WICC The Voice of Connecticut

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and we want to know how to model healthy relationships to the next generation. Counselor, Julius Dudics, shares insight about generational differences with showing affection and how to normalize the conversation around dating with your kids. (0:00)

It's shaping up to be a record year for spending this Valentine's Day. The National Retail Federation says consumers plan to spend a total of 25-point-eight billion dollars this Valentines day, on par with last year's spending and the third highest in the survey's history. We got shopping tips from Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau. (17:13) 

Julie on the Job: how to advocate for yourself in the workplace and stay relevant to your employer (30:39)

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Melissa welcomed special a very special guest into the WICC 600 AM and 107.3 FM studio today. Andre Swanston, a founding partner of the Connecticut Sports Group, came in studio today to talk about Major League Soccer's NEXT Pro's newest expansion team, which will be coming to Bridgeport in 2025. Get to know the man helped make this possible and what to expect in the coming years from Bridgeport's professional soccer team.

Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli started a new week with highlights from Gov. Ned Lamont's New York City TV tour (00:22). CT NewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill checked-in with his weekly update (13:16)

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There is no such thin as tick season because ticks are around all year long in Connecticut. New health studies show that there is a strong connection between lyme disease and mental health issues. We spoke with Jessica Snajder of Partner in Lyme, Inc. about these findings and what we can do to bridge the gap between tick borne illnesses and mental health issues. (0:00)

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to national statistics, 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. We spoke with Gary MacNamara of Sacred Heart University about promoting healthy relationships and recognizing bad behavior early on. (10:19)

It is Black History Month and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities shared resources available for us to educate ourselves on black history but also events happening all month long to learn more. (23:12)

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Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the latest immigration controversy in the tri-state area that's also making national news (00:31). Affinity Grow Managing Partner Ray Pantalena talked about the recreational and medical marijuana markets and industries in Connecticut, including new retail locations in New Haven and Bridgeport (13:08). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso stopped by with his weekly update and a look at Bridgeport politics (27:20)

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The investigation into thousands of possibly falsified traffic tickets by State Police has found no evidence of widespread misconduct.  The investigation by a former federal prosecutor has found that sloppy record keeping, poor training and unintentional errors led to the issues. We spoke with the executive director of The Connecticut State Police Union, Andy Matthews, for reaction and goals moving forward. (0:00)

Earlier this week, transportation experts and state leaders had a panel discussion surrounding train travel in Connecticut. The Department of Transportation was also in that meeting. Josh Morgan with the DOT stopped by to talk about upgrades to the rails and also talked about highway safety in the state. (15:45)

Congressman Jim Himes shared the latest on the tax relief bill getting strong bi-partisan support in the House. Plus, we discussed the issue of gun control and mental health investments while watching the Crumbley trial unfold nationally. (31:06).

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi's take on a fourth upcoming race between incumbent Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and challenger John Gomes (00:24). CT Inside Investigator reporter Marc Fitch filled us in on the current "Right to Read" controversy in Connecticut (13:56)

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It’s official: a general election redo is set for February 27th in Bridgeport to determine the next mayor. John Gomes made the announcement publicly and explained his reasoning exclusively on WICC. Hear what he had to say here. (0:00)

Former State Representative, Jack Hennessey, served Bridgeport from 2005-2022. He fears corruption will continue in Park City politics and is pushing lawmakers to address voter confidence during the legislative session. Hear his perspective here. (16:57)

Zoo Minute: FrogWatch USA is back at the Beardsley Zoo. Find out how you can get involved and why the work is important. (31:50)

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The CDC is warning of a syphilis resurgence nationwide with the highest number of cases since 1950.  The CDC says more than 207,000 syphilis cases were reported in the U.S. in 2022, an 80-percent increase since 2018, which continues a decades-long trend.  African Americans and Native Americans are the most impacted groups. A disproportionate number of cases are among men who have sex with men but a quarter of the cases are now being diagnosed in women.  Congenital syphilis, passed along in utero to babies, is also climbing.  This, as a penicillin shortage is forcing doctors to ration the drug, prioritizing women and newborns. Dr. Browne weighs in on this.

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The 2024 legislative session starts February 7th. As it has been for the past few sessions, affordable and available housing will be a topic of conversation. We did our monthly check-in with CHP, a non-profit that’s been creating housing opportunities in Connecticut for the past 30 years. CEO Renee Dobos shared goals for lawmakers in the upcoming session and answered listeners' questions about transforming blight properties.

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