation communications director, Josh Morgan. He shared why the state is now posting signs with the total roadway fatalities this year to change driver behavior. Plus, he gave the heads up on events you should know about.

To sign up for the Public Meeting on proposed Greenwich Rt. 1 rumble strips: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT2024CLRS-Greenwich

For more information on the Community Connectivity Grant Program: portal.ct.gov/dot/pp_intermodal/ccgp/about

Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff

Monday's "Connecticut Today" started a new week with host Paul Pacelli wondering if Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign can run all the way to November without a news conference (00:31). Commuter advocate Jim Cameron dropped by to talk about the legendary "New Canaan Club Car" (13:11), while intellectual property attorney Kristen Roberts discussed the controversial Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony presentation, spoofing "The Last Supper"(24:53)

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August 5th is National Oyster Day. It also lands in the midst of National Farmers Market Week. Connecticut has a thriving farming industry and we wanted to acknowledge them today. Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt with the Department of Agriculture highlighted our 5,000+ farms employing 22,000 people and contribute $4 billion dollars to the state’s economy.

For more information on CT Farms: https://ctgrown.org/

For more information on the CT Oyster Trail: https://ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-oyster-trail?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQlTS3lI76YMn1N9lI0AeRBPwUEmCdK_A4DMKnukIKopCHFNeA7wnscaAi-GEALw_wcB

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

More than 300 Navy SEALs, veterans, and first responders will complete a challenging swimming, running, and training course this upcoming weekend. The annual New York City SEAL Swim is happening this Saturday. For all the details and where the funds collected for the event are going, we spoke with Geoff Leard, Director of Partnerships & Athletic Events of The Navy SEAL Foundation.

For more information: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/

 

Image Credit: Getty Images